Breaking Defense

The Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded L3Harris and Sierra a $1.75 billion contract to develop missile defense satellites for warning, tracking, and targeting. The project aims to accelerate Pentagon plans for demonstrating its Golden Dome missile defense shield by 2028.

Senate Democrats blocked the NDAA due to concerns over the Iran War and budget topline. Jack Reed suggested settling the budget as a practical step, allowing the legislation to be revived if conditions align.

The Army is falling short of its 155mm ammunition production goals, with the Mesquite facility in Texas under scrutiny. GD-OTS has reached an agreement with the Army to address issues at the facility and will invest its own funds to complete the work.

The Pentagon is pursuing the development of space-based solar power. The article also references recent discussions at the NATO summit and upcoming events at the Farnborough air show.

Leonardo DRS CEO John Baylouny discusses plans for organic and inorganic growth, highlighting 'nearly insatiable' demand abroad and the use of AI.

NATO and European governments are increasing investment in space-based intelligence, with decision advantage hinging on the integration of sovereign and commercial capabilities into a trusted operational picture. The article emphasizes the importance of sovereign command in maintaining Europe's military advantage.

Nine European allies and Ukraine have formed a new anti-ballistic coalition. The coalition's flagship project is Ukraine's Freyja, with a separate exo-atmospheric interceptor project announced by a European industry group.

Reditus is preparing the first launch of its re-entry vehicle/hypersonic target. The Missile Defense Agency is evaluating the company’s ENOS spacecraft as a hypersonic target/testbed under the SHIELD contract, according to Reditus CEO Stef Crum.

The Pentagon has suspended CMMC Phase II mandates, citing that the current execution is overly burdensome for the Defense Industrial Base.

NATO has decided to purchase high-dollar American Triton drones. CBSA analysts Travis Sharp and Ryan Kaufman have evaluated this move, noting both support and concerns.

The U.S. Space Force’s TacRS program is developing three additional Victus demonstration projects, with a requested $300 million in funding from fiscal 2027 to 2031. The projects involve spacecraft named Jackal and Puma in a 'space tag' demonstration.

Auterion and Ukrainian drone-maker Skyfall will supply 50,000 FPVs. Skyfall's Shrike drone has destroyed Russian military assets including an Mi-8 helicopter, armored vehicles, electronic warfare systems, artillery systems, and a TOS-1A SoIntsepyok heavy flamethrower.

The Air Force is requiring contractors to remove Anthropic by September 1, with the Pentagon setting a department-wide deadline for the same action. Anthropic is currently suing the government to challenge this decision.

The autonomous CCA wingmen of 2030 may differ significantly from current assumptions as services test teaming with Collaborative Combat Aircraft, prompting the industry to address challenging questions.

The 2026 NATO Summit highlighted deep strike funding and a relatively calm Trump, with outcomes largely satisfying most of the 32 allies.

Simulations in Pacific wargames consistently highlight the vulnerability of larger military refuelers concentrated at a limited number of airfields. The US military is addressing this issue identified in repeated exercises.

A 12-member European coalition has pledged $50 billion to modernize deep precision strike capabilities. The move is linked to America’s shifting stance in European defense.

The Army has selected four companies for a new autonomous breaching program designed to reduce troops' exposure to danger and ensure safe passage for follow-on forces.

At the NATO Summit, Trump criticized Italy and other allies for refusing to aid US strikes against Iran. Italy's Meloni continues to oppose providing assistance for potential military action against Iran.

The Department of Defense and Air Force are focusing on Space Operational Energy, planning industry collaborations for solar power beaming satellites. An Air Force spokesperson emphasized future industry days and partnerships.