Pentagon selects four vendors for counter-drone directed-energy pilot programme
The U.S. Department of Defense's Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense Task Force 401 (JIATF-401) has selected AeroVironment, Epirus, Kord, and Boeing for a pilot programme assessing high-energy laser and high-powered microwave systems for homeland counter-UAS missions. The pilot will evaluate operational deployment of directed-energy C-UAS in domestic defence scenarios.
Ukrainian officials say Pentagon has stopped sharing some forms of key intelligence with Kyiv
The U.S. appears to have stopped sharing some forms of intelligence with Ukraine, Ukrainian officials said 15 October. The officials blamed the Pentagon for withholding data they described as life-saving. No details on the type or scope of intelligence were disclosed.
Why it matters: If confirmed, it would mark a sharp reversal in intelligence cooperation at a time when Ukraine is absorbing over 850 Shahed strikes in 36 hours and struggling to track Russian ballistic launches.
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Germany changes course on MQ-28 drone wingman plans, 2029 fielding target in doubt
Germany has altered its approach to acquiring the MQ-28 loyal-wingman drone, a Boeing official told Breaking Defense, casting doubt on Berlin's 2029 target to field a collaborative combat aircraft. Germany had previously signaled interest in the MQ-28 as its CCA solution, which would have made it the first European nation to deploy such a system. The official did not specify what alternative path Germany is now pursuing.
U.S. Defense Secretary requests $50 billion in reconciliation funding for mass drone production
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has asked Congress for $50 billion in reconciliation funding to scale production of autonomous and robotic systems, he said at the AUSA Annual Meeting in Washington. The request is part of a broader Pentagon push to rapidly field autonomous platforms and reduce reliance on traditional manned systems.
Why it matters: If Congress grants even half that sum, it will represent the largest one-time autonomous-systems procurement surge in U.S. military history — and European suppliers will chase the same money through joint ventures and licensing.
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Israel signs agreement with U.S. Pentagon for procurement of 12 Boeing Apache helicopters
Israel's Ministry of Defence instructed its U.S. mission to sign an agreement with the Pentagon for the procurement of 12 Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopters for the IDF. The deal was announced October 15. No delivery timeline or contract value was disclosed.
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