The INSIDER daily digest -- December 4, 2025

This Thursday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on military space organizations, the results of a Navy investigation into a series of mishaps suffered by the Truman carrier strike group during a recent deployment, plus the latest on the AUKUS agreement and more.

The Mitchell Institute will be releasing a report next week on military space:

Mitchell Institute: DOD needs assessment of and clarity on division of space roles

The Defense Department needs an assessment of its space-related organizations and efforts as well as clarity on how roles are divided among the services and intelligence community, according to a Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies report.

The Navy has released the results of an investigation into several mishaps involving the Truman carrier strike group during a recent deployment:

New details emerge after Navy investigations into carrier strike group's mishaps

New details of four separate incidents related to the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group were revealed in a series of investigations published today by the Navy, over six months after the lead aircraft carrier (CVN-75) was involved in the loss of two F/A-18 Super Hornet jets that went overboard.

News on the AUKUS agreement:

Pentagon's AUKUS review concludes with endorsement of agreement, lawmaker says

The Pentagon has finished its review of the AUKUS agreement and is endorsing the trilateral security pact, according to Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT), who said House Armed Services Committee members have now read the review findings.

The AARGM-ER, an air-launched missile that will eventually arm the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler, is facing substantial delays due to rocket motor, software and structural problems discovered during testing:

Navy targeting 2026 IOC for AARGM-ER as challenges persist

The Navy is now targeting a 2026 initial operational capability date for its Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range program following a series of delays and technical challenges, according to a service official.

The Army has unveiled a new tool, referred to as a "dashboard" by multiple congressional sources who spoke to Inside Defense last month, designed to let lawmakers track service program spending digitally in real time:

Army pitching Congress on 'conceptual dashboard' for improved oversight

After the Army dropped the curtain on its portfolio acquisition executive structure last month, senior leaders revealed they're working on a new tool to show Congress they can move funds around without compromising oversight.