This Monday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the Navy's future warship spending plans, the possibility of U.S. Northern and Southern commands merging into a single combatant command and more.
We start off with coverage of the Navy League's Sea-Air-Space symposium taking place this week:
Facing budget pressure, Navy may look to retire or reduce spending on cruisers and other aging platforms
NATIONAL HARBOR, MD -- As the Navy faces spending pressure from the full-year continuing resolution and a Pentagon-wide budget review, it may look to retire or scale back spending on aging platforms like cruisers as it prioritizes personnel, munitions and capacity for shipbuilding and unmanned systems, the sea service's top officer said today.
Could U.S. Northern and Southern commands be merged into a single combatant command? Some lawmakers aren't on board just yet:
Trump official sidesteps COCOM consolidation questions amid congressional pushback
A Trump administration official declined to provide clear answers last week on whether the U.S. military plans to consolidate its combatant command structure, amid intensifying concerns from lawmakers and warnings from senior commanders about the potential risks such changes could pose to national security.
Document: NORTHCOM, SOUTHCOM FY-26 posture statements
New NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 indefinite-delivery requirements contracts have been awarded to SpaceX, United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin, according to a Space Force announcement:
Three providers awarded $13.7B for space launches
The Space Force has awarded National Security Space Launch missions to three vendors, totaling more than $13.7 billion over the five-year contracting window.
On April 4, the Missile Defense Agency, in partnership with the Space Force, announced a three-day event from April 30 to May 2 in Huntsville, AL, to brief industry on the scope of the Space-Based Interceptor (SBI) program and gather technical ideas for what could become a centerpiece of the Trump administration's new missile shield:
Pentagon summons industry to help build space-based interceptors for Golden Dome
The Defense Department is taking a critical next step in its drive to build a space-based missile shield over the United States, inviting a broad array of companies -- including non-traditional defense firms -- to contribute concepts for a potential network of orbital interceptors capable of striking enemy missiles during launch.
Document: MDA notice on SBI industry event
Gen. Christopher Cavoli, the head of U.S. European Command, testified at a recent Senate Armed Services Committee hearing:
EUCOM warns of Russian land buildup as Army eyes cuts in wake of Hegseth budget drill
The Army is reportedly weighing the most significant troop reduction in years, even as military commanders in Europe warn that Russia is reconstituting its land forces at a speed and scale which could challenge NATO deterrence before the alliance fully rebuilds its own.
Document: EUCOM, AFRICOM FY-26 posture statements