The INSIDER daily digest -- Feb. 27, 2025

This Thursday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter's ability to carry an advanced bomb, plus coverage of the potential consequences of the Trump administration's proposed civilian workforce cuts and more.

We start off with news on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter's ability to carry the Stormbreaker Small Diameter Bomb:

F-35s can't carry StormBreaker bomb until TR-3 is combat-capable

The Pentagon's lengthy effort to arm the tri-variant F-35 Joint Strike Fighter with StormBreaker precision-strike glide bombs cannot proceed until the aircraft's new Technology Refresh-3 software capability is fully operational, said an executive for the bomb-maker.

Previous reductions in civilian employees were due in part to the "night court" process that was started during the previous Trump administration:

DOD officials weigh consequences of civilian workforce cuts

Cutting the Pentagon's civilian workforce between 5% and 8% will undoubtedly have consequences but could also present "opportunities" when it comes to business transformation, officials from various agencies said Wednesday during the Govini Defense Software & Data Summit in Washington.

The House Armed Services Committee held a hearing on the U.S. defense industrial base this week, the same day the National Defense Industrial Association released its annual "Vital Signs" report on the DIB:

Defense industry advocates look to protect legacy companies from hi-tech disruptors

Leaders from some of the largest defense industry associations told lawmakers today that Congress should reform the Pentagon's labyrinthine acquisition system in favor of all military contractors, not just new-entrant technology companies angling to disrupt the status quo.

Document: House hearing on the DIB

More coverage of NDIA's "Vital Signs" report:

Defense group raises concerns over cost of CMMC implementation as companies prepare for assessments

The National Defense Industrial Association argues implementing the Pentagon’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program will put a significant cost on companies that could be a barrier to entry for industry partners, as part of an annual report taking the pulse of defense firms.

An upgraded version of the Army's Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, the JLTV A3, will host three key improvements that take on obsolescence issues already observed on the JLTV A2: swapping engines, changing shocks and implementing a new software system:

'Driven by obsolescence': Army sets sights on new JLTV version

The Army is eyeing a new, upgraded Joint Light Tactical Vehicle despite just starting production of its latest version in January, Army and Marine Corps officials announced at a Tactical Wheeled Vehicles conference Feb. 25.

A new Government Accountability Office report finds the Defense Department "has made progress in developing [technology for satellites to communicate via lasers], but it also faced delays and other issues -- and hasn't fully demonstrated that it works in space":

GAO: SDA not doing enough to ensure laser communications links work

The Space Development Agency isn't doing enough to demonstrate laser communications links work in each slate of launched satellites before moving onto the next, according to the Government Accountability Office.

Document: GAO report on laser communications in space

Rocket Lab passed its critical design review for VICTUS HAZE, the company announced this week, moving the effort into the production phase:

Space Force advancing TacRS with two VICTUS demonstrations in the works

The Space Force, in its effort to boost tactically responsive space capabilities, is moving forward with two demonstrations in its VICTUS series for agile and speedy deliveries to orbit.