Science & Tech

A Military-Funded Biosensor Could Be the Future of Pandemic Detection

If it wins FDA approval next year, the two-part sensor could help spot new infections weeks before symptoms begin to show.

Threats

Key Defense Supplier Hit by Ransomware

The hackers also allegedly stole sensitive documents from Visser Precision, which makes parts for Lockheed, Boeing, and SpaceX.

Policy

A New Nuclear Warhead? STRATCOM Chief Can’t Answer Yes or No

The W93 has been the focus of questions since it appeared in the 2021 budget proposal.

Science & Tech

Pentagon Wants To Start Testing New 5G Tech Soon

The Defense Department is about to get serious about evaluating next-gen networking gear.

Science & Tech

Will Flying Cars Help the US Beat China? The Air Force Hopes So

Service officials say giving American manufacturers first-mover advantage is just as important as the military benefits of vertical-lift buses.

Science & Tech

Should the US Have a Secretary For Influence Operations?

Two former top special operations officials say their job was too junior and the Pentagon isn’t taking information warfare seriously enough.

Exclusive Science & Tech

Pentagon to Adopt Detailed Principles for Using AI

Sources say the list will closely follow an October report from a defense advisory board.

Science & Tech

Judge Puts Pentagon's Giant JEDI Cloud Contract On Hold

The up-to-$10 billion cloud contract is enjoined until “further notice from the court” while Amazon pursues a lawsuit.

Science & Tech

War on Autopilot? It Will Be Harder Than the Pentagon Thinks

Despite defense contractors’ glittering demonstrations, difficult realities are challenging the military’s race to network everything.

Science & Tech

US Defense R&D Funding Falls As China’s Keeps Growing

2021 budget request would see Pentagon funding shrink from $64.5 billion to $59 billion.

Science & Tech

One Step Closer to a Batsuit for Soldiers

Researchers announce new military funding in search for body armor skin that could be 300 percent stronger than anything we’ve seen before.

Science & Tech

The Pentagon Is Spending Millions on Hunter Drones With Nets

Shooting drones down over cities isn’t ideal. Nabbing them in midair is an intriguing alternative.

Science & Tech

US Expected to Loosen Restrictions on Land Mines — Smart Ones, Anyway

The new rule could pave the way for the Army to deploy networked, sensor-packed remote-controllable mines far from the Korean peninsula.

Policy

Here’s what Ukraine’s New Ambassador Is Asking from the US

Yelchenko intends to stress Crimea in meeting with Pompeo, who reportedly said Americans don’t care about Ukraine.

Ideas

Saudi Arabia’s Phone Hacking Shows We Need Better Encryption — Not Backdoors

End-to-end encryption isn’t good enough. Files and cloud backups need strong crypto as well.

Science & Tech

Toward a War With Fewer Radio Calls

A recent Air Force test that data-linked an F-35 and an F-22 promises to move and combine data automatically.