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

 U.S 

MOJAVE, Calif., — Northrop Grumman’s YFQ-48A Talon Blue has completed its first fully autonomous flight at Mojave Air and Space Port in California. During the October 3 test, the uncrewed aircraft independently performed taxiing, takeoff, in-flight maneuvers and landing without pilot input. Flight-tracking data indicated that the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 9,875 feet to just over 10,000 feet and speeds ranging from around 190 to 233 knots before returning to land.   Aircraft Design and Capabilities Built by Northrop Grumman subsidiary Scaled Composites, the aircraft is also known as the Model 444 and is registered as N444LX. It is a single-engine uncrewed combat aircraft designed to operate alongside crewed fighter jets. Talon Blue features a high dorsal air intake, swept lambda-style wings, a wide wheelbase, a long slender fuselage, canted twin tails and an internal weapons bay. It is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PW500-family turbofan adapted from commercial use for military applications. Some reports identify the engine as the PW545 variant. Northrop Grumman used modular manufacturing and design changes to reduce production costs, manufacturing time, weight and part count. Some programme descriptions cite a part-count reduction of approximately 50 percent and a weight reduction of roughly 1,000 pounds. These changes are intended to support affordable production at scale without sacrificing mission capability.   Project Talon and Collaborative Combat Aircraft Talon Blue is the centrepiece of Northrop Grumman’s internally funded Project Talon, which focuses on developing autonomous airpower capabilities. The aircraft was developed using company funding after Northrop Grumman was not selected for the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Increment 1 competition. The Increment 1 contracts went to General Atomics for the YFQ-42A and Anduril for the YFQ-44A. Talon Blue could position Northrop Grumman to compete for future CCA requirements, including potential subsequent increments, although no future selection is guaranteed. The aircraft is intended to serve as an autonomous wingman supporting crewed fighters. The U.S. Air Force assigned it the YFQ-48A designation in December 2025, following its unveiling in late 2025. Autonomous taxi tests were completed in May 2026. “Our customers made it clear they need autonomous systems that can be fielded faster and more affordably without sacrificing mission effectiveness,” said Craig Woolston, Northrop Grumman’s vice president and general manager for research and advanced design. “Talon Blue’s first flight is one step toward a new generation of autonomous capabilities,” Woolston added, noting that each flight provides lessons for the company’s broader autonomy development work. Northrop Grumman said the programme draws on more than 500,000 autonomous flight hours accumulated across previous platforms, including the RQ-4 Global Hawk and MQ-4C Triton, as well as the company’s wider experience in autonomous aviation.   Talon IQ and Autonomy Software Project Talon also includes Talon IQ, an autonomous software testbed operating on the crewed Scaled Composites Model 437 Vanguard aircraft. It uses Northrop Grumman’s Prism Mission Autonomy software, which provides a government reference architecture intended to accelerate autonomous software development. Testing autonomy software on a crewed aircraft allows the company to develop and evaluate mission capabilities before integrating them into uncrewed platforms. The system also supports testing software integration and, in some demonstrations, mid-flight software changes involving partner systems. Together, Talon IQ and Talon Blue support software development, flight testing and the integration of autonomous capabilities into aircraft designed to address changing operational requirements and emerging threats. The October 3 flight marks the start of Talon Blue’s flight-test phase.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-04 13:10:55

 U.S 

NAVAL AIR STATION LEMOORE, California —  A U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 41 (VFA-41), known as the “Black Aces,” has reportedly returned from Operation Epic Fury with a submarine silhouette labeled “Sub Buster” beneath its cockpit. The aircraft, identified as “Dealer 102” and Bureau Number 168491, landed at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, on October 1, 2026, after operating from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). The marking resembles an Iranian Project 877EKM Kilo-class submarine, reportedly the IRIS Taregh, which U.S. forces destroyed while it was docked at an Iranian naval port. Iran acquired three Kilo-class submarines from Russia in the 1990s: Taregh, Noor and Yunes. Maintenance problems had affected their operational readiness. The specific weapon used in the reported strike by VFA-41 has not been publicly identified.   Strikes on Iran's Smaller Submarines Iran also operates Fateh-class coastal submarines and smaller Ghadir-class midget submarines. During Operation Epic Fury, reports indicated that the lead Fateh-class submarine was sunk, while footage showed damage to other vessels. Reported attacks included AGM-114 Hellfire missiles launched from MQ-9 Reaper uncrewed aircraft and GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs. ATACMS ballistic missiles and uncrewed surface vessels were also reportedly used against Iranian submarine assets.   Impact of Operation Epic Fury Launched on February 28, 2026, Operation Epic Fury targeted Iranian military infrastructure, including naval forces and missile production facilities. U.S. Central Command reported on April 6 that more than 13,000 targets had been struck and more than 155 Iranian vessels had been damaged or destroyed. VFA-41 used large quantities of precision-guided weapons during the campaign, including GBU-38 JDAMs, laser-guided bombs and Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOWs), as well as air-to-air missiles. The reported submarine losses could reduce Iran's ability to conduct underwater attacks and threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. However, the specific attribution of the Kilo-class submarine strike to this Super Hornet has not been independently verified.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-03 15:21:39

 U.S 

PHILADELPHIA, — Boeing has received its first full-rate production contract for four MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters for the U.S. Air Force, marking progress in the replacement of the service’s aging UH-1N Huey fleet. The contract was awarded on September 25 and is valued at approximately $85 million, including some sustainment work, according to Defense News. Boeing announced the award in late September and early October 2026. The order follows the Air Force’s declaration of initial operating capability (IOC) for the program on August 10, announced by Air Force Global Strike Command on August 31. The latest order brings the total number of MH-139A helicopters under contract to 42. Boeing has delivered 27 aircraft, including 20 built during the low-rate initial production phase. The four newly ordered helicopters are expected to be delivered in 2028 or 2029. Kathleen Jolivette, vice president and general manager of Vertical Lift Programs at Boeing Defense, Space & Security, said the milestone validates the Grey Wolf’s readiness and supports the Air Force’s plans to secure strategic missile fields and modernize its helicopter fleet.   Replacing the UH-1N Huey The MH-139A is based on Leonardo Helicopters’ commercial AW139 platform. Leonardo manufactures the base helicopter at its Philadelphia facility, while Boeing, the prime contractor, integrates military equipment at its nearby Ridley Park site. The U.S. Air Force selected the Boeing-Leonardo team in 2018. The Grey Wolf will support security operations at the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile fields associated with Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, and F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming. Compared with the UH-1N, the MH-139A is nearly 50 percent faster, can carry twice as many troops, and features enhanced defensive systems and command-and-control capabilities. Its missions include patrol, security, missile convoy escort, search and rescue, troop and cargo transport, firefighting, and other utility operations. In January 2026, the 40th Helicopter Squadron at Malmstrom completed its first operational Minuteman III convoy escort using the MH-139A. The mission covered more than 100 miles over approximately six hours without refueling. Initial operational test and evaluation flights had begun in 2025.   Production and Fleet Expansion The Air Force’s original plans called for approximately 80 to 84 helicopters, but budget decisions reduced the planned fleet. The program temporarily had a target of 42 aircraft, while current budget documents set an objective of 56. Earlier contracts included seven helicopters in 2024, eight in October 2025, and four in January 2026, bringing the contracted total to 38 before the latest award. The Air Force plans to have 34 MH-139A helicopters in operation by fiscal year 2027 and requested funding for four additional aircraft for that fiscal year. Congressional versions of the defense policy bill have considered higher quantities, but final legislation remains pending. The program experienced delays related to certification and other issues in earlier years. The achievement of initial operating capability and the first full-rate production award mark progress toward wider deployment of the Grey Wolf to support nuclear security operations and replace the UH-1N fleet.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-03 14:28:19

 U.S 

KITSAP-BANGOR, Wash. — The U.S. Navy has completed a planned homeport exchange between two Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) and USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735). The move supports preparations for the introduction of the next-generation Columbia-class fleet while maintaining the United States’ sea-based nuclear deterrence mission. USS Wyoming arrived at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor in Washington on October 1, 2026, while USS Pennsylvania relocated to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia. Official reports also noted the submarines reaching their new bases around October 2. The exchange is part of the Navy’s long-term plan to position ballistic missile submarines at Bangor ahead of the Columbia-class introduction, while minimizing disruption to sailors and their families. Ohio-class submarines serve as concealed platforms for launching submarine-launched ballistic missiles and conduct extended deterrent patrols. Rear Adm. Todd Figanbaum, commander of Submarine Group 9, said, “A hallmark of ballistic missile submarine operations is that we are on station 24/7/365.” He added that Pacific Fleet ballistic missile submarines would remain ready to deter threats as the Navy transitions to the Columbia class.   Crews Remain at Their Original Bases Unlike a conventional homeport change, the exchange involved moving the submarines without relocating their crews and families. This arrangement avoided cross-country moves for most assigned sailors and helped maintain stability for personnel and surrounding communities. The Navy assigns two alternating crews, known as Blue and Gold, to each ballistic missile submarine. This system increases operational availability and reduces the number of submarines needed to meet national defense requirements. USS Wyoming, commissioned in 1996, is the fourth U.S. Navy vessel named in honor of Wyoming. It received U.S. Strategic Command’s Omaha Trophy in 2015, recognizing it as the fleet’s highest-performing strategic platform that year. USS Pennsylvania had been based at Bangor since October 2002, following earlier service at Kings Bay. The exchange returns it to the Georgia base.   Preparing for the Columbia-Class Fleet The Navy plans to homeport up to eight Columbia-class submarines at Bangor by the early 2030s. The new submarines will replace Ohio-class boats on a one-for-one basis, take over the sea-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad and operate longer without mid-life nuclear refueling. Facility upgrades at Bangor are scheduled to begin in 2027, with the first Columbia-class submarine expected to arrive around 2032. Described as a first-of-its-kind exchange for Ohio-class submarines, the Wyoming-Pennsylvania swap allows the Navy to adjust fleet positioning for the next generation while maintaining continuity in its existing strategic deterrence operations.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-03 14:20:25

 U.S 

ORLANDO, Fla. — Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control has received a $244.96 million contract modification from the U.S. Navy to produce 48 Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Block II systems for Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft. The U.S. Department of Defense announced the award on September 29, 2026, with production scheduled for completion by the end of February 2031. The contract covers the second full-rate production lot, including 45 infrared sensor systems for the U.S. Navy and three for the Royal Australian Air Force. The package also includes 74 processors, 27 inertial measurement units for the Navy, test equipment, spare parts, maintenance equipment and production materials. Funding was fully obligated at the time of the award. The breakdown includes $232.5 million in fiscal year 2026 Navy aircraft procurement funds, $1.6 million in Navy working capital funds and $10.8 million from Australia through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme. Work will be performed primarily in Orlando, Florida, accounting for 79.42% of production. Additional work will take place in Santa Barbara, California (11.70%); Ocala, Florida (5.70%); and Archbald, Pennsylvania (3.18%). The modification, designated P00004 under contract N0001925C0009, was not competitively procured. Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.   IRST Block II Provides Passive Target Tracking The system is built around Lockheed Martin's IRST21 long-wave infrared sensor, which detects and tracks airborne targets by sensing their infrared signatures without transmitting radar signals. It complements the Super Hornet's AN/APG-79 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and provides an additional method of detecting and tracking aircraft at extended ranges. Unlike conventional radar, IRST operates passively, allowing the aircraft to search for targets without revealing its position through sensor emissions. This capability is useful in contested airspace where electronic warfare and electromagnetic jamming can limit radar operations. The system can operate independently or alongside other sensors, providing tracking and targeting data that support beyond-visual-range missile engagements. The sensor can also help detect and track low-observable aircraft, including fifth-generation fighters. However, detection performance depends on factors such as atmospheric conditions, target characteristics and the operational environment.   Upgrades and Aircraft Integration The IRST sensor is installed in the forward section of a modified external centerline fuel tank carried beneath the Super Hornet's fuselage. This arrangement provides a wide field of view without occupying a dedicated weapon station, although the modified tank has less fuel capacity than a standard centerline tank. The Block II configuration introduces a modified electro-optical sensor head, a new central processor and updated software algorithms designed to improve target detection and tracking performance over earlier versions. The U.S. Navy declared initial operational capability for IRST Block II on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in February 2025, and the programme has advanced to full-rate production. The latest contract continues production for U.S. Navy and Australian Super Hornet fleets, providing their crews with an additional passive sensor capability to support airborne target detection, tracking and situational awareness in contested electromagnetic environments.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-03 14:05:32

 U.S 

MAYPORT, Florida — A U.S. Navy MQ-4C Triton surveillance drone has been photographed beyond the paved surface of Runway 5 at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, near the St. Johns River. The circumstances of the incident remain unclear, and the U.S. Navy has not issued a public statement. The open-source intelligence account TheIntelFrog shared the image on X on October 3, showing the unmanned aircraft beyond the runway. The account joked that the drone had “got stuck trying to take a drink” from the river. The exact date and time of the incident, whether the aircraft was taking off or landing, the cause of the event and the extent of any damage remain unknown. As the MQ-4C operates without an onboard crew, no personnel were aboard the aircraft.   MQ-4C Triton Specifications and Capabilities Manufactured by Northrop Grumman, the MQ-4C Triton is a high-altitude, long-endurance maritime surveillance aircraft developed from the U.S. Air Force's RQ-4 Global Hawk. It is equipped with maritime radar, electro-optical and infrared cameras, and electronic support measures. Structural strengthening, de-icing capabilities and lightning protection support operations in demanding maritime weather conditions. The aircraft operates alongside the Navy's crewed P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft as part of the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force. Its key specifications include: Wingspan: Approximately 130.9 feet Length: Approximately 47.6 feet Maximum takeoff weight: About 32,250 pounds Endurance: More than 24 hours Operating altitude: Above 50,000 feet Range: Approximately 7,400 nautical miles Engine: One Rolls-Royce AE3007H turbofan   Mayport's Role in Triton Operations The Navy selected Naval Station Mayport as an operating location for the Triton fleet and its maintenance personnel in 2017. The first aircraft assigned to the base arrived in December 2021 after a deployment that included operations from Guam. Mission crews and sensor operators control the aircraft remotely from Naval Air Station Jacksonville under the Navy's remote-split operations concept. The aircraft are operated by Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19), known as “Big Red,” the Navy's first squadron dedicated entirely to unmanned aviation. The squadron has also operated Tritons from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam and Naval Air Station Sigonella in Italy. Mayport-based Tritons have conducted surveillance missions in the Caribbean. Public flight-tracking data previously reported by The Defence Blog showed one aircraft completing an approximately nine-hour flight over the Caribbean, north of Venezuela, after departing Mayport in January.   Previous Triton Incidents The MQ-4C programme has experienced earlier operational setbacks. In September 2018, a Triton undergoing operational testing at Naval Base Ventura County, California, experienced an in-flight problem. Its engine was shut down, and the landing gear failed to extend, resulting in a belly landing on the runway. No personnel were injured, and VUP-19 temporarily suspended operations during the investigation. Further reported serious mishaps occurred in December 2025 during maintenance and in April 2026. As of October 3, 2026, the Navy has not released further details about the Mayport incident, including the cause, damage assessment or recovery efforts. It remains unclear when the aircraft will be inspected or whether it can return to service. Main Source : Defence-blog

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-03 13:41:01

 U.S 

CALIFORNIA, United States — California-based defense technology company Epirus has integrated its Leonidas high-power microwave (HPM) weapon system into a U.S. Army command-and-control (C2) network during Operation Jailbreak Falcon Fury. The integration demonstrates how the system's sensors and microwave weapon can work with a broader military network to help operators select responses to different drone threats. The Army has not disclosed the exact date or location of the demonstration, the specific command network used, or the number of drones involved. Leonidas uses high-power microwave energy to disrupt or overload drone electronics, potentially disabling multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with a single burst. The integration supports the Army's wider effort to connect sensors, weapons and software from different manufacturers through an open-architecture approach.   Operation Jailbreak Advances Open-Architecture Systems Operation Jailbreak is a U.S. Army initiative focused on establishing a “Right to Integrate” ecosystem, allowing equipment from different manufacturers to exchange data and operate together. A related hackathon at Fort Carson, Colorado, earlier in 2026 brought together more than 600 participants and over 50 defense companies. The effort includes encouraging vendors to open their application programming interfaces (APIs), reducing dependence on closed, single-vendor systems. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has linked the initiative to the rapid deployment of integrated interceptors required for operations such as Epic Fury. The broader objective is to reduce the need for soldiers to manually cross-reference information across multiple disconnected screens in tactical operations centers.   Leonidas GV to Debut at AUSA 2026 Epirus plans to present the Leonidas GV, a mobile variant developed in partnership with General Dynamics Land Systems, at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) annual meeting in Washington, D.C., from October 12–14, 2026. Technical specifications for the GV have not been publicly released. Previous Leonidas platform integrations include a Stryker armored vehicle, a General Dynamics Land Systems TRX tracked robotic vehicle, and a Leonidas Autonomous Ground Vehicle based on a Ford F-600 truck equipped with Kodiak Robotics artificial intelligence technology.   Tests Demonstrate Counter-Drone Capability During a live-fire demonstration at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, Epirus reported that Leonidas neutralized all 61 target drones across five engagement scenarios. In one test, a single microwave burst disabled a swarm of 49 drones. The results illustrate the system's potential to engage multiple drones simultaneously without requiring a separate physical interceptor for each target. Actual performance can vary depending on the targets and engagement conditions.   U.S. Army Contracts Support Development The U.S. Department of Defense has supported Leonidas development through several contracts: 2023: Epirus received a $66.1 million contract to deliver four Indirect Fire Protection Capability–High Power Microwave (IFPC-HPM) prototypes. The company delivered all four by March 2024. October 2024: Nearly $17 million was awarded for advanced sensors and closed-loop fire-control systems. July 2025: The Army awarded $43.5 million for two second-generation system sets. The latest network integration demonstrates Epirus's work to connect its microwave weapon with broader Army command systems. Further details about the Falcon Fury demonstration and the Leonidas GV's technical capabilities remain undisclosed.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-03 12:58:35

 U.S 

REDONDO BEACH, California — Northrop Grumman plans to quadruple its U.S. microchip production by 2030 to strengthen domestic semiconductor supply chains for military programs and commercial customers. The company manufactures and procures millions of microchips annually across three government-accredited U.S. facilities: the Advanced Technology Lab in Linthicum Heights, Maryland; the Space Park foundry in Redondo Beach, California; and an advanced packaging facility in Florida. Its chips support fighter aircraft, radar systems, satellites and electronic warfare equipment, performing functions such as signal processing and control logic. “With our deep end-to-end knowledge and manufacturing capabilities, we can deliver the right chip, with the right capability to the right mission, every time,” said Robert Mendoza, operations manager at the company's Redondo Beach facility.   Advanced Packaging Technology Northrop Grumman is also focusing on advanced packaging, which combines chips with different functions into a single package. Three-dimensional chip stacking can increase performance while reducing component size and power consumption. “These 3-dimensional chip-stacking methods allow our products to do more, faster – while taking up less space and using less power,” said Brittany Battaglia, the company's advanced packaging program manager. Northrop Grumman operates one of the few advanced packaging facilities in the United States. According to the company, approximately 98% of American semiconductor manufacturers source these specific packaging services internationally. Its Florida facility provides wafer bumping, probing and dicing for wafers ranging from 100 mm to 300 mm.   Complex Manufacturing Process Northrop Grumman's microelectronics production relies on more than 800 distinct materials, including silicon, gallium arsenide and indium phosphide. Manufacturing involves repeated deposition, photolithography and etching processes to create electronic structures. After fabrication and testing, individual chips are separated using lasers or diamond saw blades. Vicky Zheng, a process integration engineer at the company's Baltimore facility, compared wafer fabrication to baking a layered cake, explaining that each layer requires different materials and processing conditions. The company said its engineers continue to refine manufacturing processes and develop new production methods.   Strengthening Supply-Chain Security The expansion addresses risks associated with the semiconductor industry's reliance on overseas manufacturing, particularly in Taiwan, and geopolitical tensions involving China. Increasing U.S. production could help protect defense programs and commercial customers from international supply-chain disruptions. In 2025, Northrop Grumman opened its Microelectronics Center to external partners, including aerospace and defense companies, commercial businesses, academic institutions and government organizations. Partners can access chip design, manufacturing, packaging and testing capabilities at its U.S. facilities and purchase components through an online storefront. The planned expansion is also expected to support thousands of American workers, contribute to local economies and develop long-term expertise in semiconductor engineering and manufacturing. The company aims to increase domestic production while supporting innovation in specialized microchips for military and commercial applications.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-02 15:35:37

 U.S 

WASHINGTON, — The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded contracts to aerospace startups Overview Energy and Katalyst Space to develop two different technologies for collecting solar energy in space and transmitting it to Earth. The projects aim to provide electricity to remote military bases and forward-deployed locations while reducing dependence on fuel deliveries and vulnerable supply routes. The initiatives are funded through the Pentagon’s Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund (OECIF), which supports the development and demonstration of technologies for military energy requirements. The two companies are pursuing near-infrared light and microwave transmission, respectively.   Overview Energy Develops Near-Infrared Technology Overview Energy, founded in 2022 and based in Ashburn, Virginia, received an OECIF contract to design, build and test a homing beacon system for its space-based solar satellites. The system will allow satellites to identify authorized ground receivers, locate them precisely and direct near-infrared light toward designated sites. Ground crews will install beacons at receiving locations, while authentication mechanisms are intended to prevent signal spoofing or unauthorized redirection. The company’s satellites are designed to collect sunlight in orbit and convert it into near-infrared light for transmission through the atmosphere. Existing utility-scale solar panels on Earth will absorb the beam and convert its energy into electricity, potentially allowing power generation at night when natural sunlight is unavailable. Overview Energy has already demonstrated power transmission from a moving aircraft to ground-based solar panels over several kilometers. The test validated key tracking, pointing and transmission technologies intended for orbital use. Hardware developed under the new contract will be integrated into the company’s first satellite, with a low Earth orbit demonstration planned for 2028. Overview intends to use this system as the basis for a larger constellation of satellites in geosynchronous orbit, with deployment targeted to begin in 2030. Satellites in this orbit can remain approximately fixed relative to a point on Earth and receive sunlight for extended periods. The company’s longer-term concept includes redirecting power beams between regions to meet changing electricity demand and military requirements. Earlier in 2026, Overview received a separate U.S. Air Force contract worth less than $1 million to study space-based solar power for military installations operating under difficult or contested logistics conditions. The study includes Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska and Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, where fuel transportation can present logistical challenges. Overview has also signed a capacity-reservation agreement with Meta for up to 1 gigawatt of power from its planned system, with commercial delivery targeted for 2030.   Katalyst Space Develops Microwave Power Transmission The Pentagon is also supporting Katalyst Space, a Colorado-based company founded in 2020 that specializes in robotic space operations. On September 21, 2026, the OECIF awarded the company a separate contract under the Advanced Scalable Growth Architecture for Robotic Deployment (ASGARD) program to demonstrate the on-orbit assembly of a large-scale power-beaming system. Katalyst plans to deploy its NEXUS autonomous robotic spacecraft into low Earth orbit. Its robotic arms will assemble modular power-beaming tiles developed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) into a large solar-collection structure. The system will collect solar energy, convert it into radio-frequency microwave energy and transmit it to a dedicated receiving station on Earth. Unlike Overview Energy’s approach, which is designed to use conventional solar panels, Katalyst’s system will require specialized ground receivers. Its modular design is intended to allow additional hardware to be delivered and assembled by robotic vehicles, expanding capacity over time from an initial output measured in kilowatts to megawatts of continuous power.   Pentagon Tests Two Approaches The two projects address the same military logistics challenge through different technologies. Overview Energy is developing near-infrared transmission compatible with existing solar infrastructure, while Katalyst Space is testing microwave transmission combined with robotic assembly in orbit. Both approaches aim to supply electricity to remote locations where fuel transportation and conventional power infrastructure are limited. Their potential applications could extend to civilian electricity networks, although practical deployment will depend on the results of demonstrations and further technological development. The OECIF contracts support the evaluation of both technologies in parallel. Overview’s first space-based demonstration is planned for 2028, while Katalyst will demonstrate robotic assembly of its microwave power system in low Earth orbit. The dollar values of the two contracts have not been disclosed.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-02 14:57:14

 U.S 

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — The U.S. Air Force has fielded the IRIS satellite communications prototype on B-52 Stratofortress bombers, providing crews with beyond-line-of-sight connectivity for long-range missions. Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) is evaluating the system as a potential long-term communications solution for the bomber fleet. Developed by Outerlink Global Solutions, a technology company based in Shreveport, Louisiana, IRIS integrates a satellite communications terminal with aircraft and ground support components. It supports voice, video, and analog and digital aircraft system data, helping crews exchange information over long distances. The system is intended to replace the Global Iridium Bomber Set (GLIBS), which has been in service since 2017. IRIS also supports the Department of Defense's Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) concept, which aims to connect data and sensors across military services and operational domains. The system builds on Iridium Certus technology and the Iridium NEXT low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation. “The ability to communicate reliably across vast distances is foundational to our global operations,” said Maj. Gen. Ty Neuman, commander of 8th Air Force and the Joint-Global Strike Operations Center. He said IRIS helps crews stay connected, share information and execute missions in dynamic and contested environments.   Development and Testing The program began with an airborne demonstration in June 2022 at Barksdale Air Force Base. During the flight, the 608th Air Operations Center evaluated voice and data transfers, including live video and images. AFGSC subsequently used an AFWERX Small Business Innovation Research Phase II contract to integrate Outerlink's commercial technology onto the B-52. In 2023, the effort received a $26 million Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) contract, the first such contract designated specifically to AFGSC. The command's Rapid Capabilities and Bomber Requirements divisions adapted the system to the aircraft's physical constraints and modernization needs. The B-52 System Program Office, 307th Bomb Wing and 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron provided engineering expertise and operational feedback. In March 2026, ground and flight testing assessed reliability and technical maturity. The 608th Air Operations Center and 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron validated end-to-end performance through approved network pathways. Following airworthiness approval by the B-52 System Program Office, multiple IRIS kits had been installed by April 1, 2026. The aircraft were then delivered to the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron for crew training and operational employment. “Partnership is what made this possible,” said Maj. Gen. Peter Bonetti, director of AFGSC's Strategic Plans, Programs, and Requirements Directorate, highlighting the cooperation between operators, technical teams and industry.   Prototype Status and Next Steps Although IRIS is already in operational use, it remains designated as a prototype. Further evaluation will help AFGSC determine its suitability as a permanent beyond-line-of-sight communications solution for the B-52. The bomber has supported U.S. long-range strike missions and nuclear deterrence for more than 70 years. Modern communications are intended to help it meet current and future operational requirements. “This is about readiness,” said Jackie Ford, chief of AFGSC's Rapid Capabilities division. She said rapidly delivering capabilities to operators would help keep the B-52 prepared for present and future missions.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-02 14:13:16