🔐 U.S. developed non-kinetic cell ahead of Venezuela mission to push cyber ops

📬 In Today’s Defense Brief

✈️ General Atomics unveils new Do228 NXT maritime surveillance aircraft

🛰️ Lockheed’s latest GPS III satellite strengthens resilient PNT for warfighters

🔐 U.S. developed non-kinetic cell ahead of Venezuela mission to push cyber ops

🚀 Northrop CEO: deal to accelerate B-21 production could arrive in months

🛰️ SPACECOM chief cites Army, Marines as models for expanding on-orbit warfighting exercises

🎱 Plus 16 other news stories you may like

📰 Full Breakdown

✈️ General Atomics unveils new Do228 NXT maritime surveillance aircraft — Read More

• General Atomics AeroTec Systems introduced the Do228 NXT, a modernized twin-turboprop multirole aircraft designed for maritime, coastal, and border missions. Designed for short takeoff and landing from austere locations, it incorporates advanced autopilot and navigation systems to reduce pilot workload in complex environments. The design enhances ISR and maritime patrol flexibility.

• Its avionics suite includes dual attitude and air data sensors plus collision-avoidance systems, supporting operations in demanding conditions and offering real-time situational awareness. The Do228 NXT provides generous payload space for mission equipment tailored to evolving requirements at sea and nearshore.

• While not replacing larger drones or patrol aircraft, the platform fills a niche for shorter, persistent coastal monitoring tasks and complements unmanned ISR assets. Its versatility makes it suitable for emerging maritime and hybrid threat environments.

🛰️ Lockheed’s latest GPS III satellite strengthens resilient PNT for warfighters — Read More

• The U.S. Space Force successfully launched another Lockheed Martin-built GPS III satellite (SV09) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, expanding the constellation’s position, navigation, and timing (PNT) capability. These satellites provide jam-resistant signals and enhanced accuracy essential for U.S. military operations worldwide.

• GPS III spacecraft, such as SV09, include M-code signals that improve robustness in contested or denied electronic environments, strengthening mission assurance for joint forces. Maintaining and modernizing the GPS constellation is critical as older satellites retire and operational demands grow.

• As Lockheed completes the GPS III production run and transitions to the more advanced GPS IIIF generation, the constellation’s resilience and global coverage will continue to improve—supporting everything from precision strike to synchronized logistics across domains.

🔐 U.S. developed non-kinetic cell ahead of Venezuela mission to push cyber ops — Read More

• U.S. military leaders told lawmakers that a “non-kinetic effects cell” was created to integrate cyber, electronic warfare, and other non-physical tools into planning and execution of global operations—highlighted by its role in a mission to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

• The cell’s planned remit is synchronizing non-kinetic actions such as cyber effects, influence operations, and network disruption with traditional military planning, pushing these capabilities to the forefront of modern conflict planning.

• Officials say non-kinetic operations can influence adversary behavior without physical destruction, offering strategic leverage in politically sensitive environments. The evolution reflects a broader shift toward integrating cyber and electromagnetic tools into U.S. military doctrine.

🚀 Northrop CEO: deal to accelerate B-21 production could arrive in months — Read More

• Northrop Grumman’s CEO said a deal with the Air Force to accelerate production of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber could be finalized by March, easing delays from last year’s government shutdown and aligning with congressional funding approvals.

• Talks have centered on using approximately $4.5 billion in reconciliation funding for expanded production capacity and rate increases, but discussions over financial specifics and contractual terms continue.

• Faster B-21 production would help the Air Force field this next-generation long-range bomber more rapidly amid growing global threats, though timing remains contingent on negotiation outcomes and broader budget constraints.

🛰️ SPACECOM chief cites Army, Marines as models for expanding on-orbit warfighting exercises — Read More

• Space Command Commander Gen. Stephen Whiting outlined a vision for space warfighting that draws on Army and Marine maneuver doctrines—emphasizing on-orbit logistics, refueling, and rapid, responsive satellite operations dubbed “Apollo Maneuvers.”

• Whiting stressed that maneuver-based space operations will require robust on-orbit sustainment and logistics capabilities, including refueling and repair infrastructure, to allow satellites to reposition and respond dynamically in future conflicts.

• The concept reflects a shift from static space operations to contested-domain agility, where space assets behave more like terrestrial forces—seeking to deter adversaries and ensure freedom of action in increasingly competitive orbital environments.

🌏 Other Important News

✈️ Air

• Qatar selects Thales air defense solutions — Read More

• UK MOD invests in SMEs: boosting defense innovation — Read More

• Interesting Engineering: U.S. Avenger drone scores air-to-air kill — Read More

• Russia’s short-range air defense systems examined — Read More

• DIMDEX 2026: Qatar, Iran naval drones video — Read More

🌊 Sea

• Denmark naval fleet concept evolves — Read More

• General Dynamics unveils ADX VLS reloading destroyer tender — Read More

• U.S. destroyer drills near Scarborough Shoal with Philippine forces — Read More

🛰️ Space

• Ukraine drones vision/navigation advances — Read More

• Japan tests torpedo-launched UUV concept — Read More

• SDA must be more realistic about real risks in pricey satellite tracking layer effort, according to GAO — Read More

• Space Force anti-jam capability push as GPS III wraps up launches — Read More

🏭 Industry

• National Guard deployments to U.S. cities cost nearly half a billion: CBO — Read More

• Hanwha Defense invests in Pine Bluff Arsenal munitions plant — Read More

• USS John F. Kennedy gets underway for first time ahead of builder’s trials — Read More

• North Korea strikes maritime target during rocket launcher system test fire — Read More

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