🛩️ Lockheed Has Path to Pilot-Optional F-35, CEO Says

📬 In Today’s Defense Brief

🧠 Leidos Acquires Kudu Dynamics for $300M to Enhance AI-Driven Offensive Cyber, EW Capabilities LINK

🚀 Rocket Lab Makes $275M Geost Deal LINK

📡 Motorola Solutions to Acquire Defense Radio Maker Silvus Technologies for $4.4 Billion LINK

🛩️ Lockheed Has Path to Pilot-Optional F-35, CEO Says LINK

🌊 Chinese Aircraft Carrier Liaoning Operating Near Taiwan LINK

🎱 Plus 8 other news stories you may like

📰 Full Breakdown

🧠 Leidos Acquires Kudu Dynamics for $300M to Enhance AI-Driven Offensive Cyber, EW Capabilities LINK

• Leidos has acquired cybersecurity firm Kudu Dynamics for $300 million to bolster its AI-enabled offensive cyber and electronic warfare capabilities.

• The acquisition aims to accelerate Leidos' development in vulnerability research and exploit development, enhancing its position in the cyber domain.

• Leidos anticipates that this move will expedite its capabilities by approximately 18 months compared to organic growth.

🚀 Rocket Lab Makes $275M Geost Deal LINK

• Rocket Lab has agreed to acquire Geost, a move marking its entry into the satellite payload market.

• The acquisition is valued at $275 million and is expected to enhance Rocket Lab's offerings in national security space solutions.

• This strategic move positions Rocket Lab as a more comprehensive supplier in the defense and intelligence sectors.

📡 Motorola Solutions to Acquire Defense Radio Maker Silvus Technologies for $4.4 Billion LINK

• Motorola Solutions has announced its intention to acquire Silvus Technologies, a defense wireless-radio firm, for $4.4 billion.

• Silvus is known for its software-defined mobile ad-hoc network radios, which are used in various military applications.

• The acquisition aims to expand Motorola's capabilities in secure, resilient communication systems for defense customers.

🛩️ Lockheed Has Path to Pilot-Optional F-35, CEO Says LINK

• Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet says the company is exploring pilot-optional capability for future F-35 variants.

• The capability would allow the aircraft to operate either crewed or uncrewed, depending on mission requirements.

• The announcement reflects growing industry emphasis on flexibility, autonomy, and unmanned integration in next-gen platforms.

🌊 Chinese Aircraft Carrier Liaoning Operating Near Taiwan LINK

• The Chinese Navy’s aircraft carrier Liaoning is conducting operations near Taiwan amid regional tensions.

• U.S. defense officials are monitoring the deployment closely, noting the Liaoning was accompanied by a destroyer and support vessels.

• The activity comes at a time of heightened concern over China's military pressure campaign in the Taiwan Strait.

🌏 Other Important News

• India Approves Execution Model for AMCA Fighter Programme LINK

• UK Hits Roll Out Milestone for New Type 31 Frigate LINK

• SpaceX Faces Third Starship Test Failure in a Row With Uncontrolled Reentry LINK

• With Macron in Town, Indonesia and France Inch Closer on Potential Deals for Fighter Jets, Subs LINK

• New Pentagon Memo Tightens Non-Commercial Tech Procurement Rules in Line With Executive Order LINK

• Hegseth Cracks Down on Pentagon Use of IT Consulting Contracts LINK

• No Clear Plan for Supporting Guam Missile Defense System, GAO Finds LINK

• Hegseth Halves Pentagon's Testing Oversight Office LINK

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