U.S 

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Northrop Grumman has unveiled Raid Hunter™, the official name of its new 50mm Gun-Based Air Defense (GBAD) system designed to provide short-range, layered protection against cruise missiles, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), drone swarms and other aerial threats. The company said Raid Hunter is intended to address a gap in short-range air defense by providing high-capacity firepower against large and mixed aerial raids. The system is designed to protect military bases, airfields and other critical infrastructure.   We’re introducing Raid Hunter™, our newly named 50mm gun-based air defense system designed to defeat mass, mixed aerial raids with cost-effective interceptors and deep magazine effectors which can be delivered to the warfighter at scale. Learn more: https://t.co/gnOzpo0RA3 pic.twitter.com/oTqORTG9Q4 — Northrop Grumman (@NGCNews) August 11, 2026   50mm gun and guided ammunition Raid Hunter combines Chain Gun® technology, precision-guided 50mm ammunition and a networked, interoperable system controller. According to Northrop Grumman, the combination provides a high rate of fire, deep magazines and fast reloads for engagements involving high volumes of aerial threats. The system is designed to counter a range of threats, including high-priority cruise missiles, UAS and other advanced aerial threats. Its guided 50mm ammunition is intended to support cost-considerate engagements against massed threats. Kenn Todorov, vice president and general manager of command and control and weapons integration at Northrop Grumman, said Raid Hunter addresses a critical short-range defense gap by providing rapid, high-capacity protection against complex aerial threats such as cruise missiles and drone swarms. He said air defenders need systems capable of dealing with large and complex raids designed to overwhelm traditional defense systems. According to Todorov, Raid Hunter provides a cost-effective and deep-magazine solution that can be rapidly delivered to the warfighter at scale.   Modular design and deployment Northrop Grumman said Raid Hunter uses a modular, palletized design that enables rapid transportation on C-130 aircraft. The company also plans future vehicle-mounted and container-based configurations, which are intended to expand the system's deployment options. The modular design is intended to support different operational requirements while allowing the system to be integrated into layered air-defense architectures.   Part of Raid Defense Solutions Raid Hunter is part of Northrop Grumman's Raid Defense Solutions portfolio, which focuses on layered kinetic capabilities for protection against increasingly complex and high-volume aerial threats, including coordinated drone swarms. The portfolio combines fielded programs with AI-enabled command and control, sensor fusion and high-rate firepower. Northrop Grumman said these capabilities are intended to support faster detection, decision-making and coordinated engagements across different operational scenarios.   Testing planned Northrop Grumman said it is continuing to work with government and allied partners to mature Raid Hunter's capabilities. Planned testing throughout the year will be used to further validate system performance and support accelerated fielding. The company has not disclosed specific customers, contract values or production quantities for Raid Hunter in the information provided. Raid Hunter represents Northrop Grumman's latest effort to expand its counter-UAS and air-defense capabilities with a 50mm gun-based system designed specifically for high-volume aerial threats.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-12 13:19:36

 U.S 

ARLINGTON, Va. — Leonardo DRS announced that its SGT STOUT Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) Mission Equipment Package successfully defeated Group 1 and Group 2 small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) during a recent U.S. government test event. According to Leonardo DRS, the expanded capability was achieved through software updates to the system’s detection and fire-control functions. The company said the test did not require the addition of new physical hardware to the Mission Equipment Package. The SGT STOUT is the U.S. Army’s M-SHORAD system based on a Stryker vehicle. The Army renamed the system in June 2024 after Sgt. Mitchell W. Stout, a Medal of Honor recipient who served with the 1st Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment during the Vietnam War.   Expanded Counter-Drone Capability SGT STOUT was developed to provide mobile air defense for maneuver formations. Leonardo DRS says the system can detect, identify and track air threats using onboard sensors and engage them with multiple kinetic effectors. The company’s current description also identifies Group 1 and Group 2 UAS as smaller air threats that the system can defeat at closer ranges using direct fire when required. The recent government test demonstrates an expansion from the system’s original focus on larger Group 3 unmanned aircraft systems, as well as rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft. Leonardo DRS said the new capability allows the existing Mission Equipment Package to address smaller drone threats without replacing its hardware. The company attributed the software-based upgrade path to SGT STOUT’s modular and open-architecture design. “SGT STOUT was engineered from the start for modernization, so capability can evolve as the threat evolves,” said Aaron Hankins, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Land Systems business unit. “This event highlights an upgrade path that emphasizes speed, safety, cybersecurity-by-design, and operational interoperability.”   Designed for Maneuver Forces SGT STOUT is designed for formation-based air defense, rather than primarily serving as a stationary point-defense system. Its mission equipment combines sensing, cueing and engagement functions to support maneuvering forces. Leonardo DRS previously described the system as providing the mobility, survivability and lethality needed to move with Brigade Combat Teams while detecting, tracking and defeating low-altitude aerial threats. The system also integrates with existing Army networks and is interoperable with Sentinel radar. The U.S. Army has also been developing tactics for using SGT STOUT against Group 1 and Group 2 UAS. An Army Air Defense Artillery Journal article published in June 2026 identified counter-small-UAS training and updated tactics as important areas for SGT STOUT units.   Existing System and Future Upgrades The Mission Equipment Package uses modular and platform-portable interfaces, allowing additional technologies to be integrated without redesigning the complete platform. Leonardo DRS has identified potential future additions including passive detection options, artificial intelligence-enabled decision aids, edge computing and new effectors. The company said several proven technologies could be incorporated into SGT STOUT systems already operating in the field. These upgrades are intended to further improve the system’s ability to detect, track and defeat Group 1 and Group 2 drone threats. The Army’s 2027 budget documents also show ongoing investment in SGT STOUT modernization, including software upgrades for its Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radars and other product-improvement work. The system is mounted on a Stryker platform and uses a combination of sensors, guns and missiles. Leonardo DRS lists the XM914 30 mm cannon and M240 7.62 mm machine gun among its onboard weapons, while the Army has also demonstrated Stinger missile launches from SGT STOUT during training in 2026.   Lessons From Counter-UAS Programs Leonardo DRS said it is also using experience from its role as prime contractor on the Mobile Low, Slow UAS Integrated Defeat System (M-LIDS) program. The company said lessons from SGT STOUT and other counter-UAS work are supporting the continued development of modular, software-driven air-defense capabilities. The latest test therefore demonstrates that changes to the SGT STOUT capability do not necessarily require a new vehicle or a new hardware configuration. In this case, Leonardo DRS said the ability to defeat Group 1 and Group 2 small drones was demonstrated through updates to the existing detection and fire-control software.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-12 13:10:34

 U.S 

Huntsville, Alabama — Boeing has completed a series of tests of its newly developed Ultra Low-Cost Seeker (ULCS), an active radar seeker designed to provide lower-cost precision guidance for a range of offensive and defensive weapon systems. The company announced the testing progress this week as the Space and Missile Defense Symposium opened in Huntsville, Alabama. Boeing is evaluating the ULCS for possible integration into its direct-attack, cruise missile, and integrated air and missile defense portfolios.   Testing Across Multiple Environments The latest test campaign concluded earlier this summer and examined the seeker's detection and tracking performance as well as its ability to withstand the physical stresses associated with flight. Testing included an anechoic chamber, captive-carry flights and a surrogate rocket launch. During captive-carry testing, the ULCS was mounted on the nose of a Beechcraft 1900 aircraft. The aircraft operated over both land and maritime environments to evaluate the sensor's ability to detect and track targets. At Spaceport America in New Mexico, Boeing also tested the seeker from a fixed ground position. The ULCS successfully tracked a passing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Boeing then mounted the seeker on a surrogate rocket. During the flight, the sensor tracked a secondary drone equipped with a radar reflector to represent a larger target. According to Boeing, the seeker detected and tracked its targets in each test and survived the acceleration and vibration associated with the rocket launch.   Commercial Components and Open Architecture The ULCS is an active radar seeker built primarily from commercial off-the-shelf components that Boeing has adapted for military applications. Boeing is using a modular, open-systems architecture for the seeker. The company says this approach is intended to support high-volume production and allow a common sensor architecture to be used across several weapons programs. The effort also draws on Boeing's experience producing the active radar seeker used by the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE). Boeing currently produces PAC-3 seekers in Huntsville, Alabama, as a subcontractor to Lockheed Martin. Unlike the more sophisticated PAC-3 seeker, the ULCS is being developed for lower-complexity threats where a lower-cost seeker could support larger production quantities.   Potential Applications Boeing is evaluating the ULCS for use across several weapon categories, including direct-attack weapons, cruise missiles and integrated air and missile defense systems. The company describes the seeker as being intended to support weapons capable of operating in all weather conditions and engaging moving targets. Bob Ciesla, vice president of Boeing Precision Engagement Systems, said the company wants to use a common sensor architecture across several programs. “We are developing ULCS with the goal of sharing a common sensor architecture across several of our programs. It is modular, producible and built with Weapons Open Systems Architecture to speed integration and future changes,” Ciesla said. Boeing's broader air and missile defense portfolio already includes PAC-3 seeker production and other missile-defense systems. The company says its PAC-3 seekers provide active guidance data for target acquisition, aim-point selection and terminal guidance.   Further Flight Testing Planned Boeing engineers are now analyzing data collected during the latest test campaign to refine the ULCS design. The company plans to conduct additional advanced flight tests in 2027 using configurations that more closely represent the seeker's intended end-use applications. Steve Wright, Boeing's senior manager for weapon sensors and advanced guidance, said further development work remains but described the recent testing as evidence that the ULCS concept is viable. “We still have more work to do but the rapid testing our teams have completed prove that this capability is real and will fundamentally change how we look at seeker affordability across our programs,” Wright said. Boeing has not provided a specific unit cost for the ULCS. The company is instead focusing on its use of commercial components, modular design and open-systems architecture as the basis for developing a seeker that can be produced in larger quantities and integrated into multiple weapons programs.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-12 12:28:39

 U.S 

BOULDER, Colo.  — SciTec, a wholly owned subsidiary of Firefly Aerospace (Nasdaq: FLY), has been awarded a $93,704,410 firm-fixed-price Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) by the U.S. Space Force for the Ground-Based Radar Digitization (GBRD) program. The contract will support the development of a common architecture and design for modernizing U.S. ground-based radar systems. Space Systems Command, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is the contracting activity. The work is expected to continue through April 21, 2028, with activities to be performed in Arlington, Texas; Princeton, New Jersey; and Woburn, Massachusetts.   Three Companies Selected for Radar Digitization SciTec is one of three companies selected by the Space Force for the GBRD effort. The contracts have a combined value of approximately $423.4 million. Company Contract value Raytheon Corp. $309,472,660 SciTec Innovations LLC $93,704,410 WildStar LLC $20,226,551 Total $423,403,621 The contracts were awarded through a competitive acquisition process that received eight offers. The U.S. government also obligated $107.436 million in fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation funds at the time of the awards.   Modernizing Six Legacy Radar Systems The GBRD program covers the digitization of six legacy radar systems, consisting of five Upgraded Early Warning Radar (UEWR) sites and one Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS) site. The modernization effort is intended to create a common architecture and design for the upgraded ground-based radars. According to the program description, the work is aimed at improving battlespace situational awareness through increased radar tracking capacity, range and object classification while also addressing system obsolescence and sustainment challenges. The program's focus on digitization is intended to address aging radar infrastructure and establish a more common approach to upgrading the systems. The Space Force has not publicly provided all technical details of the planned architecture.   SciTec's Role Under its $93.7 million agreement, SciTec will contribute to the GBRD modernization effort alongside Raytheon and WildStar. SciTec has more than four decades of experience supporting national security missions. Its work includes defense software, data processing and capabilities supporting areas such as missile warning and defense, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, space domain awareness, remote sensing and autonomous command and control. David Simenc, president of SciTec, said: “SciTec is honored to support the Space Force. This effort strengthens national defense, modernizing vital radar infrastructure and ensuring the United States maintains an operational advantage in an increasingly contested environment while minimizing total lifecycle costs to taxpayers and warfighters.”   Firefly Completed SciTec Acquisition in 2025 The radar contract also comes after Firefly Aerospace completed its acquisition of SciTec in late 2025. Firefly announced the completion of the transaction on November 5, 2025, after announcing the planned acquisition the previous month. Firefly agreed to acquire SciTec for approximately $855 million, with the transaction involving cash and Firefly shares. The acquisition brought SciTec's national-security software and data-processing capabilities into Firefly's broader space and defense business. SciTec has continued operating as part of Firefly following the acquisition. Firefly Aerospace has capabilities spanning launch, lunar and in-space operations. In March 2025, its Blue Ghost Mission 1 successfully landed on the Moon, an achievement also documented by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. The GBRD award adds another U.S. government modernization program to SciTec's defense portfolio and gives the company a role in the planned digitization of legacy ground-based radar infrastructure. The current contract is scheduled to run through April 21, 2028.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-11 16:27:56

 U.S 

The United States is maintaining a significant naval presence in the Middle East as the 60-day negotiating period established under the June U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding approaches its deadline. The June 17 memorandum established a maximum 60-day period for Washington and Tehran to negotiate a final agreement, with the period extendable by mutual consent. The agreement also addressed the U.S. naval blockade and called for its removal, with the blockade to be fully ended within 30 days. Because of that provision, the U.S. naval presence in the region is more accurately described as a dual-carrier presence rather than a confirmed continuing blockade.   Two Aircraft Carriers Remain Central to U.S. Naval Presence The U.S. naval force in the Middle East includes the Nimitz-class aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) and USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77), according to the information provided. The presence of the two carriers provides the U.S. Navy with substantial aviation and maritime capabilities while negotiations over a longer-term U.S.-Iran agreement continue. The June memorandum called for an immediate start to the removal of the U.S. naval blockade and its complete removal within 30 days. It also included provisions for the restoration of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The supplied operational data states that U.S. Central Command forces had redirected 55 commercial vessels, boarded two vessels and kinetically disabled two others as part of maritime enforcement operations. These specific figures could not be independently confirmed through an official U.S. government source available for this report and are therefore treated as reported figures rather than independently verified facts.   Extended Deployment of USS Abraham Lincoln The USS Abraham Lincoln is approaching nine months of deployment, according to the supplied information. The long deployment has raised concerns among some family members about conditions aboard the carrier. U.S. 5th Fleet spokesperson Cmdr. Joseph Hontz acknowledged that deployments lasting more than 250 days present challenges for sailors and equipment. Hontz said the carrier remains capable of carrying out its assigned missions and has adequate food and provisions. He also acknowledged that the ship has occasionally experienced short periods when certain supplies were running low. The supplied information also reports continued carrier aviation activity, including the launch of an EA-18G Growler from Electronic Attack Squadron 133 from Abraham Lincoln on July 31.   USS George Washington Operates in the South China Sea While the Middle East force remains focused on the Iran situation, the U.S. Navy continues to maintain a separate carrier presence in the Indo-Pacific. The Nimitz-class USS George Washington (CVN-73) recently completed a scheduled five-day port visit to Da Nang, Vietnam. The carrier arrived on July 30, according to the U.S. Navy, alongside elements of Carrier Strike Group 5. The visit was the fourth U.S. aircraft-carrier visit to Vietnam and followed earlier U.S.-Vietnam naval engagements. The carrier is operating with other ships from its strike group, including the guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls and guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup. The supplied information also identifies USS Benfold as part of the group. Open-source flight-tracking information cited in the supplied data placed the group approximately 100 nautical miles west of Luzon in the Philippines. A CMV-22B Osprey associated with Carrier Air Wing 5, using the callsign RUDY73, was also reported to have made a round trip to Clark Air Base in the Philippines.   USS Theodore Roosevelt Returns to San Diego The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) has returned to Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego following approximately two months away that included participation in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026. RIMPAC 2026 ran from June 24 through July 31 around Hawaii and involved dozens of nations, ships, aircraft and personnel. The U.S. Navy describes RIMPAC as a major multinational maritime exercise. After returning to San Diego, Theodore Roosevelt hosted nearly 2,000 friends and family members for a "tiger cruise" over the weekend of August 8. The event gave family members an opportunity to observe carrier operations and the working environment of the crew. Capt. William Mathis, the carrier's commanding officer, said the event was intended to allow sailors to demonstrate their professionalism and help their families understand their work. The carrier's future deployment is not clear from publicly verified information. The supplied data states that possible future tasking could include relieving Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East or conducting operations in the Western Pacific, depending on developments in the U.S.-Iran negotiations.   Amphibious Fleet Faces Continued Demand The Navy's amphibious forces also remain heavily committed. Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith has previously highlighted the shortage of Amphibious Ready Groups available to meet combatant-commanders' requirements. In May, the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit assumed the Littoral Combat Force-24 designation in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility. The force operates as a Marine Air-Ground Task Force and is centered on the amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28). The Littoral Combat Force-24 concept provides a different deployment model from a traditional Amphibious Ready Group. U.S. Southern Command has described it as an agile force designed to provide operational options in the region. Other amphibious ships are also moving through training and deployment cycles. The USS Essex (LHD-2) participated in RIMPAC 2026 and subsequently conducted operations around Pearl Harbor as it prepared to leave the area following the exercise. The supplied information states that USS Makin Island completed ARGMEUEX training on July 31, while USS Essex departed Pearl Harbor following RIMPAC.   U.S. Navy Maintains a Global Carrier Posture The supplied fleet assessment indicates that three U.S. aircraft carriers are deployed globally, while three are in various stages of workups or homeport readiness, four are undergoing maintenance and one is assigned to training. For the amphibious fleet, the same assessment lists one Amphibious Ready Group as deployed, five in port or training and three undergoing maintenance. These figures represent a snapshot of the fleet's status and can change as ships complete maintenance, training and deployment rotations. For the Middle East, the key issue remains the outcome of the U.S.-Iran negotiations. The June memorandum established the 60-day negotiating period while also requiring the removal of the U.S. naval blockade. As the deadline approaches, the disposition of U.S. carrier forces in the Middle East will remain closely linked to developments in the negotiations and the broader security situation around the Strait of Hormuz. Recent reporting indicates that discussions over reopening the waterway and reaching a longer-term arrangement remain ongoing. Note: I changed “dual-carrier blockade” to “dual-carrier presence” because the verified June 17 U.S.-Iran memorandum explicitly required the U.S. naval blockade to be fully ended within 30 days. Describing a continuing blockade as an established fact would conflict with the verified agreement. Source : TWZ

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-11 16:16:12

 U.S 

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Northrop Grumman is advancing its Project Talon initiative, a connected autonomous combat ecosystem that brings together autonomy software development, flight testing and modular uncrewed aircraft. The company’s approach is focused on reducing the time required to move new autonomous capabilities from development and laboratory testing to flight evaluation and, ultimately, operational applications. Northrop Grumman describes Project Talon as part of its broader effort to develop open-architecture autonomous systems that can be adapted as mission requirements change. Project Talon includes two principal elements: Talon IQ, an autonomous flight-test environment, and the YFQ-48A Talon Blue, an autonomous wingman aircraft intended to operate with crewed aircraft.   Project Talon links software testing with operational aircraft The central idea behind Project Talon is to separate the development and testing of autonomy software from the development of the final combat aircraft. Talon IQ provides a flight environment where autonomy capabilities can be integrated and evaluated using an existing aircraft platform. Software can then be refined before being transferred to other aircraft. Northrop Grumman has described its autonomy approach as based on open architecture and interoperability. The company says this allows different technologies and software providers to work with its autonomous systems rather than limiting development to a single software solution. The approach has already been demonstrated through Talon IQ flights. In March 2026, Northrop Grumman and Shield AI tested Shield AI's Hivemind autonomy software on the Talon IQ aircraft. During the flight, Hivemind controlled mission-level behaviors before control was transferred back to Northrop Grumman's Prism autonomy system. The demonstration was intended to show the ability to integrate third-party autonomy software into the open-architecture test environment.   YFQ-48A Talon Blue The second major element of Project Talon is the YFQ-48A Talon Blue. Northrop Grumman developed the aircraft after its original Collaborative Combat Aircraft proposal did not advance to the final selection in the Air Force's first CCA competition. The U.S. Air Force selected General Atomics' YFQ-42A and Anduril's YFQ-44A for the first increment of the program. Northrop Grumman subsequently redesigned its concept with Scaled Composites, its subsidiary, focusing on a simpler airframe and faster manufacturing. The Air Force formally assigned the YFQ-48A designation to Northrop Grumman's Project Talon aircraft in December 2025. At the time, the company said the new aircraft was significantly different from its earlier CCA design. According to figures disclosed by Northrop Grumman, the YFQ-48A has approximately 50 percent fewer parts, weighs about 1,000 pounds less than the company's previous CCA proposal and can be manufactured approximately 30 percent faster. The aircraft makes extensive use of composite structures, while some components are based on existing aerospace designs. The company has also been conducting ground testing of the aircraft. The YFQ-48A completed an engine start earlier in 2026 and conducted its first taxi test in May. Northrop Grumman describes the Talon Blue as a modular, cost-effective and rapidly deployable autonomous wingman, with the design intended to support different mission configurations.   Talon IQ is based on Model 437 Talon IQ uses the Scaled Composites Model 437 as its flight-test platform. The Model 437 is a 41-foot-long aircraft with a 41-foot wingspan and a gross takeoff weight of approximately 10,000 pounds. The aircraft is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PW535 turbofan producing approximately 3,400 pounds of thrust. Its stated design figures include a range of about 3,000 nautical miles, an endurance of up to six hours and a payload capacity of approximately 2,000 pounds. The Model 437 was developed as a low-cost, multi-mission aircraft and has an internal weapons bay sized for two AIM-120 air-to-air missiles. Its design also provides space for other mission payloads. The aircraft first flew in August 2024 as a technology demonstrator developed by Scaled Composites. Its development was also used to demonstrate Northrop Grumman's digital design and manufacturing processes.   Project Talon develops alongside the CCA program Project Talon is being developed as the U.S. Air Force continues its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) effort. CCA is intended to provide uncrewed aircraft that can operate alongside crewed platforms. The first increment is currently moving forward with the General Atomics YFQ-42A and Anduril YFQ-44A. The CCA program has also progressed into weapons and operational testing. In July 2026, the Air Force conducted a live-fire test in which a YFQ-44A fired an AIM-120 missile at a digital target over the Mojave Desert. The Air Force said the test followed earlier inert weapons carriage and data-link evaluations. The Air Force has emphasized that human oversight remains part of the CCA concept. During the July test, the service stated that weapon-release decisions remain under human control, even as the aircraft performs portions of the weapon-employment sequence autonomously. The service is also testing CCA aircraft in more operationally representative environments. In July, the YFQ-44A participated in an exercise at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, where the Air Force examined operations, logistics, maintenance and integration with crewed aircraft.   Northrop Grumman's focus on software and manufacturing Northrop Grumman's Project Talon approach combines two areas that are becoming increasingly important in autonomous aircraft development: software integration and aircraft production. Talon IQ is intended to provide a reusable environment for testing autonomy technologies, while Talon Blue is designed around reduced part counts, modular construction and faster manufacturing. The company says its broader autonomy portfolio uses open architectures and human-overseen autonomy, with the aim of allowing autonomous systems to incorporate new technologies without requiring an entirely new aircraft for every capability change. Northrop Grumman is therefore continuing to develop the YFQ-48A Talon Blue even though it was not selected for the Air Force's initial CCA Increment 1 production competition. The aircraft has received an official Air Force designation and continues through development and ground testing, while Talon IQ provides a separate platform for testing autonomy software and related technologies. The combination of the two platforms forms the main structure of Project Talon: Talon IQ provides the flight-test environment for autonomy development, while YFQ-48A Talon Blue is the modular autonomous aircraft being developed for future CCA requirements.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-11 15:36:49

 U.S 

BEDMINSTER, N.J., August 11, 2026 — A U.S. Army AN/TWQ-1 Avenger short-range air defense system, supported by an AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar, was deployed at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey while President Donald Trump played golf during the final round of the LIV Golf Bedminster tournament on August 9. Images from the golf course show Trump playing with an Avenger system positioned behind concertina wire in the background. Additional imagery shows an Avenger and an AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar near the course. The White House confirmed the authenticity of the photographs to The War Zone on August 10. The deployment comes as security concerns surrounding Trump have increased amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran. Independent analyst has linked the presence of the air-defense system to concerns about a possible Iranian aerial attack against the president. The exact threat assessment behind the deployment has not been publicly disclosed.   🇺🇸 #US: President Donald Trump was seen golfing at his Bedminster, New Jersey club with a missile-defense system deployed nearby, as F-16s were scrambled to intercept civilian aircraft that entered the temporary restricted airspace over the area.NORAD said two general-aviation… pic.twitter.com/NyZbj9OUEo — POPULAR FRONT (@PopularFront_) August 10, 2026 Iran has Trump so shook and scared right now he has to have a AN/TWQ-1 SHORAD air defense system with a AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel Radar follow him around as he golfs.lmao he is scared to even be outdoors anywhere at this point.pic.twitter.com/aEHQLlEr3p — Stellar Man (@stellarman22) August 10, 2026 Avenger provides short-range air defense The AN/TWQ-1 Avenger is a Humvee-mounted short-range air-defense system that uses FIM-92 Stinger surface-to-air missiles. The system can carry up to eight ready-to-fire Stinger missiles and is also equipped with an M3P .50-caliber machine gun. U.S. Army documents describe the Avenger as a mobile system designed to counter low-altitude unmanned aircraft and fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. The Army has also integrated Avenger units into counter-unmanned-aircraft operations. The system can receive air tracks from the Sentinel radar, allowing the weapon system to be directed toward detected aerial threats. The AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel provides the accompanying air surveillance capability. The Army describes the radar as a 360-degree X-band system providing persistent air surveillance and fire-control-quality data. Its published instrumented range is up to 75 kilometers, and it can acquire, track and classify unmanned aircraft, cruise missiles and fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. When the Avenger systems are deployed to assist the Secret Service in protecting the president, NORAD has said they are operated by the 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command. A NORAD spokesperson declined to provide further details about how frequently the systems are used in this role, according to The War Zone.   Avenger was also seen at Bedminster on August 1 The air-defense system was not first seen at the golf club on August 9. On August 1, the White House released a video showing Trump speaking with U.S. Army personnel at Bedminster. An Avenger was visible in the background. During the exchange, Trump joked that he was not worried about “missiles and drones.” A U.S. Army colonel responded, “We got it covered,” while pointing toward the Humvee-mounted system. The appearance of the Avenger on both occasions indicates that the system has been positioned at Bedminster beyond a single golf outing. The White House has not publicly provided details about the duration or full scope of the deployment.   NORAD F-16s intercepted civilian aircraft The heightened airspace security around Bedminster was also visible on August 9. While Trump was at the golf club, NORAD F-16 fighter aircraft intercepted two general aviation aircraft that violated the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) airspace over the area. NORAD said that all general aviation aircraft were safely escorted out of the restricted area. NORAD routinely supports the U.S. Secret Service and the Federal Aviation Administration in enforcing temporary flight restrictions established around protected presidential locations. The presence of fighter aircraft and the ground-based Avenger system represents different layers of airspace protection, although details of how the systems were coordinated during the incident have not been released.   Trump has previously faced threats at golf courses The security arrangements at Bedminster come against a background of previous threats and attacks involving Trump, including an attempted assassination at a golf course. On September 15, 2024, Trump was playing golf at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, when a Secret Service agent conducting a perimeter sweep spotted a rifle in the tree line near the sixth hole. The agent fired toward the suspect, later identified as Ryan Wesley Routh. Routh was subsequently convicted of attempting to assassinate Trump. In February 2026, he was sentenced to life in prison plus seven years. Trump was also the target of an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. The gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired at Trump before being killed by law enforcement. The shooting also killed one spectator and seriously injured two others. More recently, authorities arrested Jeanine John Taele, 38, at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, after he was observed photographing and recording security preparations ahead of Trump's scheduled visit. Authorities found ammunition on him and a loaded pistol in his vehicle, while subsequent searches uncovered additional weapons and other equipment. Authorities have not said that Taele was involved in an assassination plot against Trump.   Iran-related threats add another security concern The current security environment also includes a history of threats from Iran against Trump. In January 2020, after the U.S. strike that killed Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, an image was posted by an account associated with Iran's then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei showing what appeared to be a drone targeting Trump while he played golf. The image was widely interpreted as a threat of retaliation. The threat environment has since changed significantly. Khamenei was killed during U.S. strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, according to reporting at the time. Iran has also developed and used various unmanned aircraft, including one-way attack drones. However, there is no public confirmation that Iran has specifically planned an attack against Trump at Bedminster.   Other protective systems are not visible The Avenger is only one component of presidential security. The photographs released from Bedminster do not show the full range of systems or personnel protecting the president. The War Zone noted that other capabilities, potentially including electronic-warfare equipment, may be present but are not visible in the available imagery. The exact composition of the security arrangement has not been disclosed. Avenger systems have also been used previously for air-defense missions around sensitive locations. The U.S. Army continues to maintain the system as part of its short-range air-defense capabilities, including missions against unmanned aerial systems. The deployment at Bedminster therefore provides a visible example of how military short-range air-defense assets can be incorporated into presidential protection when the president is operating in an open outdoor environment. For Trump, playing golf at Bedminster on August 9 meant having an Army Avenger and Sentinel radar positioned nearby, while NORAD fighter aircraft were also responding to violations of the temporary restricted airspace. The specific threat information that led to the deployment remains classified or undisclosed.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-11 11:57:22

 U.S 

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Lockheed Martin and L3Harris Technologies have completed a successful static-fire test of the Stage 2 solid rocket motor for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) program. The full-duration test was conducted inside a high-vacuum chamber using the L3Harris-built advanced large solid rocket motor. The test was designed to evaluate the motor under conditions representative of those expected during the interceptor’s mission. According to Lockheed Martin, the test confirmed key motor performance parameters, including thrust generation, chamber pressure and combustion stability. Data collected during the firing will support continued NGI design work, system integration and preparations for future flight testing. “This successful static fire test is a significant milestone on the path to the Critical Design Review and confirms our confidence that the NGI motor will meet the demanding performance envelope required for fielding by 2030,” said Christopher Jewell, Lockheed Martin’s vice president of the NGI program. He said the test data will be used to inform the final interceptor design and support integration with the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) architecture.   NGI development moves toward Critical Design Review The NGI is being developed to strengthen the United States’ homeland ballistic missile defense capability. The interceptor is intended to operate as part of the existing GMD architecture. The MDA selected Lockheed Martin in April 2024 to continue NGI development through Critical Design Review, qualification, integration with GMD and flight testing. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for the NGI program, while L3Harris provides major propulsion and control-system elements. L3Harris is responsible for the Stage 1 and Stage 2 advanced large solid rocket motors, along with the Attitude Control System (ACS) and Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS). The ACS and DACS provide the control needed for the interceptor to maneuver during an engagement. The Stage 2 motor test follows a successful burst test of the NGI second-stage motor case completed earlier in August. During that test, the composite motor case was pressurized beyond expected launch loads and withstood the required stresses before failing as planned.   Manufacturing capacity expanded in Alabama Lockheed Martin is also expanding its manufacturing infrastructure for the NGI program. In June 2026, the company opened an 88,000-square-foot Missile Assembly Building 5 (MAB-5) in Courtland, Alabama. The facility is designed to produce and integrate NGI interceptors and uses digital manufacturing tools and processes. The company has also been investing in additional production lines, tooling and plant layouts in Alabama to support future NGI manufacturing requirements. L3Harris manufactures the large solid rocket motors for the program at facilities in Alabama and Arkansas, while components for the ACS and DACS are produced in California and Virginia. The NGI program uses digital engineering and modeling during development. Lockheed Martin says the approach is intended to reduce the time required for design, fabrication and validation and to support the transition from development to production. “This successful hot-fire test demonstrates L3Harris’ commitment to delivering dependable, high-performance propulsion systems, and we will continue to execute to support NGI’s first flight test,” said Scott Alexander, president of Propulsion Systems and Missile Solutions at L3Harris. With the Stage 2 motor test completed, the program is moving toward its planned Critical Design Review and subsequent flight-testing activities. Lockheed Martin has stated that the motor-test data will be incorporated into remaining design finalization and system-integration work. Note: The U.S. Missile Defense Agency's April 2024 announcement described an initial operational capability objective of no later than the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2028, while the August 2026 Lockheed Martin statement provided in the supplied material refers to fielding by 2030.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-11 11:38:52

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — Lockheed Martin and Raytheon are reportedly raising concerns about a potential U.S. licensing arrangement that would allow Ukraine to produce Patriot missile interceptors. The companies’ concerns involve intellectual property and technology-transfer risks, while the broader debate also reflects questions about how Ukraine’s rapidly expanding defense industry could affect the existing Patriot production base. The issue comes as Washington and Kyiv discuss ways to increase Ukraine’s access to Patriot interceptors amid continuing Russian missile attacks and a global shortage of air-defense missiles. U.S. President Donald Trump publicly said on July 8 that the United States would give Ukraine a license to produce Patriot missiles. Trump made the statement while meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the NATO summit in Ankara. At the time, Trump also acknowledged that the companies involved in producing the system had not yet been informed of the decision. The exact scope of a possible license remains unclear. It could involve production of interceptors or selected components rather than allowing Ukraine to manufacture complete Patriot batteries, which also include launchers, radar, command-and-control equipment and other systems.   Concerns From Patriot Manufacturers Patriot production involves two major U.S. defense companies. Raytheon, part of RTX, produces Patriot interceptors including the GEM-T, while Lockheed Martin produces the PAC-3 interceptor family. According to reporting by The Atlantic, the companies are concerned about intellectual property and unauthorized technology transfers. A Republican official familiar with the issue told the publication that the deeper commercial concern is that Ukrainian manufacturers could eventually improve the Patriot and manufacture it at greater scale and lower cost than existing U.S. production lines. The companies have not publicly confirmed that they are opposing the licensing proposal on those grounds. Earlier, Raytheon had indicated interest in working with Ukraine on co-producing Patriot interceptors. During a July 23 meeting with a Raytheon delegation, Zelenskyy said the company was ready to consider deeper cooperation with Ukraine, including co-production of Patriot interceptors. Raytheon Vice President Joseph DeAntona said the company was interested in opportunities to work jointly with Ukraine on ground-based air-defense systems.   Ukraine Expands Defense Production Ukraine has substantially expanded its domestic defense industry during the war, particularly in the production of unmanned systems. Zelenskyy said on July 15 that Ukraine was producing 10 million drones annually and planned to increase that figure to 20 million with support from partners. The country has also developed relatively low-cost unmanned systems. The Darts drone, produced by Ukrainian company Stalevi Shershni, has been reported at a basic unit cost of about $1,000. Ukraine has also adapted foreign and commercial technologies for battlefield use. One example is the Ukrainian-developed Sky Map counter-drone platform, which combines information from sensors and radars to detect and track aerial threats. Reuters reported in April that the U.S. military had deployed the system at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia and that Ukrainian personnel were training U.S. forces to use it. These developments have contributed to growing interest in Ukraine as a defense-technology partner rather than only as a recipient of military assistance.   Patriot Production Comes Amid Interceptor Shortages The licensing debate comes at a time when demand for Patriot interceptors has increased sharply. The Patriot system has become particularly important for Ukraine because of its ability to engage ballistic-missile threats. Ukraine has repeatedly called for additional Patriot systems and interceptors as Russia continues to conduct large-scale missile attacks. Reuters reported on August 7 that about 65% of the U.S. Patriot interceptor stock had been used between February and July 2026, leaving fewer than 850 interceptors according to the figures cited in its report. The United States is also working to increase production to replenish depleted inventories. Ukraine's missile-defense requirements have also increased. Ukrainian Air Force data showed that Russia launched 376 missiles against Ukraine in July, more than twice the number recorded in June. The shortage has made increasing production an important issue for both the United States and its allies. A Ukrainian production arrangement could eventually provide another source of interceptors, although establishing a complete production capability would take time.   Production Would Not Begin Immediately A license would not automatically mean that Ukraine could quickly manufacture complete Patriot systems. The Patriot is a complex system involving multiple specialized components and production chains. Current discussions have therefore included the possibility of Ukrainian production of specific components or interceptors rather than immediate domestic production of entire Patriot batteries. The United States and Ukraine would also have to determine which technologies could be transferred, which components could be manufactured locally and how the production process would be integrated with existing U.S. suppliers. For Ukraine, domestic production could reduce dependence on deliveries from existing foreign stockpiles. For the United States, it could provide another potential production location at a time when demand for Patriot interceptors is high. However, the licensing process remains dependent on negotiations between the U.S. government, Ukraine and the companies involved. Trump has publicly supported granting Ukraine production rights, while the precise terms and scope of any final agreement have not been publicly established. The result of those discussions will determine whether Ukraine eventually becomes a producer of selected Patriot components, interceptors or a broader part of the system's manufacturing chain. Source : The Atlantic

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-10 16:04:06

 U.S 

REDONDO BEACH, California —  Northrop Grumman is developing an integrated missile defense architecture that connects space-based sensors, battle management systems and interceptors to detect, track and engage ballistic and hypersonic missile threats. The architecture links capabilities across space, air, sea and land and combines existing systems with those under development. The objective is to create a continuous chain from initial missile detection and tracking to interceptor engagement. At the center is the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), which connects sensors and weapons that were not originally designed to operate together. The system provides a common command-and-control network and uses software-based data integration. Artificial intelligence supports threat classification and interceptor selection, giving operators a shared view of the battlespace. Rob Fleming, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Space Systems, said the company is combining next-generation sensors, advanced interceptors and AI-enabled decision-making to help warfighters detect and understand threats sooner, make faster decisions and adapt as threats evolve.   Space-based detection The space layer includes Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (NG-OPIR) Polar satellites operating in highly elliptical orbits. Their infrared sensors are designed to detect missile heat signatures across the Northern Hemisphere. Northrop Grumman is under a $4.2 billion contract to build and launch two OPIR-Polar spacecraft for the U.S. Space Force. Another component is the Ballistic Missile Defense System Overhead Persistent Infrared Architecture (BOA). It combines infrared data from multiple satellite constellations and processes the information into three-dimensional missile tracks for command-and-control systems. BOA is designed to support real-time threat detection, tracking and classification, including during high-volume missile attacks. Northrop Grumman is also involved in the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) program and the Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture Tracking Layer, providing infrared missile warning and tracking capabilities from low-Earth orbit.   Glide Phase Interceptor For hypersonic threats, the architecture includes the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI), which is designed to engage hypersonic glide vehicles during their glide phase. GPI is being developed for launch from Mk 41 Vertical Launch Systems on Aegis-equipped ships and Aegis Ashore sites. The U.S. Missile Defense Agency selected Northrop Grumman as the prime contractor. In April 2026, the Missile Defense Agency awarded a $475 million contract modification, bringing the total agreement value to approximately $1.31 billion. Work under the current agreement is scheduled for completion by June 2028, with the preliminary design review targeted around that period. The program is being developed with Japan under a 50-50 workshare arrangement. The United States is responsible for the first-stage booster, third-stage solid rocket motor and key kill-vehicle components, including the aeroshell, avionics and seeker. Japan is developing the second-stage solid rocket motor, third-stage attitude-control system and parts of the kill vehicle, including the rocket motor, fin actuators and fins. The interceptor uses advanced seekers, dual aerodynamic and rocket-motor guidance, modular software and energy-flexible propulsion. Digital twins and modular open-system architecture are being used during development.   IBCS and missile defense integration IBCS is a core part of the U.S. Army's integrated air and missile defense modernization. It connects different sensors and effectors and combines their information into an integrated air picture. Northrop Grumman reports that IBCS has completed numerous successful flight tests, including its 34th consecutive successful missile flight test and 44th intercept as of mid-2026. The system has been demonstrated with capabilities including the Indirect Fire Protection Capability and Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor. IBCS is in full-rate production and has achieved operational milestones with Poland's WISŁA medium-range air defense program. It has also been fielded with U.S. combatant commands in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.   Expanding rocket motor production Northrop Grumman is expanding solid rocket motor production to support multiple missile programs. The company has produced more than 1.3 million solid rocket motors and increased annual production from about 13,000 motors in 2024, with a target of 25,000 annually by 2029. The company has invested more than $1 billion in recent years to expand production facilities in West Virginia, Maryland and Utah. Propellant production is currently around 30 million pounds, with additional capacity planned. Multi-year agreements include production support for PAC-3 and THAAD motors.   Digital manufacturing and allied cooperation Northrop Grumman is using additive manufacturing and digital engineering to support missile production. Some interceptor components are produced using 3D-printed titanium, reducing certain tooling requirements and shortening production lead times from months to weeks. The company's Modular Avionics Control Hardware (MACH) provides a flexible architecture that can be configured for different launch-vehicle control systems. Digital twins and virtual testing are also being used to reduce development risks and schedules. The company is extending its integrated approach to allies, including the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia and several NATO members. Cooperation includes GPI development with Japan, solid rocket motor activities with Australia and IBCS-related work with European partners. The broader approach emphasizes shared procurement, interoperable data standards and open architectures. Northrop Grumman also plans forward-deployed ground stations in Europe and the Indo-Pacific to provide participating nations with real-time situational awareness. The overall architecture is intended to connect space-based detection and tracking with command-and-control systems and interceptors, creating a multi-domain missile defense network for U.S. and allied forces against ballistic and hypersonic threats.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-10 15:41:46

 U.S 

DJIBOUTI — A US Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone crashed on Sunday near Chabelley airfield in Djibouti, according to reports and official statements. The US Embassy in Djibouti first noted the situation earlier in the day. It said it was tracking an aircraft in distress in Djiboutian airspace and advised the public to avoid the area around Chabelley airbase until further notice. Later, the embassy confirmed an incident involving a US military aircraft in the vicinity of Chabelley Airfield. It stated that the matter is under investigation. Initial reports showed no casualties and no property damage on the ground. US personnel are coordinating with Djiboutian authorities. Media inquiries were directed to United States Africa Command. A US military official confirmed the aircraft was an MQ-9 and said it was not shot down. Local reports and open-source accounts identified the drone as operating from the US facility at Chabelley, which hosts MQ-9 aircraft used for regional missions. The crash occurred near the airfield, with some accounts placing it near a local cemetery area. No injuries or ground damage were reported. Chabelley airfield supports US Air Force operations in the region. The incident is under investigation, and further details on the cause have not been released by US or Djiboutian authorities at this time. Iranian media outlets reported the crash and referenced the embassy’s earlier advisory. Some of those reports suggested other factors, but US officials have stated the drone was not shot down.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-09 16:12:25

 U.S 

SAN DIEGO — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has received a U.S. Army contract to develop, manufacture and test an enhanced infrared seeker for the FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missile. The contract, awarded on August 6 by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) C5ISR Center, focuses on replacing obsolete components in the Javelin's existing guidance section and developing a production-ready seeker for continued long-term use. Kratos will conduct development and manufacturing at its Advanced Manufacturing Center in Birmingham, Alabama. The completed seeker will then undergo testing at U.S. Army government facilities.   New seeker to address aging components The Javelin's infrared seeker is responsible for detecting and tracking the target after launch. Its fire-and-forget capability allows the operator to lock onto a target before firing, after which the missile tracks the target independently. The new Kratos seeker is intended primarily to address obsolescence in the current guidance section. Some older semiconductor, detector and manufacturing technologies used in military systems can become unavailable as suppliers discontinue older product lines. The contract therefore focuses on providing a production-ready replacement that can be manufactured and supported for the Javelin's continued service. Overall development, production and support of the Javelin system remain with the Lockheed Martin-RTX Javelin Joint Venture. Lockheed Martin currently supplies the existing seeker, while Raytheon is responsible for the Command Launch Unit, related guidance electronics and system software. Kratos will develop the next-generation seeker.   Javelin modernization continues The seeker program follows the U.S. Army's introduction of the Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU). The first LWCLUs were delivered to the Army on May 26, 2026. The new unit is 25 percent lighter and 30 percent smaller than the legacy Block 1 Command Launch Unit and provides roughly twice the target detection and recognition range. It is compatible with current, past and future Javelin missile variants. Raytheon has invested $22 million to modernize its Tucson, Arizona, production facility to support higher LWCLU production rates. The Javelin missile production line is also being expanded. Lockheed Martin is increasing annual production capacity to 3,960 missiles by late 2026, compared with the previous capacity of 2,400 missiles per year. The expansion includes additional tooling, testing equipment and supply-chain capacity.   Long-term Javelin production The Javelin entered U.S. service in 1996 and replaced the wire-guided M47 Dragon. Full-rate production began in 1994, and more than 50,000 missiles had been delivered by 2021. The system is expected to remain in U.S. service through at least 2050. Its combination of a portable launcher, imaging infrared seeker and fire-and-forget guidance allows infantry units to engage armored targets without maintaining guidance after launch. The Javelin has also been widely supplied to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Those transfers increased the requirement for additional U.S. production and subsequent replenishment of U.S. inventories. The Kratos contract adds a new element to the broader Javelin modernization effort. While the LWCLU addresses the weapon's launch and target-acquisition equipment and Lockheed Martin expands missile production, Kratos will replace the aging seeker technology inside the missile. The new seeker is intended to keep the Javelin's guidance system supportable and suitable for continued production as the U.S. Army maintains the weapon for long-term service.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-09 16:09:32

 U.S 

ARLINGTON, Virginia — The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking industry concepts for a new generation of hypersonic cruise missile designed to combine speeds above Mach 5 with lower development and production costs. DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office issued a Request for Information (RFI) on August 7 for the Next Generation Hypersonic Cruise Missile (NGHCM). The agency is looking for an air-breathing weapon that can fly faster than Mach 5 and can be produced efficiently at scale. Responses are due by October 6. DARPA also plans to hold an industry day in September in Arlington, Virginia, to provide additional technical information and discuss the program with interested organizations. An RFI does not award a contract or guarantee funding. It allows the government to collect industry input while developing potential technical requirements and acquisition plans.   Focus on Air-Breathing Hypersonic Technology The NGHCM is planned as an air-breathing hypersonic cruise missile rather than a boost-glide weapon. The concept would use oxygen from the atmosphere during flight instead of carrying an oxidizer. DARPA is seeking concepts based on scramjet propulsion. Scramjets compress incoming air at supersonic speeds and use it to support combustion of fuel. The agency is also asking industry to consider different missile sizes and launch methods. Concepts could include weapons small enough for fighter aircraft weapons bays, as well as larger versions for bombers, naval ships or ground launchers. The primary objective is to develop a weapon capable of operating against advanced integrated air defense systems (IADS), which combine radars, surface-to-air missiles and fighter aircraft.   Building on the HAWC Program The NGHCM effort builds on DARPA's previous Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) program, conducted with the U.S. Air Force. HAWC focused on technologies for air-breathing hypersonic flight, including scramjet propulsion, vehicle design and thermal management. In January 2023, a Lockheed Martin-built HAWC vehicle completed its final flight test. DARPA reported that it exceeded Mach 5, reached an altitude above 60,000 feet and traveled more than 300 nautical miles. The work later continued through More Opportunities with HAWC (MoHAWC), which involved further development and flight testing of technologies from Raytheon and Northrop Grumman. HAWC technology also contributed to the Air Force's Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) program led by Raytheon.   Cost and Production Challenges DARPA's new effort places strong emphasis on manufacturing from the beginning of development. The agency wants companies to apply Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) principles so that future weapons can be produced more efficiently instead of relying on expensive prototypes that are difficult to manufacture in larger numbers. The RFI asks industry to explore new propulsion technologies, heat-resistant materials and testing methods that could reduce development time and production costs. DARPA is also encouraging partnerships between major defense contractors and smaller or non-traditional companies, including universities and government laboratories. The approach reflects challenges faced by existing U.S. hypersonic programs, including HACM. A July 2026 Government Accountability Office report said HACM's flight-testing plan had been reduced from seven tests to five, while its initial operational capability target had moved to fiscal year 2029. The report also said development costs were approaching $2 billion. The Air Force has also provided funding for the earlier AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) as another path while hypersonic development continues.   Next Steps DARPA will use responses to the RFI to assess available technologies and help shape potential technical requirements and acquisition plans. The September industry day in Arlington will provide additional information to interested organizations, while responses to the RFI are due October 6. The NGHCM remains at the information-gathering and technology-development stage. DARPA has not awarded a production contract through the RFI. The program is focused on finding an air-breathing hypersonic cruise missile approach that can achieve Mach 5-plus speeds while addressing development time, manufacturing efficiency and production cost. 

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 16:13:49

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army has placed an additional order worth more than $50 million for HERO 120 loitering munition systems and supporting equipment from Mistral Inc. and Uvision Inc. under the Army’s Lethal Unmanned Systems (LUS) program. The new order expands the number of HERO 120 systems being delivered to U.S. Army soldiers and supports training, readiness and operational requirements. The award follows the successful completion of the first Lot Acceptance Tests (LAT) for the system on August 4, 2026. Mistral and Uvision announced the additional order on August 5. The companies said the production systems completed the required acceptance-test missions and met the Army’s performance standards during the LAT process. The systems are manufactured domestically in the United States.   Additional Order Under $982 Million Army Contract The latest order is part of an existing multi-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract valued at $982 million. The Army awarded the contract to Mistral and Uvision in October 2025 for the procurement, fielding, training and sustainment of the HERO 120 under the LUS program. Mistral serves as the prime contractor for system integration and program management, while Uvision is the original designer and design authority for the HERO 120. The exact number of HERO 120 systems covered by the latest order has not been disclosed. The order includes additional systems and ancillary equipment for Army soldiers. Yoav Banai, senior vice president at Mistral, said the award increases the number of HERO 120 systems and supporting equipment available to soldiers, allowing them to train, build confidence and prepare for missions. Jarmin Blanton, vice president of business development, sales and marketing at Uvision, said the company remains committed to supporting the Army’s LUS program and its precision-strike requirements.   HERO 120 Capabilities The HERO 120 is a mid-range loitering munition designed for target observation, identification, tracking and engagement. According to Uvision, the system is intended for precision engagement of armored and other high-value targets. The system weighs approximately 24 kilograms (53 pounds) and carries a 4.5-kilogram (9.9-pound) warhead. It has an operational range of up to 60 kilometers (37 miles) and can remain airborne for up to 60 minutes. The HERO 120 is controlled by an operator through a datalink terminal and handheld fire-control unit. Its loitering capability allows the munition to remain in the target area while the operator observes and tracks targets before deciding whether to conduct an engagement. The system also has a mission-abort capability. If an attack is cancelled, the HERO 120 can return to loitering, search for another target or recover using its parachute, according to the information provided by Uvision.   Production Moves Into Acceptance and Fielding The completion of the first Lot Acceptance Tests marks a production-quality milestone for the HERO 120. The tests are used to verify that production systems meet the Army's required acceptance criteria before fielding. The latest order comes shortly after this testing milestone, expanding deliveries under the Army's existing multi-year contract. Initial deliveries under the $982 million contract were scheduled to begin in early 2026. The broader agreement covers not only the systems themselves but also training and lifecycle sustainment. The Army's latest order therefore adds to an existing procurement effort rather than representing a separate HERO 120 acquisition program.   U.S. Manufacturing Mistral and Uvision are producing the HERO 120 systems domestically in the United States for the Army program. Mistral is responsible for integration and program management, while Uvision provides the original HERO 120 design and technical authority. The two companies have previously received U.S. government contracts for the HERO 120 family. In 2024, Uvision and Mistral announced a $73 million contract for HERO-120SF systems for U.S. Special Operations Command. The latest order increases the number of HERO 120 systems and related equipment available to Army units while supporting the program's training and readiness requirements.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 13:12:37

 U.S 

BELGRADE  — Ukraine has reached an agreement with the United States for monthly deliveries of Patriot air defense interceptor missiles, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday. However, he said the agreed quantities are not sufficient to meet Ukraine’s air defense requirements. Zelenskyy made the comments during a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in Belgrade. “Who has the anti-missiles and systems? Primarily the manufacturer – the United States of America,” Zelenskyy said. “Can they help? We are working on it. Will they supply us with missiles every month? Yes, we have agreements. Are these missiles enough? No.”   2026 Deliveries Below Previous Levels Zelenskyy said the volume of Patriot interceptors expected in 2026 is significantly lower than the amount Ukraine received in 2025. He did not provide exact figures for the monthly deliveries. The shortage comes as Ukraine continues to face Russian missile and drone attacks. Zelenskyy said earlier this week that allied deliveries of air defense missiles during the first half of 2026 were about one-third of the level recorded in 2025. Patriot systems are particularly important to Ukraine's air defense because they are used against ballistic missile threats.   Ukraine Seeks Additional European Support With US deliveries falling short of Ukraine's requirements, Kyiv is continuing negotiations with European and other international partners for additional interceptors. Zelenskyy identified Germany and Poland as countries that could provide significant assistance. He also said the Netherlands and Scandinavian countries were contributing smaller quantities from their available stocks. Ukraine has also explored possible assistance from Japan and South Korea. However, Zelenskyy said legal restrictions in those countries prevent them from directly supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine. An option to purchase equipment from Israel was also considered, but Zelenskyy said that arrangement is currently unavailable.   Patriot Production Talks Face Delays Ukraine is also seeking a longer-term solution through joint or domestic production of Patriot interceptors. US officials have said that advanced PAC-3 interceptors remain under strict export controls and that American manufacturers are currently the only companies permitted to produce the missiles. US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said earlier in August that Washington would not enter into a long-term agreement for joint Patriot production with Ukraine before winter. The position followed earlier comments by US President Donald Trump in July suggesting that Ukraine could potentially receive a license to manufacture Patriot missiles. Trump later expressed concerns about transferring sensitive defense technology. According to Reuters, discussions over possible production arrangements have continued, including a proposal under which Ukraine could manufacture some Patriot missile components while final assembly would take place in Germany.   US Production Expansion The United States is also working to increase Patriot interceptor production. Existing production capacity, however, cannot immediately eliminate the shortage faced by Ukraine. For Kyiv, the immediate priority remains obtaining additional interceptors from US and allied stocks while longer-term production plans are considered. Zelenskyy's latest comments underline Ukraine's continued effort to secure sufficient air defense missiles ahead of the coming winter, when Kyiv expects Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure to remain a major concern.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 12:15:47