Business
Pentagon halts Phase 2 of cybersecurity certification program, launches 60-day ‘reform’ review
The Defense Department will keep cybersecurity self-assessments, but will not require third-party certifications as planned.
Defense Systems
Marines eye cloudless networks to keep AI tools running when the cloud goes down
The software company Ditto says it can solve a key problem by networking “whatever transports the customer brings.”
Business
Two more rocket-makers join Pentagon's list of launch options
Impulse Space and Relativity Federal can compete for national-security missions against SpaceX, Blue Origin, and others.
Defense Systems
Navy teases next step in key drone boat program
A request for prototypes is expected in August.
Business
NATO snubs Boeing, picks Saab to build alliance’s next radar plane
One analyst said the Pentagon’s waffling on the E-7 contributed to an “own goal.”
Science & Tech
GenAI.mil records almost 1.7M users, plans new model additions
“It's just a really exciting time for generative AI in the department,” the Pentagon’s chief artificial intelligence officer said.
Business
Anduril and Amazon’s mobile data center venture aims to bring edge computing to the frontlines
Amazon Web Services named the defense firm as the preferred national security provider.
Defense Systems
AWS launches Secret Cloud for industry’s classified workloads
The company made several announcements geared towards its government customers, including up to $1 billion in cloud credits for U.S. intelligence agencies.
Business
Lawmaker warns of administration’s ‘fetishization’ of Silicon Valley startups
Rep. James Walkinshaw, D-Va., discussed his plans to scrutinize Trump-era contracting practices, revive federal IT oversight, and push for AI policy.
Defense Systems
General Atomics plans upgrade so ground stations can fly newer MQ-9 drones
Upgrade package will enable current operators to fly MQ-9Bs with their existing terminals.
Business
Sen. Warren seeks ethics pledge from Raytheon exec nominated to top space acquisition job
A letter sent to Erich Hernandez-Baquero raised ‘impartiality’ concerns if confirmed to the role.
Policy
Parts of NSA lose Mythos 5 access after White House imposes limits
The Five Eyes alliance is warning that frontier AI could accelerate cyberattacks and cyber defense.
Defense Systems
Army aims to sync two divisions using next-gen C2 by year’s end
The effort will be led by Anduril, which ran NGC2 prototyping at 4th ID.
Defense Systems
NDAA provisions would reshape Pentagon’s use of ownership stakes in private companies
A Senate defense panel aims to place guardrails on direct equity investments, create an oversight board, and require briefings.
Threats
Before SpaceX IPO, investors in China secretly acquired stakes
One previously unreported SpaceX investor has ties to Chinese military contractors. The information was revealed only after ProPublica went to court to obtain it.
Defense Systems