The INSIDER daily digest

We kick off this Wednesday INSIDER Daily Digest with news on a slew of upcoming Army Science Board studies and more.

The Army Science Board has been commissioned to conduct a bunch of new studies:

Eyeing China, Russia, Army commissions independent blueprint for future technological overmatch

The Army -- seeking bold, transformational ideas to give its future force a disruptive advantage against potential adversaries -- has commissioned an influential advisory panel with six new studies to recommend new weapon systems and operational concepts, an undertaking that appears to advance a new Pentagon program to re-energize conventional deterrence against China and Russia.

Related documents:

ASB terms of reference for 'disruptive innovative concepts' study

ASB terms of reference for 'Internet of things' study

ASB terms of reference for indirect fires study

ASB terms of reference for future armor competition study

ASB terms of reference for robotic systems-of-systems architecture study

ASB terms of reference for soldier, team performance study

Keep an eye out for an Air Force unmanned systems pilot plan for enlisted airmen:

Air Force to complete enlisted RPA pilot implementation plan this summer

The Air Force expects to finalize its plan to allow enlisted airmen to fly remotely piloted aircraft by this summer, according to the service's deputy chief of staff for operations.

(Need more unmanned systems news? Check out our Notification Center, where you can sign up to receive email alerts whenever a related story is posted.)

A missile defense flight test will be taking place soon:

Missile Defense Agency plans new non-intercept flight test in January

The Missile Defense Agency will hold a Ground-based Midcourse Defense program test later this month, according to its director.

General Dynamics has received Army funding to start up-gunning some of its Stryker vehicles:

General Dynamics gets nod to begin work on up-gunned Strykers

The Army has given General Dynamics $31 million to integrate 30 mm cannons on a select number of Stryker vehicles, according to a Pentagon statement.

Littoral Combat Ships deployed to the Pacific could be getting some new missiles soon:

Navy plans to deploy at least two different over-the-horizon missiles

The Navy is planning to deploy at least two different types of over-the-horizon missiles on Littoral Combat Ships being sent to the Western Pacific this year, although the service has yet to lock down funding for the effort.