Author Archive
Sam Skove
Staff Writer
Sam Skove is a staff reporter at Defense One, where he writes about the Army and Marine Corps. He previously worked in Ukraine covering the Russia-Ukraine war for The Daily Beast, Radio Liberty, and The New Republic, among other publications. He holds a bachelor's degree from Oberlin College and a master's degree from Georgetown's Security Studies Program.
Science & Tech
New Army rapid-fielding strategy revealing risks and rewards of drone warfare
The policy is also getting new gear into the hands of units faster than ever, 25th ID commander says.
- Sam Skove
Exclusive
Policy
Every squad will get anti-drone gear, Marine Corps says
With “zero decision space” to deal with incoming UAVs, troops need tools to take them down.
- Sam Skove
Threats
US shouldn't learn the wrong lessons about Ukraine’s drones, expert says
Unmanned strikes get the attention in reports and social media, but Ukrainian forces are increasingly using drones to sow mines and haul supplies.
- Sam Skove
Policy
Should NATO help the NGOs that train Ukrainian soldiers?
The leader of one such organization says he’s getting good results at less cost, time, and political risk.
- Sam Skove
Policy
NATO summit a mixed success, even with decidedly less drama
After dissension in the 2023 edition, last week’s meeting offered “no big surprises,” one diplomat said.
- Sam Skove
Policy
At NATO summit, Zelensky presses for US greenlight to hit Russian bases
Meanwhile, Denmark calls on allies to move faster to help Ukraine “beat Russia.”
- Sam Skove
Science & Tech
Ukraine bets on land robots for next phase of war
As it continues to defend against Russian invasion, Ukraine is also seeking billions to supercharge its domestic arms industry.
- Sam Skove
Science & Tech
What Estonian drone companies are learning from Ukraine
Estonian companies are getting lightning-quick user feedback and real-world electronic warfare testing, thanks to hands-on experiments in Ukraine.
- Sam Skove
Science & Tech
US soldiers will get electronic warfare backpacks later this year
The system is a portable combination of a jammer and scanner.
- Sam Skove
Threats
Delays push Army’s hypersonic missile to fiscal 2025
GAO notes unsolved problems with launcher and launch sequencing.
- Sam Skove
Threats
Army names air-defense vehicle for Medal of Honor recipient
“Sgt. Stout” will refer to a missile-and-gun variant of the service’s M-SHORAD effort.
- Sam Skove
Policy
Europe’s still spending too little on defense to suit Estonia
Even Tallinn itself is not doing enough, according to a senior defense official who quit in protest.
- Sam Skove
Business
Rheinmetall opens repair center for armored vehicles in Ukraine
It appears to be one of the first foreign-owned repair centers inside the war-torn country.
- Sam Skove
Defense Systems
How Estonia is becoming a hotbed for drone warfare
Projects include experimental loitering munitions that cost a fraction of U.S. equivalents.
- Sam Skove
Defense Systems
Marine Corps seeks to boost cyber and signals skills with new recruitment program
The trial program would give civilians a chance to enlist as staff non-commissioned officers if they have the required skills.
- Sam Skove
Science & Tech
Across the Army, units lean into drone experimentation
In division after division, soldiers are learning to use a rising wave of robots and other unmanned systems.
- Sam Skove
Policy
US plan may boost NATO arms production for Ukraine
Money would also go toward Ukrainian defense industry and undercutting Russian arms sales.
- Sam Skove
Policy
Army brass opposes drone branch
The service must first establish how it wants to use drones, leaders say.
- Sam Skove
Threats
Army’s future artillery may include wheeled howitzers, automated cannons, and long-range mortars
Wheeled howitzers are “having great effect in a place like Europe,” Army Futures chief says.
- Sam Skove