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New research center aims to elevate nation’s drone defense

Supported by a $5 million award from the U.S. Department of Defense and led by the Virginia Tech National Security Institute and the Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership, the Counter UAS Research and Testing Center will include an unparalleled ecosystem of drone research.

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‘Curious Conversations’ podcast: Austin Phoenix talks about drone defense

Austin Phoenix joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about unmanned aerial systems, commonly called drones, the challenges they present to the defense sector, and the work university researchers are doing to help mitigate any potential threats.

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Nation’s drone defenses bolstered by new center

Virginia Tech’s Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) and Virginia Tech’s National Security Institute (VTNSI) are partnering with the U.S. Army to open a Counter-UAS Testing and Research Center where the nation’s detection systems can be tested, evaluated and improved.

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Commonwealth Cyber Initiative builds global partnerships to tackle cyber threats

The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative is strengthening international collaboration by engaging embassy representatives from around the world to address widespread cyber threats.

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From disaster resilience to computer network security, Virginia Tech researchers are working to meet needs of the nation’s intelligence and defense communities and addressing global environmental changes.

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Luiz de Silva

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Security News

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Amazon partnership advances AI and cybersecurity education at the Cyber Range , article
With support from Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative, the Virginia Cyber Range and U.S. Cyber Range of Virginia Tech are offering CyberSafe AI, an educational initiative that combines AI literacy with hands-on cybersecurity skills.
Date: Oct 29, 2026 -
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Virginia Cyber Range helps educators keep pace with a changing cybersecurity field , article
This summer, seventeen high school cybersecurity educators from eight states came to Virginia Tech to sharpen their own skills, taking back what they learned to reach more than 1,800 students this school year.
Date: Oct 27, 2026 -
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The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative funds 11 projects putting students to work on real cybersecurity problems , article
The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) funded 11 statewide experiential learning projects for nearly $1.1 million dollars, placing students in mentored work or paid internships. Students team up with employers and defense partners, learn to work alongside and against artificial intelligence, and get hands-on practice protecting systems from hospitals and power grids to drones and connected devices.
Date: Oct 21, 2026 -
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Division of Information Technology releases Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Report , article
The report showcases key accomplishments and strategic advancements over the past year.
Date: Oct 19, 2026 -

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