The Insider

AM General, the South Bend, IN-based light tactical vehicle maker, will showcase three products on the exhibition floor of the Association of the U.S. Army's annual convention: the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV A2) and trailer, the HUMVEE 2-CT Hawkeye 105mm Mobile Howitzer as well as the all-new MIMIC-V purpose-built truck, the company said in a statement.

The new A2 variant of the JLTV incorporates technical enhancements identified by soldiers and Marines, including improved noise reduction, storage space, power distribution systems, corrosion protection and fuel efficiency, according to the Army.

“The company will also display the JLTV-T Trailer which has a payload of up to 5,100 lbs. . . . to make it a rugged compliment to the JLTV A2,” according to an AM General statement.

Second, AM General will display its current variant of an ultra-mobile, self-propelled howitzer: the HUMVEE 2-CT Hawkeye 105mm Mobile Howitzer. This system -- developed with the Mandus Group and utilizing the patented Soft Recoil Technology -- “can rapidly engage targets with both indirect and direct fires and move out to avoid counterfire strikes,” according to the company.

The mobile howitzer is being tested in Eastern Europe, according to AM General.

A third AM General product will be exhibited for the first time: the MIMIC-V (Mission Integrated Maneuverable Interoperable Conformable Vehicle) prototype.

“The MIMIC-V is a platform that has been designed and engineered to serve the ultra-unique needs of our special operations warfighters,” according to the company. “This high-performance and low-signature truck can operate in any environment for any tactical mission. As the name implies, MIMIC-V’s key differentiator is that it can reduce its signature by looking like a commercial vehicle.”

Boeing announced today that a recent work stoppage will negatively affect its quarterly earnings on both the defense and commercial aircraft sides. In addition, the company announced a 10% workforce reduction.

The company's Defense, Space & Security "expects to recognize pre-tax earnings charges of $2 billion on the T-7A, KC-46A, Commercial Crew, and MQ-25 programs," a statement issued late this afternoon reads. "The T-7A program pre-tax charge of $0.9 billion was driven by higher estimated costs on production contracts in 2026 and beyond. The KC-46A program pre-tax charge of $0.7 billion reflects the decision to conclude production on the 767 freighter and impacts of the [International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers] work stoppage.

"Results also include unfavorable performance on other programs," the statement continues. "Defense, Space & Security expects to report third quarter revenue $5.5 billion and operating margin of (43.1) percent."

On the commercial airplanes side, Boeing said: "Commercial Airplanes expects to recognize pre-tax earnings charges of $3.0 billion on the 777X and 767 programs. The company now anticipates first delivery of the 777-9 in 2026 and the 777-8 freighter in 2028, resulting in a pre-tax earnings charge of $2.6 billion.

"This schedule and resulting financial impact are based on an updated assessment of the certification timelines to address the delays in flight testing of the 777-9, as well as anticipated delays associated with the IAM work stoppage," Boeing continues. "Commercial Airplanes also plans to conclude production of the 767 freighter and recognize a $0.4 billion pre-tax charge on the program, which also reflects impacts from the IAM work stoppage. Beginning in 2027, the company will solely produce 767-2C aircraft in support of the KC-46A Tanker program. Commercial Airplanes expects to report third quarter revenue of $7.4 billion and operating margin of (54.0) percent."

Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg said in the statement that "[w]hile our business is facing near-term challenges, we are making important strategic decisions for our future and have a clear view on the work we must do to restore our company.

"These decisive actions, along with key structural changes to our business, are necessary to remain competitive over the long term," he continued. "We are also focusing on areas that are critical to our future and will ensure we have the balance sheet necessary to invest, support our people and deliver for our customers."

Additionally, Ortberg in a separate message to employees announced the company would lay off 10% of its workforce.

"These reductions will include executives, managers and employees," he wrote, adding: "Next week, your leadership team will share more tailored information about what this means for your organization. Based on this decision, we will not proceed with the next cycle of furloughs.

"As we move through this process, we will maintain our steadfast focus on safety, quality and delivering for our customers," Ortberg continued. "We know these decisions will cause difficulty for you, your families and our team, and I sincerely wish we could avoid taking them. However, the state of our business and our future recovery require tough actions."

Boeing is scheduled to report its quarterly earnings on Oct. 23.

This Thursday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on South Korean conglomerate Hanwha getting into the U.S. shipbuilding market, NATO standing up a center to analyze lessons learned from Ukraine's use of space capabilities and more.

Mike Smith, president and CEO of Hanwha Defense U.S.A., today said module work represents the first step on a path to building the naval platforms of the future:

Hanwha eyes module production work at newly acquired Philly Shipyard

South Korean defense giant Hanwha aims to take on module fabrication work for Navy ship and submarine programs as it begins operations at its recently acquired Philly Shipyard, according to the head of the company’s U.S. defense business.

Ukraine is using technology for missile defense, drone protection and space and cyber capabilities in ways that could be beneficial to NATO operations, according to a senior alliance official:

NATO standing up center to analyze lessons learned from Ukraine's use of space capabilities

As a way to look at better leveraging space capabilities, NATO is standing up a "joint lessons learned center" in Poland that will look at the innovative and successful ways Ukraine has fought against the Russian invasion, according to a senior alliance official.

Anduril executives had announced the company is on contract to deliver the Bolt-M unmanned system for the Marine Corps' Organic Precision Fires-Light (OPF-L) program, which is a loitering munitions program that will provide infantry with a beyond-line-of-sight, precision-strike capability:

Anduril on contract with Marine Corps to deliver new loitering munition capability

Anduril has unveiled its new Bolt family of "man-packable, vertical-takeoff-and-landing autonomous air vehicles."

To ensure robotic platforms continue to adhere to mission commands and are able to independently make reasonable decisions in future battles, the Air Force Research Laboratory says it needs to develop autonomous software beyond just functionality to also address battlefield awareness and decision-making:

AFRL wants autonomy to help guide mission management of AI-enabled systems

The Air Force Research Laboratory is interested in developing autonomous capabilities for analyzing operations and directing courses of action to uncrewed aircraft, according to a request for information issued this week.

Keep an eye out in the coming days for the final rule that will launch the Pentagon's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program:

Pentagon cyber chief McKeown: CMMC program rule is 'imminent' as pace to formal launch accelerates

The programmatic rule to formally launch the Pentagon's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program is "imminent," according to Defense Department cyber chief David McKeown, who provided a rundown of where things stand with the rulemaking process and opportunities to help contractors reach compliance.

Naval Sea Systems Command is planning a Nov. 1 industry day on the Littoral Combat Ship mission modules development, engineering, production and sustainment (DEPS) program, according to a Monday announcement.

Hosted by the LCS mission modules program office (PMS-420) in Port Hueneme, CA, the event will “provide government information and solicit industry feedback on the proposed LCS MM DEPS program strategy,” the notice states.

During the event, attendants will be briefed on “the LCS MM DEPS vision; mission packages and mission modules; the Mission Package Support Facility (MPSF); and the program requirements and objectives,” the notice adds. The Navy will distribute draft program information to companies that pre-register.

The Navy’s LCS fleet is tasked with multiple missions including mine countermeasures and surface warfare. The ships can be outfitted with a variety of mission packages, composed of manned and unmanned vehicles, sensors and weapon systems.

The LCS mine countermeasures package achieved initial operational capability last year, with an inaugural operational deployment planned for fiscal year 2025. The Navy plans to outfit the class with Naval Strike Missiles by the early 2030s and may also be considering equipping some ships with the Standard Missile-6 following a test-fire event in early FY-24.

This Monday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on U.S. Transportation Command's role in a future fight with China, plus the Space Force incorporating "highly maneuverable on-orbit assets" into two of its Tactically Responsive Space demonstrations and more.

Inside Defense traveled with the defense secretary on a C-32 transport aircraft to attend a change-of-command event, during which Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost passed leadership of U.S. Transportation Command to Gen. Randall Reed:

Austin: TRANSCOM to project, maneuver and sustain joint force in Indo-Pacific fight

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, IL -- U.S. Transportation Command will play a major role in deterring conflict in a potential battle with China, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Friday, from providing agile maneuver and quick delivery of assets or aid to directing logistics chains.

Space Systems Command has awarded Impulse Space a $34.5 million Small Business Innovation Research Phase III contract for two satellites dubbed VICTUS SURGO and VICTUS SALO:

Space Force to use 'highly maneuverable' satellites in future VICTUS demos

The Space Force will incorporate "highly maneuverable on-orbit assets" into two of its Tactically Responsive Space demonstrations to show how such satellites can complement responsive launch efforts, according to the service.

In case you missed it, here's our coverage of the Pentagon protesting the inclusion of certain missile defense provisions in the House FY-25 defense policy bill:

DOD appeals $86M House cut in FY-25 authorization for 'critical' THAAD-IBCS integration

The Defense Department is asking lawmakers to reject a House proposal that would quash a new project that aims to integrate the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system into the Army Integrated Battle Command System architecture, arguing classified assessments deemed the project "critical" to countering sophisticated missile threats.

Third GMD site tab now $5 billion, Austin seeks mandate be stripped from final bill

The Defense Department is lobbying Congress to drop a legislative provision that could force the Pentagon to construct a third homeland missile defense site -- and spend an estimated $5 billion, 25% higher than prior estimates, on a project that lacks a validated operational need.

Document: Austin's FY-25 'heartburn' letter

A White House Office of Management and Budget memo issued last month "builds on previous efforts to harness the power and utility of AI in service of agency missions while protecting the public from potential risks or harms":

OMB memo instructs agencies to require vendors disclose AI use, report incidents

Federal contractors must be ready to report AI incidents to agencies within 72 hours according to the latest Office of Management and Budget guidance on adhering to obligations under President Biden's artificial intelligence executive order.

Document: OMB memo on responsible AI acquisition

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

Monday

AFCEA NOVA hosts Naval IT Day.

Tuesday

The Center for Strategic and International Studies hosts a discussion with Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities Vice Adm. James Pitts.

Thursday

The Mitchell Institute hosts a discussion with the deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and policy at NATO’s Strategic Warfare Development Command.

This Friday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the Pentagon having problems with certain missile defense provisions in fiscal year 2025 defense policy legislation, plus the Marine Corps seeking training suites for the Amphibious Combat Vehicle program and more.

We start off with coverage of the Pentagon protesting the inclusion of certain missile defense provisions in the House FY-25 defense policy bill:

DOD appeals $86M House cut in FY-25 authorization for 'critical' THAAD-IBCS integration

The Defense Department is asking lawmakers to reject a House proposal that would quash a new project that aims to integrate the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system into the Army Integrated Battle Command System architecture, arguing classified assessments deemed the project "critical" to countering sophisticated missile threats.

Third GMD site tab now $5 billion, Austin seeks mandate be stripped from final bill

The Defense Department is lobbying Congress to drop a legislative provision that could force the Pentagon to construct a third homeland missile defense site -- and spend an estimated $5 billion, 25% higher than prior estimates, on a project that lacks a validated operational need.

Document: Austin's FY-25 'heartburn' letter

News on the Marine Corps' Amphibious Combat Vehicle:

Marine Corps soliciting white papers for high-tech ACV training suite

The Marine Corps’ Advanced Amphibious Assault program office has released a request for white papers for the development and production of a high-tech suite of training systems for the Amphibious Combat Vehicle, according to an Oct. 1 special notice.

Document: USMC request for white papers in support of the ACV suite of training systems

United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket successfully took off this morning, taking the next step toward certification needed for certain future National Security Space Launches:

ULA 'supremely confident' in upcoming Vulcan certification launch

The United Launch Alliance is "supremely confident" that the second certification flight for the Vulcan rocket will be successful and earn the approval needed for certain National Security Space Launch missions, CEO Tory Bruno said.

A White House Office of Management and Budget memo issued last month "builds on previous efforts to harness the power and utility of AI in service of agency missions while protecting the public from potential risks or harms":

OMB memo instructs agencies to require vendors disclose AI use, report incidents

Federal contractors must be ready to report AI incidents to agencies within 72 hours according to the latest Office of Management and Budget guidance on adhering to obligations under President Biden's artificial intelligence executive order.

Document: OMB memo on responsible AI acquisition