The INSIDER daily digest -- Oct. 27, 2016

The Navy's 30-year RDT&E plan and Ohio submarine replacement program are among the highlights of this Thursday INSIDER Daily Digest.

Big news on the Navy's Ohio Replacement submarine program:

Ohio replacement milestone B decision due out next week

The Navy revealed today the next milestone decision for the multibillion-dollar, next-generation ballistic missile submarine will occur next week.

Some additional context:

General Dynamics expects major contract for Ohio Replacement by end of year

General Dynamics expects the Navy to award a contract to commence detailed design and construction of the Ohio-class replacement submarine program by the end of the year, the top executive of the defense contractor said this week, providing new insight into the revised schedule for the high-profile program.

(Stay tuned for more coverage of this program in the coming days.)

The Navy's 30-year RDT&E plan is due out soon:

Navy soon to release 30-year research and development plan

The Navy is finalizing its first ever long-term research and development plan to guide capability investments over the next three decades, according to a top acquisition official.

More defense contractor earnings news:

Raytheon, L-3 Communications report improved profit

Some of the largest defense contractors on Thursday reported increased profit in their most recent quarter.

News from this week's Inside the Pentagon:

Kendall keeps authority on most new programs, despite McCain's maneuvers

Frank Kendall, the Pentagon's acquisition chief, has retained milestone decision authority over seven of nine new-start programs, despite a measure in last year's defense authorization bill intended to begin transitioning more program oversight to the military service chiefs.

DOD's chief technologist sees rapid advancements in autonomy, biotech

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.

DARPA intends to transition track-and-trail sea drone to ONR in next year

The Pentagon's advanced research projects agency intends to finish testing an unmanned vessel designed to track and trail enemy submarines in the next year and transition the program to the Navy, according to the program manager.

CYBERCOM: All 133 cyber mission force teams reached IOC

All of U.S. Cyber Command's cyber mission force teams have reached initial operational capability and are ready to execute their fundamental missions, the command announced this week.

The Army really, really likes its unmanned systems:

Army vice chief touts focus on unmanned systems

The Army is heavily invested in developing and improving its unmanned capabilities, both on the ground and in the air, according to the service's vice chief of staff.