Companies
HII’s sea drone business is growing, but revenue is ‘modest,’ CEO says
The company recently booked a yearlong production contract extension for its underwater drone, Lionfish.
Contracts
Navy teases next step in key drone boat program
A request for prototypes is expected in August.
Companies
NDAA provisions would reshape Pentagon’s use of ownership stakes in private companies
A Senate defense panel aims to place guardrails on direct equity investments, create an oversight board, and require briefings.
Contracts
House lawmakers want the Navy to deploy drone boats faster
A draft of the 2027 defense policy bill would push service leaders to develop a clear strategy.
Companies
AI boat maker Saronic smashes $9 billion valuation
The company just closed a $1.75 billion funding round with eyes on increasing production tenfold.
Contracts
Navy bets $900M on automated factories to boost submarine production
Four-year-old Hadrian wins contract as service seeks to offset worker shortages.
Companies
Demand signals are up, but supply chain risks may still hinder production
As the Trump administration pushes for faster weapons production, supply-chain vulnerabilities could trip progress.
Companies
The Pentagon’s investment deals draw congressional scrutiny
DOD weapons buyer Michael Duffey testified about the decision to invest $1 billion in L3Harris.
Contracts
CNO: ‘I need my stuff on time’
Adm. Daryl Caudle issued a direct call for transparent contracting with the maritime industrial base.
Contracts
Crowded field of robot-boat makers vies for Navy's attention
Industry execs say service leaders are showing real interest—even if they’re not yet buying in bulk.
Podcasts
WT 360: Defense One’s Lauren Williams on industrial base management matters and pressure points
Lauren Williams, business editor at Defense One, jumps in to break down how industry pros are viewing President Trump’s executive order on stock repurchases and other ways the Pentagon is pushing companies to do more.
Companies
Trump lambastes defense CEOs over pay, stock buybacks
The president also pushed for a $1.5-trillion defense budget.
Companies
Pentagon preps to enforce ban on companies with ‘indirect’ ties to China
Defense firms will be notified of potential links to blacklisted Chinese-military companies a year before the contracting ban goes into effect, the assistant defense secretary for industrial policy said.
Contracts
Hegseth hints at higher defense budgets as OMB says another reconciliation bill is possible
Analysts had warned that the $156 billion reconciliation bill might lead to efforts unsustainable without more money.
Companies
Building maritime drones in months—not years—could be key to creating the Navy’s hybrid fleet
“That’s the kind of pace we need,” said House Armed Services Committee Vice Chair Rob Wittman.
Podcasts
WT 360: Defense One's Lauren Williams on the new world order of acquisition
Lauren Williams, senior editor at Defense One who covers the industrial base, jumps in to go over the Pentagon’s new ways of working with contractors and how commercial buying is more than just about products.
Contracts
Unveiling acquisition overhaul, Hegseth tells industry to get with the program
One expert said the reforms would sweep away Cold War processes — and draw backlash from established primes.
Companies
Defense tech companies will weather the shutdown. But what happens next?
Some primes are doing all right, while small companies brace for uncertainty under a CR.
Contracts
Experts see promise, risk in Pentagon’s draft acquisition reforms
A draft memo is circulating ahead of SecDef Hegseth’s Friday speech.
Contracts