DefenceTalkA global rights group launched a campaign on Tuesday to ban Terminator-style “killer robots” amid fears the rise of drone warfare could lead to machines with the power to make their own decisions about killing humans. Human Rights Watch said it was creating an international coalition to call for a global treaty that would impose […]https://www.defencetalk.com/rights-group-launches-campaign-to-ban-killer-robots-47593/

DefenceTalkThe Army says a round of base realignment and closure for fiscal year 2015 is necessary to save tax dollars, consolidate resources and adapt to force reductions. With a smaller total force over the next years — from a high of 570,000 in 2010 to 490,000 in 2017 — the Army’s need for facilities will […]https://www.defencetalk.com/army-seeks-round-of-base-closure-realignment-for-2015-47588/

DefenceTalkThe U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon a firm-fixed-price $81.7 million option for Lot 6 on the Lot 5 contract for the production and delivery of 202 MALD-J jammers and containers. The contract also includes a 10-year warranty. The contract was awarded in Raytheon’s first quarter of 2013. “MALD-J adds a jamming capability to the current […]https://www.defencetalk.com/raytheon-contracted-for-miniature-air-launched-decoy-and-jammer-units-47599/

DefenceTalkElbit Systems has been awarded an approximately $40 million contract to supply a country in Africa with the Wise Intelligence Technology (WiTTM) System for Intelligence Analysis and Cyber Defense. The system will be supplied within two years. A highly advanced end-to-end solution, WiT supports every stage of the intelligence process, including the collection of the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/elbit-to-supply-african-nation-with-wise-intelligence-technology-system-47597/

DefenceTalkLast month, the Army’s senior-most officer told lawmakers budget cuts could result in a decrease in training readiness for follow- on forces to Afghanistan that could result in extended tours for Soldiers already there. That is no longer the case. During testimony on Capitol Hill April 23, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray […]https://www.defencetalk.com/army-says-no-go-on-extended-tours-for-soldiers-in-afghanistan-47586/

DefenceTalkRussia’s fifth-generation T-50 fighter jet will enter service with the country’s armed forces in 2016, and not 2015 as was previously announced, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday. “The T-50 fifth generation jet should go into serial production and enter service in 2016,” Putin said at a live Q&A session with the Russian public. The […]https://www.defencetalk.com/new-t-50-fighter-jet-to-enter-service-in-2016-putin-47602/

DefenceTalkWhat if scientists and engineers could scavenge energy for warfighters, like bottom feeders scavenge in the ocean? The U.S. Army Research Laboratory, or ARL, along with the Army science and technology community, is pursuing novel technology aspects of the Army’s Operational Energy Strategy. Energy Scavenging is just one way ARL experts are getting more from […]https://www.defencetalk.com/army-scientists-scout-energy-solutions-for-the-battlefield-47590/

DefenceTalkFor Staff Sgt. Stephen Kovac, getting important information and instructions to the rest of his platoon was a struggle. He could radio back to higher headquarters and wait for the calls to filter back down, losing precious seconds during an operation. Or, he said, he could “yell and scream back to the rear, use hand […]https://www.defencetalk.com/smartphones-to-satellites-soldiers-use-new-network-to-prepare-for-advise-assist-mission-47583/

DefenceTalkThe Air Force will see few force structure changes this year, but readiness and modernization accounts will be in flux this year and next, Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley said here today. The secretary also told the Defense Writers’ Group that now is the time for another base realignment and closure process. Readiness and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/readiness-modernization-in-flux-air-force-secretary-says-47577/

DefenceTalkRIYADH, Saudi Arabia: On his inaugural trip to the Middle East since taking office, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel met here today with Saudi Crown Prince and Defense Minister Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said in a statement. During their talks, Hagel and his Saudi counterpart reiterated the longstanding, steadfast relationship […]https://www.defencetalk.com/hagel-defense-partnership-anchors-us-saudi-relationship-47575/