🤖 DIU Tests AI Matchmaker to Connect Agencies and Innovators

📬 In Today’s Defense Brief

🛩️ Army Halves Spy Plane Fleet Before First Takeoff LINK

🤖 DIU Tests AI Matchmaker to Connect Agencies and Innovators LINK

🌍 RTX Expands UAE Presence with Counter-Drone Facility, Gallium Project LINK

🛰️ Muon Space Advances to Stage II of NRO Electro-Optical Imagery Program LINK

🚁 New Army Helicopter Engine Flies, But Program May Still Be Cut LINK

🎱 Plus 9 other news stories you may like

📰 Full Breakdown

🛩️ Army Halves Spy Plane Fleet Before First Takeoff LINK

• The Army has cut its planned HADES surveillance aircraft fleet from 12 to 6 before any aircraft have flown.

• Officials cite strategic reassessments and budget considerations as reasons for the scale-back.

• The HADES platform is designed for standoff ISR missions over wide areas using a modified business jet.

🤖 DIU Tests AI Matchmaker to Connect Agencies and Innovators LINK

• The Defense Innovation Unit is piloting an AI-driven “Large Language Matchmaker” tool to connect agencies with relevant tech companies.

• The tool aims to eliminate manual matchmaking, using natural language processing to align mission needs with solutions.

• If successful, the system could streamline defense acquisition and speed up adoption of emerging technologies.

🌍 RTX Expands UAE Presence with Counter-Drone Facility, Gallium Project LINK

• RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies) announced a new counter-drone facility and Gallium Nitride project in the UAE.

• The initiatives aim to address regional defense demand and deepen partnerships in electronic warfare and radar technologies.

• The expansion reflects ongoing efforts to localize advanced manufacturing for international allies.

🛰️ Muon Space Advances to Stage II of NRO Electro-Optical Imagery Program LINK

• Muon Space has been selected for Stage II of the NRO’s commercial electro-optical imagery pilot.

• The contract supports broader integration of commercial sensing into national security space architecture.

• The company will continue developing capabilities to provide high-res satellite imagery to the intelligence community.

🚁 New Army Helicopter Engine Flies, But Program May Still Be Cut LINK

• The Army’s Improved Turbine Engine Program successfully completed a first flight on a UH-60 Black Hawk.

• Despite technical progress, the program’s future is uncertain amid shifting requirements and possible cancellation.

• The engine promises improved fuel efficiency, range, and power for both helicopters and future vertical lift aircraft.

🌏 Other Important News

• Trump Promotes F-55 Twin-Engine F-35 Variant LINK

• DoD Intel Budget Request Said to Align with Department Priorities LINK

• DoD Leaders Urge Congress to Boost Cyber Defenses LINK

• Blue UAS Program to Expand Scope Across DoD LINK

• DoD Expands Online ID Card Services for Benefits Access LINK

• Army General Suggests Aviation Cuts May Be Walked Back LINK

• Defense Watch: Space Budget Growth, Right to Repair, NGA Award LINK

• Palantir Wins $218M Space Systems Command Delivery Order LINK

• Trump’s Military Parade Could Cost Up to $45M, Army Says LINK

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