The Insider

By Tony Bertuca
February 8, 2024 at 1:53 PM

The Senate Armed Services Committee today voted to advance four senior Defense Department nominees to the full chamber for confirmation votes.

The nominees advancing include Cara Abercrombie to be assistant secretary of defense for acquisition, Aprille Ericsson to be assistant secretary of defense for science and technology, Ronald Keohane to be assistant secretary of defense for manpower and reserve affairs, and Douglas Schmidt to be director of operational test and evaluation.

It's unclear when or if the nominees will receive speedy confirmation votes, however, as Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), who withdrew his holds on military nominees has said he intends to keep his block in place for Pentagon civilians as he continues to protest DOD’s travel and leave policy for servicemembers seeking abortion services.

The Senate has confirmed just one DOD nominee since April -- Nickolas Guertin to be the Navy’s assistant secretary for research, development and acquisition.

By Tony Bertuca
February 7, 2024 at 4:34 PM

The State Department has approved a possible $1.2 billion foreign military sale for airspace and surface radar reconnaissance aerostat systems, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

The deal, according to DSCA, would cover the ASRR systems and a variety of radars, sensors and other equipment.

“The proposed sale will improve Poland's capability to meet current and future threats of enemy air and ground weapons systems,” DSCA said. “Poland will use the capability as an airborne early warning system to defend against incoming regional threats. This will also enable Poland to increase its contribution to future NATO operations.”

The agency recently reported that U.S. foreign military sales increased by 56% in fiscal year 2023 partly driven by $30 billion in new deals with Poland, which has grown increasingly alarmed by Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

The principal contractors involved in the deal will be Raytheon Intelligence and Space, of El Segundo, CA; TCOM, L.P., of Columbia, MD; ELTA North America, of Annapolis Junction, MD; and Avantus Federal LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of QinetiQ), of McLean, VA, according to DSCA.

The agency noted that the actual dollar value of the deal will likely be lower than $1.2 billion if and when the arrangement is concluded.

By John Liang
February 7, 2024 at 1:59 PM

This Wednesday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on a recent Mitchell Institute report on collaborative combat aircraft, the Defense Innovation Unit's "3.0" strategy and more.

The Mitchell Institute think thank hosted a wargame in July 2023, during which three "blue" teams overwhelmingly opted for collaborative combat aircraft to disrupt and confuse a peer adversary, in this case China, by helping to "determine key threats and nodes, and then target them," and "impose costs, and open the path to follow-on crewed and uncrewed forces":

Report: Air Force needs an 'affordable mass' of autonomous drones to defeat China

The Air Force needs collaborative combat aircraft to fill capability gaps as its legacy fighter fleet shrinks and the service prepares for a potential fight with China, according to a report published yesterday by the Mitchell Institute.

Amid all its upgraded responsibilities, the Defense Innovation Unit's core task remains helping the U.S. military harness commercial technology to counter China:

DIU releases new '3.0' strategy to expand its role in tech development

The Defense Innovation Unit released its new strategy today for "DIU 3.0," which aims to help the U.S. military leverage more commercial technology amid bolstered support from lawmakers and the Pentagon's senior leaders.

Some GPS news:

Software problems could delay launch of GPS IIIF satellites

Further delays in the Next Generation Operational Control System for the GPS enterprise could push back the launch date for the GPS III Follow-On satellites, according to the annual report from the director of operational test and evaluation.

SSC pursuing rapid prototyping model for GPS satellites

Space Systems Command is looking to develop and launch a set of prototype satellites for a GPS constellation, seemingly following the lead of the Space Development Agency's spiral development model.

A test conducted last year, called "The Trusted Operation of Robotic Vehicles in a Contested Environment," studied challenges facing autonomous systems in "congested electronic warfare environment[s]" and was held in the Cultana Training Area in South Australia:

Autonomous ground vehicles tested in AUKUS Pillar II event

The United States, Australia and the United Kingdom tested robotic vehicle sensors during a fall 2023 trial aimed at solving the weaknesses of autonomous systems, according to a Defense Department announcement.

By John Liang
February 6, 2024 at 1:43 PM

This Tuesday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on Army counter-drone capabilities, the Pentagon's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program plus Navy shipbuilding and Army ammunition stockpiles.

The Army's top uniformed officer spoke this morning during a breakfast hosted by the Association of the United States Army in Arlington, VA:

Army chief seeks 'broad funding lines' for counter-UAS capabilities

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George said today that he thinks it would be more effective to have "broad funding lines" when it comes to purchasing counter-drone capabilities that would create more flexibility in the service's budget.

The latest CMMC news from our colleagues at Inside Cybersecurity:

Major coalition asks for CMMC proposed rule 60-day extension amid notable increase in stakeholder feedback requests from agencies

A coalition representing major defense associations and government contractors is asking the Defense Department to extend the comment period for a proposed rule to implement the Pentagon's cyber certification program, in a new letter highlighting three public comment periods for cyber rulemakings that closed last week.

DOE releases guide to help maturity model stakeholders understand Pentagon's CMMC program

The Energy Department has published a guide comparing its voluntary maturity model for developing cybersecurity plans to the Pentagon's upcoming program for defense contractors who are handling sensitive government data on nonfederal systems.

The Army's acquisition chief spoke this week at a virtual event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies:

Bush suggests maintaining larger ammo stockpiles could be helpful during largescale conflicts

Ukraine's war with Russia has shown how the U.S. defense industrial base would benefit from maintaining larger stockpiles of ammunition during instances of largescale conflicts, Army acquisition chief Doug Bush suggested Monday.

The Heritage Foundation held an event this week on "Regaining America's Maritime Security and Competitiveness":

Rep. Waltz: U.S. must focus on shipbuilding to contend with China's naval 'overmatch'

A decline in American shipbuilding coupled with China's rise as a maritime powerhouse could soon become a crisis for United States security and economics, according to Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL), who is leading a growing group of lawmakers calling for more aggressive action to bolster U.S. industry.

By John Liang
February 5, 2024 at 1:48 PM

This Monday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the Senate's supplemental security spending bill, further coverage of the Pentagon's latest annual operational test and evaluation report and more.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Parry Murray (D-WA) over the weekend released a section-by-section summary as well as the legislative text of a bipartisan national security supplemental package:

Bipartisan Senate supplemental bill tags $35B for U.S. defense industry

A new supplemental security spending bill that emerged from the Senate over the weekend after months of bipartisan negotiations injects $35 billion into the U.S. defense industrial base, focusing on new weapons for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, as well as replenishing U.S. stocks and adding $2.44 billion to cover the latest military actions in and around the Red Sea against Iran-backed militants.

Document: Senate's national security supplemental package

The latest from the Pentagon's operational test and evaluation report:

DOT&E flags frigate design risks, confirms program delays

An early assessment of the Constellation-class frigate program identified design risks that could challenge the operational effectiveness of all three of the ship's primary mission areas -- air, surface and anti-submarine warfare -- according to an annual report from the director of operational test and evaluation.

DOT&E: Medium tactical trucks are 'effective, suitable and survivable'

The Army's medium tactical trucks are "effective, suitable and survivable," an annual report from the Pentagon's chief tester states.

Pentagon's top weapons tester notes software issue in upgraded Javelin command launch unit

An upgraded command launch unit for the Javelin Antitank Missile System-Medium experienced a software issue during follow-on operational test and evaluation last year that led to "multiple system aborts," according to a report issued Feb. 1 by the Pentagon's top weapons tester.

Document: DOT&E's 2023 annual report

(Read our full DOT&E report coverage.)

Our colleagues at Inside Cybersecurity have the latest on the Pentagon's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program:

CMMC accreditation body plans to release updated draft assessment process guide for comment

The accreditation body behind the Pentagon's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program plans to release a new draft of its assessment process guide, known as "the CAP," for public comment before the Defense Department completes its rulemaking efforts to finalize the program, according to CEO Matthew Travis.

By Georgina DiNardo
February 5, 2024 at 11:57 AM

The Defense Science Board will hold closed federal advisory committee meetings this week, starting tomorrow and ending Thursday, to analyze classified information pertaining to advanced capabilities needed for future conflicts, according to a notice posted in the Federal Register today.

The board is scheduled to hear from Heidi Shyu, defense under secretary for research and engineering, on Wednesday on symmetric and asymmetric capabilities.

The first closed meeting on Tuesday will include Lt. Gen. Charles Moore, chair of the DSB task force on future cyber warfighting capabilities, supplying a briefing on the task force’s technical evaluations of cyber capabilities. The DSB will then take a vote based on these recommendations.

Then, Katherine McGrady and Robert Wisnieff, chairs of the DSB task force to advise implementation and prioritization of national security innovation activities, will brief the board on findings related to emerging hardware and materials areas with potential dual-use impact. The DSB will take another vote after hearing the chairs’ recommendations.

Robert Grossman, study chair, will present a report by the DSB task force on digital engineering that covers DOD’s implementation progress of the requirements listed in the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. This will be followed by a vote.

Following that presentation, the DSB task force on test and evaluation, which researched resources and capabilities for DOD test and evaluation organizations and laboratories, will present a minority opinion document, followed by another vote.

Next, David Knoll, director for analysis and study director in the defense secretary’s office, will lead a team, comprised of OSD workers and study members, briefing on lessons learned from the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Doug Beck, director of the Defense Innovation Unit, will conclude Tuesday’s session with a classified briefing on DIU’s strategy, obstacles and primary goals.

Wednesday’s classified briefing will begin with an objectives overview of the 2024 Summer Study on Advanced Capabilities for Potential Future Conflict led by Betsy Kowalski, DSB DFO, and Eric Evans, DSB chair.

Then, the board will discuss strategies that help DOD’s “continued development of symmetric and asymmetric capabilities that will characterize future conflicts,” according to the Federal Register notice.

Finally, Shyu will brief the board on her own view of how future conflicts will be altered by symmetric and asymmetric capabilities.

Thursday’s meeting will be a chance for DSB members to continue their discussion about symmetric and asymmetric capabilities.

By Tony Bertuca
February 5, 2024 at 5:00 AM

Senior defense officials are scheduled to speak at several events this week, including the acquisition chiefs of two military services.

Monday

The Center for Strategic and International Studies hosts a discussion on munitions production with Army acquisition chief Doug Bush.

Tuesday

The Association of the United States Army hosts a discussion with Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George.

Wednesday

AUSA will host a "hot topic" event on contested logistics.

The House Armed Services readiness subcommittee holds a hearing on military housing and infrastructure.

Thursday

The Foundation for the Defense of Democracies hosts a discussion about Ukraine with the assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs.

RAND hosts a discussion with senior defense officials on reforming the planning, programming, budgeting and execution process.

Friday

The Atlantic Council hosts a discussion with Air Force acquisition chief Andrew Hunter.

By Tony Bertuca
February 2, 2024 at 6:31 PM

The United States, in retaliation for a drone attack that killed three U.S. servicemembers in Jordan last Sunday, has launched airstrikes against 85 targets at seven military facilities in Iraq and Syria controlled by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps' Quds Force and other affiliated groups.

Administration officials who briefed reporters said the strikes are only the beginning of the U.S. response.

The strikes were carried out by numerous U.S. aircraft including multiple B-1 bombers dispatched from the United States, according to Lt. Gen. Douglas Sims, director for operations on the Joint Staff.

“The beauty of the American bomber is we can strike anywhere in the world at a time of our choosing,” he said. “We can conduct this from home turf so to speak.”

Sims said the strike also involved “a number” of aircraft from the U.S. Central Command area of operations but would not provide details.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the strikes hit three military facilities in Iraq and four in Syria.

“These targets were carefully selected to avoid civilian casualties,” he said, adding that there is “clear irrefutable evidence” that they were connected to the dozens of attacks on U.S. servicemembers in the region.

“The signal is to the IRGC and these groups is the attacks have got to stop,” he said.

Kirby, who stressed there will be additional strikes in coming days, said the attacks also degraded capability of Iran’s proxy forces in the region.

“That began tonight but it will not end tonight,” he said. “This is just a first set of responses.”

Sims said the strikes involved 125 precision guided munitions launched over a period of about 30 minutes.

“We’re very confident in the targets that we struck today,” he said. “We confidently struck targets that will impact their ability to conduct future strikes against Americans.”

The officials said the facilities struck included command and control operations centers, intelligence centers along with rocket, missile and drone storage areas and logistics and munition supply chain facilities.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin released a statement stressing that the United States does not seek war.

“We do not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else, but the president and I will not tolerate attacks on American forces,” he said. “We will take all necessary actions to defend the United States, our forces, and our interests.”

By John Liang
February 2, 2024 at 4:41 PM

BAE Systems announced today it has acquired British drone company Malloy Aeronautics.

Malloy Aeronautics designs and supplies all-electric uncrewed aerial systems to both civil and military customers, according to a BAE statement. Its range of uncrewed, heavy lift quadcopters are capable of lifting payloads from 68kg to 300kg over short- to medium-range missions.

Malloy’s approximately 80-strong workforce will continue to operate from its site in Berkshire in the U.K., supporting its existing customers. BAE Systems and Malloy, who have been working together on UAS solutions since 2021, "will further develop Malloy’s existing portfolio and accelerate new and novel technologies to customers worldwide," the statement reads.

Financial terms of the deal weren't disclosed.

"Our acquisition of Malloy Aeronautics is part of our ongoing strategy to develop and invest in breakthrough technologies which augment our existing capabilities and provide our customers with the innovation they need in response to evolving requirements," Simon Barnes, group managing director of BAE Systems' Air sector, said in the statement. "We're confident that the synergy between our two companies will pave the way for even greater achievements in uncrewed aerial systems and technologies.”

Engineers from the two companies have been developing the 300kg T-650 all-electric "heavy lift" UAS as a potential new solution for military, security and civilian customers.

Last year, the companies announced the successful demonstration of the carriage and release of a 200kg inert Sting Ray Training Variant Torpedo using the T-600 demonstrator aircraft during a NATO exercise called Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping with Maritime Uncrewed Systems (REPMUS).

Malloy Aeronautics will be part of FalconWorks, the research and development business within BAE Systems’ Air sector.

By Nick Wilson
February 2, 2024 at 4:21 PM

The Marine Corps has selected contractors Mack Defense and Navistar Defense for the initial development of a Medium Tactical Truck, a future vehicle family intended to replace the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) fleet.

In phase I of the program, each company will spend approximately 12 months developing and submitting “innovative design concepts” and a “comprehensive project plan” based on service requirements for a cargo MTT variant, according to a Marine Corps notice.

Early prototype development will focus on three cargo variant configurations consisting of 10-, 15- and 20-foot cargo beds, the announcement states.

System requirements include the integration of hybrid electric technologies for “reduced fuel consumption, extended range and a silent watch capability”; all-terrain mobility with a 70% off-road and 30% on-road mission profile; a 60-inch water fording capability; a 10-kilowatt, onboard power generation capacity and up to 30 kilowatts of exportable power generation for external demands.

The legacy MTVR platform, produced by Oshkosh Defense, includes cargo, dumper, wrecker, tractor and resupply variants. The vehicle, which supports all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force, began fielding in the early 2000s with a 22-year service life that was subsequently extended to 2042.

In a separate announcement shared with Inside Defense, Navistar Defense said its MTT prototype will be based on its existing ATLAS vehicle. The company’s prototypes will be delivered by December 2025, the announcement continues.

The Marine Corps requested just under $12 million in fiscal year 2024 research and development funding for the MTVR Modification program, which funds a variety of vehicle modernization and development initiatives. Funding is expected to climb to more than $21 million in FY-25 and grow to nearly $85 million by FY-27.

Budget documents indicate a milestone B decision is expected in the fourth quarter of FY-26, with the program’s engineering and manufacturing development phase spanning FY-27 to FY-29 and its production and deployment phase following from FY-30 to FY-34.

“The Marine Corps looks forward to collaborating with Mack Defense and Navistar Defense in this crucial development phase, working toward the common goal of delivering a Medium Tactical Truck that meets the diverse and challenging needs of Marine Corps missions,” the service announcement states.

By Tony Bertuca
February 2, 2024 at 3:59 PM

The White House intends to submit its fiscal year 2025 spending request to Congress on March 11, according to the Office of Management and Budget.

The budget submission will follow President Biden’s March 7 State of the Union address and will come days after two government shutdown deadlines put in place by Congress, which is still struggling to pass FY-24 appropriations bills.

The FY-25 total defense topline, according to the Fiscal Responsibility Act inked last fall, will be capped at $895 billion, up from $886 billion in FY-24.

Presidents are required by law to submit their annual budget proposals the first Monday of February, but the deadline is often missed and there is no penalty for missing it.

Meanwhile, the White House has been trying for months to get Congress to pass a security supplemental spending package of more than $100 billion that includes aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and border security. Hill staffers said the text of a proposed bipartisan supplemental would be released this weekend.

The Pentagon, along with the rest of the federal government, is running internal “drills” to take a 1% budget cut because -- as mandated by the FRA agreement -- it began the year under a stopgap continuing resolution. Congress has until April, however, to stop the automatic sequester, which many defense budget analysts expect will be part of an upcoming budget deal.

By John Liang
February 2, 2024 at 1:08 PM

This Friday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the Defense Department's latest operational test and evaluation report, a Senate hearing to consider the nomination of the next head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and more.

We start off with coverage from the Pentagon's latest operational test and evaluation report:

DOD's top weapons tester says Ukraine war validates live-fire evals

The acting head of the Pentagon's independent weapons testing office says that while his team has developed new digital tools to evaluate the military’s most expensive systems, the war in Ukraine demonstrates the deadly effectiveness of U.S. weapons that have been put through rigorous live-fire test and evaluation.

Pentagon tester says F-35 availability at serious low, program deficiencies persist

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program is significantly behind schedule, with just 51% of the aircraft available last year for combat, testing or training as opposed to the fleet's stated goal of 65%, according to a Pentagon report published this week.

Ford IOT&E extended through FY-27, flight system reliability challenges persist

Initial operational test and evaluation for the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) aircraft carrier is expected to stretch through fiscal year 2027, according to an annual report from the Pentagon's chief weapons tester, which points to persistent reliability challenges for the vessel’s flight operations systems.

Document: DOT&E's 2023 annual report

(Read our full DOT&E report coverage.)

Navy Adm. Samuel Paparo submitted answers to advance policy questions ahead of his nomination hearing this week before the Senate Armed Services Committee to become chief of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command:

INDOPACOM needs 'persistent stare,' quality targeting to deter China; means to 'blind' and kill

The presumptive new head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command -- whose tenure, if confirmed, could extend to the cusp of a 2027 centennial celebration of the founding of China's armed forces and a potential move by Beijing to take Taiwan by force -- today outlined for Congress new capabilities needed for decision superiority to "blind, see and kill" adversary forces.

Document: Adm. Paparo's INDOPACOM nomination APQs

The Army's C5ISR Center Research and Technology Integration Directorate is asking companies to provide information on capabilities "that can help protect soldiers, vehicles and infrastructure from emerging and future [UAS] threats":

Army seeking non-kinetic solutions for May CUAS industry day

The Army is seeking non-kinetic solutions for a May industry day focused on counter-unmanned systems, according to a sources-sought notice posted this week.

CoorsTek, Goex/Estes Energetics, Lacamas Laboratories, Margrathea Metals, METSS Corp., Powdermet and Synthio Chemicals were selected for different awarded amounts to work on developing critical chemicals, all funded through the Defense Production Act Investments Program:

DPAI awards $192.5 million to increase domestic critical chemicals production

The Defense Department awarded seven companies contracts totaling $192.5 million today in efforts to generate critical chemicals domestic manufacturing capabilities.

HII Chief Executive Officer Chris Kastner spoke about his company's quarterly earnings this week:

HII hiring, revenue climbed in fourth quarter

Shipbuilder HII made progress with hiring in 2023 -- bringing in over 6,900 craft personnel -- and set a goal of hiring approximately 6,000 more in 2024, according to a fourth-quarter earnings call with investors held on Thursday.

Jill Hruby, who heads the National Nuclear Security Administration, said at the 16th annual Nuclear Deterrence Summit this week that Generative AI is a large tool for the Energy Department to use when it comes to efficiency:

NNSA chief says Generative AI needs to adhere to nuclear enterprise standards

A senior Energy Department official said today that Generative Artificial Intelligence needs to be integrated into DOE efforts under nuclear enterprise security standards.

By Abby Shepherd
February 2, 2024 at 12:54 PM

Hardware reliability issues and a lack of modeling are largely to blame for delays facing the Navy's Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band, according to an annual report released Thursday by the Pentagon's director of operational test and evaluation.

The DOT&E has not yet cleared the program to conduct initial operational test and evaluation due to “system immaturity,” the report notes. NGJ-MB was previously expected to clear this barrier in August 2023, and a Navy spokesperson told Inside Defense in October that testing and data collection were ongoing.

In January, a Navy spokesperson told Inside Defense that initial operational capability for NGJ-MB had once again been pushed back to spring of 2024, following the completion of IOT&E.

“Hardware reliability issues and a lack of validated or accredited digital models, which are derived from operational test data and are required to supplement NGJ-MB operational flight test evaluation, present a significant risk to NGJ-MB IOT&E,” the report said.

The NGJ-MB consists of two pods located under EA-18G aircraft wings and is the first of three programs meant to replace the AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jammer System currently used by the aircraft.

In its report, DOT&E encourages the development and assessment of digital models of integrated test events to provide data necessary for modeling and simulation verification, validation and accreditation. Above all, DOT&E requests the program submit an IOT&E test plan for approval.

By Tony Bertuca
February 1, 2024 at 2:28 PM

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, speaking to the press for the first time since his Jan. 1 emergency hospitalization, apologized for how he handled the secrecy surrounding his medical absence, including his failure to tell President Biden.

“I want to be crystal clear -- we did not handle this right, and I did not handle this right,” he told reporters during a Pentagon press conference.

Austin was hospitalized Jan. 1 due to complications from a Dec. 22 surgery to treat prostate cancer. Neither Austin nor his staff alerted senior White House officials, including the president, about his diagnosis, his surgery or his subsequent hospitalization. Biden did not learn Austin was in the hospital until Jan. 4, three days after he was admitted. The president and other White House officials did not learn of his cancer diagnosis until days later.

“I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis. I should have also told my team and the American public,” Austin said. “I take full responsibility. I apologize to my teammates and to the American people.”

Austin, who was not released from Walter Reed Medical Center until Jan. 15, said he kept the matter a secret because he was “shook” by his cancer diagnosis and is a private person by nature.

“It was a gut punch, and frankly, my first instinct was to keep it private,” he said. “I don't think it's news that I'm a pretty private guy. I never like burdening others with my problems. It's just not my way. But I've learned from this experience. Taking this kind of job means losing some of the privacy that most of us expect.”

Austin, who is still recovering from his time in the hospital and using a small golf cart to move about the Pentagon, emphasized there were “no gaps” and “no risks” in the national security chain of command while he was in the hospital.

“At every moment, either I or the deputy secretary was in full charge,” he said. “And we've already put in place some new procedures to make sure that any lapses in notification don't happen.”

Still, Austin said he and his team will do a better job of notifying the White House if Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks must temporarily assume his duties. It is unclear what Hicks knew of Austin’s condition and when she was made aware of it.

“In the future, if the deputy secretary needs to temporarily assume the office -- the duties of my office, she and several White House offices will be immediately notified, including the White House Situation Room, and so will key officials across the department. And the reason for that assumption of duties will be included in writing,” he said.

Meanwhile, Austin’s staff is running an internal review of the matter and the DOD inspector general has begun its own investigation.

The news of Austin’s secret hospitalization consumed Washington for days, potentially become a political liability for Biden as he pursues re-election.

“I don't talk about conversations with my boss, but I can tell you I've apologized directly to President Biden, and I've told him that I'm deeply sorry for not letting him know immediately that I received a heavy diagnosis and was getting treatment,” Austin said.

Austin said he never considered resigning and the White House made clear early on that Biden continued to have confidence in him.

“He has responded with the grace and warm heart that anyone who knows President Biden would expect, and I'm grateful for his full confidence in me,” Austin said.

However, several congressional Republicans, and one Democrat, have called for Austin’s resignation.

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) has requested that Austin appear before the panel on Feb. 14 to discuss the matter.

Austin did not commit to attending the hearing but did say he would remain in contact with Rogers and his office.

“Congress had some very relevant questions that they've asked us, and we will continue to answer those questions,” he said. “We'll continue to work with Chairman Rogers' office to address any additional questions or issues that he might have. And again, we'll stay in touch with Chairman Rogers' office as things play out.”

By John Liang
February 1, 2024 at 1:20 PM

This Thursday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on Boeing's quarterly earnings, the Marine Corps' Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle competition, the Air Force's Advanced Battle Management System and more.

Quarterly earnings news from Boeing:

Boeing defense unit still bleeding money, but 'poised to improve'

A senior Boeing executive today said the company's defense business is "poised to improve" after recording huge losses, yet fell short of announcing a blueprint for 2024 during the company's year-end earnings call.

Contractors General Dynamics Land Systems and Textron Systems each delivered an ARV prototype to the Marine Corps in early fiscal year 2023 and spent the remainder of the year running a gauntlet of government-directed tests to assess the vehicles' survivability, land and water mobility as well as command, control, communications and computer/uncrewed aerial systems (C4UAS) capabilities. Here's the story, now available to all:

Two contractors remain as ARV competition moves toward EMD phase

As the Marine Corps moves its Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle program toward the engineering and manufacturing development phase and narrows in on requirements for a family of six vehicle variants, two companies remain standing in the prototyping competition that will decide the maker of this next-generation family of vehicles.

Inside Defense recently interviewed C3BM Integrating Program Executive Officer Brig. Gen. Luke Cropsey:

Exclusive: ABMS IDIQ awardees now competing for follow-on work

The Air Force awarded the last of its indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contracts for the Advanced Battle Management System last year, and the awardees are now competing to bring their capabilities to fruition as the service seeks to rapidly field technology for its contribution to the Joint All Domain Command and Control effort.

Heidi Shyu, under secretary of defense for research and engineering, spoke this week at the 10th annual Defense R&D Summit in Alexandria, VA:

DOD official wants to focus on bridging 'valley of death' to counter China

The Pentagon's technology chief emphasized the importance of bridging the "valley of death" by creating pathways for innovation through the government's labyrinthine acquisition system, especially during a time of increased military challenge from China.

The goal of China's military-civil fusion strategy, according to DOD, is to support weapons modernization by ensuring Beijing can "acquire advanced technologies and expertise developed by PRC companies, universities and research programs that appear to be civilian entities":

DOD releases new list of 'Chinese military companies' connected to U.S.

The Defense Department has released an updated list of "Chinese military companies" operating directly or indirectly in the United States.

News on the latest happenings at the Defense Innovation Unit:

Upcoming DIU summit aims to scale commercial tech for INDOPACOM

A senior Defense Innovation Unit official said an upcoming industry summit will be an opportunity to focus on scaling commercial technologies for use by the Defense Department, specifically focusing on U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

DIU seeks autonomous surface vehicle prototype in line with Replicator

The Defense Innovation Unit is looking for submissions from industry that can produce small, unmanned, autonomous surface vehicle interceptors for the Navy, according to a new solicitation in line with the Defense Department's Replicator initiative.

The Missile Defense Agency completed a preliminary design review of Northrop Grumman's Next Generation Interceptor proposal last week:

MDA completes major review of Northrop's NGI design; fate of competition TBD in PB-25

The Defense Department last week completed the second of two major technical reviews for the Next Generation Interceptor, wrapping up an assessment of Northrop Grumman's design and select components for a homeland defense guided-missile prototype -- an event that potentially could form the basis of a source selection if funding for the project is curtailed.