Battlefield Tech
US military eyes high-energy ‘laser dome’ for domestic air defense
The U.S. military's pursuit of high-energy laser weapons for American air defense comes amid the expanding threat of low-cost weaponized drones.
By Jared Keller
Battlefield Tech
Army debuts data operations center to serve as information hub
The Army Data Operations Center’s debut is part of an enormous push to further integrate data and machine learning into military operations.
By Ellen Ioanes
Pentagon, Lockheed Martin agree to $4.7 billion PAC-3 interceptor deal
Lockheed in January discussed a target of increasing annual PAC-3 interceptor production from approximately 600 to 2,000 over a span of seven years.
By J.D. Simkins
Ukrainian drone makers visit Paris looking for co-production deals
“We come with our lessons learned,” Kamyshin said. “We offer a model which is definitely beneficial for your country, for your industry, for your economy."
Pentagon’s ouster of Anthropic opens doors for small AI rivals
Small defense industry artificial intelligence startups are suddenly fielding calls from generals, combatant commanders and deep-pocketed investors.
By Mike Stone, Reuters
SPECIAL FEATURES
2026 Tech Disruptors
The Defense News 2026 Tech Disruptors is an annual list of top tech leaders shaping defense technology.
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
SpaceX and Blue Origin abruptly shift priorities amid US Golden Dome push
The largest U.S. commercial space companies recently shifted priorities toward lunar development, just as DOD pushes its next-gen missile shield plans.
Artificial Intelligence
Outpaced by the US, China’s military places selective bets on artificial intelligence
China may have surpassed the United States in AI for drone swarms, one Taiwan-based analyst said.
Unmanned
US military eyes high-energy ‘laser dome’ for domestic air defense
The U.S. military's pursuit of high-energy laser weapons for American air defense comes amid the expanding threat of low-cost weaponized drones.
Ukrainian drone makers visit Paris looking for co-production deals
“We come with our lessons learned,” Kamyshin said. “We offer a model which is definitely beneficial for your country, for your industry, for your economy."
Ukraine claims near-90% air-defense success in March as attacks increase
“The frequency of attacks is increasing but air defense performance is improving,” the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense said.
Unmanned
Ukrainian drones hit all three Baltic States − did Russia redirect them?
It’s unclear if Russia is actively redirecting drones or whether the incursions are simply a byproduct of electronic-warfare defenses and flight distance.
US and UK teaming up to destroy underwater drones
America and Britain are joining forces to tackle the threat of underwater drones to ports and other critical infrastructure.
Dutch armed forces to add drone operators to combat brigades
The Dutch military will expand that capability “significantly” by deploying 1,000 to 1,200 personnel specifically for drone and counter-drone operations.
Cyber
French Navy dials up stress level in crew drills after Red Sea experience
The idea is to make people "feel like their final hour has come," said the officer in charge of training naval surface personnel.
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
China draws strategic lessons from US war with Iran | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 4.14.26
Monitoring from afar, one of the world’s top superpowers is watching the United States’ war in Iran from a strategic perspective. What are they learning?
Featured Videos
Trending Now
More Stories
Project Overmatch’s Small says EW is ‘killer app’ for unmanned tech
The Navy is investing in unmanned systems — on the water, as well as above and below it — to augment existing and near-future firepower.
Space Force picks satellite providers for rapid delivery mission
The Victus Haze responsive space mission is slated to launch in 2025 with a focus on real-time threat response.
South Korean military paves way for robotic vehicles in its ranks
Defense companies Hyundai Rotem and Hanwha Aerospace are jockeying for position in what promises to become a milestone acquisition program.
Secretive US cyber force deployed 22 times to aid foreign governments
“Enhancing the security of government, private sector and critical infrastructure systems grows ever more imperative,” said Air Force Gen. Timothy Haugh.
Hundreds of satellites to give military faster tactical comms and data
The program will add more satellites and capabilities every two years.
By Todd South
Italian government halts plan to buy Israeli undersea drones
The defense ministry has abruptly withdrawn a $273 million funding request to parliament for three Blue Whale drones, made by Elta Systems.
By Tom Kington