Science & Tech
US investors warm to Ukrainian defense startups—but export laws slow cooperation
One firm says month-long wait for approval puts it at a competitive disadvantage.
Threats
With launches slated to grow a hundredfold, Space Force seeks more sites, money, people, and AI
Even today’s accelerated pace strains decades-old launch facilities.
Policy
Pentagon will ‘never again’ rely on a single AI provider, official says
Emil Michael, defense undersecretary for research and engineering, said new agreements with Big Tech companies are a “counterstatement” to the ongoing Anthropic-Pentagon conflict as the agency prioritizes flexible contracts.
Defense Systems
Army turns to ‘hackathons’ to better connect dozens of weapons, systems
Nine leading vendors are to attend the first brainstorming session at Fort Carson, Colorado.
Science & Tech
Pentagon seeks smarter, self-organizing drones as autonomous-warfare budget is poised to skyrocket
Uncrewed weapons actually require a lot of people. New DARPA projects aim to overcome that.
Defense Systems
First B-52s to get new engines this year
Critical design review clears Boeing to upgrade two Stratofortresses in bid to keep them flying past 2050.
Business
8 AI firms cleared to provide tools for classified Pentagon networks
The wide variety—which does not include Anthropic—is intended to prevent AI-vendor lock.
Policy
Acting SecNav: ‘I’m not going to have my son go to war the way I did'
Industry can help prevent the Pentagon from making GWOT-era mistakes, said Hung Cao, filling in for his recently ousted boss.
Science & Tech
SOCOM adding AI, autonomy ‘at every level,’ commander says
Fast adoption illustrates smaller organizations’ ability to harness disruptive tech.
Defense Systems
Textron unveils autonomous ground vehicle designed for Marine Corps littoral units
The RIPSAW M1 demonstrator made its debut on the show floor at the Modern Day Marine conference.
Exclusive
Policy
Experts call for halt of AI chip exports to China after White House distillation warning
An AI policy group argues the move is necessary after the White House warned that Beijing is attempting to use U.S. AI systems to build similar capabilities.
Business
First protest filed against the Army’s troubled MAPS contract
Some in industry are calling the $50 billion professional services vehicle "still a hot mess" as the Army works to answer thousands of questions.
Threats
Space Force picks firms to develop Golden Dome’s space-based interceptors
Defense giants and startups vie to create orbital defenses—even as the program’s czar concedes they may be unaffordable.
Threats
China has ‘deliberate, industrial-scale campaigns’ to steal US AI models, White House says
Administration officials said they would be working with the private sector to counter foreign-led distillation campaigns.
Business
DOD completes $1B investment in L3Harris missile unit
L3Harris Technologies is keeping an 80% stake in the solid-rocket-motor business, which is becoming a public company.
Business
The Navy will keep shrinking until the industrial base catches up
A commission on the service’s future is looking at ways to help the service along as ships wear down before they can be replaced.
Business
