Welcome to today's Defense Business Briefing, your weekly roundup of the latest defense industry news.
Oshkosh bracing for profit drop driven by trade war
Oshkosh Corp. estimates President Trump’s tariffs could dip the company's earnings by about $1 per share this year, but executives said with "targeted mitigation actions" they expect to make up about half of that.
Navy, Marine Corps settle on new LSM acquisition plan; Bollinger to build 'block 1' ship
The Navy and Marine Corps have coalesced around a new procurement approach for the Landing Ship Medium, with the services tapping Louisiana shipbuilder Bollinger to construct a single vessel based on an existing ship design before deciding how to proceed with the program.
HII focuses on shipbuilding investments amid Virginia contract modifications
Recent investments, or "tailwinds," in shipbuilding are positive, and require HII's participation, according to CEO Chris Kastner.
Govini partnering with Navy to identify DIB vulnerabilities
The Navy is set to partner with AI-enabled data analytics and software supplier Govini to identify and mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities in the sea-based leg of the nuclear triad, the company announced.
Oshkosh pitches additional missions for ROGUE-Fires; first LRIP batch slated for June
Oshkosh Defense expects to deliver its first six low-rate initial production units of a robotically controlled ship-killing vehicle to the Marine Corps in June, according to company executives, who said a full-rate production decision could come as soon as late 2026 or early 2027.
Apex raises $200M in private capital amid 'Golden Dome' push
California-based satellite bus supplier Apex announced today it has secured $200 million in funding from private capital to allow for scaled production of its satellite bus platforms.
Epirus delivers new counter-drone capability to support Marines
Defense start-up Epirus announced the delivery of a new counter-drone capability to Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren today -- a system meant to support the Marine Corps.
The week ahead
Senior defense officials are scheduled to speak at several public events this week, including congressional hearings.
OMB chief defends Pentagon budget request amid GOP allegations of no-growth 'gimmicks'
White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought today defended the Trump administration’s fiscal year 2026 request for defense spending, which senior Senate Republicans say is built around a "gimmick" that amounts to a flat topline that does not keep pace with inflation.
As 'skinny' topline numbers roll in, Wicker decries budgetary sleight of hand
President Trump plans to request $961 billion for the Pentagon in fiscal year 2026 and $1 trillion for total national defense spending, which is being touted as a 13% increase, but a senior GOP senator says there is budget gimmickry at work.