Space & Technology
CLEVELAND — NASA has awarded Modulate Space Corporation a $38 million firm-fixed-price contract to develop an integrated 5G and Wi-Fi 6 communications network for the Moon. The project will be overseen by NASA’s Glenn Research Center and is intended to support future permanent Moon Base operations under the Artemis program. The system will use standards-based 3GPP technology, similar to the technology used by mobile networks on Earth. The goal is to create a shared and scalable lunar communications network that can connect astronauts, rovers, landers and surface instruments, rather than requiring each mission to carry its own custom radio system. Two-Phase Development The project will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, running from October 1, 2026, through January 31, 2028, will involve developing and testing a “5G Network-in-a-Box” in the laboratory. The system will combine the 5G network equipment and software into a compact platform for testing before lunar deployment. The second phase is scheduled for November 30 through December 31, 2028. During this phase, an integrated 5G and Wi-Fi 6 network will fly to the lunar surface for a flight demonstration. Testing Communications on the Moon NASA will also study radio signal propagation on the lunar surface. The lunar South Pole, where future operations are planned, has challenging terrain including deep craters, steep mountains and permanently shadowed areas that can affect wireless communications. The planned network would allow different lunar users and equipment to share the same communications infrastructure. NASA is developing the technology as part of its broader effort to establish reliable communications for future long-term human and robotic operations on the Moon.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-01 16:06:27
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Air Force is seeking a dedicated missile warning system (MWS) for its F-15EX Eagle II fighter fleet to improve the aircraft's ability to detect incoming missiles, particularly infrared-guided heat-seeking weapons. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's Fighters and Advanced Aircraft Directorate issued a sources-sought notice on September 29, 2026, requesting information on an operationally qualified missile launch and approach warning system that can be rapidly integrated into the F-15EX. The system must provide timely warnings while limiting false alarms. F-15EX Already Has Provisions for an MWS Although the F-15EX entered service without a dedicated missile warning system, the aircraft already has infrastructure for one. The Air Force requires a proposed system to use six existing sensor locations. Two are horn-like positions below the cockpit canopy, two are located near the ends of the tail booms, and two provide additional upward and downward coverage. The aircraft already has associated data and power wiring and cooling provisions. The system must connect with the existing MIL-STD-1553 data bus and be installable and removable by Air Force maintenance personnel in the field without broader aircraft configuration changes. Closing an Infrared Detection Gap The F-15EX is equipped with BAE Systems' Eagle Passive/Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), which is designed mainly to detect, locate and counter radar-based threats. However, infrared-homing missiles do not need to transmit radar signals. A dedicated MWS uses electro-optical sensors to detect missile launches and approaching threats, providing aircrews additional time to deploy flares, use other countermeasures or maneuver. The F-15EX's requirement is notable because related export versions already have missile warning capability. The F-15QA operated by Qatar and F-15SA operated by Saudi Arabia, which are related to the F-15EX design, use missile warning systems. Singapore's F-15SG also has such capability. One system used on the F-15SA and F-15QA is the AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) from BAE Systems. Versions of the AN/AAR-57 are also used on U.S. Army AH-64, UH-60 and CH-47 helicopters. The Air Force notice, however, does not specify the AN/AAR-57 or any other system. Recent Combat Experience The requirement follows recent combat experience involving infrared-guided threats. In April 2026, an F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over Iran. Reports indicated that a shoulder-fired heat-seeking surface-to-air missile, or MANPADS, was involved. The F-15E also lacks a dedicated MWS, and reports indicated that its defensive system provided only about half a second of warning. In Yemen, Houthi forces have also used infrared-related targeting capabilities and have claimed to have shot down a Saudi F-15SA, which is equipped with a missile warning system. The incident shows that an MWS provides an additional defensive capability but does not eliminate the threat from infrared-guided weapons. F-15EX Fleet The Air Force had 22 F-15EX aircraft in its inventory as of late September 2026 and plans to operate approximately 267 to 268 aircraft. Boeing is under contract to build 120 aircraft. On September 29, the Air Force awarded Boeing a $2.38 billion contract for 22 additional F-15EX fighters under Lot 7, bringing the contracted total to 120. Individual aircraft cost more than $100 million, excluding separately purchased engines. The current MWS effort remains in the market-research phase and is not a commitment to purchase a specific system. Industry responses to the notice are due by November 12, 2026. The Air Force has not yet identified a preferred system or announced a contract award timeline.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-01 16:02:33
U.S
OAK HARBOR, Wash. — The U.S. Navy recently evaluated the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) MQ-9B SeaGuardian at the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force (MPRF) Commander’s Operational Group (COG) at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) in Oak Harbor, Washington. The evaluation focused on how the SeaGuardian can support wide-area maritime surveillance, patrol and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations. The Navy is assessing the aircraft as a potential “force multiplier” for the MPRF and as part of an ongoing capability assessment supporting the U.S. 7th Fleet. The SeaGuardian is the maritime variant of the MQ-9B Group 5 remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS). The Navy currently operates it under a Company-Owned, Company-Operated (COCO) contract with GA-ASI. This arrangement allows the Navy to conduct capability assessments and evaluate the aircraft in operational scenarios. The MQ-9B SeaGuardian has supported aircraft carrier pre-deployment workups and participated in major fleet exercises, including Northern Edge and the Integrated Battle Problem. The aircraft has also been displayed alongside the crewed P-8A Poseidon to demonstrate how uncrewed and crewed maritime patrol aircraft can operate as part of the same force. Anti-Submarine Warfare and Surveillance SeaGuardian is designed to take on long-endurance maritime surveillance missions and support crewed maritime patrol aircraft. In its standard maritime surveillance and ASW configuration, the aircraft has a 1,200-nautical-mile mission radius. The aircraft uses an open-architecture system equipped with a centerline wide-area maritime radar, electronic support measures and a self-contained ASW mission kit. For ASW missions, four wing stations can carry up to four sonobuoy dispenser pods. The configuration can carry, release and monitor up to 40 A-size or 80 G-size sonobuoys, with operators managing the data from a single remotely piloted aircraft. The SeaGuardian can provide operational and acoustic data to naval command centers, supporting the detection and tracking of underwater and surface threats. Its modular sensor configuration can also support missions such as search and rescue, disaster relief and law enforcement. The latest evaluation at Whidbey Island is part of the Navy's continuing assessment of how the MQ-9B SeaGuardian could expand the capabilities of its maritime patrol and reconnaissance forces.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-01 15:34:34
World
KYIV, — Ukrainian defense technology company SkyFall has officially introduced the Thor Hammer, a new heavy strike unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the middle-range strike class. The system has already been used on the battlefield. Thor Hammer Specifications The Thor Hammer is being produced in variants with ranges of 350 km and up to 600 km (373 miles). It has a 3.5-meter (11.5-foot) wingspan, a 3-meter (9.8-foot) length and a maximum speed of 180 km/h (112 mph). The UAV is designed to carry a 40–50 kg (88–110 lb) high-explosive warhead. It can be launched using either a catapult system or a launch booster. Navigation and Terminal Guidance The UAV uses a combination of satellite, inertial and backup positioning systems. SkyFall says much of its core electronics was developed internally. For the final stage of a strike, the Thor Hammer uses artificial intelligence and computer vision for terminal guidance and trajectory correction. According to SkyFall, the system can continue its trajectory correction even if video and radio communications are completely lost. When communications are available, the UAV can be remotely operated from distant command posts. It can use Starlink or other secure communications systems, depending on the mission. Cost and Production SkyFall has reported a price of $25,000–$30,000 per UAV, depending on configuration. The Thor Hammer has been codified by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, clearing it for procurement. The company plans to increase production to 5,000 units per month by the end of 2026. SkyFall also provides proprietary software, operator and technician training, and 24/7 technical support. Future Development SkyFall is developing domestic engines for the middle-strike class to reduce reliance on external propulsion suppliers. The company is also working on an extended-range version of the Thor Hammer designed to strike targets at distances of more than 1,000 km (621 miles).
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-01 15:31:15
Europe
SCOTLAND — BAE Systems has successfully completed live field trials of its Anti Threat System (BATS) in Scotland, demonstrating the system’s ability to detect, identify and respond to uncrewed aerial threats through a unified command-and-control architecture. The trials demonstrated the integration of electronic warfare and kinetic gun systems within BATS. BAE Systems said the testing validated the system’s ability to coordinate the detection of aerial threats and deliver an appropriate response through an integrated command-and-control system. The development comes as governments increase spending on counter-drone capabilities following lessons from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. BAE Systems said its team progressed BATS from the initial conceptual phase to field-based integration and deployment testing in eight months. Three Scenarios Tested in Scotland The live trials were designed around three scenarios to test different parts of the BATS operational process. Detection and Situational Awareness The first scenario tested BATS’ ability to combine information from multiple sensors into a common operational picture. This allowed operators to detect, identify and track aerial objects while distinguishing potential threats from non-threatening activity. Electronic Warfare Response The second scenario focused on the system’s non-kinetic response capability. BAE Systems tested the integration of electronic warfare and software-defined radio technologies, allowing operators to deploy electronic effects against targets that had been confirmed by operators in near real time. Full Sense-to-Effect Chain The third scenario tested the complete sense-to-effect chain in a more complex tactical environment. Operators identified different categories of drones and then deployed the appropriate countermeasure for each confirmed threat. The trial also demonstrated an integrated gun system alongside the electronic-warfare capability. Designed for Mobile and Networked Operations The trials also demonstrated the system’s scalability and mobility. BAE Systems said BATS can be rapidly deployed, dismantled and re-established at different locations to meet changing operational requirements. The system is intended to provide layered protection for military forces, critical national infrastructure and other high-value assets. BAE Systems also examined how BATS could support future networked operations, including the secure sharing of threat information between multiple locations. “Throughout the trial, we also explored how BATS could support future networked operations, enabling threat information to be shared securely across multiple locations. This enables operators to build a broader understanding of the airspace, improving coordination and response across distributed sites,” said Louise Heywood, Head of Strategy at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence & Land. The Scotland trials provide a field-based demonstration of BATS’ ability to combine sensor information, electronic warfare and kinetic effects under a unified command-and-control architecture.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-01 15:23:37
U.S
WASHINGTON — A suspected China-aligned hacking group has impersonated U.S. artificial intelligence and foreign policy experts in an effort to target fewer than 10 people involved in AI regulation, national strategy and export controls, according to cybersecurity firm Proofpoint Targets Included Think Tanks, Universities and Law Firms Proofpoint identified the group as TA419. Its targets included individuals working at think tanks, universities, defense companies and law firms in the United States and Japan. The campaign appeared focused on people involved in AI policymaking and related national-security issues. Hackers Impersonated Former U.S. Officials The hackers impersonated prominent experts, including Lynne Parker, a former principal deputy director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Heidi Crebo-Rediker, a former State Department economist. The attackers initially sent emails proposing legitimate-looking AI collaborations. Some invited recipients to join a fictitious “AI Policy Advisory Committee,” while others referred to a supposed Senate report on AI export controls and supply chains. After communication was established, the hackers directed targets to websites designed to steal cloud account passwords. Alex Engler Was Among the Targets Reuters identified Alex Engler, head of the Penn Center on Media, Technology, and Democracy and a former White House official, as one of the targets. Engler received an email appearing to come from Parker that invited him to participate in an AI policy project. He told Reuters the message “felt slightly, nebulously off.” After consulting colleagues, he determined that the email was an impersonation. Parker confirmed that Engler was one of two people who reported receiving suspicious messages using her identity. TA419 Has Conducted Similar Campaigns Proofpoint said TA419 has conducted similar targeting operations since at least 2025, including against organizations and experts working on AI and national-security issues. Proofpoint assesses TA419 as a China-aligned, espionage-motivated group. China has previously denied conducting cyberespionage operations. Parker told Reuters that the alleged targeting is consistent with the wider competition between the United States and China over AI and AI policy.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-01 15:19:28
Europe
OSLO, Norway — Kongsberg Gruppen has signed a contract with the Netherlands worth approximately NOK 1.5 billion to expand the country’s CITADEL air defense program. According to Kongsberg, the contract includes additional National Manoeuvre Air Defence System (NOMADS) units and an expansion of the Netherlands’ existing NASAMS ground-based air defense system. The new deliveries will increase the overall capacity of the CITADEL program, which Kongsberg and the Netherlands signed the original contract for in 2024. More NOMADS and NASAMS Systems NOMADS is a highly mobile short-range air defense system designed to provide protection for maneuvering ground forces. Kongsberg says the system is intended to protect forces and their routes of advance in contested land environments. The NOMADS configuration combines command and control, sensors and weapons on the same platform. It uses a 3D AESA radar and can carry four AIM-9X Block 2 Sidewinder missiles ready to fire. The system also has a 0.50-caliber heavy machine gun mounted on a remote weapon station. The new contract will also increase the Netherlands’ NASAMS capability. NASAMS is a ground-based air defense system developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Raytheon. The Netherlands has operated NASAMS since 2006. Part of the CITADEL Program The latest agreement follows the larger contract signed by Kongsberg and the Netherlands in November 2024 for NASAMS and NOMADS. That earlier contract was valued at approximately NOK 12 billion, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028. The CITADEL program combines short- and medium-range ground-based air defense capabilities. Kongsberg previously stated that NOMADS is designed to operate together with NASAMS and other NATO systems, supporting both autonomous and networked operations. The Netherlands has also identified ground-based air defense as an important capability for protecting military forces and other assets. Dutch Defence Ministry information describes NASAMS as part of the country’s ground-based air defense capability. With the new NOK 1.5 billion contract, the Netherlands will add further NOMADS systems and expand its NASAMS capability, increasing the capacity of the CITADEL air defense program.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-01 15:04:48
World
BAKU — Israeli defense technology company ThirdEye Systems has presented its IronWeb counter-drone system at the ADEX 2026 international defense exhibition. The system is designed to protect tanks and armored personnel carriers from First-Person View (FPV) drones, which have become an important threat to armored vehicles in modern conflicts. Stationary Testing Completed ThirdEye Systems said IronWeb has so far completed stationary testing, demonstrating the system's ability to detect and engage targets from a fixed position. However, the company has not yet demonstrated IronWeb operating on a moving vehicle. The ability to maintain detection and engagement performance while an armored vehicle is moving remains part of the system's development and testing process. This is an important aspect for vehicle-mounted counter-drone systems because armored vehicles operate while moving across different types of terrain. Uses AI and Electro-Optical Sensors IronWeb builds on ThirdEye Systems' experience in artificial intelligence-based object recognition and electro-optical sensing. The company develops systems that use thermal and visible-spectrum sensors to detect, identify and track aerial objects. These technologies allow the system to process information from different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. One of the company's existing systems is MeduzaX, a passive optical drone-detection platform designed to provide 360-degree scanning. MeduzaX combines a cooled mid-wave infrared (MWIR) thermal camera with a high-resolution visible CMOS sensor. It also uses onboard edge computing to process detected objects and threat information. Because MeduzaX uses passive optical and thermal sensing rather than transmitting radar or radio-frequency signals, it does not actively emit those signals while performing its detection function. Systems Already Used for Multiple Missions ThirdEye Systems says its detection systems are currently used by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and other customers. The company's technologies are used for several applications, including: Counter-UAS operations to detect and track unauthorized drones. Border security and surveillance. Critical infrastructure protection, including security for sensitive facilities. Search-and-rescue missions, where thermal imaging can help locate people in low-visibility conditions. FPV Drones Create a Growing Challenge for Armored Vehicles The development of IronWeb comes as military forces increasingly seek dedicated protection against small drones, particularly FPV systems. FPV drones can be relatively small and difficult to detect compared with larger unmanned aircraft. Their use against armored vehicles has increased the demand for systems that can detect and track small aerial threats close to the vehicle. IronWeb is intended to bring ThirdEye Systems' electro-optical detection and AI-based tracking technologies into an armored-vehicle protection application. Its stationary testing has been completed, while testing and demonstration of the system on a moving vehicle remains an important next stage.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-01 14:41:30
U.S
AUSTIN, Texas — The U.S. Navy has awarded Saronic Technologies a production agreement for 10 Marauder autonomous vessels, part of an initial order for 30 Medium Unmanned Surface Vessels (MUSVs) following successful at-sea testing. The Navy awarded production agreements for 10 vessels each to Saronic, Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), and Galliano Marine Services. The service lists an average procurement cost of about $40 million per vessel, which would put 10 vessels at roughly $400 million based on that average. However, neither the Navy nor Saronic disclosed the exact value of Saronic's agreement. The awards use Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements, a contracting method intended to move faster than traditional procurement. Production is set to begin immediately at shipyards in Louisiana, with deliveries expected to begin as early as the fourth quarter of fiscal 2027. Marauder Design and Capabilities Saronic's Marauder is a 55-meter (180-foot) autonomous vessel designed mainly for logistics and modular payload transportation. It can carry up to 150 metric tons, including four 40-foot or eight 20-foot shipping containers. The vessel cruises at 12 knots and can exceed 25 knots at sprint speed. Its listed range is 5,400 nautical miles (10,000 km) with a light load and 4,100 nautical miles (7,600 km) when fully loaded. Marauder can operate autonomously or under remote human supervision. During Navy testing, Marauder completed more than 140 test scenarios without failure during eight days of continuous operations. It demonstrated autonomous maneuvering around maritime traffic and detected, tracked and followed vessels using passive onboard sensors while keeping its radar switched off, reducing active electronic emissions. “Marauder went from initial design to on-the-water in under a year, and this evaluation demonstrated that the platform holds up under the Navy’s own toughest testing,” Saronic CEO and co-founder Dino Mavrookas said. Mavrookas said Saronic has now flipped its third Marauder hull, with several more moving through production. Production Expansion Saronic launched its first Marauder in May 2026 at its shipyard in Franklin, Louisiana. The company is investing $300 million at the facility to construct three new slips and establish a dedicated production line, with a long-term goal of producing up to 20 Marauders annually. Finished vessels are transported to the Port of Gulfport, Mississippi, for final testing and commissioning. Saronic is also developing its planned Port Alpha shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, where the company has a separate Navy contract to construct landing craft utility vessels. Navy's MUSV Marketplace The production awards follow Phase One of the Navy's MUSV Marketplace, launched in March 2026 after the service ended its earlier Modular Attack Surface Craft prototyping effort. Under the “fly before you buy” approach, companies funded development of their vessels and had to pass Navy at-sea evaluations before receiving production opportunities. Seven companies were selected for testing in May: Saronic, HII, Galliano Marine Services, Leidos, PacMar Technologies, Sea Machines and Birdon. Six successfully completed testing, while Birdon did not advance. Saronic, HII and Galliano received the initial 30-vessel production awards. Leidos, PacMar Technologies and Sea Machines each received $15 million after completing the prototype phase and were added to an online marketplace where U.S. defense organizations can place follow-on orders. HII will provide 10 vessels from its Romulus family, while Galliano Marine Services, affiliated with Edison Chouest Offshore, will deliver another 10. Production locations include Loreauville, Houma and Franklin, Louisiana. The Navy is funding the first 30 vessels with money provided through the previous year's reconciliation law. The service has also opened Phase Two, covering additional MUSV designs, including larger logistics vessels. The requirements allow vessels up to 90 meters long that can operate unmanned for at least 10 days and carry at least two standard 20-foot containers. The first phase has also faced a legal challenge from Blue Water Autonomy and Saildrone, two companies that were not selected for testing. They argue that the Navy did not follow its stated criteria when selecting the initial competitors. The Marauder is Saronic's second major Navy production program. The company already holds a $392 million contract to produce its 7-meter (24-foot) Corsair autonomous boat. Earlier this year, Saronic raised $1.75 billion, bringing its valuation to $9.25 billion.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-01 14:40:41
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force is facing growing pressure on its communications networks as military space sensors generate far more data than they did two decades ago. A new 37-page report by the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, titled “War at the Speed of Information: Data Transport, Decision Advantage, & the Future of Military Space Communications,” warns that communications capacity must expand alongside the rapid growth of space-based sensors. The report, authored by retired Air Force Col. Jennifer K. Reeves, says military space sensors now generate up to 200 times more data than they did 20 years ago. Much of this information still moves through legacy radio-frequency (RF) links, which were developed when satellite numbers and data requirements were much lower. The report notes that elements of the Space Force's Satellite Control Network have faced sustained demand for more than a decade. Its newest major ground station was completed in 1991, when fewer than 2,000 operational satellites existed worldwide. By May 31, 2026, more than 16,900 active satellites were orbiting Earth. Report Calls for Laser Communications The Mitchell Institute recommends accelerating the use of optical, or laser, communications to increase data-transport capacity. According to the report, laser links can transmit data 10 to 40 times faster than traditional RF systems, while their beams can be nearly 1,000 times narrower. The narrower beams can make communications harder to detect, intercept or jam. Optical systems also operate at higher frequencies and avoid some of the spectrum limitations affecting RF systems, while generally requiring less size, weight and power. The report does not propose replacing RF communications completely. Instead, it recommends hybrid RF-optical networks, combining the flexibility of RF systems with the higher capacity and narrow beams of optical communications. The Space Development Agency (SDA) is already installing optical communications terminals on satellites in its Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. The Space Force has also requested fiscal 2027 funding for the Space Data Network to expand hybrid commercial-government data transport. Laser Links Still Face Challenges Optical communications require highly accurate pointing between satellites. Spacecraft in low-Earth orbit travel at roughly 17,000 miles per hour, while vibration or movement can disrupt a laser connection. A 2025 Government Accountability Office report found that the SDA had not fully demonstrated all planned laser-communications capabilities in space before awarding additional contracts. Work is continuing to improve interoperability between optical terminals from different companies. The Mitchell Institute report also recommends using artificial intelligence and edge processing aboard satellites. Satellites could process, filter and prioritize sensor data in orbit, reducing the amount of raw information that must be transmitted to ground stations. The report also highlights China's development of satellite constellations using optical cross-links, including Guowang (National Network), which began launches in 2024, and Qianfan (Thousand Sails). The report recommends accelerating communications modernization, deploying hybrid RF-optical architectures and developing interoperability standards. Reeves said an initial operational capability for a hybrid network could be possible within about five years if prioritized. The report's central finding is that the U.S. military is rapidly increasing its ability to collect data in space, but its communications networks must also expand and modernize so that the information can reach decision-makers in useful time.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-01 14:35:14
U.S
SAN DIEGO — Tiberius Aerospace has announced a $500 million contract to manufacture, license and distribute its Sceptre precision-guided munition. The agreement combines U.S.-developed defense technology with industrial cooperation from the United Kingdom and establishes a model for sovereign allied production. Tiberius said the Sceptre program moved from a desktop concept to a scaled production agreement in 24 months. Sceptre 155mm Ramjet Munition Sceptre is a liquid-fueled, ramjet-powered 155mm munition designed to be fired from existing NATO-standard howitzers without modifications to the launch platforms. The company says the munition can sustain speeds above Mach 3.5 and deliver payloads at ranges extending beyond 140 kilometers. The munition uses an active GPS and inertial hybrid guidance system, while aerodynamic control canards adjust its flight path during flight to maintain precision targeting. Defense-as-a-Service Model Tiberius described the agreement as the first major deployment of its Defense-as-a-Service model. Under this approach, the company develops, tests and validates defense technology before licensing it to qualified allied nations and domestic manufacturers. The company says the model is intended to distribute research and development costs and risks across allied markets while creating additional manufacturing pathways and reducing supply-chain vulnerabilities. “The West’s greatest strategic advantage is the freedom to invent, compete and build,” said Chad Steelberg, founder and chief executive of Tiberius Aerospace. “Our ambition is to turn that advantage into our greatest weapon: the collective innovative power of the free market.” U.S.-U.K. Industrial Cooperation The manufacturing collaboration operates under an International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Technical Assistance Agreement, which authorizes the sharing of technical data, engineering development and industrial participation between Tiberius and a consortium of U.K. technology partners. General Sir Roly Walker, the British Army’s chief of the general staff, said the partnership demonstrates the value of combining U.K. and U.S. technological expertise in advanced artillery technologies and strengthening transatlantic defense cooperation. Tiberius is using its AI-powered GRAIL software platform to coordinate engineering requirements, suppliers, performance evaluation, manufacturing and export compliance. The company says GRAIL helps ensure distributed production remains aligned with the original engineering standards and regulatory authorizations. Sceptre's modular, open architecture is also intended to allow qualified component upgrades as the system develops, with GRAIL providing a framework for evaluating and integrating those changes across participating companies. Earlier Development Work Sceptre's development has included support from the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit and contract work with the U.K. Ministry of Defence. The program also includes a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center. Retired Adm. Gary Roughead, the 29th chief of naval operations, said modern conflicts have highlighted the importance of munitions production capacity for sustaining combat power. He added that increased allied production capacity is important for maintaining readiness and supporting long-term combat operations. The $500 million agreement now moves Sceptre into a larger manufacturing, licensing and distribution framework involving U.S. technology and U.K. industrial cooperation.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-01 14:26:29
U.S
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. — The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has awarded BAE Systems a contract with a maximum value of $19.7 million to research new military applications for laser technology. The project, known as the Laser Utilization for Military Innovation and Novel Applications (LUMINA) program, will examine the use of pulsed lasers and the integration of solid-state laser technology with existing beam control systems. The contract was awarded to BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems of Broomfield, Colorado, following a competitive process that attracted proposals from six companies. $1 million initially obligated The Department of Defense has initially obligated $1 million from its fiscal 2026 research, development, test and evaluation funds for the program. The contract uses a cost-plus-fixed-fee structure. Under this type of agreement, the government reimburses the contractor for allowable costs and provides a fixed fee. The $19.7 million figure represents the contract's maximum ceiling, meaning the Air Force is not required to spend the full amount. The work is scheduled to continue through September 29, 2031. Research will focus on pulsed lasers One of the main objectives of the LUMINA program is to examine potential military uses for pulsed lasers. Unlike continuous-wave lasers, which produce a continuous beam, pulsed lasers release energy in short bursts. The Air Force's research will look at how the characteristics of pulsed lasers could be used for military applications. The second objective is to integrate solid-state laser technology with existing beam control systems. Beam control is an important part of a directed-energy system. It involves technologies such as optics, sensors and tracking equipment that are used to point the laser toward a target, maintain tracking and compensate for atmospheric effects that can affect the laser beam. Military application remains undisclosed The contract announcement does not identify the specific military applications that the Air Force intends to pursue through the LUMINA program. It does not specify whether the research is intended for laser weapons, sensing, communications or another application. The announcement also does not identify specific targets or platforms associated with the research. This leaves the exact operational purpose of the technology under development undisclosed. Work to be conducted at Kirtland Air Force Base All work under the LUMINA contract will be carried out at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico. Kirtland is home to the AFRL's Directed Energy Directorate, which conducts Air Force research and development involving high-energy lasers and high-power microwave technologies. The directorate's work includes research into directed-energy technologies and related systems. BAE Systems unit has spacecraft and sensor expertise The contract was awarded to BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems, the Colorado-based business that was formerly Ball Aerospace. BAE Systems acquired Ball Aerospace in 2024. The business develops spacecraft, satellite instruments, optical systems and sensor technologies for U.S. government customers, including the Department of Defense and NASA. The LUMINA contract will now involve the company in research focused on expanding potential military uses of laser technology and combining solid-state lasers with existing beam control capabilities. The Air Force has not disclosed further technical specifications or details about any future system that could result from the research.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-01 14:19:31
World
ULSAN, South Korea — South Korea has launched the ROKS Daeho Kim Jong-seo, the third and final destroyer under the KDX-III Batch-II next-generation Aegis program. The launch completes construction of the Republic of Korea Navy’s planned six-ship Aegis destroyer fleet. The launching ceremony was held on September 30 at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Ulsan shipyard and was attended by about 350 government, military and company officials. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung attended the ceremony, along with senior defense officials and HD Hyundai leadership. Final Ship of the KDX-III Batch-II Program The Daeho Kim Jong-seo is an approximately 8,200-ton destroyer measuring 170 meters in length and 21 meters in beam. It has a maximum speed of 30 knots, or about 55 kilometers per hour. The ship is equipped with an advanced integrated sonar suite developed using domestic technology and a ballistic missile system that gives it an interception capability that was not available on the existing Sejong the Great-class Aegis destroyers. The ship is therefore regarded as an important part of South Korea’s sea-based mobile three-axis defense system. The KDX-III Batch-II ships are also known as the Jeongjo the Great class. Daeho Kim Jong-seo is the third ship of this class, following ROKS Jeongjo the Great and ROKS Dasan Jeong Yak-yong. Six Aegis Destroyers Once Daeho Kim Jong-seo enters service, the ROK Navy will have six Aegis destroyers. The fleet will consist of three Sejong the Great-class ships from the KDX-III Batch-I program and three Jeongjo the Great-class ships from the KDX-III Batch-II program. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung described the launch as the completion of a 19-year effort to build the country's Aegis destroyer fleet. The presidential office said that the first South Korean Aegis destroyer, Sejong the Great, was launched in Ulsan in 2007, making Daeho Kim Jong-seo the sixth and final ship in the series. Named After General Kim Jong-seo The destroyer is named after General Kim Jong-seo, a military leader from the early Joseon period who led the expansion of Korea’s northern frontier. The ship uses his given name and his pen name, Daeho. During the ceremony, President Lee also highlighted South Korea’s ability to design and build advanced warships domestically. He said the country had moved from relying on externally supplied ships to designing, building and operating advanced warships itself. HD Hyundai Builds Five of Six Aegis Destroyers HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has played a major role in South Korea’s Aegis destroyer program. The company designed and built ROKS Sejong the Great and ROKS Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong, the first and third ships of the KDX-III Batch-I class. The company subsequently built all three KDX-III Batch-II ships: Jeongjo the Great, Dasan Jeong Yak-yong and Daeho Kim Jong-seo. This means HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will have built five of the six Aegis destroyers operated by the ROK Navy. HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun also noted that 2026 marks 50 years since HD Hyundai Heavy Industries began developing Ulsan, described as South Korea’s first domestically built combatant. Delivery Planned for December 2027 The Daeho Kim Jong-seo will undergo sea trials following its launch. According to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' information reported by Naval News, the destroyer is scheduled to be delivered to the ROK Navy in December 2027. With the launch of the final KDX-III Batch-II destroyer, South Korea has completed the planned construction of its six-ship Aegis destroyer fleet, combining the three earlier Sejong the Great-class vessels with the three newer Jeongjo the Great-class ships.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-01 14:12:05
U.S
VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. — Northrop Grumman has delivered 21 military communications satellites to Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marking its first batch of spacecraft for the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tranche 1 Transport Layer. The satellites are part of the Pentagon’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a planned low-Earth-orbit network designed to rapidly move targeting data and other military information around the world. The Transport Layer will also support data transport for the SDA’s Tracking Layer, which is focused on missile warning and tracking. 126 Transport Layer satellites planned The Tranche 1 Transport Layer will consist of 126 satellites. Northrop Grumman is building 42, while Lockheed Martin and York Space Systems are each producing 42. The companies received contracts in 2022 as part of awards totaling about $1.8 billion. The satellites are designed to provide secure, resilient and low-latency communications between military forces on the ground, in the air and at sea. They also include Link 16 capability, allowing tactical data to be transmitted directly to existing military systems. The network is designed around open architecture standards so satellites, payloads and ground systems from different providers can operate together. Optical inter-satellite links will allow spacecraft to exchange data in orbit and form an interconnected mesh. Launches to begin in October The first Tranche 1 satellites are expected to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg as early as October 2026. Northrop Grumman said several dozen additional PWSA spacecraft are expected to launch over the next six months, supporting both secure communications and missile-tracking missions. The company said the 21 delivered satellites are the first batch from a larger pipeline of about 150 spacecraft it is producing for the overall effort. SDA plans to deploy Tranche 1 across 10 orbital planes. The broader plan includes 126 Transport Layer satellites, 28 Tracking Layer satellites and four additional demonstration spacecraft. SDA expects the Transport and Tracking satellites to reach orbit and form their interconnected network within roughly six to eight months. 63 Transport satellites already in orbit So far, 63 Transport Layer satellites are already on orbit. York Space Systems supplied 42 through two launches, while Lockheed Martin supplied 21. Earlier launches faced technical and operational challenges that resulted in a pause, with launches resuming in July 2026 with another group of York satellites. Northrop Grumman said dozens of additional spacecraft have been fully integrated and are undergoing final checks. The company is using part of its roughly 7 million square feet of space-program manufacturing facilities, including advanced manufacturing systems and artificial intelligence tools, to support higher-volume production. Keith Matthews, Northrop Grumman’s Tranche 1 Transport Layer program manager, said the production approach is supporting scalability. Lou Christen, senior director of proliferated systems, said the company is focused on integrating its spacecraft into the wider architecture supporting national defense requirements. Once deployed, the Tranche 1 Transport Layer is intended to provide the initial warfighting capability of the PWSA, while expanding the Pentagon’s low-Earth-orbit communications and missile-tracking network.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-30 16:22:22
U.S
REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. — The U.S. Army has selected five defense companies to develop competing prototypes for the next-generation Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 4, a version designed to reach targets at least 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) away. On September 29, the Army awarded separate Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements to Anduril, Castelion, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Mach Industries, and RTX. The Army did not disclose the value of the individual agreements. The OTA process provides a streamlined approach for prototype development outside traditional procurement rules. 1,000-Km Range Requirement The Increment 4 prototypes must have a minimum range of 1,000 km, roughly twice the range of the current PrSM baseline. They must be compatible with the M142 HIMARS launcher, with potential integration onto platforms such as the M270. The missile must also be capable of engaging moving maritime targets and relocatable land targets, including mobile air-defense systems and missile launchers. The program will also follow the Army's Modular Open Systems Approach. Two-Phase Competition Initial prototype development will take place in Fiscal Year 2027, beginning October 1, 2026, followed by a competitive fly-off and a down-select. The companies whose designs demonstrate sufficient maturity will receive follow-on agreements in Fiscal Year 2028, leading to a second development phase and final competitive fly-off. PrSM Development PrSM entered service in 2023 as a replacement for the ATACMS, which has a maximum range of about 300 km (186 miles). Lockheed Martin's PrSM Increment 1 is designed for approximately 500 km (310 miles) and has been tested against targets beyond 400 km. It was used in combat for the first time in March 2026 during Operation Epic Fury against targets in Iran. The PrSM family is being developed in stages. Increment 2 adds a multi-mode seeker for moving ships and land targets, while Increment 3 focuses on additional warhead and payload options. Earlier in September, the Army awarded Lockheed Martin a production contract worth up to $1.2 billion for Increment 2. Increment 4 is focused on extending the range to at least 1,000 km. Lockheed Martin's Long-Range Design In 2023, the Army awarded Lockheed Martin $33.3 million and a Raytheon-Northrop Grumman team nearly $100 million to study advanced propulsion and airframe designs for the long-range requirement. Lockheed Martin's Increment 4 design uses a rocket booster and air-breathing ramjet engine to increase range while maintaining the missile's physical size for existing launchers. In June 2026, Lockheed Martin and L3Harris completed a ground test of the transition from the booster to the ramjet. Flight testing was planned for fall 2026. RTX, formerly Raytheon, is also participating in the competition. Castelion is developing the Blackbeard hypersonic missile and was selected earlier this year by the U.S. Navy for its Multi-mission Affordable Capacity Effector program. Anduril and Mach Industries have not publicly disclosed their technical approaches for Increment 4. The Army is also continuing production of earlier PrSM variants. In June 2026, it increased an existing Lockheed Martin contract by $8.4 billion, bringing its total value to about $13.3 billion and extending production support through September 2032.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-30 16:17:18
Northrop Grumman Awarded $18.8 Million Contract for Solid Fuel Ramjet Propulsion on Army XRC Program
U.S
ROCKET CENTER, W.Va. — Northrop Grumman has been awarded an $18.8 million contract by the U.S. Army to develop and integrate solid fuel ramjet (SFRJ) propulsion technology into missile prototypes for the Army’s eXtended Range Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (XRC) program. The contract was issued by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center (DEVCOM AvMC). The work will focus on developing an air-breathing propulsion system designed to provide greater range and energy for counter-UAS interceptors. Solid fuel ramjet technology Unlike conventional solid rocket motors, which carry both fuel and a chemical oxidizer, solid fuel ramjets use oxygen from the atmosphere as the oxidizer during flight. This allows internal space that would otherwise be used for oxidizer to be allocated to additional fuel. The design is intended to provide a more efficient propulsion system with greater range and kinetic energy, allowing the interceptor to engage highly maneuverable aerial threats, including advanced uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), at greater distances from protected forces. Supporting the XRC and M-SHORAD The XRC program is intended to enhance the Army’s Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) capability, which protects maneuvering combat units against low-altitude aerial threats. The new ramjet-powered interceptors are also designed to remain compatible with the Stinger Vehicle Universal Launcher (SVUL). This compatibility supports the use of the system against advanced UAS as well as traditional fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Ground and flight testing Northrop Grumman will conduct a ground and flight test campaign to validate the SFRJ propulsion design and establish reliable production processes. The development work will be carried out at the company’s Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in West Virginia, which focuses on advanced propulsion systems and energetics. Northrop Grumman vice president of missile products Erik Buice said the rapid evolution of unmanned aerial threats requires new solutions. He said the company’s propulsion technology is intended to help engage targets farther away, protect mobile forces and strengthen layered air defense. The company is also involved in other Army counter-UAS efforts, including the Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) system, the AI-driven AiON command system for managing sensors and engaging drone swarms, and the Raid Hunter 50mm gun-based air-defense system. The $18.8 million contract represents the Army’s latest effort to develop extended-range counter-UAS interceptor technology while maintaining compatibility with existing launcher infrastructure.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-30 16:07:27
Space & Technology
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — NASA has added Blue Origin’s upgraded New Glenn 9×4 configuration to its NASA Launch Services (NLS) II contract, making the rocket eligible to compete for future NASA science, exploration and technology missions. The addition was announced by NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on September 29, 2026, through the annual NLS II on-ramp process. It does not represent a specific mission award. Instead, it adds the 9×4 to the launch vehicles available for future missions alongside the existing New Glenn 7×2 configuration. New Glenn 9×4 upgrades The New Glenn 9×4 has nine BE-4 engines on its first stage, compared with seven on the 7×2, and four BE-3U engines on its second stage, compared with two. Blue Origin says the 9×4 can carry more than 70 metric tons to low Earth orbit (LEO), more than 14 metric tons directly to geosynchronous orbit, and more than 20 metric tons to trans-lunar injection. It will use an 8.7-meter-diameter payload fairing and stand nearly 120 meters (about 400 feet) tall. The first stage is designed for a minimum of 25 flights. The current New Glenn 7×2 is listed with capacity for more than 45 metric tons to LEO and more than 13 metric tons to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), with a 7-meter fairing. Blue Origin plans to operate both configurations, with the larger 9×4 intended for missions requiring greater payload capacity or volume. NLS II contract The NLS II contracts are multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity agreements supporting NASA’s Human Spaceflight, Science, and Research and Technology Mission Directorates. The ordering period runs through June 2030, while the overall period of performance continues through December 2032. NASA can also use NLS II to provide launch services for other government agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Launch infrastructure Blue Origin is preparing infrastructure for the 9×4 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Launch Complex 36A supports the 7×2, while LC-36B is being developed for the 9×4. The company is also working to resume New Glenn flights following a May 2026 integrated vehicle hot-fire anomaly. Blue Origin has been adjusting operations at LC-36A and moving toward a horizontal-vertical hybrid process as part of its return-to-flight work. The NLS II addition gives NASA another heavy-lift commercial launch option while Blue Origin continues preparations for the New Glenn 9×4 and the return of the New Glenn program to regular flight operations.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-30 16:01:41
World
TEHRAN — New satellite imagery shows major construction changes at a hillside site in northern Tehran that open-source intelligence (OSINT) researchers have linked to underground infrastructure associated with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC). The imagery, released by Mahsa Alert in cooperation with satellite mapping platform Soar Atlas, shows extensive earthworks and two large openings cut into the hillside. Mahsa Alert has assessed the openings as tunnel portals, although their exact function and connection to Iranian security infrastructure have not been independently confirmed. The site is located north of Chitgar in western Tehran. A comparison of earlier and newer imagery shows that a structure previously resembling a villa at the location has been replaced by the two large openings. IRAN — New satellite imagery shows major changes at a hillside site linked by OSINT researchers to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council bunker complex.The latest imagery reveals extensive earthworks and two large features resembling tunnel portals cut into the hillside.… pic.twitter.com/At3h4uTraV — MizarVision (@MizarVision) September 30, 2026 Part of Iran’s underground infrastructure Mahsa Alert assesses the site as part of a broader network of underground infrastructure associated with Iran’s senior security and political leadership. The findings are part of the group’s ongoing investigation into underground command-and-control facilities linked to Iranian authorities. The latest development follows Mahsa Alert’s August 2026 report on the “Habib Ebrahimi” underground complex near the Supreme Leader’s compound in central Tehran. That reconstruction reportedly identified a network extending about five kilometers, reaching depths of up to 50 meters, with at least seven entry portals beneath civilian infrastructure. The newly identified hillside site is separate from the Habib Ebrahimi complex. The available imagery shows significant engineering activity, but does not independently establish the site's precise role or operational status. SNSC connection remains unconfirmed The Supreme National Security Council is Iran’s highest national security body. It is chaired by the president and includes senior officials responsible for defense and security policy. Mohsen Rezaee was appointed its secretary in August 2026. Soar Atlas has made the satellite imagery available for public examination, allowing researchers to review the changes directly. No official Iranian government statement regarding the hillside construction or the imagery has been reported. The assessment that the openings are tunnel portals and are connected to infrastructure associated with senior Iranian leadership is based on Mahsa Alert’s analysis and supporting open-source imagery.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-30 15:54:38
U.S
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio — The U.S. Department of the Air Force has awarded Boeing a $2.38 billion contract for 22 F-15EX Eagle II fighter aircraft under Lot 7 of the program. The agreement was finalized before the September 30 fiscal-year deadline to use available congressional reconciliation funding. The award brings the total number of F-15EX aircraft under Air Force contract to 120 across Lots 1 through 7. The Lot 7 deal was negotiated amid inflation across the defense industrial base and the effects of a 2025 production disruption. The Air Force's F-15 Program Office and Boeing reached an agreement that kept all 22 aircraft within available funding. Earlier planning documents had listed 21 aircraft for Lot 7. Funding included approximately $115 million from the fiscal 2026 budget and about $2.8 billion from the previous year's reconciliation package. The reconciliation funds faced an 8.3 percent reduction if they were not obligated by October 1, 2026. At $2.38 billion, the airframe portion of the contract averages about $108 million per aircraft. The figure does not include engines, which are supplied by GE Aerospace under a separate contract. “Lot 7 reflects a disciplined approach to executing available resources while balancing the realities affecting defense production,” said Brig. Gen. Timothy Helfrich, portfolio acquisition executive for the Fighters and Advanced Aircraft Directorate. F-15EX Replacing Older F-15s The F-15EX Eagle II is a twin-seat, multirole heavy fighter based on the F-15 design. It features modern avionics, large-area cockpit displays, a digital backbone and improved survivability systems. The Air Force is acquiring the aircraft to replace aging F-15C and F-15D fighters. The aircraft is also designed to accommodate future weapons and system upgrades, while some planning anticipates it supporting part of the F-15E Strike Eagle mission set over time. Production and Deliveries Boeing is currently delivering aircraft from Lot 3, with deliveries continuing through the rest of 2026. The company and the Air Force are working to increase production to two aircraft per month. About 22 F-15EX aircraft have been delivered to the service as of the latest available figures. The contract involved specialists from program management, contracting, pricing, engineering, financial management, logistics and other acquisition areas. Col. Jonathan Varoli, system program manager for the F-15 Program Office, said the effort brought together the required expertise to support the program and future fighter force. The F-15EX program remains in full-rate production. Earlier Air Force plans had targeted about 129 aircraft, before the overall program goal was later increased substantially. Lot 7 sustains near-term production while the Air Force continues assessing its longer-term fighter requirements and acquisition strategy. The Department of the Air Force said it will continue working with Boeing to support rapid, affordable and sustainable F-15EX production.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-30 15:42:25
Europe
SCOTLAND — The UK Navy has conducted the first operational live firings of its Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Sea Venom missile systems against a realistic maritime target during Exercise Atlantic Thunder 2026. The tests took place at the UK Ministry of Defence’s Hebrides range off northwest Scotland, using the decommissioned former U.S. Navy guided-missile frigate USS Klakring as the target. The exercise was led by the U.S. Sixth Fleet and ran from September 14 to 25. HMS Portland fires NSM The Type 23 frigate HMS Portland, based in Plymouth, fired an operational NSM at USS Klakring. It was the Royal Navy’s first operational NSM firing against a realistic ship target. The 400kg NSM can travel at close to supersonic speed and strike targets more than 100 miles away. Its sea-skimming flight profile is designed to reduce the chance of detection. The missile is also in service with the Norwegian, U.S. and Polish navies. The Royal Navy plans to equip 11 ships, including Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers, with NSM. The missile will complement the Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon, planned as the fleet’s main long-range anti-ship missile for next-generation ships using the Mk41 vertical launch system, including Type 26 and Type 31 frigates. Petty Officer James Kenyon, an Above Water Warfare specialist who fired the missile, described the launch as the highlight of his career following more than a year of planning. Lieutenant Commander Louise Kirkaldy, HMS Portland’s Principal Warfare Officer, said the firing demonstrated a modern maritime strike capability. Wildcat fires Sea Venom A Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron, operating from HMS Portland, simultaneously fired Sea Venom missiles at the same target. It was the first operational live firing of Sea Venom from a Royal Navy Wildcat against a representative maritime target. The crew completed the full process of detecting, identifying and engaging the target. Produced by MBDA, Sea Venom has a range of more than 20km and carries a 30kg warhead. It is designed to attack corvette-sized vessels and can disable larger warships such as frigates and destroyers. A Wildcat can carry up to four missiles, and Sea Venom can also be used against land targets including bunkers, buildings and vehicles. Lieutenant Commander Rhydian Edwards, Test and Evaluation Commander for the Maritime Aviation Strike Operational Advantage Group, said the firing demonstrated the complete maritime strike process under realistic conditions. Data from the test will support future tactics, training and operational use. Sea Venom reached initial operating capability in 2025. U.S.-UK forces complete coordinated strike The exercise also involved USS Paul Ignatius, which fired an anti-surface variant of the SM-6, followed by the NSM and Sea Venom attacks from HMS Portland. The Virginia-class submarine USS Massachusetts then launched a Mk 48 Advanced Capability torpedo, delivering the final hit. USS Klakring sank in approximately 6,000 feet of water. U.S. Navy and Royal Air Force P-8 maritime patrol aircraft and U.S. Air Force F-15E aircraft also participated. The target ship underwent a rigorous cleaning process, and checks were carried out for marine mammals before the live firings. Commander Dafydd Bryden, commanding officer of HMS Portland, said firing anti-ship missiles against a decommissioned warship provided an important test of warfighting capability and the systems and personnel involved. Lieutenant Commander Paul Atkins, UK Lead Project Officer for Atlantic Thunder, said the exercise demonstrated the ability of the UK and U.S. navies to integrate, share expertise and operate as an interoperable maritime force. The firings are part of the Royal Navy’s effort to expand its anti-ship strike capability following the withdrawal of Harpoon. HMS Somerset conducted an earlier NSM test firing against a floating target in Norway in September 2025.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-30 15:37:34Search
Top Trending in 24 Hours
-
Chinese Hackers Impersonate U.S. AI Experts to Target Policy Specialists
-
Ukraine’s SkyFall Unveils Thor Hammer Strike UAV With Up to 600-Km Range
-
U.S. Navy Evaluates MQ-9B SeaGuardian as Uncrewed Force Multiplier at Whidbey Island
-
Netherlands Orders More NOMADS and NASAMS in NOK 1.5 Billion Kongsberg Deal
-
Tiberius Aerospace Secures $500 Million Contract for Sceptre Ramjet Artillery Munition
-
U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory Awards BAE Systems Contract for Pulsed Laser Research
-
ThirdEye Systems Unveils IronWeb FPV Drone Protection System for Armored Vehicles at ADEX 2026
-
U.S. Air Force Seeks Missile Warning System for F-15EX Fleet
Top Trending in 4 Days
-
UK Offers Nuclear Deterrence for Its Northern European Defence Partners
-
Eight U.S. Marines Injured in Iranian Missile Strike on U.S Vessel in Strait of Hormuz
-
Russia Says Su-75 Checkmate Could Cost Just $25–30 Million, Flight-Hour Costs 6 Times Lower Than F-35
-
China Reports First High-Orbit Refueling of BeiDou Satellite, but Tracking Data Raise Questions
-
Rheinmetall Develops Automated Reloader for Austrian Skyranger Air Defense System
-
Ukraine Receives New NASAMS Air Defense System and Interceptor Missiles From U.S. and Norway
-
Israel’s Largest Submarine, INS Drakon, Arrives in Haifa After 23-Day Voyage From Germany
-
U.S. Department of War Awards Raytheon Up to $20.7 Billion Multi-Year Contract for AMRAAM Missiles
