Defense News Digest: October 2024

Welcome to IDGA’s monthly news roundup. For over two decades, the Institute for Defense and Government Advancement has served as a non-partisan events and thought leadership organization connecting the Defense and Security communities interested in solving high-level challenges. Now, through this weekly series, we look to educate the community on the latest research, program updates and news in the defense and government sector.

This month, we will examine five stories you might have missed, including an RFI for Army helicopter training transformation, a new Pentagon plan to energize the American defense sector, and a White House memo introducing safeguards for military AI applications.

Rotary-Wing Training Transformation

The U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE) at Fort Novosel, Alabama, has issued an RFI to gather input from industry on innovative approaches to transform its Initial Entry Rotary-Wing (IERW) Flight Training. This initiative aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain or enhance training quality for new aviators. The Army is exploring options to replace the Lakota LUH-72 helicopter and is considering both Government Owned, Contractor Operated (GOCO) and Contractor Owned, Contractor Operated (COCO) models. Additionally, USAACE seeks contractor-based academic instruction, flight training, simulation support, and maintenance solutions.

The Army is specifically seeking feedback on maximizing industry involvement and fostering competition, with the long-term goal of refining its training model, which currently involves two daily training shifts plus a night shift, with extra sessions as needed to meet capacity. This RFI, which closes on December 6, 2024, will help shape future acquisition strategies but does not imply any immediate contract or solicitation plans. An Industry Day is scheduled for October 29, 2024, at Fort Novosel, with participation limited to three representatives per company.

New White House AI Memo

A new National Security Memorandum (NSM) recently signed by President Biden introduces significant safeguards on military and intelligence AI applications, requiring human oversight, safety testing, and rigorous evaluations across various high stakes use cases. Key areas impacted include AI for intelligence analysis, cyber warfare, collateral damage assessments, and nuclear decision-making, meanwhile, autonomous weapons remain largely governed by existing policies.

The memo’s Risk Management Framework (RMF) mandates comprehensive risk and impact assessments, frequent testing, and human accountability. It reaffirms that AI cannot autonomously control nuclear launches and places tight controls on AI use for identifying potential threats or determining eligibility for federal benefits.

While the policy allows for waiver requests from designated AI officials, the NSM aims to enable the Pentagon’s AI integration without compromising safety or ethical considerations. Experts view the NSM as a balanced approach to accelerate AI adoption amid global competition, particularly with China. However, future policy directions may shift with the 2024 election outcomes.

Anduril Awarded $250 Million CUAS Contract

Anduril Industries has been awarded a $250 million Department of Defense contract to supply over 500 Roadrunner-M interceptors and additional Pulsar electronic warfare systems. This new air defense capability targets the growing threat from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) faced by U.S. forces. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in late 2024 and continue through 2025, deploying to high-priority regions.

The Roadrunner, a high-explosive VTOL interceptor, and Pulsar, Anduril’s AI-powered electronic warfare system, represent next-generation UAS countermeasures that can swiftly neutralize large aerial threats. Roadrunner, the first recoverable explosive weapon of its kind, has been combat-tested since early 2024, reflecting Anduril’s accelerated innovation timeline. This contract contributes to Anduril’s $350 million portfolio in advanced defense solutions aimed at enhancing tactical air defense capabilities across the DoD.

Pentagon Launches New Defense Industrial Base Revitalization Plan

This October, the Pentagon unveiled a detailed plan to strengthen the U.S. defense industry, prioritizing the production of submarines and munitions to address concerns about China’s manufacturing advantage. This initiative follows a strategy published in January highlighting the erosion of the defense-industrial base and the need for modernization over the coming decades.

The plan, which was delayed multiple times, features six core goals and includes classified metrics to be released later in the year. The top priority focuses on building up America’s defense sector to deter conflict with China, particularly through investments in submarine production. Challenges exposed by supply chain issues during the Ukraine conflict emphasized the need to address these vulnerabilities.

The Pentagon consulted with around 60 defense firms and key congressional staff to develop the plan, which is set for annual updates beginning with the fiscal 2026 budget. Pentagon officials believe bipartisan support will help sustain the initiative regardless of the upcoming presidential election.

France, Germany, and Spain to Advance FCAS Fighter Jet Plans

France, Germany, and Spain will outline the next steps for Future Combat Air System (FCAS) at a December summit, moving closer to the demonstrator phase of the sixth-generation fighter program. France has allocated funding for FCAS Phase 2 in its 2025 budget, but potential delays may arise due to Germany’s 2025 federal elections. The program’s first phase faced setbacks due to disagreements between Dassault Aviation and Airbus, key industry partners.

The FCAS fighter is expected to fulfill France’s nuclear deterrence needs, operate from carriers, and be export-capable.

Army Picks Five Companies for Howitzer Platform Demonstrations

In October, the US Army selected Rheinmetall, BAE Systems, Hanwha, General Dynamics, and Elbit Systems to participate in a “roadshow” to showcase their self-propelled howitzer platforms. This initiative, funded through $4 million in agreements, aims to explore off-the-shelf solutions after the cancellation of the Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) project. ERCA had extended the Paladin M109A7’s range to 70 km but faced challenges leading to its discontinuation.

The announcement came during the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) conference, where several vendors highlighted their artillery offerings, such as Hanwha presenting the K9A2 Thunder, and BAE Systems showcasing the Swedish-made Archer howitzer and an upgraded Paladin concept. The Army will use this demonstration phase to determine if current market options meet its long-range precision fires needs or if further development is necessary. Decisions on procurement and budgeting are anticipated in 2025, with potential funding in the 2026 budget. 

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