Jon Harper

Jon Harper is Managing Editor of DefenseScoop, the Scoop News Group’s online publication focused on the Pentagon and its pursuit of new capabilities. He leads an award-winning team of journalists in providing breaking news and in-depth analysis on military technology and the ways in which it is shaping how the Defense Department operates and modernizes. You can also follow him on X (the social media platform formerly known as Twitter) @Jon_Harper_

Articles by Author

PROMONTORY, Utah (May 27, 2021) – U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs successfully conducted a test of the First Stage Solid Rocket Motor as part of the development of the Navy’s Conventional Prompt Strike offensive hypersonic strike capability and the Army’s Long Range Hypersonic Weapon. (U.S. Navy Photo/Released)

DOD to ‘complement’ Replicator initiative by accelerating solid rocket motor production

Weapons

NAVAL BASE CORONADO (May 15, 2024) – Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) from Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 3 (USVRON 3) operate remotely in San Diego Bay ahead of the unit’s establishment ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Claire M. DuBois)

Navy eyeing new navigation tech for autonomous maritime drones in case satnav is lost

AI

U.S. President Joe Biden (C) presides over a cabinet meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L), Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and others at the White House on September 20, 2024 in Washington, DC. With four months left in his administration, Biden said convened the meeting to re-focus priorities. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

New White House directive prods DOD, intelligence agencies to move faster adopting AI capabilities

AI

U. S. Air Force Capt. Kristina Linden, 355th Mental Health Clinic Social Worker, works on a task during Military Health System Genesis training at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, April 7, 2021. (U. S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Blake Gonzales)

DOD gearing up for EHR cloud migration with Leidos expected to score big contract extension

IT

(Getty Images)

Pentagon expects billions to be pumped into small businesses following SBA licensing of investors

Emerging Tech

(Getty Images)

Army kicks off generative AI pilot to tackle drudge work, hallucinations

AI

An XQ-58A Valkyrie flies next to an F-35. (Marine Corps photo)

Valkyrie drone links with F-35s as Marines pursue ‘autonomous collaborative killer’ capability

Weapons

Robotic Combat Vehicle prototype during soldier experimentation at the National Training Center, NTC, Fort Irwin, CA from July to September 2023. (Photo by Savannah Baldwin)

Army envisions potential recompete for robotic combat vehicle program

Weapons

Bolt-M (Anduril image)

Marines to get new Bolt kamikaze drones from Anduril

AI