🔒 HevenDrones Targeting Border Security with New Drone Offerings

📬 In Today’s Defense Brief

🛠️ F-47 Fighter Program Could See Multiple Versions Built in Increments LINK

⚠️ Limited Resources Hampering DIU’s Ability to Clear Commercial Drones for DoD LINK

💻 Trump Nominates Joseph Jewell as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science & Tech LINK

🔒 HevenDrones Targeting Border Security with New Drone Offerings LINK

🎱 Plus 12 other news stories you may like

📰 Full Breakdown

🛠️ F-47 Fighter Program Could See Multiple Versions Built In Increments LINK

• The U.S. Air Force’s notional F-47 fighter jet may be developed in multiple variants, rolled out incrementally over time rather than as a single monolithic platform.

• This modular approach is designed to accelerate deployment and allow integration of cutting-edge technologies as they mature, avoiding long delays tied to traditional programs.

• Officials say the strategy could redefine how future fighters are developed, potentially blending digital design and low-rate production to stay ahead of peer threats.

⚠️ Limited Resources Hampering DIU’s Ability to Clear Commercial Drones for DoD LINK

• A DIU official said the agency lacks the staff and funding needed to review and approve commercial drones for use by the Department of Defense.

• The Blue UAS program, designed to vet secure, NDAA-compliant drone platforms, is facing backlog and delays due to growing demand and limited throughput capacity.

• The challenge is creating frustration for companies eager to provide solutions to DoD customers, as some wait over a year for approval despite pressing operational needs.

💻 Trump Nominates Joseph Jewell as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science & Tech LINK

• President Trump has nominated Joseph Jewell, a former research physicist and Air Force veteran, to serve as the Pentagon’s assistant secretary for science and technology.

• Jewell would be responsible for overseeing foundational research, tech transition, and science-based innovation across DoD labs and engineering centers if confirmed.

• His nomination reflects the administration’s focus on internal innovation capacity amid fierce global competition in hypersonics, AI, autonomy, and quantum technologies.

🔒 HevenDrones Targeting Border Security with New Drone Offerings LINK

• HevenDrones is pitching its modular UAV systems for U.S. border security, emphasizing long flight endurance and the ability to carry custom payloads.

• The company is showcasing a multirole drone designed to perform ISR, logistics, and emergency response operations, optimized for rugged terrain and remote deployment.

• With the U.S. focusing more on unmanned solutions for both defense and homeland security missions, HevenDrones is aiming to capitalize on growing interest from government agencies.

⚙️ Joint Chiefs Nominee Urges Major Changes to DoD Budget Requirements Process LINK

• The nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told lawmakers the Pentagon’s requirements and budgeting processes are too slow and need fundamental reform.

• He called for better alignment between operational needs and long-term investments, arguing that current systems can’t keep pace with modern technology cycles or near-peer competition.

• The nominee emphasized that failing to streamline acquisition and budget timelines could leave the military underprepared in a rapidly evolving global threat environment.

🌏 Other News

• NORTHCOM Warns Spectrum Auctioning Could Jeopardize ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Defense LINK

• DIU, UK, and Australia Launch Second AUKUS Innovation Challenge LINK

• U.S. Approves $5.6B F-16 Sale to the Philippines LINK

• Joint Chiefs Nominee Caine Vows to Keep Military Apolitical, Fix Acquisition LINK

• Expanded U.S. Military Presence at Sea and Borders May Persist for Years LINK

• Hegseth Orders Services to Match Combat Arms Fitness Standards to Mission Requirements LINK

• Chairman Nominee: Military Strength Creates Opportunity for Peace LINK

• China Conducts Large-Scale Military Drills Around Taiwan LINK

• Royal Navy Merlin Life Extension Business Case Delayed to 2027 LINK

• Army Identifies Three of Four Soldiers Killed in Lithuania Training Accident LINK

• U.S. Faces Multiple Chip Vulnerabilities Across Defense Ecosystem LINK

• U.S. Coast Guard Triples Forces Along Southwest Maritime Border LINK

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