U.S 

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s proposal for a seven-day ceasefire and has privately told aides that he expects U.S. bombing of Iran to resume after the November midterm elections, according to U.S. officials cited by The Wall Street Journal.   Iran’s Seven-Day Ceasefire Proposal Iran conveyed the proposal through Qatari mediators during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The plan called for a temporary halt to hostilities, including across fronts such as Lebanon. Under the proposal, Tehran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz after a seven-day process and resume negotiations over its nuclear program. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the initial U.S. steps would take four to five days, the strait would reopen on the sixth day and nuclear talks would begin on the seventh. In return, Iran requested the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports, easing of sanctions on Iranian oil exports and the release of frozen Iranian assets, reported in some accounts as at least $12 billion. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would meet its commitments if Washington accepted the proposal and would allow U.N. nuclear inspectors under negotiated arrangements.   Trump Rejects the Proposal The proposal was similar to a memorandum of understanding reached between the two countries in June. That agreement later collapsed following disagreements over maritime routes and the naval blockade. Trump has publicly said Iran is facing economic pressure and is seeking a deal after the midterm elections. However, U.S. officials said he remains skeptical that Tehran would meet Washington’s demands, particularly over its nuclear program and the free passage of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The United States has reportedly informed Iran and mediators that Trump does not intend to end the blockade, viewing continued economic pressure as a way to push Tehran toward accepting U.S. demands.   U.S. Warships Move Into the Arabian Sea The conflict has also affected U.S. military positioning in the region. Several U.S. Navy warships have moved farther from Iranian waters into the Arabian Sea, placing some vessels outside the reported range of Iranian missiles while maintaining a U.S. naval presence in the region. The Strait of Hormuz remains a major point of contention because roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments normally pass through the waterway.   Conflict and Diplomatic Efforts Continue The conflict began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February 2026 and has continued for about seven months, with periods of fighting, pauses and unsuccessful diplomatic efforts. The June memorandum was one of the major attempts to reduce tensions, but it eventually collapsed. Iran has since continued to seek negotiations through intermediaries. Indirect talks on issues including Iran’s nuclear program are still continuing, with U.S. officials describing some discussions as positive and constructive. Iran has said it is awaiting an official U.S. response to its seven-day proposal. For now, the timing and scale of any future U.S. military action remain unclear, and officials said Trump’s position could change in the coming weeks, including in response to developments surrounding the November midterm elections.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-26 11:53:00

 U.S 

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — U.S. defense technology company Ondas Inc. (Nasdaq: ONDS) has acquired three Israeli defense technology companies — Insignito, Ottopia Defense, and Caribou Labs — for an initial $56 million. The deal will be paid in cash or Ondas common stock and includes potential earnout payments of up to $32 million through 2028 if the companies meet specified performance milestones. This could bring the maximum total consideration to $88 million. Ondas said the initial $56 million represents less than three times the three companies' expected combined 2027 revenue. The acquisitions expand Ondas's capabilities in passive acoustic drone detection, remote control and communications for unmanned systems, and GPS-denied navigation.   Three companies add specialized technologies Insignito provides passive acoustic technology to detect, classify, track and locate drones using their sound signatures. Its DUMBO system has been deployed in conflict zones and uses real-time signal processing, acoustic modeling, artificial intelligence and proprietary algorithms. It is designed for threats including small FPV drones, low-altitude threats, autonomous platforms, RF-silent systems and fiber-optic-controlled drones. Insignito also develops WaveGuide, which models the acoustic detectability of aircraft for mission planning, Silent Propellers technology for reducing unmanned aircraft noise, and Banshee, an acoustic-enabled drone interception capability under development. Ottopia Defense develops software for remote control and communications between unmanned platforms, operators and command centers. Its technology manages video, telemetry, mission data and commands across available communications channels in bandwidth-constrained or degraded environments. It combines AI-enabled autonomy, ultra-low-latency teleoperation and intelligent networking, including one-to-many operations in which operators can supervise multiple unmanned systems. Ondas plans to integrate Ottopia's technology into its unmanned ground vehicles, including the Iron Wave platform. Caribou Labs specializes in navigation and communications for environments where GNSS/GPS signals and digital infrastructure are disrupted. Its technologies provide GPS-independent positioning, timing, identification and communications for electronic-warfare environments. Ondas said the technology is already deployed in active conflict environments and has a pipeline of customer opportunities.   Ondas expands autonomous defense capabilities Ondas said the acquisitions support its systems-of-systems strategy by combining sensing, communications, navigation and autonomy across aerial and ground platforms. The company plans to integrate the new technologies into its counter-UAS systems, unmanned ground vehicles and other autonomous platforms. The company said the acquisitions will expand its technology stack across detection, connectivity, navigation, autonomy and mission execution, while creating additional commercial revenue opportunities and supporting larger defense programs. Ondas Chairman and CEO Eric Brock said the acquisitions are intended to make autonomous systems more capable, resilient and scalable in contested environments. As part of the transactions, Ondas approved equity incentive awards for 37 newly hired employees, including restricted stock units representing 2,979,063 shares and stock options for 80,000 shares with an exercise price of $7.72 per share. Ondas has also expanded its presence in Israel through previous acquisitions, including Gate Technologies and Aran Defense. The three transactions were announced on September 23, 2026.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-26 11:33:58

 U.S 

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The U.S. Navy has formally established the Robotic and Autonomous Systems Warfighting Development Center (RASWDC) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia, creating a dedicated organization for integrating robotic and autonomous systems into fleet operations. The Secretary of the Navy and Chief of Naval Operations formally established RASWDC on September 24. The center operates as an Echelon 3 warfighting development center under U.S. Fleet Forces Command and will focus on robotic and autonomous systems across the air, surface and undersea domains. RASWDC will serve as the Navy's fleet-facing operational integration point for testing, training, doctrine development and tactics involving robotic and autonomous systems. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle said the center will help provide sailors with the advanced training and specialized doctrine needed to integrate these systems into operations, training and deployments.   Working with the RAS acquisition office RASWDC will work alongside the Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Robotic and Autonomous Systems (DRPM RAS), established in August 2026. DRPM RAS, currently led in an acting capacity by Christopher Miller, has authority for acquisition, requirements implementation, budgeting, technical standards and fielding of robotic and autonomous systems. While DRPM RAS focuses on acquiring and fielding the systems, RASWDC will focus on how they are used by the fleet. Testing, experimentation and training will provide feedback to developers and program managers to help refine future capabilities. RASWDC will also work with the Rapid Capabilities Office and Fleet Introduction Operating System to coordinate training, logistics, maintenance, software, doctrine, networks and other support for new systems.   Three core missions RASWDC has three main missions: training sailors, developing warfighting concepts, and testing emerging technology under realistic conditions. The center will develop tactics, techniques, procedures and standards based on operational experience. It will also develop command relationships and authorities for autonomous systems, building on the Enhanced Mission Command Framework and Directed Autonomy Levels. New systems will be tested at sea, under operational stress, against simulated threats and in degraded or denied communications environments. Systems that perform successfully can move forward, while those that do not can be improved, redirected or stopped.   Rear Adm. Melvin Smith leads the center Rear Adm. Melvin R. Smith has been designated the inaugural commander of RASWDC and the supported commander responsible for establishing the organization. Smith, who previously served as commander of Submarine Group Two, is leading a phased near-, mid- and long-term implementation plan covering the command's structure, mission relationships and resource requirements as it moves toward full operational capability. Smith said the center brings the Navy's autonomous efforts across the air, surface and undersea domains together at Little Creek, with a focus on educating warfighters, equipping the fleet with systems that perform in operational environments and developing tactics for their use. RASWDC will not replace existing Warfighting Development Centers, Type Commanders, Systems Commands or operational commands. Instead, it will coordinate with them to incorporate emerging requirements and share lessons learned across the fleet. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the center was held September 24 at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, attended by Adm. Caudle and Rear Adm. Smith.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-26 11:22:23

 U.S 

NEW YORK — U.S. President Donald Trump has given final approval for Ukraine to receive licenses to produce interceptor missiles for the Patriot air defense system. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the decision following his meeting with Trump in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Zelensky said Trump told him during the meeting that he had made the final decision and that specific agreements were already in place. Zelensky did not provide details on when production would begin or which Patriot interceptor variants would be covered by the licenses.   Decision follows months of negotiations The approval follows months of discussions between Washington and Kyiv. On July 31, Trump said the United States had not yet made a decision, citing the need for caution over transferring sensitive Patriot technology for production outside the United States. In early September, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations were still continuing and warned that establishing the required manufacturing infrastructure could take several years. Ukraine has also held direct talks with U.S. Patriot manufacturers. In July, Zelensky met representatives of RTX (Raytheon), which produces the PAC-2/GEM-T interceptor family, and Lockheed Martin, which manufactures PAC-3 interceptors. According to Reuters, establishing facilities and beginning mass production of components could take between three and seven years after a licensing agreement is signed. The exact production timeline for Ukraine has not yet been announced.   Ukraine seeks missiles for immediate needs The licensing agreement will not immediately solve Ukraine's shortage of Patriot interceptors. Kyiv is continuing negotiations with allies for regular deliveries of ready-made missiles. Ukraine also plans to purchase around 1,000 Patriot missiles using credit financing from the European Union. At the same time, Ukraine is developing its own anti-ballistic missile capability under the FREYJA program with European partners. The Patriot system remains a key part of Ukraine's air defenses against ballistic missiles. Germany and Japan have previously received licenses to produce Patriot-related interceptors, making Ukraine the latest country to receive such authorization.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-25 16:29:41

 U.S 

CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — The U.S. Air Force has received its first two Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, marking a new phase in the service’s effort to integrate uncrewed, semi-autonomous aircraft into future combat operations. Anduril delivered its YFQ-44A Fury to the Air Force’s Experimental Operations Unit in August, while General Atomics delivered the YFQ-42A Vengeance last week. Both aircraft will support operational experimentation led by Air Combat Command to determine how CCAs can operate alongside crewed aircraft in contested environments. The Air Force has moved the aircraft into the hands of operators at an early stage so Airmen can help develop tactics, operating procedures and requirements for the new aircraft. “Putting CCA in the hands of Airmen is how we build the operational future of this program,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. He added that the Fury and Vengeance deliveries demonstrate the service’s focus on speed, competition and cost-effective combat capability. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach also welcomed the aircraft to the Experimental Operations Unit, saying Airmen are looking forward to evaluating their capabilities.   Operational testing at Creech The Experimental Operations Unit is evaluating how small teams can operate CCAs from distributed and austere locations. The testing includes examining aircraft operations, sortie generation and the support requirements needed to operate the platforms away from traditional air bases. This work is being conducted as part of the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment approach. A July exercise at Creech examined how the aircraft could be serviced and relaunched in a realistic operational environment, including refueling and weapons-handling activities. The Air Force is also using the operational experimentation to identify future requirements for training, sustainment, manpower and infrastructure as the CCA program moves toward larger-scale fielding.   Recent weapons test The arrival of the two aircraft follows several recent CCA milestones. In July, the Air Force conducted a live-fire test involving the YFQ-44A, which fired an AIM-120 at a digital target over the Mojave Desert. The test followed earlier evaluations of weapons carriage and data-link integration. The Air Force also conducted a second Agile Combat Employment exercise involving CCAs in July, further examining how the aircraft could be operated in distributed conditions.   Production of Fury and Vengeance The Air Force selected Anduril and General Atomics in 2024 to develop the first CCA Increment 1 prototypes. On June 17, 2026, the Department of the Air Force awarded contracts for the first-generation CCA aircraft and mission-autonomy software. The aircraft were initially designated YFQ-44A and YFQ-42A during development. In September, the Air Force officially named the aircraft FQ-44 Fury and FQ-42 Vengeance. The service has entered production for both designs rather than selecting only one aircraft. The Air Force has said it plans to field 500 combat-ready semi-autonomous systems by 2032, with a longer-term objective of approximately 1,000 CCAs across multiple increments. For now, the focus at Creech is on learning how the aircraft can be operated, supported and integrated with crewed combat aircraft. The results from this operational experimentation will help shape how future CCA units are organized, trained, equipped and employed for air superiority and other combat missions.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-25 15:59:25

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — Chinese satellite imagery and geospatial data have helped Iran improve its ability to target U.S. military bases and ships in the Middle East, according to recent U.S. intelligence assessments described by officials familiar with the findings. The intelligence support has been linked to Iran’s improved targeting accuracy in recent months, including a July 17 ballistic missile attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in northeastern Jordan that killed three U.S. service members and wounded four others.   Satellite imagery linked to Jordan strike Four sources familiar with the U.S. assessments told CNN that high-resolution satellite imagery obtained by Iran from Chinese entities before and after the attack helped Iranian forces target the Jordanian base with a level of accuracy that U.S. officials believe was greater than Iran’s previous capability. The missiles struck a housing area where U.S. troops were sleeping. The three service members killed were Army Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, New York; First Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii; and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas. Four other service members were wounded and medically evacuated. Iran later released high-resolution images showing damage at the base. Publicly available commercial satellite imagery also showed damage to more than 20 structures across three areas of the facility. Muwaffaq Salti is an important U.S. military location in the region, hosting a range of aircraft and supporting U.S. operations in the Middle East. CNN reporting from July also described the base as a major regional hub for U.S. military operations.   Data also used to track ships U.S. officials said Chinese geospatial information has also improved Iran’s ability to monitor ships operating around the Strait of Hormuz. According to officials familiar with the assessments, the information provides Iranian forces with a better picture of U.S. escort operations and helps them determine when vessels reach particular positions in the waterway. One tactic involves launching relatively unsophisticated heat-seeking drones at selected points along shipping routes. The drones cannot be guided after launch, but more accurate information about the location and movement of ships can improve the timing of an attack. During one U.S. escort operation, American forces were reported to have intercepted more than a dozen Iranian missiles and nearly 20 drones while dealing with roughly 60 targets around the strait. The Strait of Hormuz remains a strategically important waterway for regional maritime traffic, and the U.S. Treasury has separately taken action against Iranian networks connected to activities involving vessels transiting the strait.   Chinese and Russian assistance The satellite information is described as only one part of Iran’s improving military capabilities. U.S. officials have also pointed to technical assistance from China and Russia that has helped Iran improve guidance systems for existing missiles and drones. Iran's own combat experience has also contributed to changes in its targeting capabilities, according to the assessments. The exact role of the Chinese government remains unclear. U.S. officials have not established whether Beijing directly authorized the transfer of satellite information or whether Chinese private companies provided the imagery without direct government direction. Chinese officials have rejected the allegations and have demanded evidence from Washington. Beijing has said its commercial cooperation with Iran complies with international law.   U.S. sanctions Chinese satellite companies The Trump administration has also taken action against Chinese entities accused of providing satellite imagery that could support Iran's military activities. In May, the administration sanctioned MizarVision, Earth Eye and Chang Guang, according to the information provided by U.S. officials. Earlier U.S. actions have also targeted China- and Hong Kong-based entities connected to procurement networks supporting Iran's military programs. The U.S. Treasury has publicly confirmed sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong-based networks involved in supporting Iran's weapons procurement. Earlier reporting also indicated that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force acquired a Chinese-built satellite known as TEE-01B from Earth Eye Co. in late 2024. The satellite was reportedly used to monitor U.S. military sites in the region.   U.S. bases face continuing attacks The improved Iranian targeting comes as U.S. forces have faced repeated missile and drone attacks across the Middle East. A Pentagon inspector general report cited in the assessments found that Iranian strikes had damaged or destroyed hundreds of structures at U.S. bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman and Jordan since the conflict escalated. The attacks have forced U.S. Central Command to adjust the positioning of personnel and storage facilities in response to the continuing threat from drones and missiles. The U.S. assessments therefore describe Iran's improved targeting as the result of several factors, including access to foreign satellite and technical assistance, battlefield experience and improvements to its existing missile and drone systems. However, the extent of direct Chinese government involvement in providing satellite intelligence remains unresolved.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-25 14:50:43

 U.S 

COLORADO, USA — Ukrainian electronic warfare (EW) developer Unwave took part in trials under the U.S. Drone Dominance program at Fort Carson, Colorado. Following the testing, U.S. officials requested the company’s continued support for the program, according to statements Unwave provided to the Ukrainian military outlet Militarnyi. The trials were held from August 24 to September 2, 2026, with 14 drone manufacturers and three electronic warfare developers participating. The tests were designed to create battlefield-like conditions and assess how unmanned aircraft perform against electronic warfare systems and during live engagements. Scenarios included protection of stationary and mobile assets and infrastructure from unmanned threats. The Drone Dominance program is a Pentagon effort to accelerate the selection, procurement and delivery of strike drones to U.S. forces, with plans to acquire more than 200,000 unmanned aerial systems by 2027. The Fort Carson Gauntlet II evaluation also included testing related to electronic warfare, deep-strike and close-quarters missions.   Four EW systems demonstrated Unwave demonstrated four systems during the trials. Vikha: A tactical-operational EW complex operating from 300 MHz to 3.2 GHz, with more than 100 watts of power and a directional suppression range of over 300 meters. Boombox: A portable multi-channel system weighing 11–25 kg. It operates in the 0.4–1 GHz, 1.9–2.7 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands and provides a 50-meter protective radius against FPV drones. Shatro: Designed for installation on vehicles and military equipment. It has 50–100 watts of channel power and covers the 0.2–5.8 GHz range. Choven-2: A localized multi-channel system that can suppress FPV drones within 70 meters and Mavic-type quadcopters from 50 meters. It can also be mounted in a vehicle roof-box configuration.   Earlier NATO testing Unwave had earlier participated in the NATO Baltic Trust 26 exercise in Latvia. The company said its EW system was the only system able to successfully jam a drone during a counter-UAV test and subsequently received a special commendation from the exercise organizers. The exercise brought together 650 participants from 24 countries and represented the final stage of NATO's UAV countermeasure testing program. Founded in 2023, Kyiv-based Unwave develops and integrates electronic warfare and counter-drone systems, with its products designed to operate independently or as part of a wider counter-UAS ecosystem. Its participation in both NATO and U.S. testing provides the company with opportunities to demonstrate its systems in multinational military environments.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-25 14:30:49

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy has awarded L3Harris Technologies an $876.4 million contract modification to continue development of the Next Generation Jammer Low Band (NGJ-LB) system for the EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft operated by the U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).   Contract Expands NGJ-LB Development The new award builds on a $587.4 million contract awarded in August 2024 for the engineering and manufacturing development phase of the NGJ-LB. The latest modification covers continued development, non-recurring tooling and equipment, associated labor, system demonstration test pods, cybersecurity and system security development, logistics, testing and evaluation, and software support for both U.S. and Australian forces. Work is scheduled to be completed in fiscal year 2031. The modification is undefinitized, allowing work to begin before the final terms and price are settled. It uses a cost-plus-incentive-fee structure and was not competitively awarded. Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.   U.S. and Australian Funding At the time of the award, the U.S. Navy obligated about $3.65 million to $3.7 million from its fiscal 2026 research, development, test and evaluation budget. The Australian government provided $23 million in cooperative funds, giving it the larger share of the initial funding obligation. About 43% of the work will be performed at L3Harris’s facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. Other work will take place in Alabama, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Colorado, California, New York and Texas, while 3.4% of the effort will be performed in Australia.   Low-Band Electronic Warfare The EA-18G Growler is a modified F/A-18F Super Hornet designed for electronic warfare, including jamming enemy radar and communications. The aircraft has traditionally used the AN/ALQ-99 tactical jamming pod, which was first introduced in the 1970s. The Navy is replacing the legacy system with a family of Next Generation Jammer pods covering different frequency bands. RTX’s Raytheon produces the AN/ALQ-249 mid-band variant, which is already deployed with the fleet. L3Harris is developing the low-band variant to address lower-frequency search radars. According to L3Harris, the NGJ-LB is designed to provide high-power jamming from standoff ranges, engage multiple targets and provide 360-degree coverage. Its software-based architecture is also intended to support updates against current and emerging threats.   Industry Partners Support Program The NGJ-LB supply chain is also expanding. In July 2026, CPI Aerostructures received a $13.6 million contract from L3Harris to manufacture airborne pod structures for operational prototypes and additional test units. CPI said it had delivered its first test article. Honeywell Aerospace joined the program in June 2025, while Marotta Controls announced contracts in September 2026 to support the NGJ-LB, including technology for the turbine speed-control system used in the pod’s ram-air-turbine power-generation assembly. The NGJ-LB is being developed as a cooperative U.S.-Australian program. The latest $876.4 million modification will support continued development, testing, security and production-related work as the system moves toward eventual fielding on U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Air Force EA-18G Growlers.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-24 17:58:29

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — After decades of development and testing, high-energy laser weapons are moving into operational use with the U.S. military. The systems are being used against drones in the Middle East and along the U.S. southern border, while new production contracts are supporting wider deployment.   Laser Systems in the Middle East U.S. forces have deployed directed-energy systems in the Middle East to counter drones and protect military assets and personnel. The U.S. Navy’s High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) is installed aboard the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Preble. The roughly 60-kilowatt system can use its laser to damage or destroy targets and can also use lower energy to dazzle sensors. U.S. forces have also used directed-energy systems more broadly in the U.S. Central Command area. However, available official reports do not identify specific Iranian drone interceptions near the Strait of Hormuz as confirmed HELIOS engagements.   Laser Used Against Drones on Southern Border The U.S. Army has also begun using high-energy lasers against cartel-linked drones along the southern border. In late August 2026, personnel from Joint Task Force Southern Border, operating under U.S. Northern Command in support of Customs and Border Protection, used the Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) to defeat three hostile unmanned aircraft over two nights in the Rio Grande Valley area of Texas. Military officials said the drones posed a physical threat to U.S. personnel and partners and were associated with activities including illicit human smuggling and surveillance. USNORTHCOM later reported that AMP-HEL had defeated 11 cartel-linked drones. Multiple laser systems are now deployed along the border, with military authorities coordinating operations near civilian airspace.   $464.8 Million Production Contract The Army's move toward large-scale production came on September 2, 2026, when it awarded AeroVironment a $464.8 million Other Transaction Agreement under the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program. The Army described the agreement as its first production contract for a high-energy laser weapon system. AeroVironment will deliver dozens of LOCUST X3 systems over the next several years. The LOCUST X3 is a 30-kilowatt-class laser designed to counter Group 1 through Group 3 unmanned aircraft systems. The systems can be mounted on vehicles such as the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle or operated from fixed and semi-fixed positions. AeroVironment has reported engagement costs of less than $5 per shot, with the system's firing capacity largely dependent on available electrical power rather than a supply of physical interceptors.   Familiar Controls for Operators LOCUST-based systems use Xbox-style gaming controllers for operator control. The familiar interface is intended to reduce training requirements and make operation easier for service members already familiar with similar controls.   Advantages and Limitations High-energy lasers offer several advantages for counter-drone missions. They can engage targets at the speed of light and can fire repeatedly as long as sufficient electrical power is available. This can provide a lower-cost option against drones that might otherwise require expensive kinetic interceptors. However, laser systems also have limitations. Their performance can be affected by weather conditions such as rain, fog and dust. They also need to maintain the laser beam on a target for a period of time and require sufficient power and cooling. For these reasons, directed-energy weapons are being developed to complement rather than completely replace conventional air-defense interceptors.   Moving From Testing to Fielding The U.S. military has continued testing higher-power directed-energy systems. Recent demonstrations have included laser engagements from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush and a cruise-missile shoot-down test at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, in June 2026. The Department of Defense is also pursuing higher-power laser systems in the 150- to 500-kilowatt range for more demanding threats, including cruise missiles.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-24 14:08:33

 U.S 

ROCKET CENTER, West Virginia — Northrop Grumman plans to increase annual solid rocket motor production from more than 13,000 units to 25,000 by 2029, as the company expands capacity to meet rising demand for U.S. and allied missile systems. The company has invested more than $2 billion in solid rocket motor and munition technologies over the past several years. The investment has supported facility modernization, new manufacturing capacity, automation, advanced propellants and data-driven production processes across its U.S. network.   Expansion Across Key Sites Northrop Grumman's expansion covers four strategic sites in Utah, Maryland and West Virginia. At the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in Rocket Center, West Virginia, tactical solid rocket motor capacity has doubled since 2021. The company expects capacity to reach three times its earlier level by early 2027. The site also has a new 113,000-square-foot Missile Integration Facility, a highly automated digital factory designed to shorten strike missile delivery times while maintaining manufacturing quality. It can support production of up to 300 strike missiles annually. In Elkton, Maryland, Northrop Grumman plans to triple production capacity by 2030. A new 57,000-square-foot Propulsion Innovation Center is part of a broader $100 million investment at the 550-acre Propulsion Systems & Controls campus. The facility houses about 250 engineers working on tactical missile and hypersonic propulsion and increases on-site solid rocket motor design and manufacturing capacity by 25 percent. The company's Utah facilities are also being expanded, including plans to double large solid rocket motor production capacity. Northrop Grumman says there is additional room for growth beyond the planned 2029 production rate.   More Propellant and Missile Support Northrop Grumman currently produces about 30 million pounds of solid rocket propellant each year, with annual capacity expected to approach 50 million pounds by 2028. The company has delivered more than 1.3 million tactical solid rocket motors over more than seven decades. It supplies propulsion systems for missile defense interceptors and long-range strike weapons and is prepared to support primary and second-source production for programs including the Standard Missile family, Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) and PAC-3 MSE. Northrop Grumman also manufactures the interceptor shell core, aft bulkhead and heatshield assemblies for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. The company is also introducing highly loaded grain designs that allow more propellant to fit within a given volume. The designs are engineered to withstand high internal forces while maintaining controlled and predictable combustion. The expansion is aimed at increasing production of critical missile components and strengthening capacity across the U.S. defense industrial base as demand for missile defense and precision-strike systems increases.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-24 13:42:17

 U.S 

RESTON, Va. — Rafael Systems Global Sustainment (RSGS), the U.S.-based subsidiary of Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, has been awarded an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) through the Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium (AMTC) to pursue U.S. qualification of the SPIKE SR shoulder-launched missile. The agreement, announced on September 22, 2026, covers the adaptation, integration and testing of the missile to meet specific U.S. military requirements. RSGS and Rafael will also support further development of advanced capabilities. The companies have not disclosed the agreement’s value or the expected qualification timeline.   SPIKE SR Missile The SPIKE SR is a portable, fire-and-forget precision missile designed for dismounted infantry. It weighs about 10 kilograms (22 pounds) and has a range of roughly 2,000 meters. The missile uses electro-optical guidance to engage stationary and moving targets in daylight and infrared conditions. It is equipped with a tandem HEAT warhead and can reach operational readiness in less than six seconds from power-up. Rafael has designed the system for relatively simple operation, allowing infantry units to use it with limited training. The SPIKE SR is part of the wider SPIKE family, which is in service with 46 countries, including 22 NATO members.   RSGS Statement LTG (Ret.) Joe Anderson, CEO of RSGS, said the agreement represents an important step in advancing the SPIKE SR capability for U.S. warfighters. He said the company is supporting the U.S. defense community by adapting a lightweight, accurate and highly mobile precision missile to the operational needs of close-combat forces.   Earlier U.S. Army Evaluation The U.S. Army previously evaluated the SPIKE SR during the Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE) in January 2021. Soldiers conducted live-fire tests against both static and moving targets. Army evaluators provided positive feedback on the missile’s weight, lethality and ease of use compared with equipment then in service. However, the evaluation did not result in a production contract.   Building on 2025 Agreement The new OTA builds on a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) signed in March 2025 between RSGS, Rafael and the Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center (DEVCOM AvMC). The agreement covered the evaluation, future enhancements and U.S. adaptation of several SPIKE systems, including the SPIKE LR2, SPIKE SR, SPIKE ER2 and SPIKE Firefly loitering munition. As part of the broader effort, the U.S. Army has been comparing SPIKE missiles with existing U.S. systems, including the FGM-148 Javelin and AGM-114 Hellfire, to evaluate how the technology could complement existing battlefield capabilities.   U.S. Qualification Effort The AMTC is managed by Advanced Technology International and works with DEVCOM AvMC and Army Contracting Command–Redstone Arsenal to support aviation and missile technology development through Other Transaction Agreements. The new agreement moves the SPIKE SR into a further phase of U.S.-specific adaptation, integration and qualification testing. It does not itself represent a disclosed production contract.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-23 14:35:51

 U.S 

FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — BAE Systems has delivered two AMPV 30 Infantry Fighting Vehicle prototypes to a U.S. Army unit for evaluation under the service’s Transformation in Contact (TiC) 2.0 initiative. The prototypes arrived at the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Cavazos, Texas, in April 2026 and were publicly announced by BAE Systems on September 22. The company funded the project with $17 million from its own Internal Research and Development (IRAD) funds and completed development in six months.   Field Evaluation The vehicles are being evaluated by soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment. Testing includes field exercises and live-fire trials to assess how the AMPV 30 performs against capabilities identified by soldiers as important for modern battlefield operations. The Army has not established a formal requirement for the AMPV 30, and it has not committed to purchasing the configuration. The vehicles are a company-funded development effort and are not part of a program of record.   30mm Firepower and New Systems The AMPV 30 uses the existing AMPV tracked chassis with BAE Systems’ common top plate and a Kongsberg Medium Caliber Turret. The remotely operated turret is already in production for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle and is equipped with a 30 mm Mk 44 Bushmaster II cannon. The crew operates the weapon from inside the armored hull. The prototypes also feature: Counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) capabilities to address drone threats. A cross-platform target handoff system that allows vehicles to share targeting information. A 360-degree camera system that provides crews with visibility around the vehicle without leaving the armored hull.   Modular Design The AMPV has a modular, open architecture that allows different mission equipment to be integrated. BAE Systems says its common top plate can support mission equipment packages and is adaptable to more than 30 different turret systems. The two AMPV 30s bring the number of turreted AMPV prototypes funded by BAE Systems over the past two years to eight. “Our mission was speed and innovation, and we delivered beyond expectations,” said Bill Sheehy, vice president of BAE Systems’ Ground Maneuver futures. He said the effort demonstrated the company’s ability to integrate new design solutions in a time-effective and more cost-efficient way for the Army.   Next Phase The AMPV family is being used by the Army to replace older M113 vehicles in several support roles. The AMPV 30 concept explores adding direct-fire capability, counter-drone functions and improved connectivity while retaining the existing chassis and modular design. The Army expects two additional AMPV 30 prototypes in early 2027. Those vehicles are planned to undergo a rotation at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, for further evaluation.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-23 12:34:18

 U.S 

DALLAS — The U.S. Army has awarded Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract valued at up to $1.2 billion for the production and continued development of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 2. The contract covers initial procurement, follow-on production and continued system development. Work will be carried out at Lockheed Martin facilities and across its U.S. industrial base, with completion estimated for September 13, 2031. Specific quantities and work locations will be determined through individual orders. The PrSM is designed to replace the MGM-140 ATACMS and is compatible with M142 HIMARS and M270A2 MLRS launchers. Increment 1, already in service with the U.S. and Australian armies, provides precision strikes against stationary targets at ranges exceeding 499 kilometers. PrSM Increment 2 adds a multimode seeker combining radio-frequency (RF) and infrared/electro-optical (IR/EO) technologies. This allows the missile to engage moving land and maritime targets, expanding its mission set beyond the stationary targets addressed by Increment 1.   Two Flight Tests in 2026 PrSM Increment 2 completed its first flight test in March 2026, followed by a second demonstration in August. During the August test, a missile launched from a HIMARS deployed its protective covers and successfully engaged a moving maritime target while collecting flight data. The Army said the Fiscal Year 2026 flight campaign also validated performance against moving maritime and relocatable land targets. Additional Increment 2 flight tests are scheduled for 2027. According to Lockheed Martin, technologies from its Strigo family of solutions have informed aspects of the Increment 2 guidance package. The PrSM has a stated maximum range exceeding 499 kilometers, a speed above Mach 3.5 and sub-meter accuracy. It carries a 91-kilogram high-explosive fragmentation warhead and uses a solid-propellant rocket motor designed to meet Insensitive Munition (IM) safety standards. Two PrSM missiles can fit in each launch pod. Lockheed Martin is also expanding PrSM manufacturing capacity with a goal of quadrupling overall production output while continuing development of additional increments. Dave Griser, vice president of Precision Fires Launchers and Missiles at Lockheed Martin, said the contract marks an important step toward moving PrSM Increment 2 from flight testing into production. The PrSM is intended to provide the Army with a long-range precision-fire capability against time-sensitive and moving targets on land and at sea.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-22 15:11:01

 U.S 

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — The U.S. Army’s XVIII Airborne Corps tested an autonomous drone “mothership” capable of launching smaller drones while airborne during the Scarlet Dragon 26-3 experimentation exercise at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Held from September 11 to 17, 2026, the exercise brought soldiers and defense companies together to test emerging technologies against large numbers of unmanned aircraft.   Modalic Mothership Tested The Autonomous Swarm Mothership, developed by defense technology company Modalic, successfully launched a rack of smaller drones while in flight. The Army tested whether soldiers and defensive networks could track the parent aircraft, distinguish it from the smaller “daughter” drones and identify the larger threat as multiple aerial contacts appeared on radar. Modalic also presented its production version, called Chariot. Company co-founder and CEO Zack Fishbein said on September 16 that the aircraft weighs 200 pounds (91 kg) and can carry a payload of up to 100 pounds (45 kg). Flight testing of the Chariot is scheduled to begin in November.   Counter-Drone Network Tested Scarlet Dragon 26-3 used coordinated drone swarms involving 25 to 100 aircraft to stress the Army’s counter-drone systems. Rather than testing individual systems separately, soldiers evaluated how sensors, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, autonomous systems, battle-management software and traditional air-defense weapons worked together against saturation attacks. “The Scarlet Dragon exercise has become a validation exercise in the dirt with Soldiers doing integrated, real-world operational-type tasks,” said Col. Tom Monahan, director of the XVIII Airborne Corps’ Joint Innovation Outpost. According to an XVIII Airborne Corps report published by the U.S. Department of War on September 21, the exercise focused on protecting command posts, logistics nodes, air-defense positions and maneuver forces from large numbers of small unmanned aircraft. Col. Rob Kenny, the Corps’ chief of fires, said the testing showed that no single sensor can solve the counter-drone problem alone. Radar, acoustic detection, autonomous technologies and other sensors need to provide information to command-and-control systems that can rapidly distribute targeting data.   Other Technologies Tested The exercise also evaluated a dual-mode air-ground light tactical vehicle built on an off-road utility terrain vehicle chassis. It was tested for its ability to transition between ground movement and flight without a runway or fixed infrastructure, with potential applications in reconnaissance, resupply and casualty evacuation. At Holland Drop Zone, soldiers also launched coordinated swarms of small unmanned aircraft from a single location to test their ability to self-organize and fly in formation. Scarlet Dragon is a recurring XVIII Airborne Corps exercise that brings soldiers and industry together to test emerging technologies. The September event was the third iteration in the current cycle, following exercises in December 2025 and earlier in 2026. An August event at the Joint Innovation Outpost brought more than 50 companies to evaluate counter-drone sensors. The Army has not announced whether it will procure Modalic’s mothership or when any of the tested systems could enter service. The XVIII Airborne Corps plans to continue testing the technologies during Scarlet Dragon 27-1 in April 2027, ahead of the larger Summit Strike exercise scheduled for September 2027 at Fort Drum, New York.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-22 14:15:01

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy is implementing a four-pillar strategy to increase submarine production and reach its planned “1+2” production rate of one Columbia-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) and two Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) each year. Vice Adm. Robert “Rob” Gaucher, the Navy’s Director of Submarine Programs, outlined the strategy at the Combined Naval Event 2026 (CNE26) in the United Kingdom. Gaucher, who also serves as the Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Submarines and Program Acquisition Executive for Undersea Warfare, is often referred to as the Navy’s “sub tsar.” Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle said in May that the Navy expects to reach the higher production rate around 2032. The Navy’s May 11 shipbuilding plan identified the 1+2 rate as its top industrial-base priority. Gaucher is pursuing a faster timeline, targeting delivery of the lead Columbia-class submarine, USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826), in 2028, one Columbia per year by 2030 and two Virginia-class submarines per year by 2031. The submarine programs rely mainly on General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut, and Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Virginia. The Navy plans to build 12 Columbia-class submarines, while the Virginia class has a planned total of 70 boats, with 44 additional submarines currently being built or planned. Because both classes use the same shipyards, workforce and facilities, Gaucher said they cannot be managed separately. “You can’t look at Virginia and Columbia in a vacuum because you’re sharing workforce, it’s the same shipyard, you’re sharing footprint,” he said.   Four Pillars of the Strategy 1. Locking in submarine designs Gaucher has ordered a “pencils down” approach for Virginia-class design changes. Changes will generally be allowed only when required for safety or critical operational needs, such as a major acoustic-signature problem. Major modifications or new equipment require his approval, while routine construction adjustments remain delegated to working-level personnel. The approach is particularly important during the transition between the later Virginia-class variants, Blocks VII and VIII.   2. Focusing the main shipyards on major work Electric Boat and Newport News are being encouraged to focus on module outfitting, hull assembly and final testing. More component assembly is to be moved outside the two main shipyards so that major modules can arrive more fully outfitted and ready for integration.   3. Expanding the wider industrial base The Navy is also expanding its supplier network to increase capacity and reduce pressure on the two prime shipyards. Gaucher highlighted Rhoads Industries in Pennsylvania, Austal USA in Alabama and BAE Systems in Jacksonville. Rhoads Industries has a long-term agreement with Electric Boat valued at about $2.5 billion, covering steel fabrication, structural assembly and outfitting through 2035. Austal has also expanded its Mobile, Alabama, facilities to support production and outfitting of command-and-control modules and other sections for Virginia- and Columbia-class submarines.   4. Designing SSN-X for producibility The fourth pillar focuses on the future SSN-X attack submarine. The Navy is considering how to balance combat capability with the time, cost and complexity required to build each submarine. Gaucher said that, at a certain point, having two submarines with fewer additional features could be preferable to spending significantly more time and money on one submarine with additional capability. Gaucher has said his immediate focus is on the second and third pillars—improving production at the main shipyards and expanding the wider industrial base. The Navy is also working on workforce growth, supply-chain resilience and advanced manufacturing methods, including additive manufacturing. The scale of the challenge is illustrated by Virginia-class production. Earlier boats required roughly 13 million man-hours, while more recent Block IV and Block V submarines require about 70 million man-hours. The four-pillar strategy is intended to address these industrial constraints and help the Navy move toward its target of producing one Columbia-class and two Virginia-class submarines annually.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-21 15:57:04