Threats

Ukraine: Intercepted Communications Suggest Kremlin Directed Azov Sea Crisis

An audiotape released by Kyiv appears to back up their version of events. One former U.S. military commander says there’s no doubt.

Science & Tech

China Has More Nuclear Subs Than the West Believed

There’s an extra sub under construction, but no permanent nuclear deterrent at sea — yet.

Science & Tech

Russia Has Started to Train Its Entire Military to Fight Drones

After Syrian insurgent groups attacked Russian forces in Syria, the Defense Ministry began laying plans for wide-scale response.

Science & Tech

Pentagon Wants More Money for Lasers To Defend Against Missiles, Drone Swarms

Directed-energy weapons are with a factor of two or three to being militarily useful, the Pentagon’s top scientist said.

Science & Tech

State Department Relaxing Rules on Transfer on Drone, Chip Technology

The rules will pave the way for 5G cellphones — and even drones that talk to each other in midair.

Science & Tech

China Shows Off Self-Steering Boat that Fires Missiles

But the U.S. still appears to have the edge in sophisticated seagoing drones.

Science & Tech

How Estonia Secures Its Electronic Elections From Kremlin Attacks

Could innovations like a volunteer infosec corps and 'data embassies' help the U.S.?

Science & Tech

US Military’s Self-Flying Helicopter Program Passes Critical Test

Unmanned Black Hawks are coming. The goal is a major flight demonstration next year.

Science & Tech

Social-Media Companies Are Scanning for Potential Terrorists — Islamic Ones, Anyway

Big platforms like Facebook others have come a long way in detecting and preventing the spread of Islamic extremist content and tracking potential Muslim terrorists. Why aren’t they doing more about other kinds?

Science & Tech

This Army Missile Might be the Pentagon’s First Post-INF Weapon

The U.S. has already held discussions with defense firms about extended-range modifications.

Science & Tech

Russian Intel Chief: Internet Should be Controlled By ‘Proper Authorities’

The FSB says it’s trying to curb extremism online — but it’s also muting foreign and dissenting voices.

Science & Tech

China’s Moon Missions Could Threaten US Satellites: Pentagon

A satellite on the far side of the moon might not be quite what the Chinese say, Air Force official warns.

Science & Tech

Ukrainian Armed-Drone Makers Sprint Ahead as Russian Effort Hits Snag

The Ukrainians are eagerly off showing a proposed long-range UAV while uncertainty surrounds Russia’s Altius program.

Threats

Scientists: Pentagon’s Plant-Virus Research Could Endanger World’s Food Supply

But DOD responds that new ways are needed to harden crops against coming natural and manmade threats.

Science & Tech

Defense Intel Chief Worried About Chinese ‘Integration of Human and Machines’

The future of human performance is a research race, and the U.S. shouldn’t take its lead for granted, the DIA director says.

Science & Tech

Many of the US Military’s Newest Weapons Have Major Cyber Vulnerabilities: GAO

Testers achieved access with simple tools, default passwords, and long lists of known-yet-unfixed vulnerabilities.