Department of Defense
Department of Defense: News on drone policies, military applications, technology advancements, procurement updates, and the impact on national security.
The Pentagon turns to AI-powered kamikaze drones
The Pentagon has announced a new $8.8 million contract with Israeli company XTEND that will see the department acquire Precision Strike Indoor & Outdoor (PSIO) drones for combat teams in the field. The U.S. Department of Defense’s Irregular Warfare Technical…
Historic Military Aircraft Conversions Reveal Early Roots of Modern Drone Technology
A fascinating new book uncovers how the U.S. military’s decades-long practice of converting manned aircraft into remotely piloted vehicles laid the groundwork for today’s drone technology. Author Frederick A. Johnsen details this largely overlooked aspect of aviation history in “Q-Birds:…
Buttigieg Downplays NJ Drone Reports, Sparking Local Backlash
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg found himself in hot water this week after dismissing widespread reports of mysterious drones over New Jersey, suggesting the Garden State would be an unlikely choice for unusual aerial activity. His comments came as federal agencies…
Rand Paul Blocks Drone Detection Bill Amid Surge in Northeast Sightings
Senator Rand Paul has blocked legislation aimed at expanding drone detection capabilities for state and local authorities, despite recent concerns over mysterious drone sightings across northeastern states, reports The Hill. The Kentucky Republican, who is set to chair the Senate…
FAA Imposes Temporary Flight Restrictions For Drones Across New Jersey Amid Sighting Reports
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) for drones over more than 20 critical infrastructure locations across New Jersey, responding to a recent surge in reported drone sightings. The 30-day restrictions, announced Thursday, cover key facilities…
Multiple Drone Sightings Reported Near Hill Air Force Base Amid Nationwide Military Installation Incidents
Hill Air Force Base officials have confirmed recent unmanned aerial system sightings in the vicinity of the installation, adding to a growing pattern of drone activity reported near military facilities across the United States. The sightings come as federal authorities…
National Security Council: Recent East Coast Drone Sightings Pose No Public Safety Risk
Recent drone sightings across New Jersey and other East Coast states have been confirmed as legitimate civilian and law enforcement operations, according to National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby. Speaking to CNN’s AC360 on Monday, Kirby emphasized that extensive analysis…
Multiple Drone Incursions Force Temporary Shutdown at Ohio’s Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Ohio’s largest military installation, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, experienced its first-ever confirmed drone incursions, forcing a four-hour airfield shutdown and adding to a growing pattern of unmanned aircraft incidents at U.S. military installations. Base spokesman Purtiman confirmed multiple…
NDAA Update, Agri Spray and EAVision Release Spray Drone, Mini 5 Leaks
Welcome to your weekly UAS news update! We have three key stories for you this week: an NDAA update, Agri Spray and EAVision’s release of the J100 spray drone, and Mini 5 leaks. NDAA Update: Key Developments The much-anticipated NDAA…
China Cuts Drone Component Supply Lines to West, Impacting Ukraine’s Defense Capabilities
Beijing has begun restricting exports of crucial drone components to Western nations, potentially disrupting Ukraine’s military drone program and signaling an escalation in US-China trade tensions. The equipment squeeze follows earlier sanctions on US military contractors and precedes tighter drone…
Legal Hurdles Stall US Counter-Drone Defense Capabilities Amid Growing Threats
The rapid evolution of drone warfare in the Russia-Ukraine conflict has exposed critical gaps in America’s counter-drone capabilities, with regulatory complexity emerging as a major obstacle to deploying effective defensive systems. The conflict has demonstrated unprecedented applications of both aerial…
DoD Unveils Classified Counter-Drone Strategy Amid Growing UAS Threats
The Department of Defense has introduced a new classified strategy to counter unmanned aerial systems, marking a significant shift in how the U.S. military approaches the rapidly evolving drone threat landscape. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III signed the…