PSI Weekly Intelligence Briefing // July 20, 2025

LATEST NEWS & INSIGHTS

1. DIU, USNORTHCOM & U.S. Army name finalists for Low‑Cost C‑UAS Sensing ChallengeSource: Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) • Date: July 20, 2025Summary: DIU, U.S. Northern Command, and the U.S. Army announced a slate of finalists—spanning radar, RF, and EO/IR innovators—for a counter‑UAS “low‑cost sensing” effort to protect critical sites against small drones. The challenge prioritizes affordable, scalable sensing that can be fielded rapidly across installations.Why it matters: Scaling low‑cost sensors is key to defending bases and public venues from proliferating small UAS.Tags: C‑UAS; Sensing; Installation Defense; DIURead more: https://www.diu.mil/latest/diu-usnorthcom-us-army-announce-finalists-for-c-uas-low-cost-sensing

   
   

2. Around the Air Force: Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP) fly with crewed fightersSource: U.S. Air Force (AF.mil) • Date: July 18, 2025Summary: An official Air Force update highlights human‑machine teaming progress, including autonomous collaborative platforms flying alongside F‑16 and F‑15E during training at Eglin AFB. It also touches on larger exercises like Resolute Force Pacific and Resolute Space 2025.Why it matters: Operational trials with crewed fighters indicate ACP/CCA concepts are moving from labs to line units.Tags: Human‑Machine Teaming; ACP/CCA; Autonomy; USAFRead more: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4248311/around-the-air-force-resolute-force-pacific-resolute-space-2025-autonomous-coll/

   
   

3. Pentagon trials CLUE drone‑spotting air traffic system at U.S. basesSource: DefenseNews • Date: July 9, 2025Summary: AFRL’s Collaborative Low‑Altitude UAS Integration Effort (CLUE) is being tested to integrate drones safely into base airspace while detecting unauthorized UAS. The program could also support civil UTM functions if trials succeed.Why it matters: A unified picture of low‑altitude airspace is crucial for both safety and counter‑drone defense.Tags: UTM; C‑UAS; AFRL; Base DefenseRead more: https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2025/07/09/pentagon-trials-drone-spotting-air-traffic-suite-at-us-bases-worldwide/

   
   

4. Pentagon shifts control of the Blue UAS List to DCMASource: Breaking Defense • Date: July 11, 2025Summary: The Defense Contract Management Agency will manage the “Blue UAS” approved‑drone list to help scale secure U.S. drone procurement. DIU will continue to inform requirements and vendor alignment.Why it matters: Centralized vetting can speed purchasing and broaden a trusted domestic drone ecosystem.Tags: Blue UAS; Acquisition; Supply Chain; DCMARead more: https://breakingdefense.com/2025/07/pentagon-shifts-control-of-blue-uas-list-to-dcma-in-effort-to-scale-secure-drone-fleet/

   
   

5. DIU updates Blue UAS process; names first Recognized Assessor cohortSource: Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) • Date: July 16, 2025Summary: DIU outlined immediate updates to its Blue UAS lists and introduced an initial cohort of third‑party Recognized Assessors to conduct NDAA‑compliance checks, aiming to accelerate secure sUAS onboarding.Why it matters: Third‑party assessors can reduce bottlenecks and keep the Blue UAS ecosystem current.Tags: Blue UAS; Compliance; sUAS; DIURead more: https://www.diu.mil/latest/diu-outlines-immediate-updates-to-blue-uas-lists-announces-initial

   
   

6. DoD to increase U.S. production of low‑cost dronesSource: Defense.gov • Date: July 16, 2025Summary: The Pentagon detailed actions following a June 6 executive order to streamline approvals and spur domestic manufacturing of low‑cost UAS, framing efforts around reducing regulatory friction and accelerating industrial base output.Why it matters: Expanding affordable UAS capacity is a core competitive need highlighted by recent conflicts.Tags: Industrial Base; Drones; Policy; ManufacturingRead more: https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4246987/pentagon-to-increase-low-cost-drone-production-in-us/

   
   

7. Hegseth memo: “Unleash” U.S. military drone dominanceSource: DefenseScoop • Date: July 10, 2025Summary: A new SecDef directive seeks to shake up procurement and quickly expand approved unmanned systems across domains, emphasizing cutting bureaucracy and fielding more U.S.‑approved drones at speed.Why it matters: Policy signals from the top can unlock faster pathways for dual‑use UAS into operations.Tags: Policy; UAS; Acquisition Reform; DoDRead more: https://defensescoop.com/2025/07/10/hegseth-memo-unleashing-us-military-drone-dominance-deadlines/

8. DoD awards “frontier AI” contracts to xAI, OpenAI, Anthropic & GoogleSource: Chief Digital and AI Office (ai.mil) • Date: July 14, 2025Summary: The CDAO announced partnerships with Anthropic, Google, OpenAI, and xAI—each with a $200M ceiling—to support mission‑tailored AI models and agentic workflows across national security use cases.Why it matters: Multi‑vendor awards diversify access to cutting‑edge AI while avoiding single‑point dependence.Tags: AI/ML; CDAO; Contracts; Dual‑UseRead more: https://www.ai.mil/latest/news-press/pr-view/article/4242822/cdao-announces-partnerships-with-frontier-ai-companies-to-address-national-secu/

   
   

9. DOD ManTech: Programs to cut cost/time for critical weapons manufacturingSource: Defense.gov • Date: July 8, 2025Summary: A DOD News explainer outlines how the Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) program reduces cost and schedule for defense systems via advanced manufacturing investments and transition pathways.Why it matters: Advanced manufacturing is a lever for scaling next‑gen systems without sacrificing performance.Tags: ManTech; Industrial Base; Advanced Manufacturing; TransitionRead more: https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4237357/dod-mantech-program-grows-us-military-industrial-base/

   
   

10. Air Force Battle Lab tests AI integrationSource: U.S. Air Force (AF.mil) • Date: July 11, 2025Summary: The Air Force reported “Experiment 3” progress in integrating AI for faster decision‑making and human‑machine teaming—part of a broader push to operationalize autonomy for command and control.Why it matters: Controlled experiments speed learning cycles before fielding AI at scale.Tags: AI/ML; Experimentation; Human‑Machine Teaming; USAFRead more: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4241485/air-force-battle-lab-advances-the-kill-chain-with-ai-c2-innovation/

RESEARCH & REPORTS (July 7–20, 2025)

1. GAO: Response to Section 885 of the FY2025 NDAASource: U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) • Date: July 14, 2025Summary: GAO’s legal decision letter responds to a congressional requirement in the FY2025 NDAA, clarifying interpretations tied to acquisition authorities and compliance.Why it matters: Clarified legal guidance shapes how agencies implement acquisition reforms that affect dual‑use adoption.Tags: GAO; Acquisition; Oversight; NDAARead more: https://www.gao.gov/products/b-423717

   
   

2. CSIS commentary: “Innovate or Die — The Army Transformation Initiative and the Future of Allied Land Warfare”Source: CSIS • Date: July 10, 2025Summary: Authors argue NATO land forces must accelerate experimentation, joint action, and logistics reform—drawing lessons from Ukraine, Israel, and Iran—to maintain battlefield relevance.Why it matters: Clear priorities for experimentation and logistics underpin rapid fielding of dual‑use capabilities.Tags: Army; Innovation; Logistics; Allied OpsRead more: https://www.csis.org/analysis/innovate-or-die-army-transformation-initiative-and-future-allied-land-warfare

   
   

3. CSET analysis: “Will Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful’ Defense Spending Last?”Source: CSET (Georgetown) • Date: July 9, 2025Summary: CSET examines how new spending initiatives and policy changes could influence long‑term defense tech investment, with implications for AI, autonomy, and the industrial base.Why it matters: Entrepreneurs and primes need to gauge durability of funding signals when planning dual‑use roadmaps.Tags: Budget; AI Strategy; Industrial Base; PolicyRead more: https://cset.georgetown.edu/article/will-trumps-big-beautiful-defense-spending-last/

UPCOMING EVENTS (within 90 days of July 20, 2025)

1. AFVentures Weekly Webinar: SBIR/STTR Open TopicWhen: July 21, 2025 (virtual)Details: Overview of the Open Topic annual cycle—templates, submission requirements, and Q&A for small businesses.Tags: AFWERX; SBIR/STTR; Small Business; FundingInfo/registration: https://afwerx.com/events/afventures-weekly-webinar-series/

   
   

2. CSIS Report Rollout: Mesh Sensing for Air & Missile DefenseWhen: July 21, 2025Details: Launch of a study assessing proliferated, passive sensor meshes for ground‑based air & missile defense; includes design, mobility, and sustainment considerations.Tags: Air & Missile Defense; Sensors; NetworksInfo/registration: https://www.csis.org/events/mesh-sensing-air-and-missile-defense

   
   

3. DARPA MTO Spark Tank & Pitch DayWhen: July 24–25, 2025 (Aurora, CO)Details: Finalists pitch microsystems innovations to MTO; event culminates in selections and transition discussions.Tags: DARPA; Microsystems; Transition; PitchMore info: https://www.darpa.mil/news/2025/mto-spark-tank

   
   

4. PY26.1 STRATFI Notice of Opportunity — AMA WebinarWhen: July 31, 2025 (virtual)Details: Ask‑me‑anything session on the STRATFI Notice of Opportunity, with guidance for companies aiming to scale prior SBIR tech to programs of record.Tags: STRATFI/TACFI; Scale‑Up; AFWERXInfo/registration: https://afwerx.com/events/py26-1-stratfi-notice-of-opportunity-ask-me-anything-ama-webinar/

   
   

5. Fed Supernova 2025When: August 19–21, 2025 (Austin, TX)Details: Annual dual‑use showcase connecting startups, investors, and DoD customers; high‑density networking and programming focused on national security tech.Tags: Dual‑Use; Startup; DoD; NetworkingInfo/registration: https://afwerx.com/events/2025-fed-supernova/Alternate: https://fedsupernova.com/

   
   

6. AFA Air, Space & Cyber Conference 2025When: September 22–24, 2025 (National Harbor, MD)Details: Flagship conference covering USAF/USSF priorities, industry exhibits, and policy sessions.Tags: USAF; USSF; Industry; PolicyInfo/registration: https://www.afa.org/air-space-cyber-conference/

   
   

7. UAS Summit & Expo (Grand Forks, ND)When: October 14–15, 2025 (Grand Forks, ND)Details: Annual forum spanning commercial, public‑sector, and defense UAS; agenda emphasizes operations, infrastructure, and integration.Tags: UAS; Integration; Industry; ConferenceInfo/registration: https://uas.bbiconferences.com/

   
   
   
   

—End of brief.