The Insider

Anduril acquires air and missile defense contractor's radar, C2 businesses
By Theresa Maher
January 9, 2025 at 12:34 PM

Defense contractor Anduril is acquiring Numerica Corp.'s radar and command and control businesses, according to a company press release published today.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed to Inside Defense in emails with an Anduril spokesperson.

As part of the deal, Numerica’s short-range air defense Spyglass and Spark radars are set to join Anduril’s existing portfolio of automated sensing solutions, according to the release.

Anduril also plans to manufacture Spyglass and Spark at its future Arsenal-1 manufacturing facility aimed at “hyperscaling” the production of critical defense technology, according to the release.

Mimir, Numerica’s C2-enabling software, will also join Anduril’s existing portfolio of mission-centric software capabilities. The technology -- with its advanced tracking, track correlation and theater-wide fusion capabilities -- complements Anduril’s Lattice AI-powered, open software integration platform, the company said.

With the integration of Numerica’s radar and C2 systems into the Lattice platform, “Anduril will deliver solutions designed to operate effective, full-force combat operations,” the company said.

The acquisition announcement comes as Anduril ramps up its partnerships with other companies around AI-enabled software, including OpenAI and Palantir.

It also follows Anduril’s December announcement unveiling its Lattice Partner Program -- which grants other defense software vendors using its Lattice software developer kit access to support and resources for the acceleration of application development and streamlined integrations into its Lattice system.

Numerica had been among 11 vendors that signed onto the partner program at its outset.

Army issues RFI for ISR Launched Effects capabilities
By Dan Schere
January 8, 2025 at 2:41 PM

The Army issued a request for information today seeking aerial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance Launched Effects capabilities that can be integrated on medium/high-altitude aerial platforms.

The Army is developing three Launched Effects variants:

  • Short Range (range of 40 to 125 km)
  • Medium Range (range of 100 to 500 km)
  • Long Range (range of 200 to 1,000 km)

According to today’s notice, the Special Electronic Mission AC Product Directorate within the Fixed Wing Project Office has an emerging requirement for a Launched Effects Capability to be integrated on a medium/high-altitude, higher airspeed aerial-ISR aircraft. An operational capability is to be demonstrated in the “Fiscal Year 2026 timeframe.”

The Launched Effects systems would be integrated onto an aircraft that can operate at altitudes higher than 41,000 feet above mean sea level and above 400 knots “true airspeed” for more than seven hours, according to the notice.

The LE would be carried and deployed from “pylons at the inboard or outboard wing hardpoint stations” of the aircraft in a “non-pressurized environment,” according to the Army.

Vendors are asked to submit questions about the RFI by Jan. 15 and must submit synopsis responses and comments by Feb. 7.

The INSIDER daily digest -- Jan. 8, 2025
By John Liang
January 8, 2025 at 2:20 PM

This Wednesday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the Army's High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) spy plane program, the Air Force's Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System effort and more.

The Government Accountability Office this week released a redacted report outlining its decision to deny a protest by L3Harris for the Army's HADES spy plane program:

GAO: L3Harris bid for HADES award lacked necessary technical detail

An ultimately unsuccessful bid by L3Harris for the Army's High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) spy plane program failed due to a lack of technical detail the company provided in its proposal, according to the Government Accountability Office.

EPAWSS is meant to bring improved radar warning, geolocation, situational awareness, self-protection and jamming to the legacy aircraft as the service prepares its entire fighter fleet for a potential fight in the Indo-Pacific:

F-15 EPAWSS cleared for full-rate production

The Air Force’s F-15 Eagle fleet is on track to receive a fresh electronic warfare suite, the Pentagon announced Monday evening, after approving BAE Systems’ Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System for full-rate production.

The Mobile Command Vehicle consists of various fires support systems housed in a "shelter" and mounted onto a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle:

Marine Corps to begin receiving new fires support vehicle this month

The Marine Corps will begin accepting delivery of an initial batch of new Mobile Command Vehicles this month, with Science Applications International Corp. expected to deliver 18 MCVs between January and July.

A few Air National Guard units will get new aircraft:

F-15EX, F-35A to replace some Air National Guard F-15C/D squadrons

The Air Force last month approved a plan to replace old F-15C/D Eagle jets with newer aircraft considered more combat capable at three Air National Guard squadrons, according to a record of decision posted today in the Federal Register.

The Defense Department has added to its list of "Chinese military companies":

DOD unveils latest list of 'Chinese military companies'

The Defense Department has updated its list of "Chinese military companies" operating directly or indirectly in the United States, adding several large tech firms associated with artificial intelligence, battery manufacturing and gaming, according to a new Federal Register notice.

B61-12 Life Extension Program complete
By Shelley K. Mesch
January 8, 2025 at 11:41 AM

The National Nuclear Security Administration has completed the last production unit of the B61-12 Life Extension Program, according to a Tuesday announcement.

The last of the modified gravity bombs was completed in December, the announcement stated, extending the service life of the air-delivered nuclear weapon for at least 20 more years.

“Completing the B61-12 on schedule is the latest example of what we’ve been saying for several years now: NNSA is delivering capabilities at the pace and scale needed by our Department of Defense partners and our deterrence requirements,” said Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security and NNSA Administrator Jill Hruby.

The life extension program delivered the first production unit in November 2021 and completed the program in just over three years.

“The B61-12 balances greater accuracy provided by the modern tail kit assembly with a substantial reduction in yield with no overall change in military characteristics,” the notice said.

NNSA will now transition to producing the B61-13 nuclear bomb with the first production unit expected in fiscal year 2026. The organization is also working on six other warhead modernization programs and modernizing manufacturing capabilities.

Proteus Enterprises buys Ricardo Defense
By John Liang
January 8, 2025 at 11:19 AM

Proteus Enterprises, a Maryland-based aerospace, defense and government services holding company, today announced that it acquired Ricardo Defense in partnership with Gladstone Investment Corp.

While financial terms were not disclosed, Pierre Chao and Greg Bowie, Proteus co-founders, said: "The Ricardo Defense team has done a remarkable job providing innovative technical and product solutions for US Army and DOD customers. Ricardo Defense's experienced leadership team has grown the company significantly to date by developing new capabilities and customer relationships, including the ABS/ESC system for the humvee.

"In bringing U.S. ownership and access to capital, we look forward to partnering with management to grow the company while building a business focused on solving the defense customer's most challenging problems," Chao and Bowie continued.

Mercury Systems announces board changes
By John Liang
January 8, 2025 at 11:06 AM

Mercury Systems this week announced the departure of Roger Krone from its board of directors and the appointment of Jean Bus as its new independent director.

Since joining Mercury’s board, Krone has been appointed as president and CEO of the Boy Scouts of America "and is planning to focus his time on the Boy Scouts and other business matters," according to a company statement.

Bus is the chief financial officer of NetScout Systems, a network performance and cybersecurity solutions company. She will serve on the board's audit and government relations committees, according to Mercury.

DBB to meet on supply chain illumination study
By Theresa Maher
January 8, 2025 at 9:50 AM

The Defense Business Board will meet Monday to discuss results from the panel's study examining how the Pentagon could provide better visibility into defense-related supply chain risks.

The Jan. 13 meeting is open to the public from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., according to a Federal Register notice posted today.

Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks commissioned the study in August 2024 -- citing the risks insufficient supply chain visibility.

“Illumination into defense-related supply chains,” Hicks said in the Terms of Reference letter, “allows the Department of Defense (DOD) to anticipate disruptions, reduce vulnerabilities, and strengthen resilience to supply shocks.”

The subcommittee will also brief the board on “best practices, findings and recommendations” for improved supply chain risk management, the notice said.

Wicker named Senate Armed Services Committee chairman
By Tony Bertuca
January 7, 2025 at 5:45 PM

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) has officially been named chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Wicker, who previously served as the committee’s ranking member before the GOP won the Senate majority, recently proposed legislation seeking new Pentagon acquisition reforms. He is also working on a proposal to increase defense spending via an upcoming Republican budget reconciliation package.

Wicker is a long-time advocate for increasing U.S. defense spending, arguing it should be 5% of the gross domestic product.

House Armed Services Committee GOP roster announced
By Tony Bertuca
January 7, 2025 at 4:02 PM

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) released a list of Republican members and subcommittee chairman today.

The subcommittee chairmen are:

- Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) – Vice-Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and chairman of the tactical air and land forces subcommittee

- Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R-TN) – Chairman of the strategic forces subcommittee

- Rep. Trent Kelly (R-MS) – Chairman of the seapower and projection forces subcommittee

- Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) – Chairman of the cyber, information technologies, and innovation subcommittee

- Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI) – Chairman of the readiness subcommittee

- Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) – Chairman of the intelligence and special operations subcommittee

- Rep. Pat Fallon (R-TX) – Chairman of the military personnel subcommittee

Some of the subcommittee chairmanship roster remains the same as the previous Congress though some reshuffling has occurred.

Fallon is assuming the personnel subcommittee chairmanship from former-House member Jim Banks (R-IN), who has been elected to the Senate. Bergman will chair the readiness subcommittee now that Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL) has joined the incoming Trump administration as national security adviser. Jackson will take Bergman’s place as chairman of the intelligence and special operations subcommittee. DesJarlais, meanwhile will chair the strategic forces subcommittee now that former Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO) has retired.

New Republican committee members include:

  • Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI)
  • Rep. John McGuire (R-VA)
  • Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-NC)
  • Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN)
  • Rep. Derek Schmidt (R-KS)
  • Rep. Jeff Crank (R-CO)
  • Rep. Abraham Hamadeh (R-AZ)

Returning GOP committee members include:

  • Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC)
  • Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH)
  • Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA)
  • Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO)
  • Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY)
  • Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL)
  • Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC)
  • Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN)
  • Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX)
  • Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA)
  • Rep. James Moylan (R-GU)
  • Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL)
  • Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA)
  • Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX)
  • Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA)

Stefanik, however, is slated to leave the House if she is confirmed as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

The INSIDER daily digest -- Jan. 7, 2025
By Thomas Duffy
January 7, 2025 at 3:13 PM

This Tuesday INSIDER Daily Digest starts off with an Air Force decision to update the fleets at several Air National Guard units, DOD identifies more Chinese military companies, a new report says the Navy’s shipbuilding budget will grow quite a bit in the years to come, and the Navy is looking to buy a new landing ship.

A few ANG units will get new aircraft:

F-15EX, F-35A to replace some Air National Guard F-15C/D squadrons

The Air Force last month approved a plan to replace old F-15C/D Eagle jets with newer aircraft considered more combat capable at three Air National Guard squadrons, according to a record of decision posted today in the Federal Register.

The Defense Department has added to its list of ‘Chinese military companies’:

DOD unveils latest list of ‘Chinese military companies’

The Defense Department has updated its list of “Chinese military companies” operating directly or indirectly in the United States, adding several large tech firms associated with artificial intelligence, battery manufacturing and gaming, according to a new Federal Register notice.

A congressional report says to look for increased shipbuilding costs in the decades ahead:

CBO: Shipbuilding costs over next 30 years could climb 17% past Navy’s estimates

Total shipbuilding costs for the Navy over the next 30 years could average $40 billion -- 17% more than the service estimated -- largely due to cost growth among various programs, the Congressional Budget Office found.

The Navy is looking for an off-the-shelf landing ship:

Navy seeks non-developmental landing ship with new RFI

Naval Sea Systems Command published a request for information today seeking domestic shipbuilders capable of producing a non-developmental landing ship with the ability to onload and offload cargo during shore-to-shore beaching operations.

Navy’s Next-Gen Jammer reaches IOC
By Abby Shepherd
January 7, 2025 at 2:25 PM

The Navy has declared initial operational capability for the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band system -- a jump in capability following problems with system immaturity that were noted by the Pentagon’s director of operational test and evaluation last year.

The system officially reached IOC in December the Navy confirmed in a news release Monday. The NGJ-MB consists of two pods under the EA-18G aircraft’s wings and is the first of three programs set to replace the AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jammer System currently used by the aircraft.

“Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band improves our fleet’s warfighting advantage in the electromagnetic spectrum,” Rear Adm. John Lemmon, Tactical Aircraft Programs executive officer, said in a statement. “This system provides enhanced capabilities to deny, distract and disorient adversaries’ radars, protecting our naval aviators and allowing them to carry out their missions in contested airspace.”

NGJ-MB’s capabilities were on display during the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group’s five-month deployment earlier this year, the Navy’s news release confirmed. The jammer was deployed alongside Electronic Attack Squadron 133, the first time it has been used in combat.

“NGJ-MB will boost our fleet's ability to maintain spectrum dominance. Yielding new capabilities is critical for addressing current and future threats. The era of isolated surface-to-air missile systems, which operate within a non-agile and limited frequency range, is behind us,” said Lt. Cmdr. Michael Bedwell, EA-18G naval flight officer and NGJ-MB deputy integrated product team lead.

Hardware reliability issues and a lack of modeling were largely to blame for NGJ-MB delays in achieving initial operational test and evaluation and IOC, last year’s DOT&E report confirmed.

“Hardware reliability issues and a lack of validated or accredited digital models, which are derived from operational test data and are required to supplement NGJ-MB operational flight test evaluation, present a significant risk to NGJ-MB IOT&E,” the report said.

SDA to host industry day for second set of experimentation satellites
By Shelley K. Mesch
January 7, 2025 at 1:29 PM

The Space Development Agency will host an industry day next month for a pool of prime contractors and potential payload vendors for its second set of demonstration and technology satellites through its Hybrid Acquisition for Proliferated Low-Earth Orbit (HALO) effort.

SDA plans to release a prototype order for two space vehicles for its Tranche 2 Demonstration and Experimentation program, called T2DES, according to a notice posted by the agency. The specific effort that will be described in the Feb. 10-11 industry day is dubbed Europa and will aim to demonstrate advances in radio-frequency communications technology.

Vendors in the HALO pool of prime contractors will be eligible for the program award but SDA will allow qualified mission payload vendors the opportunity to brief on their capabilities at the industry day. This is to “promote industry teaming and to maximize the quality of potential vendor submissions to this prospective [prototype order],” the notice states.

Vendors that could potentially be qualified to brief at the industry day include those with experience in payload missions and systems engineering, RF receiver signal processing, beamforming algorithm design and receive antenna array requirements.

The technologies demonstrated through T2DES Europa could inform requirements for SDA’s Tranche 3 Transport Layer.

SDA announced the initial 19 vendors for the HALO pool in October.

Army convening industry summit for IBCT modernization push
By Dan Schere
January 7, 2025 at 10:32 AM

The Army will convene an industry summit in early March that will focus on capabilities for Project Polaris -- an effort by the service to modernize Infantry Brigade Combat Teams’ equipment.

The Army’s Assistant Program Executive Officer Soldier plans to hold the event March 4-5 in Alexandria, VA, according to a December notice that was updated Jan. 6.

The event will include briefings from multiple Army and Defense Department officials within various program offices, according to the notice. The goal is to outline “current capability roadmaps” and identify “common integration and interoperability interfaces on the soldier and squad platform to industry and key DOD stakeholders.”

The Army’s Close Combat Integration Enterprise will incorporate the feedback from the summit into the “Polaris ‘26 document” during 2025, the notice states.

Vendors are asked to respond to the notice by Feb. 20.

The INSIDER daily digest -- Jan. 6, 2025
By John Liang
January 6, 2025 at 12:08 PM

This Monday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on Army humvee safety upgrades and more.

We start off with coverage of a variety of provisions in the recently enacted Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act:

FY-25 NDAA requires safety upgrades for all humvees

The Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act tasks the Army with incorporating anti-lock brake systems and electronic stability control kits onto all humvees by 2033.

FY-25 NDAA directs Air Force, Navy to reassess air-to-air missile inventory requirements

The Air Force and Navy secretaries, along with commanders of the combatant commands, must take a deep look at existing inventory requirements for air-to-air missiles and consider whether to adjust acquisition plans, according to the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act.

FY-25 NDAA includes various cyber programs

The Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, signed into law by President Biden on Christmas Eve, directs the Defense Department's chief digital and artificial intelligence officer to establish the DOD hackathon program and features a report due within 180 days from the Director of National Intelligence on "the implications of the ransomware threat to United States national security."

The Pentagon's Office of Strategic Capital has released its Fiscal Year 2025 Investment Strategy, which details how OSC will prioritize investments through credit-based financial products for critical technologies, assets and their supply chains:

DOD releases FY-25 investment strategy for strategic capital office

The Defense Department’s Office of Strategic Capital released its second annual investment strategy and opened applications for its inaugural loan program Thursday, according to a DOD announcement.

Document: OSC's FY-25 investment strategy

On Dec. 20, the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office announced plans to exclusively invite BAE Systems Land & Armaments to prepare a prototype proposal for the Multi-Domain Artillery Cannon System and Hypervelocity Projectile prototypes:

Army tapping BAE to build prototype airbase defense hypervelocity projectile cannon

The Army has selected BAE Systems to produce a prototype cannon that flips its offensive punch for a defensive role as part of a wider U.S. military project to shield high-value, small-area assets by defeating cruise missile raids with a paradigm-changing capability: hypervelocity projectile gunfire.

The week ahead
By Tony Bertuca
January 6, 2025 at 5:00 AM

A Washington think tank hosts a discussion this week with the assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict.

Tuesday

The Center for Strategic and International Studies hosts a discussion on the future of irregular warfare.

Friday

The Naval War College hosts a virtual event on "Critical Minerals and National Security."