U.S 

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. / ISLAMABAD — U.S. defense technology company Powerus has received a limited procurement order from Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and associated support. The company has not disclosed the value of the order, the number of systems involved or the delivery schedule. The order was announced alongside a separate memorandum of understanding (MoU) covering potential cooperation in unmanned and autonomous technologies. The MoU provides a framework for both sides to explore additional projects and possible future deployment of Powerus systems. It is not a binding purchase agreement, and any future procurement would require definitive agreements, compliance with U.S. laws and regulations, and the necessary government approvals.   Meeting With Pakistan Military Leadership The announcement followed a September 16 meeting between a Powerus delegation led by co-founder Brett Velicovich and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the meeting discussed evolving defense technology, procurement, production and capacity building. Both sides expressed interest in expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The ISPR statement did not specifically mention the order or the MoU. Velicovich told Reuters that the order is for unmanned aerial systems but declined to provide further details, citing security sensitivities and confidentiality. He also said Powerus is exploring possible technology development in Pakistan, with the aim of creating a joint technology relationship combining U.S. and Pakistani capabilities. Powerus CEO and founder Andrew Fox described Pakistan’s private defense sector as emerging but not yet mature, saying this creates opportunities for U.S. companies. Powerus develops autonomous air and maritime systems, heavy-lift platforms, mission systems, training and support, and has U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.   Proposed Merger With Aureus Greenway Powerus has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Aureus Greenway Holdings, which trades on Nasdaq under the ticker PUSA. The transaction has not yet closed and remains subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals. The companies expect the merger to be completed in early October 2026, after which the combined company is expected to operate as Powerus Corporation and continue trading under the PUSA ticker. Aureus Greenway is backed by an investment fund linked to Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump. Regulatory filings indicate the fund is expected to hold a 9.9% beneficial ownership stake in the combined company. Fox has said the Trump sons have no involvement in Powerus’s business operations and that contracts are awarded on merit. A spokesman for Donald Trump Jr. said he is a passive investor with no role in management, operations or contract procurement. The initial Pakistan order and the MoU provide Powerus with a procurement relationship and a separate framework for exploring broader cooperation in unmanned and autonomous technologies.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-18 12:15:34

 U.S 

DALLAS — Lockheed Martin has received its first delivery of mission-critical components produced by GM Defense for the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor. The first batch of missile housing components was delivered on August 28, just 22 days after Lockheed Martin and GM Defense finalized and signed their manufacturing contract on August 6.   Accelerating Defense Manufacturing Lockheed Martin said it is moving with “wartime urgency” to expand defense production and is working with U.S. Department of War leadership to apply commercial-style contracts and manufacturing practices to high-demand defense systems. The partnership is focused on increasing production of PAC-3 MSE, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors and Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). The PAC-3 MSE is an advanced interceptor used by the Patriot air and missile defense system, which is facing high global demand. GM Defense is contributing its automotive mass-production and precision-fabrication capabilities to the effort. Lockheed Martin said the partnership has enabled components that traditionally can take months or years to manufacture to be delivered in 22 days.   Expanding Munitions Infrastructure Separately, Lockheed Martin is investing $8 billion to $9 billion in domestic manufacturing infrastructure. The company is constructing new buildings and expanding existing operations at more than 20 sites across the United States. Once completed, the projects are expected to increase Lockheed Martin’s total munitions production and warehousing space by approximately 50 percent.   Rebuilding Interceptor Stockpiles The initial GM Defense delivery is part of a broader effort to strengthen the U.S. defense supply chain and replenish interceptor stocks. A recent Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimate said the U.S. military had used approximately 65 percent of its Patriot interceptors and reduced its THAAD interceptor stockpile by at least 38 percent by July 2026. Lockheed Martin and GM Defense have indicated that they plan to extend the rapid commercial manufacturing approach to additional munitions programs to help rebuild stockpiles and support future national security requirements.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-17 16:19:02

 U.S 

MANASSAS, Va. — BAE Systems has received $16 million in Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III funding to demonstrate and qualify its RH45 radiation-hardened 45-nanometer (nm) semiconductor technology. The funding is being provided through the Department of War’s Warfighting Investments, Resourcing, and Execution (WIRE) directorate. The investment was announced on July 7 following a July 2 award and is intended to strengthen domestic production of radiation-hardened microelectronics used in missile, space and strategic systems.   RH45 ASIC Storefront The investment will allow BAE Systems to reestablish its RH45 Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) Storefront, which has supported space customers for more than a decade. The platform provides a library of qualified building blocks and proven design and manufacturing methods that allow customers to develop custom ASICs using industry-standard design tools. RH45 chips will be manufactured using GlobalFoundries’ 45nm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) process at its facility in Malta, New York. Maintaining a domestic manufacturing path is important because changing semiconductor processes can require existing systems to undergo redesign and requalification.   Radiation-Hardened Technology RH45 is based on commercial 45nm technology and is designed to operate in the harsh radiation environment of space. BAE Systems said the technology provides improved power efficiency and processing performance compared with earlier generations of transistor electronics. The technology can support planetary exploration, satellite communications, national security, surveillance and weather monitoring across military, civil and commercial applications, as well as strategic radiation-hardened defense missions. Joe Dziezynski, Space Systems product line director at BAE Systems, said the RH45 ASIC library provides customers with design flexibility while meeting radiation-hardened requirements.   GlobalFoundries Partnership and Space Systems GlobalFoundries is supporting the program through its U.S.-based 45nm SOI manufacturing process. Ezra Hall, senior director of the company’s Aerospace and Defense Business Line, said the investment builds on the companies’ longstanding partnership and supports continuity of supply for critical defense applications through secure, U.S.-manufactured semiconductor solutions. RH45 technology is also being incorporated into space-grade single-board computers, including BAE Systems’ Endura™ SBC. The system combines processor cores, hardware-accelerated input/output and security capabilities intended to improve speed, size and power efficiency. BAE Systems supplies high-reliability space electronics ranging from standard components and single-board computers to complete system payloads. Development and management of the RH45 ASIC platform are being conducted at BAE Systems’ Space Systems facility in Manassas, Virginia. The site is designated a U.S. Department of War Category 1A Microelectronics Trusted Source and provides semiconductor design, aggregation, brokerage, packaging and assembly, and testing capabilities. The Department of War has described radiation-hardened microelectronics as critical for missile, space and strategic systems. Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy Michael Cadenazzi said the project helps ensure qualified products remain available, while Jeffrey Frankston, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Resilience and overseer of the WIRE directorate, said maintaining 45nm SOI technology can help avoid system redesign and requalification costs. The RH45 award is one of five DPA Title III investments made by the WIRE directorate since the beginning of fiscal year 2026. Together, the five awards total $102.6 million and focus on strengthening key parts of the domestic defense industrial base. The funding will support continuity of a U.S. manufacturing path for radiation-hardened chips used in civil, commercial and defense space and strategic missions.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-17 16:02:45

 U.S 

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — A U.S. Space Force specialist continued operating an electronic warfare system against an Iranian target even as incoming missiles targeted her position in the Middle East during Operation Epic Fury, according to Chief of Space Operations Gen. Douglas Schiess. Schiess described the incident during his keynote address at the Air & Space Forces Association’s 2026 Air, Space & Cyber Conference on September 15. He identified the service member only as Specialist Gray, from Tampa, Florida, and said she had joined the Space Force about two years earlier. Gray deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility with the 42nd Electronic Warfare Detachment. Within hours of the start of Operation Epic Fury, she received a priority target package requiring her to reconfigure her weapon system and conduct what Schiess described as critical non-kinetic fires. According to Schiess, Gray locked onto the target, optimized the system and conducted electromagnetic warfare against the adversary. While she was operating the system, “Alarm Red” sirens sounded and incoming missiles targeted her site. Despite the attack, Gray remained at her console until her commander intervened and pulled her to safety. Schiess said she later returned to her home station. The Space Force has not publicly identified the specific electronic warfare system used by Gray or disclosed the location of the engagement.   42nd Electronic Warfare Detachment The 42nd Electronic Warfare Detachment has operated in the Middle East under U.S. Space Forces-Central (SPACECENT). Publicly released photographs have previously shown members of the unit operating trailer-mounted antenna equipment in the region. The Space Force has described electronic warfare as one of its important contributions to Operation Epic Fury. Air & Space Forces Magazine reported that Space Force capabilities were used to help disrupt Iranian air defenses and communications and to support U.S. targeting operations. Schiess also said some Space Force personnel have to operate forward because certain missions require them to be within the footprint of a satellite. This can place Guardians directly in areas exposed to enemy attacks.   Missile Warning and Space Support Electronic warfare was only one part of the Space Force's contribution to the operation. Schiess highlighted satellite communications, GPS, positioning, navigation and timing, missile warning and missile tracking as important capabilities during the campaign. Space Force sensors and other systems provided warnings of incoming Iranian missiles, giving personnel time to take cover and allowing defensive forces to prepare for incoming threats. U.S. officials have said Iranian attacks have targeted U.S. bases and other facilities across the region. Schiess said the Space Force was part of the minimum force package considered necessary for Operation Epic Fury. He said U.S. Central Command and U.S. Space Command, supported by Space Force components associated with European and Pacific commands, delivered space capabilities directly to the campaign.   Lessons From the Conflict The experience has also led the Space Force and the broader U.S. military to examine how forward-deployed capabilities should be protected during future conflicts. Schiess said officials are examining which functions should be placed in underground facilities, which could be operated remotely and which capabilities could potentially be provided from space. The service is also examining how to sustain and reconstitute forces operating in a combat environment. The incident involving Specialist Gray illustrates that some Space Force missions require personnel and equipment to operate close to the battlefield rather than exclusively from locations inside the United States. The Space Force has said its role in Operation Epic Fury demonstrated the need to integrate space capabilities directly with joint military operations. Schiess's account provides one of the clearest public descriptions so far of a Space Force electronic warfare operator continuing a mission while under direct missile attack. However, the service has not released further details about the specific weapon system, target or location involved.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-17 14:17:45

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy has awarded three competitive Prototype Other Transaction (OT) agreements to Conrad Shipyard LLC of Orange, Texas; Master Boat Builders Inc. of Coden, Alabama; and Saronic Technologies of Brownsville, Texas, to build prototype Landing Craft, Utility (LCU) 1700 vessels. The awards, announced on September 15, 2026, carry an initial construction obligation of $280,521,389. Under the agreements, the three shipyards will build two or three prototype craft and refine their manufacturing plans to support future high-rate production. Master Boat Builders will initially build three hulls, with an option for a fourth.   Navy Expands LCU 1700 Production Base The Navy said the decision to use three shipyards is intended to expand U.S. shipbuilding capacity and establish multiple sources for LCU 1700 production. “By selecting three distinct shipyards, the Navy is expanding its shipbuilding industrial base capacity and building a resilient ‘second source’ of supply for landing craft,” said William F. Mahan, who is performing the duties of Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition. “Other Transaction prototype authority allows the Navy to move at the speed of relevance.” The acquisition effort is funded by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and uses prototype authorities under 10 U.S.C. § 4022. The Navy said the approach is intended to speed delivery of littoral capabilities, validate the production-ready Technical Data Package (TDP) through actual fabrication, and establish parallel production lines.   LCU 1700 to Replace LCU 1610 The LCU 1700 is being developed to replace the Navy's legacy LCU 1610-class landing craft, which have an average of more than 50 years of active service. The new craft are approximately 139 feet long with a 31-foot beam. They are designed with improved reliability, increased payload capacity of about 170 short tons, extended operational reach and compatibility with the Navy's amphibious warfare ships. The LCU 1700 has a stated top speed of 11 knots and a range of about 1,200 nautical miles at 8 knots, with a crew of 13. Its payload capacity is sufficient for two M1A1 tanks or approximately 350 combat troops, according to the information provided for the program. The vessels are intended to transport troops, vehicles and cargo between ships and shore, between shore locations, and back to ships. They will support amphibious operations as well as other logistics missions.   Austal USA Already Delivered First LCU 1700 The new agreements follow the Navy's receipt of its first LCU 1700-class landing craft, LCU 1710, from Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama, in August 2026. Austal holds contracts for additional hulls under an earlier agreement. The Navy's latest awards are intended to add three more shipyards to the production effort and introduce different construction processes across the yards. The prototype work will also allow the Navy to validate the technical data package through actual construction before higher-rate production begins.   Three Shipyards to Build Prototype Craft Conrad Shipyard will construct its vessels at its facility in Orange, Texas. Master Boat Builders, based in Coden, Alabama, will initially construct three LCU 1700s and has an option for a fourth vessel. The company described the award as a major milestone after 45 years of shipbuilding work. Saronic Technologies plans to build its LCU 1700 vessels at Port Alpha, its planned next-generation shipyard facility in Brownsville, Texas. The LCU 1700 work is expected to be among the first construction activities at the site.   Deliveries Expected From Late 2028 Deliveries of the prototype craft from the three newly selected shipyards are scheduled to begin in late 2028 and continue through 2029. The Navy's LCU 1700 program of record calls for 32 craft overall. The multi-shipyard approach is intended to establish a broader production base and provide a path toward higher-rate construction of the remaining vessels.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-17 13:51:47

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon has raised concerns about whether the U.S. defense industrial base has enough skilled personnel and production capacity to simultaneously develop and eventually mass-produce the U.S. Air Force’s F-47 and U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX, two advanced sixth-generation fighter programs. The concerns were outlined by U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Dale R. White, the service’s senior official overseeing major acquisition programs, during a media roundtable at the Air & Space Forces Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Maryland. The conference was held September 14–16, 2026. White identified three major challenges: the technical complexity of the aircraft, shortages of skilled personnel and limited production capacity. He said these problems are not limited to the F-47 or F/A-XX, but are affecting multiple major defense programs across the industrial base.   F-47 Remains on Track Despite the broader industrial-base concerns, the F-47 program continues to progress. Boeing received the Air Force contract for the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) platform in March 2025. The F-47 is being developed as the Air Force's sixth-generation crewed fighter. White said Boeing is making significant capital investments in production infrastructure. However, several important steps remain before the aircraft can move into serial production, including completing the design, conducting flight testing and progressing software development and configuration. The Air Force currently expects the F-47 to conduct its first flight within the next two years. Officials have continued to identify 2028 as the target for the aircraft's first flight. White also said the program has benefited from many years of technology maturation and risk-reduction work before the current development phase.   F/A-XX Program Faces a Longer Timeline The Navy's F/A-XX program, intended to provide a future carrier-based fighter, has faced delays in selecting its prime contractor. The competition has been narrowed to Boeing and Northrop Grumman. Earlier in 2026, Navy leadership had indicated that a downselect was expected in August, but the service had not announced the final contractor as of the latest reports. The F/A-XX program has also faced questions over industrial-base capacity. The Pentagon previously moved to limit resources for the program while concentrating greater resources on the F-47, although Congress provided additional funding to keep the Navy effort active. Navy leadership has continued to support the requirement for F/A-XX, with Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle pointing to advances in potential adversaries' aviation and air-defense capabilities as reasons for maintaining the program.   Industrial Capacity Remains a Key Issue The Pentagon's concern is not limited to whether either fighter can be developed individually. The larger question is whether the U.S. industrial base can support the workforce, manufacturing infrastructure and production rates required if both programs move forward at the same time. Boeing has previously said it has the scale and production capability to support both aircraft programs. Company representatives have also discussed investments in facilities and personnel for future production requirements. If Boeing is selected for F/A-XX, commonality in some systems and design elements between the two programs could potentially reduce duplicated engineering work and support development. For now, the two programs remain at different stages. The F-47 is progressing toward its planned first flight, while the Navy continues its process for selecting the F/A-XX prime contractor. White's latest comments indicate that workforce availability and production capacity will remain important factors as both programs move toward development and eventual production.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-17 13:25:22

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — U.S. intelligence agencies have warned that a proposed sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia could create risks of Chinese access to sensitive American military technology through espionage or Saudi Arabia’s existing military and security ties with Beijing, The New York Times reported on September 16, 2026, citing U.S. officials familiar with the assessments.   DIA Identifies Security Risks A detailed assessment by the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) examined Chinese military access to Saudi facilities and Riyadh’s use of Chinese telecommunications technology. The assessment questioned whether locations housing F-35-related technology could be adequately secured. U.S. officials are particularly concerned about protecting the fighter’s advanced radar and surveillance systems. The DIA recommends restricting access to facilities containing F-35 technology to Saudi and U.S. officers and contractors. It also questions whether Saudi Arabia would accept broader restrictions on contact with Chinese military and intelligence personnel and related organizations. Another issue is Chinese telecommunications equipment. The assessment asks whether Saudi Arabia would remove equipment made by Huawei and ZTE from telecommunications networks, router infrastructure and defense installations connected to the F-35 program.   $24 Billion F-35 Package The concerns come as the Trump administration advances a proposed $24 billion package involving 48 F-35 aircraft and a spare engine. President Trump announced support for the sale in November 2025, one day before hosting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House. The State Department sent the proposed package to two congressional committees for informal review in June 2026. A broader DIA assessment issued in fall 2025 had already identified similar risks. That assessment, the later detailed report and assessments from other intelligence offices have circulated among administration agencies and congressional offices. Some lawmakers and aides have questioned the administration about the findings.   Saudi Arabia’s Ties With China Saudi Arabia has longstanding military cooperation with the United States and is a major buyer of American defense equipment. At the same time, Riyadh maintains military ties with China, including cooperation involving ballistic missiles. These ties are a central concern in the intelligence assessments because of the possibility that Chinese personnel, technology or organizations could gain access to facilities associated with the F-35 program.   Israel and Regional Concerns Israel is currently the only country in the Middle East operating F-35 aircraft. Both Saudi Arabia and Turkey have sought the fighter for years. The proposed Saudi acquisition has also raised questions about Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region. Israel has used its F-35s in operations, including airstrikes related to Iran.   Previous UAE F-35 Case Similar concerns previously affected a proposed F-35 sale to the United Arab Emirates. During the first Trump administration, Washington proposed a package including up to 50 F-35s and other systems linked to the UAE’s normalization of relations with Israel. U.S. intelligence agencies later raised concerns about the UAE’s growing military, intelligence and technology ties with China, and the sales process was ultimately halted during the Biden administration. Turkey was also removed from the F-35 program after purchasing Russia’s S-400 air-defense system, which U.S. officials said could compromise the aircraft’s stealth technology.   Final Conditions Remain Unclear The F-35 is manufactured by Lockheed Martin, and production and delivery of the aircraft typically take years. U.S. officials continue to discuss possible safeguards for protecting F-35 technology, but it remains unclear what conditions would be included in a final Saudi sales agreement. The White House, Chinese Embassy, State Department, Pentagon and Saudi Embassy in Washington had not publicly commented on the latest intelligence assessments, according to the reports.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-17 12:34:47

 U.S 

SAN DIEGO — Austal USA has been awarded a $10.8 million contract by the U.S. Navy for emergent maintenance and dry-docking work on the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Oakland (LCS 24). The maintenance will be carried out at Austal USA’s waterfront ship repair facility in San Diego using the company’s newly certified floating dry dock. The contract marks an important step in expanding Austal USA’s ability to conduct dry-dock repair work on U.S. Navy ships on the West Coast. Under the contract, Austal USA’s Repair and Services team will replace the ship’s main service diesel generator. The work requires access to areas below the ship’s waterline, making dry-docking necessary. Austal said using the floating dry dock instead of conducting the work alongside a pier is expected to improve efficiency and help return USS Oakland to the fleet more quickly and in peak operating condition. “This contract award is a significant milestone for Austal USA and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team in achieving dry dock certification,” Austal USA President Gene Miller said. He added that the company now has the capability to provide full-service dry-dock support for extended, year-long repairs. Miller also said that an additional dry dock in San Diego gives the Navy greater capacity for complex maintenance projects and emergent repairs at a dedicated dry-dock facility. Keeping the maintenance work in San Diego also allows the ship’s crew to remain near their home port and families during the maintenance period. The location keeps the ship close to Navy maintenance personnel in the region who oversee the work.   New San Diego Floating Dry Dock Austal USA’s floating dry dock was fully certified and declared operational on September 14, 2026. It was designed to support small surface combatants and ships of similar size. The dry dock has a 9,000-light-ton lifting capacity and measures 531 feet (162 meters) long and 154 feet (47 meters) wide. It has a maximum draft of 36 feet (11 meters), while its wingwalls are 13.12 feet (4 meters) wide. Cranes installed directly on the dry dock provide a combined lifting capacity of 16 metric tons, supporting maintenance activities during extended repair periods. Companies and organizations involved in the final installation and certification preparations included R.E. Staite Engineering Inc., which provided dredging and construction services, Chula Vista Electric for shore power installation, and support from PAE Industrial Operations, the Southwest Regional Maintenance Center and Heger Dry Dock. The new facility expands Austal USA’s repair capabilities in San Diego beyond maintenance work that can be performed alongside a pier. The facility is intended to support maintenance of U.S. Navy, Military Sealift Command and U.S. Coast Guard vessels.   USS Oakland USS Oakland is an Independence-variant littoral combat ship built by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama. The Navy accepted delivery of the ship on June 26, 2020, and it was commissioned on April 17, 2021. The Navy lists USS Oakland as a San Diego-based Independence-variant LCS. The class is designed for operations in near-shore environments while also supporting open-ocean missions. The $10.8 million maintenance contract will therefore be the first major project for USS Oakland at Austal USA’s newly operational San Diego floating dry dock, providing the company with an opportunity to conduct below-waterline maintenance at its own dedicated facility.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-17 12:18:24

 U.S 

RENO, Nev. — Israeli unmanned aircraft manufacturer Steadicopter has completed a U.S. airworthiness validation for its Black Eagle 50E electric unmanned helicopter, supporting expanded flight operations, testing and customer evaluations in the United States.   U.S. Airworthiness Validation The Nevada Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Site (UASTS), operated by the University of Nevada, Reno, conducted the validation on two Black Eagle 50E aircraft. Following the process, Nevada UASTS issued an Airworthiness Statement covering Black Eagle 50E aircraft operated in the United States by Alchemy Analytics, which operates as flyAlchemy. The validation works alongside existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COAs). Together, the approvals cover designated operating areas totaling more than 8,100 square miles (21,000 square kilometers). The approvals provide a basis for ongoing flight testing, training, customer demonstrations and mission evaluations, moving the aircraft beyond limited one-time demonstration flights.   Moving Toward Mission Evaluations Steadicopter CEO Noam Lidor said the validation provides the foundation for sustained U.S. operations and for evaluating the Black Eagle 50E against actual customer and mission requirements. Conrad Wright, founder of flyAlchemy, said the next phase will focus on payload selection, payload integration and operational evaluations. flyAlchemy operates the U.S. program from Reno-Stead Airport in Nevada. It supports flight operations, airworthiness and regulatory work, aircraft staging, mission development and preparation for customer demonstrations and evaluations. Steadicopter and flyAlchemy formalized their U.S. partnership in March 2026. Under the agreement, Steadicopter provides Black Eagle 50E systems for demonstration flights, customer evaluations, payload integration and mission development for U.S. government and commercial users.   Black Eagle 50E Capabilities Introduced in 2022, the Black Eagle 50E is an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned helicopter. Specification Black Eagle 50E Maximum takeoff weight 50 kg (110 lb) Combined payload and battery capacity Up to 30 kg (66 lb) Endurance Approximately 2 hours Takeoff and landing Vertical (VTOL) The electric propulsion system replaces the gasoline engines used on earlier Black Eagle models and reduces overall weight, allowing capacity for sensors or batteries. Its VTOL design means the aircraft does not require a conventional runway and can operate from confined or remote locations, including ships. The aircraft uses a modular open architecture supporting payloads such as electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, maritime patrol radar, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), automatic identification system (AIS) receivers and signals intelligence (SIGINT) systems. The Israeli Navy ordered the Black Eagle 50E in 2022 for coastal security and maritime surveillance.   Planned U.S. Applications In the United States, Steadicopter and flyAlchemy are developing potential missions covering: Defense and homeland security Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) Public safety Emergency response Critical infrastructure monitoring Remote sensing With the airworthiness validation completed, the companies plan to conduct mission-specific demonstrations, integrate additional payloads, engage U.S. customers and pursue additional operating areas as requirements develop.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-16 16:56:20

 U.S 

RESTON, Va. — V2X Inc. (NYSE: VVX) has been awarded a position on a $46 million U.S. Air Force delivery order to produce carriage equipment for the Long Range Standoff (LRSO) cruise missile program. The company announced the award on September 15. The order was placed under the Air Force’s Enterprise-Wide Agile Acquisition Contract (EWAAC), an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract. The work supports the Air Force’s Carriage Equipment Production Effort for the LRSO program.   Equipment for B-52 LRSO Integration Under the delivery order, V2X will manufacture carriage equipment required to support the integration of the LRSO weapon system onto the B-52 Stratofortress. The equipment is part of the hardware needed for the bomber to carry and employ the new cruise missile. The LRSO is being developed to replace the AGM-86B Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) and is part of the modernization of the airborne component of the U.S. strategic deterrent. The Air Force previously identified the LRSO as a weapon intended for integration with its bomber force. V2X President and CEO Jeremy C. Wensinger said the company considers its work on B-52 modernization and the strategic deterrent a significant responsibility. He said the award reflects the Air Force’s confidence in V2X to provide solutions supporting the service’s modernization priorities.   Part of Wider B-52 Modernization The LRSO carriage equipment effort is taking place alongside several other B-52 modernization programs. The Air Force reported on September 15 that the B-52J Commercial Engine Replacement Program received Milestone B approval on June 1, allowing it to enter the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase. The program will replace the bomber’s existing engines with Rolls-Royce F130 engines. The Air Force also reported that the B-52 Radar Modernization Program received Milestone C approval on August 21, authorizing the radar upgrade to move into production. Structural assessments have also indicated that the B-52 airframes have sufficient fatigue life to support operations into the 2050s and beyond. These programs are intended to keep the B-52 fleet operational while adding modern propulsion, radar, communications and weapons capabilities.   EWAAC Contract The Enterprise-Wide Agile Acquisition Contract is a multiple-award IDIQ vehicle managed by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. It supports weapons-related development, production, integration and other acquisition activities. The $46 million V2X delivery order is one task issued under the broader contract framework. V2X was formed in 2022 through the merger of Vectrus and Vertex Aerospace. The Reston, Virginia-based company provides engineering, manufacturing, sustainment, logistics and mission-support services for defense customers across air, land, sea, space and cyber domains. The company said it employs approximately 16,000 people.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-16 16:41:44

 U.S 

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — Anduril Industries has conducted ground fit-checks of several air-to-ground weapons on its YFQ-44A Fury autonomous aircraft, expanding the potential mission set of the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) platform beyond its original air-to-air focus. The company released imagery showing the Fury fitted with 2.75-inch rocket pods, 500-pound-class guided bombs including the GBU-54 Laser JDAM, and GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs mounted on twin adaptor racks under the wings. Anduril has also begun integration work for 250-pound SDBs, targeting pods and low-cost cruise missiles, including its Barracuda 500 cruise missile. The integration is being funded internally by Anduril. Jason Levin, Anduril’s senior vice president for Air Dominance and Strike, and Erin Simpson, vice president for Strategy for Air Dominance and Strike, discussed the work during a roundtable at the Air & Space Forces Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Symposium.   Ground Fit-Checks Only The weapons shown have not yet been flight-tested on the Fury. The current work is limited to ground fit-checks, which verify physical and structural compatibility, clearances and system interfaces. Before these weapons can be cleared for operational use, the aircraft will need further testing covering aerodynamic effects, structural loads, store separation and captive-carry and live-release trials. The YFQ-44A prototype currently has two external underwing hardpoints, while the production FQ-44 Fury is expected to have four. The additional stations could support different combinations of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons.   Fury Already Demonstrated Air-to-Air Capability The Fury has already demonstrated a live air-to-air weapons capability. On July 15, 2026, the YFQ-44A launched an AIM-120 AMRAAM during testing over the Mojave Desert. It has also conducted formation flights with F-35A fighters during Experimental Operations Unit testing at Creech Air Force Base, although the F-35s did not control the Fury during those flights. The Fury, previously designated YFQ-44A during its prototype phase, is now officially designated the FQ-44 Fury by the Air Force. It is one of two designs selected for CCA Increment 1, alongside General Atomics' FQ-42. Production contracts were awarded in June 2026. Anduril has begun preparing production at its Arsenal-1 facility and has invested in long-lead items, although full production work under the contract depends on fiscal year 2027 funding. The latest fit-checks show that Anduril is exploring a broader range of weapons and mission configurations for the Fury, while the Air Force has not yet finalized requirements for later CCA increments.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-16 15:57:07

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — September 16, 2026 — The Trump administration is preparing a $2.8 billion munitions package for Israel that includes 40,000 bombs weighing 2,000 pounds each, along with 20,000 I-2000 Penetrator warheads, according to U.S. officials cited by The Washington Post . The proposed package has been informally communicated to the relevant congressional committees as part of the review process for major U.S. arms sales. The State Department has not formally confirmed the transaction, saying it does not comment on proposed foreign military sales before they are formally notified to Congress.   What the Package Includes The package includes two types of 2,000-pound bombs: 20,000 MK-84 general-purpose bombs 20,000 BLU-117 bombs 20,000 I-2000 Penetrator warheads The MK-84 and BLU-117 account for the 40,000 bombs in the package. The I-2000 Penetrator warheads are listed separately. The MK-84 is a 2,000-pound conventional bomb designed for air-to-ground use. The Washington Post described it as one of the most destructive conventional munitions in Western arsenals, with the ability to damage thick concrete and metal structures. The BLU-117 is a 2,000-pound-class bomb body based on the MK-84 design and has a thermal protective coating intended to make it safer for certain naval storage conditions. The I-2000 Penetrator is designed for use against hardened structures and underground targets.   Financing and Congressional Review The proposed transaction would be financed through the U.S. Foreign Military Financing (FMF) mechanism. Under this system, U.S. funding is provided to Israel for the purchase of American-made defense equipment. Congressional committees have received an informal notification, but the package has not yet completed the formal congressional notification process. A formal notification would begin the statutory review period under U.S. arms-export rules. A senior Trump administration official said that foreign arms sales are moving through the appropriate process but declined to comment on pending transactions. The Israeli Embassy also did not immediately respond to requests for comment. If completed, the package would be larger than previous U.S. transfers of 2,000-pound munitions to Israel in recent years. The Washington Post reported that an earlier 2025 sale was valued at about $2.04 billion and included more than 35,500 comparable bomb bodies.   Reversal of Earlier Restrictions The proposed sale follows a previous U.S. decision to pause the delivery of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. In 2024, the Biden administration paused a shipment of such bombs because of concerns over their potential use in densely populated areas of Gaza. After President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025, the administration lifted that hold and released the previously withheld munitions. Israel has used 2,000-pound bombs in operations in Gaza and Lebanon, according to Reuters and other reports, bringing scrutiny from rights experts over their use in densely populated areas.   Large-Scale Munitions Requirement The proposed package comes after years of intensive military operations involving Israel and follows several previous U.S. weapons transfers. Because of the size of the order, the proposed transaction represents a significant addition to Israel's inventory of heavy aerial munitions. The package is also being considered while the United States faces broader demands on its own munitions stocks, according to recent reporting. The proposed $2.8 billion sale remains subject to the formal U.S. arms-sale process. Its final approval, congressional review and delivery timeline have not been publicly established.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-16 15:38:47

 U.S 

WARRENTON, Va. — DroneShield has completed the installation, testing and operational acceptance of its DroneSentry-X Mk2 counter-uncrewed aircraft systems (C-UAS) on U.S. military Infantry Squad Vehicles (ISVs) under the Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401) program. The work was completed in approximately 80 days after the contract was awarded. DroneShield handled system delivery, vehicle integration, live-uncrewed-aircraft acceptance testing and operator training. The completion establishes Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the deployed systems. A recent contract modification also calls for three additional DroneSentry-X Mk2 units.   Mobile Counter-Drone System The DroneSentry-X Mk2 is a compact vehicle-mounted system designed to detect uncrewed aircraft and use electronic countermeasures against them. Mounted directly on the ISV, the system can operate while the vehicle is stationary or moving, allowing mobile infantry units to carry counter-UAS capability with them instead of relying only on fixed installations. DroneShield personnel supervised the mechanical and electrical installation and conducted live-flight testing using uncrewed aircraft. Military operators also received training as part of the acceptance process. “Counter-UAS capability has to be deployable at the speed the threat is evolving,” said Nate Webb, Director of Strategic Projects at DroneShield. He said the company completed delivery, vehicle installation, live-UAS acceptance testing and operator training in approximately 80 days.   Contract and U.S. Military Support The contract was announced in June 2026 and has an initial value of A$19.3 million, with A$5.6 million in options over five years, for a potential total value of A$24.9 million. It covers mobile and fixed-site counter-drone solutions, including hardware, subscriptions, warranties and services. DroneShield is also required to purchase and install third-party interoperable systems. Deliveries are scheduled across 2026 and 2027. JIATF-401 coordinates counter-UAS efforts across the U.S. joint force and supports missions involving U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), Joint Task Force-Southern Border (JTF-SB) and interagency partners. U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401, said there is no single solution for every drone threat and that effective counter-UAS operations also require training and appropriate authorities. He said the task force will continue working with USNORTHCOM, JTF-SB and other partners on counter-drone capabilities for operations at home and abroad. The Infantry Squad Vehicle is a lightweight tactical platform designed to carry a nine-soldier infantry squad and up to 3,200 pounds of payload. It can also be transported by helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft. DroneShield said the DroneSentry-X Mk2 has also been added to the JIATF-401 C-UAS Marketplace, allowing authorized U.S. government agencies and allied military purchasers to acquire counter-UAS equipment through the program.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-16 15:25:06

 U.S 

TUCSON, Ariz. — Lockheed Martin has demonstrated a direct data link between Legion infrared search-and-track (IRST) pods mounted on two F-16 fighter aircraft, allowing the aircraft to share sensor information in flight and generate targeting data without relying on their radars. The flight test was conducted with the U.S. Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve Test Center (AATC) from Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona. The two F-16s were equipped with Legion Pods connected through HiveLink, a data-link system developed by L3Harris. According to Lockheed Martin, the demonstration showed how two passive infrared sensors can combine their observations to improve target tracking and determine range while the aircraft remain radar silent.   Combining Two Passive Sensors The Legion Pod uses the IRST21 sensor, which detects and tracks airborne targets using infrared signatures rather than transmitting radar energy. Lockheed Martin says the system is designed to provide air-to-air detection and tracking in radar-denied environments. A single passive IRST can provide an accurate bearing to a target, but determining range is more difficult because the sensor does not actively transmit a signal. By linking two pods on separate aircraft, their different viewing angles can be combined to establish the target's range. Lockheed Martin previously described this approach as similar to human depth perception: two sensors observing an object from different positions provide the geometry needed to create a three-dimensional view. During the latest demonstration, the two Legion Pods exchanged sensor information directly and combined their tracks. This allows the system to produce targeting information without requiring the infrared data to pass through the aircraft's main mission computer for processing.   Data Link Reduces Aircraft System Burden The pod-to-pod architecture is designed to allow the Legion Pods to perform much of the data processing and communication themselves. Lockheed Martin previously stated that this approach can reduce the use of aircraft resources and shorten the time required to establish target range. HiveLink, developed by L3Harris, is designed as a secure, software-defined data-link system supporting both line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications. L3Harris says the system uses mesh networking and supports multiple waveforms for operations involving airborne, unmanned and ground platforms. Cristin Stengel, program director for Lockheed Martin Legion, said the company is working with the Air National Guard and AATC to develop a networked passive IRST capability and provide aircrews with faster and more accurate targeting information in contested airspace.   Continued Development The latest F-16 test follows earlier work on Legion's pod-to-pod networking capability. In 2021, Lockheed Martin demonstrated IRST data sharing between two F-15Cs during the Northern Edge exercise in Alaska. The company subsequently planned F-16 flight testing to demonstrate transportability and interoperability across aircraft platforms. Lockheed Martin's current Legion Pod is housed in a 16-inch-diameter structure and incorporates the IRST21 sensor and an onboard processor. The company says the pod has completed integration and flight testing on F-16 and F-15C aircraft and uses a common interface designed to simplify integration without changes to the aircraft's operational flight program. The company has also identified future applications involving additional radios and waveforms, fifth-to-fourth-generation connectivity and manned-unmanned teaming. These developments are intended to allow passive sensor information to be shared across a wider network of aircraft and other platforms. The latest demonstration therefore continues Lockheed Martin's development of Legion as a networked passive sensor, combining infrared detection with direct data sharing between aircraft while reducing the need for active radar emissions during target tracking.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-16 14:50:34

 U.S 

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has confirmed that the AGM-190A Havoc Spear small cruise missile meets requirements for broader operational use across special operations and conventional aircraft. The decision follows a spring 2026 combat evaluation conducted with U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). During the assessment, an AC-130J Ghostrider launched two AGM-190A missiles in a test configuration from ramp-mounted launch tubes against two separate stationary ground targets in AFRICOM's area of responsibility. Both missiles successfully struck their designated targets. Further details of the operation were not released. “Havoc Spear’s range and capabilities expand standoff options, giving commanders a versatile tool to neutralize threats without putting platforms or personnel in immediate danger,” said Lt. Gen. Mike Conley, AFSOC commander. AFRICOM commander Gen. Dagvin Anderson said the successful assessments support ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist networks in Africa and provide capabilities alongside U.S. partners.   Rapid Development and Production U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) led procurement of the missile through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Leidos. The weapon was originally developed under the project name Black Arrow. The program moved from design through testing and combat evaluation in less than three years, compared with the five-to-seven-year timeline typical of similar acquisition programs. AFSOC director of strategic plans, programs and requirements Col. Robert Johnston said the command is using more agile modernization pathways and industry partnerships to deliver capabilities faster. The AGM-190A is a 200-pound-class weapon with a demonstrated standoff range of more than 400 nautical miles, or about 460 miles (740 km), in earlier testing from a C-130. It uses a modular hardware design and open-system software for different mission requirements. On July 8, 2026, USSOCOM awarded Leidos an initial $27.2 million production contract. About 45 missiles from the initial production order are expected to begin delivery in fall 2027. The current low-rate initial production cost is approximately $600,000 per missile, with a target of about $250,000 to $350,000 at full-rate production. Leidos said its manufacturing base in Huntsville, Alabama, can be expanded to produce up to 15,000 missiles annually if required.   Wider Aircraft Integration AFSOC plans to integrate the AGM-190A across additional aircraft, including MC-130J platforms and conventional Air Force aircraft capable of carrying pylon-mounted weapons. The missile can be launched through ramp launch tubes, external wing pylons and palletized drops. AFSOC also intends to align the weapon with the Air Force's Family of Affordable Mass Missiles (FAMM) initiative, with the goal of supporting larger purchases and reducing production costs. In the near term, AFSOC aircrews will focus on tactical training and weapons integration. Development teams are also evaluating non-kinetic electronic warfare and specialized reconnaissance variants using the missile's modular airframe. The AGM-190A forms part of AFSOC's Enhanced Precision Effects effort. The name Havoc Spear was selected by Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink during a November 2025 visit to AFSOC headquarters, while the official AGM-190A designation was assigned in early 2026.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-15 15:48:21