Breaking Defense is reporting that the Congressional Budget Office estimates the first Trump-class battleship could cost more than $23 billion, with a fleet of 15 nuclear-powered battleships potentially totaling $275 billion. The outlet also said the National Reconnaissance Office has issued new "rigorous" contracts to three synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite data providers, following successful demonstrations of capabilities under previous NRO study agreements. Separately, Breaking Defense reported that the Space Force awarded $615 million to three firms for tracking airborne targets. These task orders are part of an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract previously granted to nine companies, which included a $4.6 billion order to SpaceX in May. In military leadership news, Lt. Gen. Daniel Lasica has taken command of US Air Forces Central. Breaking Defense noted this scheduled change-of-command occurs at a significant time for American forces in the Middle East amid the Iran war. The Army has launched a search for a counter-drone missile, aiming for a unit cost under $150,000. The interceptor, named the Next Generation C-sUAS Missile, must be compatible with Raytheon’s Coyote launcher. Finally, Breaking Defense is reporting on analysis suggesting that observers are focusing on the wrong aspects of Ukraine’s drone war, emphasizing the drones themselves rather than Ukraine's adaptive capabilities. It also said that U.S. arms-sale regulations, specifically ITAR concerns, are prompting some European firms to reconsider their approaches to military modernization.
