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

'Long, complicated and painful': Washington wrestles with strategy to boost computer chip production

When Mark Lewis walked into the Pentagon in late 2019, he thought his most important job as a leading research official would be overseeing the development of new, high-speed missiles.

Anduril acquires air-launched effects company Area-I

Defense technology company Anduril Industries said it has acquired Area-I, a Marietta, GA-based company focused on air-launched effects.

General Atomics acquires Commonwealth Computer Research

General Atomics said earlier this month it has acquired Commonwealth Computer Research, which specializes in software engineering and data analytics.

Tyto Athene acquires DOD IT business of AT&T

Tyto Athene, owned by private-equity firm Arlington Capital Partners, said this month it has purchased AT&T Government Solutions, which includes AT&T's Defense Department IT professional services business.

Austal building steel line as it readies to compete for key contracts

Austal is building a steel production line at its Mobile, AL shipyard as the company positions itself to compete for the Marine Corps' Light Amphibious Warship and Navy's follow-on contract for the FFG(X) Future Frigate program.

Lockheed taps Lauderdale to lead F-35 program

Lockheed Martin said it has named Bridget Lauderdale, who leads its aeronautics unit's integrated fighter group, to serve as general manager of the F-35 Lightning II program, effective next week.

MITRE hires Jackson

MITRE said it has named Keoki Jackson senior vice president and general manager of its national security sector.

The week ahead

Senior Pentagon officials are scheduled to speak during several virtual events this week.

Joint AI Center eyes data curation agreements with 'innovative' companies

The Joint Artificial Intelligence Center is finalizing a new acquisition vehicle that would allow the Defense Department to place orders from technology companies to curate data sets for military AI applications.  

Analysts credit aggressive Navy action with mitigating effects of COVID-19 on shipbuilding

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought dramatic changes to American manufacturing, and naval shipbuilding was no exception.