Thursday, April 25, 2024
Thursday, April 25, 2024
This Wednesday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on an Army cruise missile defense system, the recently concluded work of a Defense Department task force on China and more.
The Pentagon recently sent Congress its first package of proposals for the fiscal year 2022 defense authorization bill:
Army asks Congress to slow IFPC Increment 2
The Army has asked Congress to slow the pace at which the service must purchase and field the Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2, the cruise missile defense system that would interface with the rest of the military's network and radars.
Document: DOD's first package of FY-22 legislative proposals
Senior defense officials briefed the media this morning on the recently concluded work of the China task force:
DOD China Task Force recommendations driving new prototyping focus
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will begin personally overseeing joint experimentation and prototyping following recommendations from the China Task Force, according to senior defense officials.
Document: DOD fact sheet on China Task Force directive
Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) this week questioned Air Force officials on Boeing's KC-46 fixed-price contract structure and its connection to the tanker's high-level deficiencies:
Wittman to Air Force: Restructure KC-46 contract or reopen competition
The ranking member on the House Armed Services seapower and projection forces subcommittee said he thinks the service should restructure or recompete its contract with Boeing for the KC-46 tanker.
News on a couple combatant commands' FY-22 unfunded priorities lists:
SOUTHCOM's unfunded wish list includes $40.2M for Army ISR operations
U.S. Southern Command, in its fiscal year 2022 unfunded priorities list, is asking for $40.2 million to fund Army intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, according to a memo obtained by Inside Defense.
SPACECOM's $67M unfunded wish list would support FOC, joint technology demonstration program
U.S. Space Command's $67 million fiscal year 2022 unfunded priorities list would boost space protection and rapid prototyping and experimentation efforts and help the command reach full operational capability.
Document: COCOMs' FY-22 unfunded priorities lists
Last but certainly not least, some news on the Navy's sea-launched nuclear cruise missile program:
Navy fiscal guidance halts development of sea-launched nuclear cruise missile
New Navy fiscal guidance obtained by Inside Defense calls for the service to stop funding the development of a sea-launched nuclear cruise missile, calls for a new infrastructure plan and states the service cannot afford to develop next-generation air, surface and subsurface programs at the same time.
Document: SECNAV's strategic guidance for revised POM 23