BCE Consulting (BCE)

BCE's global A&D team will be attending AFA Air, Space, Cyber next week in National Harbor. We look forward to a packed week of meetings with new and existing clients, and insightful speaker sessions focused on critical technology development in areas such as unmanned systems, AI, kinetic and non-kinetic effects, and space domain awareness. If you're attending and would like to connect with our leaders on site please reach out to Joe Giandomenico or Ben Osterholtz. #AFA2024 #ASC2024

The U.S. Marine Corps is testing a new system that makes MQ-9 Reaper drones harder for enemy radars to detect. This technology, housed in a special pod on Reaper drones, mimics signatures it detects from air defense and early warning systems and sends them back, essentially spoofing the detection systems. While this is initially being used on the Reaper, this technology could benefit the broader DoD drone fleet. #drones #unmannedsystems #airdefense #spoofing #EMSO Craig Belanger, Joe Giandomenico, Anirudh Suneel, Ben Osterholtz, Robyn Pirie, Scott Bethel, Mark Kipphut, Kristin Robertson, Jerry Spruill, Richard Mascolo, James Hvizd, Jim Walker, Doug Reep, Aaron Prupas, Martin J. Bowling, Dennis Carroll, Jeff Snyder https://lnkd.in/exaBBpQB

The #defense #industry has historically been caught in a #trilemma when developing various platforms and systems, having to balance three critical factors: #cost, #time, and #capability. This trilemma suggests that optimizing for any two factors necessitates compromising on the third: Traditionally, to develop capable systems in a timely fashion has been rather costly. Conversely, cheaper systems either took time to develop or weren't very capable in turn. That said, the recent shift towards increased #attritability and mission #autonomy seems to complicate the picture. Our adversaries in #Russia, #Iran, and #China are at the forefront of harnessing this trend.   BCE's new deep dive into this trilemma explores whether attritable #unmanned systems can be a way out of the above trilemma. In doing so, we provide detailed case studies of system #development programs across the #Allied capability ecosystem as well as the revisionist adversaries that we face.   BCE' #Global Aerospace & Defense Practice is committed to helping our clients across Allied industry, #government, and armed services navigate the challenges of this turbulent era in #geopolitics. To internalize the lessons of attritable #UAS development is an advantage for any stakeholder cohort in Aerospace & Defense. Today, the urgency of doing so is paramount.   Dive into our curated set of in-depth case studies on the subject or reach out to our A&D Team for further insights! Craig Belanger, Joe Giandomenico, Anirudh Suneel, Ben Osterholtz, Mark Kipphut, Kristin Robertson, Jerry Spruill, Adam M., Robyn Pirie, Richard Mascolo, Jeff Snyder, Jim Walker, Aaron Prupas

The House passed an $833B defense spending bill, which represents an increase over the previous year. However, many think it falls short of addressing critical modernization needs. The spending bill would procure 76 new F-35 fighter jets, which is more than the DoD request (68) and the NDAA (58), which passed earlier this month. The Pentagon had requested a reduction in F-35 procurement to free up funds for critical platform upgrades and software development. Additionally, the bill sustains the current procurement rate for 1 Virginia-class attack submarine, despite the growing threat in INDOPACOM and the need for submarines. The article cites a need to rebuild the industrial base to support future submarine procurement, but the industrial base can't be developed without long-term purchase plans. Despite its size, the budget fails to adequately address crucial gaps in innovation, modernization, and long-term sustainment of military capabilities. These shortfalls will require further action during the budget execution year. #defensespending #departmentofdefense #innovation #modernization #sustainment #F35 #aircraft #aerospace #defense #NDAA #submarines Craig Belanger, Joe Giandomenico, Anirudh Suneel, Ben Osterholtz, Robyn Pirie, Scott Bethel, Mark Kipphut, Kristin Robertson, Jerry Spruill, Richard Mascolo, James Hvizd, Jim Walker, Doug Reep, Aaron Prupas, Martin J. Bowling, Dennis Carroll, Jeff Snyder https://lnkd.in/eFtXBsSp

The Pentagon wants to shift ~$3.3B of budgeted funds to support a handful of new-start projects, including: (1) Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, which has already seen ~40% cost growth. The Pentagon wants to shift $150M in FY24 funds, which increases the CCA program request to $542M. Unsurprisingly, this request came with a news statement that the Air Force will evaluate the NGAD platform design concept to determine if there are cost reductions or capability trade-offs. (2) Army wants to shift $39M to purchase 8 SM-6 Block1A missiles for its Mid-Range Capability ground launch system. Army and Navy would coordinate procurement on the SM-6 contract, which was awarded to Raytheon. (3) Additionally, Army wants to shift $33M in advanced component development and prototypes to fund its tank and medium caliber ammunition procurement #Army #AirForce #defensespending #defensebudget #CCA #NGAD Craig Belanger, Joe Giandomenico, Anirudh Suneel, Ben Osterholtz, Robyn Pirie, Scott Bethel, Mark Kipphut, Kristin Robertson, Jerry Spruill, Richard Mascolo, James Hvizd, Jim Walker, Doug Reep, Aaron Prupas, Martin J. Bowling, Dennis Carroll, Jeff Snyder https://lnkd.in/e8Qma_9G

Enhancing small drone survivability: Auterion's Skynode S chip Auterion, a US-Swiss company with manufacturing facilities in Texas and Kyiv, has developed a chip that enables autonomous terminal guidance for small UAVs. Without this chip, sUAVs are completely reliant on human operators, which has two critical risks: electronic jamming of the control link and human error. Auterion's chip allows drones to maintain essential functions autonomously until control is regained, which significantly enhances the UAV's resilience and survivability. #UAV #drones #survivability #autonomoussystems #autonmoy #modernwarfare #defense #defence #aerospaceanddefense #unmannedsystems Craig Belanger, Joe Giandomenico, Anirudh Suneel, Ben Osterholtz, Robyn Pirie, Scott Bethel, Mark Kipphut, Kristin Robertson, Jerry Spruill, Richard Mascolo, James Hvizd, Jim Walker, Doug Reep, Aaron Prupas, Martin J. Bowling, Dennis Carroll, Jeff Snyder https://lnkd.in/eeKCkKSp

The Army has awarded Mastodon Design LLC, a CACI Company a $100 million contract to develop and field the dismounted electronic warfare (EW) system for TLS-BCT manpack. This system leverages proven technology used by Special Operations Forces (SOF), which might help accelerate fielding. This system will be part of the broader TLS family of systems which includes: (1) TLS-BCT - While the system was originally envisioned as the first integrated cyber, SIGINT, and EW system for Stryker platforms, it is now expected to be split into two distinct variants: one for SIGINT and one for EW. (2)TLS-EAB- This longer-range system, awarded to Lockheed Martin, provides integrated EMSO to divisions, corps, and multi-domain task forces. The $36.7M Phase 2 contract was awarded in 2023. This investment reflects the growing importance of EMSO convergence in modern warfare. Both the U.S. and British armies have prioritized new program acquisition to improve our electromagnetic spectrum capabilities and counter/defeat adversaries. There will likely be international capture opportunities as U.S. allies and coalition partners increase EMSO investments. #electronicwarfare #cybersecurity #armyinnovation #MastodonDesign #CACI #EMSO #convergence #spectrumwarfare Craig Belanger, Joe Giandomenico, Anirudh Suneel, Ben Osterholtz, Robyn Pirie, Scott Bethel, Mark Kipphut, Kristin Robertson, Jerry Spruill, Richard Mascolo, James Hvizd, Jim Walker, Doug Reep, Aaron Prupas, Martin J. Bowling, Dennis Carroll, Jeff Snyder, Tony Cothron https://lnkd.in/e2EbJ5bz

BCE is excited to be back at Eurosatory in a couple of weeks! We are looking forward to meeting with clients, partners, and industry stakeholders to discuss global thematics- such as unmanned systems, contested logistics, and multi-domain operations. Contact Robyn Pirie to coordinate grabbing a coffee, lunch, or drink or just finding time to chat and network in person. #Eurosatory2024 #Eurosatory #aerospaceanddefense Craig Belanger, Joe Giandomenico, Anirudh Suneel, Ben Osterholtz, Robyn Pirie, Scott Bethel, Mark Kipphut, Kristin Robertson, Jerry Spruill, Richard Mascolo, James Hvizd, Jim Walker, Doug Reep, Aaron Prupas, Martin J. Bowling, Dennis Carroll, Jeff Snyder, Tony Cothron

Creating meaningful impact in #complexdiseasemanagement requires new collaborations across the #carecontinuum -BCE has experience across #Pharma, #MedTech, #Diagnostics, and #Payor / #Provider in building actionable strategies & defining winning commercial approaches. Richard Crumb, Jaime Batista, Elizabeth Torkelson Schaeppi, Peter Mansfield

This test represents a significant step in #France’s dedication to upholding its nuclear deterrence as specified in the Military Programming Law (#LPM). The DGA - Direction générale de l'armement-led ASMPA-R renovation program has improved the missile’s capabilities to maintain the effectiveness of France’s airborne nuclear deterrent against emerging threats. The liquid fuel #ramjet-powered ASMP ("Air-sol moyenne portée" / "medium-range air-to-surface missile") entered service in 1986. Its role in French nuclear doctrine is a "warning shot", serving as a pre-strategic final deterrent. As the International Institute for Strategic Studies puts it, "[The ASMP] is a central component of France’s nuclear deterrent force." French #nuclear #doctrine allows for this tactical strike as a "thus far and no further" deterrent signal. These limited precision strikes have the power to signal seriousness of deterrent intent short of strategic strikes launched from #Triomphant-class #SSBNs. The #ASMP was capable of delivering these airborne cruise missile strikes from Dassault Aviation's #Mirage IV aircraft and the carrier-based Mirage 2000 and #Rafale. It had a range of up to 300km. Although it was initially planned to produce 150 missiles, it is believed that only 40-50 were actually made following the French government's 2008 decision to decrease its nuclear warhead count. The ASMP-A entered service in 2009, with the French Air Force, with an upgraded range of 500km. The ASMPA-R ("renovation") entered development in 2016, projected to carry a 300kt #thermonuclear warhead. This enhanced #capability will be maintained until the #ASN4G, the next-generation air-to-surface #scramjet-powered nuclear missile, is expected to be introduced in 2035. Get in touch with BCE Consulting (BCE)'s #Global #Aerospace & #Defense Practice for further insights on subjects such as guided missiles, EO/IR, SEAD/DEAD, C4ISR, or the Transatlantic defense industrial base at large. Our cohort of senior experts have experience across #EUCOM, #CENTCOM, and #INDOPACOM. Craig Belanger, Anirudh Suneel, Joe Giandomenico, Ben Osterholtz, Robyn Pirie, Adeline Pengilley, Scott Bethel, Doug Reep, Martin J. Bowling, Kristin Robertson, Dennis Carroll, Tony Cothron, Mark Kipphut, Aaron Prupas, Jerry Spruill, Richard Mascolo