Breaking Defense is reporting that Mach Industries secured a Defense Innovation Unit contract for a maritime, long-range strike drone. It said the Navy seeks an unmanned aerial system capable of long-range strikes from ships without large flight decks.
Breaking Defense also reported that Boeing has withdrawn from the Navy’s new trainer jet competition, stating its T-7A Red Hawk training jet does not meet Navy requirements.
A government watchdog indicates better collaboration is needed on Special Operations Command programs, Breaking Defense said. The Government Accountability Office found civilian officials lack effective oversight due to insufficient access to program information or meetings, recommending three improvements.
Germany plans to pair P-8 Poseidon aircraft with MQ-9 drones to monitor Russian submarines, Breaking Defense reported. Capt. Broder Nielsen, head of the German Naval Aviation Command, stated the MQ-9B will be the first unmanned system to operate closely with the aircraft.
Breaking Defense is reporting that F-35 readiness is lagging, prompting the Pentagon to seek a $13.7 billion boost. It said the Government Accountability Office found the F-35’s full mission capable rate dropped to 25 percent in fiscal year 2025.
Saronic and Castelion will combine Saronic’s Marauder Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel with Castelion’s Blackbeard hypersonic capability, Breaking Defense said. The companies plan a maritime launch demonstration in 2027.
Finally, Breaking Defense reported that the Senate Armed Services Committee’s $1.14 trillion defense policy bill includes the creation of a combatant command for drones. It said SASC members approved the bill in an 18-9 committee vote Wednesday.