Welcome to today's Defense Business Briefing, your weekly roundup of the latest defense industry news.
Pentagon summons industry to help build space-based interceptors for Golden Dome
The Defense Department is taking a critical next step in its drive to build a space-based missile shield over the United States, inviting a broad array of companies -- including non-traditional defense firms -- to contribute concepts for a potential network of orbital interceptors capable of striking enemy missiles during launch.
Northrop executive urges Pentagon to clarify Golden Dome goals before industry can deliver
NATIONAL HARBOR, MD -- A top Northrop Grumman executive warned Monday that the Pentagon must deliver a clearer articulation of the problem it wants to solve with its "Golden Dome for America" missile defense initiative if it expects meaningful responses from industry.
After successful demos, industry still waiting on self-propelled howitzer solicitation
The Army has yet to put out its planned solicitation to kick off the second phase of its Self-Propelled Howitzer Modernization (SPH-M) program despite planning its release for the end of February, following what those in industry have described as successful demos last fall.
HII, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries look to collaborate on ship production under new MOU
NATIONAL HARBOR, MD -- United States shipbuilder HII have signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to "explore opportunities to collaborate on accelerating ship production" for both defense and commercial work, the companies announced this week.
Army to brief industry on future contract plans at Aberdeen this month
The Army will brief industry in late April on the service's projected program goals and potential contracting plans for the next two fiscal years to give companies an idea of how to compete.
DIU launches Blue Manufacturing Marketplace
The Pentagon's innovation arm announced the launch of its anticipated digital marketplace for pre-approved commercial manufacturing companies to partner with commercial defense technology vendors.
Senators cite shipbuilding costs amid bipartisan push to cancel Canada tariffs
United States shipbuilding is at risk under President Trump's tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, according to Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), who is leading a bipartisan push in the Senate to end a 25% tariff levied on the majority of Canadian goods.
Applications for inaugural OSC loan total $8.9B, 'significantly exceeding' $984M available
The Office of Strategic Capital received requests totaling $8.9 billion for its inaugural loan program targeting domestic manufacturing capabilities, highlighting "the critical need for federal financing to scale domestic manufacturing of technologies vital to national and economic security," the Defense Department said in a release.
Mustin hired as Saildrone's first president
Maritime drone maker Saildrone this week announced the appointment of retired Navy Vice Adm. John Mustin as the company's first president.
Wells appointed to be AEVEX's next president
Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and unmanned systems company AEVEX Aerospace has announced the hiring of Roger Wells as the company's new president.
The week ahead
Fiscal year 2026 posture is in full swing on Capitol Hill and senior leaders are scheduled to speak at numerous congressional hearings. The Navy League is also hosting its annual Sea Air Space Conference.
Navy piloting new amphib maintenance program with more prep time before availabilities
NATIONAL HARBOR, MD -- The Navy will pilot a new maintenance program for amphibious warships this year that will provide extended lead time for maintainers to plan and prepare for big-deck amphibious ship maintenance availabilities, senior officials said Monday at the Navy League's Sea-Air-Space conference.
Trump official sidesteps COCOM consolidation questions amid congressional pushback
A Trump administration official declined to provide clear answers last week on whether the U.S. military plans to consolidate its combatant command structure, amid intensifying concerns from lawmakers and warnings from senior commanders about the potential risks such changes could pose to national security.