National Defense

2 days ago | nationaldefensemagazine.org | Allyson Park

Air Force to Try Out Waste-to-Energy ToiletsARLINGTON, Virginia — Israeli company HomeBiogas recently announced a contract with the U.S. Air Force to deliver 20 portable toilet systems that convert human waste to renewable energy. Currently, many off-grid U.S. military bases use metal tanks to collect human waste and later burn it, causing environmental pollution and health concerns from smoke inhalation, a HomeBiogas press release stated.

2 days ago | nationaldefensemagazine.org | Laura Heckmann

The Army is moving on from both its battle-worn High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle — better known as the Humvee — and the program intended to replace it, the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. The decision has been met with varying degrees of surprise and uncertainty from those left in its dust.

2 days ago | nationaldefensemagazine.org | Laura Heckmann

EVENDALE, Ohio — GE Aerospace and Kratos Defense and Security Solutions are teaming up to take small engines to the next level by developing a 1,500-pound thrust engine aimed at powering unmanned systems such as collaborative combat aircraft. The two companies announced June 2 a formal teaming agreement to scale the design of the industry duo’s GEK800 small turbofan engine — a partnership started in 2023 to build a family of affordable small engines — up to a GEK1500 with 1,500 pounds of thrust.

5 days ago | nationaldefensemagazine.org | Laura Heckmann

The Next Generation Squad Weapon program recently achieved a classification milestone that confirms the system meets Army standards for operational performance, safety and sustainment, having overcome toxic fume challenges that plagued the program’s early stages. The designation, called Type Classification - Standard, was awarded in May to the M7 rifle and M250 belt-fed automatic rifle, the Army announced.

1 week ago | nationaldefensemagazine.org | Allyson Park

TAMPA, Florida — Special Operations Command is turning to industry to help modernize its uncrewed aerial systems to deter threats in increasingly congested airspace. Col. Ramsey Oliver, program executive officer for Special Operations Forces Warrior systems, said the command’s unconventional approach to countering asymmetric threats applies today “more than ever,” and it is “laser-focused” on modernizing its capabilities for the most dangerous threat environments.