SBIR Can Power the Next Generation of Defense Tech; Anduril Expands to Taiwan

INNOVATION

Defense tech company opens facility in southern Mississippi

Anduril Industries has support operations with the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, UK Ministry of Defence and other various partners around the world. Advertisement

Tuesday, the company announced it has officially opened a $75 million manufacturing facility in McHenry in Stone County, just south of Wiggins.

The solid rocket motor facility employs more than 100 people and has test-fired more than 700 motors since last January.

Military innovations from Ukraine are shaping the future of war

Some experts would liken it to the next Costa Mesa. Either way, Ukraine is just getting started.

Consolidate NORTHCOM and SOUTHCOM

There is renewed debate over reducing the number of combatant commands, with advocates citing cost savings and improved unity of effort. Secretary Hegseth argues that streamlining command structures—particularly by cutting general and flag officer billets—would increase readiness. While views vary, one region stands out as strategically essential and well-suited for consolidation: the Western Hemisphere.

SBIR Can Power the Next Generation of Defense Tech

To revive defense innovation, Congress must raise the SBIR admin cap—unlocking transition support, private capital, and real outcomes.

Israeli robotic defense firm sees 'big change' in unmanned combat

Yossi Wolf, CEO of Roboteam, looks at the robotic revolution in Israel and how it shaped the recent war, and the lessons learned for the future.

AI

Army wants AI tech to help manage airspace operations

The Army is reaching out to industry as it looks for AI technologies to help commanders manage airspace environments that are growing increasingly complex with the integration of new systems like drones.

TECHNOLOGY

How French Defense Tech Is Contributing to Ukraine’s Military Modernization

The relationship between Ukraine’s armed forces and the French defense industry has evolved significantly in recent months, especially after the France-Ukraine Defense Innovation Forum held in Kyiv in mid-July.

Historically, Ukraine had reservations about the high cost of French military technology, a barrier for a country like Ukraine. However, the ongoing war and Ukraine’s accelerated military modernization have prompted a reassessment of these products and technologies, French outlet La Tribune reported on August 1.

Anduril Expands to Taiwan

When we said the Anduril empire was expanding, we didn’t necessarily mean to the Indo-Pacific, but here we are.

Yesterday, the defense tech giant (and newly-minted SRM supplier) announced that it’s officially opening a Taiwan office, teaming up with local partners including the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), and speeding up delivery of autonomous systems to the island.

Is Warfare Becoming More Performative? – War on the Rocks

Warfare has always been performative — the means of actions carry significance beyond their explicit destructive effects. What distinguishes the June operations is not their performative nature, but their post-operation communications methodology.

Like the “shock and awe” of the 2003 Iraq War or CNN’s coverage of the first Gulf War, the June operations captured global attention using novel tools — social media, real-time distribution, and comprehensive disclosure.

POLICY

Trump administration shrinks Defense Technical Information Center staff from 154 to 40

This marks the latest move in an ongoing series of personnel reductions at DOD under the second Trump administration.

EUROPE

Spain shelves plans to buy F-35 fighter jets

Spain has shelved plans to buy F-35 fighter jets, manufactured by US aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, El Pais newspaper reported on Wednesday, citing unidentified government sources.