PDB: Trump Pushing for More & Cheaper Weapons, Faster

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY — THE PDB — Not the President’s Daily Briefing, but almost as good — PAUL’S DEFENSE BRIEF.

The top defense news and intelligence from conservative national security expert PAUL CRESPO:

TOPLINE STORY

Trump expected to urge top defense executives to accelerate weapons production and expand manufacturing capacity as wars in Ukraine and Middle East strain U.S. stockpiles and expose bottlenecks in nation’s industrial base.

Pentagon announced framework for new multiyear deals with three companies to mass-produce more affordable, less gold-plated air-to-ground missiles for Air Force, part of larger strategy to bring cheaper firepower to future fights.

Air Force recently conducted its first-ever live-fire test using the Anduril YFQ-44A unmanned, semiautonomous drone aircraft dubbed “loyal wingmen.”

DIU aims to reduce military’s ‘cost per kill.’ Elevated by its new status as an official Pentagon Field Activity, Defense Innovation Unit is under pressure to speedily deliver “measurable” weaponry and combat power to U.S. military.

But there are still issues. Manufacturing woes hamper U.S. 155mm ammo production. New report says artillery shell producers are far short of goal to manufacture 100,000 Howitzer shells per month.

HOMELAND DEFENSE

Military planners have examined options for possible action against Cuba, including Army-led air assault involving 101st Airborne Division.

HOMELAND SECURITY

More than 60 people have died in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shootings or while in custody since President Trump returned to office. These higher numbers reflect the higher number of detentions, and Democrat local and state refusal to cooperate with ICE requiring more aggressive tactics.

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