Agile Combat Logistics

The effort is on the right path, but the focus is still off - Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) needs to focus on components, not platforms. By doing so, the pool of on-shore vendors grows rapidly by providing a path for small specialty fabricators. - TW _________________________________________________________________________ Defense Innovation Unit moves to ease commercial drone certifications - The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is seeking to streamline the process of certifying commercial drones for U.S. military use. · DIU plans to host a competitive event this fall to increase the number of commercial drones that meet its Blue UAS certification standards. · The Blue UAS certification ensures that drones are cybersecure and free from Chinese technology. · Recent feedback from both the military and commercial sectors indicates a need for more relevant systems and simpler certification processes. · The Green UAS certification targets drones for non-defense applications, aiming to alleviate pressure from the Blue UAS certification by offering an alternative validation process for civil and commercial drones. https://lnkd.in/eaiRXYhD

What’s Unique About DIU’s New Prize Challenge to Extend the Pentagon’s Drone Supply - The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is launching a new prize challenge to enhance the U.S. military’s drone capabilities, incorporating lessons from recent combat situations. · U.S. service members will actively participate in selecting and testing technologies, ensuring that chosen platforms meet real operational needs. · The challenge expands beyond small drones to include first-person-view (FPV) drones and larger unmanned aerial systems (UAS), reflecting insights from modern conflicts like the war in Ukraine. · DIU emphasizes rapid adaptability, aiming to shorten approval times for software updates to match the fast-paced requirements seen in combat environments. https://lnkd.in/eGF-qNKy

Swarms over the Strait, Drone Warfare in a Future Fight to Defend Taiwan - Drones have proliferated and impacted warfare in recent conflicts, with implications for a potential future American effort to defend Taiwan against a Chinese invasion. · The U.S. must develop and procure long-range drones capable of surviving in the Indo-Pacific's geography. · A mix of high-end and affordable drones is necessary to counter China's large drone fleet. · Autonomous kamikaze drones and pre-positioned short- and medium-range drones on Taiwan are recommended. · The U.S. needs to improve operational concepts, train more drone pilots, and enhance counterdrone capabilities. https://lnkd.in/eZGZaneN

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US Doubling Down on Drone Swarm War for Taiwan - The US Air Force (USAF) is shifting toward a more flexible, cost-effective drone strategy to potentially counter China's capabilities. · USAF Chief of Staff General David Allvin emphasized changing procurement practices to support the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drone program. · The CCA is part of the Next Generation Air Dominance initiative, aiming to develop drones that operate with crewed aircraft. · Initial drone designs will come from Anduril and General Atomics, with a focus on modularity and adaptability for quick updates. · The USAF faces financial challenges and is re-evaluating procurement practices, focusing on cost-effective and rapidly deployable solutions to maintain an edge against rivals like China. https://lnkd.in/enWgHmrQ

Future of Drones on Ukraine Battlefield - Warfare will never be the same after the Russo-Ukrainian War. For the first time in history, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in huge numbers may determine which side prevails. · Drones have sidelined tanks and traditional artillery, patrolling skies and dropping explosives on humans and heavy armor. · Soldiers dread the ominous buzz of drones, which can indicate an imminent deadly payload. · Drones serve multiple roles: reconnaissance, directing artillery, evacuating soldiers, and deploying bombs. · The battlefield is oversaturated with drones, leading to a focus on electronic warfare and jamming technologies. https://lnkd.in/eGBCYwtF

Hives For U.S. Drone Swarms Ready To Deploy This Year - Two companies, Red Cat Holdings and Sentien Robotics, collaborate to revolutionize drone warfare through the deployment of autonomous "Hives" that manage drone swarms. · Red Cat and Sentien Collaboration: Red Cat Holdings is pairing up with Sentien Robotics to integrate automated systems for drone deployment, recovery, and recharging into military operations. · Features of the Hive Systems: The Hive systems can autonomously launch and recover a variety of drones, including the Teal 2 quadcopter, and come in two versions, the mobile Hive Expedition and the larger Hive XL. · Strategic Advantages and Deployment Plans: The Hives will allow the U.S. military to deploy drones with minimal human intervention, enhancing battlefield surveillance and operations, with initial deployments planned for the end of this year. https://lnkd.in/eF5Gz4FF

An Army drone branch? Idea advances in House subcommittee - The proposal for a new Army drone branch aims to enhance drone operation and counter-drone skills within the military. · The proposed drone branch will handle both drone operations and counter-drone tasks, encompassing small and counter-small UAS capabilities. · This initiative reflects lessons from Ukraine and actions by international counterparts; Ukraine established a similar branch in February. · The new branch is expected to improve specialized training, innovation, and targeted recruitment for drone operators. · Funding includes $350 million for the Army's top unfunded priorities, focusing on counter-drone equipment. https://lnkd.in/e47zh63q

A Plan To Revitalize The Arsenal Of Democracy - America's defense-industrial base is dangerously underprepared for potential global military conflicts due to over-concentration and insufficient munitions production capacity. · The U.S. has reduced its defense supplier base from 50 to five main companies over three decades, which creates significant bottlenecks. · China and Russia have significantly advanced their military capabilities, posing credible threats to U.S. military dominance, particularly in regions like the Indo-Pacific and Ukraine. · The article suggests that to counteract these risks, the U.S. needs to urgently increase defense procurement spending and incorporate more commercial technologies and capabilities into its defense strategy. https://lnkd.in/engjVXNS

Kamikaze and FPV drones now kill more Ukrainian soldiers and Russian soldiers than artillery or aircraft. 80% of that production comes from China. “Drones kill more soldiers on both sides than anything else at present. They have also created a scenario whereby almost everything can be seen by drones, not just on the front line but to a depth of between 10km and 30km on either side.” - Ukraine’s commander of ground forces Pavliuk