June 21, 2026 to June 27, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning national defense, cybersecurity, weapons systems, military commitments, and the Army, Navy and Air Force. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track GR news in industries related to Defense? Don't miss this week's updates in ICT & Cybersecurity and Foreign Affairs. Also consider subscribing to our Defence - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Securing the Nation Against Advanced Cryptographic Attacks

Executive Order 14412, signed on June 22, establishes federal requirements for the migration of government information systems to National Institute of Standards and Technology-approved post-quantum cryptography standards. Agencies are tasked with appointing migration leads, reviewing high-value assets, and transitioning key establishment systems to PQC by 2030 with digital signatures by 2031. The Office of Management and Budget and National Cyber Director oversee implementation, receiving technical guidance from NIST, NSA, and CISA. The order mandates accelerated procurement, module validations, FAR amendments, and annual progress reports. Critical infrastructure and international collaboration are included, with agency compliance subject to available resources and existing law.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Final Rule Implements Tanker Security Program Fleet Expansion

The Maritime Administration issued a final rule on June 23 establishing expanded requirements under the Tanker Security Program (TSP) pursuant to multiple National Defense Authorization Acts. The rule increases maximum TSP fleet size to 20 vessels authorized through FY2040, sets updated annual payments ranging from $8.16 million to $9.83 million per vessel, and clarifies charter eligibility. Vessels must be commercially viable and militarily useful, with preference for U.S.-built vessels and detailed reporting of maintenance and readiness. The rule distinguishes long-term government charters, incorporates Voluntary Tanker Agreement (VTA) protocols, and institutes additional marine casualty provisions. Program payment and participation are directly tied to congressional appropriations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

DFARS: Proposed Rule for Small Purchase Exception for U.S. Flags

DoD released a proposed revision to the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement on June 25, adding U.S. flags to Berry Amendment restrictions for purchases exceeding $10,000. The change removes duplicate appropriations-act restrictions and consolidates related clauses. Exceptions for vessels operating in foreign waters and commissary seafood from certain countries are clarified. Contracting officers must ensure flags are produced domestically unless waivers apply, and flow-down requirements to subcontractors are included. The rule also impacts contracts below the simplified acquisition threshold and for commercial products, applying to procurements above $10,000.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

DFARS: Proposed Certification Requirement for Military Recruitment Advertising

On June 25, DoD proposed a DFARS amendment requiring offerors for military recruitment advertising contracts to certify they do not rate or rank news sources for factual accuracy, provide opinions on misinformation, bias, or journalistic standards, or use services offering such ratings. The requirement applies to contracts above the threshold until December 31, 2030. Contractors must include equivalent clauses in subcontracts. Reporting estimates project one hour per response across 624 anticipated respondents annually. The clause impacts commercial service acquisitions and aligns with NDAA mandates.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Shipbuilding Industrial Base Demographics Survey—OMB Review and Congressional Reporting

The Department of the Navy is seeking public comment by July 24 on the Shipbuilding Industrial Base Demographics Survey, as required for congressional reporting under Section 1026 of the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act. The survey gathers data on demographics, training, and occupational experience from 1,263 shipbuilding suppliers, supporting workforce development and readiness strategies. Respondents participate biennially, with the average burden calculated at 4.81 hours per response. Data analysis informs Navy workforce initiatives and compliance reporting.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

A bill to require the Secretary of Defense to assess open-architecture unmanned system command frameworks

Senate bill 4930 instructs the Secretary of Defense to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating open-architecture, unmanned system command and control frameworks for Department of Defense unmanned operations. The review will draw on allied and partner systems and cover all unmanned tiers and domains. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To condition certain grants on discontinuation of foreign-manufactured unmanned aircraft systems

H.R. 9430 would require federal grants to cease support for unmanned aircraft systems produced by designated foreign countries, directing tariff revenues to domestic UAS manufacturing. The bill addresses law enforcement security and reduction of foreign dependency, referred to the Judiciary and Energy and Commerce committees.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a zero-emission vessel program

H.R. 9454 authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to support research, design, demonstration, development, and deployment of zero-emission vessels, as well as retrofitting or replacing existing vessels and establishing charging or fueling infrastructure. The bill is referred to the Science, Space, and Technology Committee and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Department of Homeland Security Intelligence and Analysis Training Act

Bill 7436, the Department of Homeland Security Intelligence and Analysis Training Act, was ordered to be reported amended by a unanimous vote and aims to enhance training capabilities in intelligence and analysis relevant to national security.

Sources: www.congress.gov

SAFE VISITS Act

H.R. 7427, the SAFE VISITS Act, which addresses Armed Forces and National Security, was ordered to be reported amended by a vote of 28 - 2, and pertains to safe visitation procedures and protocols.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Lockheed Martin Lands $35 Billion Missile-Defense Deal: Lockheed Martin awarded major contract for advanced missile-defense systems development.
• Tank maker KNDS joins European defence boom with IPO in Frankfurt, Paris: KNDS announces plans for IPO amid robust European defense sector expansion.
• Trump meets munitions makers amid push to replenish weapons stockpiles: President Trump convenes industry leaders to discuss weapons stockpile replenishment.
• Switzerland starts talks to acquire non-US air defence system: Switzerland enters negotiations for procurement of air defense system from non-US supplier.
• EU needs to integrate Ukraine in defence union, Kubilius says: EU official advocates integration of Ukraine into defense union structures.
• EXCLUSIVE: U.S. defence firm Anduril in talks for Nissan plant to build drones in Japan, sources say: Anduril reportedly negotiating manufacturing expansion in Japan for drone production.
• NATO's Rutte says billions in new defense contracts will be announced at summit: Billions in new defense contracts expected at upcoming NATO summit.
• Breakingviews - Defence spending chokes Russia to stagnation: Analysis reviews Russia's economic outlook amid rising defense expenditures.
• Canadian defence minister says he discussed GCAP fighter with Japanese counterpart: Canadian and Japanese defense ministers confer on Global Combat Air Programme.
• Why Aerospace Precision Machining Is Becoming a Strategic Priority Across the Manufacturing Supply Chain: Precision machining gains priority status in aerospace industry supply chains.

.