DefenseNews

Navy looks to shake up traditional carrier strike group model

When the destroyers The Sullivans and Delbert D. Black deployed in the fall to the eastern Mediterranean Sea, they joined the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group that was already well into its cruise. The warships’ arrivals were part of an experiment the Navy is currently undertaking, where it swaps destroyers out mid-deployment, part of a broader concept that U.S. Fleet Forces Command head Adm.
Read more
DefenseNews

Ursa Major to build rocket motor prototype for US Navy

The Navy awarded propulsion company Ursa Major a contract to prototype and test a solid rocket-motor for the service’s Standard Missile program. Under the deal — part of the Naval Energetics Systems and Technologies program — the Denver-based firm will develop a new…
DefenseNews

Anduril to supply robotic combat vehicle software to US Army

The U.S. Army and Defense Innovation Unit selected Anduril Industries to develop a software framework thought foundational to testing and deploying future robotic combat vehicle payloads. The company announced the deal April 3 without providing details about contract length. A spokesperson declined to say how much the agreement is worth. Robotic combat vehicles are unmanned systems envisioned to…
Read more
DefenseNews

UK expects ‘short-term’ delays in F-35 deliveries

LONDON — Britain’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that software-update problems in the F-35 program will hit aircraft deliveries, though a key official said the delay is unlikely to affect the timing for proclaiming the fleet fully operationally capable next…
DefenseNews

US Navy ship programs face years-long delays amid labor, supply woes

Several of the U.S. Navy’s top shipbuilding programs are running one year to three years behind schedule, as the service and the industrial base grapple with workforce and management challenges. Navy leaders conducted a 45-day review of its shipbuilding portfolio, following news in January that a first-of-class guided-missile frigate was behind schedule due in part to a workforce shortage at…
Read more
DefenseNews

To reinvent itself, the US Air Force must go big on small drones

“The changing character of war is coming upon us,” said Gen. David W. Allvin, the Chief of Staff of the US Air Force, warning, “The theater of war is going to require us to fight different. This will be part of the reinvention of our Air Force and airpower into the future.” That reinvention should include thinking smaller and embracing small drones. Other services employ airpower in…
Read more