Recap: Highlights from the US Army’s 2025 conference in Washington
The Army continues to transform, with efforts focused on next-gen weaponry, long-range artillery, unmanned systems and much more.
Unmanned
Pentagon stages first ‘Top Drone’ school for operators to hone skills
Industry and military drone operators flew tethered and untethered first-person drones through a course designed to test endurance and maneuverability.
Pentagon technology hub sees lower transition rate, higher value deals
In its annual report, DIU said that while transitions dropped last year, the organization also facilitated its largest follow-on contract to date.
Northrop’s colossal Manta Ray underwater drone passes at-sea tests
“I think it is striking in its size and scale, even for those folks that have been there throughout the design process.”
Ukraine comms struggles spur European hunger for L3Harris radios
Reliable, low-profile means of relaying battlefield information have become a linchpin for fighting in Eastern Europe.
Space acquisitions chief wants more authority to blacklist contractors
Frank Calvelli told lawmakers that while the Contractor Responsibility Watch List is a helpful tool, he'd like to see its authorities expanded.
Marine Corps eyeing more recon boats from Australian ‘Whiskey Project’
A Multi-Mission Reconnaissance Craft was photographed at the Army’s Project Convergence Capstone 4 earlier this year.
Volt Typhoon hacks likely to inspire copycats, CNMF’s Mahlock says
Attacks on critical infrastructure — food and water delivery, health care services, defense contracting and more — could hamper U.S. military response.
Millennium wins ‘FOO Fighter’ contract for SDA missile tracking
The eight FOO Fighter satellites will demonstrate fire control capabilities for future Space Development Agency tranches.
Austin calls European allies, seeking more Patriots for Kyiv
The U.S. secretary of defense has held multiple one-on-one calls with European allies this week, during which he raised the topic.
Defense Innovation Unit moves to ease commercial drone certifications
DIU wants to improve its process for vetting commercial drones, with the goal of making it easier for companies to sell their systems to the U.S. military.
