Breaking Defense is reporting on several key developments within the Pentagon and defense industry. It said the Army's Space and Missile Defense Command chief discussed the benefits of diverse interceptors and ongoing modernization efforts from Huntsville, Alabama. The Army also selected five vendors to advance nuclear microreactor prototypes, with up to $2.2 billion potentially distributed among them.
Breaking Defense reported the Pentagon is working to secure LaNeve's nomination for the next Army Chief of Staff, despite reported lawmaker hesitation and the potential departure of the service's secretary. The Navy established a new Office of the Defense Industrial Base, which Andrew Magliochetti, former director of the Navy’s Office of Small Business Programs, will oversee. Additionally, a new Defense Department memo is resetting industry requirements for Pentagon contractors.
In the private sector, hypersonics and rocket startup Ursa Major plans to go public in a $2.3 billion deal, with CEO Chris Spagnoletti stating the transaction will boost production capacity. Looking ahead, Breaking Defense highlighted 13 key issues for Congress to address regarding the fiscal year 2027 defense budget when it reconvenes in September. These issues include the Iran supplemental and a potential third reconciliation bill.