Defense Business Briefing -- Dec. 31, 2019

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

This week's top story

Krone: Leidos will 'go very slow' in integrating Dynetics

The chief executive of Leidos said Dec. 18 the company is seeking to "go very slow" in integrating Dynetics, which it announced the day before it will buy for $1.65 billion.

News & notes

Leidos to buy Dynamics in $1.65 billion deal

Leidos said it has agreed to acquire privately owned and Huntsville, AL-based Dynamics for $1.65 billion in cash.

Maxar Technologies to sell MDA business

Maxar Technologies said it has agreed to sell MDA to a consortium led by Northern Private Capital for $765 million.

Petters: Unmanned sector remains a 'distinct market'

The chief executive of Huntington Ingalls Industries said he's pleased with the company's progress in winning unmanned work, but said the market is still in development.

Appointments & promotions

Boeing names new CEO

Boeing said Dennis Muilenburg, its chief executive, has resigned.

Northrop promotes Kalan

Northrop Grumman said earlier this month it has named Lesley Kalan chief strategy and development officer, effective Jan. 1.

For Inside Defense subscribers

New law requires DOD to submit services contract data for inclusion in five-year budget

New defense authorization legislation requires the Defense Department to begin annually submitting data to Congress on the amount it spends for contracted services so the information can be included in the Pentagon's five-year budget projections.

Pentagon task force chief concerned 'transparency in contracts' putting critical tech at risk

The head of the Pentagon's Protecting Critical Technology Task Force is concerned "transparency in contracts" is giving U.S. competitors too much information about where critical military technologies are developed.

Pentagon-backed industry groups seek broader input on cyber certification accreditation body 

Industry-based working groups backed by the Pentagon are seeking broader input on developing an accreditation body for certifying third-party cybersecurity assessments of defense contractors, as Defense Department officials race forward with plans to sign an agreement next month with the private sector on oversight of the landmark certification program.