The INSIDER daily digest -- Sept. 8, 2023

This Friday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on Defense Department artificial intelligence efforts, AUKUS legislation and more.

Joseph Larson, the deputy chief digital and artificial intelligence officer for algorithmic warfare, and Schuyler Moore, chief technology officer at U.S. Central Command, said this week that they are concerned about the Defense Department's lack of proper testing environments for AI and autonomy:

Defense tech officials see AI, autonomy testing challenges amid 'Replicator' announcements

Top defense officials driving the Pentagon's shift toward artificial intelligence and autonomy said Wednesday that obstacles remain concerning accurate testing and simulation.

The Aerospace Industries Association has released a new report examining House and Senate proposals that may be included in the upcoming FY-24 defense authorization bill, with the group endorsing proposals to enable the sale of Virginia-class submarines to Australia and other legislative language:

Industry urges simplicity and speed in AUKUS legislation

The AUKUS security partnership presents a massive opportunity for the United States and its industrial base but delivering on the agreement will require quick action in Congress and a "clean and simple" regulatory framework, according to an assessment of pending AUKUS legislation published by a U.S. industry group.

The Army has released plans for a new main battle tank:

Army unveils plans for all-new M1A3 Abrams tank for the 2040 battlefield, multidomain ops

Army leaders have determined -- five decades after launching the Abrams program and following five years of closely held analysis -- that the time has come for a clean-sheet tank design to invent a new combat vehicle optimized for machine-speed warfare, armed not only with a big gun but artificial intelligence, new components to significantly reduce weight and more.

Our colleagues at Inside Cybersecurity have defense-related coverage from the Billington Cybersecurity Conference:

Space Force official calls public-private partnerships necessary for supply chain security

The Space Force is looking to enhance its supply chain security efforts by growing public-private partnerships, according to cyber official Col. Erica Mitchell.

Pentagon small business office plans pilot with companies on protecting CUI

The Pentagon Office of Small Business Programs will launch a pilot with 25 to 50 companies to explore how to help smaller organizations comply with National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-171 using a cloud environment provided by the Defense Department, according to Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification leader Stacy Bostjanick.

The Space Force has awarded a new satellite services contract:

Space Force awards IDIQ contract to Hughes Defense for LEO satellite services

The Space Force awarded a five-year indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract to Hughes Defense to provide low Earth orbit satellite services, according to an Aug. 22 announcement.