Breaking Defense

Saildrone plans to expand its European presence into three countries. The company announced that the first 52-meter Saildrone Spectre will be built at Van Der Valk Shipyard in the Netherlands, and the next generation of the Saildrone Surveyor will be produced at Umoe Mandal in Norway.

The article posits that biodefense serves as a form of force protection. A decorated combat aviator and biotech CEO advocates for preparation against novel viral threats before an anticipated next crisis.

A Japanese Ministry of Defense report highlights efforts to bolster its domestic defense industry. This plan is outlined in a defense white paper that also pledges continued industrial cooperation with American firms.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 15 nuclear-powered battleships would cost $275 billion. The first Trump-class battleship could exceed $23 billion in cost.

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) has awarded new 'rigorous' contracts to three SAR satellite data providers under the Radar Commercial Augmentation program. The contracts follow the companies' successful demonstration of their capabilities during prior NRO study contracts.

The U.S. Space Force awarded three firms $615 million to track airborne targets. The task orders are part of an ID/IQ contract granted to nine firms in April, following a $4.6 billion order to SpaceX in May.

The article argues that while attention is on Ukraine’s drones, the real focus should be on Ukraine’s adaptability in warfare. It highlights a misalignment in lessons drawn from the ongoing conflict.

ITAR regulations are impacting US defense sales, prompting European firms to reassess their military modernization strategies. US arms-sale regulations are cited as a key factor in this shift.

Group 2 drones are considered appropriately sized for combat due to fuel cell technology, which enables smaller, more versatile Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) drones to perform tasks previously reserved for larger drones. This advancement highlights the effectiveness of compact drone designs in specialized operations.

Italy has deployed a significant military mission to the Gulf, marked by both the number of personnel and the specialized capabilities involved. The deployment has drawn public attention due to its controversial nature.

Satellite operators rely on the quality and confidence of orbital data for decision-making. New research suggests this data can be improved, as argued by Dan Oltrogge.

Europe is pushing to move away from purchasing weapons subject to US arms traffic regulations due to skepticism in US-European relations. US firms are attempting to adjust to this shift.

The Navy has renewed Saildrone’s counter-drug mission in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, extending the operation of Voyager USVs in these regions.

K2 is hosting tests for the U.S. Space Force's satellite-to-satellite optical laser communications system, which is central to the Trump administration's Golden Dome missile defense architecture. The technology aims to enhance missile warning and tracking capabilities via laser-link satellite networks.

The Senate’s stopgap funding bill rejects special requests for a Trump battleship and munitions. If passed by the Senate and House, the continuing resolution would extend federal funding until Dec. 11.

Northrop Grumman has secured a $3 billion framework deal to increase production of solid rocket motors for the PAC-3 and THAAD systems. The agreement enables the company to become a second supplier of these motors for the PAC-3 interceptor.

The multinational RIMPAC exercise served as a primary laboratory for testing cutting-edge technologies, including 3D printing and missile launches from uncrewed vessels, during high-end warfighting training.

The Space Force is allocating $981 million to address a shortage of training simulators in key mission areas, as reported by Gen. Greg Gagnon, head of Space Force Combat Forces Command.

A Marine Corps F-35 crashed in California. The pilot ejected and is receiving medical treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

A Government Accountability Office audit identified cost and schedule risks in the Air Force's modernization of the B-52 Stratofortress, which is planned to remain in service through the mid-21st century.