Justin Nerdrum’s Post

Good read about PLA “re-optimization.”Getting “line and block” charts right is helpful for aligning resources and managing risk across an organization. That enables organizations to better meet operational requirements, but what’s challenging to understand in the open source is how these organizational architectures end with integrated systems that work. In other words, it’s easy to do an organizational hierarchy in PowerPoint…it’s harder to see how these organizational changes result in integrated systems where the “ones & zeroes” talk.

Reorganization of PLA of China. #SSF split into three with equal organisations, with emphasis on cyber, space, information warfare and strategic forces. Read more about it.

Sigma Defense, a Sagewind Capital portfolio company and leading provider of advanced technology solutions for the defense sector, today announced the acquisition of EWA Inc., a prominent player in the field of Electronic Warfare (EW) headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. With over 47 years of experience in developing and delivering EW capabilities, EWA provides a comprehensive understanding of evolving threats across the electromagnetic spectrum. The acquisition of EWA will enhance Sigma Defense's ability to deliver on the CJADC2 vision of "sense, make sense and act" delivering new capabilities to joint and coalition forces. EWA's long history of delivering EW technologies to the DoD and National Security stakeholders aligns with Sigma Defense's software led approach, augmenting its CJADC2 ecosystem for collecting, analyzing, and distributing data for near real-time intelligence. This strategic move further advances Sigma Defense's vision enabling the company to provide a comprehensive understanding of evolving threats across the electromagnetic spectrum.

In today’s fast-paced military landscape, interoperability has become essential for achieving seamless coordination across diverse defense systems. In our latest blog we explore the significance of interoperability in defense, highlighting its benefits, challenges, and the technological advancements that facilitate it. Check it out here: https://hubs.ly/Q02NqL1P0 #interoperability #defensesystems

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

Castellum Secures $3.2 M NAVAIR Contract to Enhance ALRE Cybersecurity, Shares Up ~27.90% Castellum Inc. ( $CTM), a leader in cybersecurity and software engineering services for the federal government, announced today its subsidiary, Specialty Systems, Inc., has secured an 18-month, $3.2 million contract with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division - Lakehurst. This agreement focuses on advancing Cyber-Supply Chain Risk Management (C-SCRM) capabilities for the Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) systems. The initiative includes developing an Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) powered framework for integrated Software Composition Analysis and component inspection. This innovative approach is designed to detect tampering and ensure secure supply chain oversight for both legacy and new mission systems. Glen Ives, President and CEO of Castellum, commented, “We are honored to support the vital NAVAIR mission. Our solution will enhance the cybersecurity integrity of ALRE systems, safeguarding critical operations and reinforcing national defense capabilities.” #StocksToWatch #StocksInNews #investors #daytrader #PRISMMediaWire #PRISMDigitalMedia https://lnkd.in/dXtsqgkE

JLOTS - (2 Clips) - 1. The Joint Logistics Over-The-Shore is a capability, not just a pier - Though the pier in Gaza has had its struggles in recent high seas, the JLOTS system is a key capability that combines skills from the Army, Navy and civilian world. - JLOTS is a complex system used to either establish a port, upgrade a sub-optimal port, or provide intratheatre lift. Different capabilities of JLOTS include a physical pier to deliver different types of aid or combat sustainment, an offshore petroleum discharge system, an inshore petroleum distribution system, or specialized lines that can pump drinking water onto shore for distribution. 2. Pier to Peer: Using JLOTS to Deploy Forces During LSCO - Projecting forces in MDO will be one of the military’s most significant challenges. The 18 strategic ports listed as part of the National Port Readiness Network are almost guaranteed to have disruptive effects planned against them by peer adversaries. The idea a large-scale deployment from CONUS can occur from a relatively secure strategic support area is an assumption that prevents the U.S. from gaining and maintaining the initiative amid the chaos of an MDO conflict. Examining the feasibility of using JLOTS for force projection is an experiment worth considering. - https://lnkd.in/eJadCu7n

HYDEF Consortium hosts key workshop in Germany on ILS and Interceptor Concept On November 20, 2024, the 4th HYDEF Core Stakeholder Workshop took place at Diehl Defence facilities in Überlingen, Germany, with the purpose to evaluate and discuss Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) topics related to the European Hypersonic Defence Programme. The workshop was organized by Diehl as Technical Coordinator of the Project, supported by SMS as Project Coordinator. The event brought together members of the HYDEF Consortium, OCCAR HYDEF Programme Division and National Programme Coordinators and Technical Experts from Participating States. Despite the project being in its early stages, the Consortium is already addressing ILS as a fundamental aspect of the program. This early focus underscores the importance of identifying key ILS elements, such as RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety), among others, to ensure cost-effective and efficient support over the entire lifecycle of the HYDEF system. The goal was to clarify how this ILS concept could be implemented in the current and future phases of the HYDEF program. In addition to RAMS, other ILS elements were discussed, such as: Logistic Support Analysis, Maintenance Tasks Assessment (MTA), Technical Documentation, Trainings, Spare Provisioning, Support & Test Equipment, Facility & Infrastructure, Ammunition Surveillance Program, etc. Participants addressed the implementation of the activities at the different maintenance levels and the selection of international standards that should be uniform for all user nations. Special requirements were identified regarding the application of ILS activities to both land and naval based platforms. The positive reception from OCCAR HYDEF Programme Division and National Programme Coordinators and Technical Experts from Participating States, reflects the Consortium´s alignment with project goals and the value of the progress made so far. Another significant focus of the workshop was advancing the development of the CONOPS (Concept of Operation), a process that will continue until the Preliminary Requirements Review (PRR). Discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring alignment among nations to adopt uniform ILS standards that are already well-established. After the ILS session, the different concept and options of the interceptor to be evaluated in the coming months were presented, with the goal of having an interceptor concept refined by mid-2025. The Consortium continues to make substantial progress and expects to present a robust and reliable solution for Europe’s hypersonic defence strategy, reinforcing its leadership in the field. The 4th Core Stakeholder Workshop marks another important milestone in European cooperation towards developing an integrated air and missile defence architecture. This complex System-of-Systems will be capable of neutralize emerging and highly sophisticated hypersonic threats in the coming decades.

𝗦𝗻𝗮𝗽𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗽𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 As usual, our team has worked through the 2024 Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan to bring you a quick analysis of its highlights and key points. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 • Increased Vessel Commitments: Expanding from 54 vessels in 2017 to 79 in 2024, this reflects a robust response to evolving threats. • Australian Industry Capability (AIC): A strengthened focus on sovereign capabilities bolsters local industry’s role in supply chains and workforce development. • Enhanced set of Naval Shipbuilding & Sustainment Enterprise (NSSE) “Key Enablers”: Inclusion of security and innovation highlights the importance of cyber resilience and technological progress. • Regional Maintenance Centres (RMCs): Decentralised sustainment enhances fleet readiness and resilience. • Collaborative Governance: New frameworks encourage integration across industry, government, and academia. 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 • Unapproved Investments: Strategic uncertainty looms with funding gaps. Contingency planning is essential. • Governance Model: Operational specifics need detailing for more effective ecosystem-wide oversight. • Security Measures: Strengthen actionable plans for supply chain and cyber protection. • Innovation Outcomes: Clearer links between the ASCA and measurable improvements are necessary. • Cross-Ecosystem Coordination: An integrated dashboard for alignment across functional areas is recommended. 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗽𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗳𝘁 to explore more ➡️ To read our full snapshot review, click here: https://lnkd.in/gyVHTgFa #ContinuousNavalShipbuilding #Sustainment #DefenceIndustry #CNSS #duMondeAnalysis