Battlefield Tech
US appeals court upholds Pentagon’s blacklisting of Anthropic
A federal appeals court upheld the Pentagon’s blacklisting of Anthropic from military contracts, handing a victory to President Trump and the Pentagon.
By Reuters
JADC2 & Comms
Thales in ‘quite advanced’ talks with NATO countries on AI-powered command software
French firm Thales is “quite advanced” in discussions with a number of NATO countries about using its artificial intelligence-powered C2 system.
Report: CIA warned Europe of Russian drone attack from vessels in the Mediterranean
The CIA reportedly warned European nations of a suspected Russian plot to launch explosive drones from aboard commercial vessels in the Mediterranean.
By Linus Höller
Europe’s push to reduce US reliance is reshaping the defense space market
Spooked by U.S. restrictions on satellite data access during recent crises, European countries are scrambling to catch up on sovereign capabilities.
Japanese Global Hawk drone splashes down in crash
A Japanese Global Hawk drone nosedived into the Sea of Japan this week, instantly slashing the country’s fleet of these drones by a third.
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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
Europe’s push to reduce US reliance is reshaping the defense space market
Spooked by U.S. restrictions on satellite data access during recent crises, European countries are scrambling to catch up on sovereign capabilities.
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
Report: CIA warned Europe of Russian drone attack from vessels in the Mediterranean
The CIA reportedly warned European nations of a suspected Russian plot to launch explosive drones from aboard commercial vessels in the Mediterranean.
Japanese Global Hawk drone splashes down in crash
A Japanese Global Hawk drone nosedived into the Sea of Japan this week, instantly slashing the country’s fleet of these drones by a third.
Italian NATO jet downs drone in Lithuania, minister says it probably came from Russia
An Italian NATO fighter jet shot down a drone in Lithuanian airspace on Tuesday that “most probably” came from Russia, Italy's defense minister said.
Unmanned
US radar maker Echodyne mulls European production as drone warfare fuels demand
The U.S. radar specialist said it's sensing new business opportunities in Europe, where governments are scrambling to up their counter-drone capabilities.
Anduril doubles down on Poland with autonomous aircraft pitch for F-35, Apache
U.S. tech company Anduril is pitching two drone types to accompany Poland's envisioned fleets of F-35 fighter jets and Apache attack helicopters.
Hanwha plans to build armored vehicle carrying a counter-drone laser
Hanwha representatives said the vehicle is fitted with a more powerful version of the stationary Cheongwang laser that protects the presidential compound.
Cyber
French Army wants to keep adversaries guessing on see-through battlefield
The French Future Combat Command is looking at what Baratz called “frugal artificial intelligence,” designed to consume as little energy as possible.
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
Looking into the future of the Air Force | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 9.22.26
At a major annual conference outside Washington, D.C., the Air and Space Forces contemplate how to fight and defend in a world of drones and AI weapons.
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Space Force launches weather satellite to replace 1960s-era spacecraft
The launch is a first step toward modernizing the Space Force’s more than 60-year-old weather constellation, the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program.
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