💧 Blue Water Autonomy Ushers in New Era of AI-Controlled Naval Vessels

📬 In Today’s Defense Brief

⚡️ ‘Franken-Lightning’ Experimental F-35 Is Fully Operational LINK

💧 Blue Water Autonomy Ushers in New Era of AI-Controlled Naval Vessels LINK

⬟ Pentagon Terminates IT Service Contracts, Signals Overhaul Ahead LINK

🚀 Lockheed Martin Doubles HIMARS Production Amid Soaring Demand LINK

💥 Leidos Black Arrow Cruise Missile Tested From AC-130J Gunship LINK

🎱 Plus 9 other news stories you may like

📰 Full Breakdown

⚡️ ‘Franken-Lightning’ Experimental F-35 Is Fully Operational LINK

• The U.S. Air Force has confirmed that the experimental F-35 known as “Franken-Lightning” is now fully operational, following years of testing and development.

• Built from a mix of parts from multiple F-35 variants, the jet serves as a testbed for emerging technologies like new radar systems, software, and stealth modifications.

• The hybrid aircraft enables rapid prototyping and field testing of upgrades, with minimal downtime or risk to frontline assets.

💧 Blue Water Autonomy Ushers in New Era of AI-Controlled Naval Vessels LINK

• A new naval startup, Blue Water Autonomy, has publicly debuted after years of stealth development, revealing its AI-controlled autonomous ship platform.

• The vessel is designed for long-range operations and decision-making without human intervention, capable of surveillance, logistics, or combat roles depending on payload.

• Officials describe the platform as a potential game-changer in contested maritime zones, especially in Indo-Pacific scenarios where risk tolerance for crewed ships is limited.

⬟ Pentagon Terminates IT Service Contracts, Signals Overhaul Ahead LINK

• The Pentagon has canceled multiple longstanding IT service contracts as part of a broader realignment of digital infrastructure and services.

• The move follows internal audits showing inefficiencies, overlapping capabilities, and unclear deliverables, according to defense officials familiar with the decision.

• While not all vendors were named, the cuts reflect growing pressure to optimize digital spending and prioritize mission-relevant modernization over legacy service models.

🚀 Lockheed Martin Doubles HIMARS Production Amid Soaring Demand LINK

• Lockheed Martin is ramping up HIMARS rocket launcher production from 48 to 96 units per year in response to global demand surges.

• The precision artillery system has seen expanded adoption across NATO and Indo-Pacific allies following its battlefield success in Ukraine.

• U.S. and allied defense agencies are also investing in next-gen upgrades for HIMARS, including extended-range munitions and advanced targeting capabilities.

💥 Leidos Black Arrow Cruise Missile Tested From AC-130J Gunship LINK

• A recent test flight has confirmed the successful deployment of Leidos’ new Black Arrow small cruise missile from an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship.

• The air-launched missile demonstrated precision targeting capabilities and a compact form factor, aimed at enhancing the strike flexibility of special operations aircraft.

• The Black Arrow is part of a broader trend toward modular, low-cost munitions tailored for flexible deployment platforms in austere environments.

🌏 Other Important News

• Pentagon Launches Major Effort to Reshape Civilian Workforce LINK

• Caine Confirmed as First National Guard Chairman of Joint Chiefs LINK

• Japanese Fighter Scrambles Increase Amid Russian Airspace Incursions LINK

• U.S. Army Pilots New 5G-Based Network Solution for Forward Ops LINK

• USS Stockdale Deployed to Southern Border Amid Maritime Security Push LINK

• Commander at Greenland Base Fired After Investigation LINK

• Navy Cancels Hypersonic Anti-Ship Cruise Missile Development LINK

• Proprotor Gearbox Fix Coming for Troubled Osprey Fleet LINK

• Navy Fires Expeditionary Security Squadron Leadership LINK

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