The Defense Security and Cooperation Agency has announced that 2023 saw a record $80.9 billion in foreign military sales, with European nations emerging as major clients, according to DSCA Director James Hursch. Hursch noted significant purchases by Sweden, Poland, and the Netherlands, with Poland also engaging in co-production of defense systems with the US.

The US is moving forward with a $138 million foreign military sales transaction with Ukraine for the sustainment of HAWK Phase III missile system, with the Secretary of State bypassing congressional review. RTX and PROJECTXYZ are principal contractors for the FMS transaction, which is awaiting final approval.

BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration has been awarded a $459.8 million US Army contract to supply hardware components for the AN/ARC-231/A Multi-mode Aviation Radio Suite. The contract includes provisions for repair services as well as engineering and logistics support.

Bell is positioning its V-280 Valor tiltrotor and V-247 Vigilant unmanned aircraft as candidates for the US Navy's Future Vertical Lift-Maritime Strike program, aiming to replace the USN MH-60R/S helicopters with these next-generation maritime strike platforms. This offering builds on the V-280's recent selection for the Army's Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft program.

As a Georgia plant gears up to make the first commercial quantities of sustainable aviation fuel made from ethanol, companies around the world are investing in SAF facilities, initiatives are promoting the planting of SAF feedstocks like camelina and manufacturers are developing methods to make fuel from a variety of agricultural wastes. "Diversification matters," says Aaron Robinson, IAG's vice president for sustainable aviation fuel in the US.

Drones have revolutionized facility inspections by allowing managers to gather detailed images of hard-to-reach areas safely. Technology has expanded what drones are able to do, and these devices can now pinpoint steam links, assess storm damage and accomplish other tasks. In addition, AI and analytics are helping shape the future of drone technology.

On Wednesday, the US and Japan enhanced their space collaboration with a quid-pro-quo agreement that boosts both nations' lunar exploration efforts; NASA will include two JAXA astronauts in future moon landing missions under its Artemis program. In return, JAXA will contribute a domestically built lunar rover to serve as both a mobile habitat and laboratory.

Rocket Lab will reintroduce a previously flown Electron rocket's first stage tank back into its production line with the goal of making Electron the first reusable small orbital launch vehicle in the world. The company has already successfully recovered multiple Electron first stages.

The Pentagon is on track to finalize the implementation plan for its inaugural defense industrial base strategy by this summer, according to Laura Taylor-Kale, assistant secretary of defense for industrial base policy. This plan follows the rollout of a 55-page Defense Industrial Strategy in January that aims to enhance supply chain management and workforce development for defense companies.

During a historic joint meeting with the leaders of Japan and the Philippines at the White House on Thursday, President Joe Biden emphasized strengthening security and economic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific as a countermeasure to China. Highlighting deepened maritime and security ties, Biden, alongside top diplomatic aides and his counterparts, affirmed the unwavering nature of US defense commitments to both nations.