U.S 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a $694 million contract to produce and field the AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW), moving the service’s first hypersonic missile from testing into production. The Department of the Air Force announced the contract on October 26, 2026, after it was signed on September 29 under the Department of War’s Enterprise-Wide Agile Acquisition Contract. Citing operational security, the Air Force has not disclosed the number of missiles ordered or their expected delivery schedule.   AGM-183A ARRW Capabilities The AGM-183A ARRW is an air-launched boost-glide weapon designed to strike time-sensitive, high-value and heavily defended targets at long range. A solid-fuel rocket booster accelerates the weapon to speeds exceeding Mach 5, approximately 3,800 miles per hour (6,100 km/h), before releasing a hypersonic glide vehicle. The unpowered glide vehicle manoeuvres towards its target, using its high speed and kinetic energy to destroy it on impact. Its manoeuvring flight path is intended to make interception more difficult for enemy air defence systems. The Air Force has listed the weapon’s range at approximately 1,000 miles. Because of its size, ARRW cannot be carried by most fighter aircraft. It will initially be deployed on the B-52 Stratofortress bomber. The missile has also been tested on the B-1 Lancer, with integration work continuing for that aircraft. Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink said the move into production would provide combatant commanders with a high-speed strike weapon capable of penetrating advanced anti-access and area-denial systems. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach said the weapon would provide the Joint Force with a flexible, rapid-response option for striking targets in highly contested environments.   Development History and Programme Reversal The programme began in 2018, when Lockheed Martin received an initial design contract worth up to $480 million, building on earlier joint research by the Air Force and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), including work related to the X-51. In 2019, captive-carry testing began on the B-52, and Lockheed Martin received a $988.8 million contract modification for the critical design review. Early plans called for initial operational capability in 2022. However, the first three flight tests, beginning in 2021, failed. The first successful flight test took place in May 2022. The programme subsequently faced funding cuts. Congress removed procurement funding for 12 ARRW missiles from the fiscal 2022 budget, and the Air Force requested no procurement funding for fiscal 2023. In March 2023, then-acquisition executive Andrew Hunter announced that the programme would conclude without production orders as the Air Force shifted its focus towards the smaller Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) and other systems. The decision changed in 2025, when then-Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin informed Congress that the Air Force would procure ARRW.   Budget and Future Funding ARRW received $362 million in the fiscal 2026 budget, while the Air Force requested an additional $452 million for production in fiscal 2027. That request remains stalled in Congress as the Pentagon operates under a continuing resolution tied to fiscal 2026 funding levels. The Department of Defense’s future-years budget plans project annual ARRW procurement funding of between $556 million and $621 million from fiscal 2028 through fiscal 2031. The $694 million contract formalises the transition to production for the Air Force’s first hypersonic weapon. However, the missile quantity and delivery schedule have not been disclosed, with quantities classified as controlled unclassified information.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-27 13:43:21

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — British defence company Babcock has offered its Arrowhead 140 frigate design to the U.S. Navy as a potential alternative to, or option alongside, the existing FF(X) programme. According to The Telegraph and Navy Lookout, Babcock plans to submit a joint proposal with Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), using technology transfer and intellectual property licensing to enable construction at an American shipyard. An expression of interest is expected before the end of October 2026, and initial discussions with Pentagon officials have reportedly taken place. Sir Nick Hine, head of Babcock’s marine business and a former Second Sea Lord, has supported entering the U.S. frigate market. Speaking to The Telegraph, he said, “We have a world class frigate, close links to the US and US industry. It would be insane for us not to respond.”   Arrowhead 140 Design and Capabilities The Arrowhead 140 is the export design underpinning the Royal Navy’s Type 31 Inspiration-class frigates and is derived from Denmark’s Iver Huitfeldt-class design. The vessel measures approximately 138.7 metres in length, has a beam of 19.8 metres and displaces around 5,700 tonnes. Designed as a general-purpose frigate, it can support escort duties, independent operations, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, maritime security and intelligence gathering. Its open architecture allows weapons, sensors and other mission systems to be adapted to different customer requirements. Five Type 31 frigates are under construction at Babcock’s Rosyth shipyard in Scotland. The Arrowhead 140 design has also been selected by Poland for its Miecznik programme, also referred to as Project 106, and by Indonesia for its Merah Putih (Red White) frigate programme. Additional design licences have also been agreed for Indonesia.   Babcock and HII Partnership The proposed arrangement presents an unusual situation because HII already builds the existing FF(X), which is derived from the Legend-class Coast Guard cutters. HII also constructs those cutters. Under the proposed partnership, the company could support both the current FF(X) design and the Arrowhead 140 alternative. Babcock does not own a U.S. shipyard, making design licensing and engineering support a practical route into the American programme. The two companies already cooperate in naval manufacturing. In December 2025, Babcock secured a contract to supply HII with complex components for Virginia-class Block VI nuclear-powered submarines. They are also working on the ARMOR Force concept, under which a Type 31 frigate would act as a command vessel for large uncrewed surface vessels from HII’s Romulus family. This relationship provides a foundation for further cooperation but does not guarantee the selection of Arrowhead 140.   U.S. Navy Reviews Foreign Alternatives Rear Adm. Casey Moton has confirmed that the Pentagon, the Navy and outside specialists are conducting a 90-day review of foreign frigate designs, expected to conclude by mid-November 2026. Other reported candidates include Japan’s modified Mogami-class, South Korea’s Chungnam-class and Turkey’s İstanbul-class frigates. Fincantieri Marine Group has also expressed interest in offering its FREMM Evo design. The review follows an August 13, 2026, presidential memorandum that used a national security waiver to open U.S. Navy procurement to allied ship designs and, in limited cases, overseas construction.   Existing FF(X) Programme Continues The U.S. Navy continues to advance its existing FF(X) programme while evaluating alternatives. In late September 2026, Moton confirmed that the first-flight FF(X) design had completed its critical design review. Funding for long-lead materials was awarded earlier in 2026. The lead ship remains scheduled for delivery by the end of June 2030. The FF(X) programme followed the reduction of the earlier Constellation-class effort. No final selection, formal contract or construction site has been confirmed for the proposed Arrowhead 140 arrangement. The Navy’s review continues alongside development of the existing FF(X) programme.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-27 13:28:22

 U.S 

WASHINGTON, — The U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has launched Sprint 2 of its Suitable Warfighting Adaptive Payloads–Unmanned Surface Vessel (SWAP-USV) challenge, seeking production-ready unmanned boats capable of detecting, tracking, and defeating airborne threats at sea. Conducted with the Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Unmanned Systems, the 12-month competition focuses on affordable maritime air defense against Group 1–3 unmanned aerial systems (UAS), explosive unmanned surface vessels, and rotary-wing aircraft. Selected systems must be suitable for potential forward operational fielding within 120 days.   Operational Requirements and Weapons Participating vessels must meet these minimum requirements: Cruising speed: At least 10 knots (18.5 km/h). Operational range: At least 200 nautical miles (370 km). Engagement distance: Beyond 3 nautical miles (5.6 km). Systems must provide 360-degree detection and tracking of aerial and surface threats using sensors designed to handle clutter. They must support autonomous navigation, station-keeping, collision avoidance, and an open, modular command-and-control architecture compatible with Project AVO (Autonomous Vehicle Orchestrator). Weapons must remain under human supervision, with human-in-the-loop controls for arming, firing, and aborting engagements. Potential weapons include the AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire, AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM), Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), Stinger missiles, stabilized machine guns of 7.62 mm caliber or greater, high-power lasers, and other mature kinetic effectors already in production. Proposals must integrate the vessel, launcher, sensors, and weapon as a complete system. Platform-only and weapon-only submissions will not be considered. Desired features include continuous surveillance, low operating and logistics costs, transport by truck, container or cargo aircraft, GPS-independent navigation, and the ability to engage surface or land targets. Rapid field rearming by a small crew is also preferred. The competition is open to U.S. and international companies, individually or in teams. Applicants must demonstrate proven integration, past performance, active production lines, and the ability to increase production. The challenge prioritizes lifecycle cost-effectiveness, including production, operating hours, and maintenance, rather than standalone platform performance.   Timeline and Funding Sprint 2 offers up to $40 million in prize funding. Pitch decks of up to 15 slides are due by November 29 or 30, 2026, according to the reports provided. Selected teams must be ready to demonstrate integrated systems within 30 days of down-selection. In-water testing is planned for early 2027, beginning with company-run demonstrations and followed by a government evaluation lasting approximately three weeks at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Virginia. Operators will assess performance against drone and rotary-wing targets in jammed environments, including simulated and live-fire engagements. The overall SWAP-USV challenge has up to $100 million across three sprints: $40 million each for Sprints 1 and 2 and up to $20 million for Sprint 3. An additional $200 million is budgeted for potential follow-on prototype or production agreements through other transaction authority. Sprint 1 began in July 2026, focusing on USVs integrated with aerial drones for strike missions and battle-damage assessment. Its testing is expected in fall 2026, while Sprint 3 is scheduled to begin in spring 2027. The program aims to accelerate the fielding of mature, affordable maritime defense systems rather than fund extensive new development. Final requirements and potential follow-on agreements remain subject to testing and evaluation.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-26 16:37:24

 U.S 

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, — U.S. Space Command has blocked the New Zealand Defence Force from releasing operational records concerning a Pentagon-funded space-surveillance hub at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Auckland. According to Radio New Zealand (RNZ), the decision comes as the wider surveillance network has expanded its support for military operations related to the conflict involving Iran. The Auckland facility is one of three global centres in the Joint Commercial Operations (JCO) network, alongside hubs in the United States and Britain. It coordinates surveillance across the Pacific using a continuous, follow-the-sun operating schedule. The network uses unclassified commercial radar, optical and radio-frequency data to track satellites, rocket launches, space debris and potential threats in orbit. Its information supports space safety, collision avoidance, space-weather monitoring and military intelligence shared with U.S. commands and allied governments.   New Zealand Withholds Requested Records RNZ requested mission notices covering March to September 2026 and weekly reports from the previous two years under New Zealand's Official Information Act. The New Zealand Defence Force declined the request, stating that it could not release JCO documents without U.S. approval and advising RNZ to use the U.S. Freedom of Information Act. New Zealand maintains sovereignty over the facility and says its activities remain within the responsibilities approved by Cabinet. The country joined the arrangement in 2023, following a U.S. invitation, to support space-domain awareness and satellite protection using unclassified commercial data. The Auckland hub operates within the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 62 Squadron, the country's first dedicated space unit. The United States funds commercial sensor data, while New Zealand supplies personnel. Its contribution cost approximately NZ$180,000 in a recent year.   Russian, Iranian and Chinese Space Activity Previously released records showed that, in February 2026, the Auckland hub coordinated tracking of a Russian launch carrying two satellites for Iran, described as weather and television broadcasting satellites. The notices identified the launch as a milestone for Iran's space programme and an example of continuing Russian-Iranian cooperation. The hub also tracked a Chinese military satellite that month. The JCO network has since incorporated sensors aboard SpaceX's Starlink satellites. An April report said this significantly increased successful tracking of Chinese and Russian launches. The network combines data from multiple commercial providers in a shared repository used by dozens of countries.   JCO Expands Electronic Warfare Monitoring JCO head Barbara Golf said the U.S. Central Command requested broader electromagnetic-spectrum monitoring after Operation Epic Fury began on February 28, 2026. The network used this capability to identify sources of electronic attacks, including Iranian jammers capable of disrupting drones. Golf said the capability had expanded rapidly and that the U.S. Space Force intended to extend these warning functions to all six U.S. geographic combatant commands over the following year. Electromagnetic-spectrum operations were added to the JCO approximately two years earlier and had previously supported events such as the Paris Olympics. The New Zealand Defence Force said it was aware of these expanded activities but had not extended its own contribution beyond the Cabinet-approved remit. Any further expansion of the Auckland hub's role would require government permission. The facility has also trained operators from partner countries participating in the Pacific cell.   Direct Involvement in Iran Operations Unclear Although the wider JCO network has supported monitoring related to combat operations involving Iran, the extent of the Auckland hub's direct involvement remains unclear. Military officials have not confirmed whether the New Zealand facility helped identify electronic attacks or counter-drone jamming in the Middle East. The case highlights the growing use of commercial satellite data in military intelligence and operational planning, as well as the challenges of balancing allied defense cooperation with national sovereignty and transparency laws.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-26 14:08:10

 U.S 

WASHINGTON, — The U.S. Department of Defense is preparing major military installations across the continental United States to operate independently for at least 90 days during a major conflict under its new FORTRESS initiative. Announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on September 30, 2026, during his State of the Force address, FORTRESS stands for Federal Operations for Resilience, Troop Resources, Energy, Supply, and Survivability. According to documents reviewed by Fox News Digital and reporting published on October 25, 2026, the initiative aims to reduce military dependence on civilian infrastructure and global supply chains. Under the plan, major U.S. bases must maintain independent access to electricity, water, fuel, and communications for at least 90 days. Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell said relying on civilian municipal infrastructure for national defense presents an unacceptable risk. He also noted that previous planning assumptions based on the protection offered by the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans no longer adequately reflect current conditions.   Energy Independence and Backup Power FORTRESS prioritizes energy security through portable small nuclear reactors, large-scale battery storage, and local microgrids capable of operating independently of civilian electricity networks. These systems are intended to keep command centres, communications, water systems, logistics, and other critical military functions running during prolonged power outages. Parnell emphasized that electricity is essential to military readiness. Work on microgrids and battery storage is already progressing at selected sites. A senior defense official said in mid-October 2026 that the department was assessing requirements across approximately 500 installations in the continental United States. No deadline has been announced for implementing the complete 90-day standard across all bases.   Strategic Reserves and Supply Chain Security The initiative calls for strategic reserves of munitions, fuel, medical supplies, electronic components, spare parts, and critical minerals. Stockpile levels would be determined by expected wartime consumption and the time required to replenish supplies. The Pentagon also aims to establish at least two independent production or supply pathways for critical defense requirements, reducing dependence on a single supplier or factory and helping prevent production disruptions during a conflict.   Civilian Factories for Defense Production FORTRESS includes the Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network, established under the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. The network identifies civilian factories that could rapidly switch to defense production during a crisis. Preparations include technical requirements, contracts, production-conversion procedures, cybersecurity measures, and regular exercises to test industrial capacity and mobilization readiness. The objective is to prepare factories before a crisis rather than develop conversion plans after a conflict begins.   Cybersecurity, Space and Homeland Defense FORTRESS also includes measures to protect military communications, navigation, and satellite systems against cyber threats, space-based disruptions, and GPS jamming. The initiative reflects a broader shift in U.S. homeland defense planning. Parnell pointed to related efforts, including the Golden Dome program and increased attention to the Western Hemisphere, as the Pentagon reassesses threats to U.S. territory and military infrastructure. By strengthening energy supplies, stockpiles, manufacturing capacity, and communications, the Pentagon aims to keep military bases operational even when civilian infrastructure and international supply chains are disrupted. The immediate focus is on installations in the continental United States. Officials have not confirmed whether overseas U.S. military bases will eventually face the same 90-day self-sufficiency requirement.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-26 13:24:22

 U.S 

MIDDLE EAST — The United States is expanding its military presence in the Middle East, with warships receiving additional long-range missiles and bunker-buster bombs, a third aircraft carrier heading toward the region, and thousands of additional sailors and Marines being deployed. According to a Wall Street Journal report published on October 24, US personnel aboard the USS George Washington and an accompanying guided-missile destroyer in the Arabian Sea were observed conducting flight operations and replenishing munitions and supplies. The weapons included standoff land-attack missiles and bunker-buster bombs designed to penetrate fortified and underground targets. US officials familiar with military planning said the deployments are intended to provide options if President Donald Trump decides to resume attacks against Iran. However, no final decision on further strikes had been announced in the reporting.   Three Aircraft Carrier Strike Groups Heading to the Region Two US carrier strike groups, led by the USS George Washington and USS George H.W. Bush, are already operating in the region. A third, led by the USS Theodore Roosevelt, departed San Diego in late September and is heading toward the Middle East. Its arrival is expected in the coming weeks, with earlier reports pointing to November. An amphibious readiness group led by the USS Makin Island is also heading to the region with more than 2,000 Marines from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The deployment, alongside the carrier movement, is expected to add approximately 9,000–10,000 sailors and Marines to the regional force. The USS Boxer amphibious readiness group is already operating near the Strait of Hormuz. The expanded deployments come as the US continues its military operations and extends the presence of forces and equipment in the region.   Refuelling Aircraft and Strike Preparations US aerial-refuelling activity has also increased across Europe and the US Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility. Open-source tracking reports indicated that approximately 190–195 US aerial-refuelling tankers were tracked across these areas as of October 21. Reported movements included KC-135 and KC-46 tankers, which support aircraft by extending their flight range and time in the air. Separate reports have also described US and Israeli aircraft conducting activities associated with possible strike planning, including flights over Iraq and routes approaching Iran. The details and operational purpose of these activities have not been fully confirmed.   Regional Tensions Ahead of US Midterm Elections The military buildup is taking place ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections, with the administration considering its options toward Iran. The movements could support several potential missions, including protecting commercial shipping, maintaining regional security and conducting further military operations if authorised. Regional tensions remain high, including concerns over missile threats and security around key waterways. Meanwhile, diplomatic contacts are continuing alongside military preparations. The deployment of additional warships, munitions, refuelling aircraft and personnel indicates that the United States is maintaining the capability for sustained operations in the region. However, the buildup alone does not confirm that a new US strike against Iran is imminent.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-25 15:06:12

 U.S 

LOS ANGELES, — The U.S. Space Force is preparing to acquire commercial technologies for operations in cislunar space, the region between Earth and the Moon, with the aim of fielding initial capabilities by the end of fiscal year 2029. Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy, the Space Force’s portfolio acquisition executive for advanced programs, outlined the plan at the Space Industry Days conference in Los Angeles. According to reports from Breaking Defense, the service plans to issue two requests for information (RFIs) to identify commercially available or near-ready technologies that can be deployed without lengthy research and development. Space Force Seeks Three Key Capabilities The first RFI will focus on spacecraft, sensors and related systems for space domain awareness, enabling the military to monitor and track activity across the Earth-Moon region. It will also seek positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) systems that can support operations beyond traditional Earth orbit, along with the ground infrastructure needed to connect these capabilities. The second RFI will seek artificial intelligence software that enables spacecraft to operate more autonomously. Such systems would help spacecraft process sensor data, detect onboard hardware failures and adjust their operations without requiring constant instructions from ground control on Earth. Purdy said the Space Force wants existing commercial or near-commercial solutions that can be delivered quickly rather than projects requiring years of additional development. He emphasized the need for rapidly deliverable capabilities instead of spending research and development funds on systems that are not yet ready for operational use. The target is to field initial capabilities by September 2029, the end of fiscal year 2029. Earlier work by the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has explored technologies for cislunar operations, but the new initiative is intended to move toward procurement and practical military use. China’s Cislunar Activities Drive U.S. Concerns China’s expanding activities in cislunar space are a major reason for the accelerated effort. Purdy said, “China is moving out in this area. We have traditionally not.”  A recent Chinese project involved launching 30 CubeSats into a highly elliptical orbit near an Earth-Moon Lagrange point and into lunar orbit. China has described the project as a scientific effort at United Nations-related meetings, while defense experts cited by Breaking Defense have raised concerns about its potential use for cislunar surveillance.  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also highlighted the strategic importance of cislunar space on October 20 in Dayton, Ohio, saying that control of subsea and cislunar domains would be important in future conflicts. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine has likewise called for the military to prepare to operate across domains extending from the seabed to cislunar space.  Space Force Coordinates with NASA The Space Force is working with NASA to coordinate infrastructure that can support both civilian lunar exploration, including the Artemis program, and military requirements. Areas of interest include lunar time systems, communications and space domain awareness. The service established a Cislunar Coordination Office in May 2026 to develop roadmaps, coordinate acquisition priorities and give commercial companies clearer information about military requirements. The office is also working to identify gaps in existing capabilities and coordinate investments across government agencies.  The Space Systems Command has also launched the ACES initiative, according to the supplied information, to help commercial space companies address security-clearance barriers that can complicate participation in classified military projects. No contracts have been awarded, and no operational weapons deployments in cislunar space have been announced. The immediate priority remains developing surveillance, navigation, communications and autonomous spacecraft capabilities that can support U.S. operations in the Earth-Moon region by the end of fiscal year 2029.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-24 16:26:36

 U.S 

CALIFORNIA,  — U.S. defense company Zone 5 Technologies has demonstrated a ground-launched version of its AGM-188A Rusty Dagger cruise missile, introducing a new configuration designated Block 40. The upgraded variant adds ground and sea launch capabilities to a missile previously designed primarily for aircraft deployment. The new configuration was revealed through images shared with defense publication The War Zone on October 22. The missile was developed under the U.S. Air Force’s Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) program, which focuses on affordable, mass-producible cruise missiles, initially to meet Ukraine’s requirements.    Block 40 Adds Ground and Sea Launch Capabilities The main change in the Block 40 configuration is the addition of a solid-fuel rocket booster at the rear of the missile. This allows it to launch from ground-based and sea-based platforms while retaining its ability to be deployed from aircraft. Zone 5 has confirmed that the missile is certified for four fighter types, including the F-16. It can also be launched from special pallets carried by military transport aircraft. The upgraded missile can carry warheads weighing 100 to 250 pounds (approximately 45 to 113 kg), compared with the previously stated maximum of about 45 kg. Visible changes include more rounded tail stabilizers, while further design modifications have not been publicly detailed. An autonomous visual navigation system was previously announced for the Rusty Dagger, but its integration into the earlier Block 20 version was not confirmed. It remains unclear whether Block 40 introduces this capability.   Range Depends on Launch Conditions The AGM-188A Rusty Dagger has a reported maximum range of approximately 930 kilometers under favorable conditions, including a high-speed, high-altitude aircraft launch and a lighter warhead. For low-altitude aerial launches, the previously reported range is up to 300 nautical miles, or approximately 555 kilometers. The ground-launched Block 40 is expected to have a shorter range than the maximum air-launched configuration because it must use its booster to reach cruising conditions. However, the company has not released exact range figures for the new variant.    Ukraine Deployment and Production Expansion The Rusty Dagger was developed under the ERAM program primarily to meet Ukraine’s needs. Deliveries under the program were scheduled to begin in October 2026, although the extent of completed deliveries has not been confirmed. Russian forces have reportedly recovered debris matching the missile following precision strikes in Ukraine. Zone 5 has acknowledged the weapon’s deployment and stated that the Rusty Dagger is the only publicly reported operational missile of its class in service with Ukrainian forces.  Zone 5 says it developed the surface-launch configuration in less than three months, moving from design to demonstration. The company has also confirmed that versions of the missile have been selected for separate U.S. Army and U.S. Navy programs focused on affordable strike weapons. Production is expanding at facilities in California and Texas, with additional capacity planned in Ohio. Each facility is designed to support annual production of more than 2,500 missiles by the end of 2027, according to the company.  The Block 40 demonstration expands the Rusty Dagger’s launch options beyond aircraft, potentially allowing the missile to be deployed from land and sea platforms. Further details about testing, performance and future deliveries of the new configuration have not been publicly disclosed.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-24 13:57:14

 U.S 

SAN DIEGO, — The U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91) has become the first destroyer to enter Phase Two of the DDG MOD 2.0 modernization program. The work is being carried out at a General Dynamics NASSCO drydock in San Diego following the ship’s eight-and-a-half-month deployment to the Middle East and Pacific. The modernization includes Raytheon’s AN/SPY-6(V)4 radar and Lockheed Martin’s Aegis Combat System Baseline 10. The radar will replace the ship’s existing AN/SPY-1D(V) system, improving its ability to detect and track air and surface threats while supporting air and ballistic missile defense. The work is covered by a $149.6 million contract awarded to General Dynamics NASSCO and is scheduled for completion by September 2028.   SPY-6 Radar and Cooling System Upgrades The AN/SPY-6(V)4 radar uses four fixed array faces, each containing 24 Radar Modular Assemblies, for a total of 96 modules. Designed for Flight IIA destroyers, the configuration is intended to operate within their existing power capacity and provide 360-degree situational awareness. Combined with Aegis Baseline 10, the radar is designed to improve the ship’s ability to respond to multiple threats, including ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missiles, as well as other airborne and surface threats. The modernization also includes the Navy’s High Efficiency Super-Capacity (HESC) air conditioning plants to support the increased cooling requirements of the upgraded systems. USS Pinckney is reported to be the first U.S. Navy ship to receive both the SPY-6(V)4 radar and HESC plants. Raytheon began manufacturing radar modules for Pinckney in early 2024. In August 2026, a test array was installed at the Navy’s Surface Combat Systems Center on Wallops Island, Virginia, for shore-based integration and testing before installation aboard the ship. Capt. Tim Moore, program manager for DDG MOD 2.0, said the modernization would equip Pinckney with an integrated sensor suite designed to support U.S. maritime superiority for decades.   DDG MOD 2.0 Upgrade Program The DDG MOD 2.0 program is a major mid-life modernization effort for selected Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, intended to bring Flight IIA ships closer to the capabilities of newer Flight III vessels. The broader effort covers approximately 20 ships, with an estimated total cost of $17 billion. During Phase One, four destroyers received the SLQ-32(V)7 Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block III electronic warfare suite. USS Pinckney completed this work first, followed by USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) and USS Halsey (DDG 97). The initial work also included modifications to accommodate the electronic warfare arrays. These four destroyers form an initial group for evaluating the modernization process. The Navy plans to combine electronic warfare and radar upgrades into a single shipyard period for future ships to reduce the time they spend out of service. USS Sterett (DDG 104) is expected to be among the first destroyers to receive the combined upgrades.   Supporting Fleet Operations USS Pinckney returned from its deployment on August 9, 2026, after operating in the Middle East and Pacific since late November 2025. According to the Navy, the destroyer validated several advanced warfare capabilities in operational environments during the deployment. The upgrades come as U.S. Navy destroyers face growing demands in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East, where they help protect carrier strike groups, commercial shipping and allied assets against increasingly capable missile and drone threats. The installation of the SPY-6 radar, Aegis Baseline 10 and upgraded cooling systems is intended to strengthen the ship’s detection and combat capabilities. The experience gained from USS Pinckney and the other initial ships will also help the Navy improve the efficiency of future modernization work across its destroyer fleet.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-24 13:54:34

 U.S 

WASHINGTON, — The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) has selected nine defense companies to supply approximately 60,000 one-way attack drones under the second phase of its Drone Dominance Program, known as Gauntlet II. The program aims to expand domestic drone manufacturing and equip U.S. forces with affordable unmanned systems. Gauntlet II was conducted over a month in August 2026 at Fort Carson, Colorado. The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Test Resource Management Center managed the evaluation. Nineteen companies advanced to the event following an earlier qualification process involving 49 companies, while an initial pool of 25 vendors was reported for the selection process.   Nine Companies Selected The order is divided between two categories: Deep Strike, for longer-range missions, and Close Quarters Battle, for shorter-range operations in confined environments. The boundary between the categories is approximately 15 kilometers. Perennial Autonomy, manufacturer of Hornet drones, ranked first in Deep Strike with 80.1 points and is set to receive 8,000 drones. Neros, which produces first-person-view (FPV) drones, including the Archer series, ranked first in Close Quarters Battle with 88.1 points and third in Deep Strike. As the only company among the leading performers to qualify in both categories, Neros is allocated 14,000 drones. The reported allocations are: Category Company Drones Deep Strike Perennial Autonomy 8,000 Deep Strike Hyperscale 7,000 Deep Strike Neros 6,000 Deep Strike Skycutter 5,000 Deep Strike Swarm Defense Technologies 4,000 Close Quarters Battle Neros 8,000 Close Quarters Battle ORQA US 7,000 Close Quarters Battle XTEND Reality 6,000 Close Quarters Battle Vector 5,000 Close Quarters Battle ModalAI 4,000 The maximum allocation is 8,000 drones per company in a single category, or 14,000 for a company selected in both. Final contract quantities will be confirmed when the awards are issued. The evaluation tested find-fix-finish missions, requiring operators to locate, confirm and strike targets during day and night operations. The program also assesses performance, manufacturing readiness and supply-chain compliance. Its requirements include U.S.-aligned supply chains and restrictions on components from certain countries, including a reported requirement to exclude Chinese-manufactured parts.   Pentagon Plans Further Drone Procurement The Pentagon is adopting an incremental procurement strategy rather than building large stockpiles of systems that could quickly become outdated. Lessons from conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, where drone technology and electronic warfare tactics continue to evolve, are influencing the development and testing of new systems. The first phase of the program resulted in orders for approximately 30,000 one-way attack drones. The overall initiative has a planned investment of around $1.1 billion and aims to acquire more than 200,000 small drones by 2027, while building domestic manufacturing capacity for rapid production. A further selection stage is planned for reusable bomber drones. Phase III, opened in late September 2026, has an allocation of $450 million and targets approximately 60,000 additional drones, with an option for more units. It focuses on manufacturing scalability, higher production rates and performance in contested environments. The phase also sets target prices of $3,000 for Close Quarters Battle drones and $5,000 for Deep Strike drones. Through successive procurement rounds, the Pentagon aims to increase drone availability while allowing manufacturers to improve their systems as operational requirements and technology change.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-24 13:35:35

 U.S 

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam, — The U.S. Army has activated the 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment on Guam, establishing a permanent air and missile defense unit to strengthen the island’s protection and support U.S. military operations across the Indo-Pacific. The activation ceremony took place at Andersen Air Force Base. The battalion falls under the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade and the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. It replaces Task Force Talon, which deactivated in July 2026 after more than a decade of air defense operations on the island. The battalion will provide the Army’s contribution to the broader Guam Defense System, with responsibilities that include maintaining readiness and integrating sensors, command-and-control systems, launchers and interceptors into a coordinated defensive network. Lt. Col. Joshua Urness, the battalion commander, said soldiers had developed the procedures, relationships and integration needed to connect these systems and support a unified defensive architecture. He described the activation as an important step in establishing the Army’s permanent contribution to Guam’s strategic defense. Col. Moseph Sauda, commander of the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, told soldiers that their vigilance would have strategic consequences, their readiness would help shape regional stability, and their professionalism would contribute to maintaining security.   From Task Force Talon to a Permanent Unit Task Force Talon established a dedicated air defense presence on Guam in 2013 to operate the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, which is designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles during the later stages of flight. The task force worked with the Guam Army National Guard and other military services to maintain operational readiness. Its deactivation in July 2026 marked the end of the temporary task force structure, with the new battalion carrying forward its operational experience in a permanent formation. The battalion is expected to support a layered defense involving THAAD, Patriot and the Indirect Fire Protection Capability (Enduring Shield). These systems are intended to address different threats, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft and drones. Earlier reporting indicated that approximately 120 soldiers had been assigned to the battalion on Guam, in addition to existing THAAD personnel.   Guam’s Strategic Role in Indo-Pacific Defense Guam is a key U.S. military hub supporting joint operations across the Indo-Pacific. Its air and missile defenses are intended to protect the military personnel, facilities and infrastructure required to sustain those operations. The establishment of a permanent battalion reflects the U.S. Army’s focus on maintaining sustained, integrated air and missile defense capabilities in the region amid security concerns involving China and North Korea. The unit also preserves the historical lineage of the 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, whose predecessor organization was established in the Philippine Islands in 1916.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-24 13:29:18

 U.S 

SAN DIEGO, — General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has partnered with Spirit Defense, a Boeing company, to expand production of the U.S. Air Force’s FQ-42 Vengeance uncrewed fighter under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme. Spirit Defense will design and manufacture fuselages for the aircraft, adding engineering and manufacturing capacity as GA-ASI prepares to increase production. The partnership follows the Air Force’s June 2026 production contract award to GA-ASI. The aircraft received the Vengeance name in September 2026. GA-ASI President David R. Alexander said the company had established its design, development and manufacturing capabilities for the FQ-42, and that the agreement would increase capacity and improve production resilience by reducing reliance on a single manufacturer. Spirit Defense President and CEO Keith Schrader said the company would contribute its manufacturing expertise to the programme. The company has renovated a 50,000-square-foot facility to support fuselage production. Specific production quantities and delivery schedules for its work have not been disclosed. Founded in 1992, GA-ASI has traditionally manufactured its own uncrewed aircraft. Its portfolio includes the MQ-9A Reaper, MQ-1C Gray Eagle, MQ-20 Avenger, MQ-9B SkyGuardian and MQ-9B SeaGuardian. GA-ASI has stated that it can produce six FQ-42 aircraft per month and has additional manufacturing space available.   FQ-42 Development and CCA Programme The FQ-42 is designed to operate alongside crewed fighter aircraft as part of the Air Force’s CCA programme. The Air Force selected GA-ASI’s FQ-42 Vengeance and Anduril Industries’ FQ-44 Fury for initial production under Increment 1. The programme has an initial target of 150 uncrewed fighters by 2030, with a longer-term objective of acquiring up to 500 aircraft. Air Force officials have also stated a goal of fielding at least 500 CCAs by 2032. The YFQ-42A prototype completed its first flight in August 2025. In September 2026, the Air Force received an FQ-42 at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, for further testing and evaluation. The aircraft has also flown in formation with F-35 and F-15E fighters in preparation for collaborative operations. The FQ-42 features a modular design that allows mission systems to be replaced and new autonomy software to be integrated. According to GA-ASI, its software architecture has been validated through live flight tests across multiple airframes to support human-machine teaming. The aircraft also has an internal weapons bay and design features intended to reduce its radar signature. The Vengeance draws heavily on GA-ASI’s Gambit family of modular combat aircraft, which uses a common core chassis demonstrated through the XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station.   International Gambit Opportunities GA-ASI is also discussing its Gambit family with international military customers. Drawing on development work involving the FQ-42, XQ-67A and MQ-20 Avenger, proposed variants are designed for electronic warfare, suppression and destruction of enemy air defences (SEAD), and stand-off precision strikes. International customers could participate in manufacturing and integrate their own sensors, weapons and proprietary combat technologies. The Spirit Defense agreement expands the industrial base supporting the FQ-42 as the Air Force advances its CCA programme. However, the number of fuselages Spirit Defense will produce and its delivery schedule remain undisclosed.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-24 13:06:52

 U.S 

EL SEGUNDO, California, — The U.S. Space Force has awarded its first operational contracts under the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR) programme to six companies providing satellite tracking and space surveillance capabilities during military crises and periods of increased demand. The selected companies are Anduril, LeoLabs, Slingshot Aerospace and InTrack of the United States, EOS Space Systems of Australia, and NorthStar Earth & Space of Canada. The contracts were awarded through the ACCESS framework, used by Joint Commercial Operations (JCO) to procure commercial data and data-fusion services.   Space Surveillance Capabilities The contracts focus on Space Domain Awareness (SDA), including tracking satellites, monitoring orbital manoeuvres, and identifying space debris and spacecraft breakups. The companies will provide commercial data and services to support JCO activities during routine operations and periods of increased demand. CASR is modelled on the U.S. Air Force’s Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF), which uses commercial aircraft to supplement military airlift during national emergencies. Developed since 2022, CASR allows the military to expand its use of commercial space capabilities without owning and maintaining all the required infrastructure. The programme has three operational levels: day-to-day operations for routine monitoring, priority operations during regional conflicts, and full CASR execution during major international crises or war.   From Pilot Phase to Operational Contracts A pilot programme began in 2025, when four space domain awareness companies received 90-day contracts worth a combined $1.1 million. The Space Force subsequently conducted wargames and training exercises to test the integration of commercial data and services into military operations. The new contracts move CASR into its operational phase for space domain awareness. All six companies already work with the Joint Commercial Operations Cell, which integrates commercial space data and shares it with U.S. military and international partners. Lt. Col. Brandon Galindo said operators consider these companies trusted sources when additional tracking is required, including after an on-orbit event that generates debris. Col. Timothy Trimailo, director of the Space Systems Command’s Commercial Space Office, said the programme integrates established commercial capabilities into government systems when additional capacity is needed. The selection process assessed commercial offerings, readiness and integration pathways. The financial values of the new contracts were not disclosed, although officials described the initial amounts as relatively low. Funding may be adjusted as combatant commands identify demand.   Future Expansion The vendor pool remains open to additional companies with proven, trusted capabilities. The Space Force is also evaluating future CASR applications in satellite communications, launch services, and spacecraft telemetry, tracking and command. The programme aims to strengthen U.S. space surveillance by combining commercial and government systems. Space Systems Command plans to apply lessons from the initial contracts to future commercial integration. Interested companies can contact the Space Force through its established industry engagement channels.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-23 16:30:01

 U.S 

WASHINGTON, — The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has awarded California-based defence company Long Wall $75 million to complete flight testing of its Cyclops low-cost missile interceptor. The company announced the award on October 22 and will contribute an additional $75 million of its own funding, bringing the combined investment to $150 million.   Cyclops Interceptor Designed for Mass Production Long Wall began developing Cyclops in 2024 using its own funding and publicly unveiled the system in December 2025. The liquid-fuelled, exo-atmospheric interceptor is designed to engage enemy missiles during the midcourse phase of flight, outside Earth's atmosphere. The company describes it as the first interceptor in its class designed specifically for mass production. Cyclops uses commercial off-the-shelf components and additive manufacturing, including 3D printing, to support its manufacturing approach. According to Long Wall, the interceptor fits inside a standard shipping container, allowing it to be launched from ground sites or sea-based platforms.   $150 Million for Development and Testing Long Wall will invest an additional $75 million in private funding alongside the MDA award to continue Cyclops design, development and testing. The company said it had already spent two years of private capital on the programme. Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Dan Piemont said rising demand for interceptors, limited production capacity and high unit costs had created challenges in replenishing missile defence inventories. He described the award as a significant commitment to developing a new approach to long-range missile defence. Long Wall co-founder, Chairman and President Harry O’Hanley said the company was using modern computing hardware and advances in optics and propulsion manufacturing to support the programme. The company operates development, testing and production facilities spanning more than 180,000 square feet across 100 acres at three major sites. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Long Wall has operations in California, Alaska and Alabama. It was formed in February 2025 through the rebranding of ABL Space Systems, which shifted its focus from small satellite launch vehicles to missile defence. The MDA award announcement did not specify the number of interceptors to be tested or provide a detailed flight-test schedule. The contract duration and production timeline were also not disclosed.   US Expands Search for Lower-Cost Interceptors Cyclops is intended to perform a midcourse interception role similar to that of the US Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI), currently built by Northrop Grumman. The MDA is also exploring lower-cost interceptor options for the terminal phase, when incoming missiles re-enter the atmosphere. In August 2026, the agency awarded nearly $11 million to X-Bow Systems to flight-test a solid-fuel interceptor being considered as a potential lower-cost alternative to systems such as the Patriot. Long Wall’s award is part of wider US efforts to develop missile defence systems that can be manufactured in greater numbers while addressing production capacity and cost challenges.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-23 15:27:57

 U.S 

WASHINGTON, D.C., — U.S.-Norwegian defence company Heaviside Industries has unveiled its TYR loitering munition at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C. The lightweight, fixed-wing system weighs just over five pounds (2.3 kilograms) and is designed to strike targets at ranges exceeding 25 miles (40 kilometres). According to the company, TYR can reach speeds exceeding 150 mph (241 km/h) and remain airborne for more than 60 minutes. The complete system weighs approximately 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms), making it suitable for transport by individual soldiers. Its detachable wings help with backpack transport, while its low acoustic and visual signature is intended to reduce detection.   GPS-Denied Operations and Mission Capabilities TYR is designed to operate in GPS-denied environments and contested communications conditions. It uses proprietary dual-band radios and computer vision for navigation and targeting. The system also features electro-optical and thermal cameras to support target identification. According to Heaviside, the munition can search designated areas for recognisable targets and request operator confirmation before an attack. The final engagement decision remains with a human operator. If communication is lost, the system has several programmed options: abort the attack, continue the mission, land in a designated safe area or destroy itself. The company says TYR can support ground and base defence, counter-drone missions and integration with larger unmanned systems. It is designed for precision strikes against armoured vehicles, fortified structures and other targets.   Four Warhead Options from Nammo TYR uses four interchangeable warhead options supplied by Norwegian defence company Nammo: a shaped-charge anti-tank warhead, an anti-structure munition, an explosively formed penetrator (EFP) and an anti-personnel fragmentation warhead. The anti-tank variant is intended to engage armoured vehicles, including main battle tanks. The different warhead options allow the system to be configured for different mission requirements. Heaviside and Nammo announced a strategic partnership in August 2026 to develop multi-domain precision munitions, with TYR serving as the first platform under the collaboration.   Testing, Contracts and Production Heaviside CEO Phillip Walker said TYR combines size, weight and performance to engage armoured and fortified targets while allowing troops to maintain greater standoff distance from threats. The company said TYR has completed live-fire testing and is under contract with U.S. Department of Defense customers. Specific order quantities and delivery schedules have not been disclosed. Heaviside also announced a $60 million Series B funding round in August 2026, valuing the company at $600 million. The funding is intended to support production capacity and expansion of its U.S. operations. The company, founded in 2024 and headquartered in Los Angeles, conducts engineering and testing activities in Norway in cooperation with Nammo.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-22 16:17:48