MDA Chief Lt. Gen. Heath Collins said more maneuverable missiles and drones have changed the missile defense game: Instead of just preparing to hit “fastballs,” he said, “now we’re hitting sliders and curveballs.”
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.Part of the shakeup includes tens of billions for nuclear-powered subs, and halting the pricey procurement of an additional F-35 fighter jet squadron.
By Colin ClarkHaving regular mil-to-mil talks with China “is an important priority for us,” a senior defense official said, pointing to the PRC’s behavior in the South China Sea, as well as the importance of “peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.”
By Colin ClarkUS Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro has praised South Korean shipbuilders such as HD Hyundai at recent events, encouraging more participation with US industry.
By Justin Katz“The deliberate toning down of criticism of Chinese behavior and policy in order to stabilize the bilateral relationship makes it very difficult to have these types of conversations,” said Lavina Lee, a security studies expert.
By Colin ClarkThe US and Japan are “increasing the interoperability and planning of our militaries so they can work together in a seamless and effective way,” US President Joe Biden said today.
By Aaron Mehta“Japan is basically signaling both to the Philippines and the US, and beyond that, [to] Southeast Asia and others in the region, that they should look to Japan as a leader in this space,” John Blaxland, of the Australian National University, told Breaking Defense.
By Colin Clark“The companies will merge AI expertise and operational understanding to deliver superior intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for today’s rapidly changing defense and security environment,” Shield AI’s announcement says.
By Lee FerranAs for new nations potentially working on AUKUS Pillar II tech efforts, the State Department’s Kurt Campbell teased, “I think you’ll hear that we have something to say about that” next week.
By Tim MartinAustal rejected the bid based on concerns it would not be approved by regulators, something Hanwha says should not be an issue.
By Aaron MehtaIn an interview with Breaking Defense, Andrew Hastie discussed keeping AUKUS a three-party arrangement, the housing issue it could create and the need for a new joint defense committee.
By Colin ClarkMalcolm Davis of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute says sales will come “down to cost and capability – how much does GCAP cost in terms of both unit cost and sustainment over the life of type.”
By Colin ClarkThe Pentagon’s DIU will manage the competition in conjunction with counterpart agencies in Australia and the United Kingdom.
By Justin KatzThe upgrade will “increase the air surveillance capability for the system. This effort will further enhance the air surveillance mission software capabilities,” an Air Force spokesperson told Breaking Defense.
By Aaron Mehta and Michael Marrow