This Thursday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the cyber battlespace, the Switchblade loitering munition system and more.
A new Defense Science Board report on the cyber battlespace is in the works:
DOD deputy tech chief seeks insight on cyber battlespace, citing 'major shift'
Pentagon deputy technology chief David Honey is directing the Defense Science Board to conduct a study on "all facets of battlespace management" with regards to the cyber domain.
The Government Accountability Office provided Inside Defense with more details around its denial of a protest by unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturer Mistral Inc. for the Switchblade loitering munition system:
GAO: Army’s AeroVironment Switchblade award was justified
The Army’s decision to award a $990 million contract to AeroVironment for the Switchblade loitering munition system without a full and open competition was justified based on temporary acquisition authorities granted by Congress in the Fiscal Year 2023 and 2024 National Defense Authorization Acts, according to the Government Accountability Office.
The Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act would require the president to appoint a "maritime security adviser" to coordinate national maritime affairs and policy, as well as update the National Maritime Strategy:
New bipartisan, bicameral bill proposes overhaul of maritime security and industry
Lawmakers unveiled legislation today aiming to revitalize the United States shipbuilding and maritime industries through several key efforts, including the establishment of a new position within the White House to direct national maritime security policy.
A series of Self-Propelled Howitzer prototype demos will wrap up before the start of the new calendar year on schedule:
Self-propelled howitzer demos to wrap this month, competitive testing to follow
As the Army nears the end of its "road show" scouting systems across the world for its Self-Propelled Howitzer Modernization (SPH-M) program, its findings are guiding preparations for the next step: a competitive evaluation at Yuma Proving Ground, AZ, in fiscal year 2026.
Sen. Tim Kaine, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services seapower subcommittee, spoke about Virginia-class submarines this week:
Kaine calls for improved production and oversight as Senate votes to boost Virginia sub funding
Comprehensive reform is needed in the shipbuilding industry on all fronts, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) told reporters hours before the Senate voted 85-14 to approve increased submarine program funding in the compromise fiscal year 2025 defense authorization bill.