Defense
USAF consolidates some acquisition program offices into mission-focused groups
But many of the new “portfolio acquisition executives” were already leading multi-mission efforts.
Marine Corps picks industry team to create a robot wingman of its own
Northrop will integrate systems on Kratos’ XQ-58 Valkyrie drone.
HawkEye 360 closes acquisition with backing from $150M Series E round
The commercial satellite operator is adding a business whose tools are designed to handle large and complex sets of radio frequency data.
Building post-quantum gear is hard. A new partnership aims to make it easier
A European chipmaker and software firm are offering shortcuts to incorporating heavyweight encryption.
Exclusive
There’s a divide within the Space Force. Congress is forcing the service to address it
The new service was supposed to meld the “tribes” of operators and acquisition specialists. It didn’t happen.
Northrop Grumman to fly new, improved CCA offering next year
The company spent 15 months redesigning and building a robot wingman after losing its initial bid for the U.S. Air Force’s collaborative combat aircraft program.
The $148 billion failure: Watchdog's final report excoriates America’s attempt to rebuild Afghanistan
After nearly two decades of oversight, SIGAR will conclude its work early next year.
MDA awards 1,014 companies slots on $151B Golden Dome contract vehicle
The Missile Defense Agency is making staggered awards for the SHIELD contract as it works through 2,463 proposals with more winners and likely protests to come.
Gargantuan Golden Dome contract vehicle clears 1,000-plus firms to vie for slices of $151 billion
One defense expert said it was one of the largest contract ceilings of all time.
Europe Eyes Integrated Air and Space Defense With Leonardo’s Michelangelo Dome Initiative
The envisioned system would fuse next-generation surveillance, cyber defenses, and artificial intelligence to counter missiles and drone swarms.
USAF plan to fly C-5, C-17s even longer elicits concern
Service says it needs to hedge against delays to planned Next-Generation Airlift plane.
Space Force won’t say who got money to start developing orbital interceptors
Federal regulations don’t require disclosure for awards under $9 million.
Startups Gain Foothold in U.S. Missile Defense with Golden Dome Awards
True Anomaly and Anduril may change from experimental vendors into prime contractors, challenging traditional defense powerhouses.
Most of the Air Force’s biggest programs will now be overseen by a 4-star under the deputy SecDef
The centralization of the ICBM, B-21, F-47, and Air Force One programs appears at odds with the Pentagon’s professed acquisition approach, one expert said.
Kymeta and iRocket Partner on Connected Interceptor Technology
The collaboration advances efforts to create continuously connected interceptor systems aligned with emerging continental defense architectures.
Can quantum sensing improve magnetic navigation? Pentagon thinks one company is on the right track
The Defense Department is looking to speed up deployment of new GPS alternatives.
Military aircraft crashes skyrocketed from 2020 to 2024, new data shows
Possible causes include stagnating budgets and increased operations, experts said.
Longest shutdown in history creating a readiness hole of unknown proportions
The heads of several military professional organizations came together to beg Congress to open the government.
Air Force wants a $500,000 counter-air missile, despite cheaper options
The service wants ideas by December, and hopes to see a modular, ground-launched prototype in two years.
Anduril to build autonomous vessel prototype in Korea
The announcement is part of a new partnership with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries—a leading shipbuilder worldwide.
