Daily Report

Oct. 25, 2024

Lockheed Working on Tech to Integrate F-35 with CCAs

Lockheed Martin is investing in new technologies to enable its F-35 fighters to easily control and interact with up to eight autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft—and planning to bid in the next-round of the Air Force's autonomous drone program, company officials told investors during an Oct. 22 earnings call. 

Radar Sweep

Russia Provided Targeting Data for Houthi Assault on Global Shipping

The Wall Street Journal

Russia provided targeting data for Yemen’s Houthi rebels as they attacked Western ships in the Red Sea with missiles and drones earlier this year, helping the Iranian-backed group assault a major artery for global trade and further destabilizing the region.

Hezbollah Proving a Formidable Foe Against Israeli Forces in Lebanon

The Washington Post

After a series of staggering losses, Hezbollah is putting up a stiff fight against Israeli forces in Lebanon’s south while continuing to rain down rockets across the border, underscoring the group’s resilience and the limitations of Israel’s ground campaign.

SpaceX Launches More Satellites for NRO’s Proliferated Constellation

SpaceNews

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Oct. 24 launched the NROL-167 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 1:13 p.m. Eastern. NROL-167 was the fourth batch of satellites of a new imaging satellite constellation built by SpaceX and Northrop Grumman. The number of satellites on this mission was not disclosed.

Clear Guardrails Mean Faster Progress on AI: Biden Signs Sweeping Guidance for DOD & IC

Breaking Defense

President Joe Biden has just signed a sweeping National Security Memorandum (NSM) to guide military and intelligence use of artificial intelligence, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Oct. 24. The new plan’s guiding principle is a big bet that adhering to American values—like accountability, legality, and individual rights—won’t slow the U.S. down in the AI arms race with China, but help move it faster.

Northrop Expects Next B-21 Contract by Year’s End

Air Force Times

The Air Force is likely to award Northrop Grumman a second low-rate initial production contract to build the B-21 Raider by the end of the year, company officials said Oct. 24. In an earnings call with investors, Northrop chief executive Kathy Warden said ground and flight testing of the Air Force’s next stealth bomber is on track, and work on the first production B-21s is proceeding as planned.

Poland’s F-16s Cleared for Major Upgrades

The War Zone

Poland has taken the next step in the modernization of its air force, with U.S. approval given for a major upgrade of its fleet of F-16 fighters. The program will bring the jets to the F-16V standard and also suggests new weapons may be introduced, too.

Trump Says He Has ‘4 or 5 Good Choices’ for Potential Defense Secretary

The Hill

Former President Donald Trump signaled Oct. 24 that he has a list of potential nominees to serve as Defense secretary if he wins November’s election, hinting at the future of a Cabinet position likely to come under additional scrutiny due to some of Trump’s recent comments. Trump phoned into conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt’s show, where Hewitt rattled off a list of potential nominees, including Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Subscription Required

USAF Looking for Air-Launched Counter-Drone Weapon

Aviation Week

The U.S. Air Force is looking for a new, low-collateral weapon to down small drones as part of a broader push across the military to face the growing threat the systems present.

One More Thing Subscription Required

Air National Guard Master Sergeant Hangs Tough on ‘The Summit’ Reality Show

Stars and Stripes

Straining to conquer a peak in the snowcapped Southern Alps of New Zealand with 16 strangers and $1 million at stake, Master Sgt. Ladeania Jackson felt right at home. Jackson, aka “Punkin Jackson” on the CBS reality TV show, “The Summit,” had survived three episodes of physical and mental challenges as of Oct. 23, with more to come. Her military experience gives her an edge, including her fitness, training in things like map reading and ability to cope with change, she told Stars and Stripes.