The INSIDER daily digest -- Oct. 17, 2023

Today’s INSIDER Defense Digest begins with the deputy defense secretary talking microelectronics, news on an Army helicopter engine, possible looming budget cuts for the Navy, and the Marine Corps stands up a new unit.

Microelectronics contracts was discussed this week by a senior defense department official:

Hicks kicks off Microelectronics Commons meeting with talk of future contracts

Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks said today that the Pentagon’s new Microelectronics Commons initiative -- and the regional “hubs” it will establish -- will be key for companies seeking to secure contracts for cutting-edge weapon systems.

Honeywell is making changes to one of its Army helicopter engines:

Honeywell repurposing FLRAA prototype engine for Chinook use

Honeywell Aerospace has plans to repurpose part of the engine it had supplied in an unsuccessful bid for the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft for future use on the Chinook fleet.

The Navy could be faced with severe budget cuts if Congress doesn’t pass an appropriations bill soon:

Navy braces for 'pain' as budget cuts loom under extended CR

The Navy is preparing for the possibility of budget cuts that will be triggered if Congress is still operating under a continuing resolution at the start of the new calendar year, according to Navy Comptroller Russell Rumbaugh, who said there is little the service can do to soften the blow of the looming cuts.

The Marine Corps has stood up a new unit:

Marine Corps to officially redesignate 12th MLR in November

The Marine Corps will formally redesignate its existing 12th Marine Regiment as the new 12th Marine Littoral Regiment on Nov. 15, marking what the service says is a step forward in its effort to develop a more mobile, lethal and sustainable stand-in force.