Battlefield Tech
France to test its own AI-powered battlefield command in June NATO exercise
The French Army has developed its own large-language model for staff officers, called Berthier, named after Napoleon’s chief of staff.
Dutch plant for combat-zone robots offers fresh supply pipeline for Ukraine
The facility has already produced its first THeMIS vehicle for the Dutch government, part of a run of more than 100 such robots pledged by the Netherlands.
Creating a separate Cyber Force would require $10 billion and a minimum of 1 year, report says
Two D.C. think tanks examined a proposed implementation plan for an independent U.S. Cyber Force as some lawmakers push for its creation.
US tells Europe, Canada to boost NATO air and naval forces
“Nations just need to assign the capabilities they have to NATO,” a spokesman for the alliance's military headquarters said.
By Sabine Siebold, Reuters
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2026 Tech Disruptors
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Autonomous Data Fusion on the Modern Battlefield
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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.
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Space
Hackers compromised a senior Space Force official’s Instagram, posting anti-American content
Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna’s Instagram was controlled by hackers who posted stories and images on Sunday.
Artificial Intelligence
AI companies have a responsibility to safeguard models against exploitation, Pentagon chief technology officer says
After Trump's recent executive order on AI, Emil Michael said that the weaponization of models is concerning.
Unmanned
Dutch plant for combat-zone robots offers fresh supply pipeline for Ukraine
The facility has already produced its first THeMIS vehicle for the Dutch government, part of a run of more than 100 such robots pledged by the Netherlands.
US tells Europe, Canada to boost NATO air and naval forces
“Nations just need to assign the capabilities they have to NATO,” a spokesman for the alliance's military headquarters said.
Lockheed’s GRIZZLY C-UAS system downs attack drone in live-fire demo
The live-fire demonstration paired the radars, Sanctum software and launcher to destroy the target at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona.
Unmanned
At a NATO range in Latvia, hits and misses mark Europe’s counter-drone journey
Drone technology is “a couple of steps ahead” of countermeasures, one officer said, with interceptors having to work every time to prevent losses.
Romania says Russian drone hit apartment block, NATO vows to defend alliance territory
“I affirmed that NATO stands ready to defend every inch of Allied territory,” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on X.
At French Army FPV competition, NATO soldiers race drones and swap tips
“When I put on the mask, I no longer exist in this reality,” Chief Cpl. Clément said after completing the course.
Cyber
The US Marine Corps is looking for a few good robots to build airfields
For Marines who have toiled over assembling airfields in austere environments, relief may be on the way.
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
Game-changing new tech emerges for troops and commands | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 6.2.26
A box that makes drinkable water out of the air and hydrofoil drone tech have emerged at defense shows. Plus, an interview with a top executive at Lockheed.
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US takes out explosive-laden Houthi surface drones
The Defense Department said the drones were taken out in self-defense.
By Sarah Sicard
Here’s how the feds are working to keep Super Bowl safe, drone free
The air around Allegiant Stadium next Sunday has been designated by the Federal Aviation Administration as a “no drone zone.”
Opinion
How to help solve Ukraine’s drone shortage problem
While the Ukrainians adopted FPV drones first, Russia now has the edge thanks to its advantage in production capacity.
By John Hardie and Bradley Bowman
Head of US Space Force’s commercial hub talks vendor opportunities
Col. Richard Kniseley also discussed the service's upcoming commercial strategy and funding needs.
EU member countries push back on Italy’s call for European army
The EU is developing a Rapid Deployment Capability force of up to 5,000 troops from member countries for use in non-permissive environments.
The Navy took out multiple Houthi drones and missiles over the weekend
Strikes on Iran-backed militants in Iraq and Syria continued as well.
By Diana Stancy
Thales inks $2B deal to improve British Royal Navy’s maintenance
The support program will see Thales use data technology, including AI and virtual reality, to provide more proactive and predictive maintenance.
Navy destroyers and jets took out at least 12 Houthi drones Friday
The intercepts included a swarm of Houthi drones on Friday night, according to U.S Central Command.
Intel community tools can speed AI adoption
Global security is constantly changing and existing AI tools can give America’s warfighters faster recognition and decision advantage.
By Stephen J. Townsend