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

Pentagon will begin new reviews of industry's independent R&D

The Defense Department, following a recommendation from the Government Accountability Office, intends to begin annual reviews of independent industry research and development projects so they can be better integrated into the U.S. military’s technology plans.

New chief says Cubic defense consolidation will improve 'operational efficiency'

The head of Cubic's newly consolidated defense business says he expects the combined unit to be able to offer more integrated solutions and to be more efficient.

DOD upholds JEDI award to Microsoft

The Pentagon said it has completed its "comprehensive re-evaluation" of its Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure contract and opted to stick with original winner Microsoft.

LMI task force looking at how to apply company's services during pandemic

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, LMI has convened a company-wide task force to consider the associated business opportunities.

General Dynamics Mission Systems partners with Dedrone

General Dynamics Mission Systems said it has entered into a partnership with counter-drone company Dedrone and made an equity investment into the company.

SAIC divests State and Justice contracts

Science Applications International Corp. said it has sold off several State Department and Justice Department international law enforcement support contracts as it culls its portfolio.

ManTech co-founder to move on from chairman role

ManTech International said co-founder George Pedersen will no longer serve as executive chairman and chairman of the board of directors.

The week ahead

Top defense officials are set to speak at several conferences this week, while industry executives are slated to make appearances at several investment events.

Pentagon finds China outpacing U.S. in shipbuilding and missile tech

China "is already ahead of the United States" in shipbuilding, missile technology and integrated air defense systems, according to the Pentagon's latest annual report on Chinese military strength.

Army Cyber Command consolidates key elements at new Ft. Gordon headquarters

Army Cyber Command has completed its move to its new headquarters at Ft. Gordon, GA, forming a "focal point" for its global cyber operations, according to senior service officials.