Technology and Innovation | Defense News

US Southern Command stands up autonomous unit

Once fully operational, the new command will be tasked with engaging autonomous, semi-autonomous and unmanned platforms to “counter threats across domains.

16 hours ago

Saildrone announces new USV class aimed at anti-submarine warfare

Spectre, a new class of unmanned surface vessel, will face sea trials in early 2027.

18 hours ago

Air Warfare

US Navy to integrate PAC-3 MSE interceptor missile with Aegis Combat System

The Navy will integrate PAC-3 MSE interceptor missiles with the Aegis Combat System, according to Lockheed Martin.

US Navy unmanned surface vessel fleet to grow sevenfold in Indo-Pacific

The fleet of medium unmanned surface vessels in the Indo-Pacific is expected to grow to at least 30, with smaller USVs and unmanned aerial systems.

21 hours ago

US Navy successfully tests new long-range, winged JDAM out to 200 miles

An April 1 test saw the munition deployed from an F/A-18 Super Hornet, fly approximately 200 miles in 34 minutes and strike within meters of its target.

24 hours ago

Anduril, HD Hyundai expand partnership with first autonomous surface vessel in production

The companies are expecting their first autonomous surface vessel to hit the waters this October.

2 days ago

Air Force extends 3 A-10 squadrons, each expected to keep 18 Warthogs

The decision comes as A-10s have seen increased involvement during Operation Epic Fury in Iran.

2 days ago

After watchdog slams understaffing, AI to vet Pentagon-backed professors’ China ties

AI’s confusion over the nature of DOD research partnerships may mask real espionage if humans are not the final judge of foreign influence, experts warn.

2 days ago

Boeing lands Chinook without a pilot at the controls

Boeing used its A2X software to autonomously guide an Army CH-47 Chinook through its final approach and landing.

2 days ago

US Army wants doctrine for landing helicopters on Arctic ice

The Army Corps of Engineers’ research and development component is working to disprove old assumptions about the risks of landing on frozen lakes.

2 days ago

L3Harris announces $1 billion expansion in Virginia

The expansion will more than double manufacturing space at the Virginia site, which currently spans 256,000 square feet.

2 days ago

US Navy wants helicopter sonar that can detect subs – and mines

Instead of separate tech to spot mines and subs, the Navy is exploring the convenience of having one sonar that allows a single helicopter to do both.

2 days ago

Airmen from the 38th Rescue Squadron transport a patient during the HH-60W Jolly Green II’s first official rescue mission in Tampa, Florida, Sept. 7, 2022. The HH-60W Jolly Green II was recently approved to conduct limited rescue operations on monthlong deployments overseas. (Senior Airman John Crampton/Air Force)

US Air Force wants better infrared jammers for its combat rescue helicopters

The HH-60W, recently used to rescue downed pilots in Iran, lacks a capable infrared countermeasure system, Air Force Material Command said.

2 days ago

Air Force unit executes test of Anduril’s semiautonomous combat drone

Airmen operated Auduril's YFQ-44A jet-powered combat drone, which could someday fly alongside piloted fighters.

5 days ago

US Marine Corps releases video showcasing new Medium Landing Ship design

The service's new Medium Landing Ship is designed to move troops, equipment and supplies to shorelines without relying on established ports.

5 days ago

US to delay weapons deliveries to some European countries due to Iran war, sources say

Some European counterparts have been told that select U.S. weapons deliveries may be delayed as the Iran war continues to draw on weapons stocks.

5 days ago

‘Actively shrinking’: Guard generals push Congress for 100 new fighters a year

A total of 22 generals signed a letter to Congress this month calling for multiyear funding to buy between 72 and 100 new fighters per year.

6 days ago

Starlink outage hit drone tests, exposing Pentagon’s growing reliance on SpaceX

Last August, a global outage across Elon Musk’s satellite network left U.S. Navy unmanned surface vessels bobbing off California, halting operations.

6 days ago

How the US military could clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz

An arsenal of drones, explosive‑laden robots and helicopters can help reduce risk, though de‑mining crews could still be vulnerable to Iranian attacks.

6 days ago