U.S 

WASHINGTON —  The United States is facing significant pressure on its missile inventories after months of combat operations against Iran, with a new analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimating that only about 36% of the country’s pre-conflict Patriot interceptor inventory remains. CSIS estimates that the United States had about 2,300 Patriot interceptors before the conflict with Iran. The remaining inventory is estimated at between 759 and 827 missiles, or roughly one-third of the prewar stockpile. The Patriot inventory is not the only U.S. missile stockpile under pressure. CSIS estimates that 234 to 278 Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors remain from a prewar inventory of about 452, representing approximately 52% to 62%. Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) stocks are estimated at only 10% to 22% of pre-conflict levels. Tomahawk cruise missile inventories are estimated at about two-thirds of their prewar level.   Patriot production under pressure The depletion of Patriot interceptors has highlighted the limits of current production capacity. Annual Patriot interceptor production has been around 600 missiles, although the United States is working to increase production. CSIS analysts Mark Cancian and Chris Park said rebuilding depleted inventories will take several years, even with expanded production. The analysts also warned that reduced inventories could force the United States and its partners to take greater risks when defending against ballistic missile attacks because there are limited alternatives to Patriot and THAAD for this mission. War Department Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey said U.S. weapons production lines have reached their current limits and that the production expansion process began during the Ukraine war as the United States recognized that modern conflicts could require larger quantities of munitions.   Ukraine transfers also affected Patriot stocks The depletion of U.S. inventories is not entirely the result of the Iran conflict. The Trump administration has also pointed to weapons transferred to Ukraine. CSIS estimates that the United States had around 2,200 Patriot missiles before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. About 600 were subsequently provided to Ukraine, although some of those missiles may have come from U.S. allies. New production later increased the U.S. inventory to an estimated 2,300 Patriot interceptors before the Iran conflict. CSIS has assessed that Ukraine transfers were a relatively minor factor in the overall decline of several U.S. munition inventories, with Patriot being an important exception. Between 2021 and 2025, Ukraine was the largest recipient of major arms globally, with at least 36 countries supplying weapons. The United States accounted for 41% of Ukraine's arms imports during that period, according to the data cited in the report.   Allied weapons deliveries face delays The reduction in U.S. inventories is also affecting deliveries to American allies and partners as Washington gives priority to replenishing its own stocks. Japan's planned purchase of 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles has faced delays as the United States works to manage its inventory. Mark Cancian said Japan has been told that its Tomahawk order is being pushed back in the delivery queue. Japan is preparing to operate the missiles from a modified ship, while facing security concerns involving China. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao has also confirmed a temporary pause on certain arms sales to Taiwan to ensure that sufficient munitions remain available for current operations. Representative Michael McCaul, who reviews foreign military sales, said delays in promised weapons deliveries can affect U.S. alliances and the ability of partner countries to protect themselves. The United States is the only country that manufactures the complete Patriot battery, while the United States and Japan have publicly shown that they produce Patriot missiles. Patriot is currently operated by 19 nations, according to manufacturer Raytheon.   THAAD and PrSM inventories also under pressure THAAD has also been heavily used during the conflict. CSIS estimates that the United States has 52% to 62% of its prewar THAAD interceptor inventory remaining. The United States, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates operate THAAD systems. Saudi Arabia also has outstanding THAAD deliveries that are expected to continue through April 2028. No official delay to those THAAD deliveries has been reported in the information provided. The PrSM inventory has experienced a sharper reduction. CSIS estimates that only 10% to 22% of the pre-conflict stock remains following expenditures during the Iran campaign.   Heavy demand during the Iran conflict The scale of weapons use has contributed to the depletion. CSIS has described Operation Epic Fury as one of the most munitions-intensive U.S. military campaigns in decades, involving large expenditures of both offensive and defensive missiles. CSIS has also noted that the intensity of the later 14-day period of renewed fighting was lower than the initial 39-day air campaign. During the later period, U.S. forces were launching about 80 to 100 strikes per day, compared with roughly 350 strikes per day during the major air campaign. Israel was also conducting hundreds of strikes during the earlier period.   Jordan engagement highlights interceptor demand During the night of September 8-9, Jordan reported that its air defenses engaged 20 ballistic missiles launched from Iran toward Jordanian territory. Jordan said 18 were intercepted and destroyed, while two landed in unpopulated areas. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had conducted a missile strike against a U.S. military base in Jordan. Open-source analyst Babak Taghvaee separately claimed on X that U.S. Patriot batteries in Jordan appeared to stop launching interceptors after the first wave of Iranian missiles. He suggested that the batteries may have exhausted available MIM-104D/F interceptors or that one or both batteries may have been targeted. Those claims have not been officially confirmed by U.S. or Jordanian authorities and therefore do not establish that the Patriot batteries had actually run out of interceptors or had been struck.   Rebuilding the stockpile will take years The U.S. military still has missiles available for ongoing operations, but rebuilding inventories has become a longer-term challenge. CSIS has warned that the depleted stocks create a period of reduced readiness for potential future conflicts, particularly in the Western Pacific. The situation also illustrates the difficulty of simultaneously supporting U.S. operations, replenishing domestic inventories and fulfilling weapons orders for allies. "We've maxed out the production lines now," Cancian said, describing the limits facing the current production system. The United States is therefore increasing production capacity while prioritizing the replenishment of weapons consumed during the Iran conflict. CSIS estimates that restoring several major missile inventories to desired levels will take multiple years.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-09 09:40:56

 U.S 

ARLINGTON, Va. —  On September 8, 2026 AeroVironment, Inc. announced it has received its first international purchase order for the LOCUST Laser Weapon System in a direct commercial sale valued at more than $50 million. The order covers an initial delivery of LOCUST systems and associated support services. AeroVironment has not disclosed the buying country, number of systems or delivery timeline. The deal follows the company's selection by the U.S. Army for a $464.8 million Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) contract, which AeroVironment has described as the first production contract for high-energy laser weapons in U.S. history. Under the agreement, the company will deliver dozens of LOCUST X3 systems over the next several years. AeroVironment President, Chairman and CEO Wahid Nawabi said the international order reflects growing recognition of high-energy laser systems for modern air defense. He also said the spread of low-cost drones has changed the economics of warfare and that LOCUST provides an affordable alternative to relying on expensive interceptor missiles.   LOCUST Laser Weapon System LOCUST, originally developed by BlueHalo, uses a 20-to-35-plus-kilowatt scalable laser, artificial intelligence, advanced sensing and tracking capabilities to detect, track and defeat Group 1 through 3 unmanned aircraft systems and other aerial threats. AeroVironment states that LOCUST engagements can cost less than $10 per shot, with earlier company statements citing costs below $5 in some configurations. Because the system uses generated power rather than physical ammunition, it does not have the traditional reload limitations of interceptor-based air-defense systems. The modular system can operate in fixed-site, palletized and mobile configurations and connect with different sensors and command-and-control networks. LOCUST is part of AeroVironment's Halo_Shield layered air-defense platform, which also incorporates the Titan counter-UAS system and Freedom Eagle-1 missile.   U.S. Testing and Production Expansion LOCUST has been used in acknowledged laser engagements against drones near the U.S. southern border and has successfully defeated multiple drones during testing from the deck of the USS George H.W. Bush. The system has also been integrated onto Infantry Squad Vehicles and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles under the AMP-HEL initiative. It recently underwent live-fire testing at White Sands Missile Range, where military leaders, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, observed or operated the system. A safety agreement between the Federal Aviation Administration and Department of War has established a framework for LOCUST operations in U.S. airspace following an FAA review. AeroVironment acquired BlueHalo in May 2025 for $4.1 billion, bringing the LOCUST system into its portfolio. To support growing demand, AeroVironment is investing more than $30 million to expand its manufacturing campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The expansion is planned as a vertically integrated production hub for directed energy, space and other advanced defense technologies. The company expects it to create more than 450 jobs and generate over $670 million in economic impact. Mary Clum, President of Space, Cyber, and Directed Energy at AeroVironment, said the order supports the fielding of an operationally proven laser system and provides a foundation for expanded international adoption of layered counter-drone defenses. The September 8 announcement marks the first confirmed international commercial sale of the LOCUST Laser Weapon System.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-08 17:19:11

 U.S 

SOUTH CHINA SEA — The U.S. Navy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) has been identified in the South China Sea by open-source intelligence (OSINT) researchers as it continues its return journey to its homeport at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California. Italian-based OSINT analyst MoloMonitor (@MoloWarMonitor) reported on September 8 that Sentinel-2 satellite imagery showed the carrier at 5.939898, 107.557912, in the southern South China Sea. The researcher said the ship was sailing toward San Diego and estimated its arrival in about 20 days. The carrier recently completed a five-day port visit to Laem Chabang, Thailand, arriving on September 2 after an extended deployment. It departed Thailand on September 6 and continued operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area. I just found the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier (CVN-72) on Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, 08/09/2026.It is currently sailing in the South China Sea heading towards its homeport in San Diego, with an expected arrival in about 20 days.Coordinates: 5.939898, 107.557912 pic.twitter.com/j9OaEjN0h7 — MoloMonitor 🇮🇹 (@MoloWarMonitor) September 8, 2026 Extended Deployment The Abraham Lincoln left San Diego on November 21, 2025, for an Indo-Pacific deployment but was later redirected to the Middle East. It spent more than 250 days deployed and supported U.S. operations in the region, including missions related to the conflict with Iran. The deployment lasted about 286 days at sea, according to the U.S. Navy. The carrier was subsequently relieved in the Middle East by the USS George Washington (CVN-73) before beginning its return journey. Before reaching Thailand, the Abraham Lincoln transited the Strait of Malacca and Singapore Strait. Its September 2 arrival at Laem Chabang marked its first substantial port visit in many months. The carrier was accompanied by elements of Carrier Strike Group 3 (CSG-3), including the guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. and guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls, which also made nearby port visits in Thailand. The carrier hosts Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9). Commissioned in 1989, the USS Abraham Lincoln is about 1,092 feet long and powered by two nuclear reactors. The ship normally operates with several thousand sailors and Marines along with its embarked air wing. The latest Sentinel-2 imagery provides an OSINT-based indication of the carrier’s position. The U.S. Navy does not routinely publish real-time positions of deployed warships, while the coordinates and 20-day arrival estimate were provided by the OSINT researcher.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-08 16:47:46

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — U.S. Navy SEAL divers spent about four months carrying out a covert operation to locate and destroy suspected Iranian naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, using small boats, unmanned vessels and underwater systems to clear key international shipping lanes, according to a Financial Times report. The operation was conducted largely at night and began after Iran said it had placed mines in international and Omani waters following the start of U.S. and Israeli strikes in February. The mines contributed to a major disruption of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important maritime energy routes.   SEAL Teams Used Small Boats and Unmanned Systems Rather than relying primarily on conventional minesweeping ships, U.S. Navy divers operated in small teams from inflatable-hulled boats. Robot boats and underwater vehicles equipped with high-resolution sonar were used to scan the seabed and identify objects suspected of being mines. Systems involved in the search included the U.S. Navy's Common Uncrewed Surface Vessel operating with towed sonar arrays. Once a suspected mine was identified, divers could enter the water, approach the explosive and attach a charge to destroy it. “That is usually followed up by a navy diver who’s got to get in the water and approach the mine, and then put a charge on it and destroy it,” retired U.S. Navy Captain Bill Hamblet, who previously operated in the Gulf, told the Financial Times. Hamblet described the operation as involving a “very small, lightweight kind of force.” He said some of the operations may have been staged from the USS Miguel Keith, an expeditionary mobile base attached to U.S. naval forces operating in the Gulf. Underwater robotic systems could also be used to carry explosives to mines, reducing the need to expose divers directly to some threats. Experts cited systems including Britain's SeaFox and the U.S. AN/ASQ-235 Archerfish as equipment capable of performing such missions. “It is an extremely time-consuming process,” Nitya Labh, an associate fellow at Chatham House, told the Financial Times. “They are doing, essentially, active bomb detonation underwater.” No U.S. casualties have been reported specifically in connection with the mine-clearing operation.   Mines Disrupted Strait of Hormuz Shipping The operation followed reports that Iran had laid mines along important shipping routes in and around the Strait of Hormuz. Around 80 mines were estimated to have been deployed, according to the Financial Times report. Commercial shipping through the strait fell sharply after the conflict began. Before the conflict, the waterway handled about 20 percent of global oil trade. The International Maritime Organization has continued to describe conditions in the Strait of Hormuz as unstable and has been monitoring the effects on international shipping and seafarers. The IMO said in its September 2 update that around 20,000 seafarers, port workers and offshore crews were being affected by the situation in the region. The strait's established Traffic Separation Scheme, adopted by the IMO, provides designated lanes for vessels passing through the waterway.   U.S. Says International Shipping Lanes Cleared U.S. Central Command later confirmed that U.S. forces had cleared sea mines from the international shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said the operation involved Navy divers and Navy SEALs, supported by air power from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. “The circumstances were challenging and dangerous, to say the least, but we got the job done,” Cooper said. President Donald Trump announced in late August that mines in the strait's international waters had been removed or detonated. Shipping executives and maritime security advisers cited by the Financial Times said they were confident that the southern part of the strait near Oman, where U.S. forces have been directing commercial vessels, had been cleared. However, questions remain over whether the entire Strait of Hormuz is free of mines. Satellite imagery has provided limited confirmation of Iran's earlier claims about the scale of the mining operation, while one suspected mine was reportedly observed by a Pakistani survey vessel in May. The United States has also warned that it will strike vessels attempting to deploy additional mines. On August 30, U.S. forces struck Iranian rocket launchers that American officials said were being prepared to fire mines into the strait. Despite the mine-clearing effort, commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has not returned to its pre-conflict level. Continued concerns about possible new mines, as well as missile and drone attacks against shipping, remain factors affecting commercial operations through the waterway.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-08 14:13:00

 U.S 

FORT WORTH, Texas — Lockheed Martin said the global F-35 Lightning II fleet has surpassed 1,355 aircraft deliveries and one million flight hours, as the programme continues to expand across 20 participating countries. Data through August 27 shows the fleet has completed more than 807,820 sorties and over 810 detachments and deployments. More than 3,560 pilots and 21,680 maintainers have been trained to operate and support the aircraft. The F-35 is now flown by 17 military services, with 12 countries operating the aircraft from their home territory. Fourteen services have declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC), while three have reached Full Operational Capability (FOC). The programme currently covers 55 active operating locations, including 42 land bases and 13 ships. Based on customer procurement decisions, Lockheed Martin expects this network to grow to 58 land bases and 24 ships by 2030. The United States remains the largest customer, with planned fleets of 1,763 F-35As for the Air Force, 280 F-35Bs and 140 F-35Cs for the Marine Corps, and 273 F-35Cs for the Navy. The programme's partner nations are the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, Denmark and Norway. Foreign Military Sales customers include Israel, Japan, South Korea, Belgium, Poland, Singapore, Finland, Switzerland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Greece and Romania. Japan's planned fleet is the largest among FMS customers, with 105 F-35As and 42 F-35Bs.   Recent Developments Denmark declared a new deployable F-35 operations facility fully operational on August 14. On August 17, Lockheed Martin completed final assembly of Germany's first F-35. On August 19, US Marine Corps VMFA-542 received the US Air Force Gallant Unit Citation after flying more than 1,000 combat sorties during Middle East deployments in 2025. Belgian pilots conducted the first GBU-12 bomb release from a Belgian F-35 on August 20, while a British pilot flew an F-35C for the first time on August 21. Lockheed Martin said F-35 aircraft have demonstrated their capabilities during Epic Fury, Midnight Hammer, Rough Rider and Rising Lion, while also participating in Absolute Resolve, Inherent Resolve and Operation Shader. The global fleet first exceeded one million cumulative flight hours in March 2025. Lockheed Martin delivered a record 191 F-35s in 2025, compared with the previous annual high of 142 in 2021. The 2025 deliveries also helped clear earlier backlogs linked to TR-3 upgrades. By early 2026, the fleet stood at nearly 1,300 aircraft, before exceeding 1,355 deliveries by late August. The programme continues to expand its fleet, operating locations, training base and international operations.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-08 13:20:21

 U.S 

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — Sierra Space has signed contracts with undisclosed national security and commercial customers to fly payloads on the first orbital mission of its Dream Chaser spaceplane. The company announced the agreements on September 2, adding new payloads to a debut mission that has faced years of delays. The reusable, uncrewed spacecraft, named Tenacity, is scheduled to launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket. The mission will conduct multiday operations in low Earth orbit before Tenacity returns to Earth and lands on a runway at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Unlike traditional cargo spacecraft that use parachutes or splash down in the ocean, Dream Chaser is designed to land on a runway. If successful, the mission will mark the first orbital flight of a winged spacecraft since NASA retired the Space Shuttle fleet in 2011.   From ISS Mission to Free-Flyer Demonstration Dream Chaser was originally selected by NASA in 2016 under the Commercial Resupply Services-2 (CRS-2) program to deliver cargo to the International Space Station. The contract called for at least seven resupply missions. However, technical delays, including issues involving the spacecraft's propulsion system and launch vehicle readiness, repeatedly pushed the program back. In September 2025, NASA and Sierra Space revised the agreement. The seven-mission guarantee was dropped, and Tenacity's first flight was changed from an ISS docking mission into an independent free-flyer demonstration in low Earth orbit. The multiday mission will demonstrate Dream Chaser's capabilities before NASA considers future station resupply orders.   One Spacecraft, Multiple Customers Sierra Space said the mission will be the first to combine national security, commercial and civil payloads, including NASA cargo under the Cargo Resupply Services program, on a single spacecraft. The company has not disclosed the national security or commercial customers or the specific payloads. Sierra Space is still finalizing the full manifest and has not set a firm launch date. The flight is targeted for later in 2026. The schedule will also depend on the readiness of ULA's Vulcan Centaur, which experienced a solid rocket booster anomaly during a mission in early 2026.   Dream Chaser Capabilities Dream Chaser is designed for high reusability and mission flexibility. Its wings fold inside a standard rocket payload fairing during launch and deploy once in orbit. Sierra Space says the spacecraft is designed to be reused up to 15 times. The vehicle can carry payloads with partial space certification rather than full environmental qualification, which Sierra Space says can reduce development costs and speed deployment. It can also use a detachable cargo module for different pressurized and unpressurized configurations. Dream Chaser is designed for autonomous reentry and a runway landing with forces below 1.5 g, helping protect sensitive payloads and equipment. Sierra Space said it has completed environmental testing, command and telemetry validation, and runway recovery rehearsals for Tenacity. Sierra Space CEO Dan Jablonsky said Dream Chaser has evolved into a strategic capability serving national security, civil and commercial customers on the same platform. Dan Polis, senior vice president of engineering and Dream Chaser at Sierra Space, highlighted the development of the spacecraft's deployable wings, hypersonic flight control, autonomous reentry and low-force runway landing. Tenacity is now being prepared for its first orbital flight while Sierra Space completes the mixed payload manifest.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 14:17:19

 U.S 

SAN DIEGO — Shield AI has licensed its Tracker Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (Tracker C-UAS) software to L3Harris Technologies for integration with the VAMPIRE counter-drone system. The integration combines Shield AI’s artificial intelligence-based detection and tracking software with VAMPIRE’s existing electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors and precision engagement capabilities. Tracker C-UAS is part of Shield AI’s Vision Systems product line. The software uses artificial intelligence and computer vision to analyze EO/IR video, allowing it to detect, discriminate and track aerial threats. It operates passively and does not require radar or radio-frequency emissions to identify and track targets. This gives operators an additional way to detect approaching unmanned aerial systems without transmitting signals that could reveal their position. The integration builds on testing conducted by the two companies in 2025. During a U.S. Department of Defense Technology Readiness Experimentation event, Tracker C-UAS was paired with L3Harris WESCAM MX-Series EO/IR sensors. The demonstration showed the software detecting multiple classes of unmanned aerial systems at extended ranges, including targets that were partially obscured.   VAMPIRE System VAMPIRE, short for Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletised ISR Rocket Equipment, is a self-contained system designed for installation on vehicles, vessels or fixed positions. The system uses a WESCAM MX-series electro-optical sensor, commonly the MX-10, with thermal imaging and television cameras for target detection and tracking. The sensor can also provide laser designation for guided munitions. VAMPIRE is equipped with a four-round launcher for 70 mm guided rockets. Its primary munition is BAE Systems’ Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), while the system can also fire the Thales FZ275 laser-guided rocket. According to L3Harris, VAMPIRE systems have accumulated more than 350,000 operational hours since 2023 and have destroyed hundreds of hostile drones, primarily in support of European operations that include use by Ukraine’s Defense Forces.   Focus on Passive Drone Detection The addition of Tracker C-UAS is intended to strengthen the detection and tracking portion of the VAMPIRE system. The software can process imagery from existing cameras rather than requiring a separate radar-based detection system. RAND Corporation analyst Michael Bohnert has noted that combining Tracker C-UAS with VAMPIRE could improve detection and interception of more complex aerial targets, including high-speed, jet-powered drones. L3Harris President of Targeting & Sensor Systems and Communications & Spectrum Dominance Tony Calderon said the integration enhances threat detection, target tracking and counter-UAS engagement while improving force survivability. Christian Gutierrez, senior vice president of Hivemind at Shield AI, said combining passive AI-based sensing with VAMPIRE gives operators the ability to detect threats early and respond more quickly. Shield AI is also making Tracker C-UAS available for licensing on other platforms already used by operators. The companies did not disclose the value of the licensing agreement, the number of VAMPIRE systems to receive the software or a delivery schedule.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 12:54:26

 U.S 

CLIFTON, N.J., — L3Harris Technologies has completed production of the first 35 Viper Shield electronic warfare and countermeasure systems for the global F-16 fleet, marking the transition toward full-rate production of the system. Officially designated AN/ALQ-254(V)1, Viper Shield is designed to detect, identify and counter electronic threats. The system can provide protection against radar-based threats by detecting hostile radar signals and using electronic countermeasures to disrupt or confuse them. L3Harris describes the capability as a form of “digital armor” around the aircraft.   Designed for F-16 Block 70/72 L3Harris developed Viper Shield in partnership with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force. The system was selected in 2021 for the F-16 Block 70/72, the latest production version of the F-16. It is designed to operate with the aircraft's APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and is also compatible with earlier F-16 blocks. Viper Shield uses an all-digital, software-defined architecture based on commercial off-the-shelf technology. According to L3Harris, this design provides a smaller form factor and reduced weight while making future software upgrades easier compared with older electronic warfare systems. The system combines a digital radar warning receiver with electronic jamming capabilities, including digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) technology. This allows the system to respond to detected radar signals as part of its electronic countermeasure function.   233 Systems Ordered by Eight Nations L3Harris said eight allied nations have ordered a total of 233 Viper Shield systems and that the company is increasing production to meet the existing orders. Confirmed customers include Bahrain, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Morocco, Taiwan, Poland and Peru. The eighth customer has not been publicly identified by the company. Peru selected Viper Shield in August 2026 for its F-16 Block 70 program. The country plans to acquire 12 F-16 Block 70 aircraft, which are intended to replace its older Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 fighters. Poland is also using Viper Shield for its existing F-16 fleet, while the system is available for both new-build Block 70/72 aircraft and upgrades to earlier F-16 variants.   Internal System and External Pod Viper Shield can be installed directly inside the aircraft or carried as an external pod. L3Harris has completed the first external pod using its production systems, in addition to the first 35 internal systems. The company says the two configurations use the same core hardware. The external option provides an installation alternative for F-16 aircraft that are not configured for an internal Viper Shield installation.   International Investment Has Funded Development According to L3Harris, the participating countries have made a shared investment of about $1 billion in the program. The funding has covered development, laboratory testing, flight testing and the beginning of production. Chris Aebli, president of Communications & Spectrum Dominance at L3Harris, said the investment could provide an opportunity for the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard to join the program without bearing the initial development and testing costs. L3Harris is also discussing potential additional orders with other countries. The company has said these discussions could generate approximately $1.5 billion in additional demand.   Flight Testing Completed Ahead of Production Ramp-Up Viper Shield has undergone flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base, California, including testing involving F-16C and F-16D aircraft. In August 2026, L3Harris reported two-ship flight testing to evaluate the system's ability to detect, identify and counter electromagnetic threats while operating with the aircraft's avionics. With the first 35 systems now completed and the first production-standard external pod assembled, L3Harris is ramping up manufacturing to meet the current 233-system backlog. The company says the existing production line, quality processes and supply chain are positioned to support additional international customers. Production of Viper Shield is being carried out at L3Harris facilities in Clifton, New Jersey.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 12:05:27

 U.S 

WASHINGTON —  U.S. President Donald Trump sparked widespread online reaction on Sunday, September 6, after posting a series of space and science-fiction-themed images, including a message declaring “The Moon Is Ours,” a proposed U.S. Space Force uniform and an AI-generated video showing him as DC Comics superhero Green Lantern.   ‘The Moon Is Ours’ Trump posted an image on Truth Social showing a close-up view of the Moon with Earth in the background and an American flag. The image included the words “The Moon Is Ours.” The post did not include a formal legal claim or policy announcement. Under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which the United States and more than 100 other countries have signed, outer space and celestial bodies such as the Moon cannot be claimed as national territory through sovereignty, use or occupation. The post comes as the Trump administration promotes an expanded U.S. role in lunar activities. An executive order signed in December 2025 directed a crewed lunar landing by 2028, an initial permanent lunar outpost by 2030 and work toward deploying nuclear reactors on the lunar surface.   Space Force uniform sparks Starship Troopers comparisons Minutes earlier, Trump shared images of what appeared to be a proposed U.S. Space Force service dress uniform. The concept uses space grey, midnight black, silver grey and satin black colours. It features a charcoal-coloured collared jacket and matching trousers, black belt and boots, and a matching peaked cap. The Space Force Delta symbol appears on the collar, sleeve patch, belt buckle and cap. The graphic described the design as “Inspired by the discipline and functionality of the Starship Trooper uniform. Modernized for the Guardians of the Space Domain.” The reference drew criticism and jokes on X because Starship Troopers, the 1997 science-fiction film directed by Paul Verhoeven, depicts a militarised future government and uses visual elements influenced by fascist imagery. Users compared the proposed uniform with fictional forces from Star Wars, Spaceballs and other science-fiction films. Some conservative commentators also acknowledged the resemblance while supporting the Space Force. Others questioned whether the administration understood the satirical meaning of Starship Troopers. The current official Space Force dress uniform has a different design, featuring a larger tunic that closes diagonally with six buttons, representing the Space Force's status as the sixth branch of the U.S. military. It remains unclear whether Trump's images represent an official plan to change Space Force uniforms or only a concept shared on social media.   White House releases Green Lantern AI video Separately, the official White House X account posted an AI-generated video portraying Trump as Green Lantern. The video shows him wearing a glowing green power ring, with the effects creating a barrier in a desert landscape, an industrial area labelled “American Manufacturing,” and images of U.S. military ships and aircraft. The post included the Green Lantern Corps oath: “In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil’s might beware my power… Green Lantern’s light!” The video also drew reactions from X users, with some questioning the use of superhero imagery by an official government account. Others supported its references to American manufacturing and border security. The video was posted Sunday evening, shortly before HBO aired the fourth episode of its live-action DC series Lanterns. Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Studios had not publicly commented on the use of the character's imagery. Trump's posts were part of broader Truth Social activity that day, including other AI-generated images and comments involving geographic names. The administration has also been advancing space-related initiatives, including lunar goals under the Artemis programme and plans linked to a National Space Academy. The White House and Department of Defense had not formally confirmed whether the proposed Space Force uniform would be adopted. Source : hindustantimes

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 11:23:56

 U.S 

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Aevum Aerospace’s RAVN X autonomous space-launch aircraft has been identified after the unusual black, cockpitless airframe was photographed outside a hangar at Long Beach Airport on September 3, 2026. The aircraft was spotted by Ricky Schol, a plumber and aviation photographer who has photographed aircraft at Long Beach Airport for 16 years. Schol said he noticed a bright light coming from a hangar that had not been open for a long time while driving past the airport. At first, he thought the aircraft might be an F-117 Nighthawk. After turning around and stopping about 100 feet away, he saw an aircraft without a cockpit and began taking photographs. “I was blown away when I pulled over and saw the future in front of my eyes. I had no clue what I was looking at,” Schol said. Schol watched as ground crews moved the aircraft out of the hangar, positioned it on the runway and later returned it inside. He reported hearing no engine noise or seeing exhaust during the activity.   Aircraft identified as RAVN X Photographs taken by Schol and other aviation photographers, including Matthew Dawson, showed the aircraft carrying the FAA registration N567RX. The registration has been reserved by Aevum to an address at Long Beach Airport, helping identify the aircraft as the RAVN X, developed by Aevum Aerospace. Aevum has described the RAVN X as an autonomous first stage of a two-stage space-launch system. The aircraft is intended to carry a rocket-powered second stage to altitude before releasing it to continue the flight into orbit. The RAVN X was designed to be about 80 feet long, with a 60-foot wingspan and a reported gross weight of approximately 55,000 pounds. Aevum's concept called for the aircraft to operate at high subsonic speeds and reach an altitude of about 60,000 feet.   Program has been largely out of public view Aevum publicly presented the full-scale RAVN X in December 2020 at Cecil Spaceport in Jacksonville, Florida. Company CEO Jay Skylus described the aircraft as the “mothership” for a two-stage launch system intended to place small payloads into low Earth orbit. At the time, Aevum planned to conduct vehicle-level testing, obtain the required airworthiness certification and begin orbital launch tests from Cecil Spaceport by late 2021. Those publicly announced milestones did not take place. The company later provided little public information about the program, while Gunter’s Space Page reported that activity appeared to have stopped by August 2024 and questioned whether operational flight hardware had been produced. The RAVN X was also associated with the ASLON-45 mission, a planned small-satellite launch involving the U.S. Space Force. The mission did not proceed to an orbital launch using the RAVN X.   Long Beach appearance raises questions about the airframe The recent appearance provides evidence that the RAVN X airframe is still present and being handled at Long Beach Airport. However, it does not establish that the aircraft is ready for flight. Images examined by The War Zone and The Aviationist show landing gear that appears fixed and suited to ground handling. The lack of engine noise or exhaust during the observed movement has also raised questions about whether the aircraft is a flight-capable prototype or a modified version of the earlier RAVN X mockup. The Aviationist reported that the RAVN X's recent appearance involved what it described as autonomous taxi testing, while also noting that it was not immediately clear whether the airframe was the same one displayed by Aevum in 2020. Aevum has not publicly explained the purpose of the September 3 activity in the available reports. As of September 2026, the RAVN X has not conducted an orbital launch. Its appearance at Long Beach Airport therefore represents a rare public sighting of a program that had largely disappeared from view, but it remains unclear what stage of development the aircraft has reached.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 11:00:22

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy is accelerating production of Tomahawk cruise missile warhead housings by modifying an existing 2019 contract originally established for the Stand-Off Land Attack Missile–Expanded Response (SLAM-ER). A September 2 contract notice said the Navy is tasking General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) to manufacture and deliver a redacted number of warhead housings within nine months. The components will support the warhead sections of the U/RGM-109E Tactical Tomahawk (TACTOM). The notice said the accelerated schedule is driven by an “immediate demand for increased missile production” resulting from the current international conflict. First article inspections must begin no later than the first quarter of 2027 to support the required delivery schedule.   Existing Contract Shortens Timeline GD-OTS already manufactures warhead casings for both SLAM-ER and Tactical Tomahawk missiles. Using the existing contract allows the Navy to avoid the longer process of awarding a new contract or qualifying another supplier. The Navy said GD-OTS has the manufacturing capability, technical experience and required technical data to meet the accelerated schedule. The company is based in Anniston, Alabama. The underlying contract is N6893619C0039. The September 2 notice identifies the work as a firm-fixed-price modification awarded on an other-than-full-and-open basis, with an award date of August 20, 2026. The new warhead housings will support both newly produced and recertified Block IV and Block V Tomahawk missiles.   Tomahawk Production Expansion The move comes as Raytheon, an RTX business, expands overall Tomahawk production. On August 17, Raytheon announced a $22.9 billion, seven-year contract to increase annual Tomahawk production to more than 1,000 missiles, formalizing an earlier framework agreement reached in February. Raytheon said the contract will support increased production capacity and investment in its workforce, facilities, technology and supply chain. The company also reported delivering three times more Tomahawk missiles during the first half of 2026 than in the same period of 2025. The expansion follows increased use of precision-guided weapons and efforts to replenish U.S. inventories. Reuters reported that the new Tomahawk contract is part of a wider effort to rebuild stocks of high-end munitions. Separately, an August GD-OTS modification valued at $41.57 million covered 559 WDU-36/B warhead cases and 559 fuzewells for Tactical Tomahawk missiles. The work is centered in Anniston, Alabama, and is scheduled for completion in April 2028. The latest modification adds another step to the Navy's effort to increase Tomahawk availability while avoiding the longer timeline associated with a new contract and supplier qualification.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-06 18:12:19

 U.S 

TAMPA, Fla. — The U.S. Army has awarded Global Military Products (GMP) a $12.9 million contract to procure and integrate Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar systems onto the Army’s Infantry Squad Vehicle–Utility (ISV-U) platforms. The contract was awarded under the Department of Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium (DOTC) Other Transaction Authority (OTA) framework. It covers the integration of the Scorpion Light with Army digital fire-control technologies and government-furnished M253 mortar barrels.   Digital Fire Control The Scorpion Light is designed to provide infantry units with a mobile and digitally enabled indirect-fire capability for distributed operations. Its digital fire-control architecture supports rapid target acquisition, digital fire-mission processing, precision engagement and rapid re-aiming, while reducing crew workload. The system also incorporates the Army’s Nett Warrior networked communications architecture, enabling digital fire missions and target handoffs between systems.   Rapid Shoot-and-Scoot Capability The system is designed to quickly deploy, fire and relocate. The Scorpion Light can emplace, fire eight rounds and relocate in under two minutes. It takes about 30 seconds to fire the first round and another 30 seconds to displace after the final round. A non-seating baseplate allows the mortar to operate on surfaces such as gravel, hard-packed ground and concrete without digging in.   Mounted on the ISV-U The Scorpion Light will be integrated with the Infantry Squad Vehicle–Utility, a utility variant based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 architecture and designed for severe off-road environments. The integrated system is certified for internal transport in a CH-47 Chinook and is air-droppable. The Scorpion is also a vehicle-agnostic system and has previously been integrated with Polaris MRZR variants used by the U.S. Marine Corps under a separate contract awarded earlier in 2026.   Two Years of Army Testing The Army and Global Military Products have worked together on the Scorpion platform for about two years through Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP) initiatives and Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) efforts. The work included direct soldier feedback to improve the system's mobility, lethality, survivability and operational effectiveness. James Knight, director of Global Military Products, said the program supports the Army’s Transformation Initiative, which focuses on smaller, more agile and highly lethal combat formations for complex operational environments.   Balikatan 2026 Testing The Scorpion was recently evaluated during Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the Philippines. Soldiers from the Multi-Purpose Company, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division fired 20 rounds from two separate Scorpion systems in under two minutes during live-fire operations. Earlier evaluations were also conducted during Transformation in Contact events in Hawaii in 2025, as well as at Yuma and Aberdeen Proving Ground.   First Deliveries Global Military Products is a division of Global Ordnance. The Scorpion system originates from Spanish manufacturer NTGS, also known as Alakran outside the United States, and is marketed in the U.S. by Global Military Products. Deliveries of the first systems under the $12.9 million Army contract are expected to begin in the week of September 7, 2026.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-06 16:53:33

 U.S 

BETHESDA, Md. — Lockheed Martin expects deliveries of its CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter to roughly double in 2026 compared with 2025, with deliveries potentially doubling again in 2027. Chief Financial Officer Evan Scott gave the outlook during the company’s second-quarter 2026 earnings call. “In the case of 53K, we could be talking 2x deliveries this year versus last year, and potentially doubling again next year,” Scott said. Lockheed Martin has not disclosed exact CH-53K delivery numbers for 2026 or 2027. The possible increase in 2027 was presented as an outlook rather than a firm production commitment. If both increases occur, annual deliveries could reach roughly four times the 2025 level by 2027.   Sikorsky Production Ramp The CH-53K increase is part of a wider production ramp at Sikorsky. Lockheed Martin expects all four Sikorsky platforms to deliver more aircraft in 2026 than in 2025. The company is also increasing F-16 and C-130 deliveries, while 10 munitions programs within its Missiles and Fire Control segment are delivering more units than in 2025. “We are in a scaling mode right now,” Scott said, noting that Lockheed Martin must increase production while maintaining the resilience needed to manage technical and operational challenges.   Impact on Rotary and Mission Systems Higher Sikorsky production, combined with increased radar volumes, is expected to strengthen Lockheed Martin’s Rotary and Mission Systems segment during the second half of 2026. The company raised its full-year sales outlook for the segment to $17.7 billion–$18.1 billion and its profit forecast to $1.86 billion–$1.89 billion. Lockheed Martin also expects 2026 company-wide sales of $79.75 billion–$81.75 billion, representing about an 8% increase at the midpoint from 2025. Second-half sales are expected to grow 7%–12% year over year, with Missiles and Fire Control expected to lead the expansion and higher Sikorsky production also contributing.   CH-53K Program The CH-53K is the U.S. Marine Corps’ newest heavy-lift helicopter and is intended to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion. The aircraft can lift up to 36,000 pounds externally, while the Marine Corps plans to acquire 200 helicopters. As of spring 2026, about 25 CH-53Ks had been delivered to the Marine Corps, with several squadrons already operating the helicopter. Its first operational deployment is planned for fiscal year 2027 with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. In September 2025, Sikorsky received a $10.86 billion multi-year contract for up to 99 additional CH-53Ks for the Marine Corps and possible international customers, covering deliveries from 2029 to 2034. Israel has ordered 12 helicopters. A separate $525 million contract awarded in June 2026 covers development and integration of advanced technologies for the CH-53K program through 2031. The expected CH-53K production increase is part of Lockheed Martin’s broader effort to expand output across helicopters, aircraft, radars and munitions as the company responds to higher demand.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-06 14:05:27

 U.S 

REDMOND, Wash. — Kymeta has received a $20 million order from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for more than 100 Osprey u8 satellite communications terminals, along with bundled multi-orbit connectivity services through the company’s Kymeta Broadband network. The specific DoD branch receiving the terminals was not disclosed because of operational security considerations. Kymeta said the latest order brings the total value of terminals and connectivity services delivered to the same unnamed DoD branch in 2026 to more than $30 million.   Multi-Orbit Satellite Connectivity The Osprey u8 is a flat-panel, electronically steered satellite antenna that uses metamaterial technology and does not require moving mechanical components to maintain satellite connections. The terminal features a ruggedized enclosure and is designed around low size, weight and power (SWaP) requirements. Kymeta developed the system for mobile operations and challenging environments where reliable communications are required. The new order combines the physical terminals with Kymeta Broadband connectivity. The service provides access through both geostationary orbit (GEO) and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks. Another capability of the Osprey u8 is support for switching between transmission security (TRANSEC) and non-TRANSEC networks. This allows the terminal to operate across different network configurations based on operational requirements.   Supporting Resilient Military Communications Kymeta's systems are designed to support the military PACE communications model, which stands for Primary, Alternate, Contingency and Emergency communications. The approach provides multiple communication options so forces can maintain connectivity when their primary communications path becomes unavailable. The company is also developing this concept through its AutoPACE intelligent communications platform. According to Kymeta, AutoPACE is intended to automate the selection and switching of available connectivity sources, reducing the need for operators to manually change between satellite feeds or networks when connectivity is disrupted or affected by jamming. The company said its work with multiple DoD branches reflects its focus on providing connectivity for distributed forces operating in contested and rapidly changing environments.   Expanding Defense Business The latest order adds to Kymeta's existing defense business and its focus on military and government communications. The company said its satellite communications solutions are now available to U.S. forces for operational requirements. “This order is an affirmation from the military community that Kymeta can deliver on its promise to provide dependable connectivity for mission-critical operations,” said Manny Mora, CEO of Kymeta. “With our partners across national security, we are continuing to build steady and solid momentum as a trusted and valued partner.” Kymeta was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Redmond, Washington. The company develops electronically steered flat-panel satellite antennas using metamaterial technology, with products aimed at mobile and challenging operating environments. The Osprey u8 is designed for military and government applications and supports multi-orbit and multi-network connectivity. The value and scale of the latest DoD order make it another significant contract in Kymeta's expanding work with the U.S. military.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-05 16:44:33

 U.S 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Army has moved its Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN) program from prototyping into production, awarding delivery orders worth a combined $192 million to Palantir Technologies and Anduril Industries. The awards, made on August 31, include $127 million for Palantir and $65 million for Anduril. The contracts cover the procurement and integration of eight initial production TITAN systems, consisting of four TITAN Advanced and four TITAN Basic variants. The systems are scheduled for delivery over the next 18 months.   AI-enabled battlefield intelligence system TITAN is an artificial intelligence-enabled, mobile ground station designed to collect, process and distribute information from space, high-altitude, aerial and terrestrial sensors. The system uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to combine information from multiple sources, create a common intelligence picture and generate target coordinates. The Army says this is intended to improve the speed of target recognition and geolocation while reducing the time between sensor detection and engagement through automated target nominations. TITAN is being developed to support Multi-Domain Operations, Joint All-Domain Operations and Long-Range Precision Fires. Its ability to process information from different sensors is intended to help battlefield units turn large amounts of intelligence data into usable targeting information more quickly.   Two TITAN variants The initial production order is divided equally between the two versions. TITAN Advanced: Four systems will be produced in the Advanced configuration. These systems are mounted on the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles and are intended for higher-level formations, including corps, military intelligence brigade theater and multi-domain commands. The Advanced version provides greater processing and integration capabilities and has access to space-based intelligence. TITAN Basic: Four systems will be produced in the Basic configuration. The more mobile version is designed for lower-echelon and division-level operations and is mounted on platforms including the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. The Army is also continuing integration work involving the Infantry Squad Vehicle-Utility.   Palantir and Anduril roles Palantir is the prime contractor and will lead overall production and integration of the TITAN systems. Its team includes L3Harris Technologies, Sierra Nevada Corporation, Strategic Technology Consulting and World Wide Technology, which are providing capabilities and technologies for the program. Anduril is responsible for critical hardware and shelter integration. Its work includes ruggedized vehicle-mounted systems and the integration of power, thermal, control and operator subsystems. Anduril has supported TITAN since 2021 as the program's lead hardware systems architect, with hardware production taking place at its facility in Costa Mesa, California.   Production follows four years of prototyping The move to production follows four years of prototyping and testing with Army soldiers using TITAN systems in different configurations and operating environments. Army officials said soldier feedback was used to refine the system. Col. Jonathan Lipscomb, Project Manager for Intelligence Systems and Analytics, said the program has improved the speed of target recognition and geolocation from multiple sensors and reduced sensor-to-shooter timelines through automated target nominations and fusion of the common intelligence picture. The Army currently retains nine TITAN prototype systems for operational use. The eight production systems from the new orders will join those prototypes once delivered. The Army expects to award additional production orders for TITAN systems in fiscal year 2027.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-05 16:24:14