Zita Ballinger Fletcher is a reporter who covers military affairs, national security and defense technology. She has covered the Pentagon’s integration of autonomous systems into U.S. military forces and emerging approaches to counter-drone warfare for Military Times and Defense
National Guard Troops Deploy Tech That Distinguishes Drones From Birds
Guard troops who respond to biological and chemical attacks trained to use sensors equipped with advanced recognition technology to spot unmanned aircraft systems.
U.S. Fighter Pilots Partner With Unmanned Aircraft In Battle Exercises
A robot aircraft successfully fired a self-guided missile in a major step for autonomous warfare as the U.S. Air Force uses drone fighter planes to partner with humans.
The Pentagon Shared A Guide To Stop Drones. What Can We Learn?
The Defense Department names fences, electromagnetic warfare and deception as the best ways to stop threats from small unmanned aircraft systems.
Drone Boats Are Changing War At Sea. Will They Replace Larger Ships?
Unmanned surface vessels represent much more than self-propelled bombs. They are becoming miniature multipurpose warships.
How Satellite Tech Paired With AI Can Unmask The Shadow Fleet
Federal agencies are using artificial intelligence to analyze vessel patterns in the Strait of Hormuz and beyond to end the clandestine reach of shadow fleet ships.
8 Reasons Why NATO Should Be A Defense Priority For The United States
America stands to gain from NATO by viewing it not as a European-only effort but as a key pillar of global leadership and an edge in strategic competition with China.
Why Space Is Becoming A Critical Domain Of Modern Warfare
Nations are increasingly battling for control in the space domain to strengthen military signals against disruptions and spoofing attacks on GPS navigation systems.
Why Drones Are Becoming The New Norm For Military Rescues
It's not just boats. Unmanned systems of all types, including air and ground vehicles, are rescue tools changing military medicine and casualty care.
How Drone Boats Are Working As Patrols On The Southern Border
The Defense Department is using autonomous surface vessels to patrol the waters of the Rio Grande to detect drug smugglers and deter illegal crossings.
U.S. Military Using Drones As Rocket Launchers And Helicopter Escorts
Firing triple rocket pods used to equip fighter aircraft and escorting Marine helicopters, drones are changing the way U.S. military attack helicopters can do battle.