July 26, 2026 to August 01, 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

FCC Finalizes Regulatory Regime for Submarine Cable Landing Terminal Equipment Owners and Operators

The Federal Communications Commission adopted a Second Report and Order establishing a licensing framework for submarine line terminal equipment (SLTE) owners and operators connected to U.S. submarine cable landings. The commission now grants blanket licenses to SLTE owners/operators not previously included, subject to new routine conditions and annual reporting requirements. SLTE entities controlled by foreign adversaries are excluded from blanket licensing and must submit SLTE Foreign Adversary Annual Reports. The Commission also codified prohibitions on using principal equipment or service providers from foreign adversaries and entities on the Covered List for submarine cable operations, while introducing a wet-segment repair exemption. New cybersecurity and physical risk management plans are mandatory, and expedited processing applies to applications meeting national security standards. Cost analysis projects annual compliance costs at $10.7 million after a one-time $28.5 million implementation outlay.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Seeks Comment on Importation Ban for Covered UAS and Components Under FY2025 NDAA

The FCC, through its Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau and Office of Engineering and Technology, released a request for comments on prohibiting importation and marketing of covered foreign-produced uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and critical components listed in Section 1709 of the FY2025 NDAA, recently added to the agency's Covered List. The action follows executive branch determinations of unacceptable national security risks. The proposal targets specific companies and would not apply to devices already purchased or authorized for federal government use.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

President Trump Delegates Defense Production Act Authority for Recoverable Critical Minerals

President Donald J. Trump signed a memorandum under the Defense Production Act, authorizing the Secretary of Commerce to impose export restrictions on recoverable critical minerals and materials. The determination cites reliance on imported CMMs (e.g., permanent magnets, lithium-ion battery black mass) as a supply chain vulnerability, and directs regulatory action to secure domestic sources for national defense requirements. The memorandum expands the scope to industrial wastes and recyclable goods containing critical minerals.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

DoD Notices: Multiple Information Collection Renewals and Reporting Requirements for Defense Contractors

The Defense Acquisition Regulations System submitted multiple information collection renewals to OMB, including requirements for contractor disclosure of sensitive information (DFARS 252.204-7000), contract pricing systems (DFARS 252.215-7002), subcontractor purchasing systems, contract financing updates, and covered defense telecommunications equipment reports. The Navy announced environmental planning for joint military training on Tinian and invited public comment on visitor and cognitive CAT testing pilot collections. Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE) issued notice for annual Cost and Software Data Reporting (CSDR) requirements, affecting weapon system contractors exceeding statutory threshold. Respondents across various notices are required to maintain compliance, respond to findings, and submit periodic reports as directed.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

Navy Finalizes Decision for Joint Military Training on Tinian, CNMI

The Department of the Navy released a Record of Decision for the CNMI Joint Military Training Final EIS, approving Alternative 1 for land-based distributed operations on Tinian. The action supports ongoing and evolving expeditionary warfare training, satisfying Title 10 mandates for force readiness. Documentation is available via the project website and official requests.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027

Senate action occurred on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, with a motion to proceed made (CR S4276). The bill addresses annual military policy, procurement, and funding matters.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to establish a pilot program to address critical workforce integration and national security imperatives.

Bill 5176 was read twice and referred to the Senate Armed Services Committee. The proposal seeks to implement a pilot program for workforce integration targeted at national security needs.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to amend the Arms Export Control Act for third party transfers to Ukraine

Bill 5175, focusing on amendments to the Arms Export Control Act, addresses third party transfers of defense articles in support of Ukraine. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Defending Our Energy and Water Act

Bill 10004 was referred to the House Oversight and Armed Services Committees. The act addresses energy and water infrastructure protection, with implications for national defense and critical infrastructure.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To prohibit discrimination against firearms shippers or transporters by carriers

Bill 9979, assigned to the House Transportation and Judiciary Committees, seeks to prohibit discrimination against firearms shipping and transportation by common and contract carriers.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• US strikes $58.6 billion Patriot missile deal amid rising stockpile concerns: The Army awarded Lockheed Martin a record PAC-3 Patriot missile contract addressing stockpile issues.
• Britain's BAE Systems lifts 2026 outlook as defence orders soar: BAE Systems increased its 2026 guidance following a surge in military demand and order volume.
• Ukraine's ex-defence minister says changes to military procurements behind his dismissal: Ukraine’s former defense minister attributes his removal to adjustments in procurement processes.
• Pentagon Commits Over $120 Billion for Patriot Missiles, Submarines: The Pentagon approved contracts exceeding $120 billion for Patriot missile and submarine programs.
• EU disburses €3.47 billion to Ukraine for more drones, air defence and jets: The EU provided Ukraine €3.47 billion for increased drone, air defense, and fighter acquisitions.
• Chinese state media showcase wider deployment of closely watched anti-ship missile: China displays expanded deployment of its anti-ship missile in state media broadcasts.
• General Dynamics lifts outlook on Gulfstream, shipbuilding strength: General Dynamics raised projections for Gulfstream and shipbuilding divisions based on new profits.
• Air taxi developers pivot to military market amid civil certification delays: Air taxi developers are targeting military procurement as civil certifications lag.
• Saudi Arabia unveils plans for multinational maritime defence coalition: Saudi Arabia announced a multinational maritime defense coalition to bolster security.

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