Tag: defense acquisition
53 articles
Army Taps Georgia Tech to Lead CAML Launcher Integration
The Army has awarded Georgia Tech Research Institute up to $33.4 million to lead the integration of its Common Autonomous Multidomain Launcher (CAML) prototype program, a key move to deliver cutting-edge Fires capabilities to Soldiers. As the lead integrator, GTRI will drive the program forward with systems engineering, interface integration, and testing expertise.
Army Seeks Tracked Howitzer Options Amid Wheeled Variant Deal
The US Army is exploring new options for a tracked self-propelled howitzer, issuing a request for information to gather ideas for a 155mm howitzer that can operate within armored formations. This move is a separate effort from the recent deal for a wheeled variant, signaling a renewed interest in tracked artillery capabilities.
Congress Urged to Act as Munitions Shortage Widens
The Pentagon's alarmingly long procurement lead times have sounded the alarm: 31 months for crucial PAC-3 interceptors, 34 months for THAAD interceptors, and a staggering 40 months for Tomahawk missiles. If Congress delays appropriations, these timelines will stretch even further, leaving our defenses vulnerable for years to come.
Space Force Bolsters Project Management with AI-Enabled Contract
The Space Force is supercharging its project management with a multi-million dollar contract awarded to Integrate, a Seattle-based firm, for its AI-enabled project management platform. This game-changing tech will serve as a central nervous system to streamline the Space Force's most complex acquisition projects.
Navy Unveils AIM-424 Malice Long-Range Air-To-Air Missile
Meet the AIM-424 Malice, a game-changing long-range air-to-air missile that tips the scales at 1500 pounds and boasts a range of over 250 nautical miles, roughly triple the punch of its AIM-120 counterpart. This behemoth of a missile is set to revolutionize air combat.
Army Seeks New Intel Tools with Guiding Document
The Army is shaking up its approach to intelligence gathering with a new guiding document that outlines key problems to be solved, and they're turning to industry for innovative solutions. This fresh "characteristics of need" approach is a deliberate departure from traditional requirement-driven methods, and a decision on its implementation is expected soon.
Air Force Seeks Expendable Drones to Mimic Diverse Airborne Threats
The US Air Force is on the hunt for affordable, expendable drones that can replicate a wide range of airborne threats, from tiny hobby drones to advanced fighter jets. These drones would need to mimic various aircraft characteristics, including speed, size, and radar signatures, while being simple and inexpensive enough to produce in large quantities.
US Army Pursues Lower-Cost Strike Missile With 1,000-Kilometer Range
The US Army is on a mission to develop a game-changing, lower-cost strike missile that can travel up to 1,000 kilometers, and their Affordable High Speed Strike (AHSS) program is already exploring two innovative design concepts. This new missile promises to be a total game-changer, offering unprecedented speed and range at a fraction of the cost.
Army Targets Four Key Capability Gaps in Fires Portfolio Overhaul
The Army is zeroing in on four critical gaps in its Fires portfolio, tackling major challenges in high-cost manufacturing, limited capacity, and constrained resources. Brig. Gen. Robert Mikesh outlined these key areas for improvement, including energetics and propulsion, targeting and seekers, the industrial base, and munitions breadth and depth.
Army Shifts Autonomy Strategy to Leverage Industry Vendors
The Army is shifting its autonomy strategy to tap into the innovative solutions of industry vendors, who are delivering impressive results and integrated solutions for specific mission sets. By leveraging contractor-led solutions, the Army aims to accelerate the development of case-specific autonomy capabilities.
Joby Expands Defense Ambitions with $500 Million Resonant Sciences Buy
Joby Aviation is bolstering its defense ambitions with a $500 million acquisition of Resonant Sciences, a military-technology firm that brings cutting-edge tech and trusted customer relationships to the table. The deal, expected to close in the first half of 2027, will make Resonant Sciences Joby's new defense business.
Navy Launches New Robotic Systems Portfolio Manager
The Navy is shaking things up with a bold new approach to robotic and autonomous systems, launching a Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager to supercharge development and acquisition. This game-changing move aims to get cutting-edge tech into the hands of Sailors and Marines faster than ever before.
Australia Secures AIM-260 JATM Missiles in $518 Million Deal
Australia is set to supercharge its air combat capabilities with the purchase of up to 450 cutting-edge AIM-260 JATM missiles in a $518 million deal, making it the first country outside the US to acquire this highly sought-after technology. The move is a significant upgrade to the Royal Australian Air Force's arsenal, boosting its airborne deterrent and air-to-air missile capabilities.
US Army Seeks $150K Counter-Drone Missile with Extended Range
The US Army is on the hunt for a game-changing counter-drone missile that can swiftly take down targets at extended ranges - and they're looking to produce at least 5,000 of them for under $150,000 each. The goal? To revolutionize their defense capabilities with a Next Generation C-sUAS Missile that can launch rapidly and hit its mark in record time.
Pentagon Unveils AI-Powered Counterdrone Marketplace for Foreign Military Sales
The Pentagon has just launched an innovative AI-powered marketplace to help foreign military forces quickly and easily purchase cutting-edge counterdrone technology, with more partner nations and vendors set to join the platform soon. This game-changing platform, built by Kaizen Laboratories with a $15 million award, is poised to revolutionize the way counter-unmanned aircraft systems are acquired and deployed.
US Navy Pursues Submarine-Launched Anti-Air Missile Capability
The US Navy is taking a giant leap forward with its Naval Modular Missile program, seeking a cutting-edge, modular interceptor that can revolutionize surface naval capabilities with multi-mission flexibility and enhanced capacity. This new missile system, built around a common Terminal Stage Interceptor, is envisioned as a versatile family of surface-to-air missiles.
Air Force Faces Engine Dilemma for F-47 Fighter
The Air Force is caught in a timing squeeze with its F-47 fighter engine plans, as it works to build its current system while preparing for future integration activities. With the Next-Generation Air Power (NGAP) program's prototype phase slated to run through 2031, the service is racing against the clock.
Air Force Advances Robot-Wingman Effort with Six Potential Designs
The Air Force is pushing forward with its robot-wingman initiative, narrowing down to six potential designs that could soon move into prototyping. Col. Timothy Helfridge says the next phase, expected to wrap up by mid-2027, will yield several promising conceptual designs.
USMC Osprey Fleet Reaches Full Delivery, Eyes Sustainment Through 2055
The US Marine Corps has officially welcomed its final MV-22B Osprey, marking a major milestone with a fleet of 359 aircraft that will continue to soar through 2055. This game-changing aircraft has revolutionized the way the Marine Air-Ground Task Force generates combat power, and now the focus shifts to long-term sustainment and evolution.
Pentagon Launches Ground-Launched Precision Strike Challenge
The Defense Innovation Unit is launching the Ground-Based Affordable Mass (G-BAM) challenge, seeking cutting-edge long-range precision strike systems that can be rapidly demonstrated and delivered to production in record time - within 12-18 months. This initiative aims to harness mature, cost-effective solutions that minimize logistical burdens while maximizing impact.
US Navy Backs CoAspire's Low-Cost Cruise Missile for Ally Armament Program
The US Navy has partnered with CoAspire to develop a game-changing, affordable cruise missile system that can take down both land-based and moving maritime targets. This $70 million project aims to deliver a cutting-edge, ground-launched mid-range missile solution under the Coalition Heterogenous Affordable Offensive Strike (CHAOS) program.
Marine Corps Taps Autonomous Weapon for L-MADIS Integration
The Marine Corps has chosen Allen Control Systems' cutting-edge Bullfrog M240 autonomous weapon to integrate with its Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System (L-MADIS), bringing AI-powered defense against small drones and other threats. This game-changing system converts a legacy machine gun into a highly accurate, 850-round-per-minute robotic defender.
Space Force Expands National Security Launch Roster with Two New Vendors
The Space Force is bolstering its national security launch capabilities with two new vendors, Impulse Space and Relativity Federal, joining the roster to develop next-generation launch vehicles. This expansion comes at a critical time as launch demands increase and the nation relies on these providers for enhanced security.
Pentagon Struggles to Meet Weapons Delivery Timelines, GAO Warns
The Pentagon is facing a major challenge in delivering new military capabilities on time, with a staggering 12-year average delay in bringing vital projects to fruition, according to a damning new report from the Government Accountability Office. This alarming trend reveals a worrying pattern of slow progress and broken promises of rapid fielding.