The INSIDER daily digest -- Nov. 26, 2024

This Tuesday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the Pentagon's classified Replicator drone program, the Space Development Agency's Tranche 3 Transport Layer satellite effort, the Army's HADES spy plane and more.

We start off with speculation on how the incoming Trump administration will handle the classified Replicator drone program:

Analysts wrestle with Replicator tea leaves as Trump returns to Oval

The Defense Department has released new information in recent weeks about its classified Replicator drone program, leading Washington analysts to question what kind of future the initiative might have in the incoming Trump administration.

News on the Space Development Agency's Tranche 3 Transport Layer satellite program:

SDA preparing for three variants of Tranche 3 Transport Layer

The Space Development Agency is planning for three variants for the Tranche 3 Transport Layer to accommodate different communications types with its constellation of satellites, director Derek Tournear said last week while also providing updates on other efforts.

The Global 6500 is a fixed-wing platform that will help the Army strengthen its deep sensing capabilities, according to Bombardier:

Bombardier delivers first aircraft for Army's HADES spy plane program

Bombardier Defense has delivered the first prototype Global 6500 aircraft for the Army's High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES), the company announced.

A new Defense Department directive "establishes the responsibilities and functions, relationships and authorities of the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Officer (CDAO) pursuant to the authority vested in the Secretary of Defense by Section 113 of Title 10, United States Code (U.S.C.)":

CDAO releases charter on AI policy and strategy

The Defense Department’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office released a long-awaited chartering directive Monday -- which, combined with an upcoming instruction, will form an implementation plan for the AI Adoption Strategy and DOD’s AI policy.

Document: DOD directive on CDAO

Initial operational test and evaluation of the amphibious air-cushioned landing craft is now expected to conclude in September 2025 with IOC to follow in December 2025:

Ship-to-Shore connector faces fresh technical delays, putting IOC five years behind schedule

The Navy’s next-generation Ship-to-Shore connector capability, which will be critical for landing Marines and other military personal in the event of an Indo-Pacific conflict, is facing fresh delays driven by technical problems that continue to postpone initial operational capability despite the delivery of multiple craft.