U.S 

WASHINGTON, — The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has tested a space-based cargo delivery concept using SpaceX’s Starfall reentry capsule, as the U.S. military explores ways to transport supplies across the world within hours using commercial rockets. The test took place on October 20, 2026, as part of SpaceX’s Bandwagon-5 commercial rideshare mission. A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 32 payloads launched at 7:04 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. AFRL placed military supplies inside a specially designed cargo pod, known as an “agile pod,” within the uncrewed Starfall capsule. Sensors recorded temperature, shock and vibration during launch, spaceflight and atmospheric reentry to help researchers assess how military equipment withstands the journey. The cargo included Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs), water bottles, a reverse-osmosis water desalinator, communications equipment, a satellite-enabled tracker, batteries and emergency medical kits. Engineers also checked whether a UNI-PAC III life raft could fit inside the capsule for potential delivery to stranded sailors or downed aircrew.   AFRL’s Rocket Cargo Programme The test is part of AFRL’s Rocket Cargo programme, which examines whether commercial rockets can transport military supplies to locations around the world on tactical timelines. The long-term goal is to deliver cargo comparable in size to a C-17 transport aircraft’s load, amounting to tens of tons, to locations without runways or roads in approximately 90 minutes. Brig. Gen. Douglas P. Wickert, the Department of the Air Force Technology Executive Officer and AFRL commander, said the test demonstrated how the laboratory is working with industry to reduce technical risks, collect data and develop technologies for operational forces. Adam Remaly, director of AFRL’s Technology Transition Office, described the flight as a critical achievement in demonstrating the potential of rocket-based delivery for rapid global mobility.   Starfall Capsule Specifications SpaceX’s Starfall is an uncrewed, disk-shaped reentry capsule designed to return cargo from space to Earth. It measures approximately 10.2 feet (3.1 metres) across and 2.5 feet tall, weighs around 4,600 pounds (2,100 kilograms) when empty, and can return up to 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms) of payload under parachutes. Recovery operations are planned in the Pacific Ocean. The October 20 mission marked Starfall’s second flight, following its first demonstration in June 2026. Although its current payload capacity is limited compared with large military transport aircraft, AFRL views the capsule as a step towards developing faster cargo delivery methods. Potential applications include resupplying forces in contested areas, supporting expeditionary operations, delivering rescue equipment to stranded personnel, providing disaster relief and responding to chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incidents.   Commercial Partnerships and Next Steps AFRL is working with several aerospace companies to assess rocket-based logistics, including SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, Sierra Space, Anduril, Inversion Space, Varda Space Industries and Outpost Space. In June 2026, AFRL awarded Colorado-based Geneva Technologies a $4.3 million contract for architecture studies, system design and demonstrations under the Rocket Experimentation for Global Agile Logistics effort. In August, the laboratory expanded Blue Origin’s study contract to approximately $13 million. Researchers will analyse the environmental data collected during the Starfall flight to determine how electronics, communications equipment and survival supplies withstand launch, spaceflight and atmospheric reentry. AFRL also plans further tests involving commercial rockets and reentry capsules to assess the feasibility of rapid global cargo delivery. The programme is intended to determine whether commercial rocket services can complement existing military transport by delivering supplies quickly to locations that are difficult to reach by conventional aircraft or ground transport.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-22 15:33:31

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) has introduced PERCH 2.0, an upgraded system developed with AeroVironment that allows M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 tanks and Stryker armoured vehicles to launch Switchblade 300 loitering munitions directly from their platforms. PERCH stands for Precision Effects & Reconnaissance, Canister-Housed. It provides beyond-line-of-sight reconnaissance and strike capabilities, allowing crews to locate and engage targets behind buildings, hills and tree lines while remaining protected inside their vehicles. The upgraded system was showcased ahead of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) exhibition. Four PERCH 2.0 prototypes are scheduled for delivery to the U.S. Army’s 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, at Fort Hood, Texas, by the end of October 2026 for further testing. PERCH 2.0 💥 Our Precision Effects & Reconnaissance, Canister-Housed technology, created in partnership with AV, has been upgraded for 2026. The PERCH common modular kit integrates onto M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 tanks and Stryker vehicles to provide beyond line of sight (BLOS) surveillance and over-the-horizon lethality via AeroVironment Switchblade SB300 loitering munitions. #ThePowerToWin — General Dynamics Land Systems (@GD_LandSystems) October 21, 2026 Design and Upgrades PERCH uses a modular, bolt-on design that requires no cutting or welding of vehicle armour. On the Abrams, it replaces the loader’s sponson box, a storage compartment on the side of the turret, and attaches to existing mounting points. The 2026 version focuses on the smaller Switchblade 300, unlike the original system, which supported both the Switchblade 300 and the larger Switchblade 600, designed for anti-armour missions. The original canister could hold one Switchblade 600 and three Switchblade 300s. Based on Army feedback, PERCH 2.0 includes easier reloading, increased storage space, improved beyond-line-of-sight technology and the ability to launch without opening vehicle hatches. The current version operates independently, while future versions are intended to connect directly to onboard vehicle computer systems. The Army purchased three prototypes under the Abrams System Technical Support contract, with the additions made in August 2026. GDLS funded development of the original system and the first PERCH 2.0 prototype through internal research and development.   Field Testing and Switchblade Capabilities GDLS and AeroVironment first unveiled PERCH at the AUSA exhibition in October 2025. The original system was subsequently tested during the U.S. Army’s Machine Assisted Rugged Sapper (MARS) event at Fort Hood from October 26 to 30, 2025. During the exercise, soldiers launched Switchblade 300 and Switchblade 600 munitions from an Abrams tank to provide forward reconnaissance and target high-value objectives while ground forces conducted a complex obstacle breach. The Switchblade 300 is a tube-launched loitering munition that provides real-time video, can attack targets and can abort and recommit when required. Recent Block 20 configurations offer more than 20 minutes of endurance. The United States began supplying Switchblade munitions to Ukraine in 2022, and the U.S. Army has also ordered them for its own units. PERCH allows armoured crews to deploy the weapons directly from their vehicles instead of relying on dismounted soldiers to launch them.   Future Applications GDLS has identified the Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) and the British Army’s Ajax as potential platforms for adapting PERCH. The U.S. Army is also exploring loitering-munition integration on next-generation armoured vehicles. Both GDLS’s Wolf and American Rheinmetall’s Lynx, the two contenders in the Army’s XM30 programme to replace the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle, offer options for mounting similar drone systems. The planned prototype testing will help the Army evaluate PERCH 2.0’s integration with Abrams tanks and its ability to extend reconnaissance and engagement capabilities while keeping crews protected inside their vehicles.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-22 15:23:40

 U.S 

ATHENS — MSI Defense Solutions has completed the integration of Leonardo LIONFISH 20 remote weapon systems onto former US Coast Guard Island-class patrol cutters being transferred to the Hellenic Navy under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme. The project, administered by the US Coast Guard, upgrades the vessels with modern naval gun systems before their delivery and operational use. The work included structural reinforcement, modifications to turret mounting points, supporting electronics and upgrades to the vessels’ command and control (C2) stations. MSI also conducted engineering assessments and testing to verify the systems’ compatibility, safety and operational readiness.   LIONFISH 20 Weapon System Capabilities The Leonardo LIONFISH 20 is a remotely operated, fully stabilised 20mm naval weapon system designed for accurate engagement without requiring deck penetration. Its gun has an effective range exceeding 2,000 metres and a burst firing rate of up to 1,000 rounds per minute. The system also supports a controlled firing rate of 100 to 300 rounds per minute and can carry up to 250 ready-to-fire rounds. The weapon uses standard 20 × 128mm NATO ammunition and weighs approximately 450kg without ammunition. Its coaxial sensor suite includes a daylight camera capable of detecting targets at up to 9.5 kilometres, an infrared sensor with a stated range of up to 12 kilometres, and a laser rangefinder. A remote-control console allows the crew to conduct surveillance, identify targets and operate the weapon from a protected position inside the vessel. The system is stabilised on two independent axes to support aiming in maritime conditions.   Engineering and Testing Integrating the modern weapon stations onto older Island-class cutters required modifications to existing ship structures and systems. MSI carried out structural load analysis, recoil-force assessments, sea-state modelling and vessel stability calculations to account for the weapons’ weight and operational effects. The company also prepared and conducted installation, integration and testing activities outside the continental United States (OCONUS) to verify system performance and confirm the vessels’ readiness before delivery. Nguyen Trinh, CEO and president of MSI Defense Solutions, said the project builds on the company’s maritime integration work, which began in 2021. He highlighted the technical challenges of installing stabilised remote weapon systems within the structural and spatial limitations of transferred vessels. MSI has supported FMS programmes involving the modernisation of surplus US government maritime assets before their transfer to allied navies. Its work includes remote weapon station integration, ammunition storage, electrical upgrades, structural reinforcement and command-and-control system improvements.   Four Cutters Modernised for the Hellenic Navy Four Island-class patrol cutters were transferred from the US Coast Guard to Greece through the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) programme. They arrived in Greece in 2023 and underwent refit and upgrades at Salamis Shipyards before being commissioned into the Hellenic Navy on 20 January 2025. The vessels were renamed HS Mantouvalos Ioannis (P 197), HS Galanis Georgios (P 198), HS Liaskos Antonios (P 288) and HS Gialopsos Ektoras (P 289). The LIONFISH 20 is installed as their main bow armament. The Island-class cutters measure approximately 33.5 metres in length, have a top speed of around 29 knots and a range of approximately 1,600 nautical miles at 10 knots. They support coastal patrol missions for the Hellenic Navy, with the new weapon systems providing an upgraded capability against surface threats in coastal waters. A US Coast Guard contract awarded to MSI Defense Solutions in December 2023, valued at approximately $9.6 million, covered the purchase and installation of the 20mm weapon systems for the Greek-bound cutters. The systems were manufactured in Italy, and the contract period was subsequently extended. Greece is the first user of the LIONFISH 20 system. The weapon is also installed as a secondary armament on the Hellenic Navy’s new FDI HN frigates, with two mounts per ship. The completed integration gives the transferred patrol vessels an updated remotely operated gun capability while extending MSI Defense Solutions’ work on modernising legacy naval platforms for allied countries.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-22 15:14:01

 U.S 

WASHINGTON, — Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Department of Defense have reached a preliminary 10-year framework agreement to support the production of at least 850 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, alongside spare parts, aircraft modifications and sustainment support for the global fleet. The proposed arrangement covers production Lots 21 through 30 and includes aircraft for U.S. forces and international customers. Lockheed Martin plans to maintain an annual production rate of 156 aircraft under the framework and has committed to investing at least $7 billion of its own funds to support the programme. The agreement aims to reduce production costs, address supply-chain bottlenecks and provide manufacturers and suppliers with greater visibility into future demand. Longer-term planning is expected to help expand production capacity, improve efficiency and strengthen the industrial base supporting the F-35 programme.   Pentagon Links Funding to Production Performance Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael P. Duffey said the agreement reflects a change in how the department supports the defence industrial base. “We have fundamentally changed how we stabilize the American defense industrial base to produce at speed and scale,” Duffey said. He added that linking financial incentives to actual performance would help ensure U.S. forces receive the capabilities they need. Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Jim Taiclet said greater certainty from the government's approach would allow the company to make upfront investments in production capacity, efficiency and supply-chain resilience. The framework also covers initial spare parts, 10 years of modification kits and ongoing sustainment support. By combining aircraft production with longer-term support requirements, the arrangement aims to improve planning for both deliveries and fleet readiness.   Congressional Approval Still Required The 10-year framework is not a final procurement contract or a firm order. Its implementation depends on congressional authorisation for multiyear contracting and the necessary funding appropriations. If Congress grants the required authority in the coming months, the F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin will finalise the contract terms, pricing and delivery schedules before a formal award. The previous production agreement, covering Lots 18 and 19 for 296 aircraft, was finalised in September 2025 at a combined value of $24.3 billion.   F-35 Fleet and Economic Impact More than 1,375 F-35 aircraft are currently fielded worldwide. The aircraft is a central part of Lockheed Martin's aeronautics business and serves U.S. and international operators. Lockheed Martin estimates that the proposed 10-year arrangement could support approximately 317,000 U.S. jobs and generate nearly $79 billion in annual economic activity. The company has identified these figures as internal projections rather than guaranteed outcomes. The framework is intended to provide greater long-term certainty for Lockheed Martin and its suppliers while supporting U.S. and allied requirements for F-35 production, modifications and sustainment.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-22 15:02:22

 U.S 

CAMDEN, Arkansas, — L3Harris Technologies has opened its new Arsenal of Freedom solid rocket motor production facility in Camden, Arkansas, to double its current production capacity for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rocket motors and meet growing demand for tactical missile systems. The 60,000-square-foot plant, located in Highland Industrial Park in East Camden, consolidates GMLRS motor manufacturing operations previously spread across three buildings, reducing the distance motors travel during production by approximately 80 percent. The facility uses advanced automation, robotics and digital manufacturing and can produce one GMLRS solid rocket motor every nine minutes, according to company officials. Production is expected to begin shortly. The project is part of a $216 million cooperative agreement signed in 2023 with the US Department of War under the Defense Production Act Title III programme. The agreement also supports new facilities in Orange County, Virginia, and equipment and digital upgrades at existing facilities in Huntsville, Alabama. The investment is intended to strengthen domestic production and supply chains for GMLRS, Javelin and Stinger missile systems. Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment, said the facility strengthens rocket motor production capacity and supports a resilient, secure supply chain for US forces and allied nations. Ken Bedingfield, president of Missile Solutions at L3Harris, said the plant combines advanced manufacturing technology with skilled workers to increase output while maintaining quality and reliability.   Camden Expansion Supports PAC-3 Production L3Harris’ Camden site covers approximately 2,000 acres and already produces more than 100,000 solid rocket motors annually in different sizes. The company is also developing the Arkansas Advanced Propulsion Facilities campus, where construction began in November 2025. The planned campus will cover approximately 110 acres and include more than 20 buildings. Once completed, it is expected to increase large solid rocket motor production capacity sixfold, with the first buildings targeted for handover to production teams in mid-2027. Two additional facilities are also planned to support PAC-3 interceptor propulsion production. One, measuring approximately 75,000 square feet, will handle casting, curing and final assembly, while another, measuring approximately 70,000 square feet, will support rocket motor case preparation. In October 2026, L3Harris received a $250 million follow-on award from Lockheed Martin for standard-range GMLRS propulsion units, covering the highest quantity in the programme’s history. The motors will be manufactured at the new Arsenal of Freedom facility. An earlier contract covered up to $200 million for GMLRS Insensitive Munition propulsion units.   Multibillion-Dollar Manufacturing Investment The new plant is part of L3Harris’ wider multibillion-dollar expansion programme involving approximately 60 facilities, equipment projects and manufacturing upgrades across Arkansas, California, Virginia and Alabama. The company aims to double, triple or quadruple propulsion production rates across key programmes. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders attended the opening and described Camden as an important defence industry centre. She confirmed that production at the new plant would begin shortly. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton, Representative Bruce Westerman and Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald also welcomed the investment, citing its importance for defence manufacturing and jobs in southern Arkansas. L3Harris has not disclosed a specific annual output target or a detailed timeline for reaching the new facility’s planned capacity. The expansion is intended to increase rocket motor production, strengthen the US defence industrial base and support demand for precision-guided weapons.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-21 15:29:30

 U.S 

WASHINGTON, — Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Army have successfully completed a three-day live-fire demonstration of the Spike Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) missile system launched from an Infantry Squad Vehicle – Utility variant (ISV-U) at Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah. The test marked the first time the missile was fired from this mobile tactical platform. The demonstration involved 17 precision missile engagements against simulated operational targets at different combat ranges. U.S. Army infantry soldiers conducted most of the launches, testing the system's performance in a ground-based tactical environment.   Rapid Training and Infantry Operations According to Lockheed Martin, soldiers completed their initial system training and conducted the live-fire missions within the same week. Units participating in the Army's Transformation-in-Contact (TIC) initiative were among the first to operate the system and provided feedback to help refine the programme's requirements. “This demonstration represents a critical milestone for Spike NLOS, showing that our infantry partners can confidently employ a long-range precision missile,” said Casey Walsh, program director for Lockheed Martin Multi-Domain Missile Systems. He added that live-fire data and soldiers' feedback would help shape final system requirements and accelerate field deployment.   Spike NLOS Missile and Mobile Strike Capability The Spike NLOS is a precision-guided missile developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and offered in the United States by Lockheed Martin. It uses an electro-optical/infrared seeker and a wireless datalink that provides operators with video during flight and allows them to adjust or abort an engagement. Its ground-launched range is approximately 32 kilometres. The ISV-U is a light, air-droppable utility vehicle designed to transport infantry squads. Integrating Spike NLOS onto the vehicle is intended to give the Army's Mobile Brigade Combat Teams a mobile, long-range precision-strike capability against targets beyond direct line of sight, including armoured vehicles, artillery positions and command posts. The effort supports the Army's Mobile-Long-Range Precision-Strike Missile (M-LRPSM) directed requirement, which aims to improve the ability of mobile infantry units to engage high-value targets at extended ranges. The missile is also qualified for use on the U.S. Army's AH-64E Apache helicopter under the Long Range Precision Munitions directed requirement.   Previous Trials and Next Steps Lockheed Martin was selected for Phase 1 of the M-LRPSM competition in August 2025 after a demonstration at Dugway Proving Grounds in which three Spike NLOS missiles hit their targets, including two targets without a direct line of sight. In October 2025, the company received a $30 million Phase 2 award for hardware supporting safety confirmation testing and integration of the missile onto a utility vehicle. Further validation testing with infantry units is planned over the next year. After this phase, the programme is expected to advance to Phase 3, which would begin initial operational production and lead to delivery of final system prototypes to the U.S. Army.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-21 15:19:18

 U.S 

WASHINGTON, — The US Department of Defense has signed a framework agreement with BAE Systems to purchase up to 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guidance kits annually for seven years, as the US military increases its focus on affordable precision weapons, particularly for counter-drone operations. Announced on October 19, 2026, the agreement also provides an option to increase annual production to 35,000 kits to support exports to US allies through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The framework requires formal congressional authorization and funding before the planned purchases can take full effect. The total financial value has not been disclosed, and the Pentagon and BAE Systems are expected to negotiate a finalized multiyear procurement contract.   APKWS Supports Counter-Drone Operations The APKWS converts standard unguided 2.75-inch (70 mm) Hydra rockets into precision laser-guided munitions. The guidance kit is compatible with existing rocket motors, warheads and fuzes, allowing operators to add precision guidance without replacing the entire rocket. The system is used by all four US military services: the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Its missions include counter-drone operations, air-to-surface, surface-to-surface, surface-to-air and air-to-air engagements. APKWS provides a lower-cost alternative to larger guided missiles when engaging certain aerial threats, including drones. Using expensive air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM against relatively inexpensive targets can increase the cost of sustained air defence. APKWS offers another option for engaging suitable threats with precision-guided rockets.   Production Expansion and Supply Chain BAE Systems manufactures APKWS guidance kits at facilities in Hudson, New Hampshire, and Austin, Texas. The company reported delivering its 100,000th APKWS kit in February 2026 and has maintained full-rate production for more than a decade. Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, said the agreement would help maintain production capacity and provide military forces with a steady supply of interceptors. BAE Systems President and CEO Tom Arseneault described the kits as a proven and affordable precision capability for countering evolving threats. The long-term arrangement is intended to give the manufacturer greater certainty about future demand. This can support advance purchases of components, workforce expansion and investment in manufacturing facilities and supply chains, while helping the company respond to increases in demand.   Previous Contract and Allied Demand The new framework builds on an earlier agreement awarded by the US Navy in August 2025, a separate five-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract valued at up to $1.74 billion. That contract covers up to 55,000 APKWS kits for US forces and foreign customers, with work expected to continue through 2031. Under the new framework, annual production could rise from 25,000 to 35,000 kits to accommodate additional allied demand through formal Foreign Military Sales requests. The APKWS program provides the US military and partner nations with a precision-guided option for multiple missions while retaining compatibility with existing rocket components and requiring limited additional training and maintenance.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 16:35:59

 U.S 

WASHINGTON, — The US Department of State has approved a potential $294 million Foreign Military Sale to the Netherlands for advanced missile countermeasure systems and radar warning equipment to improve the protection of Dutch military helicopters. The requested package includes 16 OT-228/U Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM) systems and 38 AN/APR-39E(V)2 radar warning receivers. US defense company Northrop Grumman, based in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, has been designated as the principal contractor.   CIRCM Systems to Protect Dutch Helicopters The lightweight CIRCM system uses directed laser energy to protect helicopters, tilt-rotor aircraft and small fixed-wing aircraft against infrared-guided missiles, including man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). When onboard missile warning systems detect an incoming threat, CIRCM’s optoelectronic unit acquires and tracks the missile before directing modulated laser energy toward its infrared seeker. This disrupts the missile’s tracking mechanism, helping prevent it from accurately targeting the aircraft. The AN/APR-39E(V)2 radar warning receivers will complement this protection by alerting flight crews when their aircraft are exposed to radar targeting, helping address both infrared and radio-frequency threats.   Integration on Chinook and Apache Helicopters The Dutch Ministry of Defense has confirmed that CIRCM will primarily be integrated into the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s CH-47F Chinook transport helicopters as part of its ongoing Chinook modernization program. Delivery and operational deployment are planned for 2028. Software updates are also under development to enable future integration of CIRCM onto the Netherlands’ AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. The upgrade is intended to strengthen aircraft self-protection and improve compatibility with systems used by other NATO allies.   Support Package and Strategic Significance Beyond the main equipment, the proposed sale includes technical assistance, personnel training, nonrecurring engineering, site surveys, transportation, technical documentation, incidental travel, ancillary equipment and long-term logistical and program support. According to the US Department of State, the sale supports American foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the defense capabilities of a NATO ally, improving deterrence and enhancing interoperability with US and allied forces. The Netherlands is assessed as capable of absorbing the equipment and services without difficulty. No offset agreement has been proposed at this stage; any such arrangement would be determined during negotiations between the Netherlands and the contractor. The implementation is not expected to require additional US government or contractor representatives in the Netherlands, affect US defense readiness or alter the basic military balance in the region. The approval follows Dutch efforts to improve helicopter self-protection and modernize its armed forces. The proposed acquisition is intended to strengthen the survivability of Dutch aircraft against evolving missile threats.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 15:23:00

 U.S 

WASHINGTON, — The US Navy has awarded L3Harris Technologies an $876.4 million contract modification to advance the development of its Next Generation Jammer Low Band (NGJ-LB) system for the EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft. The modification, valued at $876,440,942, supports continued engineering and manufacturing development, testing and preparation for future production. The award expands an existing development contract originally valued at approximately $587.4 million in August 2024. Issued under contract N0001924C0061, the cost-plus-incentive-fee modification covers specialized tooling and equipment, system demonstration test article pods, cybersecurity and system security development, logistics, and testing and evaluation software support for the Navy. Work is expected to continue through fiscal year 2031, with Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River, Maryland, overseeing the contract.   Advancing Electronic Warfare Capabilities The NGJ-LB is an externally carried electronic attack system designed to disrupt and degrade enemy radar and communications operating in lower-frequency bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is part of the Navy’s broader effort to augment and eventually replace the ageing AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System, which remains in service on the Growler fleet. The new jammer uses digital software and electronically scanned array technologies to provide greater jamming capability at longer distances. Its modular, open-system architecture is designed to simplify maintenance and allow hardware and software upgrades as threats evolve. Chris Aebli, president of Communications and Spectrum Dominance at L3Harris, said the programme would improve the ability to counter adversaries operating in lower-frequency bands and help aircrews engage threats from safer, extended standoff distances.   US-Australia Cooperation and Contract Funding The NGJ-LB programme is a cooperative effort between the United States and Australia, both of which operate the EA-18G Growler. At the time of the award, the Navy will obligate approximately $3.65 million in fiscal 2026 research and development funds, while the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will contribute approximately $23 million in cooperative funds. About 43 per cent of the contract work will take place in Salt Lake City, Utah, and approximately 14.8 per cent in Hollywood, Alabama. Additional work will be carried out in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Colorado, California, New York, Texas and Australia, which accounts for approximately 3.4 per cent of the work.   Mid-Band Jammer Has Entered Production The Navy is developing its Next Generation Jammer in separate increments for different frequency bands. While the NGJ-LB remains in the engineering and manufacturing development phase, the mid-band system, AN/ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band, developed by RTX’s Raytheon, has already entered production. The mid-band programme achieved Milestone C in 2021, allowing it to move into production and deployment. Following a third low-rate initial production contract in March 2023, the first production pods were delivered to the fleet in July 2023. A high-band increment is also planned as part of the broader programme. L3Harris previously received a contract in 2020 for NGJ-LB design and prototype work and has delivered prototype and test articles under earlier contracts.   Testing and Future Deployment Testing of the low-band jammer will continue as the Navy works toward its planned delivery schedule. L3Harris will also maintain support for the existing AN/ALQ-99 system to ensure fleet readiness while the new capability undergoes development and testing. The NGJ-LB is intended to give US and Australian Growler crews improved electronic attack capabilities against lower-frequency radar and communications systems. Its modular design is also intended to support future technology integration and upgrades as operational requirements change.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 15:14:54

 U.S 

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas, — The U.S. Air Force has awarded a $332.8 million contract to Enlighten IT Consulting LLC, a subsidiary of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), to improve military cyber defense through better collection, processing, storage and sharing of network data. The Department of War announced the $332,830,519 firm-fixed-price contract on October 19, 2026. Awarded on September 30 following a competitive process that received seven offers, the contract is scheduled to run through September 30, 2032. Work will be performed at locations inside and outside the continental United States.   Integration of Military Cyber Defense Systems Under contract FA8307-26-C-B015, Enlighten IT will provide an enterprise service solution to improve interoperability between the Air Force’s Integrated Defensive Cyber System (IDCS) and the Joint Cyber Warfighting Architecture (JCWA) used by U.S. Cyber Command. The work will connect IDCS with the JCWA’s Common Runtime Stack for Data, which supports data transport, storage and analytics at the network edge. The system is intended to help cyber defense teams collect and analyze network information closer to where sensors gather it, rather than sending all data to a central location. This approach will support faster analysis of network activity and allow military cyber units to share information through a common framework, helping operators identify and respond to potential intrusions. The system will also support U.S. Space Force cyber defense operations, with funding allocated from both Air Force and Space Force budgets.   Funding and Contract Management The contract is funded through fiscal year 2026 Air Force operations and maintenance, research and development, test and evaluation funds, alongside corresponding Space Force operations and maintenance and research, development, test and evaluation funds. The Department of War announcement did not specify the amount obligated at the time of award. The Air Force acquired the service through a Commercial Solutions Opening on the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace, a Department of War platform designed to accelerate the adoption of commercial technologies through a streamlined procurement process that can include video-based submissions. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, based at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, is managing the contract.   Enlighten IT’s Previous Cyber Defense Work Enlighten IT Consulting, based in Columbia, Maryland, became part of HII through the defense contractor’s acquisition of Alion Science and Technology. The company has previously supported several military cyber programs. In 2025, it secured a $53 million contract to support the JCWA’s Common Runtime Stack for Data and its Rapid Analytic Deployment and Management Framework. Enlighten IT has also worked on the Air Force’s Integrated Defensive Cyber System data fabric and the development of the Joint Cyber Command and Control system. The new contract expands the company’s role in military cyber infrastructure, focusing on connecting defensive systems and improving how the Air Force and Space Force process and share data to protect their networks.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 15:02:43

 U.S 

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama, — Cummings Aerospace has successfully demonstrated the vehicle-based launch and simultaneous control of two 3D-Printed Hellhound S3 jet-powered drones using a new multi-pack launcher mounted on a Polaris utility vehicle. The test took place on August 25, 2026, at the Pendleton UAS Range in Oregon, and the company announced the results on October 12. During the demonstration, a company engineer launched two drones sequentially, with less than 90 seconds between launches. Both carried inert payloads and followed different preprogrammed autonomous flight paths at varying speeds. A single operator used a handheld fire control system to monitor both drones in real time, with the ability to adjust or abort either mission. The operator programmed the drones’ flight paths, altitudes and waypoints before launch. Cummings Aerospace reported that the test met all its primary objectives. The demonstration marked several firsts for the Hellhound S3 programme: its first vehicle-based launch after more than a dozen man-portable tests, the first use of the new launcher designed to hold up to eight drones, the first sequential ripple-fire launch, and the first simultaneous control of multiple Hellhounds by one operator.   Hellhound S3 Capabilities The Hellhound S3 is a compact, approximately baseball-bat-sized drone weighing around 6 kilograms (13 pounds). Powered by a turbojet engine, it can fly more than 60 kilometres (37 miles) at speeds of up to 618 km/h (384 mph). The system uses 3D-printed components and commercially available electronics to support rapid, lower-cost manufacturing. Cummings Aerospace says it can produce more than 100 units per month. The S3 features a modular payload system with four interchangeable mission modules: armour-piercing, blast-fragmentation, electronic warfare and decoy. The modules can be changed in under two minutes without tools. Depending on its configuration, the drone can serve as a loitering munition, precision-guided weapon, one-way attack drone or counter-drone interceptor. In its man-portable configuration, the drone, launch canister and ground controller weigh less than 11 kilograms (25 pounds) combined, allowing a single soldier to carry the system. Cummings Aerospace CEO Sheila Cummings said the system would allow one soldier using a single fire control system to deploy multiple Hellhounds against separate targets, increasing the capabilities of a small operational unit.   Launcher Development and Future Testing The new multi-pack launcher can hold up to eight Hellhound S3 drones. Designed to be lifted by two personnel, it can be integrated into different crewed and uncrewed military vehicles. Cummings Aerospace plans further salvo-launch tests, including demonstrations from uncrewed ground vehicles and uncrewed surface vessels at sea. The company has not announced any official military production orders following the recent test.   Larger Hellhound S4 Variant Cummings Aerospace is also developing the Hellhound S4, a larger variant first unveiled at SOF Week in 2025. The tube-launched drone measures 1.47 metres (58 inches) in length and weighs approximately 20 kilograms (45 pounds) in its canister. It is designed to reach targets 130 to 140 kilometres (81 to 87 miles) away and remain airborne for more than 1.5 hours. The company is positioning the S4 as a potential low-cost cruise missile alternative and a surveillance asset for the US military’s Golden Dome missile defence programme. Founded in 2009, Cummings Aerospace is a Native American woman-owned defence company based in Huntsville, Alabama. The latest demonstration advances the Hellhound S3’s development from man-portable operations to vehicle-based deployment, with further launcher integration and testing planned.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 14:36:26

 U.S 

PACIFIC OCEAN, — The US Navy has demonstrated its ability to remotely command an MQ-25A Stingray unmanned aerial refueling aircraft from an aircraft carrier more than 2,100 miles (3,379 kilometres) away, marking a step forward in integrating unmanned aircraft into carrier operations. During a preliminary sea trial on October 19, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) established a beyond-line-of-sight connection with an MQ-25A test aircraft at Boeing’s facility in Mascoutah, Illinois. The connection used a proliferated low-Earth-orbit (pLEO) satellite network. The aircraft remained at the Illinois facility and was not launched from the carrier. The Navy did not specify whether the drone was airborne during the test.   MD-5C System Enables Remote Control Operators aboard USS Ronald Reagan used the ship’s Unmanned Air Warfare Center and MD-5C Ground Control Station to establish and exercise command and control of the aircraft. The MD-5C combines the Navy’s command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) network with Lockheed Martin’s MDCX hardware and software, along with other government-developed equipment. The demonstration focused on validating the satellite connection and command-and-control capabilities rather than conducting flight operations from the carrier. USS Ronald Reagan is the second US aircraft carrier equipped with an operational Unmanned Air Warfare Center. The first was installed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in March 2026. Installation and integration of the MD-5C system aboard Ronald Reagan were completed in August 2026, following 11 concurrent ship modifications carried out over 17 months during a scheduled maintenance period.   MQ-25A to Extend Carrier Aircraft Range The MQ-25A Stingray is the US Navy’s first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft, designed primarily for aerial refueling. By taking over tanker duties, it is intended to allow F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters to concentrate on strike missions while flying farther and remaining airborne longer. The aircraft is designed to deliver fuel at distances of several hundred nautical miles from the carrier. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao highlighted the aircraft’s role in extending the operational range and endurance of Super Hornets. Capt. Daniel Fucito, PMA-268 program manager, said the first underway connection between a carrier’s Unmanned Air Warfare Center and an MQ-25A demonstrated progress toward the Navy’s future carrier air wing.   Testing and Future Deployment The October 19 demonstration was part of a series of exercises to validate the procedures, networks and system interfaces needed to operate unmanned aircraft safely. The PMA-268 Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System team conducted the work alongside the MQ-25 Integrated Test Team, which includes personnel from the US Navy, Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Earlier pier-side and at-sea tests had also been conducted. The Navy’s MQ-25A program currently calls for 76 aircraft, with an estimated total cost of $13 billion. Boeing is expected to deliver the first operational aircraft in 2029. The MD-5C control system and satellite connection are key elements of the Navy’s planned Air Wing of the Future, which aims to integrate unmanned aircraft more extensively into routine carrier operations. The latest test demonstrated remote command-and-control capability over a long distance, although it did not involve launching or recovering the aircraft from the carrier.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 14:16:58

 U.S 

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, New Mexico, — Lockheed Martin is moving its Extended-Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (ER GMLRS) into production after the US Army granted Milestone C approval, following successful soldier-led operational tests in September and October. The company announced the progress on October 19, 2026, marking the transition from development and testing toward manufacturing and military fielding.   ER GMLRS Extends Range to 150 Kilometers The ER GMLRS is designed to strike targets at distances of up to 150 kilometers, more than twice the approximately 70-kilometer range of the standard GMLRS. It achieves the extended range through an enlarged rocket motor and uses GPS-aided inertial guidance for precision targeting. During operational tests at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, US soldiers fired multiple rockets in succession from an M270A2 launcher. Both the Unitary Warhead and Alternative Warhead variants successfully completed their flight tests. The Unitary Warhead uses high explosives against specific targets, such as buildings and military installations, while the Alternative Warhead uses fragmentation against targets spread across wider areas. Earlier tests in late 2025 and early 2026 demonstrated performance beyond 100 kilometers, including a 112-kilometer flight from a HIMARS launcher at White Sands Missile Range.   Compatible With Existing Launchers The extended-range rockets are compatible with the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and tracked M270 launchers, allowing operators to add longer-range capability without purchasing new launch vehicles. Sabrina Barnes, vice president of Lockheed Martin Precision Fires Rockets, said: “The value of ER GMLRS is not only the additional range. It is the ability to add capability within an existing precision fires architecture – an approach that provides a common foundation for U.S. and international operators.”   Production and Deployment Lockheed Martin is expanding manufacturing capacity and strengthening its supply chains to meet anticipated demand. However, the company has not announced specific production targets, delivery schedules or a confirmed operational deployment date. The programme began as an engineering change proposal for the existing GMLRS family and progressed through system qualification and operational testing. Lockheed Martin continues to manufacture GMLRS rockets at facilities supporting its precision-fires production line. ER GMLRS will join the company’s precision-fires portfolio, which includes standard GMLRS, the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). These weapons serve different range and mission requirements while sharing elements of a common launcher ecosystem. The programme comes as the United States and its international partners increase investment in artillery rockets and precision-guided munitions.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 14:00:53

 U.S 

WASHINGTON,  — The United States is considering military strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub to pressure Tehran into making concessions on its nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by UAE-based outlet Erem News, citing American diplomatic sources close to senior White House officials. US President Donald Trump has reportedly discussed the options with senior advisers from the War Department and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The discussions come ahead of the US midterm elections on November 3, 2026. However, no final decision to attack the island’s oil infrastructure has been reported.   Kharg Island’s Strategic Importance Located approximately 25 to 30 kilometres off Iran’s coast in the Persian Gulf, Kharg Island handles around 90 per cent of the country’s oil exports. Its facilities include storage tanks, pipelines and tanker-loading terminals, with estimated storage capacity of around 30 million barrels. The island serves as a major export point for crude oil shipments, particularly to Asian markets. US military options reportedly include precision strikes on oil storage tanks, pipelines and loading facilities, as well as military installations on the island and at other locations in Iran. The objective would be to increase economic and military pressure on Tehran and influence its negotiating position.   Previous Strikes and Regional Tensions Earlier in 2026, US forces struck military targets on Kharg Island while leaving its oil facilities intact. Trump acknowledged the operation on social media and warned that oil infrastructure could be targeted in future. In August, an Iranian oil tanker was reportedly struck by a US projectile approximately four miles from the island’s anchorage. The latest discussions could mark a significant escalation if Washington moves from targeting military installations to attacking Iran’s main oil export infrastructure.   Nuclear Talks and Strait of Hormuz Negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain stalled. The United States is seeking concessions on Iran’s nuclear program and guarantees of free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has sought a ceasefire across regional fronts, the release of frozen assets and an end to US military and economic pressure before reopening the waterway. Mediation efforts involving Qatari intermediaries have not produced an agreement. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy route through which oil and liquefied natural gas shipments travel. Disruptions could affect international energy supplies, shipping and prices. On October 8, Trump publicly said the United States would not attack Iran before the midterm elections and described diplomatic contacts as productive. Separately, reports indicated that the Pentagon had directed US Central Command to prepare for possible major operations against Iranian energy infrastructure, other infrastructure and nuclear targets. Iranian actions affecting commercial shipping in the strait have continued in recent weeks.   Potential Economic and Military Impact A strike on Kharg Island’s oil facilities could significantly reduce Iran’s export capacity and government revenue. It could also affect global energy markets and increase the risk of Iranian retaliation against regional energy infrastructure or commercial shipping. For now, the reported discussions indicate that Washington is examining additional military options while diplomatic disagreements remain unresolved. Whether the United States proceeds with strikes will depend on decisions by the Trump administration and developments in negotiations with Iran.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-19 16:27:30

 U.S 

WASHINGTON,  — The U.S. Army has ordered 385 additional FD-1 drone interceptors from Florida-based Mountain Horse Solutions, expanding its acquisition of the system following operational evaluations and upgrades based on soldiers’ feedback. The Army’s Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD) awarded the contract on October 8, 2026, under an Other Transaction Agreement. The company announced the award on October 12. According to statements at the AUSA 2026 exhibition, the initial order covered 300 systems, bringing the total across both orders to 685. The contract value has not been disclosed, and deliveries are scheduled to continue through November 2026. The FD-1 is already fielded with Army units.   FD-1 Capabilities and Performance Developed by Mountain Horse Solutions, a subsidiary of Global Ordnance based in Sarasota, Florida, the FD-1 is a compact, man-portable unmanned aircraft system designed for aerial interception and ground-attack missions. It can engage Group 1 to Group 3 and larger unmanned aircraft, from small quadcopters to platforms weighing several hundred kilograms, as well as ground targets such as armored vehicles. The interceptor cruises at approximately 72 km/h (45 mph) and exceeds 165 mph (265 km/h) during its terminal attack phase. Testing has reportedly recorded speeds above 314 km/h (195 mph). Its range is approximately 6 kilometres with FPV goggles and a controller, extending beyond 20 kilometres with an external tripod-mounted antenna. The system uses a digital first-person-view (FPV) camera and Pixel-Lock terminal guidance, allowing the operator to visually identify and lock onto a target before the system continues its final approach. It also features frequency switching and a low radio-frequency cross-section to support operations in electronic warfare environments. A single soldier can set up, arm and launch the interceptor in under two minutes. It can operate independently or integrate with existing detection and tracking systems. The company says a human authorizes every shot and the operator maintains positive control throughout the engagement. Payload options include C4, binary energetics and fragmentation packages, with associated munitions supporting proximity, command or impact detonation.   Testing, Upgrades and Future Plans The FD-1 won first prize in the U.S. Army’s xTech Counter Strike competition in November 2025. It has been evaluated by G-TEAD, the 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade and the Army Test and Evaluation Command, which has completed its technical review. Mountain Horse Solutions reports 13 hardware upgrades, including thermal cameras and improvements to range and endurance. The company says it incorporated soldiers’ feedback and delivered upgrades within five weeks of operational assessments. G-TEAD uses Accelerated Capability Events to move technologies from concept to transition within 180 days, and the FD-1 programme has remained within that timeline. The 409th Contracting Support Brigade supported the awards. Company president Bill Allen said the process allowed rapid improvements without waiting for traditional requirements cycles. Mountain Horse Solutions says it can increase production to meet additional U.S. Army orders and potential demand from allied and partner nations. A further assessment focused on ground-strike missions is planned with the Army’s 10th Mountain Division.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-19 16:17:03