Defense Business Briefing -- Nov. 14, 2023

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

This week's top story

DIU begins monthly meetings for investors interested in U.S. and Indian start-ups

The Defense Innovation Unit, in coordination with the Indian Ministry of Defence, will be establishing a monthly series of meetings between government officials and the private sector to discuss potential business and technology investment opportunities, according to the Pentagon.

News & notes

Canberra to announce SSN-AUKUS 'shipbuilding partner' within the next year

Within the next year, the Australian government will announce the "shipbuilding partner" that will build the future SSN-AUKUS submarine and help to develop the vessel's requirements, an Australian Navy official said today at the Naval Submarine League Symposium.

F-15EX flyaway costs between $90-97 million, Boeing prepares lot 1B delivery

F-15EX Eagle II jets will cost between $90 million and $97 million each, according to the Air Force, after the service awarded Boeing a $3.9 billion contract for 48 of the fighters.

Rheinmetall sales increase while competing for Army contracts

Rheinmetall reported a sales increase during the third quarter of 2023 with stronger earnings expected as the company competes for several Army contracts, according to an earnings call the company held.

Space Force selects four contractors to develop FORGE C2 prototype

The Space Force awarded Ball Aerospace, Parsons, General Dynamics and Omni Federal $9.75 million each to develop new prototype ground systems for missile warning satellites, according to an announcement yesterday.

BAE gets $63M contract for self-propelled howitzers

BAE Systems was awarded a $63 million contract to produce self-propelled Paladin howitzers and ammunition carrier vehicles, the Defense Department announced.

As Army increases Q-53 acquisition goal, Lockheed envisions multimission role for radars

SYRACUSE, NY -- With the Army continuing to increase its acquisition target for the AN/TPQ-53 radar system, manufacturer Lockheed Martin is envisioning a future for the radar that serves multiple missions, including a counter-drone capability.

What's happening

The week ahead

Senior Pentagon officials are scheduled to speak at several events this week. Meanwhile, if Congress doesn't act, the federal government is slated to shut down upon the expiration of a stopgap continuing resolution that runs through Friday.

For Inside Defense subscribers

Navy tackling workforce development to meet submarine goals

Hiring and retaining a robust workforce is the key challenge the submarine industrial base must overcome to reach the Navy's desired production rate of one Columbia- and two Virginia-class submarines each year, according to a senior official.

Counter-swarm demonstration next year will incorporate AI, ML

The Pentagon's Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft System Office plans to incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning into a demonstration planned for next summer focusing on UAS swarms.