The INSIDER daily digest -- August 25, 2023

We start off this end of week INSIDER Daily Digest with a look at robots in the Army, the Navy has issued a huge transport helicopter contract, the Pentagon says Ukrainian pilots will be trained in the U.S., and the Army is bolstering its tactical vehicle fleet.

An Army official recently discussed the future of robotics in the service:

Army Futures Command official says robots will reduce demand for soldiers

Robots must play a key role in warfare, particularly when it comes to sustainment and creating a “demand reduction” for soldiers, an official with Army Futures Command said Wednesday.

The Navy’s newest helicopter program is moving into full-rate production:

Sikorsky receives $2.7B contract extension for CH-53K full-rate production

The Navy has awarded Sikorsky a $2.7 billion block-buy contract modification for the production of 35 additional CH-53K helicopters, according to a Thursday announcement, marking the program’s largest order to date as it moves into full-rate production.

A Pentagon spokesman provided details on the training of Ukrainian pilots:

Ukrainian pilots to train on F-16s in U.S.

Ukrainian pilots are coming to the United States next month to begin training to fly F-16 aircraft, according to the Pentagon’s chief spokesman.

The Army has awarded contracts worth over $150 million for new vehicles:

Army announces additional contracts for tactical vehicles

The Army announced two contracts this week for additional tactical vehicles, according to Defense Department announcements.