Mikayla Easley

Mikayla Easley reports on the Pentagon’s acquisition and use of emerging technologies. Prior to joining DefenseScoop, she covered national security and the defense industry for National Defense Magazine. She received a BA in Russian language and literature from the University of Michigan and a MA in journalism from the University of Missouri. You can follow her on Twitter @MikaylaEasley

Articles by Author

Aerial view of the Pentagon building in Arlington, Va., on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Defense contractor settles cybersecurity False Claims Act allegations

Cyber

YFQ-42A (Photo courtesty of GA-ASI)

Air Force picks Anduril, General Atomics to build first operational CCA drones

Emerging Tech

Firefly Aerospace successfully launches U.S. Space Force VICTUS NOX Responsive Space Mission with 24-hours notice. (Firefly Aerospace photo)

DARPA exploring tech for tactically responsive space operations

Space

Marines with Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command pose for photos in cyber operations room at Lasswell Hall aboard Fort Meade, Maryland, Feb. 5, 2020. (Photo illustration source: DVIDS)

SASC proposes reorganization of Pentagon’s IT, cyber leadership

Cyber

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth hosts a drone demonstration at the Pentagon, July 10, 2025. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Isaac Llanez Delgado)

Senate pushes DOD to create new combatant command for unmanned systems

Emerging Tech

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The F-16 is carrying a Family of Affordable Mass Munition – Lugged weapon as part of a rapid test series performed by the 96th Test Wing and 53rd Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas M. Barley)

Wilsbach: FAMM low-cost cruise missile to begin production this fall

Weapons

1st Lt. Mason Limtiaco (left), a signal officer, and Staff Sgt. Christian Mercado, a signal operations support specialist, both assigned to 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Division Artillery, 4th Infantry Division, configure the Tactical Edge Computer (TEC) while supporting a live-fire exercise during Ivy Sting 4 on Fort Carson, Colorado, Feb. 3, 2026. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Thomas Nguyen)

DISA to begin migrating combatant commands to unified IT network in 2028

IT

(Getty Images)

Ashley Devoto named as Air Force, Space Force CIO

IT

(Getty Images)

DISA testing Mission Partner Environment capabilities in Indo-Pacific

IT