Department of Defense

The Pentagon has awarded a contract to Phoenix Semiconductor to address aging carrier systems and legacy hardware. The contract is a Phase II SBIR contract from the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency. This partnership aims to update and improve the existing systems.

The Pentagon's research arm, DARPA, is seeking to develop computers that can operate with minimal power and memory, and continue functioning even when hardware fails. This ambitious project aims to create computers that can 'think in the dark' and keep working in challenging conditions. DARPA is calling on the technology industry to help achieve this goal.

The Golden Dome missile defense initiative is moving forward with new funding and engagement with commercial industry. Program leaders are experimenting with novel acquisition models, despite questions about the program's final architecture and technical feasibility. This development offers opportunities for government contractors.

The Senate Armed Services Committee has published a draft of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes appropriations for various Department of Defense activities, including procurement, research and development, and operation and maintenance. The bill also authorizes personnel end strengths for each military branch. The report accompanying the draft outlines the purpose and scope of the bill.

The Pentagon has awarded a contract to Quantum Space to demonstrate a fuel depot spacecraft, built on its Ranger platform, that can refuel other spacecraft in orbit. The project aims to create a working gas station in orbit, a capability that has never been flown before. The contract is funded through the Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund.

The US Air Force has selected Anduril Industries' FQ-44 for production under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, a Pentagon effort to develop semi-autonomous fighter-type drones. The FQ-44, developed as the YFQ-44A prototype, will fly alongside crewed jets like the F-35. The decision was made months ahead of the program's original schedule.

The Pentagon's $350 billion defense reconciliation bill is facing uncertainty due to wavering support from key members of Congress. If the bill fails, the Pentagon may have to make hard choices between funding high-end weapons and low-cost drones and other autonomous programs. The budget backup plans would prioritize certain programs over others, potentially cutting 'traditional weapons' in favor of drones.

A congressional plan aims to replace special operations aircraft destroyed in Iran without supplemental funding, potentially diverting funds from the OA-1K Skyraider II program. The plan would use existing Pentagon budget allocations. The destroyed aircraft were MC-130s, used in a rescue operation for a downed F-15E aviator.

The US Senate has questioned the Pentagon's ability to supply Ukraine with more Patriot interceptors, citing concerns about meeting US and ally demands. This comes as the US faces challenges in providing enough interceptors for its own needs and those of its allies.

The Pentagon utilized Musk's Grok AI to launch 2,000 missiles at Iran, according to reports from AFP and Le Monde. This incident marks a significant deployment of AI in military operations. The use of Grok AI in this context raises questions about the role of artificial intelligence in modern warfare.

The Pentagon has awarded a contract to Parallel Works to connect military supercomputers with major clouds. This will enhance the DoD's computing capabilities and enable more efficient data processing. The contract is part of the DoD's efforts to modernize its technology infrastructure.

The Pentagon has awarded a $300 million contract to Alloy Surfaces Company for the production of infrared decoy flares, which protect American military aircraft from heat-seeking missiles. The contract modification brings the total value of the program to a higher amount. The decoy flares are designed to trick missiles into targeting them instead of the actual aircraft.

The unrestrained development of unsafe AI systems is leading to significant risks, according to computer scientist Stuart Russell. The development of AI systems, including those by companies like Anthropic, poses intolerable risks if left unregulated. Russell warns that a major disaster may be needed to prompt regulation of cyber weapons of mass destruction.

Empower AI has secured a potential $255 million contract from the Defense Information Systems Agency to provide enterprise IT support for the Pentagon and National Capital Region. The five-year contract covers IT operations and is a recompete award. The company's win comes as the 2026 Army Summit prepares to examine the interconnected battlefield and AI.

The Pentagon is weighing the option to cut legacy weapons systems in order to fund the development and acquisition of drones. This move is part of a broader effort to modernize the military's capabilities. The decision would have significant implications for the military's budget and acquisition priorities.

Four NAVSEA Warfare Centers Divisions showcased technological advances at the 2026 Department of War Lab Day at the Pentagon. The event highlighted innovations benefitting the warfighter. The showcased capabilities demonstrate the latest in naval warfare technology.

A series of accidents involving Air Force tankers have occurred, including a 2025 incident where a design flaw known as 'nozzle binding' played a role. The Air Force has faulted the crew in a second tanker accident that tore off the boom. Additionally, a US Air Force refueling plane crashed in Iraq, killing all six on board, and two KC-135s were damaged during a towing accident at RAF Mildenhall.

Pentagon science chief Joseph Jewell discusses the future of war, highlighting the role of AI, biotech, and new production methods in enhancing military capability. He mentions innovative materials like shaped charges from coffee grounds. These advancements are expected to significantly impact military technology and operations.

Aurelius Systems has completed live testing of its Archimedes autonomous directed-energy system, designed to counter low-cost drones at a lower cost. The system is being trialed for the Pentagon. The Archimedes laser weapon system aims to provide an effective solution for drone threats.

The Defense Department is not utilizing congressionally authorized authorities to gain insight into Special Operations Command acquisition programs, according to a recent GAO report. This disconnect may hinder the Pentagon's ability to effectively oversee and manage these programs. The GAO findings highlight the need for improved communication and coordination between the Pentagon and Special Operations Command.

Pentagon records show federal agents reported sightings of glowing orange orbs releasing smaller red objects near a sensitive national security site in October 2023. The incident is described in recently revealed Pentagon files. The nature and origin of the 'orbs' are unclear.

The Government Accountability Office found that nine major SOCOM programs had mixed success due to policy hurdles and inconsistent cost reporting. Some programs were delayed as a result. The GAO analysis highlighted issues with cost reporting and policy inconsistencies.

The Pentagon's generative AI platform, GenAI.mil, has seen a significant increase in usage, with 1.5 million Defense Department workers now using it daily. This is a substantial jump from the 80,000 employees who used the platform when it launched in December. The rapid adoption of GenAI.mil suggests its potential to enhance various military operations and tasks.

Senator Ruben Gallego is seeking information on the Pentagon's plan to revise its policy for lethal autonomous weapons systems, specifically regarding mitigation of unintended harm to Americans and allies. The Arizona Democrat wants Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to disclose details on the department's approach. The revision is being undertaken in a rapid manner, prompting concerns about potential risks.

An operational test pilot flew the B-21 Raider alongside a developmental test pilot, marking a historic milestone in the bomber's testing process. The flight signals the aircraft's transition from proving its flight capabilities to demonstrating its combat readiness. The Air Force is streamlining the testing process, integrating operational testing earlier than usual.