Welcome to today's Defense Business Briefing, your weekly roundup of the latest defense industry news.

New U.S. submarine pact with Australia, U.K. triggers industrial base questions

The United States and the U.K. are entering into a new tripartite alliance with Australia in the Indo-Pacific region that will allow the Aussies access to sensitive U.S. technology to purchase nuclear-powered submarines for the first time.

Salazar: Improving DPA Title III will strengthen industrial collaboration

The Pentagon's industrial policy chief said he is looking at accelerating and improving the effectiveness of Defense Production Act Title III to strengthen industrial collaboration.

DIU seeks proposals for new commercial technologies

The Defense Innovation Unit wants industry to submit proposals for innovative commercial technologies that accelerate attainment of defense capabilities, according to a recent notice.

House Small Business panel leaders seek assessment of Pentagon cyber certification program

Leaders from the House Small Business oversight subcommittee are working to get an amendment into the fiscal year 2022 defense authorization bill that would direct the Pentagon to assess the small business impacts of the Defense Department's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program.

Ojakli appointed as Boeing's chief lobbyist

Boeing said it has named Ziad Ojakli as the company's executive vice president of government operations.

Austal USA names Rusty Murdaugh president

Austal USA has selected Rusty Murdaugh, the company's chief financial officer and acting president since February, to lead the company permanently.

The week ahead

Senior defense officials are scheduled to speak at different venues around Washington this week.

Navy planning future vertical lift material development decision this month

The Navy is planning to launch an analysis of alternatives for its future vertical lift program this fall after completing its material development decision by the end of September, a program spokeswoman told Inside Defense Friday.

Kendall's message to Congress: Air Force can't win without retiring legacy platforms

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD -- Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said today that while Congress plays a key role in enabling the Defense Department to deter threats from China and Russia, the service won’t succeed unless it’s authorized to shed old platforms and invest in new technology.

F-35 JPO, DOD creating options for more organic sustainment

As House lawmakers push the Defense Department to drive down the F-35's long-term sustainment costs, the head of the joint program office said this week the Defense Department is taking steps to secure more of the technical data rights that could create future options to shift toward a more government-managed, competitive approach to sustaining the Joint Strike Fighter enterprise.