Purdue University and Los Alamos National Laboratory, or LANL,  have signed a memorandum of understanding to partner on research focusing on national security and advanced technologies. The MOU, which was signed on July 14 by Purdue University President Mung Chiang and LANL Director Thom Mason, aims to establish a platform for shared research innovation and workforce development in line with national priorities, Purdue University said in a press release on Wednesday. The MOU will last until 2030. 

Find out more about DOD spending priorities for hypersonics, cybersecurity and other advanced technologies at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Air and Space Summit on July 31 at the Hilton McLean!
 

Scope of Purdue University, Los Alamos’ Memorandum of Understanding

Under the MOU, Purdue University and LANL have agreed to team up on joint research projects in areas including materials for hypersonic weapons, cybersecurity, computational modeling and simulation of artificial intelligence technologies, and energetics. The agreement also allows LANL to set up a duty office near the university for easier collaboration between researchers from both parties. 

Remarks by Purdue University’s Mung Chiang, Los Alamos’ Thom Mason
 

Commenting on the agreement, Chiang said, “This MOU creates a new framework for partnering in the research capabilities and infrastructures of both Purdue and Los Alamos to make critical advances that strengthen our national security.”

He emphasized that it was an “important milestone” for the university since it was the first co-location of a Department of Energy national lab.

Mason said the partnership with the university “builds on a strong foundation for advancing research critical to national security.”

“This partnership will help accelerate progress in hypersonic materials, cybersecurity, AI-driven modeling and more. Purdue is a natural partner in tackling the complex challenges vital to our nation’s future,” he said. 
 

The Senate has confirmed Anthony Tata as the new under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness. Legislators on Tuesday voted 52-46, with all Republicans present in favor of Tata’s appointment to the role and Democrats opposing it. 

Who is Anthony Tata?

Tata is a retired Army brigadier general who served as deputy under secretary of defense for policy during President Donald Trump’s first term. He also performed the duties of under secretary of defense for policy from November 2020 to January 2021, following John Rood’s departure from the role. 

According to his bio on the DOD website, Tata served in the Army for 28 years. He was a commander of a paratrooper battalion in the 82nd Airborne Division and an air assault brigade in the 101st Airborne Division during his time in the military. He was also appointed as deputy commanding general of the 10th Mountain Division and Joint Task Force 76 in Afghanistan. 

Anthony Tata’s Plan for the DOD

During his confirmation hearing, Tata told the Senate Armed Services Committee that he would work with Congress and DOD leadership to ensure that the department could recruit and retain personnel. 

“I believe it is crucially important that the Department seeks to recruit and retain the best technical and digital workforce across the total force, including civilian and Active Duty military personnel,” he said. 

“If confirmed, I will assess how we train and assign our Service members to support their ability to maintain currency in constantly changing fields. In addition to balancing the active duty and civilian workforce, I believe we need to assess how we best utilize the talent of our Reserve Component personnel,” he added.

The Defense Innovation Unit has updated its Blue UAS program to expand access to trusted drone platforms.

Green UAS Platforms Expand Blue UAS Cleared List

The update enables unmanned aerial systems certified through Green UAS to be added to the Blue UAS Cleared List, in line with Secretary of Defense and Wash100 winner Pete Hegseth’s recent memo and President Donald Trump’s executive order on drone dominance. These are aimed at increasing the number and accelerating the delivery of National Defense Authorization Act-compliant systems to the warfighter.

DIU introduced its initial cohort of Recognized Assessors, namely MTSI, Dark Wolf Solutions and AUVSI, to provide third-party assessment of platforms and components beginning in September. The agency will continue evaluating RA candidates and add more members to the cohort.

Dig into Blue UAS and other unmanned system policies and technologies during the Opportunities and Challenges in Delivering UXV to the Navy panel at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Navy Summit on August 26!

Blue UAS Website Updated

Changes also include updates to the Blue UAS website, which now distinguishes between Blue UAS Cleared and Blue UAS Select. It also includes the launch of a new Blue UAS Checklist, expected by Aug. 1, to allow general officers, flag officers and members of the Senior Executive Service to certify UAS platforms, components and software.

Management of the Blue UAS Cleared List is in the process of transitioning to the Defense Contract Management Agency, with full instructions for certification expected by the end of July.