Welcome to today's Defense Business Briefing, your weekly roundup of the latest defense industry news.
Air Force 'exploring' options for new F-16 buys
The Air Force is weighing buying a new U.S variant of the modernized F-16 Fighting Falcon, several sources have told Inside Defense, opening the possibility of adding more of the jets to the domestic military fleet.
PAE Fires seeking weapon system integrator for CAML
The Army is shooting for the end of January to meet with companies that want to help develop the service's next-generation autonomous launcher, a new notice reveals.
New Army report details foreign reliance in energetics supply chain, timelines to bolster domestic production
The Army in a new report points out three energetic compounds it can't fully produce domestically -- relying on foreign sources to meet demand -- and outlines plans to boost domestic production in the coming years.
MH-139 full-rate production decision now planned for January
The Air Force's nascent MH-139 Grey Wolf program is again delayed, with the helicopter now on track to enter the full-rate production phase in January 2026, an Air Force spokesperson told Inside Defense.
Navy announces 'strategic shift' away from Constellation frigate
The Navy has terminated four ships in the Constellation-class frigate program in a "strategic shift" away from the troubled class, service secretary John Phelan announced last week.
New Hawaii Global Tactical Acquisition Directorate to support eastern flank deterrence
The Army will open a Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate office in Hawaii early next year, extending its new rapid-innovation structure into the Indo-Pacific as part of a broader effort to push acquisition decisions closer to deployed commanders, according to the director of the organization.
PAE presence at overseas exercises will shape future Army allocation of dollars
The newly announced Program Acquisition Executive (PAE) restructuring of the Army's acquisition enterprise will mean key acquisition officials will observe overseas exercises and make budgetary decisions toward scaling key capabilities, according to an official.