The INSIDER daily digest -- August 26, 2025

This Tuesday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on Air Force autonomous cargo missions, the Space Force's Cobra Dane radar, the Navy's rapid capability development efforts and more.

Reliable Robotics, under a newly awarded contract, will be responsible for integrating its Reliable Autonomy System onto a Cessna 208B Caravan and will perform unmanned cargo missions on behalf of the Air Force between 2026 and 2027:

Reliable Robotics to perform autonomous cargo missions for USAF under new contract

The Air Force has awarded software firm Reliable Robotics a $17.4 million contract to automate cargo logistics, the company announced today.

In an Aug. 25 request for information, the Space Force seeks industry input "on capabilities and methods to modernize portions of the COBRA DANE Ground Based Radar located at Eareckson Air Station (EAS), Shemya Island, Alaska":

Pentagon moves to modernize Alaska's Cobra Dane radar in nearly $1 billion effort

The Pentagon has begun charting the course for a sweeping overhaul of one of its oldest and most sensitive radars, issuing a solicitation that seeks industry input on modernizing the Cobra Dane system on Shemya Island, AK.

Document: Space Force Cobra Dane modernization RFI

A June 25 Modernized Selected Acquisition Report, cleared for publication on Aug. 20, discusses the Air Force's B-52 Radar Modernization Program program:

B-52 Radar Modernization now costing $14M per tail, breaching Nunn-McCurdy

Costs for the B-52 Radar Modernization Program now tops $14.35 million per tail, according to a recently released updated selected acquisition report, reflecting 20% growth from the original baseline of $11.96 million.

Document: DOD modernized SAR on the Air Force's B-52 RMP program

The Navy aims to consolidate development efforts under a single entity responsible for identifying and fielding multidomain capabilities within a three-year timeline using established development processes, acquisition pathways and contracting authorities:

Navy establishing new office to centralize rapid capability development efforts

The Navy is establishing a Naval Rapid Capabilities Office (NRCO) intended to accelerate the development and fielding of new systems to meet urgent operational needs, according to an Aug. 19 memo from Navy Secretary John Phelan, obtained by Inside Defense.

A recent Defense Department inspector general report finds the Army "did not effectively manage the M88 recovery vehicle spare parts inventory":

IG tells Army to keep a better eye on spare parts after M88 audit

The Army ineffectively managed the parts inventory for its heavy recovery vehicle after maintaining both spare parts that weren't in demand and ones that exceeded demand while shortchanging its supply of certain essential spares, the Pentagon's watchdog says.

Document: DOD IG report on Army M88 recovery vehicle spare parts management

Inside Defense interviewed Eureka Naval Craft's CEO about unmanned surface vessels:

Eureka CEO touts Aircat Bengal MC as Navy eyes new unmanned vessel

As the Navy begins its search for a new medium unmanned surface vessel, Eureka Naval Craft CEO Bo Jardine wants the company's Aircat Bengal MC to stand out as a leading candidate.