🕶️ Anduril and Meta Collaborate on Army's IVAS Recompete

📬 In Today’s Defense Brief

🔫 Israel Deploys High-Power Lasers to Neutralize Aerial Threats LINK

🚀 Northrop Grumman Invests $50M in Firefly for Medium Launch Vehicle Development LINK

🕶️ Anduril and Meta Collaborate on Army's IVAS Recompete LINK

🔥 Karman Acquires ISP to Boost UAS Propulsion Capabilities LINK

📉 Air Force Reserve Faces Major Fighter Jet Reductions LINK

🎱 Plus 8 other news stories you may like

📰 Full Breakdown

🔫 Israel Deploys High-Power Lasers to Neutralize Aerial Threats LINK

• Israel has deployed prototype high-power laser systems to intercept and destroy incoming aerial threats, including drones and rockets, in recent operations.

• These systems, developed to complement traditional missile defenses, offer a lower-cost per-shot solution and demonstrated notable success in operational use.

• Officials say the technology represents a major advancement in directed-energy defense, with implications for future battlefield applications.

🚀 Northrop Grumman Invests $50M in Firefly for Medium Launch Vehicle Development LINK

• Northrop Grumman is investing $50 million into Firefly Aerospace to support development of the Eclipse medium launch vehicle.

• The new rocket aims to deliver up to 16 metric tons to low Earth orbit and will replace the Antares 330 launch system for national security missions.

• The move strengthens domestic launch capacity as the U.S. seeks greater self-reliance in space access.

🕶️ Anduril and Meta Collaborate on Army's IVAS Recompete LINK

• Anduril and Meta have partnered to offer a new headset design for the Army’s IVAS recompete, aiming to deliver improved augmented reality capabilities to soldiers.

• Their joint system, called “EagleEye,” is built on a modular, open architecture to better integrate with existing Army platforms.

• The team hopes to outperform incumbent systems with better optics, lighter weight, and more user-focused software design.

🔥 Karman Acquires ISP to Boost UAS Propulsion Capabilities LINK

• Karman Space & Defense has acquired Industrial Solid Propulsion (ISP) to expand its offerings in solid rocket motor and energetic propulsion technologies.

• ISP specializes in systems for UAS intercept, rocket-assisted takeoff, and small missile systems — areas where Karman aims to grow.

• The acquisition strengthens Karman’s portfolio as demand increases for rapid, lightweight propulsion in tactical defense applications.

📉 Air Force Reserve Faces Major Fighter Jet Reductions LINK

• The Air Force Reserve is on track to lose nearly half of its fighter aircraft fleet by 2030 under current modernization plans.

• Officials cite budget pressures and evolving mission sets as key drivers of the reductions, but concerns remain about readiness impacts.

• Some Reserve leaders warn the cuts may undercut the Reserve’s role in surge capacity and long-term strategic deterrence.

🌏 Other Important News

• Refurbished Mirage 2000Ds Conduct Aerial and Ground Attack Firing Exercises LINK

• QinetiQ’s Banshee Aerial Target Approved for NATO Use in Crete LINK

• AFRICOM Seeks Support to Deter Terrorism After Trump Pulls Aid LINK

• State Department Planning Layoffs and Organizational Changes LINK

• France and Indonesia Expand Military Supply Cooperation LINK

• Pentagon Ends New Radar Effort Meant for Guam Missile Defense LINK

• Navy Secretary Appalled by Barracks Conditions in Guam LINK

• Weyerhaeuser Company Faces Bullish Outlook Amid Defense-Adjacent Market Shifts LINK

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