Anduril Industries set a record with its Dive-XL autonomous undersea vehicle, completing a 100-hour voyage and showcasing its endurance capabilities. The company aims to achieve a 1,000 nautical mile submerged journey by 2025, emphasizing its scalable production for cost-effective deployment. Anduril’s readiness to supply the U.S. government is bolstered by a newly established production facility. In comparison, Boeing’s Orca unmanned undersea vehicle recently completed a 48-hour test run, demonstrating the competitive landscape for advanced undersea technologies. These developments highlight growing innovation and competition in autonomous maritime systems for defense applications. Original news
Category: USA
Trump’s Musk-led efficiency drive may spur defense-tech partnerships
President-elect Donald Trump’s efficiency initiative, co-led by Elon Musk, may promote collaborations between major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and smaller tech firms specializing in AI, drones, and uncrewed submarines. At the Reagan National Defense Forum, industry leaders discussed opportunities for smaller companies to gain a greater role in defense, with Musk’s influence potentially challenging the dominance of established defense giants. Critics of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 program, including Musk, advocate for more cost-effective, AI-powered solutions, aligning with smaller firms’ innovation. Palantir CTO Shyam Sankar highlighted the value of collaboration, urging a move beyond zero-sum competition to mutual benefits for defense […]
Defense contractors urged to volunteer their own DOGE cuts
At the Reagan National Defense Forum, Senator Deb Fischer urged major defense companies to suggest cuts to their own programs in anticipation of the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) review. Led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy under President-elect Trump, the DOGE initiative seeks to reduce $2 trillion in federal spending. Fischer emphasized that Congress must play a key role in guiding these spending cuts, challenging stakeholders to propose reductions to programs they benefit from. Palantir CEO Alex Karp expressed strong support for Musk’s involvement, highlighting his record as “the world’s most successful builder.” The forum, featuring top national security […]
SpaceX Gets US Contract to Expand Ukraine’s Access to Starshield
SpaceX has secured a Pentagon contract to expand Ukraine’s access to its secure Starshield satellite network, a variant of Starlink, amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. The deal increases Starlink terminals in Ukraine to 3,000, building on an earlier agreement for 500 terminals, with service extending through 2025. Part of the Space Force’s “Proliferated Low Earth Orbit” program, the contract was awarded in August and complements SpaceX’s growing role in military satellite launches. This expansion underscores the strategic importance of satellite networks in modern warfare, drawing attention from global actors, including China. SpaceX’s work highlights its position as a key […]
Palantir, Booz Allen Hamilton announce ‘co-creation partnership’ for defense innovation
Booz Allen Hamilton and Palantir have announced a co-creation partnership to accelerate innovation in defense missions and bolster U.S. superiority against adversaries. This collaboration builds on prior strategic engagements between the two companies. The initial focus will be on modernizing information infrastructure and ensuring secure interoperability. Additionally, the partnership aims to enhance integrated warfighting operations through data-centric systems, improving combined mission planning with U.S. allies and partners. This initiative underscores their commitment to advancing defense capabilities through technological innovation. Original news
US Unveiled Another $988M Aid Package To Ukraine, Including Drones
The Pentagon announced the Administration’s 22nd security assistance package for Ukraine, aimed at providing the tools needed to counter Russian aggression. The package involves contracts with U.S. defense companies to produce new drones and air defense munitions, rather than immediate deliveries. Politico notes uncertainty about Ukraine aid under the incoming administration, though President-elect Donald Trump recently met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. This assistance underscores ongoing U.S. support for Ukraine amid evolving political dynamics. The package highlights the long-term commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Original news
US Explores Partner Missile Stockpiles to Boost Ukraine’s ATACMS Supply
The Biden administration is engaging with third countries to secure additional long-range ATACMS missiles for Ukraine, according to sources familiar with the discussions. While the U.S. does not plan to send more of its own Army Tactical Missile Systems, it is encouraging allies and partners to donate their missiles or variants. These efforts aim to address Ukraine’s limited supply of the high-demand weapon. The discussions highlight the sensitive nature of arms transfers amid the ongoing conflict. This strategy reflects continued international collaboration to support Ukraine’s defense needs. Original news
‘Too early’ to rule out China-Russia cooperation in Baltic seabed cable incident, says Pentagon official
A Pentagon official, Iris Ferguson, expressed concerns over the recent damage to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, noting suspicious circumstances possibly involving a Chinese vessel and raising questions about potential ties to Russia. The incident, involving the Chinese ship Yi Peng 3 reportedly damaging cables near Sweden and Denmark, is under investigation, with no definitive conclusions about whether the act was deliberate. Both China and Russia have denied involvement, though European officials have highlighted the growing threat of hybrid activities in the region. The U.S. and its allies have increased focus on protecting undersea infrastructure, emphasizing its importance in […]
Airbus to Move Ahead With 2,000 Job Cuts
Airbus is moving forward with plans to reduce approximately 2,000 positions in its defense and space division, focusing on management support roles across Germany, France, the UK, and Spain. The restructuring is part of an adaptation strategy to counter program delays, cost pressures, and growing competition from companies like SpaceX. The division reported an adjusted loss of €661 million in the first nine months of 2024, including €989 million in charges linked to its space systems business. Airbus plans to implement these reductions by mid-2026, aiming to avoid compulsory job losses. The initiative underscores the company’s efforts to streamline operations […]
Poland gets $4 billion US loan for defence purchases
Poland has signed a $4 billion loan under the United States’ Foreign Military Financing program to support its armed forces transformation, Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz announced. The U.S. has provided Poland with over $11 billion for armament programs, including Patriot air defense systems and Apache helicopters. Poland plans to allocate 4.1% of its GDP to defense in 2024, with a pledge to increase this to 4.7% by 2025. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the American ballistic missile defense base in Redzikowo, which will be integrated into the Aegis Ashore missile defense system. This reflects Poland’s commitment […]
Norway, UK and USA test F-35 data-sharing during live-fire bombing drills
On December 3, Norway, the UK, and the USA conducted the APEX Buccaneer exercise in Norway, featuring live-fire air-to-ground training with Lockheed Martin F-35s. The exercise focused on the “find, fix, track, and target” (F2T2) sequence, with F-35 pilots from all three nations exchanging tactical information in real time to create a unified air picture. This capability highlights the F-35’s role as a force multiplier, a key justification for its development according to the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin. General James Hecker emphasized the importance of fifth-generation platforms like the F-35 for maintaining air superiority. Brigadier General Tron Strand of Norway […]
Belgian US-based F-35 conversion unit receives first national aircraft
Belgium’s U.S.-based conversion unit for the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II received its first national aircraft, FL002, on December 4 at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. The aircraft will support Belgian Air Component training under the U.S. Air Force’s 312th Fighter Squadron. Over the coming years, 48 pilots, 14 simulator instructors, and 120 technicians from Belgium will train on the F-35A. Training for Belgian personnel began in 2022 for pilots and operational support, with technician training starting in 2023. FL002’s arrival marks a significant step in Belgium’s adoption of advanced air capabilities. Original news
First F-35 for Poland makes maiden flight
The first Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II for Poland completed its maiden flight on December 2 at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facility in Texas. Aircraft 3502, flown by a company pilot, will undergo flight trials before joining 3501 at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas for pilot training. Poland’s first pilot is expected to begin flying the F-35A in January 2025. Named “Husarz” by Poland’s Ministry of National Defence, the aircraft will feature low-visibility greyed-out checkerboard markings to preserve stealth capabilities. This marks a significant milestone in Poland’s modernization of its air force. Original news
Vivek Ramaswamy Wants to Shift Defense Spending to New Technology
At the Aspen Security Forum, Vivek Ramaswamy emphasized the need for the Pentagon to prioritize investments in emerging technologies like drones and hypersonic missiles over traditional defense programs. He criticized the current spending approach, advocating for a focus on securing the U.S. while ensuring taxpayer value. Elon Musk, co-chair of the Department of Government Efficiency, echoed these sentiments, labeling manned fighter jets like the F-35 “obsolete” in comparison to drones. Both leaders highlighted the urgency of modernizing U.S. defense strategies to address evolving threats. This perspective signals a push for innovation-driven defense policies. Original news
Rheinmetall Acquires Loc Performance To Expand US Market Presence
Rheinmetall Group has announced the acquisition of Loc Performance Products, LLC, a U.S.-based military vehicle specialist, as part of its strategy to expand in the world’s largest defense market. The $950 million acquisition strengthens Rheinmetall’s industrial base in the U.S. and positions it for major contracts, including the $45 billion XM30 infantry fighting vehicle program and the $16 billion CTT tactical truck program. Loc Performance, with its advanced manufacturing capabilities and 1.7 million square feet of production space, enhances Rheinmetall’s capacity to support U.S. Department of Defense modernization efforts. The partnership combines Loc’s manufacturing expertise with Rheinmetall’s next-generation technologies to […]