🤖 Skydio to Provide Small Reconnaissance Drones Under $100M Army Contract

📬 In Today’s Defense Brief

🛰️ Space Force Eyes International Launch Sites to Boost Resilience LINK

⚙️ Union Strike Hits Pratt & Whitney Plant Producing F-35 Engines LINK

🚫 Hypersonic Interceptor Development Slows Amid Budget Cuts LINK

🛰️ Space Force Awards FORGE Contract to Boost Missile Warning Capabilities LINK

🤖 Skydio to Provide Small Reconnaissance Drones Under $100M Army Contract LINK

🎱 Plus 11 other news stories you may like

📰 Full Breakdown

🛰️ Space Force Eyes International Launch Sites to Boost Resilience LINK

• The U.S. Space Force is exploring launch partnerships with allied countries to increase resilience against threats and congestion.

• Diversifying launch locations is part of a broader strategy to ensure rapid deployment and survivability of space assets.

• Leadership emphasized the importance of logistical flexibility amid growing geopolitical tensions in orbit.

⚙️ Union Strike Hits Pratt & Whitney Plant Producing F-35 Engines LINK

• Union workers have gone on strike at the Pratt & Whitney facility responsible for manufacturing engines for the F-35.

• The strike raises concerns over potential delays in engine deliveries that could affect F-35 production timelines.

• Contract negotiations remain ongoing between management and the union.

🚫 Hypersonic Interceptor Development Slows Amid Budget Cuts LINK

• The Missile Defense Agency is experiencing delays in its Glide Phase Interceptor program due to reduced congressional funding.

• Officials are reassessing timelines and capabilities as they face constraints in pursuing multiple hypersonic defense projects.

• The slowdown reflects the tension between urgency in countering hypersonic threats and limited budget resources.

🛰️ Space Force Awards FORGE Contract to Boost Missile Warning Capabilities LINK

• The U.S. Space Force has awarded the FORGE Enterprise prototype agreement to enhance overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) missile warning capabilities.

• The effort is led by Space Systems Command and aims to support data processing and integration for next-gen space sensors.

• The contract utilizes an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) to accelerate delivery.

🤖 Skydio to Provide Small Reconnaissance Drones Under $100M Army Contract LINK

• Skydio has secured a contract worth up to $99.8 million to deliver Short Range Reconnaissance drones to the U.S. Army.

• The drones will support platoon-level situational awareness and intelligence-gathering missions.

• This marks Skydio’s largest government deal to date and reinforces the Army’s shift toward domestic drone suppliers.

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• U.S. Halts Houthi Bombing Campaign on Presidential Orders LINK

• USSF Selects 12 Satellite Firms for STP Contract LINK

• Hegseth Highlights Special Forces Role at Southern Border LINK

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