Breaking Defense Daily is reporting that JIATF-401 awarded CACI a $500 million contract for non-kinetic counter-unmanned aerial systems, following a similar $500 million three-year contract to AeroVironment earlier this month. It also said the Pentagon is developing plans to mitigate industry concerns over an executive order on sourcing critical minerals, which could impact supply chains. The outlet is reporting that the Senate confirmed Hurst as the Pentagon comptroller, filling a 1.5-year vacancy, and also approved nominees for space acquisitions and a national security space spy agency. It said L3Harris has postponed the initial public offering for its missile unit until mid-2027, with CEO Chris Kubasik citing unfavorable market conditions. Breaking Defense Daily is reporting that the Army opened a new testing hub to enhance air defense integration, designed as a "permanent hackathon environment" to remove manufacturer software restrictions. It said Leonardo DRS plans to acquire software company Raft for $450 million in an all-cash offer to broaden its technology offerings. Rafael CEO Yoav Tourgeman is considering an IPO by year-end and plans for the Israeli defense giant to attend French defense shows. Finally, the outlet is reporting on an analysis by Stimson Center experts who argue that despite airpower dominating Iran's skies, the decisive contest in the Iran war may have shifted below, posing challenges for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. It also highlighted that resupply of solid rocket motors for air-and-missile defense could take years during high-tempo engagements without procurement changes.
