October 11, 2026 to October 17, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

White House Announces $150 Billion Shipbuilding Investment and New Navy Infrastructure Initiatives

On October 14, the President issued a message marking the 251st anniversary of the U.S. Navy, referencing over $150 billion invested in shipbuilding since 2021. The message announced a National Security Presidential Memorandum directing increased shipyard investments, including the establishment of a fifth naval shipyard and the construction of the largest new shipyard since World War II. These projects will focus on producing new-generation submarines and support expanded naval shipbuilding capabilities. The announcement also referenced ongoing efforts to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding sector, paralleling historical precedents in scale. This federal commitment is expected to shape defense procurement, supply chains for vessel construction, and support for the maritime industrial base.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Army Proposes Exclusive Patent License to Zyltech Engineering for Dual/Multimaterial 3D-Printing Filaments

The Department of the Army plans to grant Zyltech Engineering, LLC an exclusive license for patents related to manufacturing dual-material and multi-material polymer filaments for 3D printing. Patents covered include processes for producing filaments from materials such as styrenic polymers, polycarbonate, nylon, and thermoplastic elastomers, as well as high-strength 3D-printed structures. Written objections or competing applications can be submitted to the DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory by October 28, 2026. The license would enable Zyltech to manufacture, use, and commercialize the technologies, with implications for applications in defense additive manufacturing and procurement of advanced components for military platforms.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

DoD Seeks OMB Approval for 'Report of Inventions and Subcontracts' Information Collection

The Department of Defense, Office of the Under Secretary for Research and Engineering, issued a 30-day notice seeking public comment on its annual collection of invention disclosures and subcontract invention reports (DD Forms 882-R for unclassified and 882-C for classified inventions), mandated by the Bayh-Dole Act. The information supports government rights in federally funded inventions, enterprise-level IP analysis, and compliance evaluation for both contractors and subcontractors. Responses are due by November 16, 2026, via the OMB's reginfo.gov portal. The estimated burden involves 3,150 respondents and nearly 5,000 annual responses. The proposed collection informs government decision-making on royalty-free licenses and ownership of subject inventions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FMC Proposes Remedies Following Spanish Denial of Entry to U.S. MSP Vessels

The Federal Maritime Commission has proposed countermeasures after Spain denied access for U.S. flag Maritime Security Program (MSP) vessels to its ports, citing European Union regulations. The FMC's investigation concluded that these restrictions disrupt U.S. foreign trade and maritime supply chain reliability. Proposed remedies include a $200,000 per-voyage fee on Spanish-flagged vessels entering U.S. ports and prospective import restrictions on select Spanish goods. The Commission is soliciting public comments on the proposed rule until December 14, 2026, and has offered Spain the opportunity for a hearing in accordance with 46 U.S.C. 41108(d). The action is aimed at restoring access for MSP vessels and countering trade disruption.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FAA Proposes New Airworthiness Directive for Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters

On October 14, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a proposed airworthiness directive to supersede a prior AD 2024-18-01 for Leonardo S.p.A. Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. The proposal mandates repetitive inspections of collective stick torque tube assemblies, prompt replacement of affected parts, and modification to install improved assemblies to terminate future inspections. The directive incorporates European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2026-0045 by reference. The FAA estimates costs of $85 per inspection and $10,340 per replacement for operators, with approximately 60 helicopters affected in the U.S. fleet. The comment period is open until November 30, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Anduril unveils interceptor missile family Steelfin to counter varied threats: Anduril introduced the Steelfin interceptor missile line, designed for rapid response to multiple evolving missile threats.
• Patriot interceptor deliveries to Poland will be delayed, top general says: Deliveries of Patriot air defense interceptors to Poland are facing scheduling delays, according to Polish defense officials.
• Airbus tests Valkyrie drone in Europe, plans 2029 combat readiness: Airbus completed testing of the Valkyrie drone in Europe, aiming for initial combat readiness by 2029.
• NATO fund targets drone defence technologies as Ukraine reshapes priorities: NATO’s innovation fund will focus on counter-drone technologies as the war in Ukraine drives new alliance priorities.
• Renk wins €130 million Leopard 2 contract extension from KNDS: Renk has secured a €130 million contract extension from KNDS for the Leopard 2 main battle tank series.
• What is Starshield, SpaceX's military version of Starlink?: Starshield offers a secure, military-focused satellite communications network leveraging Starlink technology.
• Drone strikes in the Black Sea raise fears of Russian escalation to test NATO’s response: Recent Black Sea drone attacks have heightened concerns about potential Russian-NATO confrontation.
• Bulgaria seeks NATO anti-drone systems, says defence minister: Bulgaria aims to acquire NATO-standard anti-drone systems amidst increased regional drone threats.
• US arms firm Anduril could make interceptors in Europe, executive says: Anduril is considering manufacturing missile interceptors in Europe to serve allied defense requirements.
• Presidential adviser says Ukraine is in talks to lift speed limit on military satellite network: Ukrainian officials are negotiating to remove data speed restrictions on military-use satellite networks.

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