The INSIDER daily digest -- Feb. 12, 2021

This Friday INSIDER Daily Digest leads off with an exclusive interview with the new chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. We also have news on Army unmanned aircraft, COVID-19 affecting F-16 sales overseas, the Biden administration’s China Task Force and more.

Sen. Jack Reed told Inside Defense he wants to see a "whole-of-government" response on everything from updating the National Defense Strategy to "reinvigorating" foreign alliances:

Reed aims for DOD 'transformation' in new role as committee chairman

Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), who recently became chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, told Inside Defense in an exclusive and wide-ranging interview he wants to continue to see the Defense Department "transform" to counter China and prepare for the challenges of the 21st century, though he made it clear that transformation will likely need to occur amid downward budget pressure.

The Army has its eye on delivery drones:

Army wants to equip units with 'delivery drones' by FY-26

The Army wants information from industry on an autonomous unmanned aircraft system that can perform aerial resupply to infantry brigade combat teams, with the first unit equipped by fiscal year 2026, according to a notice posted today.

Lockheed Martin executives say the pandemic is taking a toll on foreign F-16 sales:

COVID-19 slowing down Lockheed's F-16 Block 70/72 foreign military sale program

Despite continued interest overseas, the COVID-19 pandemic is placing pressure on the foreign military sale program for Lockheed Martin's F-16 Block 70/72 variant -- slowing down negotiations with new customers and work at the new production line in South Carolina, according to multiple sources who spoke with Inside Defense.

The leader of the Pentagon’s new China Task Force says the group will not be crafting policy, but will likely tee up areas that require the attention of top Pentagon leaders:

New China Task Force chief to review DOD's focus on 'technology competition,' other areas

The head of the Pentagon's new China Task Force, Ely Ratner, said today he and his team intend to assess whether the Defense Department is "adequately organized" to address a wide range of challenges related to U.S.-China relations, including "technology competition."

Lastly, the Army is developing requirements and technology to ensure soldiers can continuously exchange information with the Robotic Combat Vehicle:

Wireless control of RCV to extend beyond 1 kilometer

Radio communication between the Army's upcoming family of Robotic Combat Vehicles and human controllers would need to extend about 1.5 kilometers under current draft requirements, a service official said today.