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The INSIDER daily digest -- Oct. 19, 2023
By Thomas Duffy
October 19, 2023 at 12:03 PM

This Thursday INSIDER Daily Digest starts off with news on potential Army budget cuts, Bell Textron’s offer for a new Army aircraft, the Marine Corps has stood up a new unit, several senators are asking the White House for cost estimates on the AUKUS submarine program, and more.

If the continuing resolution the Defense Department is operating under continues past the first of the year, it may be trouble for Army budgeting:

Army plans to buy Tomahawk, a new combat boat fleet and more stymied by CR

More than a dozen key Army modernization initiatives -- including new ship-killing missiles, a fleet of more than 1,000 small combat craft, a follow-on to the RQ-7 Shadow uncrewed aircraft and more -- are ensnared by legislation blocking service investment plans in fiscal year 2024 under the current stopgap spending measure.

Bell Textron has laid out testing plans for its FARA prototype:

Bell eyes ground, flight tests for FARA prototype

Within the next year, Bell Textron will put its prototype for the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft through ground and flight testing, while also refining the design for the aircraft.

The Marine Corps has established a new unit in Hawaii:

Marine Corps declares IOC for Hawaii-based 3rd MLR

The Marine Corps’ Hawaii-based 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment achieved initial operational capability in the final days of fiscal year 2023, making it the first of the service’s new MLRs to reach the milestone, a Marine Corps spokesperson confirmed to Inside Defense.

Several senators want pricing info on the Biden administration’s AUKUS submarine deal:

Senators want Pentagon’s AUKUS submarine cost estimates by Oct. 31

A bipartisan team of senators wants President Biden to share cost estimates for implementing the trilateral AUKUS submarine partnership the United States has entered into with Australia and the United Kingdom, noting that the Pentagon has said it does not intend to release the information until it submits its fiscal year 2025 budget request.

Details are emerging on the Defense Department’s microelectronics projects:

DOD officials detail process for reviewing and funding new microelectronics projects

A senior Pentagon official today laid out the plan by which projects will be selected and funded through the new Microelectronics Commons program.

Army officials recently discussed their plans for the newest ground combat vehicle:

Army hanging hopes for affordable XM-30 on MOSA, industry competition

The key to an affordable price tag for the XM-30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle -- a replacement for the M-2 Bradley that an early Army estimate pegged at $11 million a copy, three times the cost of a Bradley -- will be government-defined and -owned open software standards, said a senior service official.

Kendall green lights Space Force CASR approach
By Apurva Minchekar
October 19, 2023 at 11:20 AM

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has approved the Space Force’s plan to implement a commercial augmentation space reserve, according to the top Space Force official.

“It's an example of doing the planning and the expectation management before you actually need the capability,” Gen. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations, said at a Center for a New American Security event.

Saltzman said the strategy identifies the need for commercial augmentation in certain areas, such as “satellite communication bandwidth and commercial imagery.”

“I am OK with what I have now. But when in a time of crisis or in a natural disaster, I may need to increase the scale of imagery that's available,” he said.

He stressed that the CASR model would “pre-work the contract vehicles,” describing how the service can have immediate access to resources when required, so when a crisis occurs the force doesn’t have to start from a contracting action or discussion because they have already done the “legwork.”

Additionally, Space System Commander Gen. Michael Guetlein at the Space Industry Days conference yesterday said the command will be requesting funds for CASR in the 2025 or 2026 budget timeframe.

“Commercially augmented space reserve is about building capacity for times of crisis or conflict during peacetime. How do I build in the business processes, the relationships, the exercises, the funding during peacetime, so that when I need you during times of crisis or conflict, we don't start with an RFP as a point of departure,” Guetlein explained.

“We actually say we've already done this before, this is how much I need and this is where I need it,” he added.

The general also stated that he is expecting CASR to be rolled out by the administration by this fall.

AM General details next version of JLTV
By Nickolai Sukharev
October 18, 2023 at 4:29 PM

With AM General set to produce the next iteration of the Army’s light tactical vehicle, the company recently displayed an example it intends to produce.

The company made “several modifications” to improve the efficiency and durability of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, according to Bob Putnam, the company’s JLTV program director, who spoke with Inside Defense last week at the 2023 Association of the United States Army annual conference in Washington.

Taking over production from Oshkosh Defense, AM General's JLTV A2 will include noise reduction features, lithium-ion batteries, a more powerful engine and expanded rear storage space, Putnam said.

Displayed at the conference, the vehicle resembles Oshkosh’s version externally, but Putnam said that AM General worked with the Army to redesign the front grille.

Putnam declined to provide details on the protection characteristics but said the JLTV A2’s armor “will do very well” and the vehicle can also be fitted with additional armor.

The company will also provide a 30-year warranty for anticorrosion on certain vehicle parts and greater efficiency in the engine.

Designed to replace a portion of the humvee fleet, the JLTV serves as the Army’s light tactical vehicle in combat environments.

The JLTV will have variants for general purpose use, utility, a heavy gun carrier and a close combat vehicle armed with anti-tank weapons.

In January, the Army awarded AM General a follow-on contract to produce the JLTV after a competition with Oshkosh. Oshkosh appealed the outcome, but the Government Accountability Office denied the company’s protest.

The Army is slated to procure 2,601 JLTVs, according to service budget documents for fiscal year 2024. The Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force will also procure smaller numbers of JLTVs.

Air Force seeking secured comms system for recovery missions
By Shelley K. Mesch
October 18, 2023 at 4:21 PM

The Air Force is looking for ways to ensure recovery teams have secure data-sharing and communications beyond the line of sight in contested environments as the service implements its Agile Combat Employment strategy.

The capability would provide mobile, high-bandwidth connections from remote locations to major operating bases using military and commercial satellites, 4G LTE or 5G systems, secure WiFi and Bluetooth and the Tactical Data Link, according to a request for information released by the service this week.

The communications hubs the service is looking for would automatically -- and with little manual input -- determine the most effective and secure routes to send data. They would also be small, portable and easy to set up and take down.

“Failure to pursue and procure this technology will result in [Personnel Recovery] forces experiencing combat paralyses,” the post states, “making them ineffective in a peer-level fight.”

Personnel Recovery forces are currently reliant on third-party agencies for these kinds of capabilities.

“This causes a lapse in real-time information sharing, friendly force tracking, battlefield situational awareness, receiving and transmitting information through a Common Operating Picture and the ability to connect to Personnel Recovery Coordination Centers, Joint Personnel Recovery Centers, Personnel Recovery Mission Management and Government Cloud services,” the post states.

The INSIDER daily digest -- Oct. 18, 2023
By Thomas Duffy
October 18, 2023 at 11:58 AM

This midweek INSIDER Daily Digest starts off with news about the Pentagon’s Microelectronics Commons venture, the Defense Department wants expanded power to monitor industry mergers, the Space Force needs a single contractor to build a space cyber defense shield, and Oshkosh plans to remain the Army’s top truck supplier.

A major Pentagon microelectronics effort expects to send out a notice for projects before year’s end:

Microelectronics Commons director says project call expected by end of year

The Pentagon’s Microelectronics Commons director told Inside Defense that a “call for projects” is expected by the end of the year for the regional innovation “hubs” that are the foundation of the initiative.

DOD wants to ramp up scrutiny of industry mergers:

Pentagon moves to expand monitoring of industry mergers

The Pentagon has plans to expand its monitoring of defense contractor mergers and acquisitions with an eye toward potential national security and innovation risks, according to a recent letter sent to the Government Accountability Office.

Single contractor sought to build Space Force cyber defense:

Space Force looking for single contractor to produce space cyber defense system

The Space Force is seeking a single contractor to produce a cyber defense system based on prototypes developed by several vendors, according to a notice posted today.

Oshkosh working to remain Army truck producer:

Oshkosh competing to continue producing tactical trucks for the Army

As the producer of the Army’s current tactical truck fleet, Oshkosh hopes to continue that trend as it aims to build the next iteration of the vehicles.

The INSIDER daily digest -- Oct. 17, 2023
By Thomas Duffy
October 17, 2023 at 12:41 PM

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.

Marine Corps to officially redesignate 12th MLR in November
By Nick Wilson
October 17, 2023 at 10:48 AM

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.

“The redesignation will mark the next historic chapter in the Marine Corps’ commitment to designing a force that is prepared to effectively respond to the challenges of the contemporary global security environment and serves as a testament to the regiment's role in the Marine Corps' global employment,” according to Marine Corps announcement released Tuesday.

The Pentagon initially announced plans to redesignate the Okinawa, Japan-based 12th Marine Regiment in January, indicating the new MLR would be established by 2025 and equipped with a variety of new capabilities.

Following redesignation, the 12th MLR will “continue to train and evolve to be ready to fight as part of 3d Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force,” the notice states, adding that the unit is currently participating in exercise Resolute Dragon 23.2 alongside Japan.

“During Resolute Dragon, 12th Marines will distribute in a similar manner to what is designed for the MLR: They will deploy to Japan’s Southwest Islands, Kyushu, and Hokkaido, provide sensing capabilities in a simulated battlespace, and integrate joint force firepower with our Japanese ally’s capabilities,” the release continues.

Meanwhile, the Hawaii-based 3rd MLR -- the first of the new units established by the Marine Corps -- was expected to achieve initial operational capability in the final days of FY-23, a Marine Corps spokesperson told Inside Defense in October. The service has yet to announce the completion of this milestone.

The Marine Corps is also preparing to establish at least one additional MLR. The service is considering multiple locations including Guam for the unit, but has shared few details publicly.

MLRs are an important piece of the Force Design 2030 initiative, which aims to modernize the force and better prepare for conflict in the Indo-Pacific. Each MLR will contain a littoral combat team, anti-air unit and combat logistics battalion.

The INSIDER daily digest -- Oct. 16, 2023
By John Liang
October 16, 2023 at 2:27 PM

This Monday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the Missile Defense Agency's Next Generation Interceptor program, the Space Force's wariness over artificial intelligence and more.

We start off with news on the Missile Defense Agency's Next Generation Interceptor program:

Lockheed Martin's NGI proposal cleared to proceed with detailed design

Lockheed Martin's proposed design for a Next Generation Interceptor has passed muster with the Missile Defense Agency, clearing the way for the company to continue to mature critical technologies slated for the massive guided missile in pursuit of a critical design review slated for the summer of 2025.

The Space Force is wary of artificial intelligence:

Space Force temporarily bans use of GenAI over data breach concerns

The Space Force has suspended the use of artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT to protect the data of personnel and the service, according to a Sept. 29 memo.

A new Space Force report to Congress "contains a description of the strategic objectives for organizing, training, and equipping the Space Force":

Space Force projects cuts and linear growth by FY-28

Space Force funding projections show the service is planning for a budget of around $30 billion by fiscal year 2028, just slightly more than the amount it has requested for fiscal year 2024, according to a new “comprehensive strategy” sent to Congress.

Document: Space Force 'comprehensive strategy' report

In case you missed it, here's some of our coverage from last week's AUSA conference:

American Rheinmetall designing interchangeable cannon for XM30

American Rheinmetall's submission for the Army's next infantry fighting vehicle will have an interchangeable cannon, according to the company.

Army moving forward with 'counter UAS as a service' initiative

The Army is in the process of carrying out the Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office's initiative to have the military services purchase counter UAS capability from the private sector -- a concept known as "counter UAS as a service" (CaaS).

(Read our full AUSA 2023 coverage.)

Space Force creates 'System Delta' to enhance IMD mission of unified command
By Apurva Minchekar
October 16, 2023 at 2:19 PM

The Space Force announced Friday it is creating a new "System Delta" model to leverage the Integrated Mission Deltas goals to organize mission area resources under one command.

“These units will directly complement IMDs by developing, acquiring and fielding capability that satisfies operational needs,” Gen. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations, said in the announcement.

“Organizing the Space Force so IMDs in [Space Operations Command] have a clear SYD counterpart in [Space Systems Command] will streamline the feedback and focus the reach-back support between capability development and readiness generation,” he said.

According to the announcement, the new SYDs prototype is to synchronize the advanced technology of “weapon systems in real-time input from operators.”

Recently, Saltzman, at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference, introduced IMD, a two-prototype unit, as part of the Space Force’s third element -- new force generation -- to create new structures and processes.

“There are no perfect organizational structures. The structuring of people to do their jobs will always create seams,” Saltzman said, explaining the new force-generation concept at the conference.

Saltzman added that one IMD prototype will support electromagnetic mission warfare and another prototype is a new organization to support positioning, navigation and timing.

Space Operations Command developed the first provisional IMDs for EW and PNT on Oct. 12 and SYDs will be developed by Space Systems Command in the coming months, the announcement reads.

The week ahead
By Tony Bertuca
October 16, 2023 at 5:00 AM

Senior defense officials are scheduled to speak at several events around Washington this week.

Monday

The Stimson Center hosts a discussion with the Navy comptroller.

Tuesday

The National Defense Industrial Association hosts its Systems and Engineering Conference in Norfolk, VA.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies hosts a discussion with Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan.

Wednesday

The Senate Armed Services Committee holds a hearing on military to civilian transition.

The Brookings Institution hosts a discussion on countering weapons of mass destruction.

The Center for a New American Security hosts a discussion with Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman.

Thursday

The Senate Armed Services Committee holds a hearing on the findings of the Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States.

The House Armed Services cyber, information technologies and innovation subcommittee holds a hearing on the Pentagon’s Replicator program with outside experts.

The Professional Services Council hosts its 2023 Defense Conference.

The Defense Department’s science and technology program protection director speaks during a webinar hosted by Leadership Connect.

The INSIDER daily digest -- Oct. 13, 2023
By John Liang
October 13, 2023 at 1:14 PM

This Friday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on counter-unmanned aerial systems, the recently released report from the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States and more.

We start off with continuing coverage of this week's AUSA conference:

DOD plans ambitious counter-drone demonstration to defeat 50-strong swarm of small UAS

The Defense Department is planning its most ambitious counter-drone demonstration to date, pitting a swarm of as many as 50 small uncrewed surrogate enemy aircraft over the New Mexico skies against a yet-to-be-determined group of candidate technologies in a contest where non-kinetic weapons, such as high-powered microwaves, may have an advantage.

Army moving forward with 'counter UAS as a service' initiative

The Army is in the process of carrying out the Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office's initiative to have the military services purchase counter UAS capability from the private sector -- a concept known as "counter UAS as a service" (CaaS).

HDT opts to submit wheeled Robotic Combat Vehicle

With the Army set to test prototypes of the Robotic Combat Vehicle, one contender believes wheels are more reliable than tracks.

(Read our full AUSA 2023 coverage.)

The Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States released its final unclassified report this week:

Congressional commission urges DOD to prep two-war nuclear deterrence strategy

A bipartisan congressional commission says the Defense Department must take urgent action to prepare to deter two nuclear adversaries at the same time -- China and Russia -- and commit to new investments, such as establishing a shipyard focused on nuclear-powered vessels, specifically submarines.

Document: Congressional commission's report on the U.S. strategic posture

The MH-139A is a multimission helicopter developed by Boeing and Leonardo that will replace the Bell UH-1N Iroquois to protect U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile installations as well as transport U.S. government officials and security forces:

Air Force and Boeing negotiating MH-139A technical data rights

The Air Force has received technical data rights from Boeing to support Boeing's MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopter program depot maintenance, an Air Force spokesperson told Inside Defense.

Austin traveling to meet Netanyahu as Israel's war against Hamas rages
By Tony Bertuca
October 12, 2023 at 3:46 PM

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is scheduled to travel to Israel tomorrow to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Israeli troops move toward the border with Gaza for a possible ground invasion against Hamas.

A senior defense official told reporters that Austin, who is traveling directly from a NATO meeting in Brussels, would also meet with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and other senior officials.

Austin "will underscore his unwavering commitment to Israel’s security,” the official said. “He is looking forward to speaking in-depth with Israeli leaders about their operational planning and their objectives for this conflict in response to Hamas’ brutal, ISIS-style attack.”

Israeli air strikes have now pounded Gaza for the past six days as Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders have pledged to wipe out Hamas following a series of surprise attacks that killed more than 1,000 people.

Austin will also discuss current and future U.S. military aid to Israel, the first shipment of which the senior defense official noted arrived earlier this week and included munitions and air defense capabilities, specifically to replenish the Iron Dome system.

“We fully expect to see continuous delivery of U.S. security assistance to Israel in response to their requests,” the official said.

President Biden has said he intends to seek an emergency supplemental package from Congress to help fund U.S. military aid to Israel, along with one he has requested for Ukraine.

Congress, however, remains partially paralyzed as the GOP-led House has not yet elected a new speaker.

The senior defense official said the United States is capable of supplying Israel and Ukraine with munitions simultaneously, despite recent assertions from other DOD leaders that U.S. defense industrial base capabilities are being squeezed in several areas, including 155mm artillery munitions.

Austin, speaking earlier today in Brussels, said the United States can “walk and chew gum at the same time.”

“We will stand by Israel even as we stand by Ukraine,” he said.

The INSIDER daily digest -- Oct. 12, 2023
By John Liang
October 12, 2023 at 2:49 PM

This Thursday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on a recent Space Force electromagnetic warfare exercise, Army AH-64E attack helicopters, the Navy's Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band system and more.

The Space Force recently conducted an electromagnetic warfare exercise:

Space Force successfully completes Black Skies series

The Space Force has successfully conducted Black Skies, an exercise designed to train guardians on electromagnetic warfare, according to an announcement issued last week.

The Cyber Accreditation Body announced the launch of a white label CMMC Readiness Tool (CRT) at its town hall meeting on Sept. 26, our colleagues at Inside Cybersecurity are reporting today:

CMMC AB selection of 'readiness tool' raises questions from stakeholders on competitive bidding process

The selection of a free "benefit" tool for consulting organizations who pay to be part of the accreditation body ecosystem for the Pentagon's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program is raising concerns from two stakeholders on the decision-making process and potential conflicts of interest.

The Pentagon recently released a pair of Selected Acquisition Reports dated December 2022 on the AH-64E "Apache New Build" and "AH-64E Apache Remanufacture":

Army working to improve manufacturing process for AH-64E generators

The Army has been identifying areas where improvement is needed for the manufacturing process and quality of the AH-64E Apache attack helicopter's generators, which have experienced failures in the past year.

Document: DOD selected acquisition reports on the AH-64E Apache

While the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band system was previously expected to complete operational testing in August 2023 with IOC following in September, Navy spokesperson Elizabeth Fahrner told Inside Defense testing and data collection are ongoing, with IOC anticipated in the near future:

NGJ-MB approaches IOC, though cost and reliability questions remain

The Navy's next-generation airborne electronic attack jamming system, which will replace the legacy ALQ-99 jamming pods carried by EA-18G Growlers, is moving through operational testing with initial operational capability expected later this autumn.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke this week from Brussels after a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group:

Austin lays out new plans for international coalitions to supply Ukraine with weapons

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said today the United States and dozens of international partners have now agreed to establish several "capability coalitions" aimed at supplying Ukraine with various air, land and sea weapons in the coming years, including assistance to modernize network infrastructure.

Electric Boat awarded $967 million contract modification for Virginia submarine design work
By Nick Wilson
October 12, 2023 at 1:21 PM

As fiscal year 2023 came to a close, General Dynamics Electric Boat received a contract modification worth $967 million for Virginia-class submarine design work, according to a Navy announcement.

A separate release from Electric Boat -- which collaboratively builds the fast-attack submarines through a teaming agreement with HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding -- says the award will fund “lead yard support and development studies and design efforts,” for the vessels.

With the bulk of work to take place at Electric Boat’s Groton, CT, facility, company spokesperson Daniel McFadden told Inside Defense the funds will be used for “upkeep and maintenance” of the Virginia design.

“For example, incorporating improvements and replacing [obsolescent] parts as the design evolves,” he said. “Also, development and design work for areas such as [subsea and seabed warfare], the Virginia Payload Module and undersea dominance.”

According to a Navy spokesperson, the funding will “maintain, update and support the Virginia-class design and related drawings and data for each Virginia-class submarine, including technology insertion, throughout its construction and Post Shakedown Availability (PSA) period.”

Funding will finance development studies related to Virginia design improvement endeavors, the spokesperson told Inside Defense, saying the award will also encompass engineering efforts related to design, testing, logistics and production.

“The contractor will continue development studies and design efforts related to components and systems to accomplish Research and Development tasks and prototypes and Engineering Development Models (EDMs) required to fully evaluate new technologies to be inserted in succeeding Virginia-class submarines,” the spokesperson continued.

The contract follows a $517 million award to Electric Boat earlier in September for the procurement of spare parts for Virginia maintenance availabilities.

Both production and maintenance of the submarines are pressing issues for the Navy, with the United States preparing to begin transferring vessels to Australia in the 2030s under the AUKUS security partnership while industry struggles to meet delivery targets and maintenance delays undercut operational readiness.

During a recent confirmation hearing, acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti said U.S. industry is producing only 1.2 Virginia boats per year and must improve to 2.2 vessels per year to deliver on AUKUS.

The Navy is working on stabilizing Virginia construction at a rate of 1.4 per year by the end of calendar year 2023 before ramping up to 1.5 per year by the end of 2024, Franchetti said at the time.

House panel to hold Replicator hearing
By Georgina DiNardo
October 12, 2023 at 12:58 PM

A House Armed Services subcommittee is scheduled to hold a hearing next week on the Defense Department's new Replicator program, which aims to rapidly field thousands of small, autonomous drones to counter China's expanding military.

The House Armed Services cyber, information technologies and innovation subcommittee hearing is slated for Oct. 19 and will feature testimony from Bryan Clark, senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, and William Greenwalt, nonresident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

The hearing is titled: “Can it work? Outside Perspectives on DOD's Replicator Program.”

Clark, who directs the Center for Defense Concepts and Technology at the Hudson Institute, specializes in military operations, autonomous systems, wargaming and electronic warfare. Previously, he led studies on emerging military technologies at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. Before joining CSBA in 2013, Clark worked as a special assistant to the chief of naval operations and director of the Commander’s Action Group. He served in the Navy from 2004 to 2011.

Greenwalt’s research expertise at the American Enterprise Institute centers around growing the United States industrial base and reforming defense acquisition, technology transfer and other areas. He is also the founder of the Silicon Valley Defense Group. Previously, he held multiple senior positions in the Defense Department, Congress and the defense industry, including as the deputy under secretary of defense for industrial policy.

Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks announced the Replicator initiative in late August, highlighting DOD’s intent to counter China by fielding thousands of “attritable” autonomous weapon systems over 18 to 24 months.