Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. has written for Breaking Defense since 2011 and served as deputy editor for the site's first decade, covering technology, strategy, and policy with a particular focus on the US Army. He’s now a contributing editor focused on cyber, robotics, AI, and other critical technologies and policies that will shape the future of warfare. Sydney began covering defense at National Journal magazine in 1997 and holds degrees from Harvard, Cambridge, and Georgetown.
“If we want to fight as a system… you have to start sharing technology now,” the former head of the Pentagon’s Joint AI Center told Breaking Defense. “We can’t build the system on the eve of battle.”
Details are scant for now, but experts tell Breaking Defense that any AI agreement between China and the US could involve a pledge not to use AI in nuclear systems.
Soldiers burdened by 15-plus pounds of batteries — of multiple, incompatible types — could benefit from more efficient, standardized power sources like the Small Tactical Universal Battery.
While designed for military program managers, the app will be also available to the public so that industry, allies and ordinary citizens can understand how the Pentagon is implementing “responsible AI” – and how China is not.
BigBear.ai is on contract to combine 15 readiness data systems into a new cloud-based system called Global Force Integrated Management, while LMI leads on consolidating 28 more into the Army Training Integrated System.
The Air National Guard, regular Army, and Space Force are also exploring Hypori’s “zero trust” Bring Your Own Device approach to connect personal phones securely to government systems.
With the Robotic Combat Vehicle Light set to enter service in 2028, young soldiers are providing vital feedback on prototypes, tactics and user-friendly interfaces.
“If you sweat, you die,” said Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler, commander of the Alaska-based 11th Airborne Division. “That’s the environment we’re talking about… the harshest environment on the planet.”
The two ATHENA aircraft are part of the Army’s long-term move from prop-driven intelligence, surveillance, & reconnaissance to higher-performance jets.
KARGO builds on Kaman’s Afghanistan experience with its KMAX cargo UAV while adding new Near Earth Autonomy software to adapt to changing battlefields.
New “quantum resistant” encryption standards won’t be finalized until next year, but officials and experts say agencies and industry should start hunting vulnerabilities hidden in their software and hardware, including embedded chips critical to US weapons.
“I’ve had up close and personal experience where [US] leaders responsible for certain areas of technology have given direction that [Australia] is to be brought in because we have something to offer,” said Tanya Monro, “and yet, it still gets strangled.”
Training artificial intelligence on military-specific doctrine and intelligence to come up with operational plans is an “active area of experimentation right now,” according to a Special Competitive Studies Project analyst.
At AUSA Global Force 2024, IAI will present integrated, AI-driven combat systems – both manned and unmanned – that are opening new opportunities on the battlefield.
At AUSA Global Force 2024, IAI will present integrated, AI-driven combat systems – both manned and unmanned – that are opening new opportunities on the battlefield.
