📶 Silvus Introduces Chest-Mounted Tactical Networking Node for Dismounted Soldiers

📬 In Today’s Defense Brief

💰 Senate Passes $914B Defense Policy Bill After Gridlock Breakthrough Read More

🤖 GDLS to Roll Out Drone-Killer Robot and Tank-Launched Switchblades at AUSA Read More

🛰️ Stoke Space Secures $510M to Fund Nova Rocket Through First Flights Read More

📡 Forterra Acquires goTenna to Expand Tactical Mesh Networking Capabilities Read More

📶 Silvus Introduces Chest-Mounted Tactical Networking Node for Dismounted Soldiers Read More

🎱 Plus 15 other news stories you may like

📰 Full Breakdown

💰 Senate Passes $914B Defense Policy Bill After Gridlock Breakthrough Read More

• The Senate voted 77–20 to approve its $913.9 billion FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act after overcoming weeks of gridlock over proposed amendments, clearing the way for conference negotiations with the House.

• Debate centered on amendment packages touching issues from Air Force One conversions and National Guard deployment limits to new authorities allowing the Pentagon to counter drone incursions over U.S. bases.

• The final bill preserves B-1 bomber retirements through FY 2030 and boosts topline spending $32 billion above the Pentagon’s request, setting up a high-stakes budget conference focused on acquisition reform and future defense spending levels.

🤖 GDLS to Roll Out Drone-Killer Robot and Tank-Launched Switchblades at AUSA Read More

• General Dynamics Land Systems will unveil three new capabilities at AUSA 2025: the TRX Leonidas drone-killer robot, the PERCH tank-mounted Switchblade launcher, and the NEXUS low-signature command post vehicle—all aligned with the Army’s Transformation Initiative.

• TRX Leonidas integrates Epirus’ high-power microwave array onto GDLS’s TRX UGV to neutralize drone swarms; PERCH equips M1A2 Abrams tanks with AeroVironment Switchblade munitions for organic reconnaissance and long-range precision strike.

• The NEXUS Stryker command vehicle reduces electromagnetic signatures and enhances mobility for distributed C2, with upcoming testing planned at Project Convergence as GDLS targets emerging Army modernization programs.

🛰️ Stoke Space Secures $510M to Fund Nova Rocket Through First Flights Read More

• Launch startup Stoke Space raised $510 million in a Series D round led by Thomas Tull’s US Innovative Technology Fund to fund its reusable Nova rocket through early orbital flights, bringing total capital raised to $990 million.

• Nova is a medium-lift, reusable vehicle designed to carry up to 3,000 kg to LEO and 2,500 kg to GTO, with the company completing engine cycle tests and structural qualifications ahead of launch complex activation at Cape Canaveral in early 2026.

• Following its addition to the U.S. Space Force National Security Space Launch Phase 3 program, Stoke plans to expand production capacity and software development for its Boltline engineering platform as it positions Nova for commercial and national security missions.

📡 Forterra Acquires goTenna to Expand Tactical Mesh Networking Capabilities Read More

• Forterra acquired mesh-networking firm goTenna to integrate lightweight, low-signature communications into its autonomous ground systems, enabling shared situational awareness across dispersed formations.

• Executives said the combined platform will blanket battlefields with resilient, hard-to-jam connectivity that links soldiers, robots, and drones through decentralized nodes already native to the Android Tactical Assault Kit ecosystem.

• The non-ITAR-restricted nature of goTenna radios enhances coalition interoperability without compromising security, supporting broader joint and international integration of Forterra’s autonomous solutions.

📶 Silvus Introduces Chest-Mounted Tactical Networking Node for Dismounted Soldiers Read More

• Silvus Technologies unveiled the StreamCaster NEXUS, a rugged chest-mounted tactical networking system offering high-speed data, secure communications, and battlefield resilience under electronic attack.

• Powered by Silvus’ SM5200 MANET radio, the system achieves over 100 Mbps data rates and integrates with Samsung devices and the Android Team Awareness Kit to deliver real-time voice, video, and mapping for mobile units.

• Developed with direct operator feedback, NEXUS enhances situational awareness for soldiers and law enforcement by providing plug-and-play connectivity that remains reliable in contested environments.

🌏 Other Important News

✈️ Air

• PDW and USAF partner on C100 drone development for advanced surveillance and strike missions Read More

• Senators press Air Force Chief nominee to fix F-35 readiness and reduce sustainment costs Read More

• Boeing delivers new MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters to the U.S. Air Force Read More

• Air Force Leaders Warn of Declining Flying Hours, Spare Parts Shortages Read More

• Taiwan’s annual defense report prioritizes counter-drone investments amid China threat Read More

🛰️ Space

• USSF awards Muon Space satellite contract for next-gen weather and sensing missions Read More

• “Next-Gen C2” systems face major delays without robust network transport backbone Read More

🧠 C2, Networks & AI

• “Warfighter Questions” initiative uses data analytics to improve battlefield decision-making Read More

🛡️ Land

• U.S. Army conducts missile flight test with Integrated Battle Command System Read More

• Indonesia unveils AI-powered autonomous submarine armed with six torpedoes Read More

• Raytheon introduces backward-compatible “Next-Gen Stinger” interceptor missile Read More

• Indra showcases new battlefield technology suite at Spain’s 2E+I Forum Read More

• U.S. Army Eyes New Sensors and Shooters for Eastern Flank Deterrence Line Read More

🚢 Maritime

• U.S. and Finnish yards to deliver first Arctic Security Cutters by 2028 Read More

• REMUS autonomous vehicle completes first-ever submarine tube launch Read More

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.