💰 House Advances $832 Billion Military Budget Plan for Next Fiscal Year

📬 In Today’s Defense Brief

💻 Microsoft Ends Use of China-Based Engineers for Patching DoD Systems LINK

✈️ Air Force to Sole-Source Additional KC-46 Tankers from Boeing, Forgoing Competition LINK

⚡ RTX Explores New Missions for HELWS Anti-Drone Laser Weapon LINK

🚀 Army Successfully Hits Maritime Target with SM-6 Missile from Portable Launcher LINK

💰 House Advances $832 Billion Military Budget Plan for Next Fiscal Year LINK

🎱 Plus 7 other news stories you may like

📰 Full Breakdown

💻 Microsoft Ends Use of China-Based Engineers for Patching DoD Systems LINK

• Microsoft has discontinued the practice of employing China-based engineers to patch and maintain software on Department of Defense (DoD) systems.

• The move comes amid increased security concerns over potential espionage and infiltration of sensitive military networks by Chinese state actors.

• This decision marks a significant shift towards strengthening cybersecurity and safeguarding U.S. defense systems from foreign vulnerabilities.

✈️ Air Force to Sole-Source Additional KC-46 Tankers from Boeing, Forgoing Competition LINK

• The U.S. Air Force will bypass a planned competition and instead directly acquire additional KC-46 aerial refueling tankers from Boeing.

• Air Force officials cited urgency, cost efficiency, and fleet commonality as reasons to expedite procurement and avoid a lengthy competitive process.

• The decision reinforces Boeing’s role as a primary provider of critical aerial refueling capabilities, despite past program challenges.

⚡ RTX Explores New Missions for HELWS Anti-Drone Laser Weapon LINK

• RTX Corporation is actively pursuing expanded mission sets and operational roles for its High-Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS), originally designed for counter-drone missions.

• Potential new applications being considered include air defense, base protection, and battlefield support, significantly broadening the weapon’s scope and utility.

• The move underscores the increasing adoption of directed-energy weapons across diverse military domains.

🚀 Army Successfully Hits Maritime Target with SM-6 Missile from Portable Launcher LINK

• In a groundbreaking test, the U.S. Army successfully launched an SM-6 missile from a portable land-based launcher, striking a maritime target with precision.

• The demonstration validates the Army's new concept for coastal defense and anti-ship warfare, providing highly mobile, rapidly deployable offensive and defensive options.

• This achievement highlights the Army’s growing capability to project power and defend critical maritime chokepoints and coastlines.

💰 House Advances $832 Billion Military Budget Plan for Next Fiscal Year LINK

• The U.S. House of Representatives advanced an $832 billion defense budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year, emphasizing modernization, readiness, and global defense posture.

• The bill includes substantial funding boosts for advanced technologies, missile defense systems, and strategic deterrence measures.

• Congressional approval signals strong bipartisan support for continued defense investment amid evolving global threats.

🌏 Other Important News

• Pakistan Air Force Displays JF-17 Fighter at RIAT 2025 LINK

• Hanwha UK Appoints Ben Hudson as New CEO LINK

• General Atomics Unveils Plan for European Collaborative Combat Aircraft Delivery LINK

• White House Shipbuilding Initiative Transferred to Office of Management and Budget LINK

• U.S. Air Force F-35s Deploy to Philippines for First Time in Cope Thunder Exercise LINK

• Navy Admiral Warns U.S. Missile Interceptor Reliance 'Unsustainable' LINK

• U.S. Army Seeks Versatile Artillery Capable of Offensive and Defensive Operations LINK

Thanks for reading today’s Defense Brief. If you found it useful, consider forwarding it to a friend or colleague who'd appreciate staying sharp on defense tech and military news.