Defense Systems
Air Force wants a $500,000 counter-air missile, despite cheaper options
The service wants ideas by December, and hopes to see a modular, ground-launched prototype in two years.
Threats
Today’s ICBMs may operate until 2050, GAO says
That would be some 15 years longer than the Air Force was planning.
Defense Systems
Second B-21 will fly by year’s end, USAF says
Also: official won't confirm US nukes are back in UK but says B61 is “deployed throughout the continent.”
Science & Tech
New Golden Dome details emerge from industry day
Participants, and a Pentagon briefing deck, describe roles for AI, ideas for defensive satellites.
Threats
Trump’s national defense strategy is focused on the homeland. So far, that has included troops in the streets.
While calling out the National Guard makes a political statement, they’re not the best means of fighting crime, CSIS’s Mark Cancian says.
Science & Tech
Drone defenses will need to act first, ask later, commander says
“We will push the boundaries on that, because we have to,” Lt. Gen. Gainey said.
Business
Anduril becomes third US supplier of rocket motors, company says
Annual production will grow to 6,000 motors by the end of next year, they say.
Science & Tech
Lockheed Martin aims to test a missile-killing satellite by 2028
The company’s Golden Dome strategy mixes established missile defense tech with new concepts.
Science & Tech
In a Pacific first, Army’s new launcher fires a missile at a maritime target
The Typhon was put to use during the Talisman Sabre exercise in Australia.
Business
With USAF approval, Northrop resumes work on new ICBM silos
Company is also ground-testing Golden Dome interceptors and looking to speed B-21 production.
Policy
AI, satellites, and Golden Dome shine in new House-passed defense bill
The House version of the NDAA takes aim at acquisition and requirements processes that have long bedeviled both Congress and the military.
Threats
Army gets $2.5B for weapons, vehicles in reconciliation bill
Sum includes hundreds of millions for more missiles as Pentagon reviews stockpiles.
Threats
