The Insider

The INSIDER daily digest -- Oct. 10, 2024
By John Liang
October 10, 2024 at 2:54 PM

This Thursday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on South Korean conglomerate Hanwha getting into the U.S. shipbuilding market, NATO standing up a center to analyze lessons learned from Ukraine's use of space capabilities and more.

Mike Smith, president and CEO of Hanwha Defense U.S.A., today said module work represents the first step on a path to building the naval platforms of the future:

Hanwha eyes module production work at newly acquired Philly Shipyard

South Korean defense giant Hanwha aims to take on module fabrication work for Navy ship and submarine programs as it begins operations at its recently acquired Philly Shipyard, according to the head of the company’s U.S. defense business.

Ukraine is using technology for missile defense, drone protection and space and cyber capabilities in ways that could be beneficial to NATO operations, according to a senior alliance official:

NATO standing up center to analyze lessons learned from Ukraine's use of space capabilities

As a way to look at better leveraging space capabilities, NATO is standing up a "joint lessons learned center" in Poland that will look at the innovative and successful ways Ukraine has fought against the Russian invasion, according to a senior alliance official.

Anduril executives had announced the company is on contract to deliver the Bolt-M unmanned system for the Marine Corps' Organic Precision Fires-Light (OPF-L) program, which is a loitering munitions program that will provide infantry with a beyond-line-of-sight, precision-strike capability:

Anduril on contract with Marine Corps to deliver new loitering munition capability

Anduril has unveiled its new Bolt family of "man-packable, vertical-takeoff-and-landing autonomous air vehicles."

To ensure robotic platforms continue to adhere to mission commands and are able to independently make reasonable decisions in future battles, the Air Force Research Laboratory says it needs to develop autonomous software beyond just functionality to also address battlefield awareness and decision-making:

AFRL wants autonomy to help guide mission management of AI-enabled systems

The Air Force Research Laboratory is interested in developing autonomous capabilities for analyzing operations and directing courses of action to uncrewed aircraft, according to a request for information issued this week.

Keep an eye out in the coming days for the final rule that will launch the Pentagon's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program:

Pentagon cyber chief McKeown: CMMC program rule is 'imminent' as pace to formal launch accelerates

The programmatic rule to formally launch the Pentagon's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program is "imminent," according to Defense Department cyber chief David McKeown, who provided a rundown of where things stand with the rulemaking process and opportunities to help contractors reach compliance.

The INSIDER daily digest -- Oct. 9, 2024
By John Liang
October 9, 2024 at 2:11 PM

This Wednesday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the Army's latest tactical wheeled vehicle report to Congress, Navy artificial intelligence, the space Force's Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared system and more.

A new Army report "outlines the strategy for a Tactical Wheeled Vehicle (TWV) Program as requested by Congress in the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) National Defense Authorization Act":

Army plans to pour $6 billion into tactical wheeled vehicle program

The Army has laid out a five-year plan to spend upwards of $6 billion on its tactical wheeled vehicle fleet with the lion's share going toward light models, according to a report sent to Congress and obtained by Inside Defense.

Document: Army tactical wheeled vehicle strategy

Some Navy artificial intelligence news:

Navy integrating AI across force at tactical and operational levels, requirements and capabilities officer says

The Navy is progressing efforts to integrate artificial intelligence and other enabling technologies into its platforms and operations, according to a senior requirements and capabilities officer, who today said AI is a "critical enabler" increasingly being laced into systems across the force.

A new Defense Department inspector general's report "determine[s] whether the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next Gen OPIR) program management office (PMO) was effectively implementing software assurance (SwA) to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in system software":

IG recommends updating software assurance policies for Next Gen OPIR

The Defense Department needs to revise its guidelines for identifying and tracking software assurance risks for the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared system, according to recommendations from the Pentagon's watchdog.

Document: DOD IG report on software assurance for Next-Gen OPIR

The latest on the Pentagon's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program:

Pentagon cyber chief McKeown: CMMC program rule is 'imminent' as pace to formal launch accelerates

The programmatic rule to formally launch the Pentagon's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program is "imminent," according to Defense Department cyber chief David McKeown, who provided a rundown of where things stand with the rulemaking process and opportunities to help contractors reach compliance.

More CMMC news, in case you missed it yesterday:

CMMC study finds significant compliance gap with current DOD cyber standard and upcoming assessment regime

A recent study from security firm CyberSheath finds only 4% of defense contractors are fully prepared to meet upcoming security requirements under the Pentagon's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program, based on a survey of defense industrial base stakeholders.

Navy to host LCS mission module industry day in November
By Nick Wilson
October 8, 2024 at 4:18 PM

Naval Sea Systems Command is planning a Nov. 1 industry day on the Littoral Combat Ship mission modules development, engineering, production and sustainment (DEPS) program, according to a Monday announcement.

Hosted by the LCS mission modules program office (PMS-420) in Port Hueneme, CA, the event will “provide government information and solicit industry feedback on the proposed LCS MM DEPS program strategy,” the notice states.

During the event, attendants will be briefed on “the LCS MM DEPS vision; mission packages and mission modules; the Mission Package Support Facility (MPSF); and the program requirements and objectives,” the notice adds. The Navy will distribute draft program information to companies that pre-register.

The Navy’s LCS fleet is tasked with multiple missions including mine countermeasures and surface warfare. The ships can be outfitted with a variety of mission packages, composed of manned and unmanned vehicles, sensors and weapon systems.

The LCS mine countermeasures package achieved initial operational capability last year, with an inaugural operational deployment planned for fiscal year 2025. The Navy plans to outfit the class with Naval Strike Missiles by the early 2030s and may also be considering equipping some ships with the Standard Missile-6 following a test-fire event in early FY-24.

The INSIDER daily digest -- Oct. 8, 2024
By John Liang
October 8, 2024 at 1:42 PM

This Tuesday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the Pentagon's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program, the Air Force's mobility fleet, a proposed Army Mobile-Long Range Precision Strike Missile and more.

We start off with the latest cyber defense news from our colleagues at Inside Cybersecurity:

CMMC study finds significant compliance gap with current DOD cyber standard and upcoming assessment regime

A recent study from security firm CyberSheath finds only 4% of defense contractors are fully prepared to meet upcoming security requirements under the Pentagon's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program, based on a survey of defense industrial base stakeholders.

The Air Force's mobility fleet needs to quickly transform to generate greater capability, improved flexibility and stable capacity, officials have said, especially if near-peer adversaries such as China begin to target U.S. logistics chains:

Air Force may nix KC-135 recap, advance NGAS

The Air Force last month began soliciting industry for information on mission system options beyond delivering gas for its Next Generation Air-Refueling System, lighting a fire under an ongoing effort to accelerate the program to counter growing threats in the Indo-Pacific.

The Army is poised to publish a solicitation seeking industry proposals to meet a five-page directed requirement for a new missile approved Aug. 11, 2023 by Gen. James Rainey, Army Futures Command commander, needed for large-scale combat operations, particularly in a potential conflict against Russia:

New-start Mobile-Long Range Precision Strike Missile eyes ballistic rocket for infantry

The Army is set to launch a new program that aims to bolster infantry forces against tanks, armored vehicles and enemy forces by arming them with a yet-to-be-identified Mobile-Long Range Precision Strike Missile, a central part of the service's goal to make Infantry Brigade Combat Teams as lethal as Armored Brigade Combat Teams.

The Medium Range Intercept Capability is a system developed by the Marine Corps' Ground Based Air Defense program office to protect forward forces from airborne threats like cruise missiles and unmanned aircraft:

Marine Corps advances MRIC fielding plan with awards to Raytheon

The Marine Corps is moving ahead with plans to deploy a prototype air defense system in fiscal year 2025, according to an Oct. 4 notice, which details multiple awards to Raytheon Missiles and Defense for interceptors, launchers and other equipment for the Medium Range Intercept Capability.

Inside Defense traveled with the defense secretary on a C-32 transport aircraft to attend a change-of-command event, during which Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost passed leadership of U.S. Transportation Command to Gen. Randall Reed:

Austin: TRANSCOM to project, maneuver and sustain joint force in Indo-Pacific fight

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, IL -- U.S. Transportation Command will play a major role in deterring conflict in a potential battle with China, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Friday, from providing agile maneuver and quick delivery of assets or aid to directing logistics chains.

The INSIDER daily digest -- Oct. 7, 2024
By John Liang
October 7, 2024 at 2:09 PM

This Monday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on U.S. Transportation Command's role in a future fight with China, plus the Space Force incorporating "highly maneuverable on-orbit assets" into two of its Tactically Responsive Space demonstrations and more.

Inside Defense traveled with the defense secretary on a C-32 transport aircraft to attend a change-of-command event, during which Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost passed leadership of U.S. Transportation Command to Gen. Randall Reed:

Austin: TRANSCOM to project, maneuver and sustain joint force in Indo-Pacific fight

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, IL -- U.S. Transportation Command will play a major role in deterring conflict in a potential battle with China, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Friday, from providing agile maneuver and quick delivery of assets or aid to directing logistics chains.

Space Systems Command has awarded Impulse Space a $34.5 million Small Business Innovation Research Phase III contract for two satellites dubbed VICTUS SURGO and VICTUS SALO:

Space Force to use 'highly maneuverable' satellites in future VICTUS demos

The Space Force will incorporate "highly maneuverable on-orbit assets" into two of its Tactically Responsive Space demonstrations to show how such satellites can complement responsive launch efforts, according to the service.

In case you missed it, here's our coverage of the Pentagon protesting the inclusion of certain missile defense provisions in the House FY-25 defense policy bill:

DOD appeals $86M House cut in FY-25 authorization for 'critical' THAAD-IBCS integration

The Defense Department is asking lawmakers to reject a House proposal that would quash a new project that aims to integrate the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system into the Army Integrated Battle Command System architecture, arguing classified assessments deemed the project "critical" to countering sophisticated missile threats.

Third GMD site tab now $5 billion, Austin seeks mandate be stripped from final bill

The Defense Department is lobbying Congress to drop a legislative provision that could force the Pentagon to construct a third homeland missile defense site -- and spend an estimated $5 billion, 25% higher than prior estimates, on a project that lacks a validated operational need.

Document: Austin's FY-25 'heartburn' letter

A White House Office of Management and Budget memo issued last month "builds on previous efforts to harness the power and utility of AI in service of agency missions while protecting the public from potential risks or harms":

OMB memo instructs agencies to require vendors disclose AI use, report incidents

Federal contractors must be ready to report AI incidents to agencies within 72 hours according to the latest Office of Management and Budget guidance on adhering to obligations under President Biden's artificial intelligence executive order.

Document: OMB memo on responsible AI acquisition

Raytheon successfully completes Barracuda test series
By Abby Shepherd
October 7, 2024 at 8:00 AM

In recent tests, Raytheon’s Barracuda Mine Neutralization System detected, tracked and held position on a target on its own -- the first time this type of test has been executed with the Barracuda vehicle, according to a Raytheon news release.

The successful display was part of a series of controlled environmental tests at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division in Maryland, where Barracuda collected data in various conditions similar to the ocean.

Part of the Littoral Combat Ship Mine Countermeasures package, Barracuda is the Navy’s program of record for next-generation mine neutralization -- a semi-autonomous underwater vehicle capable of identifying and destroying mines. Once the AN/AQS-20C sonar system identifies a mine, Barracuda can be launched to destroy it.

“This event marks a significant milestone in the advancement of underwater security and naval defense,” Raytheon’s Naval Power President Barbara Borgonovi said. “Barracuda’s performance reaffirms its position as a game-changing solution for identifying and neutralizing naval mines, a critical challenge in modern naval operations.”

The Navy first awarded the Barracuda contract to Raytheon in 2018. The program is now in its qualification testing phase and is set to enter Low-Rate Initial Production by 2027.

The week ahead
By Tony Bertuca
October 7, 2024 at 5:00 AM

Senior defense officials are scheduled to speak at several events this week.

Monday

AFCEA NOVA hosts Naval IT Day.

Tuesday

The Center for Strategic and International Studies hosts a discussion with Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities Vice Adm. James Pitts.

Thursday

The Mitchell Institute hosts a discussion with the deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and policy at NATO’s Strategic Warfare Development Command.

Army issues sole-source notice of intent for 'enhanced' IFPC-HPM prototype
By Dan Schere
October 4, 2024 at 4:23 PM

The Army this week issued a notice of intent to sole source for the next prototype of the Indirect Fire Protection Capability's (IFPC) High Power Microwave system to Epirus, Inc.

The Oct. 3 notice states the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office has a requirement to develop an “enhanced” IFPC-HPM prototype known as GEN II.

According to the Army, IFPC-HPM is intended to provide “short-range protection for fixed and semi-fixed sites” for swarm attacks from small unmanned aerial systems, which are those weighing 55 pounds or less.

The service awarded Epirus a $66.1 million contract to Epirus in January 2023 for four IFPC-HPM prototypes that were to undergo testing in fiscal year 2024, according to the Congressional Research Service. The last two of the four systems were delivered to the Army this past May.

This week’s notice states the GEN II prototype of the system will incorporate soldier feedback from engineering developmental tests of the existing IFPC-HPM system design from Epirus. Initial delivery is planned for the first quarter of FY-26, according to the Army.

The notice states the Army believes Epirus “is the only responsible source capable of developing and delivering the prototypes within the required schedule,” and that competition “is not practicable and will not meet mission fielding requirements.”

IFPC is a key part of the Army’s broader air and missile defense modernization effort. Additionally, it is among the technologies that has been mentioned publicly when it comes to joint efforts by the Army and Air Force to provide protection for air bases.

The INSIDER daily digest -- Oct. 4, 2024
By John Liang
October 4, 2024 at 2:02 PM

This Friday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the Pentagon having problems with certain missile defense provisions in fiscal year 2025 defense policy legislation, plus the Marine Corps seeking training suites for the Amphibious Combat Vehicle program and more.

We start off with coverage of the Pentagon protesting the inclusion of certain missile defense provisions in the House FY-25 defense policy bill:

DOD appeals $86M House cut in FY-25 authorization for 'critical' THAAD-IBCS integration

The Defense Department is asking lawmakers to reject a House proposal that would quash a new project that aims to integrate the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system into the Army Integrated Battle Command System architecture, arguing classified assessments deemed the project "critical" to countering sophisticated missile threats.

Third GMD site tab now $5 billion, Austin seeks mandate be stripped from final bill

The Defense Department is lobbying Congress to drop a legislative provision that could force the Pentagon to construct a third homeland missile defense site -- and spend an estimated $5 billion, 25% higher than prior estimates, on a project that lacks a validated operational need.

Document: Austin's FY-25 'heartburn' letter

News on the Marine Corps' Amphibious Combat Vehicle:

Marine Corps soliciting white papers for high-tech ACV training suite

The Marine Corps’ Advanced Amphibious Assault program office has released a request for white papers for the development and production of a high-tech suite of training systems for the Amphibious Combat Vehicle, according to an Oct. 1 special notice.

Document: USMC request for white papers in support of the ACV suite of training systems

United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket successfully took off this morning, taking the next step toward certification needed for certain future National Security Space Launches:

ULA 'supremely confident' in upcoming Vulcan certification launch

The United Launch Alliance is "supremely confident" that the second certification flight for the Vulcan rocket will be successful and earn the approval needed for certain National Security Space Launch missions, CEO Tory Bruno said.

A White House Office of Management and Budget memo issued last month "builds on previous efforts to harness the power and utility of AI in service of agency missions while protecting the public from potential risks or harms":

OMB memo instructs agencies to require vendors disclose AI use, report incidents

Federal contractors must be ready to report AI incidents to agencies within 72 hours according to the latest Office of Management and Budget guidance on adhering to obligations under President Biden's artificial intelligence executive order.

Document: OMB memo on responsible AI acquisition

ULA launches second Vulcan rocket in certification bid
By Shelley K. Mesch
October 4, 2024 at 10:29 AM

United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket successfully took off this morning, the company announced, taking the next step toward certification needed for certain future National Security Space Launches.

“The success of Vulcan’s second certification flight heralds a new age of forward-looking technology committed to meeting the ever-growing requirements of space launch and supporting our nation’s assured access to space,” CEO Tory Bruno said in a news release. “We had an observation on one of our solid-rocket boosters (SRB) that we are reviewing but we are overall pleased with the rocket’s performance and had a bull's-eye insertion.”

The heavy-lift rocket launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL, at 7:25 a.m., marking Vulcan’s second certification flight. Vulcan first launched in January in a successful Cert-1 flight.

Space Systems Command began reviewing performance data from the launch shortly after it took off, Space Launch Delta 45 Commander Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen said.

“We congratulate United Launch Alliance on its second launch of Vulcan,” said Panzenhagen, who is also the program executive officer for Assured Access to Space. “This is a significant achievement for both ULA and an important milestone for the nation’s strategic space lift capability.”

The INSIDER daily digest -- Oct. 3, 2024
By John Liang
October 3, 2024 at 2:28 PM

This Thursday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on space-launch rockets, a Defense Science Board report on critical infrastructure, analysts' takes on the Pentagon's Replicator 2 initiative and more.

A Vulcan heavy-lift rocket is scheduled to launch its Cert-2 flight tomorrow at 6 a.m. from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL:

ULA 'supremely confident' in upcoming Vulcan certification launch

The United Launch Alliance is "supremely confident" that the second certification flight for the Vulcan rocket will be successful and earn the approval needed for certain National Security Space Launch missions, CEO Tory Bruno said.

Some solid-rocket motor news:

Anduril announces new rocket motor mixer expected to boost speed and scale of SRM production

Anduril Industries is launching a new partnership with machinery-maker FlackTek to develop and build a new mixing machine intended to increase the speed and scale of solid-rocket motor production.

A recently released executive summary of a Defense Science Board report on Defense Department dependencies on critical infrastructure "focused on dependencies of DOD installations on outside-the-fence critical civilian infrastructure and the concomitant implications for force projection and continuous sustainment":

DSB sees urgent need for civilian critical infrastructure resiliency

The Pentagon has not treated its responsibility to ensure the resiliency of critical civilian infrastructure with the urgency it deserves, a Defense Science Board task force said in a new report.

Document: DSB executive summary of critical infrastructure report

Inside Defense spoke with a number of analysts to get their takes on the Pentagon's Replicator 2 initiative:

Replicator 2 focus on counter-drone tech could signal shift to large buys

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's memo announcing Replicator 2 would focus on countering small drones signals that procuring counter-drone technology at scale has been elevated to the highest level, analysts told Inside Defense this week.

Lockheed Martin has nabbed a multibillion-dollar missile contract:

Air Force moves ahead with $3.2 billion multiyear award for LRASM and JASSM

The Pentagon last week awarded Lockheed Martin a $3.2 billion multiyear procurement contract to boost production of its Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles and Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles through July 2032 in a bid to replenish the nation's dwindling munitions stockpile.

Leidos hires new PR chief
By John Liang
October 3, 2024 at 11:56 AM

Leidos has hired Thomas Downey as the company's top public relations executive, reporting to CEO Tom Bell.

Downey joins Leidos after a 31-year career at Boeing, including more than a decade as the latter company's top communications official.

In his role, Downey will lead all aspects of the company’s internal and external communications and marketing functions, according to a Leidos press release.

The INSIDER daily digest -- Oct. 2, 2024
By John Liang
October 2, 2024 at 2:52 PM

This Wednesday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the SECDEF's annual "heartburn letter" to lawmakers about the defense policy bill, the Navy CNO's efforts to drive down ship maintenance delays and more.

In a recent missive to lawmakers, known as a "heartburn letter," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin highlights "topics of significant concern for the Department" regarding the fiscal year 2025 defense authorization bill, which "if left unaddressed . . . will substantially impact the Department's ability to accomplish our strategic goals":

Austin says buying second VA submarine would cut into next-gen fighter program

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the Pentagon is opposed to legislation that would require the Navy to purchase a second Virginia-class submarine in fiscal year 2025, along with numerous other provisions that could become part of the upcoming defense authorization bill.

Document: Austin's FY-25 'heartburn' letter

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti said today that ensuring ships and other platforms can expediently complete maintenance is paramount to this effort and will be a priority in future budgets:

Franchetti: Platform maintenance, readiness are leading budget priorities in Navy push to avoid war in 2027

With the Navy's focus placed squarely on deterring conflict with China in 2027, the service’s top officer will prioritize investments aimed at driving down maintenance delays and improving the readiness of existing ships, submarines and aircraft as she formulates fiscal year 2026 and 2027 budgets.

Lockheed Martin has nabbed a multibillion-dollar missile contract:

Air Force moves ahead with $3.2 billion multiyear award for LRASM and JASSM

The Pentagon last week awarded Lockheed Martin a $3.2 billion multiyear procurement contract to boost production of its Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles and Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles through July 2032 in a bid to replenish the nation's dwindling munitions stockpile.

In a broad agency announcement released this week, the Army's Energetics Basic Research Center "seeks to increase the Army's intellectual capital in energetic materials (EM) and improve its ability to address future challenges":

Army Research Office looking to develop new, synthetic explosives for future fights

The Army is worried it won't keep up its dominance in range and lethality on future battlefields due to inadequate energetics and limitations with current weapon systems and is starting to explore developing synthetic energetics, according to a broad agency announcement posted by the Energetics Basic Research Center (EBRC) Tuesday.

Document: Army energetics BAA

A new Government Accountability Office report on the Columbia-class submarine program recommends "the Navy require the shipbuilder to revise its estimated cost at completion and include thorough analysis in its reporting; and that the program identify information it needs to determine whether investments in the supplier base support Columbia-class construction goals":

GAO: Navy must revise cost estimates, determine true impact of industrial base funding for Columbia class

The Navy needs to revise cost estimates for its Columbia-class submarine construction and develop a consistent method of identifying whether supplier development funding (SDF) is helping the program correct its schedule, the Government Accountability Office reported Monday.

Document: GAO report on the Columbia-class sub program

FREE TO READ: Army, Air Force draw lines over air base defense while questions about funding loom
By Dan Schere
October 1, 2024 at 5:15 PM

As the Air Force envisions a future in which a network of small bases in austere locations allows airmen to swiftly plug in and out of operations, service officials are calling on the Army to bulk up its portion of air base defense.

“I would feel more confident if we had a more robust, active base defense, quite frankly,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin told reporters at the Pentagon recently. “That’s one of those where we’ve been working with the Army, and that’s something that the [Defense] Department has taken on as a joint requirement that we need to improve our base defenses.”

Read the full story, now available to all.

The INSIDER daily digest -- Oct. 1, 2024
By John Liang
October 1, 2024 at 1:46 PM

This Tuesday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on a "strategic partnership" between a pair of space defense contractors, the Army buying 30D printers to build small counter-UAS systems and more.

Satellite bus supplier Apex is teaming up with Anduril Industries:

Anduril, Apex announce partnership to accelerate space systems

Startup defense contractor Anduril Industries announced a "strategic partnership" with California-based satellite bus supplier Apex to deliver capabilities fulfilling the space domain's "deep mission need," the company announced today.

Lawmakers last week approved an Army proposal to reprogram funds for a 3-D printer project that sought $16.2 million for the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems program, a sum that would raise fiscal year 2024 allocation for the budget line from $30.7 million to $47 million, a 30% increase:

Army cleared to buy 3-D printers for small units to experiment with UAS fabrication, repair

Congress has approved an Army request to immediately launch a project to provide 3-D printers to small units to experiment with manufacturing spare parts for -- and even building from scratch -- rucksack-portable, uncrewed aircraft systems, allowing on-demand repair and customization.

Up to $984 million in fiscal year 2024 defense funds will be available for Office of Strategic Capital direct loans ranging from $10 million to $150 million, "to approximately ten successful applicants," according to a recent notice:

Pentagon announces $984M inaugural OSC loan program

The Defense Department's Office of Strategic Capital has announced the availability of nearly $1 billion for its inaugural loan program aimed at spurring investments in emerging technologies, according to a recent Federal Register notice.

In a recent memo, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin determines that "Replicator 2 will tackle the warfighter priority of countering the threat posed by small uncrewed aerial systems (C-sUAS) to our most critical installations and force concentrations":

Austin reveals Replicator 2 will focus on counter-sUAS

The second iteration of the Pentagon's Replicator initiative will focus on countering small uncrewed aerial systems, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a memo released Monday.

Document: Austin memo on Replicator 2 direction and execution

The Air Force wants the Army to do more on helping to defend air bases:

Army, Air Force draw lines over air base defense while questions about funding loom

As the Air Force envisions a future in which a network of small bases in austere locations allows airmen to swiftly plug in and out of operations, service officials are calling on the Army to bulk up its portion of air base defense.