Emerging Tech Archives

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Daryl Caudle testifies in a budget hearing for the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense to discuss the Navy’s fiscal year 2027 budget and strategic posture in Washington, D.C., May 12, 2026. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Elliott Fabrizio).

Navy comes ‘full circle’ on nuclear power for next-generation battleship

“I'm thrilled that we finally landed on the fact it's going to be nuclear," Adm. Daryl Caudle said.

5 hours ago By Jon Harper

Marine Raiders with Fox Company, 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Forces Special Operations Command, provides perimeter security, at an undisclosed location Dec. 16, 2025. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl. Jared Saul)

‘Collaborative autonomy’ development not moving fast enough for SOCOM

“The ability to quickly integrate autonomous behaviors on multiple different platforms in multiple different domains, without it having to be specifically built for that platform, is something…

1 day ago By Drew F. Lawrence

Director of Pentagon’s secretive Strategic Capabilities Office lays out focus areas

The SCO has three portfolios and eight focus areas, according to Director Jay Dryer.

May 11, 2026 By Jon Harper

Anthony Kavanaugh, left, a drone operator with a U.S. Army Unmanned Aerial Systems Mission Assurance team, operates a small-UAS while Ari Snipes, right, a drone operator with a U.S. Army UASMA team, prepares a s-UAS at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., April 23, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Hayden Hallman)

Pentagon counter-drone task force announces pilot program to get directed energy systems to 5 installations

"There is no 'silver bullet' to address this challenge," said the task force director. "And this pilot program integrates cutting-edge technology into the department's broader counter-drone toolkit."

May 8, 2026 By Drew F. Lawrence

DARPA’s XRQ-73 SHEPARD hybrid-electric experimental aircraft takes off at Edwards Air Force Base, California. (Source: Northrop Grumman)

DARPA begins flying experimental hybrid-electric ISR drone

Developed by Northrop Grumman, the XRQ-73 features extra-quiet propulsion technology that reduces the drone's acoustic signature.

May 6, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

A U.S. Marine Corps XQ-58A Valkyrie, highly autonomous, low-cost tactical unmanned air vehicle, conducts its second test flight with two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to 33rd Fighter Wing, 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Feb. 23, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. John McRell)

Marine Corps charts path for future aviation ops led by drones

The Marine Corps is targeting 2029 to begin operational testing of its MUX TACAIR drone, while simultaneously exploring how exquisite unmanned systems can be used for other…

May 1, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

The Navy’s MQ-25A Stingray conducts its initial flight April 25 at Boeing’s facility at MidAmerica Airport in Mascoutah, Ill. The aircraft completed a controlled test flight to evaluate basic handling and performance in preparation for future carrier-based operations. (Photo courtesy of Boeing)

Navy conducts first test flight of MQ-25 tanker drone

Once fielded, the Boeing-made MQ-25 Stingray will be the Navy's first operational aircraft carrier-based drone.

Apr 27, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

KC-46A aircraft assigned to the 157th Air Refueling Wing perform an elephant walk formation on the runway at Pease Air National Guard Base, Sept. 8, 2021. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Timm Huffman)

Air Force shifts sixth-gen tanker strategy to prioritize mission systems over new aircraft

The Air Force wants to redirect NGAS funds into a new Advanced Tanker Systems effort in fiscal 2027.

Apr 21, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

Navy planning to spend more than $17B on first Trump-class battleship

The Navy revealed new details Tuesday about its procurement plans for a new Guided Missile Battleship (BBG(X)) program.

Apr 21, 2026 By Jon Harper

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle met with World War II veterans, 100-year old Paul Robins and 99-year old Eddie Desmond, aboard the Battleship USS New Jersey Museum and Memorial in Philadelphia, Pa., Oct 12. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Joe J. Cardona Gonzalez).

Caudle: Navy plans to announce F/A-XX prime contractor in August

The F/A-XX program has been in limbo for about a year due to concerns over defense industrial base capacity.

Apr 20, 2026 By Mikayla Easley