Highlights from Inside the Pentagon

Here are a few must-reads from this week's edition of Inside the Pentagon:

1. The Pentagon's chief technologist says he is increasingly focused on rapid advancements in autonomy, artificial intelligence and synthetic biology as recent breakthroughs pose challenges and opportunities with the potential to disrupt the Defense Department's push for innovation.

Full story: DOD chief technologist sees rapid advancements in autonomy, biotech

2. Lockheed Martin's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has taught the Defense Department that the development and production of a next-generation fighter jet needs to have more on-ramps for industry competition at different phases of the program, according to Pentagon acquisition chief Frank Kendall.

Full story: Kendall: Pentagon wants to build more competition into next-gen fighter

3. Northrop Grumman CEO Wes Bush said Wednesday the recently released Government Accountability Office decision on the Air Force's B-21 bomber contract award reveals important insight about the company's work to develop a more disciplined bidding approach and drive affordability through corporate investments as well as reduced labor costs.

Full story:Northrop CEO: GAO decision reveals company's focus on affordability