Defense Business Briefing -- March 19, 2019

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

This week's top story

Cubic picks up Nuvotronics

Cubic said it has acquired Nuvotronics, which provides microfabricated radio frequency products, for about $64 million in cash along with additional payments worth up to $8 million for future performance.

News & notes

FLIR Systems opens new headquarters in Arlington

FLIR Systems said it will open a new headquarters in Arlington, VA.

Protest spotlight

GAO has denied two protests filed against an Army Materiel Command award to Leonardo DRS for maintenance support system devices.

Defense industry group backs efforts in establishing space info-sharing organization

A defense industry group involved in tracking and sharing cyber threats has set up an office to provide analysts for the fledgling Air and Space Information Sharing and Analysis Organization located at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Appointments & promotions

Former Air Force secretary joins LocatorX board

Technology company LocatorX said it has appointed Deborah Lee James, the former Air Force secretary, to its board of directors.

Lockheed Martin announces promotions

Lockheed Martin said it has named Roderick McLean vice president and general manager for the company's air mobility and maritime missions organization and Bridget Lauderdale vice president and general manager for the integrated fighter group organization.

What's happening

The week ahead

Acting Defense Secretary Pat Shanahan, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford and other senior Pentagon officials are scheduled to speak at conferences in the Washington area this week. Congress is out.

For Inside Defense subscribers

Defense Innovation Board kicks off public debate over AI principles for the U.S. military

The Defense Innovation Board held its first public meeting today to discuss the artificial intelligence principles the U.S. military should adopt as the Defense Department seeks a major push to develop and field AI capabilities.

Pentagon seeks nearly $1 billion for AI, machine learning

The Pentagon wants to pour nearly $1 billion into artificial intelligence and machine learning efforts next year, including $268 million for the new Joint Artificial Intelligence Center to pursue AI tools that can be used across the department, as well as helping the military services fund their own developments.