The Insider

By Nickolai Sukharev
January 2, 2024 at 5:24 PM

Navistar Defense will refurbish and upgrade Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles for the United Arab Emirates for $60.9 million, the Defense Department announced Friday.

The Mississippi-based company will refurbish and upgrade MaxxPro MRAPs for the United Arab Emirates with a completion date of July 1, 2025, with the work being performed in West Point, MS, the announcement reads.

First fielded in 2007, the MaxxPro MRAP is a 4-by-4-wheel drive vehicle designed to provide troops with “protected mobility” from mines, improvised explosive devices and rocket-propelled grenades, according to the Army’s Acquisition Center.

With a crew of three and seating seven passengers, the vehicle can also function as a weapons carrier, convoy protection vehicle, leader vehicle, command post and armored ambulance.

It can also be armed with various weapons, with the most common being a .50 caliber machine gun.

The Army and Marine Corps ordered the MaxxPro from Navistar through an urgent operational need procurement during the Iraq War.

Since its initial fielding in 2007, the vehicle went through numerous mechanical and armor upgrades.

Along with the U.S., 23 other nations operate the vehicle.

By Dan Schere
January 2, 2024 at 2:23 PM

The Army will host an industry event later this month in Huntsville, AL as it seeks solutions for an initial capability that will meet the requirements of Short Range Launched Effects.

The service is seeking ground- and air-launch solutions for a Short Range LE system, according to a Dec. 21 government notice. Payload configurations may include electro-optical/infrared, lethal/kinetic, communication relay, radio frequency decoy and radio frequency detect, identify, locate and report.

Navigation systems are to be based on “supervised autonomous solutions” and “include a path to “Assured-Position, Navigation and Timing solutions,” the notice states.

The industry event, scheduled for Jan. 17-19, will include a meeting with multiple Army program offices, the Future Vertical Lift Cross Functional Team and Maneuver, Aviation, Intelligence and Cyber Centers of Excellence, with the focus on acquisition strategy and requirements. It will include question-and-answer sessions for vendors as well as meetings with leadership.

Launched Effects will give the Army the ability to team between crewed and uncrewed systems to “detect, identify, locate and report pacing threats in contested environments.”

On Dec. 3, the service’s Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Project Management Office and U.S. Special Operations Command successfully tested the first launch of the Air-Launched, Tube-Integrated Unmanned System at Ft. Campbell, KY using a Black Hawk as the launch platform. The first test flight of the fully integrated LE prototype is scheduled to take place early this year, with additional testing to follow. A final operational demonstration is set for the end of fiscal year 2024.

The Army has said the Launched Effects program of record is being defined by the Program Executive Office for Aviation, with the first iteration to support user evaluations before fielding with the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft and Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft. That is not expected to occur prior to FY-30. In November, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin were awarded other transaction agreements for payloads as part of the first phase of the program.

Vendors interested in attending the industry event are asked to reply by Jan. 11, according to the notice.

By John Liang
January 2, 2024 at 12:17 PM

This first INSIDER Daily Digest of 2024 has all the news we published during the last week of 2023.

We start off with our colleagues at Inside Cybersecurity reporting about the Defense Department issuing its long-awaited Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program regulation:

Pentagon issues proposed rule outlining parameters for CMMC program

The Defense Department has released a highly anticipated proposed rule to implement its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program with details on the assessment ecosystem, key elements and the use of a plan of action and milestones.

CMMC proposed rule outlines Pentagon process for assessments, ecosystem roles and flow-down requirements

Details on the assessment process, ecosystem roles, scoping requirements and more can be found in the Defense Department proposed rule published this week for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program.

Industry groups emphasize potential regulatory burden in response to Pentagon CMMC proposed rule

Two trade associations representing companies in the defense industrial base are raising concerns over the potential for burdensome regulation following the introduction of a massive Defense Department proposed rule to implement the major revamp of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program.

More cyber defense news:

RAND report evaluates cyber-specific needs in addressing supply chain risk management

A recent report commissioned by the Air Force Research Laboratory dives into how addressing cyber risks differs from other supply chain risk management issues and provides recommendations on how to take a "comprehensive approach" in addressing their needs together.

Inside Defense recently spoke with a senior Pratt & Whitney executive about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter engine:

Pratt & Whitney is aiming for NGAP on top of F-35 ECU

Pratt & Whitney doesn't plan on giving up on its next-generation propulsion efforts after winning the Engine Core Upgrade contract to re-engine the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter fleet, Jill Albertelli, president of military engines, told Inside Defense.

The Army's proposed heavy Maneuver Support Vessel is a larger version of the light MSV, the latter of which will replace the Landing Craft Mechanized-8 (LCM-8) -- initially used during the Vietnam War:

Army seeking digital engineering solutions for heavy Maneuver Support Vessel

The Army is asking industry for digital engineering solutions that will support its planned heavy version of the Maneuver Support Vessel, also known as MSV(H) in a request for information released at the end of November.

A provision in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act signed into law by the president late last month directs the defense secretary "to modernize the Department of Defense's requirements processes in order to improve alignment between modern warfare concepts, technologies and system development and reduce the time to delivery of needed capabilities to department users":

New defense policy bill targets DOD's requirements process

The new defense authorization bill passed by Congress mandates the Defense Department "modernize" its lengthy requirements process, with an interim report due to lawmakers by Oct. 1, 2024 that could include seismic reforms to the Pentagon's labyrinthine acquisition system.

According to a recent government solicitation, a proposed industry partner will be tasked with three primary objectives: enlarging the submarine industrial workforce by creating and growing regional workforce development initiatives and eliminating skill gaps; increasing manufacturing capacity and technology adoption by submarine industrial base suppliers; and modernizing the shipbuilding component supply chain:

Government seeks industry partner to bolster submarine industrial base

The U.S. government is looking to outsource major submarine industrial base and workforce development efforts to an industry partner that will be tasked with expanding the shipbuilding workforce and leading a broad set of initiatives to improve submarine production to a sustained rate of one Columbia- and two Virginia-class vessels each year.

Inside Defense recently spoke with Army Col. Chris Anderson, the project manager for intelligence systems and analytics within the Program Executive Office for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors (PEO IEW&S) at the Technical Exchange Meeting 11 in Savannah, GA:

Army begins to build out infrastructure for future AI/ML pipeline

The Army is taking steps to build out the infrastructure that will support Project Linchpin -- the service's first pipeline for artificial intelligence and machine learning.

By John Liang
December 27, 2023 at 9:40 PM

The Biden administration today announced a $250 million security assistance package for Ukraine -- the final one for 2023 -- including additional air defense capabilities, artillery ammunition, anti-tank weapons and other equipment, valued at $250 million.

The capabilities in the package, funded via presidential drawdown authority, include:

  • Additional munitions for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS);
  • Stinger anti-aircraft missiles;
  • Air defense system components;
  • Additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);
  • 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds;
  • Tube-Launched, Optically Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles;
  • Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems;
  • More than 15 million rounds of small arms ammunition;
  • Demolitions munitions for obstacle clearing;
  • Spare parts, medical equipment, maintenance, and other ancillary equipment.

A $106 billion national security supplemental spending package remains stalled as Congress has adjourned until January.

"Security assistance for Ukraine is a smart investment in our national security," the Defense Department said in a statement issued today. "It deters potential aggression elsewhere in the world, while strengthening our defense industrial base and creating highly skilled jobs for the American people. It remains critical that Congress takes action as soon as possible in the new year on the president's national security supplemental request to ensure that our support for Ukraine can continue, and Ukraine is able to defend itself against Russia's ongoing attacks and consolidate and extend its battlefield gains."

By Apurva Minchekar
December 22, 2023 at 12:53 PM

The Space Development Agency on Dec. 20 issued a draft request for proposals to inform government requirements for a ground integration program and is seeking industry inputs on program acquisition.

According to the draft RFP, the acquisition activities include the “development program, program management, system engineering, integration, operations and maintenance of [the ground integration program].”

“The overall goal of the PGI acquisition is to provide a common, enduring ground infrastructure and resources to minimize cost and complexity for [Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture Futures Programs] space vehicle demonstration and experimentation programs,” SDA said in the draft RFP.

The agency noted that the initial PGI is needed to support a launch in June 2026.

SDA explained that PGI contractors will be responsible for delivering a ground segment to help manage shared ground systems; managing the Demonstration Operations Center, a contractor-operated facility and owned by the government; and assisting with a structured environment for cloud-based system integration and data processing.

By Tony Bertuca
December 22, 2023 at 10:49 AM

The White House today welcomed Japan's decision to transfer Patriot interceptor missiles to the United States to replenish U.S. inventories, some of which have been sent to Ukraine.

“The decision will contribute to the security of Japan and to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region by ensuring that U.S. forces, in close cooperation with the Japan Self-Defense Forces, will continue to maintain a credible deterrence and response capability,” White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

The Defense Department didn't immediately respond to a request for additional information.

News of the impending weapons transfer was first reported by The Washington Post earlier this week in a story that said the move would allow the United States to “backfill” weapons that have been sent to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, The New York Times is reporting today that Japan and the United States have entered into a new export agreement by which Japan can sell American-designed Patriot missiles made in Japan to the U.S. military, saying the change could strengthen U.S. weapons stockpiles as Washington looks to continue its aid to Ukraine.

In Japan, the Patriot system is manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, licensed by RTX and Lockheed Martin.

By Nickolai Sukharev
December 22, 2023 at 9:54 AM

The Army is looking to replace "legacy" software to modernize its future command posts, according to a public announcement.

“This effort strives to eliminate stove-piped legacy systems and consolidates mission systems and programs into a single user interface at command posts to provide a Common Operating Picture,” the Dec. 21 announcement reads.

Issued as a contract opportunity, the Army is looking for a “comprehensive suite of software applications” which can combine warfighting functions and be used to develop additional software.

The effort will use the Team Awareness Kit -- a government software designed to provide real-time data and situation awareness -- as a baseline while the newly developed software will need to “extend” beyond the existing capabilities, the announcement reads.

Additional capabilities include data centricity and modular open systems architecture as well as core command and control functions, the announcement adds.

“The ultimate intent is to provide an ecosystem of tools and services that help accelerate adoption of new capabilities, data feeds, and ml-models within a consistent COP application,” the announcement reads.

The suite will be part of the Army’s Command Post Computing Environment, a system designed to provide commanders with comprehensive data for logistics, intelligence, aerospace and maneuvers.

In its modernization programs, the Army uses the modular open systems approach designed to integrate different systems and software.

The Army’s Distributed Common Ground System, a vehicle designed for intelligence gathering, uses modular open systems architecture to allow for “rapid adaptation to changing mission circumstances.”

Last month, the Army announced an effort to increase the mobility of command posts, requesting that submissions be integrable into existing and future command and control systems.

By Georgina DiNardo
December 21, 2023 at 3:33 PM

The United States signed a defense cooperation agreement with Denmark today in an effort to strengthen country “security collaboration” and deepen partnership ties.

The two NATO members' signing of this agreement, which creates a framework for amplified defense and security cooperation, builds off work both countries are doing to increase defense across the Atlantic, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the signing ceremony.

Blinken also brought up Denmark’s commitment to helping aide Ukraine during the ceremony, stating both countries are working toward helping Ukraine “stand on its own,” citing President Biden’s supplemental budget request, which is currently waiting to be passed by Congress, as a “critical” step in this mission.

Denmark "was one of the first countries to commit to supplying F-16s to Ukraine and to train Ukrainian pilots to fly them,” Blinken said, according to a transcript of the event. “Earlier this month, Denmark pledged to provide $1 billion worth of tanks, drones, ammunition and to jointly fund the donation of new Swedish armored personnel . . . carriers . . . all of which will help Ukraine defend its territory and its democracy.”

Blinken said after the ceremony, the two countries will be able to sit down and discuss “the many issues and the many areas where the United States and Denmark together are dealing with the challenges of our time.”

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Rasmussen said the agreement “is an important agreement that will bolster out bilateral security and defense cooperation. It will also enhance our cooperation in NATO and the Nordic region.”

The pact comes amid several defense cooperation agreements between the U.S. and Nordic countries. In 2021, the U.S. signed an agreement with Norway, earlier this month the U.S. signed a similar agreement with Sweden and just this week the U.S. signed an agreement with Finland.

“You have made similar agreements with our Nordic friends, and we are looking very much forward to welcoming our close Nordic neighbor and country Sweden to NATO sooner rather than later,” Rasmussen said at the ceremony. “And this defense agreement is a steppingstone towards a more secure Nordic region. It is a part of a parcel we have made during the last couple of years -- enhancing our defense budget, welcoming new members to the NATO Alliance, and now these bilateral agreements.”

Rasmussen brought up the importance of sticking together with allies amid multiple global crises, citing Russia “waging a brutal war” on Ukraine, the “terror in Israel” and the “humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.”

“In times like this, friends must stick together, and that is what we are doing with this agreement,” Rasmussen said.

By John Liang
December 21, 2023 at 1:42 PM

This Thursday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the launch of a Defense Science Board summer study, the National Security Agency's annual cybersecurity report and more.

Pentagon research chief Heidi Shyu is calling on the Defense Science Board to conduct a summer study on "Advanced Capabilities for Potential Future Conflict":

DOD shrouds 2024 DSB summer study on 'advanced capabilities' in secrecy

The Pentagon is wrapping a veil of secrecy around the substance of an upcoming Defense Science Board summer study, marking as classified particular areas of focus that will be explored as part of the influential advisory panel's marquee 2024 investigation, an effort that typically culminates in August and often shapes future weapon system investment plans.

Document: Shyu memo on DSB study on advanced capabilities for potential future conflict

Our colleagues at Inside Cybersecurity have coverage of the National Security Agency's annual cybersecurity report:

NSA's year-in-review highlights cybersecurity efforts to address China threat, work with partners

The National Security Agency has released its 2023 year-in-review report for cybersecurity, providing a rundown of efforts at NSA's Cybersecurity Collaboration Center and work with partners to address threat actors from the People's Republic of China and other nations.

Document: NSA's 2023 cybersecurity year-in-review report

With the Senate on the brink of going on its end-of-year break, the White House is warning it will have exhausted all the funds used to provide weapons to Ukraine by the end of the month:

Senate looks to punt security spending fight into new year

Senior Democrats and Republicans in the Senate are preparing to leave for the holiday break, saying today that although progress has been made on a $110.5 billion national security supplemental spending package, lawmakers remain at odds over border security provisions.

The FY-25 budget squeeze could force the Missile Defense Agency to short-circuit the current competition between Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman for the Next Generation Interceptor program as well as RTX and Northrop Grumman for the counter-hypersonic project called Glide Phase Interceptor:

NGI and GPI eyed as billpayers in FY-25 budget squeeze, DOD could pick winners early

The Defense Department is considering earlier-than-planned design selections for the Next Generation Interceptor and Glide Phase Interceptor to free up funds needed to finance fiscal year 2025 shortfalls caused by GOP-mandated debt ceiling negotiations that trimmed the Biden administration's FY-25 military spending forecast.

BAE Systems will build M2A4 and M7A4 Bradley vehicles using “legacy source variants” for approximately $78.3 million by a completion date of Mar. 31, 2026, with work locations to be determined with each order, according to a recent contract announcement:

BAE wins contract to build Bradley fighting vehicles using legacy variants

BAE Systems won a contract to manufacture Bradley fighting vehicles using older variants, the Defense Department announced last week.

By Shelley K. Mesch
December 21, 2023 at 12:08 PM

The Air Force's program executive officer for command, control, communications and battle management along with the Army and the Navy will hold an industry day on Joint All Domain Command and Control, according to a notice posted last week.

The classified industry day on Jan. 25 in El Segundo, CA, will “articulate the direction of each service’s respective contributions” to the JADC2 effort, the notice states.

The first session will require secret clearance while the second will require top secret/sensitive compartmented information clearance. Only one representative per company will be allowed with an event capacity of 185.

The Air Force has been ramping up its JADC2 efforts after the instatement of Brig. Gen. Luke Cropsey last year as the C3BM integrating PEO. Cropsey has said the Air Force contribution -- now called the DAF Battle Network but sometimes still referred to as the Advanced Battle Management System -- will focus strictly on operational needs, command and control, architecture and continuous capability deployment.

The Navy’s contribution -- Project Overmatch -- has remained largely classified but intends to connect the military with command and control intelligence.

The Army’s Project Convergence is running experiments to boost interoperability with its sister services as well as with allies.

By John Liang
December 20, 2023 at 1:59 PM

This Wednesday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the Senate punting its national security funding debate to next year, possible budget implications to a couple of missile defense programs and more.

With the Senate on the brink of going on its end-of-year break, the White House is warning it will have exhausted all its funds used to provide weapons to Ukraine by the end of the month:

Senate looks to punt security spending fight into new year

Senior Democrats and Republicans in the Senate are preparing to leave for the holiday break, saying today that although progress has been made on a $110.5 billion national security supplemental spending package, lawmakers remain at odds over border security provisions.

The FY-25 budget squeeze could force the Missile Defense Agency to short-circuit the current competition between Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman for the Next Generation Interceptor program and RTX -- formerly Raytheon Technologies -- and Northrop Grumman for the counter-hypersonic project called Glide Phase Interceptor:

NGI and GPI eyed as billpayers in FY-25 budget squeeze, DOD could pick winners early

The Defense Department is considering earlier-than-planned design selections for the Next Generation Interceptor and Glide Phase Interceptor to free up funds needed to finance fiscal year 2025 shortfalls caused by GOP-mandated debt ceiling negotiations that trimmed the Biden administration's FY-25 military spending forecast.

BAE Systems will build M2A4 and M7A4 Bradley vehicles using “legacy source variants” for approximately $78.3 million by a completion date of Mar. 31, 2026, with work locations to be determined with each order, according to a recent contract announcement:

BAE wins contract to build Bradley fighting vehicles using legacy variants

BAE Systems won a contract to manufacture Bradley fighting vehicles using older variants, the Defense Department announced Thursday.

A new Microelectronics Commons "call for projects" released this week will provide up to $280 million to proposals that interest the Pentagon:

DOD announces new Microelectronics Commons 'call for projects'

The Defense Department released the Microelectronics Commons "call for projects" today for fiscal year 2024, with project awards scheduled for the third quarter.

The 25th Infantry Division, based at Schofield Barracks, HI, recently conducted an experiment in which they flew a small drone with a radio that allowed the unit to extend the network "significantly farther than they had in the past," Program Executive Officer for Command, Control and Communications Tactical (PEO C3T) Mark Kitz said in an interview here at Technical Exchange Meeting 11 last week:

Army wants drones to play a role in extending network range

SAVANNAH, GA -- Army officials envision that unmanned aerial systems will eventually play a role in modernizing the network by extending its range.

By Georgina DiNardo
December 20, 2023 at 11:23 AM

A senior policy official at the Pentagon today announced new changes in leadership in roles handling Middle East and NATO issues.

Daniel Shapiro is taking over Dana Stroul’s position as deputy assistant defense secretary for the Middle East.

Shapiro was previously the U.S. ambassador to Israel and senior adviser to the special envoy for Iran, according to a DOD release issued today.

Sasha Baker, acting defense under secretary of defense for policy, thanked Stroul in a statement for her work in the role, particularly when it came to forging partnerships and alliances through defense policy and strategy.

Additionally, Lisa Sawyer is stepping into the role of the deputy assistant defense secretary for European and NATO policy, previously filled by Spencer Boyer.

Baker thanked Boyer for his work in addressing critical European and NATO issues that affected how the U.S. maintained global security and stability.

Sawyer is coming back to the Pentagon after working at the White House as a special adviser on European, Russian and defense matters to the vice president, according to a DOD statement.

“We are confident that her leadership will significantly contribute to our ongoing efforts in safeguarding national security and enhancing our transatlantic relationships,” Baker said in the statement.

Meanwhile, both areas of operation continue to be hotbeds of military activity, with U.S. forces being continuously attacked in the Middle East by Iran-backed militia groups as Ukraine remains locked in a war against Russian invaders.

By John Liang
December 20, 2023 at 10:13 AM

Lockheed Martin announced this week that Maria Ricciardone has been promoted to vice president and treasurer and Evan Scott as chief financial officer of the company's Missiles and Fire Control business unit.

Ricciardone will succeed Scott as treasurer, according to a company statement.

Scott succeeds Charles Hubbs, who after more than 40 years of service has announced his plans to retire, according to the statement, which adds: "Hubbs will transition into a strategic advisory role before departing the company in late 2024."

As vice president and treasurer, Ricciardone will lead Lockheed's worldwide banking activity, including global treasury operations, foreign exchange and capital markets, rating agency relations, capital planning and risk management. She joined the company in 2022 as vice president of investor relations and will maintain this role in her new position.

Prior to joining the company, Ricciardone was vice president of finance for financial planning and analysis and global components at Arrow Electronics in Colorado. She previously held positions at Hubbell Inc.; United Technologies and its subsidiary Otis Elevator Co.; Duff & Phelps; Affiliated Managers Group; and Booz Allen Hamilton.

As Missiles and Fire Control’s CFO, Scott will lead financial and business operations for that business unit. He began his career at Lockheed Martin in June 1999 and has served as vice president and treasurer since June 2022.

By Tony Bertuca
December 20, 2023 at 9:18 AM

The Senate voted last night to confirm 11 senior military nominees after the capitulation of Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), who brought defense confirmations to a near standstill earlier this year because he was protesting the Pentagon's travel and leave policy for servicemembers seeking abortion services.

Tuberville, after being pressed for weeks by fellow Republicans who said he was endangering national security, removed a blanket hold earlier this month on more than 400 military nominees. He continued his holds on four-star promotions until last night.

Tuberville, however, has said he will continue to hold the Pentagon’s civilian nominees.

The Pentagon, at the direction of the White House, has not changed its abortion access policy.

Meanwhile, those newly confirmed include three combatant commanders: Gen. Stephen Whiting to be chief of U.S. Space Command, Gen. Gregory Guillot to be chief of U.S. Northern Command and Gen. Timothy Haugh to be chief of U.S. Cyber Command.

Four service vice chiefs were also confirmed: Lt. Gen. James Mingus for the Army, Vice Adm. James Kilby for the Navy, Lt. Gen. James Slife for the Air Force and Lt. Gen. Michael Guetlein for the Space Force.

Other nominees include Vice Adm. Stephen Koehler to lead the Pacific Fleet, Lt. Gen. Kevin Schneider to lead Pacific Air Forces, Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach to lead Air Combat Command and Vice Adm. William Houston to lead the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.

By John Liang
December 19, 2023 at 12:35 PM

This Tuesday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the Pentagon issuing a "call for projects" for its Microelectronics Commons effort, plus coverage from the Army's recent Technical Exchange Meeting 11 in Savannah, GA and more.

A new Microelectronics Commons "call for projects" released this week will provide up to $280 million to proposals that interest the Pentagon:

DOD announces new Microelectronics Commons 'call for projects'

The Defense Department released the Microelectronics Commons "call for projects" today for fiscal year 2024, with project awards scheduled for the third quarter.

More coverage of last week's Technical Exchange Meeting 11:

Army wants drones to play a role in extending network range

SAVANNAH, GA -- Army officials envision that unmanned aerial systems will eventually play a role in modernizing the network by extending its range.

Two years ago, the Army had 16 organizational networks and that number is now down to nine:

Army leaders target 2025 for consolidating organizational networks

SAVANNAH, GA -- The Army's top leaders anticipate that by the end of 2025, the service will have consolidated all of its organizational networks into one.

Keep an eye out next month for the Pentagon to release the final version of its National Defense Industrial Strategy:

DOD plans to unveil National Defense Industrial Strategy next month

The Defense Department is planning to release its first-ever National Defense Industrial Strategy in January, a pre-decisional draft of which was obtained by Inside Defense earlier this month that calls for "generational change."

The final version of the fiscal year 2024 defense authorization conference bill largely restates missile defense objectives set forth in a FY-17 law, with just a slight tweak:

House gambit to expand national missile defense policy rolled back in final FY-24 policy bill

A proposal to dramatically expand in law the national missile defense policy -- with a provision proposed in the House version of the fiscal year 2024 defense authorization bill the Biden administration warned would be destabilizing, unaffordable and undoable -- was rolled back in the final version of the legislation.