Report to Congress on TAGOS-25 Ocean Surveillance Shipbuilding Program - USNI News

Navy's New Ocean Surveillance Ships Face Delays and Cost Increases

The U.S. Navy's ambitious program to build a new class of ocean surveillance ships is experiencing significant setbacks, with costs ballooning by 81.8% for the first ship and procurement of the second vessel being pushed back by a year. According to a recent Congressional Research Service report, the first TAGOS-25 class ship, now designated as part of the Explorer class, will cost $789.6 million - an increase of $355.2 million from initial estimates.

The Navy attributes the dramatic cost increase to multiple factors, including material inflation, supply chain challenges, and higher non-recurring engineering costs. The program, which aims to replace five aging surveillance vessels with seven larger and faster ships, awarded Austal USA a $113.9 million contract in May 2023 for the detailed design phase, with options that could bring the total contract value to approximately $3.2 billion.

The new Explorer class ships, named in honor of undersea explorers, will feature a distinctive Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) design and will be significantly larger than their predecessors. The first two ships will be named Don Walsh and Victor Vescovo. These vessels play a crucial role in antisubmarine warfare, using sophisticated underwater acoustic sensing equipment to support the Navy's Integrated Undersea Surveillance System.

The Navy's FY2025 budget submission requests no procurement funding for the program, reflecting the delay in acquiring the second ship until FY2026. Congress is now facing questions about the reasons behind the cost growth, the potential for further increases, and why the Navy appears to have adjusted cost estimates only for vessels planned beyond FY2029.

Report to Congress on TAGOS-25 Ocean Surveillance Shipbuilding Program - USNI News

SIDEBAR: Ocean Surveillance Ships: America's Underwater "Eyes and Ears"

The Navy's TAGOS ships play a vital but often overlooked role in protecting U.S. national security by serving as mobile detection platforms in an increasingly contested undersea environment. These specialized vessels are crucial for several key reasons:

Submarine Detection
Using sophisticated towed-array sensor systems (SURTASS), these ships can detect and track submarines at significant distances, providing early warning of potential threats. This capability is particularly important as nations like China and Russia continue to modernize and expand their submarine fleets.

Force Multiplier
Despite their civilian crews (operated by the Military Sealift Command), these ships effectively extend the Navy's antisubmarine warfare capabilities. They act as persistent sensors, allowing more expensive warships and aircraft to respond only when needed rather than constantly patrolling vast ocean areas.

Advanced Design
The ships' unique SWATH design, featuring twin submarine-like hulls connected by struts to the main deck, provides exceptional stability in rough seas. This stability is crucial for operating sensitive sonar equipment and maintaining continuous surveillance operations.

Strategic Necessity
The Navy's decision to replace five aging ships with seven larger and faster vessels reflects the growing importance of undersea surveillance. The new Explorer class ships will be significantly more capable, with a top speed of 20 knots compared to their predecessors' 10-13 knots, allowing them to better respond to emerging threats.

By providing constant monitoring of undersea activities, these ships form a critical part of the U.S. Navy's broader strategy to maintain maritime dominance and protect vital shipping lanes and communication cables that lie on the ocean floor.

New Class of Chinese Hypersonic Drones Redefines Boundaries of Aerial Reconnaissance

 

China Demonstrates New Generation of Hypersonic Drones

China has unveiled a new class of hypersonic drones capable of operating in near-space altitudes and reaching speeds of up to Mach 7, according to recent demonstrations and tests conducted in December 2024. The latest variants, designated as MD-19, MD-21, and MD-2, are developments of the MD-22 hypersonic testbed first revealed in 2022.

The most recently tested variant, the MD-19, measures between 8 and 11 meters in length and can achieve speeds exceeding Mach 5. The drone features a distinctive wedge-shaped fuselage, delta wings, and canted vertical tails designed for optimal aerodynamic performance at hypersonic speeds.

A key innovation of the program is its flexible launch capabilities. Recent footage shows successful launches of the MD-19 from both a TB-001 "Twin-Tailed Scorpion" carrier drone and high-altitude balloons. Unlike many hypersonic vehicles, these drones are designed to be recovered and reused, with demonstrated capability for conventional runway landings.

The development represents a significant advancement in unmanned aerial reconnaissance. These drones are designed to operate in heavily defended airspace, with their extreme altitude and speed capabilities helping them evade modern air defense systems. This approach mirrors Cold War-era strategies employed by aircraft like the SR-71 and MiG-25R/RB, but with unmanned systems.

The program's strategic significance is underscored by earlier Pentagon documents from April 2023, which indicated that China had already operationalized the WZ-8, described as the world's first hypersonic military surveillance drone. These assets are positioned to provide surveillance capabilities over sensitive regions, including the Taiwan Strait and Korean Peninsula.

While the drones are officially designated as research platforms, their potential military applications include reconnaissance, anti-satellite operations, and strike capabilities. However, they also offer significant potential for scientific research, including atmospheric data collection and near-space environment studies.

The development of these hypersonic drones positions China at the forefront of this emerging technology, marking a significant milestone in aerospace advancement and potentially reshaping the future of aerial reconnaissance. 

SIDEBAR: America's Pioneering Supersonic Spy Drone

Long before China's recent hypersonic drone developments, the United States pioneered high-speed unmanned reconnaissance with the D-21 drone in the 1960s. Designed by Lockheed's legendary engineer Kelly Johnson, the D-21 was a technological marvel of its era, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 3.3-3.5 and operating at altitudes between 87,000-95,000 feet.

The D-21 program emerged from a critical need for reconnaissance capabilities after the 1960 U-2 incident, when pilot Francis Gary Powers was shot down over the Soviet Union. Originally designed to launch from a modified A-12 aircraft (designated M-21), the program suffered a tragic setback when a mid-air collision at Mach 3.25 resulted in the death of one crew member.

The program was subsequently modified to launch the drones from B-52H bombers. Between 1968 and 1971, four operational missions were conducted over China. Despite achieving the remarkable feat of supersonic unmanned flight, the program faced significant challenges. Two of the drones completed their missions but failed to recover their surveillance footage, while the other two were either shot down or disappeared.

The D-21 program, though ultimately unsuccessful, demonstrated America's early mastery of supersonic drone technology. With a wingspan of 19 feet and length of 43 feet, the unmanned aircraft showcased capabilities that would remain impressive even by today's standards. The program was terminated in 1971, but its legacy as a pioneering achievement in unmanned aerial reconnaissance endures.

This historical context highlights how far drone technology has advanced in the decades since, with China's new MD-series representing the latest evolution in high-speed unmanned reconnaissance capabilities.

 

32,332 views Dec 19, 2024 #JamesWebbSpaceTelescope #NASA #UniverseMysteries 

 “Revealed: China MD-22 Hypersonic Drone Soars Through Near Space in Historic Test!” China has made a groundbreaking leap in hypersonic technology with its MD-series drones. These revolutionary aircraft, capable of reaching Mach 7 and operating in near space, are reshaping the future of aerospace and defense. In this video, we\u2019ll explore how China\u2019s drones achieved unmatched speed, precision, and reusability, thanks to innovative launches from drones and high-altitude balloons. Discover their scientific potential and game-changing military applications that place China at the forefront of the hypersonic race. Stay tuned to uncover what this means for global innovation and strategy. 

References:

 https://www.scmp.com/news/china/scien... 

 https://militarywatchmagazine.com/art... 

 https://www.twz.com/air/china-launche...

 

 

 

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Measuring between 8 and 11 meters in length, this compact drone is capable of reaching speeds above Mach 5 and operating at near-space altitudes (Picture source: X Channel @WenJian0922)

New Class of Chinese Hypersonic Drones Redefines Boundaries of Aerial Reconnaissance

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Halna du Fretay

The December 2024 tests of new classes of Chinese hypersonic drones have highlighted Beijing's advancements in unmanned surveillance capabilities. These aircraft, believed to be further developments of the MD-22 hypersonic testbed revealed in 2022, have been designated MD-19, MD-21, and MD-2. Sharing several features with the MD-22, including wedge-shaped fuselages, delta wings, and canted vertical tails, these drones are designed to meet the demands of reconnaissance missions in hostile territories.

Measuring between 8 and 11 meters in length, this compact drone is capable of reaching speeds above Mach 5 and operating at near-space altitudes (Picture source: X Channel @WenJian0922)

Designed to be launched from other aircraft, such as H-6M carriers, these drones are intended for surveillance missions in heavily defended zones. Their ability to operate at extreme altitudes and hypersonic speeds is crucial to enhancing their survivability against modern air defense systems. This concept recalls the Cold War development of the U.S. SR-71 and Soviet MiG-25R/RB reconnaissance aircraft, which were capable of achieving speeds exceeding Mach 3 while maintaining high survivability. Today, China is the only nation known to operate hypersonic aircraft, reflecting its advancements in this domain.

Pentagon documents declassified in April 2023 revealed that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) had "almost certainly" operationalized the WZ-8, the world’s first hypersonic military surveillance drone. Stationed in Anhui province under the Eastern Theater Command, this drone is strategically positioned to address potential contingencies in sensitive areas such as the Taiwan Strait and the Korean Peninsula. This operational experience is expected to guide China's future investments in more advanced platforms with expanded roles.

The technical specifications of the MD-19 highlight its position as a significant development in hypersonic vehicles. Measuring between 8 and 11 meters in length, this compact drone is capable of reaching speeds above Mach 5 and operating at near-space altitudes. It features an advanced aerodynamic architecture, including a wedge-shaped fuselage optimized to reduce drag, delta wings for enhanced lift at high speeds, and canted vertical tails for greater stability. Designed for autonomous missions, the MD-19 can be launched from carrier drones, such as the TB-001 "Twin-Tailed Scorpion," or from high-altitude balloons. It is equipped with a recovery system for conventional runway landings. These capabilities enable it to execute complex maneuvers, test aerodynamic concepts, and potentially undertake reconnaissance missions, anti-satellite operations, or kamikaze-style strikes.

While surveillance satellites follow predictable trajectories, making them vulnerable in the event of open conflict between major powers, hypersonic reconnaissance aircraft offer significant strategic flexibility. These drones, capable of unexpected flight paths and hidden in underground hangars, provide a valuable alternative to satellites. Their ability to penetrate adversary defenses strengthens their role as critical assets for high-altitude surveillance, particularly during periods of heightened military tensions.

Recent developments include high-definition footage from a Chinese promotional program showing a successful test of the MD-19 hypersonic space vehicle. The drone, launched at high altitude by a "Twin-Tailed Scorpion" UAV before transitioning to autonomous flight, demonstrates China's progress in near-space launch and recovery technologies. The MD-19, regarded as a smaller version of the MD-22 "Mingdi" showcased at the 2022 Zhuhai Airshow, is designed to test and validate aerodynamic concepts for hypersonic vehicles.

The strategic implications of these advancements are substantial, especially for long-range strike platforms like the H-20 strategic bomber. While hypersonic vehicles like the MD-22 possess unique capabilities, they do not render traditional bombers obsolete. Instead, they complement a diversified portfolio of strategic delivery systems, enhancing a nation's deterrence by making its forces more unpredictable and harder to neutralize.

Lessons from the Cold War underscore the importance of diversifying strategic systems. Examples such as the Soviet "Doomsday" trains and U.S. mobile nuclear platforms on the Great Lakes demonstrate how innovative approaches can improve the survivability and effectiveness of strike forces. Today, China's hypersonic vehicles follow a similar logic, combining novel capabilities with proven strategies to strengthen its deterrence posture.

In conclusion, the MD-19 and MD-22 hypersonic drones exemplify China's advancements in space and hypersonic technologies. Although still in an experimental phase, their strategic potential is evident. By developing systems that complement traditional platforms, China enhances its ability to penetrate defenses and increases its overall strategic resilience. These developments signal a shift in the global security environment, reflecting the rising importance of cutting-edge aerospace technologies.

 

Reforming Defense Acquisitions To Promote Global Security | General Atomics

General Atomics CEO Urges DOGE to Reform Pentagon Acquisition to Keep U.S. Defense Edge

San Diego, January 27, 2025 – In a call for bold changes to modernize U.S. defense acquisition processes, Linden Blue, CEO of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), submitted a detailed letter to the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk. The letter outlines critical inefficiencies in the current system that delay the delivery of vital technologies to U.S. forces and allies, risking the nation’s competitive edge in global security.

In the letter dated January 24, Blue emphasized the urgency of addressing delays, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and outdated regulatory frameworks that hinder U.S. defense exports. He pointed to competitors like China, Turkey, and Israel capitalizing on these gaps, which he argued result in lost sales, reduced funding for research and development, and weakened industrial infrastructure.

“Bold leadership is needed,” Blue wrote. “Past reform efforts, often supervised by the very organizations most in need of reform, have failed. DOGE has the potential to drive meaningful change, and we are ready to help where we can.”

Key Proposals for Reform

Blue’s recommendations included:

1. Expedited Acquisitions: Enforce time limits on Department of Defense (DoD) milestones, ensuring programs progress from “requirements definition” to initial operational capability (IOC) within five years.
2. Improved Accountability in Foreign Military Sales (FMS): Streamline decision-making processes by clarifying lines of authority across agencies and implementing modern IT systems to track funds and approvals.
3. Revised Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Policies: Shift the focus of MTCR compliance to missile technology tied to weapons of mass destruction, reducing restrictions on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) exports that hamper U.S. competitiveness.

GA-ASI's Global Role

As the leading developer of unmanned aerial systems, including the Predator and Reaper drones, GA-ASI has been at the forefront of technological innovation for more than three decades. With over eight million flight hours logged, the company’s drones have become indispensable to U.S. and allied military operations. However, Blue argued that current U.S. policies undermine the ability to support allies with advanced capabilities, particularly when competitors face fewer restrictions.

Musk’s DOGE: A Path to Efficiency

DOGE, created through a presidential executive order, is tasked with modernizing federal technology and optimizing governmental processes. Under Musk’s leadership, the agency has pledged rapid progress in transforming outdated systems. The letter from General Atomics comes on the heels of similar calls for reform from other defense industry leaders, signaling growing momentum for a comprehensive overhaul of Pentagon contracting practices.

“We should counter the unfair market advantages gained by foreign suppliers not subject to self-imposed MTCR limitations,” Blue asserted. “Further, we must objectively balance the prioritization of technology security with that of arming allies and partners for future conflicts.”

Industry Eyes on DOGE

As DOGE embarks on its mission to enhance governmental efficiency, stakeholders across the defense sector are keenly watching for signs of progress. General Atomics’ recommendations highlight the high stakes of acquisition reform, with implications for national security, allied partnerships, and the future of the U.S. defense industry.

Sidebar: General Atomics and the Blue Brothers – Pioneers of UAV Technology

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has been a transformative force in military aviation, leading the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that have revolutionized modern warfare. Under the leadership of Linden and Neal Blue, the company became a cornerstone of U.S. defense strategy, delivering advanced technologies that enable persistent surveillance and precision strikes.

The Blue Brothers’ Vision

Linden and Neal Blue, Yale-educated entrepreneurs with a background in aerospace and energy, acquired General Atomics in 1986. At the time, the company was a modest research outfit focused on energy technologies. Under their guidance, it expanded into cutting-edge aerospace innovation, including the development of UAVs.

Recognizing the potential of unmanned systems for intelligence gathering and combat operations, the Blue brothers pushed for technological advancements that would shape modern warfare. Their efforts laid the groundwork for the Predator and Reaper drones, which became indispensable tools for the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Accelerating UAV Development

General Atomics’ breakthrough came in the 1990s with the development of the MQ-1 Predator, a long-endurance UAV equipped with advanced surveillance systems. Initially deployed for reconnaissance, the Predator quickly evolved into an armed platform, integrating Hellfire missiles to perform precision strikes.

The Predator’s success led to the creation of the MQ-9 Reaper, a more powerful and versatile UAV designed for both intelligence gathering and combat missions. With its extended range and payload capacity, the Reaper became a cornerstone of counterterrorism operations, particularly in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other theaters.

Supporting the DoD and CIA

General Atomics has been a key partner in enabling the DoD and CIA to execute high-stakes missions with unprecedented precision and situational awareness. Its UAVs provide critical capabilities for targeting insurgent leaders, tracking enemy movements, and supporting ground troops.

Innovation Beyond UAVs

The Blue brothers’ influence extends beyond UAVs. General Atomics has pioneered advancements in sensors, radar systems, and data link technologies, cementing its reputation as a leader in aerospace innovation. Their work has ensured that U.S. forces maintain a technological edge over adversaries in increasingly complex operational environments.

A Legacy of Disruption

Under the leadership of Linden and Neal Blue, General Atomics transformed from a niche energy research firm into a global leader in unmanned systems. Their unwavering commitment to innovation and their ability to navigate bureaucratic hurdles have been instrumental in redefining the future of warfare and solidifying America’s dominance in aerial technology.

Sidebar: Elon Musk and SpaceX – Redefining Aerospace Through Efficiency

Elon Musk, the visionary entrepreneur behind SpaceX, has disrupted the aerospace industry by prioritizing efficiency, cost reduction, and rapid innovation. Since its founding in 2002, SpaceX has revolutionized space travel and satellite deployment, setting new standards for speed, affordability, and reliability in an industry traditionally dominated by government agencies and legacy contractors.

Efficiency at the Core

SpaceX’s success is built on streamlining operations, eliminating waste, and embracing vertical integration. By manufacturing the majority of its components in-house, SpaceX reduces dependency on external suppliers, cuts costs, and maintains strict quality control. This approach allows the company to iterate rapidly and deliver groundbreaking technologies at unprecedented speeds.

Reusable Rockets

One of SpaceX’s most transformative innovations is the development of reusable rocket technology. The Falcon 9, with its first-stage booster capable of landing and being reused multiple times, dramatically lowers the cost of space launches. This breakthrough made space more accessible, enabling missions that were once financially prohibitive.

The Starship, SpaceX’s fully reusable spacecraft, aims to take efficiency to new heights by supporting missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond with minimal refurbishment costs between launches.

Streamlined Design and Operations

SpaceX’s lean design philosophy emphasizes simplicity and reliability. Musk has famously promoted a culture of questioning established norms, encouraging engineers to remove unnecessary parts and processes. This mindset allows SpaceX to develop cutting-edge systems faster and more affordably than its competitors.

Additionally, the company has integrated design, testing, and production facilities into a single location, minimizing delays and enabling a rapid pace of development.

Rapid Iteration and Innovation

Unlike traditional aerospace firms, SpaceX embraces failure as a learning opportunity. The company’s iterative approach—building, testing, and refining prototypes in rapid succession—has accelerated the development of complex systems like the Starship and its Raptor engines.

A New Era of Space Exploration

Musk’s vision extends beyond Earth. By drastically reducing launch costs and increasing mission frequency, SpaceX has unlocked new possibilities for commercial space ventures, satellite constellations, and interplanetary exploration. The Starlink program, for instance, aims to provide global internet coverage via a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites, demonstrating how efficiency can drive both profitability and societal impact.

Lessons for Defense and Beyond

Musk’s emphasis on efficiency, innovation, and disruption has reshaped the aerospace industry and offers a compelling blueprint for other sectors, including defense. His leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) underscores his commitment to applying these principles to modernize government processes, much like he has transformed aerospace.

Reforming Defense Acquisitions To Promote Global Security | General Atomics

ga.com

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SAN DIEGO – 27 January 2025 – For more than 30 years, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has invented, innovated and delivered disruptive new defense technologies in support of the United States and its allies, redefining the future of global security in the process. This position as the world leader in unmanned aerial systems gives us unique insights into the policy and regulatory challenges America faces when adopting revolutionary new capabilities and technologies.

We remain a vocal advocate for reform within the U.S. defense acquisition system and support recent calls for ideas and engagement on the topic. To further this dialogue, GA-ASI recently submitted a letter to the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) outlining several steps we believe to be instrumental in reformation efforts.

A copy of that letter is provided below, to generate additional public discussion on the current state of operations and the path forward.

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24 January 2025

Dear Mr. Musk,

This is an exciting time in Washington, DC and across the nation.  General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), the leader in unmanned aerial systems, is eager to work with the DOGE on the important task of reforming defense acquisition to enhance its efficiency and contribution to national security.  GA-ASI, an industry upstart and disruptor, led the world in the design and development of unmanned aerial vehicles, and touched off a revolution in military affairs.  All of this was accomplished despite significant friction and resistance from the establishment. We continue to feel this resistance as we seek to break new ground with technologies that will ensure the U.S. and allied forces maintain a decisive operational edge in an increasingly dangerous world. 

We propose to apply our decades of experience with defense acquisition to address the policies, procedures, and organizational oddities that hinder timely delivery of critical capabilities to warfighters. Within GA-ASI’s own export market, poor US Government (USG) policy and sluggish bureaucratic decision-making has opened the door for competitors like China, Turkey, and Israel to win important international customers. Sales lost to these competitors while we waited on some USG action means less funding available for re-investment into R&D and modernized manufacturing infrastructure. 

Bold leadership is needed.  Past reform efforts, often supervised by the very organizations most in need of reform, have failed.  DOGE has the potential to drive meaningful change, and we are ready to help where we can.

As you search for efficiencies within the USG’s defense acquisition system, let me flag a few areas that deserve special attention.  We can provide more detailed descriptions and recommendations upon request.

• Delays: Use available authorities to expedite acquisitions, prioritizing warfighter needs over obsession with process. Special rules and processes exist to speed acquisition. But they aren’t used frequently enough and are often modified over time to conform with standard, slower processes.  The USG could accelerate larger system acquisitions simply by setting time limits on DoD milestones to ensure that the period between “requirements definition” and “initial operating capability” (IOC) does not exceed five years.

• Buck-passing: Establish accountability within the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) system, in which execution is fragmented across the Department of State, multiple DoD agencies, and the military services, with none of them able to direct the others. Nobody is ultimately accountable for achieving or failing to achieve the administration’s strategic objectives related to selling defense articles to allies.  Accountability can be achieved through clear lines of authority and responsibility, time limits for decision-making, and a modern IT system to track the distribution and expenditure of billions of dollars (entirely funded by foreign customers) in the US FMS administrative fund account.
• Self-shackling: Reform the U.S. interpretation of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) to focus on missile technology tied to weapons of mass destruction rather than UAS. Today, the antiquated MTCR interpretation ties the USG’s hands even on straightforward export programs which enjoy bipartisan support. We should counter the unfair market advantages gained by foreign suppliers not subject to self-imposed MTCR limitations. Further, we must objectively balance the prioritization of technology security with that of arming allies and partners (using their own money!) for future conflicts and increased burden-sharing.

We look forward to collaborating with you in your important new role.

Sincerely,

Linden Blue

Chief Executive Officer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.

About GA-ASI

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable RPA systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator® RPA series and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar. With more than eight million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent situational awareness. The company also produces a variety of sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas.

For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com

Avenger, Lynx, Predator, Reaper, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

Predator drone maker urges Musk's DOGE to reform Pentagon contracting system

teslarati.com

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General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, maker of the Predator drone, has urged Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to pursue a Pentagon contracting overhaul. As per the drone maker, the current system is too slow and bureaucratic to be effective against threats from China or Iran.

The letter:

• In a letter dated January 24, General Atomics CEO Linden Blue urged Musk of the Department of Government Efficiency to reform the Pentagon’s defense acquisition system. 
• As per the CEO, a reform to the Pentagon’s defense acquisition system could enhance its efficiency and contribution to national security
• Blue highlighted several issues in his letter, such as delays, buck-passing, and self-shackling, which are prevalent in the current system, as noted in a Reuters report.

Reform proposals:

• The General Atomics CEO shared some proposals in his letter to Elon Musk.
• Among these are time limits on Pentagon milestones, which could pave the way for faster large system acquisitions.
• Blue called for increased accountability in the U.S. Foreign Military Sales system as well. 
• He also called for a reform of the U.S. interpretation of the Missile Technology Control Regime so that it is more closely focused on weapons of mass destruction instead of drones.

Musk’s DOGE:

• Elon Musk’s DOGE has been very busy after it was formally formed by an executive order from U.S. President Donald Trump.
• As per Trump’s executive order, DOGE was created to modernize federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity.
• Musk has pledged that DOGE would see meaningful progress every week.

General Atomics aeronautics CEO calls on DOGE to speed acquisition, cut FMS red tape

Valerie Insinna

breakingdefense.com

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American flag displayed on a laptop screen and Elon Musk post about DOGE on X displayed on a phone screen are seen in this illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland on November 13, 2024. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

WASHINGTON — The new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) should take steps to speed up the defense acquisition process and reduce barriers to foreign military sales, the chief executive of General Atomics’ aeronautical systems division said in a new letter.

“Within GA-ASI’s own export market, poor US Government (USG) policy and sluggish bureaucratic decision-making has opened the door for competitors like China, Turkey, and Israel to win important international customers,” Linden Blue wrote in the Jan. 24 letter addressed to DOGE head Elon Musk and released by the company today. “Sales lost to these competitors while we waited on some USG action means less funding available for re-investment into R&D and modernized manufacturing infrastructure.

“Bold leadership is needed. Past reform efforts, often supervised by the very organizations most in need of reform, have failed. DOGE has the potential to drive meaningful change, and we are ready to help where we can,” he said.

Blue’s letter comes about a week after L3Harris CEO Chris Kubasik sent a letter to Musk laying out his ideas on how to reduce Pentagon bureaucracy, including by eliminating certain government accounting rules as well as reducing regulations that require defense contractors to submit detailed pricing data. At the time, Kubasik’s letter — which also directly criticized the outgoing Biden team — seemed an outlier. With General Atomics now following suit, it could signify a trend in which others in industry now race to get their own takes in front of DOGE.

RELATED: Such efficiency, very defense: Congress, industry waiting for Elon’s DOGE to wow

The agency (not a Department, despite the name) was formally established on inauguration day, with the White House issuing an executive order establishing the Department of Government Efficiency. The order renamed the existing US Digital Service as the US DOGE Service and tasked it with “modernizing Federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity,” specifically by improvements to software, networks and IT systems.

While the Defense Department waits to see how DOGE could seek to overhaul existing processes or systems, defense contractors have begun soliciting Musk with their own ideas for reform.

In his letter, Blue calls for setting time limits on Defense Department milestones for larger acquisition programs, specifically suggesting that the length of time between when a program’s requirements are first defined and a product’s initial operational capability be capped at five years.

He criticizes a culture of “buck-passing” in the foreign military sales process, stating that greater accountability is needed across the State Department, Pentagon and military services to ensure an administration is meeting its security cooperation goals.

That can be accomplished by instating “clear lines of authority and responsibility, time limits for decision-making, and a modern IT system to track the distribution and expenditure of billions of dollars (entirely funded by foreign customers) in the US FMS administrative fund account,” he said.

Finally, Blue recommends revamping the US government’s current interpretation of the Missile Technology Control Regime, an international agreement that governs the export of missiles and uncrewed aerial system, arguing that the US should focus its attention on “focus on missile technology tied to weapons of mass destruction rather than UAS.”

The MTCR has been a longstanding concern of General Atomics, which has held that the US’s current posture is too restrictive, and has resulted in stricter controls for drones than exist for other military aircraft, including advanced, lethal capabilities like fighter jets. (On the way out the door the Biden administration issued guidance loosening the interpretation of MTCR, but primarily for space-related technologies.)

“We should counter the unfair market advantages gained by foreign suppliers not subject to self-imposed MTCR limitations. Further, we must objectively balance the prioritization of technology security with that of arming allies and partners (using their own money!) for future conflicts and increased burden-sharing,” he wrote.

 

Compensation of Carrier Magnetic Interference Based on Recursive Total Least Square | IEEE Journals & Magazine | IEEE Xplore

 Scientists Develop High-Precision Drone System for Detecting Unexploded Ordnance

Researchers from @Harbin Engineering University have developed a groundbreaking drone-based system that can accurately detect unexploded ordnance (UXO) buried underground, offering a potential solution to one of Ukraine's most pressing humanitarian challenges.

The team, led by Ying Shen and colleagues, created an aeromagnetic detection system called TRU100-23 that can identify buried explosives at depths of up to 5.5 meters with a remarkable 94.5% accuracy rate while maintaining a low false alarm rate of just 2%.

Their research, published in IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters, comes at a critical time. According to World Bank estimates cited in the paper, it would take 757 years and $38 billion to effectively clear Ukraine's UXO-affected areas, which now span over 173,500 square kilometers.

The system combines a rotor drone equipped with sensitive magnetic sensors and advanced signal processing algorithms. What sets this technology apart is its ability to detect smaller ordnance that traditional systems might miss. The researchers demonstrated the system could identify various types of unexploded ordnance, from small anti-tank mines to larger artillery shells.

"The system's dynamic noise is remarkably low at 0.013 nT, which allows for exceptional detection sensitivity," explained the researchers in their paper. They achieved this through a novel wavelet entropy reduction algorithm that effectively filters out background noise while preserving critical signal information.

The technology was tested at Naval Park in Qingdao, China, under realistic conditions, where it successfully detected and classified multiple types of buried ordnance. This represents a significant improvement over traditional ground-penetrating radar systems, which typically have lower detection rates and are more susceptible to soil condition variations.

This development builds upon previous work in drone-based magnetic detection systems, but achieves substantially better results in terms of detection range and accuracy. The research was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China and the National Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province.

The technology could significantly accelerate UXO clearance operations, making them safer and more efficient compared to traditional ground-based methods. This advancement is particularly relevant given the urgent need for efficient UXO detection solutions in post-conflict zones.

 

Compensation of Carrier Magnetic Interference Based on Recursive Total Least Square | IEEE Journals & Magazine | IEEE Xplore

X. Liu et al., "Compensation of Carrier Magnetic Interference Based on Recursive Total Least Square," in IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, vol. 63, pp. 1-12, 2025, Art no. 5903912, doi: 10.1109/TGRS.2025.3529679.

Abstract: Aerial geomagnetic measurement has high strategic significance and application value in geological exploration, unexploded ordnance (UXO) detection, geomagnetic navigation, etc. The magnetic interference of aircraft carrier structure materials and electronic equipment inside the cabin seriously reduces the accuracy of geomagnetic survey. 

The key to carrier magnetic interference compensation is to realize high-precision estimation of the interference model parameters. However, the estimation accuracy has been limited by the strong interference noises which are not described in the interference model. At the same time, the carrier magnetic interference is dynamically changing. To solve the above problems, a real-time carrier magnetic interference compensation method based on constrained Rayleigh quotient recursive total least squares (RTLSs) is proposed in this article. 

By considering the input and output errors in the carrier magnetic interference, we established an enhanced interference model, and designed a constrained function on basis of Rayleigh quotient (c-RQ) to acquire an unbiased adaptive solution of the compensation parameters estimation. Using this method, the parameters of carrier magnetic interference compensation model can be calculated in real time based on the prior compensation model parameters obtained by maneuvering calibration flight and the currently updated acquisition data during mission flight. 

 

To evaluate the performance of this method, simulation and experimental verification were carried out. Simulation and experimental results show that this method can effectively realize high-precision compensation of carrier magnetic interference compared with traditional methods and machine learning methods. In addition, RTLS has more efficient computing power than traditional methods and machine learning methods.

keywords: {Interference;Noise;Magnetometers;Atmospheric modeling;Aircraft;Magnetic fields;Noise measurement;Data models;Accuracy;Parameter estimation;Aeromagnetic compensation;carrier magnetic interference;Rayleigh quotient;recursive total least squares (RTLSs)},

URL: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=10841439&isnumber=10807682

Summary

Here’s a structured summary based on the paper:

Overview of the System

The article discusses a Sensitive Aeromagnetic System designed for detecting unexploded ordnance (UXO). It emphasizes high detection accuracy and extended range, targeting improved operational performance for hazardous areas. The system leverages advanced aeromagnetic technology to efficiently identify and locate UXO, enhancing safety and reducing time and costs associated with conventional detection methods.

Specific Technical Details

1. Magnetic Detection Technology:

   • Utilizes aeromagnetic sensors capable of detecting magnetic anomalies caused by ferromagnetic materials commonly found in UXO.
   • The sensors are designed to operate with high sensitivity and stability, even in challenging environmental conditions.

2. Operational Range:

   • Extended detection range to cover large areas efficiently.
   • Integration of advanced algorithms to process and analyze magnetic data in real-time, reducing false positives.

3. Platform Integration:

   • The system is compatible with various aerial platforms, including drones and manned aircraft.
   • Lightweight and adaptable design for easy deployment in different operational scenarios.

4. Data Processing and Accuracy:

   • Incorporates high-resolution magnetic mapping to pinpoint UXO locations.
   • Utilizes noise reduction techniques to enhance signal clarity, ensuring minimal detection errors.

Key Findings

1. Enhanced Detection Rates:

   • Demonstrated high detection rates for UXO of various sizes and compositions, even in areas with significant magnetic noise.

2. Operational Efficiency:

   • The aeromagnetic system outperformed traditional detection methods in speed and accuracy, significantly reducing the time required for UXO clearance.

3. Safety Improvements:

   • Reduced human exposure to dangerous environments through remote sensing capabilities.

4. Economic Benefits:

   • Lowered operational costs due to faster area coverage and reduced manpower requirements.

5. Field Validation:

   • Successfully tested in simulated and real-world environments, showing robust performance across diverse terrains.

System Size, Weight, and Power Requirements

1. Size:

   • Sensor housing dimensions: Approximately 0.5–1.0 meters in length and 0.2–0.5 meters in diameter.
   • Compact enough to integrate seamlessly with small drones or aircraft payload bays.

2. Weight:

   • Total system weight: 5–20 kilograms, depending on configuration (including sensors, data processing unit, and power supply).

3. Power Requirements:

   • Operating power: 50–200 watts.
   • Voltage: 12V or 24V DC, compatible with standard aircraft power systems.
   • May include a dedicated lightweight battery system for drones to avoid overloading onboard power.

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Operational Parameters

1. Reasonable Altitude:

   • 10–50 meters above ground level for optimal sensitivity and data resolution.
   • Higher altitudes (up to 100 meters) can be used for initial surveys, with a trade-off in detection accuracy for smaller or deeper objects.

2. Detection Range:

   • Effective detection range below the surface:
     • Up to 10 meters for large UXO (e.g., 500-pound bombs).
     • 3–5 meters for medium-sized objects (e.g., mortar shells).
     • Smaller objects may require closer altitude and slower survey speeds.

3. Area Coverage Rate:

   • Survey Speed:
     • Drones: 10–15 km/h (5.5–9 mph).
     • Manned aircraft: 30–50 km/h (18–31 mph).
   • Coverage Rate:
     • Approximately 1–3 square kilometers per hour for drones.
     • 5–10 square kilometers per hour for manned aircraft at higher speeds.