Inside the Pentagon highlights

Some must-reads from this week's issue of Inside the Pentagon:

1. The Army will acquire two Iron Dome batteries to provide ground forces an interim capability by 2020 against unmanned air vehicles, mortars, rockets, artillery and cruise missiles as well as explore full adoption of the Israeli-developed system for the Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2-Intercept program and incorporation with the Integrated Battle Command System by 2023.

Full story: Army picks Iron Dome for interim CMD, eyes long-term adoption

2. Rep. Mac Thornberry (TX), the top-ranking Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, said Jan. 8 he opposes any plan that would use Defense Department funds to construct a wall on the southern border, per an option that has been floated by President Trump.

Full story: Thornberry won't back Trump if he raids DOD funds to build wall

3. The Defense Department has released a new guide on using other transaction agreements to better define key milestones and terms after a production OTA was successfully protested last year.

Full story: DOD releases new 'other transaction' guidance, clarifies follow-on production

4. Acting Deputy Defense Secretary David Norquist said Jan. 9 the Defense Department has a final budget topline for fiscal year 2020, but would not say what it is amid comments from Pentagon sources saying it will likely be $750 billion.

Full story: Norquist: DOD has final budget topline; Thornberry supports $750B request