Science & Tech
The Pentagon is ‘Absolutely Unapologetic’ About Pursuing AI-Powered Weapons
Much criticism of military AI projects is rooted in "grave misperceptions," say current and former defense officials.
Threats
US Air Force: We Need $5 Billion To Fix Weather-Damaged Bases
Without the cash, service says it will cut pilot training, ground planes, stop other base construction projects.
Ideas
All the Ways the US Military’s Infrastructure Crisis Is Getting Worse
The weather damage to Tyndall and Offutt AFBs adds to a multibillion-dollar backlog of deferred maintenance that’s taking a strategic toll.
Policy
EXCLUSIVE: Patrick Shanahan Says ‘Of Course’ He Wants to Be Defense Secretary
Under increasing scrutiny, the acting secretary — and his allies — make the case for President Trump to nominate him.
Science & Tech
The US Military Is Creating the Future of Employee Monitoring
A new AI-enabled pilot project aims to sense “micro changes” in the behavior of people with top-secret clearances. If it works, it could be the future of corporate HR.
Business
Pentagon: We’re Buying Boeing F-15s to Keep 2 Fighter Makers in Business
The acting defense secretary’s ties to the company had nothing to do with the decision, a senior defense official said Friday.
Policy
Acting SecDef Under Investigation for Boeing Ties: Pentagon Watchdog
DOD's inspector general is looking into allegations of a conflict of interest that surfaced at a Senate hearing.
Business
US Army Contradictions Muddy Humvee-Replacement Plan
The service intends to buy 500 fewer JLTVs next year — but will it still buy the total planned 49,000?
Business
America's Fighter Jet Makers Are Thriving, Thanks to Trump and Putin
Orders of older warplanes surge as U.S. military spending rises and Russia rattles its sabers.
Ideas
Laser Weapons: A Blueprint for Adding Them to the Force
Directed energy weapons promise a new advantage — if the U.S. accelerates development of related technologies and doctrine.
Policy
Space Force’s Projected Size Drifts Upward, Drawing Concern on Capitol Hill
Despite “lean” pledges, aides are skeptical about the size of the proposed branch and the number of generals who will lead it.
Science & Tech
Cyber Spending Would Rise $17B Under 2020 Request
More than half would go to the Defense Department to bolster defenses and expand offensive capabilities.
Business
Air Force One: New Estimate Bumps Total Cost By Nearly One-Third
The $5.3 billion price tag is the Pentagon’s first public accounting to include the new hangars and various other costs.
Business
Lockheed Martin is Waging War on Boeing’s F-15EX
The F-35 maker sees the Pentagon’s plans to buy new F-15s for the first time in 19 years as a threat.
Science & Tech
Here’s the Key Innovation in DARPA AI Project: Ethics From the Start
A new effort to build patrol drones for urban fights began by forming an ethics advisory board.
Science & Tech
Pentagon Wants to Test A Space-Based Weapon in 2023
Defense officials have asked for $304 million to fund research into space-based lasers, particle beams, and other new forms of missile defense next year.
Policy
Acting SecDef: ‘We Won’t Do Cost-Plus-50’
In his first testimony to Congress as acting Pentagon chief, Shanahan called “erroneous” the reports of the proposal to make allies pay more.
Ideas
Does USS Truman’s Early Retirement Herald a New War on Carriers?
Whatever the promise of emerging technologies, combatant commanders still want more floating mobile airfields.
Science & Tech