Welcome to today's Defense Business Briefing, your weekly roundup of the latest defense industry news.
GAO: Cost savings, less risky technical enhancements led Army to choose AM General for JLTV follow-on
A $795 million cost difference between Oshkosh Defense and AM General's proposals for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle follow-on production contract, along with AM General's "less risky" technological upgrades were the factors that led the Army to choose AM General for the contract, according to the Government Accountability Office.
Space Force to host an industry day on space launch Phase III
An industry day is scheduled on July 20-21, to provide updates on Phase III of the space launch acquisitions program, the service announced June 30.
U.S. approves $5.62B F-35 sale to Czech Republic
The State Department has approved a possible $5.62 billion foreign military sale of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters to the Czech Republic, according to a Defense Security Cooperation Agency notice.
DOD awards $134M contract to SES for satellite communication services
The Defense Department has awarded a $134 million contract to SES Space & Defense to provide secure satellite communication services.
Army enters OTA with Lockheed Martin for next phase of Terrestrial Layer System
The Army has entered into an other transaction authority with Lockheed Martin for the prototype build and demonstration phase of the Terrestrial Layer System-Echelons Above Brigade, the service announced June 27. The agreement totals $36.7 million.
U.S. approves $5.9B P-8 aircraft FMS to Canada
The State Department has approved a possible $5.9 billion foreign military sale to Canada for up to 16 P-8A patrol aircraft, according to a Defense Security Cooperation Agency notice.
Mercury Systems hires new CFO
Mercury Systems announced it has hired David Farnsworth to be the company's new chief financial officer.
The week ahead
The Independence Day holiday means few events are scheduled for this week.
Milley says new joint warfighting doctrine due next month, supports bigger munitions buys
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley said last week that "Joint Pub 1" will be released next month, the latest Joint Warfighting Concept doctrine that will "clarify and inform" how the U.S. military will fight in the future amid great power competition with China and Russia and the onset of disruptive technologies.
Army's modified acquisition approach for Bradley cause for optimism
The slightly different acquisition approach the Army is using to replace the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle has generated optimism for some.
Watchdog says Pentagon still lacks comprehensive AI strategy
The Defense Department plans to spend billions of dollars on artificial intelligence but has not yet released a department-wide AI acquisition strategy, according to the Government Accountability Office, which warns DOD's "fragmented approach" risks waste and inefficiency.