Defense Business Briefing -- Aug. 10, 2021

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

This week's top story

Boeing teams up with AEI to launch new venture capital platform

Boeing and AeroEquity Industrial Partners announced AEI HorizonX, a new partnership to expand Boeing's venture capital investments.

News & notes

Industry says drafting of CMMC rules slows amid DOD acquisition vacancies

Industry officials are frustrated by the Biden administration's pace for nominating and appointing key Defense Department positions such as under secretary for acquisition and sustainment, arguing the vacancies will likely slow regulatory and policy decisions for the Pentagon's cybersecurity certification program.

Kratos expects 'several' target drone program awards in coming months

Kratos' chief executive said the company hopes to win a multiyear award from the Air Force for a target drone program in the coming months, one of "several" deals he's looking forward to seeing from the Defense Department before year's end.

Appointments & promotions

Possenriede leaves Lockheed for 'personal reasons'

Lockheed Martin says its chief financial officer, Ken Possenriede, will "retire immediately due to personal reasons."

What's happening

The week ahead

The annual Space and Missile Defense Symposium will be held this week in Huntsville, AL, featuring several senior Pentagon officials.

For Inside Defense subscribers

Senate Dems move non-binding budget blueprint with no defense boost

Senate Democrats have put forth a non-binding, $3.5 trillion budget resolution that shows nominal increases to defense spending over the next 10 years, falling well short of the growth sought by most Republicans.

HII: Delays in unmanned programs to be resolved by end of the year

Delays in unmanned programs should be resolved by the end of the year, according to a senior Huntington Ingalls Industries executive.

Navy's RAIL will establish new industry roles

The Navy will create new roles for industry to be involved in the Rapid Autonomy Integration Lab's management and network.