U.S 

Fort Hood, Texas — A U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division M2A4 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle has been seen carrying five FireAnt unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) developed by Arizona-based Swarmbotics AI during the division’s Pegasus Charge activities. A video shared by Swarmbotics AI on LinkedIn shows the five robots mounted on the Bradley’s side storage racks. The company said the systems were involved in “ground swarms making movement to contact” during Pegasus Charge 3 with the 1st Cavalry Division.   🇺🇸 A 1st Cavalry Division M2A4 Bradley has been seen carrying five FireAnt UGVs during Pegasus Charge 3 at Fort Hood, Texas.The 27-kg attritable robots support swarm operations and can be configured for ISR, EW, counter-drone and anti-armor missions. pic.twitter.com/DaLsCcDSmN — The Defense News (@TheDefenseNews) August 26, 2026   FireAnt is part of Swarmbotics AI’s ANTS (Attritable Networked Tactical Swarm) family. The company describes it as a man-portable, attritable UGV weighing about 27 kg, designed for AI-enabled swarm operations. Its modular payload architecture supports missions including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare (EW), communications relay, counter-unmanned aircraft systems and anti-armor operations. Swarmbotics AI says FireAnt can use different payloads, including configurations for anti-armor effects, while its swarm system allows multiple robots to coordinate through a decentralized mesh network. The company has described control of groups of six to eight FireAnts by a single operator, with the robots sharing information and coordinating tasks. The FireAnt has already been evaluated by the U.S. Army. Soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division assessed autonomous ground systems during xTechOverwatch in October 2025. In February 2026, the Army selected Swarmbotics AI to continue development of swarming, attritable small UGVs with the 1st Cavalry Division as part of its Transforming in Contact effort. FireAnt was also tested during Project Golden Shield at Fort Hood, Texas, in April 2026. The 1st Cavalry Division used the exercise to evaluate counter-drone technologies, with a FireAnt V4 autonomous ground vehicle among the systems tested. Pegasus Charge is the 1st Cavalry Division’s approach to the Army’s Transforming in Contact initiative. It focuses not only on new equipment but also on changes to how the division organizes, trains and operates, including the integration of emerging unmanned and autonomous systems. The FireAnt remains under development and testing. Its appearance on a Bradley during Pegasus Charge 3 shows the Army is continuing to examine how small autonomous ground robots can be transported and employed directly with armored formations.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-26 13:03:49

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy has awarded Castelion an $89.997 million firm-fixed-price order to advance the company’s Blackbeard hypersonic weapon toward Early Operational Capability (EOC). The order, issued under the Navy’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III effort, provides funding for engineering, technical, logistics and manufacturing services for the Blackbeard program. The effort is part of the Navy’s “Low Cost Highly Manufacturable Long Range Strike Weapon Production” initiative. The contract will support the development of 50 EOC weapons and Blackbeard’s transition into a formal Navy Program of Record. It also includes funding for Defense Exportability Features design modifications intended to support potential future exports to U.S. allies and partners. Work will be performed at Castelion’s facility in Torrance, California, with completion scheduled for August 2028. The Navy said the contract was not competed and was awarded through the previously established basic ordering agreement with Castelion.   Blackbeard Moves Toward Production The latest award follows several Navy contracts supporting Blackbeard’s development and transition toward operational use. In February 2026, the Navy awarded Castelion a $49.9 million contract to advance Blackbeard from the prototype stage toward integrated Early Operational Capability. In April, Castelion received a further $104.99 million Navy contract modification supporting final EOC requirements, test and integration configurations, and live-fire test events in the Indo-Pacific region. In June, the Navy awarded Castelion another $23.4 million order for the production and delivery of 50 Blackbeard EOC pre-production prototypes and 50 associated storage and shipping containers. That work is being performed primarily at Castelion’s Project Ranger manufacturing campus in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The Navy’s latest order therefore expands the program’s production and engineering effort while supporting its transition from development and flight testing toward operationally relevant production.   Production Plans Castelion has been developing Blackbeard around a low-cost and highly manufacturable approach. In May 2026, the company announced a production framework agreement with the U.S. Department of War that provides for a minimum production rate of 500 Blackbeard weapons annually once testing and validation are completed, with a pathway for additional purchases. Castelion has also been expanding its manufacturing infrastructure. Its Project Ranger facility in New Mexico is intended to support production of hypersonic weapons at scale. In August, the company announced a $1 billion Series C financing round, saying the funding would be used in part to increase Blackbeard production capacity. The latest Navy contract does not by itself establish a final fleet-wide procurement quantity or confirm the completion of operational testing. Instead, it provides additional funding for the 50-weapon EOC effort, manufacturing activities and the transition of Blackbeard into a formal Navy program.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-26 11:30:12

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — The United States has formally removed Syria from its list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, ending a designation that had been in place since 1979 and removing a major U.S. policy barrier to investment and economic activity in the country. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio authorized the formal rescission on August 24 after the mandatory 45-day congressional review period ended without lawmakers blocking the decision. President Donald Trump had notified Congress on July 8 of his administration’s intention to remove Syria from the list following his meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Ankara. Rubio said the decision was taken in recognition of actions and further commitments by the Syrian government under al-Sharaa to distance Syria from international terrorism. He also cited Syria’s counterterrorism activities, including its cooperation against ISIS and other militant networks.   HTS designation also revoked The State Department also revoked the designation of al-Nusrah Front, also known as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization. The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) separately removed HTS from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List. The move follows the State Department’s July 2025 decision to revoke HTS’s designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the latest action fulfills President Trump’s commitment to provide sanctions relief to Syria and said it would help encourage additional investment and support political and economic stability.   Impact on financial and economic activity Syria’s State Sponsor of Terrorism designation had imposed restrictions involving U.S. foreign assistance, defense sales and exports, as well as certain dual-use goods. The designation also created additional compliance requirements for companies considering business activity in the country. The latest action removes Syria from the prohibitions under the U.S. Terrorism List Governments Sanctions Regulations. U.S. financial institutions can provide services involving Syrian banks and process related payments when no sanctioned parties are involved. The U.S. administration has already taken several steps to reduce restrictions on Syria. These include the June 2025 executive order that terminated the broader Syria sanctions program and related national emergency, as well as earlier measures concerning HTS and al-Sharaa. Congress has also taken action to lift sanctions under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act. The Commerce Department is expected to review export-control rules connected to Syria. However, the timing of any new guidance remains unclear.   Syria seeks investment for reconstruction The decision comes as Syria seeks international investment and financial support for reconstruction after more than 13 years of conflict. The World Bank estimates Syria’s reconstruction costs at about $216 billion, based on its assessment of damage to infrastructure and buildings between 2011 and 2024. The assessment found direct physical damage of about $108 billion, with infrastructure accounting for the largest share. Syrian officials have welcomed the U.S. decision, describing it as an important step toward reconnecting the country with international financial and economic systems and attracting foreign investment. The move also follows growing engagement between Washington and Damascus since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024. The Trump administration has cited Syria’s counterterrorism cooperation and commitments regarding future support for international terrorism as factors in its decision to remove the designation.   Three countries remain on U.S. list With Syria’s removal, the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list now contains Cuba, Iran and North Korea. The removal of Syria from the list does not mean that all U.S. sanctions or restrictions concerning Syrian individuals and entities have ended. Treasury has stated that sanctions can continue to apply to individuals, organizations and activities that remain subject to separate U.S. authorities. The decision represents a further change in U.S. policy toward Syria and removes one of the major restrictions that had complicated international investment and financial activity involving the country.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 13:10:03

 U.S 

St. Louis, Missouri — The U.S. Department of War has awarded Boeing an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract with a ceiling value of $131.23 billion for the F-15 Eagle Crest program. The agreement covers F-15 aircraft production, systems integration, modernization, upgrades, retrofits, sustainment and the establishment of organic depot maintenance capabilities. The contract supports F-15 operations for the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard and other Department of War customers. It also provides a framework for Foreign Military Sales to Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia and Poland.   Contract Structure The $131.23 billion figure is the maximum potential value of the IDIQ contract and does not represent an immediate payment or a single aircraft order. Individual orders can be placed as requirements arise during the contract period. At the time of award, $343,740 in fiscal 2026 research, development, test and evaluation funds was obligated. The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis. The initial ordering period runs through August 24, 2031, with an option to extend ordering through August 24, 2036. Work is expected to continue through August 2037, with the primary work location in St. Louis, Missouri. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.   F-15 Production and Modernization The framework covers capabilities associated with the F-15 Eagle Weapon System, including production of new aircraft, systems integration, modernization, upgrades, retrofits and sustainment. It also includes the establishment of organic depot maintenance capabilities for F-15 aircraft. For the United States, the agreement provides a mechanism for additional F-15 procurement and modernization beyond the previously planned fleet of about 100 F-15EX aircraft. The F-15EX Eagle II is intended to support the replacement of aging F-15E Strike Eagles as the U.S. Air Force continues to maintain its heavy strike capability.   Foreign Military Sales The Eagle Crest framework also supports potential Foreign Military Sales involving Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia and Poland. Existing F-15 operators can use the framework for new aircraft or upgrades to aircraft already in service. Boeing already has a production contract for F-15EX Eagle II aircraft for Israel and continues to market the aircraft to other potential customers, including Saudi Arabia. Indonesia has discussed acquiring up to 36 F-15EX fighters, which have been associated with the F-15IDN designation. However, a government-to-government Letter of Offer and Acceptance has not yet been approved. Poland has also been identified as a potential customer for 36 aircraft. Warsaw has not made an official commitment, and the U.S. State Department has not announced approval of a possible Polish request. The Eagle Crest contract therefore establishes a long-term framework through which the United States and eligible international customers can order new F-15 aircraft, modernization packages and other F-15 support as requirements are approved.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 13:00:50

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that tariffs on all Canadian cars, trucks, automotive parts and steel will rise to 50% from January 1, 2027, escalating the trade dispute after U.S.-Canada negotiations collapsed over the weekend. In a Truth Social post, Trump accused Canada of “ripping off” the United States for years, citing Canadian tariffs on American agricultural products. He said these policies had contributed to a $60 billion U.S.-Canada trade deficit and called the situation unsustainable. Trump also said U.S.-built vehicles would face zero tariffs and argued that Canada depends heavily on the American market. The announcement follows the introduction on Saturday of 50% U.S. tariffs on about $20 billion of Canadian goods, including wine, dairy, cement, clothing, furniture and hockey equipment. The tariffs were imposed under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and affect about 5% of Canadian exports to the United States. Energy, potash, fish and certain critical minerals were excluded. The United States currently applies a 25% tariff on Canadian automobiles, with adjustments for U.S. content under the USMCA, while steel tariffs are already at 50%. The planned 2027 measure would increase the auto rate and apply the 50% rate more broadly to automotive parts.   Trade Talks Collapse Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney suspended negotiations, saying last-minute U.S. demands were “unfair” and “uneconomic.” The United States had sought measures including a 4-million-ton quota on Canadian steel exports, changes to Canada's dairy supply-management licensing system and automotive rules under which only American-made content would qualify for tariff exemptions. The talks had appeared close to a possible agreement earlier in the week after Washington temporarily paused the $20 billion tariff package. However, the two sides failed to finalize a deal, and no new round of talks is currently scheduled.   Canada Prepares Retaliation Canada plans to impose dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods from September 8. The measures are expected to target steel, dairy products, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics, although the final details are still being prepared. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business estimates that 40% of small Canadian exporters will be directly affected by the initial U.S. tariffs, with nearly one-third expecting their revenues to fall by half or more. U.S. lawmakers from border states have also warned that the dispute could increase consumer prices and disrupt supply chains. The North American automotive industry is particularly exposed because manufacturers operate on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border. Industry observers have noted that previous major tariff announcements have sometimes been modified or delayed, but the announced January 2027 measures remain the current policy. Canada is one of the largest sources of U.S. imports, with bilateral goods trade worth hundreds of billions of dollars annually. The latest measures add to sector-specific U.S. tariffs that have been in place since 2025 and further increase pressure on both governments to reach a new trade agreement.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-24 15:42:42

 U.S 

SAN DIEGO, — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. is allocating part of its expanded Spartan engine production capacity to supply TDI-J85 turbojet engines for Boeing’s Joint Direct Attack Munition Long Range (JDAM LR) production program. Earlier this month, the U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $75 million Undefinitized Contract Action (UCA) to acquire the BSU-111/B Payload Delivery Unit (PDU) for JDAM LR. The weapon can travel more than 300 nautical miles (555 km) while carrying a 500-pound-class (226-kg) payload. JDAM LR combines the existing JDAM guidance kit with a wing kit and a compact turbojet engine. It is designed for precision conventional land strike, naval strike and maritime aerial-mining missions. The system is intended for aircraft already certified to carry conventional JDAM weapons, including the F/A-18 Super Hornet, F-15E, certain bombers and the MQ-9A Reaper. Boeing has invested nearly $100 million of its own funds in the program. During flight testing in early April 2026, a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet launched JDAM LR off the California coast, with the test successfully demonstrating engine start, cruise and guided flight over nearly 200 nautical miles.   Kratos J85 Engine The JDAM LR is powered by Kratos’ TDI-J85, part of the company’s Spartan family of low-cost, compact military turbojet engines developed for uncrewed aerial systems and tactical missiles. The J85 produces up to 200 pounds of thrust at sea-level static conditions. It is approximately 8.5 inches in diameter and 14.3 inches long, weighs about 30 pounds, and can operate at up to 40,000 feet and Mach 0.90. The engine includes an integral generator providing up to 1.5 kW of continuous electrical power. It can use JP-10, JP-8, JP-5, Jet-A and Jet-A1 fuels and supports pyrotechnic, windmill and electric starting methods. Kratos says the engines are 100 percent designed and produced in the United States.   Production Expansion Production is taking place at Kratos’ 22,500-square-foot Propulsion Manufacturing Facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The facility is fully operational and configured for sustained full-rate production. It can manufacture all four engines in the Spartan family concurrently, covering thrust levels from about 30 to more than 200 pounds, with production capacity exceeding 50,000 engines per year. The facility opened in late 2025 and includes manufacturing, assembly and multi-station testing capabilities. Kratos has begun procuring long-lead components for Spartan engines to support a large production run for multiple customers and applications in 2027. The Boeing JDAM LR program is a key application, with the J85 originally designed with this use in mind. The company is also implementing a three-phase manufacturing infrastructure plan to further increase production capacity. Broader plans call for approximately 3,000 Spartan engines in 2027 and 5,000 in 2028 for missile, loitering-munition and related programs. Kratos Unmanned Systems President Steve Fendley said the company’s internally funded supply-chain investments are intended to support affordable mass production and resilient domestic supply chains. Kratos TDI Senior Vice President Joseph Kovasity said the Auburn Hills facility’s operational readiness marks the transition from engineering development to high-rate tactical manufacturing and provides a scalable, domestically sourced propulsion solution for JDAM LR. Kratos and Boeing first formalized cooperation on the powered JDAM concept through a 2023 memorandum of understanding. The current production support builds on that cooperation and Kratos’ investment in U.S.-based Spartan engine manufacturing.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-24 15:30:27

 U.S 

POWIDZ, Poland — The U.S. Army has completed a series of micro high-altitude balloon tests in Poland during Exercise Cold Raptor, evaluating the platforms for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), communications relay and electronic warfare support. Launched from Powidz, a major U.S. military logistics and aviation hub in western Poland, the balloons traveled about 305 kilometers (190 miles) before being recovered near the Baltic Sea town of Ustka. Flying in the stratosphere at 18–21 kilometers (60,000–70,000 feet), the balloons operate above commercial airliners and weather systems. Each balloon stands about 10 meters (33 feet) when inflated and can carry payloads weighing 9–20 kilograms (20–45 pounds). The payloads include ISR sensors, communications equipment and navigation warfare technologies, while some Cold Raptor flights carried experimental systems for communications extension and domain awareness. According to Multi-Domain Command-Europe (MDC-E), the balloons provide "organic coverage and dynamic augmentation" as a cost-effective, launch-on-demand capability that can quickly strengthen battlefield sensing and communications when traditional networks face disruption. The exercise also tested decentralized operations, with launch teams in Powidz and separate crews remotely monitoring and controlling flight paths while maintaining continuous communications. U.S. and Polish soldiers jointly conducted recovery operations, while coordination with host-nation authorities and civilian aviation agencies ensured safe flights across Europe's tightly managed airspace. Cold Raptor supports NATO's Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative and is part of a broader Army program that has completed more than 50 stratospheric balloon launches over the past year, including tests in California and launches from Sweden during Exercises Sword 26 and Aurora 26. The Army will now evaluate the Poland test data to guide future equipment development and procurement decisions, as it continues integrating high-altitude balloons with drones and electronic warfare systems in multi-domain operations.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-24 13:32:02

 U.S 

Washington, — The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $125 million Foreign Military Sale to South Korea for AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles and related equipment. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has delivered the required certification to Congress, and the proposed sale still requires congressional notification and review before a final agreement can be concluded. South Korea has requested 103 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles and 10 AIM-9X Block II Tactical Guidance Units. The package also includes active optical target detectors, spare parts, training equipment, training aids and devices, weapon system support, and U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services. The principal contractor is RTX Corporation, formerly Raytheon Technologies, based in Arlington, Virginia. The U.S. government said it is not aware of any proposed offset agreement. Any offset arrangement would be determined through negotiations between South Korea and RTX. The implementation is not expected to require additional U.S. government or contractor personnel to be permanently assigned to South Korea.   U.S. Cites Regional Security and Interoperability The State Department said the proposed sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the security of a major Indo-Pacific ally. It would expand South Korea's air defense capability, help deter aggression and maintain interoperability with U.S. forces. The U.S. assessment says South Korea should have no difficulty integrating the equipment into its armed forces. The sale is not expected to alter the basic military balance in the Indo-Pacific or negatively affect U.S. defense readiness.   AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II The AIM-9X Block II is a short-range, infrared-guided air-to-air missile developed by Raytheon, now part of RTX. It is approximately 3 meters long, has a 0.13-meter diameter, a wingspan of about 0.35–0.45 meters, and a launch weight of roughly 84–85 kg, including a 9.4-kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead. The missile uses a solid-fuel rocket motor and can reach around Mach 2.5. Open-source reports cite an engagement range of up to approximately 35 km, although exact operational performance figures remain classified. The Block II variant uses a 128×128-pixel infrared imaging seeker, along with improved resistance to thermal countermeasures and electronic warfare. It also features a two-way data link and lock-on-after-launch capability, allowing the missile to receive information from the launching aircraft before its onboard seeker acquires the target.   South Korea Already Operates AIM-9X South Korea has operated the AIM-9X since 2011, initially acquiring it for its F-15K Slam Eagle fighters. The F-15K was equipped with the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), allowing pilots to cue missiles by turning their heads toward targets. The missile was later integrated with other Republic of Korea Air Force aircraft and, as of 2023, was in service with the F-15K, KF-16 Fighting Falcon and F-35A Lightning II. For the KF-21 Boramae, South Korea selected the German-made IRIS-T as its short-range air-to-air missile. Some reports have also indicated that AIM-9X Block II is being considered for integration on the KF-21 alongside IRIS-T. The proposed AIM-9X sale is therefore intended to add further missiles and support equipment to South Korea's existing inventory while maintaining compatibility with its U.S.-origin fighter fleet.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-23 11:58:58

 U.S 

Reno, Nevada — The U.S. Navy has officially revealed the AIM-424 Long Range Air-to-Air Missile (LRAAM), also known as “Malice,” at the Tailhook Symposium in Reno, Nevada, on August 22, 2026. The Navy also added the missile to its official Fact Files, releasing its first public specifications and photographs. The weapon is being developed by Raytheon, an RTX company, and is already undergoing flight testing. The AIM-424 is designed to strengthen fleet defense against advanced long-range aerial threats and support the Navy’s “first look, first shot, first kill” approach by providing greater reach, survivability and tactical flexibility. The missile is intended for fourth-, fifth- and sixth-generation aircraft, including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-35C Lightning II and future F/A-XX fighter.   AIM-424 Specifications The Navy lists the missile at 13.5 feet (4.11 meters) long, with a 13.5-inch (0.34-meter) diameter and a 26.2-inch (0.67-meter) wingspan. It weighs 1,500 pounds (680.4 kg) and uses a solid-propellant rocket motor with a blast-fragmentation warhead. Its stated range is in excess of 250 nautical miles (463 km). Aviation Week reported that the AIM-424 is a two-stage missile and is significantly larger than the AIM-120 AMRAAM. The released imagery shows the missile is also comparable in overall size to the AIM-174B, although the AIM-424 is shorter and has a narrower wingspan.   Testing and Aircraft Integration Navy photographs show the AIM-424 being carried externally by an F/A-18E Super Hornet, including a configuration from April 2026 showing four missiles. Other imagery shows the missile installed inside the F-35C’s internal weapons bay, with an AIM-120 positioned on the bay door. Captive-carry and weapons-bay fit checks have also been documented. The missile's development traces back to the Long Range Engagement Weapon (LREW) concept publicly discussed in 2017. That earlier concept involved a two-stage air-to-air missile designed for internal carriage by a stealth aircraft. The AIM-424 is now being developed alongside the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM). Raytheon President Phil Jasper said the company's Advanced Technology team developed the AIM-424 to strengthen fleet defense and maintain air superiority against emerging long-range air threats. He said the missile provides increased range, lethality and combat effectiveness for naval forces. The Navy has not announced an initial operational capability or full deployment timeline for the AIM-424. Detailed performance information also remains classified. The missile's publicly stated range of more than 250 nautical miles is intended to give carrier aviation a longer engagement envelope against high-value aerial threats, including aircraft capable of carrying long-range anti-ship weapons. The Navy has also indicated that the AIM-424 has greater range and speed than the AIM-174B while retaining maneuverability despite its size.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-23 11:15:55

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy is seeking industry concepts for a potential new version of the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) as NATO partners look to develop a Next Significant Variant (NSV) with improved capabilities against evolving aerial threats. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) issued a sources-sought notice on August 20, 2026, seeking companies able to design, build and support the NSV. Responses are due October 19, 2026. The notice is for market research only, carries no funding commitment and does not guarantee a future contract or prototype award. The ESSM is used by a 12-nation NATO consortium comprising Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Türkiye and the United States. The NATO SEASPARROW Project Office manages the program and is transitioning from Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems 12.0 to Program Acquisition Executive Munitions NSPO.   10-Inch Missile and Mk 41 Compatibility The Navy wants the NSV to retain the current 10-inch diameter of ESSM Block 2. This is important because the missile can be quad-packed in Mk 41 Vertical Launching System cells, allowing four interceptors to be carried in one cell. The existing ESSM Block 2 uses the larger 10-inch body compared with the 8-inch Block 1, providing space for its dual-mode X-band radar seeker. The Navy wants the new variant to retain this physical limit so existing ship launcher and magazine arrangements do not require redesign. ESSM Block 2 has a stated range of about 50 kilometers (31 miles) and a speed exceeding Mach 4. Its dual-mode seeker can use the missile's onboard radar or rely on a launching ship's illumination radar.   Wider Threat Requirements NAVSEA wants the NSV to handle targets with different speeds, altitudes and maneuverability, including low-speed to high-speed, sea-skimming to high-diving and non-maneuvering to high-G targets. The missile must also be able to track and discriminate between closely spaced targets and operate in contested environments involving radar, electro-optical and infrared countermeasures, as well as enemy jamming and decoys. Companies can submit complete missile designs or proposals for individual components such as seekers, propulsion systems, guidance electronics or warheads.   Open Architecture and Technology Rights The proposed missile must use a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), allowing adaptable and interoperable systems based on severable, standards-based components. The U.S. government is seeking at least Government Purpose Rights to technical data, source code and design documentation. The requirement is intended to provide the consortium with greater flexibility to support, upgrade or manufacture the missile without being dependent on a single supplier. All proposed technologies and data must be legally releasable to all 12 consortium members. Companies must also explain compliance with U.S. export controls, including ITAR, and domestic sourcing requirements such as the Buy American Act. Firms requesting detailed ESSM requirements must sign a non-disclosure agreement.   Current ESSM Production and NSV Development Raytheon, an RTX business, is the prime contractor and design agent for ESSM Block 2. The company delivered its 500th Block 2 missile to the U.S. Navy in October 2025 and has increased production to more than 350 missiles annually, with plans to roughly double production again by mid-2026. The NATO SEASPARROW Project Office held an NSV industry day in January 2026 and previously sought industry information on a releasable seeker assembly for the same 10-inch missile body. Official program material identifies a goal of reaching Milestone B by September 2029, with modeling and simulation, model-based systems engineering and other studies continuing. The ESSM program has been a multinational NATO weapons effort for more than five decades. NAVSEA has not yet announced a formal follow-on solicitation timeline, estimated program cost, or whether the NSV will replace ESSM Block 2 or operate alongside it. The current notice may or may not lead to a future Federal Acquisition Regulation-based contract or prototype award under Other Transaction authority.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-22 13:23:56

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of State has approved a possible $364 million Foreign Military Sale to Italy for the air-to-air variant of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II (APKWS-II). The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced the approval on August 21, 2026, under Transmittal No. 26-92. Italy has requested 5,031 WGU-59B/B Single Variant Air-to-Air Guidance Sections, along with associated launchers, warheads, rocket motors, proximity fuzes, training equipment and support services.   Package Details The proposed package includes: 5,031 WGU-59B/B APKWS-II guidance sections LAU-131 A/A 7-round rocket launchers Mk-152 high-explosive warheads MK66 solid-fuel rocket motors and inert training motors Proximity fuzes WTU-1/B practice warheads Other support equipment Publications and technical documentation Transportation U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support BAE Systems of Nashua, New Hampshire, is the principal contractor. The U.S. government said it is not currently aware of any proposed offset agreement. Any such agreement would be negotiated between Italy and the contractor.   APKWS-II Air-to-Air System APKWS-II is a laser-guidance kit that converts standard 70mm (2.75-inch) Hydra 70 unguided rockets into precision-guided weapons. The guidance section is installed between the warhead and rocket motor. In the air-to-air configuration, laser receivers are positioned on the leading edges of the deployable wings, while proximity fuzes and optimized software support engagements against drones and other slow-moving aerial targets. The system can also be carried in multi-round launcher pods, allowing several guided rockets to be carried on a single launcher.   Strengthening Italy's Air Defense The U.S. State Department said the proposed sale would strengthen Italy's homeland defense, improve its ability to address current and future threats, and enhance its contribution to NATO integrated air and missile defense. It would also support the protection of Italy and allied land forces. The U.S. government said Italy can absorb the equipment and services into its armed forces, while the sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region. Implementation would not require additional U.S. Government or contractor personnel to be assigned to Italy, and the proposed sale would have no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness. The approval is for a potential sale, not a completed contract. Final quantities, configuration and costs would be determined through negotiations and contracting if Italy proceeds with the purchase.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-22 13:06:18

 U.S 

QUANTICO, Va. — The U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) has completed technical acceptance of its first Ancillary Surface Craft (ASC) prototype, moving the approximately 150-foot vessel into limited technical assessments at Quantico, Virginia. The ASC is a roll-on/roll-off landing craft designed to transport personnel, equipment and fuel directly to unimproved shorelines, providing what the Marine Corps calls the “last tactical mile” of logistics support. It can carry up to 46 tons of cargo and 40 combat-loaded Marines. The shallow-draft craft is designed to operate in Sea State 5 and survive conditions up to Sea State 7. It has forward-looking sonar for navigating uncharted shallow waters, detecting submerged obstacles and assessing beach gradients before landing. It also has a fuel delivery and transfer system for vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore operations. Birdon describes the vessel, also known as the Ancillary Surface Craft-Medium, as approximately 150 feet long, 30 feet wide and with a draft of about 4.9 feet. Earlier company material listed cargo capacity of up to 54 tons, while Marine Corps technical acceptance validated 46 tons.   Supporting Distributed Marine Operations The ASC is intended to support the Marine Corps' Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) concept, which calls for small, mobile forces to operate from temporary positions in contested maritime areas without relying on fixed ports, piers or causeways. The craft is intended to complement the larger Medium Landing Ship (LSM) being developed by the Navy and Marine Corps. With the LSM program facing delays, the Marine Corps has described the ASC and similar smaller surface craft as a bridging capability for sustaining distributed forces in the Pacific. The ASC is optimized for moving medium and light tactical vehicles and other supplies between shorelines that larger vessels may not be able to reach. “This prototype allows MCWL to immediately execute hands-on experimentation, test tactical concepts, and put real hardware in the hands of Marines,” said Col. Kenny Jones, Science and Technology Division Director at MCWL. He said testing the ASC's traditional bow-first beaching approach alongside other experimental platforms will help reduce programmatic risk and refine requirements for future naval forces.   Prototype Construction and Testing The Marine Corps awarded Birdon America, the U.S. subsidiary of Australian maritime company Birdon, a contract for two ASC prototypes in 2024. Birdon partnered with C&C Marine and Repair in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, where construction began in 2025. The companies used automation-driven production methods intended to shorten construction time. The first ASC will initially operate with a hybrid crew of Marines and contracted mariners, with Birdon America craft masters and engineers and Australian Army crewing support working under MCWL oversight. The arrangement will also support Marine training for independent operation of small surface craft. Upcoming testing will examine the vessel's force-protection and self-defense configurations, while its primary mission remains logistics and maneuver. A Distinguished Visitor Day involving the ASC was held in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, on August 12, 2026, where Marine Corps personnel, industry partners and others observed the vessel. With technical acceptance complete, MCWL will now conduct hands-on testing to assess the ASC's performance and support the development of future requirements for small surface craft.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-22 11:52:48

 U.S 

Washington, D.C., — The United States is advancing bipartisan legislation that would require the Netherlands and other key allies to further restrict ASML’s semiconductor manufacturing equipment sales and services to China. The Multilateral Alignment of Technology Controls on Hardware (MATCH) Act, introduced in April 2026, would give allied countries 150 days to align their export controls with U.S. rules. If they fail to do so, Washington could expand use of the Foreign Direct Product Rule (FDPR) to restrict foreign-made equipment containing U.S. technology, software or components.   Targeting DUV Equipment and Services The legislation mainly targets deep ultraviolet (DUV) immersion lithography machines that ASML can still sell to China under current Dutch regulations. The Netherlands and the United States have already restricted China’s access to ASML’s most advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) systems and certain higher-end DUV equipment. The MATCH Act would also restrict installation, maintenance, spare parts, remote software updates and technical support for covered machines already operating in China. Major Chinese companies named for tighter restrictions include SMIC, Huawei, Hua Hong, CXMT and YMTC. U.S. lawmakers argue that existing gaps allow Chinese chipmakers to use older lithography equipment and multi-patterning techniques to produce advanced semiconductors, including chips used for artificial intelligence.   ASML and Dutch Concerns China accounted for about 33% of ASML’s sales in 2025, making it the company's largest market that year. ASML has projected that China's share could fall to around 20% in 2026 as existing restrictions take greater effect. ASML is Europe’s most valuable listed company and depends on U.S. suppliers for important technology and components, including light sources produced by its U.S. subsidiary Cymer. This gives Washington significant leverage over the Dutch company. The proposed legislation has created friction between Washington and The Hague. Dutch Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma has described forced cooperation as “undesirable” and has traveled to Washington to meet U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and members of Congress. The Dutch government has argued that export-control decisions affecting Dutch companies should remain under Dutch control and has opposed the bill’s extraterritorial provisions.   Legislative Status The MATCH Act has bipartisan support and lawmakers have sought to attach it to the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The broader NDAA temporarily stalled in the Senate on July 14, 2026, amid unrelated political disagreements over military funding connected to Iran. As of mid-August 2026, the MATCH Act remained under consideration and had not become law. Its proposed restrictions would expand existing U.S.-led controls by targeting remaining DUV equipment sales to China as well as servicing and technical support for machines already installed there.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-22 11:38:10

 U.S 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of State has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Norway for 21 UH-60M Black Hawk multirole helicopters and related equipment, with a maximum estimated value of $2.3 billion. The approval was announced on August 21, 2026, but does not represent a final Norwegian order. The deal remains subject to an intergovernmental Letter of Offer and Acceptance. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), Norway has requested 21 UH-60M helicopters, 46 T700-GE-701D engines, 25 AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems, 25 Common Infrared Countermeasure systems, 25 AN/APR-39E(V)2 Radar Warning Receivers, 50 EAGLE-M+429 Embedded GPS/Inertial Navigation Systems, 100 AN/ARC-231A RT-1987 VHF/UHF/line-of-sight satellite communication radios and 18 M240H machine guns. The package also includes laser warning systems, identification-friend-or-foe transponders and cryptographic equipment, navigation and radio systems, radar altimeters, electro-optical/infrared sensors with laser designators, ballistic armor, internal auxiliary fuel tanks, fast-rope insertion and extraction systems, rescue hoists, dual patient litter systems, external stores support and weather radar. It also covers training devices, spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools, technical data, publications, personnel training, and U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support. Four of the 46 engines are identified as spare engines. If the agreement proceeds, Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky unit, based in Stratford, Connecticut, would be the principal contractor. Around 15 U.S. government and 15 contractor representatives would travel to Norway for equipment fielding, system checkout, training and support.   Part of Norway's Helicopter Modernization The proposed UH-60M acquisition follows Norway's decision in June 2026 to suspend a project for up to nine HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopters, which had initially been valued at $2.6 billion. Norway said further decisions on helicopter fleet modernization would follow, but it has not officially confirmed a connection between the suspended HH-60W project and the UH-60M request. The Black Hawk proposal could also provide an option for replacing Norway's Bell 412 helicopters, which support Army and Special Operations Forces missions. Some of the existing Bell 412s have undergone or are undergoing upgrades to extend their service life. If completed, the purchase would expand the UH-60M's European customer base. Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania and Austria already operate the Black Hawk, while Greece has also ordered the helicopter, with deliveries expected to begin soon. Norway has separately ordered six MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters, with deliveries expected to begin within the next several months and all six anticipated by 2027. They are intended primarily for maritime and coast guard roles, replacing previously operated NH90 helicopters. The U.S. State Department said the proposed sale would strengthen Norway's ability to address current and future threats, improve interoperability with U.S. and allied forces, and provide the Norwegian Army and Special Operations Forces with a common rotary-wing platform. The U.S. assessment states that Norway should have no difficulty absorbing the equipment and services, while the sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region or adversely affect U.S. defense readiness. No offset agreement has been identified at this stage, with any such arrangement to be determined during negotiations. The U.S. Congress has been notified of the proposed sale. As a NATO ally, Norway is subject to a 15-day congressional review period.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-22 11:30:50

 U.S 

BRUSSELS — Lockheed Martin is advancing its Vectis collaborative combat aircraft (CCA), an uncrewed platform designed to operate independently or alongside crewed fighters such as the F-35 and future next-generation aircraft. Developed by the company’s Skunk Works division, Vectis was unveiled in September 2025 as a Group 5 survivable and lethal unmanned aircraft for U.S. and allied militaries. Lockheed Martin says the platform is designed around crewed-uncrewed teaming, survivability, autonomy and an adaptable open architecture. Vectis is designed for precision strikes, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) targeting, electronic warfare, and offensive and defensive counter-air missions. It can perform these missions independently or in coordination with crewed aircraft, with endurance intended for operations in the Indo-Pacific, Europe and U.S. Central Command areas. The aircraft uses a tailless lambda-wing design, top-mounted air intake, shovel-like nose and conformal antennas, reflecting its low-observable design approach. Its exact dimensions remain undisclosed, but Lockheed Martin officials have described it as smaller than an F-16 and larger than the company’s Common Multi-Mission Truck platforms. The current design is runway-dependent.   F-35 Integration and Open Architecture Lockheed Martin has conducted classified simulated operational analyses involving Vectis with the F-35 and F-22. The company says pilots in crewed aircraft will be able to control the drones through wide-area touchscreen displays. The aircraft incorporates the Multi-Domain Combat System (MDCX) for autonomous control and multi-domain connectivity. Its development also uses Skunk Works’ Agile Drone Framework, emphasizing modularity, open mission systems and government reference architectures. Lockheed Martin says this approach is intended to prevent vendor lock-in and allow payloads and software to be upgraded as requirements change.   Development and Engine Skunk Works is internally funding the program, with components already ordered and a development team working on the aircraft. Lockheed Martin initially set a goal of designing, building and flying Vectis within two years of its September 2025 unveiling, targeting a first flight in 2027. The prototype will use a Williams International FJ44-4 turbofan, which produces more than 3,600 pounds of thrust and features a compact twin-spool design. Company officials have said operational analysis does not indicate a requirement for supersonic speed. Lockheed Martin is using digital engineering and advanced manufacturing methods to pursue an accelerated development schedule and a CCA-level price point.   European Interest Lockheed Martin displayed a scale model of Vectis at the Brussels European Defence Exhibition (BEDEX) from March 12 to 14, 2026. The company promoted the aircraft to European customers, including the Belgian Air Component, as a potential “loyal wingman” capability. The company is also discussing the platform with other European countries interested in collaborative combat aircraft. Vectis is intended to complement crewed fifth-generation fighters while retaining the ability to conduct independent missions. Lockheed Martin Vice President and Skunk Works General Manager O.J. Sanchez said the Vectis concept is based on a highly capable, customizable and affordable agile drone framework designed for the future battlespace.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-21 16:10:38