Navy Mulls New Commander for Robotic Forces
Chief of Naval Operations ADM Daryl Caudle says the Navy is considering establishing a robotic autonomous systems commander to oversee the service’s unmanned capabilities.
FY26 Budget Proposal Exceeds Pentagon Request
A bipartisan compromise to fund the federal government ahead of the Jan. 30 shutdown deadline would boost defense funding to more than $839 billion, which includes $972 million for the Navy’s next-generation F/A-XX fighter and $3 billion for the Air Force’s F-47.
US Attacks Venezuela, Captures Maduro
The US launched an assault over the weekend on the Venezuelan capital of Caracas that took leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife into American custody and has set the stage for the US to run the South American nation. The military operation, dubbed Absolute Resolve, involved more than 150 aircraft — bombers, fighters, intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance, and rotary wing.
Report: Rebranding DoD Could Come With Hefty Pricetag
A new report finds that the Pentagon name change from the Department of Defense to the Department of War could cost up to $2 billion. Officially changing the DoD name can only be done by Congress and would require updating thousands of signs, rewriting digital code, and creating new letterheads, placards, and badges.
Likely No End for Shutdown This Week
The federal government shutdown will likely extend past this week as the House will not be in session. Congress failed to reach a funding deal on Friday, as Republicans and Democrats remain at odds over health care subsidies.
Top US Military Officers Ordered to Pentagon Summit
The US military’s top officers have been called to Quantico tomorrow, Sept. 30. DefSec Pete Hegseth’s directive did not offer a reason for the gathering of hundreds of generals and admirals from all across the globe. The move has created some confusion and alarm. Some top generals are bracing for possible firings or demotions. Although the White House has been downplaying the event, the president announced on Sunday he would be speaking at it.
Pentagon Ramps Up Cybersecurity Efforts
The Pentagon is now rolling out acquisition training to get government and industry up to speed on implementation of the new Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification standards program that goes into effect in November.
DoD Rebrand: US Department of War
The US Defense Department will now be known as the Department of War. “It’s … restoring the warrior ethos, restoring victory and clarity as an end state. Restoring intentionality to the use of force,” DefSec Pete Hegseth said.
Navy Orders New Rapid Capabilities Office, Shuts Down Others
The Navy will establish a Naval Rapid Capabilities Office to accelerate the development and fielding of new systems. NavSec John Phelan wants to consolidate development efforts under a single entity. As part of the new NRCO, the Maritime Accelerated Response Capability Cell, the Disruptive Capabilities Office, and NavalX will shut down.
St. Mary’s: ‘Hotbed’ of Aviation Development
Aerospace companies that want to get their operations off the ground should consider Maryland, which is home to more than 9,000 such companies. A recent investment profile points out that St. Mary’s County is “a hotbed of military and civil aviation development” with NAVAIR at Pax River and other facilities in the region.
