Science & Tech

Ukrainian Armed-Drone Makers Sprint Ahead as Russian Effort Hits Snag

The Ukrainians are eagerly off showing a proposed long-range UAV while uncertainty surrounds Russia’s Altius program.

Threats

Scientists: Pentagon’s Plant-Virus Research Could Endanger World’s Food Supply

But DOD responds that new ways are needed to harden crops against coming natural and manmade threats.

Science & Tech

Defense Intel Chief Worried About Chinese ‘Integration of Human and Machines’

The future of human performance is a research race, and the U.S. shouldn’t take its lead for granted, the DIA director says.

Science & Tech

Many of the US Military’s Newest Weapons Have Major Cyber Vulnerabilities: GAO

Testers achieved access with simple tools, default passwords, and long lists of known-yet-unfixed vulnerabilities.

Science & Tech

Microsoft Announces ‘Secret’ Cloud Capability, Closes In on Amazon

The advancement moves Microsoft closer to competing for the Pentagon’s coveted JEDI top-secret-cloud contract.

Ideas

Winning “Like War”: A Conversation about Social Media and Conflict with Peter Singer

A new book looks at how “likes” and lies are reshaping the nature of war and peace around the globe. We sat down with the author.

Science & Tech

New Tool Fights Fake News by Exposing the Websites That Create It

MIT and Qatari researchers say it’s easier to expose a liar than debunk each of his lies.

Threats

Ukraine is Building a Mosquito Navy to Fend Off Russia, With US Help

Hostilities in the Sea of Azov are heating up, and the U.S. is increasing its involvement.

Science & Tech

DHS Aims to Replace Slow, Outdated Bioterror-Detection System

A new plan to draw on big data and distributed sensors will replace a 2003 system that can take up to 39 hours to detect a threat.

Science & Tech

The Pentagon’s New Ambassador to Silicon Valley Is Hawkish on China

The former Symantec CEO also thinks immigration is key to a tech race the US is currently losing.

Science & Tech

The Must-Haves of the Next Strategic Nuclear Bomber

Air Force officials opened up — just a bit — about at the thinking that’s informing the design process.

Science & Tech

DARPA-Funded Work May Help Troops See Around Corners

By setting up multiple sensors, researchers have learned to “see” what’s out of sight.

Threats

Japan’s New Ship-Based Interceptor Shoots Down a Ballistic Missile in Test

It’s the fifth successful test of Japan’s ability to intercept ballistic missiles from warships.

Science & Tech

The Military Now Has Tooth Mics For Invisible, Hands-Free Radio Calls

The future of battlefield communications is resting comfortably near your back gums.

Science & Tech

It’s Now Possible To Telepathically Communicate with a Drone Swarm

DARPA’s new research in brain-computer interfaces is allowing a pilot to control multiple simulated aircraft at once.

Science & Tech

The US Navy Is Hacking Wetsuits for Arctic Warfare

A new wetsuit treatment could allow troops to operate in frigid water for far longer.

Science & Tech

Russia, US Are In a Military Exoskeleton Race

A look at the Iron Man-like dreams and power-starved realities of dueling technology programs.

Science & Tech

Austin, Texas, Just Became the US Army’s Silicon Valley

The service is making a big bet that getting closer to tech startups will help deter future adversaries.