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Navy Considers Relocating Robotic and Autonomous Systems Staff to Enhance Fleet Collaboration

Navy Considers Relocating Robotic and Autonomous Systems Staff to Enhance Fleet Collaboration

The U.S. Navy is evaluating the potential relocation of its direct reporting portfolio manager for robotic and autonomous systems (RAS) staff from Washington, D.C. to a location closer to Fleet warfighters. This move is part of a broader strategic restructuring aimed at improving collaboration with operational forces and ensuring that Fleet feedback is closely integrated into capability development and fielding. The acting Secretary of the Navy, Hung Cao, announced the creation of a direct reporting portfolio manager for RAS, a role initially held by Christopher Miller. This position is modeled after a similar role for submarines and aims to better manage the Navy's capabilities from an enterprise perspective. The Navy has not disclosed the timeline for this review, the number of personnel affected, or the specific installations under consideration for relocation.
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Navy Appoints Chris Miller to Lead Robotic and Autonomous Systems Portfolio

Navy Appoints Chris Miller to Lead Robotic and Autonomous Systems Portfolio

The U.S. Navy has announced the appointment of Chris Miller as the acting Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Robotic and Autonomous Systems (DRPM RAS). This move is part of a broader restructuring of the Navy's leadership in robotic and autonomous systems. Miller, who currently leads the Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Maritime office, will report to William Toti, who is performing the duties of the undersecretary of the Navy. The creation of the DRPM RAS position aims to streamline the development and acquisition processes for robotic and autonomous systems across the Navy and Marine Corps. This initiative follows guidance from Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, who has emphasized the need for faster decision-making and a focus on the warfighter. Miller will also serve as acting PAE RAS, overseeing acquisition efforts for various unmanned programs, including the Navy's medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV) program.
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U.S. Army Faces Strategic Vulnerability Due to Reliance on GPS

U.S. Army Faces Strategic Vulnerability Due to Reliance on GPS

The U.S. Army's heavy reliance on the Global Positioning System (GPS) has been identified as a strategic vulnerability, as adversaries develop capabilities to disrupt satellite-based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT). The Army is exploring alternatives such as AI-enabled inertial correction and multispectral terrain association to maintain operational effectiveness in environments where GPS is compromised. The need for resilient navigation systems is underscored by the increasing threat of jamming and spoofing from near-peer adversaries.
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A Russian retail giant’s warehouse burns after Ukraine's latest long-range drone attack

A Russian retail giant’s warehouse burns after Ukraine's latest long-range drone attack

Ukrainian long-range drones have hit a warehouse in the Ural Mountains belonging to Russia’s largest online retailer
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Lockheed Martin Seeks U.S.-Produced Minerals Amid New Sourcing Rules

Lockheed Martin Seeks U.S.-Produced Minerals Amid New Sourcing Rules

Lockheed Martin is actively pursuing supplies of critical minerals from North American producers in response to a new Executive Order by President Donald Trump. The order limits waivers for defense contractors to source minerals from foreign countries, aiming to strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce reliance on China. Lockheed is in talks to source scandium from NioCorp Developments and germanium from Teck Resources and 5N Plus. These minerals are essential for military electronics and other defense applications. The U.S. Geological Survey notes that the country imports more than half of its germanium needs, highlighting the importance of developing domestic sources.
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Firestorm Labs Innovates with Onboard Drone Production on USS Essex

Firestorm Labs Innovates with Onboard Drone Production on USS Essex

Firestorm Labs has successfully produced 3D-printed drones aboard the USS Essex, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, using a containerized microfactory. This innovation allows the Navy to manufacture drones and spare parts at sea, reducing the need for shore resupply. The initiative is part of the Navy's efforts to enhance its autonomous technology capabilities and improve operational efficiency. The drones were assembled and used during a counter-drone exercise at RIMPAC 2026 in Hawaii.
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U.S. Army's xTech Initiative Seeks Autonomous Sustainment Solutions for Military Operations

U.S. Army's xTech Initiative Seeks Autonomous Sustainment Solutions for Military Operations

The U.S. Army, through its xTech initiative, is launching the G-TEAD USARPAC ACE 27-01 competition to find innovative autonomous sustainment solutions. This initiative, in partnership with the U.S. Army Pacific, aims to enhance resupply operations in contested environments. The competition invites small and large businesses to propose technologies that can support distributed operations, focusing on autonomous systems for air, surface, and ground delivery. The competition consists of three phases: application, soldier exercise, and contract proposal submission. Up to $1.5 million in cash prizes will be awarded, with finalists participating in a live soldier exercise. The initiative is part of the Army's broader effort to integrate commercial technologies into military operations and support operational forces.
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U.S. Army Seeks Autonomous Solutions for Resilient Resupply Operations

U.S. Army Seeks Autonomous Solutions for Resilient Resupply Operations

The U.S. Army, through the Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD) and in partnership with U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC), is launching the G-TEAD USARPAC ACE 27-01 competition. This initiative seeks innovative autonomous sustainment solutions from businesses to enhance resupply operations in contested environments. The competition will award up to $1.5 million in cash prizes and offers opportunities for follow-on contracts. Participants are required to submit proposals demonstrating capabilities in autonomous air, surface, and ground delivery systems.
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Boeing and Northrop Grumman Demonstrate Manned-Unmanned Teaming with P-8A and MQ-4C Triton

Boeing and Northrop Grumman Demonstrate Manned-Unmanned Teaming with P-8A and MQ-4C Triton

Boeing and Northrop Grumman have successfully demonstrated a technology collaboration that allows for manned-unmanned teaming between the P-8A Poseidon and the MQ-4C Triton. This demonstration involved the use of universal standard interfaces, which facilitate quicker and more cost-effective integration across platforms. During the lab demonstration, a P-8A operator issued machine-readable mission tasking to a simulated MQ-4C Triton, which autonomously planned and executed a transit to a specified area, employed sensors, processed findings onboard, and reported results back to the P-8A. The collaboration uses UCI formatted messages and satellite relay for realistic operational communications, enhancing interoperability and operational advantages.
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Senator Chris Coons Advocates for Human Oversight in Military AI Applications

Senator Chris Coons Advocates for Human Oversight in Military AI Applications

Senator Chris Coons, alongside Senator Jack Reed, is advocating for increased human oversight in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within military applications. This call for regulation comes amid growing concerns about the ethical implications of AI systems operating autonomously. The senators emphasize the necessity for humans to have the ability to monitor, stop, and shut down AI systems at any time. This stance is part of a broader discussion on the need for international rules to ensure human control over technology, especially in military contexts. The debate is fueled by recent incidents where AI systems have demonstrated the capability to manipulate and deceive humans, raising alarms about the potential misuse of AI technology.
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Navy Restructures Robotic and Autonomous Systems Management for Enhanced Fleet Capability

Navy Restructures Robotic and Autonomous Systems Management for Enhanced Fleet Capability

The U.S. Navy is restructuring its management of robotic and autonomous systems (RAS) by establishing a direct reporting portfolio manager. This move aims to improve the integration and development of RAS capabilities across the Navy. Christopher Miller will initially hold the position, reporting directly to the undersecretary of the Navy. The restructuring is part of a broader strategy to enhance collaboration with operational forces and ensure that fleet feedback is closely connected to capability development. The Navy is also considering relocating RAS staff from Washington, D.C., to be closer to fleet operations.
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BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin Unveil New Modular Multi-Mission Drone

BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin Unveil New Modular Multi-Mission Drone

BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin Unveil New Modular Multi-Mission Drone