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✍️ Trio of Executive Orders Target Defense Exports, Acquisition, and Shipbuilding

✍️ Trio of Executive Orders Target Defense Exports, Acquisition, and Shipbuilding

President Trump signed three new executive orders aimed at streamlining defense acquisition, strengthening the U.S. shipbuilding base, and promoting foreign military sales.

Dallas Hartley
April 10, 2025

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✍️ Trio of Executive Orders Target Defense Exports, Acquisition, and Shipbuilding LINK

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🎱 Plus 12 other news stories you may like

Navy Secretary John Phelan, just two weeks into the role, criticized “unacceptable” shipbuilding delays and revealed that contract reviews have already begun to root out waste and inefficiencies.
Phelan emphasized a shift toward accountability and realistic scheduling, calling the state of naval modernization a “national emergency” during remarks at Sea-Air-Space.
He drew comparisons between inflated military construction costs and commercial projects from his prior business career, vowing to implement acquisition reforms and shared-risk contracting models.

President Trump signed three new executive orders aimed at streamlining defense acquisition, strengthening the U.S. shipbuilding base, and promoting foreign military sales.
The acquisition order mandates quicker contracting timelines and improved coordination across service branches, while another expands DoD’s role in international defense deals.
The third EO includes subsidies and incentives for U.S. shipbuilders, underscoring the administration’s push to reshore industrial capacity and counter China’s maritime expansion.

Members of Congress expressed concern during a House Armed Services hearing that proposed cuts to U.S. Special Operations Command could weaken mission-critical capabilities.
Lawmakers highlighted risks to SOF readiness, counterterrorism operations, and emerging tech programs like uncrewed platforms and AI tools for ISR.
Pentagon officials say budget pressures are forcing tough tradeoffs, but promised to protect core SOF competencies amid restructuring efforts.

Leidos debuted Sea Dart, a new autonomous undersea vehicle designed for affordability, modular payloads, and multi-domain flexibility in maritime operations.
The system is built to perform surveillance, reconnaissance, and other tactical roles without requiring high-end, large-displacement platforms.
Officials say Sea Dart represents a shift toward scalable, attritable undersea assets suited for distributed operations and persistent presence in contested waters.

The U.S. State Department cleared a $1 billion sale of AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) and related systems to Australia.
The package includes over 800 missiles, spares, and technical support as Canberra modernizes its air defense in response to regional threats.
The sale strengthens U.S.-Australia defense ties and bolsters interoperability with allied air forces in the Indo-Pacific theater.

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