Science & Tech

B-21 starts engine tests as bomber preps for first flight

Software is ready to go, program officials say, engendering some 'smack talk' with hardware teams.

Threats

China’s new satellites extend its military reach, US says

Rapid buildup “allows them to see much further with greater precision at day and at night and through all weather,” Space Force intel chief says.

Science & Tech

US must harness generative AI in competition against China, think tank warns

The Pentagon recently launched a task force to explore how to incorporate generative AI, but a new report notes it could be useful across a wide range of government activities.

Science & Tech

How China could use generative AI to manipulate the globe on Taiwan

Generative AI could allow China to radically improve and scale up disinformation efforts, just in time for the Taiwanese presidential election, a new report argues.

Science & Tech

Questions loom as Air Force robot-wingman effort prepares to take flight

Industry execs outline challenges of technology, test and evaluation—and even philosophy.

Science & Tech

The Pentagon’s innovation arm has a new chief and a new strategy

‘DIU 3.0,’ now under SecDef review, aims to embed teams in the combatant commands.

Science & Tech

Shield AI drones demonstrate autonomous teaming under USAF contract

The company says it will operationalize its AI pilot software on V-BAT drones in 2024.

Science & Tech

IARPA’s new pants will record your location

The intelligence research agency is crafting smart clothing technology equipped with audio, video and geolocation sensors.

Science & Tech

US offers rare preview of upcoming spy-satellite launch

Officials talked about Tuesday’s launch of NROL-107 in a bid to “deter the adversary.”

Science & Tech

‘Hellscape’: DOD launches massive drone swarm program to counter China

INDOPACOM wants to be able to find and hit 1,000 targets in 24 hours. Cheap drones are the answer—if DOD can make them quickly enough.

Science & Tech

Pentagon preps for $48B tech-research contracts

Officials released more details on bidding for work that will support the preservation and distribution of defense research and analysis.

Science & Tech

Lockheed, Northrop share $1.5B contract for new comms satellites

Seventy-two satellites, which will begin launching in 2026, will be “the space backbone for the Joint All Domain Command and Control.”

Science & Tech

Plasma breakthrough could enable better hypersonic weapons, spacecraft

Hot electronics are a big problem for next-generation missiles. The fourth state of matter could be the solution.