Welcome to today's Defense Business Briefing, your weekly roundup of the latest defense industry news.
Lockheed Martin to acquire Aerojet Rocketdyne in $4.4 billion deal
Lockheed Martin said it has agreed to buy Aerojet Rocketdyne for $56 per share in cash in a deal worth a total $4.4 billion.
Lockheed Martin says it expects government customers to see benefits of Aerojet Rocketdyne purchase
Lockheed Martin's chief executive said the company has not yet received "direct feedback" from government customers about its proposed purchase of Aerojet Rocketdyne, but is hopeful "we'll have a mutual understanding of the benefits."
As contractors prepare for Biden administration, experts say supply chain will remain a focus
As the incoming Biden administration announces its nominees for top roles, Pentagon observers say contractors should watch for some changed priorities -- but that supply chain policy will likely continue to be a focus.
GM Defense says it is renovating North Carolina building for ISV work
GM Defense said it has begun renovations on an existing GM building in Concord, NC, to support production of the Infantry Squad Vehicle.
Court rules in favor of Leidos in NGEN contract case
The U.S. Court of Federal Claims has denied Perspecta's lawsuit over the Navy's award of the multibillion-dollar Next Generation Enterprise Network services contract to Leidos.
ULA CEO: Future launch strategies will likely require greater government investment
United Launch Alliance CEO Tory Bruno told reporters he expects future Space Force Launch Services Procurement strategies will call for more national security-unique requirements, potentially shifting the investment burden more toward the government and away from industry.
Redwire picks up LoadPath
Space company Redwire said it has acquired LoadPath, which develops payload adapters, deployable structures and thermal products for the space industry.
Northrop to invest in Deepwave Digital
Northrop Grumman said it will begin collaborating with and investing in Deepwave Digital to "support research, development and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies."
Huntington Ingalls promotes Kastner and Stiehle
Huntington Ingalls Industries said it has named Chris Kastner, the company's chief financial officer, chief operating officer and promoted Thomas Stiehle, CFO of Ingalls Shipbuilding, to replace Kastner.
BWXT adds Richardson to board
BWX Technologies said retired Adm. John Richardson, the former chief of naval operations, has been named to its board of directors.
BAE taps Tondreault to head platform & services sector
BAE Systems said it has promoted Jeremy Tondreault to president of its platform & services sector, effective Jan. 4.
Congress agrees to massive end-of-year spending bill
Congress has agreed to a $2.3 trillion omnibus package for fiscal year 2021 that includes $900 billion in pandemic relief funds.
NSA issues new internal guidance to protect defense networks in wake of SolarWinds compromise
The National Security Agency has issued new, non-public guidance to defense agencies and contractors in the wake of the ongoing SolarWinds supply chain cyberattack, while the Pentagon is reviewing whether the compromise affected its networks.
Inside Defense would like to wish our readers a safe and healthy Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year. The next Defense Business Briefing will be issued Jan. 5, 2021.