⚡ U.S. Pushes Laser Power Beaming to Reduce Logistics Vulnerabilities

📬 In Today’s Defense Brief

🏛️ Senate passes $901B defense authorization bill with major acquisition reform push — Read More

🛠️ US Tests 3D-Printed Engine for High-Altitude Drone Systems — Read More

⚡ U.S. Pushes Laser Power Beaming to Reduce Logistics Vulnerabilities — Read More

🛰️ Special operators seek expanded electronic drone warfare test sites in U.S. — Read More

🧩 DoD to industry: Start planning now for 2027 deadline banning Chinese parts — Read More

🎱 Plus 17 other news stories you may like

📰 Full Breakdown

🏛️ Senate passes $901B defense authorization bill with major acquisition reform push — Read More

• The Senate approved a $901B NDAA package that pairs topline authorization with a broad acquisition reform agenda aimed at speeding program delivery and tightening accountability.

• The bill pushes structural changes intended to reduce bureaucratic drag in procurement, with provisions framed as modernization levers rather than “process for process’ sake,” and with Congress signaling that it expects visible improvements in execution.

• The measure now becomes a central negotiating vehicle as lawmakers and Pentagon leaders weigh how reforms translate into faster fielding, clearer authorities, and more consistent outcomes across the services.

🛠️ US Tests 3D-Printed Engine for High-Altitude Drone Systems — Read More

• U.S. defense researchers tested a 3D-printed micro turbojet engine concept geared for high-altitude, long-endurance drone applications, highlighting additive manufacturing’s promise for rapid iteration and potentially lower-cost propulsion prototypes.

• The effort emphasizes manufacturing flexibility—printing key components to accelerate design cycles—while pursuing performance needs (power, endurance, reliability) that high-altitude UAV missions demand.

• If scaled, the approach could shorten development timelines for specialized engines and diversify supply options for niche UAV fleets, though production readiness and rigorous qualification remain the gating steps.

⚡ U.S. Pushes Laser Power Beaming to Reduce Logistics Vulnerabilities — Read More

• U.S. work on laser power beaming is positioned as a way to move energy without moving fuel—supporting remote sensors, forward nodes, or dispersed forces where resupply is risky, slow, or contested.

• The article frames the technology as a logistics hedge: beam power to where it’s needed, reduce dependence on vulnerable convoys and generators, and extend endurance for systems that otherwise go dark when batteries drain.

• Progress hinges on demonstrating practical range, efficiency, and safety in realistic environments—turning promising lab work into fieldable architectures that commanders can trust under operational constraints.

🛰️ Special operators seek expanded electronic drone warfare test sites in U.S. — Read More

• U.S. special operations leaders are pressing for more—and more permissive—test locations to trial electronic warfare techniques against drones, reflecting how quickly the EW-versus-UAS fight is evolving.

• The request centers on expanding the range at which units can realistically evaluate tactics, sensors, and effects, rather than relying on constrained ranges that can’t fully replicate dense RF environments or the pace of modern drone threats.

• The broader aim is faster learning loops: get operators' reps, validate what works, and iterate quickly—so counter-drone EW options can be scaled with fewer delays due to policy, airspace, or range limitations.

🧩 DoD to industry: Start planning now for 2027 deadline banning Chinese parts — Read More

• Pentagon officials are warning suppliers not to wait: the 2027 restriction on certain Chinese-origin components requires early action to identify exposure, qualify alternates, and avoid last-minute schedule shocks.

• The piece stresses supply-chain transparency—mapping sub-tiers and parts provenance—because risk often hides below prime contractors, especially in electronics and other component-dense subsystems.

• The message to industry is blunt: compliance will depend on work done now (audits, redesigns, vendor shifts, testing/qualification), not waivers or scrambling when deadlines hit, and production lines stall.

🌏 Other Important News

✈️ Air

• Air Force buying two Lufthansa 747s for delayed Air Force One program — Read More

• Germany deploys Arrow air defence to counter Russian missile threat — Read More

• Vision-Based Tech Challenges GPS in Contested Environments — Read More

• Thailand Unveils Shahed-Style “Kamikaze” Drone Capability — Read More

• Rheinmetall Unveils SkySpotter Early Warning Sensor Suite — Read More

• EDGE Presents Allag-E Electric Interceptor for Low-Altitude Drone Defense — Read More

• Electronic Warfare VTOL Drone Debuts as Airborne EW Node — Read More

• Israel’s Elbit expects Greek PULS artillery deal — Read More

🌊 Sea

• General Dynamics NASSCO Delivers Oiler USNS Lucy Stone to Navy — Read More

• Textron Systems TSUNAMI Autonomous Maritime Surface Vessel Sold To NIWC PAC — Read More

• General Dynamics NASSCO delivers oiler USNS Lucy Stone to Navy — Read More

• New Chinese carrier Fujian sails through the Taiwan Strait — Read More

• Upgraded sub-launched nuclear warhead program wraps production — Read More

🛰️ Space

• Breakthrough Satellite Tech Test Signals Next Leap in Resilient Space Ops — Read More

🏛️ Industry

• Trump rebrands congressionally approved troop housing subsidy “warrior dividend bonus” — Read More

• GOP Rep. Don Bacon criticizes Hegseth new National Security Strategy — Read More

• Hegseth hosts special guests during Pentagon Christmas worship service — 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.