Science & Tech
What will quantum computing actually look like?
DARPA picks 15 companies to detail their approaches.
Exclusive
Navy expands use of AI for target spotting, tracking
Two warships will test prototypes of Rebellion Defense’s IRIS system next year.
The Army wants simple, cheap unmanned tech—here are some options
A 3D-printed kamikaze drone with a jet engine and a self-powered laser for downing incoming threats.
Defense One Radio, Ep. 176: Space Force Gen. Chance Saltzman
Our State of Defense interview series with the general in charge of the military’s space operations.
Exclusive
Trump to get Golden Dome options next week: defense source
The Pentagon may need to create a new organization to build the ambitious missile shield, sources said.
Space Force may use SpaceX satellites instead of developing its own, senator says
The satellites in question are part of the data transport layer of the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.
New Army tech sips fuel, reduces generator run-time
Infantry squad vehicles and Solar Stiks cut way back on battlefield energy needs.
‘Nothing will be safe’ from Army’s kit overhaul
The service wants new gear to lighten the physical and cognitive load on troops.
Can this GPS alternative keep a drone from crashing?
A product by Maxar uses satellite imagery to create 3D maps that help UAS fly even if GPS goes down.
As tanker plans remains uncertain, today’s Air Force refuelers may fly past their 100th birthday
The service may need to look at a service life extension of the KC-135, Air Mobility Command says.
Military hydrogen-cell drones poised for big takeoff
A new partnership presents a moment for scaling up new, longer-range hydrogen-cell drones for warfare.
Insights & Reports
The Army wants AI to take physical risk off of its soldiers
The future is robots clearing buildings and disarming bombs, says Army Futures Command boss.
Back like it never left: Austin swarmed with defense tech for SXSW
Defense techies, startups, and investors were in full force this week—if not on the main stage.
Future of US digital security in jeopardy due to White House attacks on science organization, officials say
Current and former cybersecurity officials say Trump administration attacks on key research centers will benefit China.
Canada, other allies play a key role in some military AI experiments
The U.S. Air Force continues to plan joint experiments, tech development with Canadian and other partners.
Pentagon aims to accelerate acquisition of new tech through software-contracting change
Buyers must default to rapid-acquisition processes long used by DIU, SecDef memo orders.
Pentagon to build AI for war planning in Europe and Asia
Scale AI will develop an AI tool for interactive war gaming, resource allocation, analyzing Chinese threats.
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‘No more viable option than NGAD,’ Air Force says as decision rests in new hands
With China unveiling its new sixth-gen designs, the service can do nothing better, officials say.
A 3D-printed submarine? Not likely, but maybe something close
The Navy is bumping up its use of additive manufacturing to make critical, delay-prone submarine parts, said Christopher Miller, NAVSEA’s executive director.
Hypersonics, autonomous systems top DepSecDef nom’s emerging-tech priorities
Feinberg said it’s time to “move away from expensive, overly sophisticated platforms that take years to develop.”
