Welcome to today's Defense Business Briefing, your weekly roundup of the latest defense industry news.
F-35s with TR-3 may be delivered even later, Lockheed CEO says
Lockheed Martin may not deliver F-35 Joint Strike Fighters enabled with Technology Refresh 3 until the third quarter of this calendar year, according to company CEO Jim Taiclet.
U.S. weapon sales surge by 56% as Washington looks to build up NATO
U.S. foreign military sales increased by 56% in fiscal year 2023 for a record-breaking total of $81 billion, a significant boost above the $52 billion reported in FY-22 and coming at a time when NATO is bolstering its defenses against Russia, according to new data from the State Department.
Electric Boat reports improved submarine throughput amid continued supply chain challenges
General Dynamics Electric Boat is seeing throughput improvements within the Columbia- and Virginia-class submarine programs but still needs additional aid from the Navy to stabilize the submarine supply chain, according to company executives.
Northrop reports $1.2 billion charges on first B-21 LRIP lot
Northrop Grumman will lose $1.17 billion on the first lot of the B-21 Raider’s low-rate initial production and will likely take charges on the next four lots, the business announced in its year-end earnings call.
Textron CEO not currently worried about CR impact on defense contracts
Textron CEO Scott Donnelly said today that he isn't currently worried about the impact of the continuing resolution on the company's defense contracts, unless it were to drag out to a full year.
DOD looking for industry collaboration on persistent sensing tech
The Defense Department put out a notice today requesting private industry, government research and development organizations and academia to identify innovative technologies that could be included in Thunderstorm 24-2.
AIA sees potential expansion of CMMC program beyond DOD following release of proposed rule
The Aerospace Industries Association is advocating for the Defense Department's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program to be used by civilian agencies, as part of an effort to address "ambiguity" over sensitive information held by contractors and create synergies.
U.S advances F-35 deal with Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has penned a final deal with the Biden administration to buy 24 F-35 fighter aircraft, worth about 150 billion Czech koruna or $6.5 billion.
Boeing to send Grey Wolf helos to Air Force this year
Boeing will commence the first 13 deliveries of its MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopter to the Air Force this year, a company spokesperson told Inside Defense.
Startup inks deal to recycle nuclear waste to power satellites
Zeno Power, which in May was awarded a $30 million Air Force contract to build a satellite powered by nuclear waste, has announced a new deal with the Energy Department by which it will obtain radioactive material needed to fuel its "novel" power system.
Kupinsky joins Mercury as company's top lawyer
Mercury Systems last week announced it hired Stuart Kupinsky as executive vice president and chief legal officer.
The week ahead
Senior defense officials are scheduled to speak at several events this week.
Defense Innovation Board to study foreign partnerships and tech adoption incentives
Following memos from a senior Pentagon official, the Defense Innovation Board today announced two new studies to optimize innovation with U.S. allies and align incentives for faster acquisition and technology adoption.
Marine Corps working to fix Osprey and ACV issues, stands by platforms
The Marine Corps remains confident in two key connector capabilities -- the V-22 Osprey and Amphibious Combat Vehicle -- despite recent training accidents in which service members lost their lives, according to Assistant Commandant Gen. Christopher Mahoney, who said the service is working to remedy the issues that caused these incidents.
DOD required to prepare ground-launched conventional missile strategy for Indo-Pacific
The Defense Department this summer must produce a strategy for ground-based, theater-range, conventional missiles in the Indo-Pacific, explaining to Congress how billions of dollars in planned new offensive strike capabilities -- cruise, ballistic and hypersonic -- will be deployed across the region to counter China.