Exclusive Defense Systems

Air Force taps Leidos to lead digital infrastructure for connect-everything effort

The $303 million contract charges the company with leading the planning and analysis for the Advanced Battle Management System’s digital infrastructure network.

Science & Tech

Pentagon planning huge experiment for its connect-everything concept

“We see significant progress,” in opening up DOD data, one observer said. But a bigger, multinational test is coming.

Defense Systems

Air Force to miss its data-linking goal for cargo aircraft, commander says

But even if just 20% of the planes get the networking gear by next year, it's already proving its value, mobility chief says.

Defense Systems

Pentagon bets $480m on AI-fueled intel platform

Starting June 1, a Palantir system will bring enhanced intelligence data to the Joint Staff and combatant commands.

Ideas

How Poland's new blimp may boost the Pentagon's connect-everything effort

The planned sale of a reconnaissance aerostat could help allies link up to JADC2.

Defense Systems

The Pentagon’s latest connect-everything experiment shows progress, chief says

December's JADC2 experiment produced “a new set of connections across multiple data fabrics and applications,” said DOD’s deputy chief data and artificial intelligence officer.

Defense Systems

The Army’s network is changing. But it still ‘needs work’

The service’s modernization chief said future war will be a conflict of systems where command and control will be central.

Defense Systems

Connect everything? Leaders need to get specific first

Hazy visions of data flowing seamlessly around the battlefield won’t get the job done, says the Air Force general for C2 systems.

Defense Systems

Budget delays could ‘slow roll’ Air Force’s digital infrastructure plans

In early 2024, the service plans to launch cloud-based command and control technologies in three undisclosed locations.

Defense Systems

Job 1 for makers of anti-drone defenses: write good software

Pentagon buyers are looking for control systems that are reliable, easy to use, and simple to update.

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

The Army’s Longtime Cloud Chief Looks Back—and Forward

Paul Puckett talks about what the service has accomplished in cloud computing since 2019, what’s left undone, and what’s next.

Defense Systems

The Physical Obstacles to the Pentagon’s Connect-Everything Vision

Jets, destroyers, and soldiers are very different data customers, but the Pentagon wants to serve them all equally.

Defense Systems

For DOD, 2023 Is All About Proving It Can Build A Tactical Cloud

The plan is to develop and deploy a prototype, possibly in the Pacific region, in the next six months. The newly awarded Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability will help.

Threats

China’s Increased Military Activity Near Taiwan a ‘New Normal’ Says Pentagon

The Pentagon identifies 2027 as a key deadline for China military modernization, then 2035 and 2049.

Defense Systems

Pentagon on Track to Award $9B Cloud Contract in December

The Pentagon’s Chief Information Officer said the multi-cloud, multi-vendor JWCC contract will be awarded “in about a month.”

Science & Tech

An Experiment Showed that the Military Must Change Its Cybersecurity Approach

The Defense Department’s current “checklist” approach can’t keep its networks safe.

Science & Tech

Defense Department Sets Out to Build Miniature Nuclear Reactor, Again

Changing politics and military goals suggest that this time, mobile nuclear power could go mainstream.