Unmanned
The US Navy is eyeing next-gen carrier-based drones. Here’s what they might do.
The Navy wants its next-gen carrier-based drones to handle a wide range of missions, from strikes and anti-submarine warfare to aerial refueling and more.
By Michael Peck
Canada to plug surveillance gaps with Aussie over-the-horizon radar
The system is called the Arctic Over-The-Horizon Radar (A-OTHR), and the deal is worth some US$1.75 billion to Australia.
Rheinmetall, MBDA to develop laser weapon for German Navy
Rheinmetall and MBDA aim to field an operational laser weapon for the German Navy in 2029.
Ukrainian ground robot maker doubles production, eyes ventures with foreign partners
“The most important mission that we have now is the robotization of the battlefield, because only this will allow our country to win the war.”
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2026 Tech Disruptors
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Autonomous Data Fusion on the Modern Battlefield
A look at how data fusion is critical to maintaining information dominance, how the new prime contractors can offer agility, speed, innovation, and more.
DOD’s Cyber Workforce Challenges
This whitepaper explores how the DoD can close the cyber workforce skills gap, how ‘upskilling’ protects national security in the digital age, and more.
Whitepaper: How Modular Systems Help Ensure Defense Readiness
Learn how a Modular Open Systems Approach avoids proprietary lock-in, how ease of sourcing replacement parts helps ensure readiness, and more.
Space
Eight NATO allies launch HALO satellite constellation initiative
The project aims to stitch together spacecraft managed by individual member countries into one mega-constellation, alliance officials said.
Artificial Intelligence
VA inventory report reveals 367 AI systems operating in healthcare, benefits and services
A recently released report catalogs AI uses across the VA, from clinical tools used during patient care to systems that help process benefits.
Unmanned
Israeli firm wants to convert commercial ships into floating drone bases
Elbit Systems detailed a new maritime concept centered on its Hermes 650 Spark unmanned aircraft, envisioning the conversion of commercial surface ships.
The US Navy is eyeing next-gen carrier-based drones. Here’s what they might do.
The Navy wants its next-gen carrier-based drones to handle a wide range of missions, from strikes and anti-submarine warfare to aerial refueling and more.
Ukrainian ground robot maker doubles production, eyes ventures with foreign partners
“The most important mission that we have now is the robotization of the battlefield, because only this will allow our country to win the war.”
Unmanned
Pentagon to explore cheaper replacements for the MQ-9 Reaper
The Massed Modular Aircraft project aims to develop a drone that can operate in such large numbers that it can absorb losses and still overwhelm defenses.
NATO to add up to five Northrop Grumman Triton drones for maritime surveillance
“It is genuinely made in NATO and is creating jobs on both sides of the Atlantic,” alliance Secretary-General Mark Rutte said.
Thales to buy French underwater-drone maker Exail in $4.5 billion deal
Industry champions in France and Italy move to consolidate their positions in a growing market for unmanned underwater naval equipment.
Cyber
Pentagon to launch ‘Cyber Mastery Incentive Pay’ program
The initative, dubbed Cyber Mastery Incentive Pay, is slated to begin in early October.
Electronic Warfare
Pentagon’s realistic electronic warfare system to move to Navy lab
DARPA says it has built the world’s largest, most realistic electronic warfare test capability.
VIDEOS
New fitness standard takes hold across the Army | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 7.14.26
The Army implements the new waist-to-height ratio system amid a Pentagon push for revamped standards. Plus, new tech on the scene at Eurosatory 2026.
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Pentagon to explore cheaper replacements for the MQ-9 Reaper
The Massed Modular Aircraft project aims to develop a drone that can operate in such large numbers that it can absorb losses and still overwhelm defenses.
By Michael Peck
Eight NATO allies launch HALO satellite constellation initiative
The project aims to stitch together spacecraft managed by individual member countries into one mega-constellation, alliance officials said.
NATO to add up to five Northrop Grumman Triton drones for maritime surveillance
“It is genuinely made in NATO and is creating jobs on both sides of the Atlantic,” alliance Secretary-General Mark Rutte said.
Thales to buy French underwater-drone maker Exail in $4.5 billion deal
Industry champions in France and Italy move to consolidate their positions in a growing market for unmanned underwater naval equipment.
Taiwan needs a ‘hornet’s nest’ of drones to deter conflict, US diplomat says
Taiwan says it needs to bolster its defenses in the face of a stepped-up threat from China, which claims the island as its own territory.
By Ben Blanchard
Hegseth creates powerful new drone office, pulling authority from the military services
The reorganization is the latest step in Hegseth’s push to field weapons faster.
Defense startups raid auto and fracking sectors for parts to speed weapons output
Defense tech startups are repurposing automotive chips and pipes used in fracking in an effort to deliver weapons to the Pentagon faster and at lower cost.
By Mike Stone, Reuters
US Navy seeks to boost production of new anti-radar missile
Naval Air Systems Command is asking industry whether it is capable of supplying up to 600 Advanced Emission Suppression Missiles per year.
By Michael Peck
In ‘red hot’ counter-drone market, Echodyne CEO sees radar demand boom
Defeating drones starts with detection, and suppliers of relatively small and affordable radars are rushing to meet global demand.
The US military wants a fleet of laser trucks. Here’s what they might look like.
Two ground vehicles could define how the Pentagon fields high-energy laser weapons at scale.
By Jared Keller
Ukraine is launching strike-drones from everything – including Black Sea robo-boats
The Pentagon is studying the lesson as it shifts focus toward a possible conflict with China.
Israel tests Iron Dome with Iron Beam, pairing missiles with laser pulses for air defense
The combination of technologies is meant to give Israel a leg up in shooting down high-volume swarms of incoming threats like drones or missiles.
Latvia and Ukraine to open drone factory right on Baltic nation’s border with Russia
The Latgale region, where the new drone factory is to be built, is historically one of Latvia’s most economically disadvantaged.
By Linus Höller