The Insider

The INSIDER daily digest -- October 24, 2025
By Thomas Duffy
October 24, 2025 at 11:42 AM

This Friday INSIDER Daily Digest starts with a look at Lockheed Martin’s bid for a new Army weapon system, the Marine Corps releases a modernization plan, news on the Army’s effort to transport wounded soldiers on the battlefield, and optimism surrounds a major piece of shipbuilding legislation.

A major defense contractor is eying a new Army weapon competition:

Lockheed preparing LRMF bid for Army’s Precision Strike Missile Inc. 4

Lockheed Martin is preparing a proposal for the Army’s next-generation long-range strike weapon, responding to a non-public solicitation issued in late September that could position its Long Range Maneuverable Fires (LRMF) technology as the baseline for Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 4, according to people familiar with the effort.

The Marine Corps plans to modernize ‘aggressively’ over the next few years:

Marine Corps targets ‘aggressive modernization’ with 2025 Force Design update

Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith today published a 2025 update to the service’s Force Design doctrine, emphasizing a need for “aggressive modernization” to keep pace with rapidly changing technology and tactics.

The Army is looking at new ways to transport wounded soldiers:

MBCTs come with CASEVAC questions

As the Army works to stand up 25 Mobile Brigade Combat Teams over the next two years, it’s going to have to rethink how it moves around large numbers of incapacitated soldiers with lighter vehicles.

If the government shutdown ends soon, a shipbuilding bill may move quickly:

SHIPS Act co-sponsor predicts bill could advance by first quarter of 2026

SHIPS Act co-sponsor Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) expects movement on the shipbuilding legislation soon but acknowledged on Wednesday there are difficulties facing the bill due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Missile defense RFI on hold due to shutdown
By Abby Shepherd
October 24, 2025 at 11:21 AM

A request for information on the development of software solutions for the Navy’s Collaborative Integrated Air and Missile Defense is now on hold due to the ongoing government shutdown, according to a notice Thursday.

Once the government reopens, the RFI will be amended to provide additional time for questions and submissions, the Navy announced. White papers were originally due Nov. 3.

Naval Information Warfare Systems Command initially released the RFI in September to “facilitate the development, prototyping, production, support and sustainment of software solutions” for Collaborative IAMD, according to the notice.

The Collaborative IAMD Planning Program, or CIPP, seeks to apply artificial intelligence to IAMD planning. This requirement is “driven by a national strategic initiative to ensure the Fleet’s readiness in the tactical edge of warfighting,” that could save time and increase effectiveness, the notice states.

Former DIU director Doug Beck rejoins CNAS board
By Theresa Maher
October 23, 2025 at 5:03 PM

Doug Beck, who abruptly left his post as director of the Defense Innovation Unit at the end of August, is coming back to the Center for New American Security’s board of directors after nearly three years away, the think tank announced today.

Beck served as a member on the CNAS board from 2015 until being tapped to lead DIU in April 2023. Beck had previously worked as a vice president at Apple.

While at the Pentagon, Beck published the “DIU 3.0” strategy report with CNAS in February 2024.

Beck’s exit less than two months ago was then the latest in a wave of high-profile exits at the Pentagon and came less than a week after Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin announced his planned departure.

Emil Michael, under secretary of defense for research and engineering, is currently serving as DIU’s interim director. Michael told reporters shortly after Beck’s departure that his tenure as head of the innovation office will only last until someone is tapped to fill the role full-time.

Wormuth named next CEO of Nuclear Threat Initiative nonprofit
By Dan Schere
October 23, 2025 at 4:01 PM

Former Army Secretary Christine Wormuth has been named as the next president and CEO of the Nuclear Threat Initiative -- a nonprofit organization focused on reducing “nuclear, biological, and emerging technology threats imperiling humanity.”

NTI was founded in 2001 by former Sen. Sam Nunn (D-GA) and billionaire philanthropist Ted Turner.

Wormuth served as Army secretary during the entirety of the Biden administration, departing her position in January after President Trump took office. She also served as under secretary of defense for policy during the Obama administration from 2014 to 2016 and has served in several other roles in the Pentagon.

Wormuth will officially start as CEO of NTI on Nov. 17, according to a news release.

“NTI’s mission to reduce global nuclear, biological, and emerging technology threats is more vital than ever. I’m excited to lead this exceptional team as it builds on NTI’s legacy and helps shape a safer, more resilient future,” Wormuth said in a statement this week.

The INSIDER daily digest -- October 23, 2025
By Thomas Duffy
October 23, 2025 at 12:22 PM

This Thursday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the effects of the government shutdown on the Defense Department and industry conferences, the nominee to be the next Maritime Administrator, and the fielding plans for the Army’s next long range assault aircraft.

A tanker conference set for next month falls victim to the government shutdown:

Next month's tanker conference canceled due to government shutdown

The Airlift/Tanker Association has canceled its annual conference for industry and military leaders next month in Nashville because of the lapse in government appropriations, according to the organization.

Arizona senator steps up to back MARAD chief nominee:

SHIPS Act sponsor advocates for MARAD administrator nominee on Capitol Hill

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) today advocated for the nominee to head the Maritime Administration -- Stephen Carmel, a sailor with experience in the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and several executive positions at shipping company Maersk Line, Limited.

Bell Textron announces Army aircraft test flight in 2027:

Bell will field first MV-75 test aircraft in FY-27 as Army moves up timeline

As the Army plans to move out on an ambitious plan to field 24 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft -- the MV-75 -- in two years, prime contractor Bell Textron plans to fly its first test aircraft in fiscal year 2027.

The government shutdown is landing hard in some DOD corners:

DOD feeling the bite as government shutdown becomes second longest in U.S. history

The Defense Department, detailing for Congress the impacts of the ongoing government shutdown, says it has canceled “significant elements” of a key military exercise for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command focused on validating land-based strike capabilities via an experimental radar being integrated with the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).

Space Force lists maneuverable GEO among expected commercial SATCOM needs for FY-26
By Shelley K. Mesch
October 23, 2025 at 11:10 AM

The Space Force today released descriptions of seven commercial satellite communications needs expected in fiscal year 2026, including maneuverable satellite services.

The Commercial Satellite Communications Office will likely seek requests for proposals and quotes for transponded capacity, subscription services and end-to-end solutions, according to a memo signed by CSCO Chief Clare Hopper.

The memo includes a potential schedule and cost for contracts, ranging from award dates in January through June and costs from about $500,000 up to $905 million.

The costliest effort would be Maneuverable Geosynchronous Orbit Satellite-Based Services, which would seek such services and “the building, launching, control and operation of purpose built MGEO satellites,” according to a description of the requirement.

“Effort also includes the equipment and capabilities for all domains and use cases, to include both user-to-user capabilities, and reach-back capabilities such as terrestrial back haul for end-to-end connectivity from provider to government-control gateways,” the description states.

Other potential contracts include various wavelength communications for the other services and the Coast Guard.

Eventual requests would be through the Future COMSATCOM Services Acquisition program.

Textron CEO: Company will find business opportunities despite RCV, FTUAS cancellations
By Dan Schere
October 23, 2025 at 10:24 AM

Despite the Army’s decision to cancel two modernization programs earlier this year that Textron was involved in, the company’s CEO believes there will still be business opportunities in the area of unmanned aerial systems going forward.

As part of its sweeping transformation initiative rolled out in May, the Army cancelled both the Future Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems program and the Robotic Combat Vehicle program -- both competitions in which Textron had been a finalist.

When asked by an investor Thursday during a third-quarter earnings call how Textron’s unmanned portfolio was performing, CEO Scott Donnelly acknowledged that the “next significant tranche was really going to be around FTUAS.”

“With that program not happening at least in the way it was envisioned, that was a hit. But look, the reality is, these brigades need ISR,” he said, referring to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

Donnelly said ultimately FTUAS didn’t move forward because Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George had become frustrated over the length of time it was taking to field the equipment. The chief has instead directed industry to take systems directly to brigades during their transforming in contact exercises.

“So that’s what we’re doing right now. And that’s why I say, while FTUAS didn’t happen as a program, we will see a number of opportunities as we go out and sell that technology directly to the warfighter,” Donnelly said.

Textron also announced this week that Donnelly will be stepping down from his CEO role to become the company’s executive chairman on Jan. 4. Lisa Atherton, who currently leads the company’s Bell segment, will succeed Donnelly as CEO on that date.

Industry day for SPY-6 production postponed due to shutdown
By Abby Shepherd
October 22, 2025 at 1:55 PM

Yet another Navy industry day has been postponed due to the ongoing government shutdown -- now the second-longest in U.S. history.

Originally scheduled for Oct. 27, an industry day focused on AN/SPY-6(V) radar production is now postponed to an unknown date, according to a government announcement. The cancellation is one of several industry events that have been disrupted by the shutdown, including one focused on a new Navy missile program.

Earlier this year, the Navy announced plans to procure 80 SPY-6 sensor sets as part of an overall nine-year buying plan that would begin in fiscal year 2027.

The Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems’ Above Water Sensors directorate (PEO IWS 2.0) released a request for information in January, directed at companies capable of building SPY-6 radars for a second production lot.

Raytheon was awarded the first full-rate production contract for SPY-6 sensors and delivered 15 sets to the Navy as of January.

It remains unclear how the Navy’s procurement goals for SPY-6 radars could be affected by the shutdown and subsequent industry day postponements.

Senate committee advances AUKUS export control amendment
By Nick Wilson
October 22, 2025 at 12:38 PM

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee today advanced a legislative proposal that would loosen arms export control regulations between the United States, Australia and United Kingdom under the AUKUS security pact.

Senators approved the “AUKUS Improvement Act of 2025” along with several other proposals by voice vote during a committee meeting this morning.

The legislation, which was introduced in June by Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) with bipartisan support, would give the U.S. greater flexibility to sell and exchange defense items with the other two AUKUS nations without first receiving formal approvals.

AUKUS -- a Biden-era pact designed to help Australia establish its own nuclear-powered attack submarine fleet and to facilitate greater defense tech collaboration among the three signatories -- received an endorsement from President Trump earlier this week.

Meanwhile, defense officials are wrapping up a review of the agreement, initiated by the Trump administration in June. On Monday, Navy Secretary John Phelan said the aim of the review is to improve upon the original framework and clarify “ambiguity” within it.

Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT) later said lawmakers expect the review to yield a series of recommendations focused on improving domestic industrial base performance.

The INSIDER daily digest -- October 22, 2025
By Thomas Duffy
October 22, 2025 at 12:21 PM

Wednesday’s INSIDER Daily Digest starts with a look at how the Pentagon plans to spend billions of dollars in reconciliation funds, one congressman’s thoughts on an ongoing AUKUS review, Lockheed’s CEO talks about how the company plans to operate in the future, some Golden Dome news, and the views of the Army’s new acquisition chief.

Congress just got its initial look at the Pentagon’s reconciliation plans:

DOD sends Congress first ‘tranche’ of budget reconciliation spending plan

The Defense Department has sent Congress the first “tranche” of its spending plan for the budget reconciliation funds it received under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, identifying how it would apportion about $90 billion of the $150 billion total.

One congressman sees an ongoing sub review to spotlight the industrial base:

Courtney: Congress expects AUKUS review to focus on U.S. industrial base improvements

The Trump administration’s ongoing review of the AUKUS security partnership is likely to produce a series of recommendations focused on improving United States industrial base performance, Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT) said today.

Looks like Lockheed will be using more of its own money moving forward:

Lockheed CEO: Internal R&D is new way of doing business with the government

Rather than waiting for the government to issue information or capability proposal requests, Lockheed Martin says it will bet more on itself by spending internal research and development dollars on innovative yet scalable systems.

Defending against drones may complement the Pentagon’s Golden Dome mission:

JIATF 401 director sees counter-drone mission as Golden Dome-complement

The Pentagon’s new Joint Interagency Task Force 401 and the Golden Dome for America missile defense initiative are beginning to take shape as complementary parts of a larger national defense strategy -- one focused on countering small drones and long-range missile threats through speed, autonomy and integration.

Portfolio managers should get stronger under new Army acquisition plan:

New Army acquisition chief says PEO rebrand gives portfolio managers more control over requirements, funding

When newly minted Army acquisition chief Brent Ingraham envisions the future of the service’s program executive officers, he sees them operating much like CEOs of companies in the private sector.

Trump taps Texas state senator for top DOD sustainment job
By Tony Bertuca
October 22, 2025 at 11:58 AM

President Trump has nominated Brian Birdwell, a Texas state senator, to serve as the assistant secretary of defense for sustainment.

Birdwell was congratulated on X by Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who highlighted his military service and receipt of a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Legion of Merit awards.

“A survivor of the 9/11 Pentagon attack, he endured 39 surgeries on his road to recovery,” Patrick said. “America is in great hands with my friend in this key position.”

According to his posted biography, Birdwell was serving on the Army staff when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001. He suffered burns on more than 60% of his body.

White House withdraws DOD comptroller nominee
By Tony Bertuca
October 22, 2025 at 11:32 AM

The White House has withdrawn the nomination of former GE executive Jeffrey Bornstein, whom President Trump tapped in May to serve as Pentagon comptroller.

The reason for Bornstein’s withdrawal was not immediately clear, and the White House did not respond to a request for comment. An attempt to reach Bornstein for comment was not immediately successful.

Bornstein, currently a managing partner at Generation Capital Partners, previously served as chief financial officer of GE from July 2013 to October 2017. He left GE in 2017 after 28 years with the company.

Meanwhile, the government shutdown has stretched into its 22nd day and withdrawal of Bornstein’s nomination means the Trump administration is without a Senate-confirmed official to manage DOD’s nearly $1 trillion in annual spending.

The current official who is performing the duties of Pentagon comptroller is Jules Hurst, who was previously performing the duties of assistant secretary of defense for manpower and reserve affairs. He has been acting as DOD comptroller since August.

In April, Hurst was named as the head of a DOD task force focused on eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Hurst previously worked as legislative director and defense advisor to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA).

Space Force seeking feedback on RG-XX draft RFP
By Shelley K. Mesch
October 22, 2025 at 10:47 AM

The Space Force is seeking feedback on a draft request for proposals for the next generation of “neighborhood watch” satellites for on-orbit space domain awareness.

The service posted the draft yesterday under the title “Andromeda Draft RFP” but clarified the program is part of RG-XX. The program intends to award multiple indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contracts, according to the notice, with firm, fixed prices.

Eventual contractors will “define, design, and build technologies and space-based systems for the Space Domain Awareness mission area,” the notice states.

The government is looking for feedback on feasibility, clarity, testability and cost drivers of the requirements among other topics in the draft, the notice states.

The RG-XX program is intended to replace the legacy Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP).

Acting space acquisition chief Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy said last month that he expects the official request to be posted by the end of the year so long as funding comes through.

Purdy would not give a number for how many satellites the service intends to buy, only saying he would like “as many as possible . . . as rapidly as possible.”

The publicly viewable version of the draft RFP does not provide many details about capabilities, but Purdy has said that requirements were modified to ensure the program could be viable for commercial entrants. He also stated that space access, mobility and logistics (SAML) capabilities will be baked into the request.

AeroVironment nabs $96M counter-drone missile award
By Jason Sherman
October 22, 2025 at 9:24 AM

The Army has selected AeroVironment for its Next-Generation Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System Missile, awarding the company a $95.9 million contract under the Long-Range Kinetic Interceptor (LRKI) program, according to a company announcement.

The LRKI effort, managed by Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center through the Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium, is aimed at accelerating fielding of new kinetic interceptors to defend against small and medium unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

In an Oct. 22 statement, AeroVironment said the contract will fund production and delivery of its missile design to meet the Army’s requirement for a low-cost, high-performance interceptor capable of engaging Group 2 and 3 UAS while retaining residual capability against Group 1 UAS, fixed-wing and rotary aircraft.

AeroVironment said its design -- known internally as the Freedom Eagle (FE-1) -- has completed a series of successful developmental tests, including live-fire demonstrations of its dual-thrust solid rocket motor, controlled test vehicle launches and warhead evaluations. The company described these milestones as evidence of the interceptor’s technological maturity and reduced technical risk ahead of fielding.

The NGCM award expands AeroVironment’s role in counter-drone and precision-strike weapons, which also include directed energy, radio frequency and electronic warfare systems, alongside its Switchblade and JUMP 20 loitering munitions portfolio.

Shield AI debuts autonomous X-BAT fighter jet
By Vanessa Montalbano
October 22, 2025 at 6:00 AM

Aerospace and software company Shield AI is entering the multirole fighter jet market with its new X-BAT fully autonomous aircraft, the company announced today.

X-BAT-- a runway-independent platform -- will be powered by Shield AI’s self-driving Hivemind software, which allows the platform to operate in GPS- and communications-denied environments.

Shield AI first implemented its unmanned software on its V-BAT intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance drones that also have vertical takeoff and landing features. Hivemind fits into the open architecture configuration used by the Air Force and Navy.

X-BAT is the “next natural step” in the company’s intention to use its AI-enabled autonomy to “close the kill chain,” Shield AI wrote in a news release.

“Unlike legacy crewed aircraft, X-BAT frees human aviators for missions that demand critical human judgment -- an essential advantage in today’s fast-moving and unpredictable conflict zones,” Shield AI said.

X-BAT has modular payload bays which can support ISR, electronic warfare and precision strike, Armor Harris, Shield AI’s senior vice president of aircraft engineering, told Inside Defense.

“Because it is AI-powered by our combat-proven Hivemind, it can fly solo, or act as a drone wingman, collaborating and maneuvering with crewed fighters,” Harris said.

In 2023, the San Diego-based company announced a goal of building a version of its Hivemind software that could control fighter aircraft by 2025.

Shield AI is not planning to pitch X-BAT for the first increment of the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, Harris said, because the team does not expect to conduct initial vertical takeoff and landing demonstrations until fall 2026 at the soonest. All-up flight testing and operational validations could occur in 2028, he added.

“X-BAT delivers capabilities beyond the first Increment 1 CCAs, including electronic warfare, greater payload capacity and extended range. We view Increment 1 CCAs as important and capable systems, designed to meet the initial set of program requirements,” Harris said. “X-BAT, by contrast, was built to give combatant commanders geographically distributed long-range fires and effects.”

The Air Force has apparently down-selected a classified group of five software firms to contribute mission autonomy for the earliest CCA jet -- envisioned as missile trucks to accompany manned fighters in battle. Shield AI’s Hivemind will provide the autonomy that will eventually fly the YFQ-44A CCA prototype under development by Anduril Industries, according to reporting from Aviation Week.

RTX will likewise supply the autonomy software suite for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ YFQ-42A loyal drone wingman prototype, the Aviation Week report said.

The Air Force would not confirm which firms were awarded a CCA increment one mission autonomy contract. Shield AI and RTX declined to comment and deferred questions to the Air Force.

“Subcontractors of the CCA program are protected by enhanced security measures,” a service spokesperson told Inside Defense in September.

X-BAT is “designed for rapid deployment and operations in austere environments,” with a range of about 2,000 nautical miles with a full mission payload, the company wrote in its news release.

The multirole, attritable fighter can take off from ships, remote islands or austere locations, according to Shield AI, making it a candidate for use in the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment concept, which encourages dispersed operations across the Indo-Pacific.

Up to three X-BATs can fit into the deck space of one legacy fighter or helicopter, Shield AI said, adding to the amount of combat capability one sortie could produce in a contested environment.

“This removes reliance on traditionally vulnerable infrastructure and ensures forces can respond swiftly, even in the most challenging conditions,” the company said. “X-BAT delivers high-end capability for a fraction of the cost of traditional fighter jets. Its affordability and small footprint allows forces to enable larger and more resilient fleets, absorb losses without crippling operations, and adopt more flexible strategies -- reshaping how future conflicts are fought and sustained.”