Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
This Thursday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on a Pentagon directive on autonomy in weapon systems, Army multiyear contracts and more.
An updated Pentagon directive "establishes policy and assigns responsibilities for developing and using autonomous and semi-autonomous functions in weapon systems, including armed platforms that are remotely operated or operated by onboard personnel":
Pentagon releases long-awaited refresh to policy for autonomy in weapon systems
The Defense Department has released its updated autonomous weapon systems policy, accounting for the "dramatic, expanded" vision for artificial intelligence in the future of the U.S. military and clarifying the previous iteration of the document.
Document: DOD directive on autonomy in weapon systems
The Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act gave the Defense Department permission to use multiyear contracts for munitions such as Stingers, Javelins, Patriot Advanced Capability Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors and 155mm Excalibur rounds, among others:
Army contracts lasting multiple years will be part of ramped-up production efforts for Ukraine
As part of the Army's efforts to ramp up production of weapons and equipment in Ukraine, the service will utilize contracts that last multiple years, approval for which came in this year's defense authorization legislation, according to the Army's top acquisition official.
Boeing and General Dynamics discussed their quarterly earnings this week:
Boeing starts to stanch bleeding in defense sector; records fresh losses in Q4
A rebound in commercial jet deliveries boosted Boeing’s revenue for the fourth quarter of 2022 but lingering supply chain woes and a struggling defense business unit led the company to record a net loss of $663 million.
GD reports strong growth but continued challenges in submarine production
General Dynamics executives recorded a "good year in a difficult environment," with record growth in the company's Marine Systems sector, but said labor and supply chain problems remain a significant challenge for submarine production.
In case you missed it, the United States has reversed its policy and will now send main battle tanks to Ukraine:
U.S. sending 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine
Following Germany's decision to deliver 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, the Biden administration has announced it will send 31 M1 Abrams tanks to aid the fight against Russia.