DefenceTalkUsed and non-authentic counterfeit electronic components are widespread throughout the defense supply chain; over the past two years alone, more than one million suspect parts have been associated with known supply chain compromises 1. The problem is pervasive, with both expensive and inexpensive electronic parts being targeted. Counterfeit, or otherwise suspect electronic components, present a […]https://www.defencetalk.com/tiny-cheap-component-to-counterfeit-electronics-58864/

DefenceTalkThe US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, better known as DAPRA, presented concept images of its scheme to pair up the US military with modular drones named Aerial Reconfigurable Embedded System (ARES for short), capable of transforming to comply with the needs of different missions. The ARES drone will be utilized as an unmanned vehicle […]https://www.defencetalk.com/meet-ares-darpas-newest-transformer-style-drones-under-development-58805/

DefenceTalkRaytheon is moving forward with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency on the agency’s Persistent Close Air Support (PCAS) program, whose software could enable ground troops to receive close air support sooner by improving coordination among joint terminal attack controllers, airborne sensors and weapons. Originally designed for the A-10 Thunderbolt, the recently expanded PCAS program […]https://www.defencetalk.com/raytheon-moves-forward-on-darpa-persistent-close-air-support-program-49042/

DefenceTalkAdversaries’ sophisticated air defense systems can make it difficult for current air- and surface-launched anti-ship missiles to hit their targets at long range. To engage specific enemy warships from beyond the reach of counter-fire systems, warfighters may require launching multiple missiles or employing overhead targeting assets such as radar-equipped planes or Global Positioning System (GPS) […]https://www.defencetalk.com/anti-ship-missile-prototype-conducts-first-solo-test-flight-49044/

DefenceTalkOf the many risks dismounted Soldiers face in the field, one of the most common is injury from carrying their gear-often topping 100 pounds-for extended periods over rough terrain. Heavy loads increase the likelihood of musculoskeletal injury and also exacerbate fatigue, which contributes to both acute and chronic injury and impedes Soldiers’ physical and cognitive […]https://www.defencetalk.com/warrior-web-closer-to-making-its-performance-improving-suit-a-reality-49006/

DefenceTalkAir-ground fire coordination-also known as Close Air Support or CAS-is a dangerous and difficult business. Pilots and dismounted ground agents must ensure they hit only the intended target using just voice directions and, if they’re lucky, a common paper map. It can often take up to an hour to confer, get in position and strike-time […]https://www.defencetalk.com/faster-more-precise-airstrikes-within-reach-48151/

DefenceTalkSince 2000, more than 2,000 servicemembers have suffered amputated limbs. DARPA’s breakthrough research with advanced prosthetic limbs controlled by brain interfaces is well documented, but such research is currently limited to quadriplegics; practical applications of brain interfaces for amputees are still in the future. In contrast, nerve and muscle interfaces allow amputees to control advanced […]https://www.defencetalk.com/new-nerve-and-muscle-interfaces-aid-wounded-warrior-amputees-48022/

DefenceTalkDARPA’s Adaptable Sensor System (ADAPT) program aims to transform how unattended sensors are developed for the military by using an original design manufacturer (ODM) process similar to that of the commercial smartphone industry. The goal is to develop low-cost, rapidly updatable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) sensors in less than a year, a marked improvement […]https://www.defencetalk.com/smartphone-technology-inspires-design-for-smart-unattended-ground-sensor-47951/

DefenceTalkSuccess on the battlefield requires warfighters to know as much as possible about themselves, their surrounding environment and the potential threats around them. Dismounted infantry squads in particular risk surprise and loss of tactical advantage over opponents when information is lacking. While squads use many different technologies to gather and share information, the current piecemeal […]https://www.defencetalk.com/darpa-seeks-technology-to-radically-improve-dismounted-squad-situational-awareness-47898/

DefenceTalkA Soldier carries a 61-pound load while walking in a prototype DARPA Warrior Web system during an independent evaluation by the U.S. Army. Warrior Web seeks to create a soft, lightweight under-suit that would help reduce injuries and fatigue common for Soldiers, who often carry 100-pound loads for extended periods over rough terrain. DARPA envisions […]https://www.defencetalk.com/warrior-web-prototype-takes-its-first-steps-47895/