Defense Brief: US-UK SINKEX, Raytheon AMRAAM Contract and Pentagon Election Security Directive

The decommissioned U.S. guided-missile frigate USS Klakring was sent to the bottom of the Atlantic on Sept. 25 during a joint U.S.-U.K. SINKEX.^[1][4]

On equipment development, the U.S. Defense Department awarded Raytheon a multiyear contract worth up to $20.7 billion to build Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles, or AMRAAMs. The contract will nearly double AMRAAM production.^[2][3]

The defense brief also includes the Pentagon directing cyber and intelligence agencies to counter foreign election threats. Hegseth ordered the agencies to "mobilize every authorized asset, capability and partnership under your command" to defend U.S. election infrastructure.^[5]

On personnel policy, Air Force and Space Force personnel will update their religious affiliation to comply with Pentagon policy. Active-duty personnel must update their information in vMPF by Oct. 16, while Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard personnel must do so by Nov. 9.^[6]