Breaking Defense is reporting that the Pentagon plans to help mitigate industry concerns regarding an executive order on critical minerals, which could impact supply chains.
It said the Pentagon is evaluating options to license Patriot missile production to Ukraine. Michael Cadenazzi, assistant secretary of defense for industrial policy, stated these options include a mix of domestic and international sourcing for end units, their location, how they will be built, and which variant.
Breaking Defense also reported that the Pentagon is finalizing seven-year deals with L3Harris to scale up rocket motor production for PAC-3 and THAAD interceptors.
Separately, the Senate confirmed Hurst as Pentagon comptroller, filling a 1.5-year vacancy. Lawmakers also confirmed nominees for space acquisitions and to lead a national security space spy agency. The Commerce Department aims to speed up advocacy timelines for foreign weapon sales, with Undersecretary William Kimmitt identifying "high priority" potential sales at the Farnborough Airshow.
The Pentagon's special operations office hosted its first "Shark Tank"-style Accelerator Event, selecting 15 finalists from 700 industry proposals addressing operational commands' problems. The department also plans to demonstrate ground-launched, precision strike weapons in November, allocating $250 million for evaluation and initial deals for its Ground-Based Affordable Mass initiative.