Iron Dome Heads For Key US Integration Test

Iron Dome Heads For Key US Integration Test
Iron Dome Heads For Key US Integration Test

With the second battery now bound for the US, the Israeli-made missile defense system must prove it works with American command networks. “We have a very detailed plan to do the integration,” Rafael’s Pini Yungman told me.

Project Convergence: Its Success Could Draw Army Astray

Project Convergence: Its Success Could Draw Army Astray
Project Convergence: Its Success Could Draw Army Astray

While Project Convergence’s first big test, the Army’s “experiment at scale for a combined arms operations,” was deemed a great success, the service must resist the urge to scale-up so rapidly that the events lose their value as experiments or become a fat target for budget cutters. The convergence tests, linking weapons, sensors, systems and…

Why AUSA Virtual Matters: CSA McConville & AFC Murray

Why AUSA Virtual Matters: CSA McConville & AFC Murray
Why AUSA Virtual Matters: CSA McConville & AFC Murray

The Army Chief of Staff and the head of Army Futures Command told Breaking Defense why, even without the chance to meet and mingle in the flesh, the AUSA Annual Meeting is still vital.

China, Russia Threats To Drive What Army Keeps & Cuts: Gen. Murray

China, Russia Threats To Drive What Army Keeps & Cuts: Gen. Murray
China, Russia Threats To Drive What Army Keeps & Cuts: Gen. Murray

As the Army braces for a post-COVID budget crunch, Gen. John Murray told Breaking Defense, his Army Futures Command is studying conflict scenarios to decide which new weapons could be kept or cut.

Longer-Range Missiles & More AI: Project Convergence 2021

Longer-Range Missiles & More AI: Project Convergence 2021
Longer-Range Missiles & More AI: Project Convergence 2021

Next fall, the Army aims to test a new artificial intelligence for artillery and fire the prototype PrSM missile to its full 300-plus-mile range — once they find a venue that’s big enough.

Target Gone In 20 Seconds: Army Sensor-Shooter Test

Target Gone In 20 Seconds: Army Sensor-Shooter Test
Target Gone In 20 Seconds: Army Sensor-Shooter Test

This fall’s first Project Convergence exercise aims to feed targeting data from satellites to artillery so fast that gunners can unleash precision fire in much less than a minute. And that’s just the start.

IBCS: Army Missile Defense Passes Most Complex Test Yet

IBCS: Army Missile Defense Passes Most Complex Test Yet
IBCS: Army Missile Defense Passes Most Complex Test Yet

Even with a relay taken down by jamming, the new IBCS network was able to fuse targeting data from Patriot and Sentinel radars, then shoot down two cruise missile surrogates with a single PAC-3 interceptor apiece.

Army Ponders What To Cut If Budget Drops: Gen. Murray

Army Ponders What To Cut If Budget Drops: Gen. Murray
Army Ponders What To Cut If Budget Drops: Gen. Murray

The Army Futures commander is making a list of which of the service’s 34 top-priority programs to sacrifice first – and which programs outside the top 34 he has to save.

Army Invites Air Force ABMS To Big Network Test: Project Convergence

Army Invites Air Force ABMS To Big Network Test: Project Convergence
Army Invites Air Force ABMS To Big Network Test: Project Convergence

This fall’s experiment will study how the Army’s own weapons can share target data, Gen. Murray said, but in 2021 he wants to add the Air Force’s ABMS network.

Army Braces For Post-COVID Cuts: Gen. Murray

Army Braces For Post-COVID Cuts: Gen. Murray
Army Braces For Post-COVID Cuts: Gen. Murray

“I’ve heard some people talk about [going] back to a BCA [Budget Control Act] level of funding,” Gen. Murray says, referring to the steep cuts also known as sequestration. “And I’ve heard some people say that it’s even going to be worse than BCA.”

Army: Lockheed PrSM Missile Aces Third Flight Test

Army: Lockheed PrSM Missile Aces Third Flight Test
Army: Lockheed PrSM Missile Aces Third Flight Test

Next year will see the Precision Strike Missile tested at its maximum range of over 300 miles. The base model enters service in 2023, with range and targeting upgrades to follow.

COVID-19 Won’t Slow New Army Weapons: McCarthy, Murray, Jette

COVID-19 Won’t Slow New Army Weapons: McCarthy, Murray, Jette
COVID-19 Won’t Slow New Army Weapons: McCarthy, Murray, Jette

While some prototype deliveries and field tests are being delayed, Army leaders said, there’s enough slack in the schedule that combat units will still get the new tech on time.

COVID-19: Army Futures Command Takes Wargames Online

COVID-19: Army Futures Command Takes Wargames Online
COVID-19: Army Futures Command Takes Wargames Online

While the pandemic’s halted field exercises, tabletop wargames can continue long-distance. The catch? Getting classified bandwidth so you can discuss specific military capabilities.

Can The Army Convince Congress It’s Learned From FCS?

Can The Army Convince Congress It’s Learned From FCS?
Can The Army Convince Congress It’s Learned From FCS?

The reboot of the Bradley replacement reminded many on the Hill of past procurement disasters like the Future Combat System. Can the Army exorcise the specter of FCS?