WASHINGTON - In a break from tradition, Congress passed a full-year continuing resolution (CR) to fund the Department of Defense for Fiscal Year 2025, a move that provides new-start authority but hinders long-term planning. While the legislation delivers $892.5 billion for national security, including modest gains for procurement, it imposes significant cuts to research and development and operations accounts, resulting in a constrained fiscal environment even as the administration talks of higher spending levels.

The topline figure in the CR represents a $6 billion increase over FY24 enacted levels, but the Pentagon ultimately loses buying power compared to last year when adjusted for inflation. The final budget is also $3 billion less than requested by then-President Biden, despite bipartisan calls for higher spending, particularly in the Senate.

Topline Procurement Remains Flat; Research & Development Loses Ground

The FY25 CR provides $168.2 billion for procurement, about $688 million (+0.4%) above the request. Despite the flat procurement topline, several procurement accounts saw steep cuts, including those for the Marine Corps and Space Force. The bill also trims $1.9 billion (-1.3%) from Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) accounts overall. Meanwhile, operation and maintenance funding takes a particularly hard hit, with a $5.7 billion reduction compared to the request. Military construction is also reduced by $818.4 million.

For additional information on how Pentagon acquisition programs were impacted in the CR, read the full story on Forecast International's Defense & Security Monitor using the link below.

Source: Forecast International
Associated URL: https://dsm.forecastinternational.com/2025/04/24/congress-scales-back-ambitions-in-final-fy25-defense-deal/
Author: s. mcDougall, Defense Analyst 

WASHINGTON -- On April 22, 2025, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) announced that it had been awarded a contract by the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy Headquarters for the Combat Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) Conceptual Design Project. HD HHI intends to commence the project with an initial meeting later this month and finalize the concept design for these USVs by December 2025. The company’s strategy reportedly includes crafting a mission solution designed to meet the evolving demands of future battlefields, ensuring that the designed USVs surpass manned ships in terms of dependability and cost-effectiveness.

The ROK Navy’s combat USV, currently under concept design, features a length of 30 meters and a beam of 6 meters, with an estimated displacement of over 100 tons. Powered by two waterjet propulsion units, the USV will be equipped for both reconnaissance and combat missions. It supports modular weapon integration, including a 130mm guided rocket system and a 20mm remote-controlled weapon station. For enhanced operational awareness and target acquisition, the platform employs sensors such as electro-optical/infra-red (EO/IR), Lidar, and 360-degree optical systems.

Combat USVs are increasingly pivotal in modern maritime warfare, tasked with reconnaissance and frontline combat missions, forming the backbone of integrated crewed-uncrewed maritime systems. The project is poised to become the ROK Navy’s next focal initiative, with HD HHI at the helm of developing maritime vessels. The USVs are expected to safeguard South Korea’s future maritime security, building on its Aegis destroyer construction capabilities.

HD HHI has also partnered with U.S.-based defence firm Anduril Industries through a memorandum of understanding signed in early April 2025 to collaborate on the development and global deployment of unmanned surface vessels.

Source: Naval Technology
Associated URL: https://www.naval-technology.com/news/hd-hyundai-south-korean-navy/?cf-view

TUNIS - The USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), a Blue Ridge-class command and control ship and flagship of the U.S. 6th Fleet, arrived in Tunis, Tunisia, on April 17 for a scheduled port visit aimed at reinforcing U.S.-Tunisia ties. During the visit, the Tunisian Navy held a commissioning ceremony for two 110-foot Island Class Patrol Boats transferred by the United States, enhancing Tunisia’s maritime security capabilities. The event coincided with the 220th anniversary of the 1805 Battle of Derna, a historical milestone in U.S.-Tunisian cooperation.

U.S. Ambassador Joey Hood and Vice Adm. J.T. Anderson emphasized the visit's symbolic importance and its role in strengthening regional maritime security. The ship hosted a reception for Tunisian military and civic leaders to discuss ongoing collaboration in defense and counterterrorism. Mount Whitney is forward-deployed to Gaeta, Italy and operates across the Mediterranean and Africa to support U.S. security interests. The visit highlights the enduring strategic partnership between the U.S. and Tunisia, a major non-NATO ally.

Source: United States Navy
Associated URL: https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/4159855/us-transfers-two-34m-patrol-boats-to-tunisia-during-visit-of-uss-mount-whitney/