U.S 

Huntsville, Alabama — Boeing has received an undefinitized contract action worth approximately $14.7 billion from Lockheed Martin to expand production and delivery of PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) seekers. The agreement will allow Boeing to triple its current PAC-3 MSE seeker production capacity under a previously established seven-year framework agreement with the U.S. Department of War.   Expansion of Huntsville Production Boeing has already begun expanding production at its PAC-3 seeker facility in Huntsville, Alabama. The company has invested more than $200 million since 2024 to increase manufacturing capacity. The expansion includes a 35,000-square-foot facility, manufacturing-process modernization, equipment upgrades and improvements to the supplier network. The measures are intended to increase production capacity, first-time quality, affordability and supply-chain resilience. Production ramp-up and related hiring began earlier in 2026 following the framework agreement. The expansion is expected to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs in the Huntsville area.   PAC-3 MSE Seeker Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for the PAC-3 MSE interceptor, while Boeing manufactures its seeker, which is installed in the missile’s nose. The Boeing-built seeker uses an active Ka-band radar to identify, track and engage advanced threats. It provides range, range-rate and angle data to the interceptor's guidance system. The PAC-3 MSE is designed to counter threats including hostile aircraft, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons. The interceptor combines the seeker with a Guidance Processor Unit (GPU), Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and Multi-band Radio Frequency Data Link (MRFDL). It uses a hit-to-kill method, destroying targets through direct kinetic impact rather than an explosive warhead.   PAC-3 Production Expansion The Boeing contract supports a wider U.S. effort to increase PAC-3 MSE production. In January 2026, Lockheed Martin reached a seven-year framework agreement with the Department of War to increase annual PAC-3 MSE interceptor production from about 600 to approximately 2,000 units. In July 2026, Lockheed Martin received a seven-year contract action valued at up to $53.86 billion for the interceptors. Combined with an earlier award, the total multiyear contract potential is approximately $58.6 billion. Lockheed Martin reported delivering more than 600 interceptors in 2025. The PAC-3 MSE achieved initial operational capability in August 2016 and entered full-rate production in 2018. Demand has increased due to its use in ongoing conflicts, including support for Ukraine and operations in the Middle East. The seeker has been identified as a production bottleneck, making increased seeker output important to the planned growth in complete PAC-3 MSE interceptor production.   U.S. Defense Manufacturing Strategy The $14.7 billion agreement supports the U.S. Department of War’s Acquisition Transformation Strategy, which focuses on accelerating delivery of critical defense systems and expanding domestic defense manufacturing capacity under the “Arsenal of Freedom” initiative. Boeing Defense, Space & Security President and CEO Steve Parker said early investment and a focus on quality and execution have positioned the company to increase seeker deliveries and support U.S. and allied defense requirements. Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial aircraft, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under BA, while Lockheed Martin trades under LMT.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-07 13:23:28

 U.S 

WASHINGTON,  — A U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 (VMFA-314), the “Black Knights,” has been photographed carrying markings for three submarines and several other targets following Operation Epic Fury. The photograph was obtained by The Aviationist and published on October 5, 2026. The aircraft operated from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) as part of Carrier Air Wing 9.   F-35C Displays Multiple Target Markings The markings are located below the cockpit and on a weapon bay door. They include: Three submarines An oil tanker A surface combatant resembling a corvette or frigate A Shahed-type one-way attack drone An artillery piece A possible truck-mounted air-defense system A possible static missile launcher The submarine silhouettes are highly stylized, and no specific vessels have been publicly linked to the three markings.   Weapons Markings The F-35C also displays markings for weapons used during its missions, including the AIM-120 AMRAAM, AGM-154 JSOW, GBU-31 JDAM, GBU-32 JDAM and GBU-54 Laser JDAM. Tally marks indicate multiple weapons were expended.   Iranian Submarine Losses During Operation Epic Fury, the United States confirmed the destruction of the Iranian Kilo-class submarine Taregh while it was in port. The United States also confirmed the destruction of ** Fateh**, the lead submarine of Iran’s Fateh class, along with multiple Ghadir-class submarines. Iran’s other two Kilo-class submarines were believed to have been inoperable for some time. At least one Ghadir-class submarine was hit by an AGM-114 Hellfire missile, meaning that particular engagement could not have involved this F-35C based on its displayed weapons. The three submarine markings on the F-35C cannot currently be connected to specific Iranian submarines.   Shahed Drone Marking The aircraft also carries a marking representing a one-way attack drone. VMFA-314 previously shot down a Shahed-139 approaching USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea on February 3, 2026. The marking may be associated with that engagement, although its shape more closely resembles a Shahed-136.   Earlier F/A-18F “Sub Buster” Marking The F-35C photograph follows the earlier appearance of an F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 41 (VFA-41), the “Black Aces.” The aircraft, BuNo 168491, returned to Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, on October 1, 2026, carrying a submarine silhouette marked “Sub Buster.” The silhouette most closely resembles a Kilo-class submarine, although the specific vessel has not been identified. Both VFA-41 and VMFA-314 operated from USS Abraham Lincoln as part of Carrier Air Wing 9. The carrier completed a 302-day deployment. The F-35C markings provide a record of the different naval, air and ground targets associated with its missions, although the specific weapons used against the three submarines have not been publicly detailed.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-06 15:43:51

 U.S 

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Army has selected Anduril Industries to lead the operational rollout of its Next-Generation Command and Control (NGC2) network under a contract worth up to $1.8 billion over five years. The contract has an initial base value of $162.8 million, with options that could increase the total value to $1.8 billion. The award moves NGC2 from division-level prototype testing toward operational fielding, beginning with I Corps.   I Corps to Receive NGC2 I Corps, headquartered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, commands four Army divisions and oversees a significant portion of the Army's presence in the Indo-Pacific region. The Pacific operating environment presents challenges because Army units can be separated by thousands of miles and must coordinate with other U.S. military services and allied forces. NGC2 is also designed to continue supporting units when communications with higher headquarters are disrupted. Anduril has not disclosed which I Corps units will receive NGC2 first, how many vehicles or devices will be equipped, or the exact fielding timeline. Common Data Network NGC2 is designed to connect previously separate command, intelligence and fire-control systems through a common data architecture. Sensors, weapons, vehicles and applications from different manufacturers can exchange information through the network without soldiers having to manually transfer data between systems. Anduril's Lattice platform provides the common data layer. The architecture uses an open-system approach, allowing the Army to add sensors, applications and weapons from different vendors without rebuilding the underlying network.   Testing With 4th Infantry Division The contract follows approximately a year of NGC2 testing. In July 2025, the Army awarded an Anduril-led team, including Palantir and Microsoft, a $99.6 million prototype agreement. Anduril subsequently worked with soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado, during exercises known as Ivy Sting. During the first Ivy Sting exercise in September 2025, soldiers used artillery fire-control software running on Lattice to fire M777 howitzers. By the Ivy Mass exercise in May 2026, the entire 4th Infantry Division was operating on NGC2. The network supported more than 2,500 end-user devices and multiple applications. According to Anduril, NGC2 reduced artillery fire timelines by 90% compared with legacy systems and accelerated airspace coordination. Testing also demonstrated data sharing with U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy systems.   Parallel Testing and Selection The Army also tested a second NGC2 prototype with the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii. The effort was led by Lockheed Martin and included the Lightning Surge exercises and Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the Philippines. After both divisions completed their testing in June 2026, the Army established a common NGC2 data baseline and selected Anduril to lead the scaling effort, working with Palantir and Raft. The new contract now takes NGC2 into its next phase, beginning with I Corps and establishing the foundation for broader operational fielding across the U.S. Army.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-06 15:38:45

 U.S 

Washington, U.S. — Former U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized Fox News, accusing the network of giving more attention to Democratic candidates than Republicans and his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. In posts on Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump specifically targeted Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum over her interview with Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Michigan. Trump described the interview as a “softball” interview and said MacCallum does not interview him in the same way. “Fox is promoting the Dumocrats, not the Republicans and MAGA. They have totally lost their way!” Trump wrote. He also complained that Fox News does not show his “record breaking” rallies the morning after they take place, saying MAGA supporters are watching other networks instead.   El-Sayed Interview MacCallum interviewed El-Sayed Monday on The Story. The discussion covered the U.S. war with Iran, terrorism, Medicare for All, public schools and campaign financing. The interview became heated as El-Sayed questioned the purpose of the war and argued that Iran's nuclear threat had previously been contained under the Obama-era Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), from which Trump later withdrew. MacCallum challenged El-Sayed over Iran's history and the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut. The two repeatedly interrupted each other, with MacCallum at one point telling El-Sayed, “I can't let you filibuster.” El-Sayed responded by accusing MacCallum of being a “fan” of the war. El-Sayed, 41, is a physician, epidemiologist and former public health official who previously led the Detroit Health Department and later directed Wayne County's Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services. He supports Medicare for All and is running against Republican Mike Rogers in the November midterm election. Trump had criticized the interview at a campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, the previous day, saying El-Sayed was allowed to “talk, talk, talk” with little pushback and calling him a “total communist.”   Trump’s Wider Criticism of Fox News Trump's latest comments are part of a broader dispute with Fox News over its political coverage. In late September, he criticized the network for featuring Democratic figures including Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries and argued that opposition politicians were receiving more favorable airtime than Republicans. On Sunday, Trump also complained that Fox & Friends had not given enough coverage to his Saturday rally in Vandalia, Ohio, as well as earlier events in Alabama, Texas and Oklahoma. He said other networks had covered the rallies more positively and warned that supporters could stop watching Fox News. Trump has also criticized Fox News contributor Jessica Tarlov, calling her a “loser” at the Nebraska rally and saying her appearances were unpopular with his supporters. In another Truth Social post Tuesday, Trump questioned why Fox News was airing a long-form interview with independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn, who is running against Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts in Nebraska. Trump and Fox News have maintained a long and sometimes strained relationship, despite the network featuring hosts who have closely aligned themselves with the president. Fox News had not issued a formal response to Trump's latest criticism as of Tuesday. The dispute comes weeks before the November 3 midterm elections, with Republicans defending control of Congress and Trump continuing to campaign for Republican candidates.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-06 15:34:23

 U.S 

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of State has approved a possible $832 million Foreign Military Sale to Egypt covering up to 2,020 FGM-148F Javelin anti-tank guided missiles and related equipment. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) issued the congressional notification, No. 25-67, on October 2, 2026.   What Egypt Has Requested The proposed package includes: Up to 2,020 FGM-148F Javelin missiles, including 20 fly-to-buy missiles for testing in the United States Up to 200 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLUs) LWCLU basic skills trainers and missile simulation rounds Battery coolant units Life-cycle support and spare parts Physical security inspections System integration and checkout Publications and technical documentation U.S. Government technical assistance Tool kits and training Other logistics and program support If finalized, the deal would introduce the Javelin into Egypt's military inventory for the first time.   Javelin System The FGM-148F is the latest production variant of the Javelin family. It is a man-portable, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile that uses an imaging infrared seeker and can engage targets in top-attack or direct-attack modes. Its multi-purpose warhead combines a tandem shaped charge with a fragmenting steel casing, providing effects against armored vehicles, lightly armored targets and personnel. With the LWCLU, the Javelin has an effective range of approximately 4 kilometers and a minimum engagement range of about 65 meters in most conditions. The LWCLU is smaller and lighter than earlier command launch units and provides improved detection and recognition performance during day and night. It is compatible with existing and future Javelin variants. The first production LWCLUs were delivered to the U.S. Army in May 2026.   Egypt's Existing Anti-Tank Weapons Egypt already operates anti-tank guided missiles from several manufacturers, including systems assembled domestically under license. However, the Javelin has not previously been part of its inventory. Javelin systems were previously fired in Egypt by U.S. Army personnel during the Bright Star 18 exercise in 2018.   Contractors and Production The principal contractors are Lockheed Martin, based in Orlando, Florida, and RTX Corporation, based in Arlington, Virginia. They produce the system through the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV). The JJV has produced more than 55,000 Javelin-family missiles and more than 12,000 reusable command launch units for the United States and more than 25 international customers. The Javelin has also been used extensively by Ukrainian forces after NATO member states supplied large quantities through military assistance programs.   Proposed Sale, Not Final Contract The $832 million amount is an estimated value. The notification represents a proposed transaction, not a completed purchase. The final value and terms will be determined after the United States and Egypt sign a government-to-government Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA). A final delivery schedule has not been established. The U.S. Government is not currently aware of any offset agreement associated with the proposed sale. Any such agreement would be negotiated between Egypt and the contractors. Implementation would not require additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives in Egypt and is not expected to have an adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness.   U.S. Assessment The State Department said the proposed sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the security of a friendly country that is considered important to political stability and economic growth in the Middle East. The proposed sale is intended to improve Egypt's ability to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and meet its national defense requirements. The United States assesses that Egypt can absorb the equipment and services, and the sale is not expected to change the basic military balance in the region. The proposed transaction must still go through the U.S. congressional review process before the Letter of Offer and Acceptance can be finalized.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-06 14:54:18

 U.S 

HAWTHORNE, Calif. — ThinKom Solutions, Inc. announced that its ThinAir satellite communications (SATCOM) antennas have been selected by Northrop Grumman for integration into the U.S. Navy’s new E-130J Phoenix II aircraft.   E-130J Phoenix II to Replace E-6B Mercury The E-130J is being developed to take over the Navy’s Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) mission. TACAMO provides a survivable airborne communications link between U.S. national command authorities and the nation’s strategic nuclear forces, including ballistic-missile submarines. The E-130J will replace the Navy’s E-6B Mercury fleet. The aircraft is based on the Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules airframe, with Northrop Grumman serving as the prime contractor and mission-systems integrator. The Navy awarded Northrop Grumman a $3.46 billion contract for the program, formerly known as E-XX, in December 2024. The transition to the E-130J is expected to begin in the late 2020s to early 2030s.   ThinAir SATCOM Antenna Capabilities ThinKom said its ThinAir antenna was selected to meet the TACAMO mission’s requirements for high-bandwidth beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications, multi-orbit connectivity, anti-jamming and survivability. The ThinAir GT product line is compatible with both geosynchronous (GSO) and non-geosynchronous (NGSO) satellite constellations. Its low-profile aerodynamic design is intended to reduce drag and support aircraft fuel efficiency and flight range. The systems use ThinKom’s proprietary Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub (VICTS) phased-array technology. Bill Milroy, Chief Technology Officer at ThinKom, said TACAMO requires communications systems that remain resilient, available and ready in demanding operating environments. He said the selection of the ThinAir antenna reflects the growing importance of multi-orbit, high-throughput SATCOM for strategic airborne platforms.   ThinKom's SATCOM Systems ThinKom Solutions, founded in 2000 and based in Hawthorne, California, develops phased-array SATCOM antennas for commercial in-flight connectivity, government, defense, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, ground-station and other applications. The company said its antennas will provide resilient multi-orbit SATCOM connectivity for the E-130J Phoenix II strategic communications aircraft.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-06 14:12:08

 U.S 

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The U.S. Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. a $66.04 million firm-fixed-price delivery order to retrofit MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft operated by the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The upgrades will bring the two fleets to a common configuration, supporting standardized operations and mission readiness. The $66,041,453 order, placed by Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River, Maryland, covers recurring engineering retrofit work, materials and spare parts. It includes 17 approved engineering change proposals (ECPs) for U.S. Navy aircraft and 16 for Australian aircraft. The contract announcement did not provide the specific technical details of the individual changes. The order was issued under basic ordering agreement N0001925G0003, with delivery order N0001927F1026. The procurement was not competitively competed. About $53.61 million comes from the U.S. Navy's fiscal 2026 aircraft procurement funds, while approximately $12.44 million is provided by Australia through the two countries' cooperative defense program. Most of the work will be performed in California, with 63 percent in Hayward and 31 percent in San Diego, where Northrop Grumman builds the Triton. Additional work will take place in Red Oak and Waco, Texas; Tukwila, Washington; Elyria, Ohio; Irvine, California; and other U.S. locations. The work is scheduled for completion by June 2030.   MQ-4C Triton The MQ-4C Triton is a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft derived from the U.S. Air Force's RQ-4 Global Hawk and designed for maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. It can remain airborne for more than 24 hours, operate above 50,000 feet, and has an approximately 7,400-nautical-mile range. Its sensors include a multi-function active sensor radar and other systems for detecting, tracking and classifying maritime targets. The U.S. Navy operates the Triton alongside P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. Its ground stations use a five-person crew consisting of an air vehicle operator, tactical coordinator, two mission payload operators and a signals intelligence coordinator. Australia is currently the only foreign operator of the MQ-4C and has ordered four aircraft. The first arrived at RAAF Base Tindal in June 2024, followed by the second and third in June 2025. The fourth and final aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2028. The Australian Tritons are operated by No. 9 Squadron, which was re-formed for the Triton mission, and work alongside Australia's P-8A fleet to monitor the country's northern maritime approaches. On September 22, 2026, Australia declared initial operational capability for its MQ-4C Triton capability. The U.S. Navy's program of record calls for 27 Tritons. More than 20 had been delivered by early 2025, while a second operational squadron was established in November 2025. The U.S. program is working toward full operational capability in fiscal 2031. The latest retrofit order continues efforts by the United States and Australia to maintain a common configuration across their MQ-4C Triton fleets.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-06 13:50:08

 U.S 

Des Moines, Washington, — Defense technology company Shield AI announced on September 30 that it will manufacture its AI-piloted X-BAT fighter in Des Moines, Washington, while flight testing, customer acceptance and long-term fleet sustainment will be based at Newton City-County Airport in Kansas. Production is scheduled to begin in 2029, with full-rate manufacturing targeted for the early 2030s. Initial flight testing is scheduled to begin later in 2026.   Three X-Forge Facilities Shield AI has divided the X-BAT program among three facilities. X-Forge 3 in Des Moines, Washington, will be the main production site. Shield AI has signed a lease for a 420,000-square-foot facility at the Des Moines Creek 2 light industrial park. The site is being built out and is expected to open in spring 2027. It is Shield AI’s first facility in the Puget Sound area, and hiring for the program has shifted to the region. X-Forge 2 in Newton, Kansas, will handle flight testing, production acceptance, customer acceptance flights and long-term maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). Shield AI committed to Newton in 2025 and currently leases office and hangar space and about 10 acres at the airport. It is working with the City of Newton and Harvey County on a larger hangar and expanded footprint. Ground testing is already under way. No X-BAT will reach a customer without first passing production acceptance testing and customer acceptance flights in Newton. Mayor Rich Stinnett said the city’s role has expanded from flight testing to MRO support for the entire fleet. X-Forge 1 in Frisco, Texas, will remain the company’s prototyping facility and the home of its smaller V-BAT aircraft. Texas suppliers will provide key X-BAT components, including propulsion and mission systems.   X-BAT Capabilities First publicly unveiled in 2025, the X-BAT is a 26-foot, long-range autonomous strike fighter designed for vertical takeoff and landing. Shield AI says it can operate from ships, remote islands and unimproved sites without a traditional runway. The aircraft will use GE Aerospace’s F110 engine, the same class of engine used in the F-16. Shield AI lists a maximum range of 2,000 nautical miles and an objective combat radius of 1,000 nautical miles. Its internal weapon bays are designed to carry 2,000-pound-class munitions, with a payload capacity described by the company as comparable to the F-35. The aircraft will also support electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) payloads. The X-BAT will use Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software, which the company says allows it to conduct complex missions when GPS or external communications are jammed or unavailable.   Economic Impact Shield AI’s economic analysis projects about 9,800 jobs by the early 2030s and roughly $78 billion in economic impact for the Seattle and Newton areas through 2046, assuming the program reaches planned full production rates. Washington is projected to account for about 8,000 jobs in the early 2030s, rising to 27,000 by 2046, with roughly $73 billion added to the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue economy. Kansas is projected to support about 1,800 jobs in the early 2030s and 2,900 by 2046, adding about $5 billion to the Newton area. Texas is projected to support about 1,400 jobs in the early 2030s and 7,900 statewide by 2046, adding roughly $18.6 billion to the state economy. The Frisco facility is projected to support about 600 jobs in the early 2030s and 700 by 2046. The site selections reflect the aerospace industries in all three states. King County has more than 45,000 aerospace workers at over 400 companies, while Washington has more than 1,500 aerospace suppliers. South-central Kansas has manufactured aircraft since the 1920s and trains workers through institutions including Wichita State University and WSU Tech. “Both these regions were building airplanes before Shield AI existed, and we went to them for that reason,” said Armor Harris, Shield AI’s senior vice president of aircraft. “X-BAT will be built in Washington and fly in Kansas before it goes to a customer, and Kansas will keep this fleet in the air for decades.” Washington Governor Bob Ferguson welcomed the investment and the expected jobs, while Kansas Senator Jerry Moran said Kansas’ long aviation history makes it a natural location for keeping advanced military aircraft mission-ready. Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense company with facilities across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. Its products include Hivemind, V-BAT, X-BAT and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-06 13:26:04

 U.S 

WASHINGTON —  York Space Systems is expanding its prime-contractor work into geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) with two small satellites being built for the U.S. Space Force.   Tetra-3 and Tetra-4 Missions The satellites, known as Tetra-3 and Tetra-4 and internally called “Nemesis” by York, are designed to detect, track and maneuver near other objects in GEO. The missions will support Space Domain Awareness (SDA) activities, including demonstrations involving resident space objects and rendezvous and proximity operations. York is serving as the prime contractor, responsible for spacecraft design, sensor integration and overall mission execution.   Sensors and Mission Equipment The satellites will carry mission sensors and government-furnished equipment to support on-orbit threat presentation, independent range-data collection, small-satellite technology risk reduction and experimental payload hosting. The integrated payload includes: Long-wave infrared camera GEO-qualified GPS side-lobe receiver LiDAR sensor capable of ranging resident space objects up to 20 kilometers   Critical Design Review York said Tetra-3 and Tetra-4 successfully completed their Delta Critical Design Review (CDR) and remain scheduled for spacecraft delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026. During the design-review phase, a requirement was added for a new propulsion system needed for full mission capability. York incorporated the system on an accelerated schedule without changing the spacecraft's structural, thermal or power profiles. The company also reported no impact on launch-vehicle integration, with only minor harness and flight-software updates required. Marc Cordova, York's vice president of programs, said the ability to accommodate significant late-stage design changes without causing cascading schedule delays is an important requirement for prime integrators supporting national-security missions.   Expansion into GEO The Nemesis missions mark York's expansion of prime-integration work into GEO and represent the ninth unique mission set in its national-defense portfolio. York's existing defense work includes synthetic aperture radar, assured communications and tactical warfighter support across multiple orbits. GEO is located approximately 22,300 miles above Earth. Satellites operating there can remain over a similar point on the planet, making the orbit important for communications and national-security missions. Michael Lajczok, York Space Systems' chief technology officer, said Nemesis demonstrates the company's ability to prime, integrate and deliver missions across different orbital regimes. York Space Systems is based in Denver and develops satellites for national-security, government and commercial customers. The company is publicly traded under the ticker YSS.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-05 15:26:55

 U.S 

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. — The U.S. Army has awarded five Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements totaling nearly $67 million to develop electromagnetic warfare prototypes aimed at countering surveillance and reconnaissance threats, including those enabled by space-based systems. The agreements were announced on September 30, 2026, by the Army’s Capability Program Executive for Intelligence and Spectrum Warfare. The contracts have performance periods of 18 to 20 months.   Five Companies Receive Awards The agreements were awarded to: Ideas, Commitment, Results (ICR): $18.8 million Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR-Kord): $22.4 million Northrop Grumman-Xetron: $6.9 million Raytheon: $7.6 million Systems & Technology Research LLC (STR): $10.9 million The combined value of the five agreements is $66.6 million.   Counter-Surveillance and Reconnaissance The effort supports the Army’s Counter Surveillance and Reconnaissance (CSR) initiative under its Tactical Space Superiority portfolio. The program is intended to protect Army forces from intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance threats. This includes surveillance capabilities that can observe Army troops, vehicles and other military assets from space. The Army is pursuing non-kinetic capabilities as part of this effort rather than relying only on physical destruction of surveillance systems.   Prototype Testing The prototypes will undergo rapid development, followed by planned field experimentation and exercises. During testing, soldiers and technical assessors will evaluate the systems for: Effectiveness Suitability Survivability Potential for rapid transition into production The Army has not publicly released detailed technical specifications for each prototype.   Army Focuses on Electromagnetic Warfare Kent Shea, Product Manager for Tactical Space Superiority, said the continued growth of the space domain makes non-kinetic effects important for maintaining freedom of maneuver and preserving combat power. He said the Army’s space vision requires the service to operate in the space domain so that ground maneuver commanders can maintain an operational advantage and protect friendly forces from space-based threats to land operations. The CSR program is part of the Army’s broader work on electromagnetic spectrum operations and force protection. Earlier Army planning documents described CSR as a family of ground-based capabilities intended to provide commanders with improved situational awareness, planning tools and non-kinetic options to reduce the visibility of friendly forces and counter the detection, tracking and targeting process. The five agreements will allow the Army to develop and evaluate different prototype approaches before determining their potential for transition into production.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-05 13:54:52

 U.S 

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — More than 600 U.S. Army soldiers officially entered the new 40D Tactical Space Operations Specialist military occupational specialty (MOS) on October 1, 2026, creating the Army’s first permanent enlisted force dedicated to military space operations.   Nearly 3,000 Soldiers Applied Nearly 3,000 soldiers applied for the new MOS, with more than 600 selected from career fields including military intelligence, air defense artillery and the Signal Corps. The specialty is open to soldiers from any career field. The 40D MOS accepts soldiers from specialist through sergeant major and is available to active-duty, National Guard and Reserve soldiers. Selected soldiers require the ability to maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance.   Permanent Space Operations Branch The soldiers form the enlisted ranks of the Army’s Space Operations Branch, established in June 2026. The branch also includes Functional Area 40A Space Operations Officers, a role that has existed since 1999. Previously, the Army relied on temporary assignments from other specialties for space operations. Soldiers often returned to their original branches after several years, taking their specialized experience with them. The 40D MOS establishes a permanent career path for enlisted space personnel.   Space Missions The new specialists will integrate space capabilities into Army operations and address threats in the space domain. Their missions include: Counter-satellite communications (counter-SATCOM) Navigation warfare Counter-sensing Stratospheric warfare Integration of GPS, satellite communications and missile-warning systems into Army operations They will also advise commanders on operating when access to space systems is limited or contested.   Training and Assignments Training is conducted at the Space and Missile Defense Center of Excellence in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The curriculum covers space integration and interdiction missions, including counter-SATCOM, stratospheric warfare, navigation warfare and counter-sensing. Assignments will include the 1st Space Brigade and Army commands in the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, Africa, Europe and other locations. In the 1st Space Brigade, soldiers incorporate theater missile warning, GPS and long-haul satellite communications into warfighter planning.   Force Expansion The Army projects an initial force of about 1,000 soldiers, with potential growth to 1,500 by 2032. The new specialty also reduces the need for the air defense artillery, Signal Corps and military intelligence branches to provide personnel for temporary space assignments, allowing those branches to focus more on their primary missions.   Army Expands Space Operations Structure Lt. Gen. John L. Rafferty, commanding general of U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, said the Army is the largest user of space capabilities in the joint force and that space integration is critical to multidomain operations. Command Sgt. Maj. Rickey Jackson said nearly 3,000 soldiers applied and more than 600 were selected. Col. Felix Torres, commandant of the Space and Missile Defense Center of Excellence, said the training prepares soldiers for space integration and interdiction missions. The new branch builds on the Army’s decades-long involvement in space. An Army Staff Field Element focused on space policy and education was established in 1984, while the 40A Space Operations Officer role has existed since 1999. The 40D MOS now provides a permanent enlisted career path for Army space operations.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-05 12:53:52

 U.S 

BREMERTON, Wash. — The U.S. Navy has completed installation of an Unmanned Air Warfare Center (UAWC) aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), making it the second aircraft carrier equipped to operate the MQ-25A Stingray unmanned aerial refueling aircraft. The installation was completed in August by the Navy’s Unmanned Carrier Aviation Program Office (PMA-268). USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) became the first carrier to receive an operational UAWC installation in March 2026.   11 Ship Modifications Completed in 17 Months The Navy used an accelerated installation approach aboard Ronald Reagan. Instead of completing the required modifications in phases over several years, crews completed all 11 modifications during a single 17-month period. The work was conducted during the carrier’s scheduled dry-dock maintenance availability at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. The availability began in March 2025, and the carrier departed the shipyard for sea trials on September 3, 2026. Capt. Daniel Fucito, PMA-268 program manager, said: “With each new install and milestone, we are closing the gap for our warfighters to give them the capability, capacity, and lethality they need to win the fight.”   UAWC and MD-5C Control System The UAWC serves as the shipboard control center for the MQ-25A and houses the MD-5C Ground Control Station used to command the aircraft. The MD-5C combines the Navy’s command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) networks with Lockheed Martin’s MDCX software and hardware. MDCX supports mission planning and execution and works with additional government-built equipment to provide data links between the ship and aircraft. The Navy has also developed shore-based, at-sea and expeditionary versions of the MD-5 system, allowing the MQ-25A to be operated from different locations. The UAWC is also designed to support future unmanned carrier aircraft. The next step for Ronald Reagan will be pier-side and at-sea testing. The ship’s crew and PMA-268 team will verify the installed hardware and network systems required to communicate with the MQ-25A.   MQ-25A Stingray Refueling Mission Built by Boeing, the MQ-25A is designed to perform aerial refueling missions currently carried out by F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. Moving the refueling mission to an unmanned aircraft is intended to free the fighters for other combat missions while extending the range of the carrier air wing. The MQ-25A is the Navy’s first operational unmanned aircraft designed to launch and recover from an aircraft carrier. It is about 51 feet long, has a 75-foot wingspan and can carry up to 16,000 pounds of fuel for receiving aircraft as far as 500 nautical miles from the carrier.   Program Development and Production The MQ-25A program has experienced schedule changes. A test aircraft first flew in 2019, while the first production-representative aircraft completed its initial flight on April 25, 2026, at Boeing’s facility at MidAmerica Airport in Illinois. In May 2026, the program received Milestone C approval, allowing it to enter low-rate initial production. The Navy plans to acquire 76 MQ-25A aircraft. In September, the Navy awarded Boeing a $562 million contract for the first three low-rate initial production aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin in 2029. The MQ-25A is scheduled to move to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, later in 2026 to prepare for carrier qualification testing.   IOC Timeline The Navy originally planned to achieve initial operational capability (IOC) in 2026. The Navy defines IOC as three fully operational MQ-25A aircraft, trained crews and a capable carrier ready to deploy. However, manufacturing delays and carrier availability have affected the schedule. A Pentagon assessment in April indicated that IOC could shift to 2029. The Ronald Reagan installation follows an earlier test installation of a UAWC aboard USS George H.W. Bush in 2024. The operational installations aboard Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan now provide the shipboard command-and-control infrastructure needed as the Navy prepares to integrate the MQ-25A into fleet operations.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-05 12:45:42

 U.S 

Cincinnati, United States — GE Aerospace has increased production of its F110 fighter engine by 50% year over year since the second quarter of 2025, supported by manufacturing investments, supply chain improvements, and artificial intelligence (AI). The company also reported a 15% increase in overall defense engine output during the first half of 2026. The F110 powers F-16 fighter aircraft and the F-15EX. The production increase is intended to help meet demand from the U.S. Air Force and allied customers.   Manufacturing Investments and Supply Chain Expansion Since 2023, GE Aerospace has invested more than $600 million in its defense manufacturing facilities and committed over $100 million to external suppliers for tooling and equipment. Over the past two years, the company has deployed engineering and quality personnel to supplier facilities to address bottlenecks, improve demand forecasting, and prevent component shortages from delaying deliveries. To address an industry-wide shortage of specialized castings, GE Aerospace announced a definitive agreement to acquire Consolidated Precision Products (CPP) in a transaction valued at $11.75 billion. The acquisition is intended to strengthen access to critical components, although external suppliers will remain important to meeting production demand.   AI Integration and Manufacturing Improvements GE Aerospace has introduced AI tools on its F110 and F404 production lines to identify supply chain risks, material shortages, and scheduling conflicts before they disrupt manufacturing. According to the company, these tools have improved material flow, supplier readiness, and production coordination. Through an expanded partnership with Palantir Technologies, GE Aerospace is also deploying agentic AI to support production decisions, predictive maintenance, and long-term aircraft sustainment. Shawn Warren, vice president and general manager of combat and trainer engines at GE Aerospace, said AI helps teams identify problems before they cause delays while maintaining the reliability required by military customers. The company is also applying its FLIGHT DECK lean manufacturing model to reduce waste and improve production efficiency. During a recent weeklong improvement effort, engineers reduced the production lead time for the F110's high-pressure compressor forward shaft by approximately 60%. They achieved this by consolidating manufacturing processes and reducing the distances operators travel inside the facility. Further production-line improvements are planned.   Four Decades of F110 Engine Development The F110 has accumulated more than 11 million flight hours over approximately 40 years of service. GE Aerospace reports that 90% of the engine's parts have been upgraded over its service life through new materials, advanced coatings, and improved manufacturing and inspection processes. The production line also uses additive manufacturing, or metal 3D printing. In 2021, the U.S. Air Force certified an F110 sump cover produced using this technology. GE Aerospace describes it as the first metal 3D-printed engine component to receive airworthiness approval from a U.S. Department of Defense entity. Warren said continued investment has helped modernize the F110 and that improvements in AI and manufacturing are intended to deliver engines faster and keep military aircraft flying longer. GE Aerospace detailed these production improvements in a release published on October 1, 2026.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-04 14:15:35

 U.S 

SAN FRANCISCO — The U.S. Air Force has added $12.1 million to its contract with Scale AI to develop artificial intelligence agents for the E-4C Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC), the planned replacement for the E-4B Nightwatch airborne command aircraft. According to a Department of War announcement, the modification increases the contract’s total value from approximately $32.2 million to $44.3 million. The work will take place in San Francisco and is scheduled for completion by November 5, 2027. The Air Force obligated $5 million in fiscal 2026 research, development, test and evaluation funds at the time of the award. The original contract was awarded earlier in 2026 through the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Information Directorate in Rome, New York. The latest modification was issued by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts.   AI Agents for Airborne Command Operations Agentic AI systems can plan and perform multi-step tasks, gather and organize information, and manage workflows under human supervision. However, the Air Force has not disclosed the specific tasks these systems will perform for the E-4C, whether they will operate aboard the aircraft or on supporting ground systems, or the level of human control required. The E-4C is intended to replace the four E-4B Nightwatch aircraft, heavily modified Boeing 747-200s that entered service in the 1970s. The E-4B serves as the National Airborne Operations Center, enabling the president, secretary of defense and senior military commanders to direct U.S. forces, including nuclear forces, if ground-based command centers become unavailable. The aircraft are designed to withstand nuclear blast effects and can be refueled in flight.   E-4C Development and Testing Sierra Nevada Corporation received an approximately $13 billion contract in April 2024 to develop and produce the replacement system. The company acquired used Boeing 747-8I airliners from Korean Air and is converting them in Dayton, Ohio. The modifications include radiation and electromagnetic pulse protection, new communications antennas, computers and mission systems. The first E-4C test aircraft flew on August 7, 2025, with flight and ground testing continuing through 2026 to establish a technical design baseline before full mission equipment installation. Deliveries are planned to be completed by July 2036.   Scale AI’s Expanding Defense Role Scale AI, a San Francisco-based company initially known for data-labeling services used to train AI models, has expanded into military AI applications. In March 2025, the company received work under the Defense Innovation Unit’s Thunderforge project, collaborating with Anduril and Microsoft to integrate AI agents into military planning and operations. The project aims to support information synthesis, campaign development and wargaming under human oversight, initially focusing on U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and U.S. European Command. Earlier in 2026, the Pentagon’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office increased the ceiling of a separate Scale AI agreement from $100 million to $500 million. Meta holds a minority stake in the company. The additional $12.1 million supports Scale AI’s work on AI capabilities for the E-4C program as the replacement aircraft progresses through development and testing. The specific operational functions of the AI agents have not yet been publicly detailed.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-04 13:38:33

 U.S 

WHITTIER, Alaska, — The U.S. Navy commissioned its newest Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128), during a ceremony in Whittier, Alaska, on Saturday. Built by Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) at its Ingalls Shipbuilding division in Pascagoula, Mississippi, the destroyer was delivered to the Navy in December 2025 and is the second Flight III destroyer to enter active service. The ceremony took place at the Holland America Princess terminal after a fire damaged a newer dock in Whittier. The event highlighted the Navy's partnership with Alaska and marked the first Navy ship commissioning in the state since the USS Anchorage in 2013. The Tlingit phrase “Woosh-Jee-een,” meaning “working together” or “pulling together,” represented cooperation between the Navy, the Stevens family, the crew and the local community.   Advanced Radar and Weapons Systems The USS Ted Stevens is equipped with the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and the Aegis Baseline 10 combat system. These systems support simultaneous anti-air warfare and ballistic missile defense operations. Improved electrical power distribution and cooling capacity support its advanced combat systems and operations alongside joint and coalition forces. The destroyer measures approximately 510 feet long, has a 66-foot beam and a full-load displacement of around 9,200 tons. Four General Electric LM2500 gas turbines produce a combined 100,000 shaft horsepower, allowing speeds exceeding 30 knots. Its crew comprises approximately 340 to 380 personnel. Its armament includes a 5-inch naval gun, a Phalanx close-in weapon system and a Mk 41 vertical launch system with 96 cells. The ship can also accommodate two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.   Honoring Senator Ted Stevens The ship is named after the late Ted Stevens, who represented Alaska in the U.S. Senate from 1968 to 2009. During World War II, he served as a U.S. Army Air Forces pilot, flying transport missions over “The Hump” in the China-Burma-India theater in support of the 14th Air Force. He received two Distinguished Flying Crosses and two Air Medals. After the war, Stevens helped secure Alaska's statehood in 1959. During his Senate career, he focused on national security and military modernization and served as President Pro Tempore and later President Pro Tempore Emeritus. The destroyer's motto is “Lead with Courage.”   Navy Officials and Ship Sponsors Attend Ceremony Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao attended the ceremony and highlighted the ship's readiness to serve. “Today, USS Ted Stevens is no longer preparing to join the fleet. Today, Ted Stevens is the fleet. Today, USS Ted Stevens stands ready to defend the homeland, deter aggression, and when called upon, fight and win,” Cao said. The ship's sponsors—Senator Stevens' widow, Catherine Ann Stevens, and his daughters, Susan Stevens Covich and Lily Stevens Becker—gave the traditional command, “Man our ship and bring her to life!” The crew then boarded, manned the rails, established the first watch and brought the combat systems online. Lily Stevens Becker said the family trusted the crew to care for the ship, look after one another and uphold the nation's peace and safety. Capt. Mary Katey Hayes, the ship's commanding officer, praised the crew's efforts in preparing the destroyer for service. “We are ready to answer our nation's call,” Hayes said, adding that the crew was prepared to defend freedom along Alaska's rugged coast or in other parts of the world.   Destroyer to Homeport in Norfolk Whittier, a deep-water port that served as a military facility during World War II, hosted community celebrations and public tours ahead of the commissioning. The ship's arrival was described as a historic milestone for the city, where officials noted that 80 years had passed since a Navy destroyer last visited. Following its time in Alaska, the USS Ted Stevens will travel to its permanent homeport in Norfolk, Virginia, to prepare for future global deployments. Its commissioning adds a Flight III destroyer equipped with advanced radar and upgraded combat systems to the U.S. Navy's active fleet.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-04 13:23:29