Acquisition Research Program at Naval Postgraduate School’s Post

We are excited to introduce Applied Intuition Defense, a website for our Defense and Government segment. The future of military operations will be defined by software-enabled capabilities across air, land, and sea. We are delivering vehicle software solutions at Silicon Valley speed for autonomous and AI-enabled technologies to warfighters across each of the Services. To learn more about how Applied Intuition Defense accelerates the software-defined force, visit our new website: https://lnkd.in/gf7sn8eC Additionally, be sure to check out The Nexus Newsletter where we discuss the latest national security news and issues here: https://lnkd.in/dRZyVSqQ #autonomy #defensetech #replicator #nationalsecurity

Unveiling Rheinmetall’s New KF51-U Prototype. Hungary plays a pivotal role in tank development through partnerships with Rheinmetall and the Franco-German KNDS Group, writes portfolio.hu. Rheinmetall’s KF51 Panther project, involving Hungary’s facilities, showcases advanced features like a 130mm gun and AI systems. This new variant, the KF51-U, with its turret controlled from the armored hull, represents a significant advancement in armored vehicle technology. At #Eurosatory2024, Rheinmetall presents the Concept Uncrewed Turret (CUT), the #concept #demonstrator of an uncrewed #turret for a next-generation #mainbattletank. @cogeseurosatory pic.twitter.com/2icVyWjjda — Rheinmetall (@RheinmetallAG) June 17, 2024 Simultaneously, Hungary contributes to KNDS’s Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0, further enhancing European defense capabilities. These collaborations underscore Hungary’s strategic commitment to bolstering armored vehicle technology within broader European defense frameworks, positioning itself at the forefront of military innovation and cooperation. The German defense company, Rheinmetall has unveiled a new prototype of its Panther tank development project: the new variant, called KF51-U, features a turret that can be controlled from the armored hull. Eurosatory 2024, one of Europe’s largest defense industry exhibitions, is currently underway. European defense companies regularly showcase new prototype weapons at the event, where Rheinmetall’s own tank development project, the KF51 Panther, was first unveiled. KF51 Panther. Photo: Honvedelem.hu Now it appears that another milestone in the development of the KF51 has been achieved: the German defense company has produced a prototype with a turret that can be entirely controlled from within the armored hull. Presumably, this also means that the tank’s crew has been reduced by at least one. The KF51 is particularly noteworthy as it is being developed with Hungarian participation. It is unclear to what extent Hungarian engineers contributed to assembling the new demonstrator, but it is evident that the project’s development aligns with the KNDS MGCS tank project, which recently presented a version featuring an unmanned turret. Related articleVIKI Fest Brings Defense Industry Professionals Together in BudapestThe Defense Innovation and Research Institute (VIKI) aims to strengthen the national defense innovation ecosystem.Continue reading Via Portfolio; Featured Image: honvedelem.hu The post Unveiling Rheinmetall’s New KF51-U Prototype appeared first on Hungary Today. https://lnkd.in/ghJBdDrf

Exciting news in the defense tech industry! According to Business Insider, Palmer Luckey's start-up Anduril has demonstrated its ability to challenge and surpass legacy defense contractors like Boeing and Lockheed. This victory highlights the crucial role of AI and autonomy in national security. #DefenseTech #Anduril #AI #NationalSecurity @PalmerLuckey

Ocean Power Technologies CEO Philipp Stratmann joined Steve Darling from Proactive to reveal the company has completed a major contractual milestone and concluded operation of several simultaneously deployed WAM-Vs for a Department of the US Government. This milestone enables immediate revenue recognition. This demonstration was conducted with a Department of the US Government, although specific details were not disclosed due to security reasons. To watch the interview click the link below: #DefenseTechnology #MilitaryInnovation #USGovernment #NationalSecurity #USV #UnmannedSystems #MilitaryTech #SecurityInnovation #Maritimetech #StrategicDefense #DefenseNews

AUVSI Urges Congress to Boost Uncrewed Systems in Defense Strategy The AUVSI — Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International has submitted comments to the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, addressing challenges faced by the defense industrial base, particularly small and medium-sized businesses developing dual-use technologies. AUVSI’s president and CEO, Michael Robbins, emphasized the importance of the United States Department of Defense’s Replicator initiative in driving demand for uncrewed systems. Robbins stated, “AUVSI is hopeful that Replicator will lead to an agile acquisition process that accelerates capabilities to the warfighter.” AUVSI’s recommendations include increasing funding for autonomous systems, integrating these technologies into the US Navy, and evolving the Replicator initiative to accelerate deployment. How will uncrewed systems shape the future of defense? For more insights, visit our blog: https://lnkd.in/gRfyxyAm #UncrewedSystems #AUVSI #DefenseStrategy #ReplicatorInitiative #Congress #AutonomousSystems #DoD #NationalDefense #AvfoilNews #WarfighterTechnology #MilitaryInnovation

Big Advancements Coming to the Defense Industry in 2024! As we look ahead to 2024, the defense industry is set to see major technological breakthroughs that will shape the future of global security. Here are some key advancements to watch: - AI & Machine Learning Integration: Smarter combat systems and decision-making tools that enhance precision and reduce human error on the battlefield.   - Hypersonic Missiles: Rapid development of missiles that travel at speeds over five times the speed of sound, providing unmatched speed and maneuverability.   - Quantum Encryption: Advanced cybersecurity protocols that protect military communication and data systems against increasingly complex digital threats.   - Autonomous Systems: From drones to submarines, unmanned vehicles are becoming more sophisticated, allowing for enhanced surveillance and mission execution with reduced risk to human life.   - Energy-Directed Weapons: The rise of laser and microwave technologies is enabling more precise, non-kinetic options for neutralizing threats. 2024 is poised to be a year of innovation that will set the stage for a more secure and technologically advanced future in defense. Let's continue to drive progress and shape the future of global security. #FirstClassRecruiting #DefenseIndustry #Advancements #AI #MachineLearning 

The Aerospace and Defense team at Frost & Sullivan recently completed an in-depth analysis of the US Defense Ground Vehicles industry. The report can be accessed at --> https://lnkd.in/gCJYdnDp The research service segments the defense ground vehicles industry into armored fighting vehicles (AFV), amphibious combat vehicles (ACV), a family of tactical vehicles (FTV), specialized vehicles, and various classes for distinctive roles (VCDR). The study analyzes the US Department of Defense's funding and spending activities, geopolitical climates, and international partnerships to identify and elucidate technology trends and industry growth opportunities. Advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), and Robotics and Automation will take center stage in the coming years, supported by modular and open architecture systems. Frost & Sullivan John Hernandez | Brad Curran | María Sol Ipuche | Avi Kalo (Adv.)

This is an intriguing concept that prompted some broader thoughts on the U.S. Army's ground vehicle modernization strategy. Specifically, could an Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) variant of the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) fulfill the role intended for the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV)? The answer depends on a detailed analysis of key trade-off decisions. These decisions are significantly influenced by several critical variables, such as operational concepts, the threat environment, industrial capacity, and budget constraints. More importantly, understanding how these variables are projected to evolve over time is crucial. Such projections will significantly influence how factors such as the vehicle's capabilities (mobility, protection, lethality), affordability, interoperability, producibility, usability, and sustainability are prioritized in decision-making. Put simply, does the potential increase in SWAP, and capability of the OMFV outweigh the potentially lower unit cost, greater level of interoperability, and producibility of an IFV variant of the AMPV? (To be clear, these are unfounded assumptions for the sake of discussion) If you were to model it out, how much could chassis commonality across AMPV variants / economic order quantity dynamics impact unit/sustainment costs? From a timeline perspective, what is the likelihood the Army can protect OMFV program funding between now and 2029 (first unit equipped), and sustain that funding through full-rate production? What is the probability of economic, technological, or geopolitical disruptions occurring between now and then that could derail the program? Would it be a safer approach to procure a modernized, "good enough" IFV variant of the AMPV sooner to hedge against long-term uncertainty while still delivering superior capability compared to currently fielded systems? I acknowledge this is a very basic look at the problem. The Army has conducted years of extremely rigorous technical and operational analysis to come to the conclusions it has regarding the OMFV program. That said, have the key variables changed enough to warrant a re-look? DISCLAIMER - Thoughts are my own. No affilation with any of these programs or relevant vendors. #AMPV #OMFV #XM30

"Autonomous flight represents a potential force multiplier that will tilt the balance in future conflicts. But that competitive advantage disappears if we suffer catastrophic incidents due to reckless rushes toward autonomy while disregarding fundamental airmanship and Human Factors. " I support single pilot operations or reduced crew operations - with the caveat that there is an operational requirement (I.e. military, aeromedical, special missions), and/or a superior level of safety to multi crew (I.e. Part 135 operations). The latter, a superior level of safety, is particularly important to Part 121 Air Transport Operations where a higher standard of safety and risk management is required. Many recent explorations into reduced crew and single pilot operations in Part 121 operations have inverted this safety case priority with a profitability/cost one (even if not explicitly). That is not the right way to engineer, test, validate, and introduce a system. #aviation #aerospace #autonomy #autonomousoperations #singlepilotoperations #ittakes2

Heidi Shyu, the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, discussed contested logistics at the National Defense Industrial Association's 2024 Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition in Washington, D.C. last week. "That means if I have to sustain your troops at the front and you have to carry food, fuel [and] everything else to the front [of] the battlefield," Shyu said. "How do you deliver your products there? Contested logistics is a big issue, and it is an issue we are trying to tackle." Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eBGUAuT6 #ContestedLogistics #ArmySustainment #AutonomousVehicles