The INSIDER daily digest -- March 18, 2021

This Thursday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the Commercially Augmented Space Inter-Networked Operations program office, the Next Generation Interceptor, the Long Range Discrimination Radar and more.

We start off with some space news:

SMC's CASINO working to leverage, connect proliferated LEO concepts across space architecture

As the Space Development Agency and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency demonstrate key proliferated low Earth orbit capabilities over the next few years, the Space and Missile Systems Center is working alongside those teams -- both as a partner in technology development and as a connector, seeking opportunities to leverage and operationalize that work within the Space Force.

Some missile defense news:

Biden administration not yet sold on NGI, reviewing project to ensure 'responsible investments'

The Biden administration is not yet sold on the Missile Defense Agency's plan for a Next Generation Interceptor and is conducting a review of the project, which has completed the source-selection process and is now subject to further assessment by Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks.

Pandemic delays LRDR initial operations target again; now slated for September

Missile Defense Agency plans to deliver the Long Range Discrimination Radar for operations is delayed again with a new setback pushing the key milestone from June to September, according to U.S. government officials.

Followed by some Air Force news:

JASSM program looking to offset cost, schedule risks from DOD's M-code delays

The Defense Department's challenges fielding a jam-resistant GPS signal is driving the Air Force to take precautionary steps to mitigate cost and schedule risks as it delivers the latest variant in the AGM-158B Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile product line.

Air Force limits and shortens ABMS on-ramps after FY-21 funding cut

Congress' decision to significantly reduce the Air Force's fiscal year 2021 budget proposal for the Advanced Battle Management System forced the service to limit the scope of the latest test event in Europe and cancel a major upcoming demonstration with Australia.

Some Future Vertical Lift news from the Army:

Rugen: Army can afford both FARA and FLRAA aircraft

Industry's investment in the Army's Future Vertical Lift modernization priority has made it possible for the service to afford both aircraft under the effort, a service official said today.

In a fight with China, the United States will need combat vehicles:

Army says conflict with China would escalate, require armor

Any war between the United States and China would quickly escalate outside the immediate region, so armor and other traditional Army capabilities would still be necessary, the commander of Army Futures Command said March 17.

Mike Brown, director of the Defense Innovation Unit, spoke at an online event this week:

Defense innovation leaders push for new technology transfer fund

Influential defense innovation leaders, asserting the Defense Department's slow budget process is hindering the adoption of new technology, are recommending Congress establish a technology transfer fund to serve as a "bridge fund" between promising prototypes and large programs of record.

Last but by no means least, some cyber defense news from our colleagues at Inside Cybersecurity:

CMMC-AB chair says assessment capacity for FY-21 pilot contracts will meet Pentagon expectations

CMMC Accreditation Body chair Karlton Johnson says his organization is prepared to meet the demand for assessments from contractors once the first certified, third-party assessment organizations are approved by the Defense Contract Management Agency.