Defense Systems

Navy advances Aegis radar, RF in destroyer overhaul

The service is modernizing Aegis technology with multi-mission signal processors, kill assessment systems, and radio frequency upgrades.

Defense Systems

Technology takes over flight of attacking drones

A system called Mesmer is able to thwart threatening or attacking drones by taking over the signal of the aircraft and, in some cases, re-directing flight.

Defense Systems

DNA technology secures microchips, blocks counterfeit items

DNA authentication can assure the origins and accurate destination of valuable electronics and other items.

Defense Systems

Pentagon seeks better computer encryption

Improved encryption technology can sustain secure communications without degrading network performance.

Defense Systems

DARPA advances testing for sub-hunting surface drone

DARPA has awarded an $8.5 million contract extension to Leidos for continued test phase development of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel sea-drone program.

Defense Systems

Army creates on-board network for Abrams, Strykers

Emerging vehicle-integrated technology will combine sensors, weapons, communications gear and electronic warfare systems into a single network.

Defense Systems

Air Force to strengthen nuclear arsenal IT

Air Force says computer systems controlling the U.S. nuclear arsenal need a complete overhaul.

Defense Systems

AF creates new cyber squadron to fend off attacks

Defense of Air Force networks and weapons systems is inspiring a stepped-up cybersecurity effort.

Defense Systems

Navy pushes deployment of seeker-enabled Tomahawk

Active seeker technology on the Navy’s Tomahawk missile will better enable the weapon to destroy moving targets at sea.

Defense Systems

Navy pursues lightweight LCS sonar, sensors

Lighter weight sonar for the Littoral Combat Ship will better enable submarine hunting at greater distances.

Defense Systems

Air Force preps strategy to defend anti-satellite attacks

The Air Force weapons developers have articulated a plan to better equip their space enterprise in the event of enemy attack on satellite GPS and communications systems.

Defense Systems

Wireless technology connects rifle sights to night vision goggles

Soldiers will soon be able to locate and attack targets more quickly thanks to a wireless link connecting their rifles' thermal sights to night vision goggles.

Defense Systems

Academics teach defense professionals new cybersecurity tactics

Cybersecurity training aims to increase awareness and defensive techniques in preparation for anticipated future cyber intrusions into defense networks.

Defense Systems

DARPA tests helicopter with human-machine interface

The emerging technology allows on-board computers to perform a wide range of functions autonomously such as procedural checks on engines, lights and navigational instruments.

Defense Systems

Army weighs new lightweight wide area motion imagery sensor

The Kestrel KS-200 is a lightweight version of the original 170-pound Kestrel system, which has been deployed on aerostats with U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2011.

Defense Systems

Reaper to get universal weapons interface

A new universal weapons interface will allow the Reaper to more quickly integrate new weapons as they emerge. Open mission systems and open architecture are essential to this effort.

Defense Systems

Artificial intelligence will allow fighter jet pilots to control drones

Computer algorithms will allow real-time video feeds from the electro-optical/infrared sensors on board Air Force Predator, Reaper or Global Hawk drones to go directly into an F-35 cockpit.

Defense Systems

Navy awards MQ-25 Stingray tanker deal

The Navy has awarded four developmental contracts for a carrier launched refueling drone. The emerging unmanned system, to be ready by the early to mid 2020s, will extend the attack range of fighter jets.

Defense Systems

Pentagon tests fighter jet-launched "Perdix" mini-drone swarms

The Pentagon's Perdix mini-drone swarms have already launched from F-16s and F-18s during testing. They are expected to deploy in coming years as a strategic effort to accomplish ISR and attack missions while keeping manned-aircraft at safer stand-off distances.

Defense Systems

Army to network Abrams tanks with new force-tracking technology

A force-tracking technology showing icons for friendly and enemy troops in real time will better network armored vehicles in combat; the Army plans to integrate the new system into Abrams tanks, Strykers and Bradley Fighting Vehicles.