U.S 

PASCAGOULA, Miss., — The U.S. Navy has awarded Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) a $99.1 million contract modification to conduct sea trials and system testing for the Zumwalt-class destroyer USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002), which is being upgraded to carry hypersonic missiles. Announced by HII on October 19, the modification increases the ceiling of an existing contract. Approximately 95 percent of the work will take place at HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding facility in Pascagoula, Mississippi, with completion scheduled for October 2028. The Navy obligated approximately $59.3 million from fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2026 shipbuilding and conversion funds at the time of the award.   Sea Trials Follow Modernization Work Built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Maine, the USS Lyndon B. Johnson was christened in April 2019 and arrived at Ingalls Shipbuilding in January 2022 for combat-system installation, activation and testing. It entered dry dock in January 2025 to begin installation of the large missile tubes required for its modernization. Brian Blanchette, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding, said the award reflects the Navy's confidence in the shipyard's ability to conduct essential testing and sea trials under the service's phased delivery approach. “Our shipbuilders are proud to help deliver DDG 1002 and prepare her for future fleet operations,” Blanchette said. Sea trials test a warship's propulsion, steering, combat systems and other equipment under operating conditions before delivery. Although earlier Navy statements targeted commissioning around 2027, the current contract schedules completion of the work for October 2028.   Hypersonic Missile System Replaces Original Guns The modernization includes integration of the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) hypersonic weapon system, making the USS Lyndon B. Johnson the Navy's second CPS-equipped platform after USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000). The Zumwalt-class ships were originally designed with two 155 mm Advanced Gun Systems for land-attack missions. However, the Navy cancelled the specialised ammunition for these guns in 2016 because of its high cost and later decided to replace the guns with CPS missile launch tubes. The conversion involves four large-diameter launch tubes in the original forward gun positions. Each tube accommodates three missiles, giving the destroyer a total capacity of 12 CPS missiles. The weapon is designed to travel faster than Mach 5 and reach targets thousands of kilometres away. CPS uses a common hypersonic glide body shared with the U.S. Army's Dark Eagle long-range hypersonic weapon programme, providing a shared technical foundation for the Navy's sea-based and Army's land-based systems.   Zumwalt-Class Fleet Upgrade The USS Zumwalt, the lead ship of the class, completed its conversion and builder's sea trials in January 2026 after nearly three years of work at Ingalls. The second ship, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), is scheduled to receive CPS during a future shipyard period. Zumwalt-class destroyers feature an integrated electric propulsion system, a wave-piercing tumblehome hull and a stealth-oriented design intended to reduce radar visibility. Their planned missions include deterrence, power projection, sea control and command and control. The hypersonic upgrade is intended to add long-range strike capability to these stealth destroyers. The USS Lyndon B. Johnson must complete its testing and sea trials as part of the Navy's phased delivery process, with the current contract work scheduled to finish in October 2028.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-19 15:50:52

 U.S 

YUMA, Arizona, — L3Harris Technologies and the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command’s Systems Integration Management Office have completed the first flight demonstration of the Red Wolf air-launched effect from an MH-60 helicopter. Conducted in Yuma, Arizona, the test was announced on October 13, 2026, validating launch-system compatibility and the vehicle’s flight characteristics. The demonstration opens a pathway for integrating Red Wolf with UH-60 Black Hawks and other H-60 variants. The system has previously been tested on fixed-wing aircraft, ground-based launchers and U.S. Marine Corps helicopters, including the AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom.   Red Wolf Capabilities and Specifications Red Wolf is a turbojet-powered, long-range precision-strike vehicle belonging to L3Harris’ Wolf Pack family. It measures approximately 1.8 metres (six feet) in length, weighs around 115 kilograms (250 pounds) and carries a payload of approximately 11 kilograms (25 pounds). Its fold-out wings and fins support flight at low altitude. According to the supplied specifications, Red Wolf has a range exceeding 200 nautical miles (approximately 370 kilometres) and an endurance of more than 60 minutes. It supports beyond-line-of-sight communications, autonomous over-the-horizon engagements and in-flight retargeting. Multiple vehicles can collaborate and share targeting data. The system can be launched from helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, unmanned systems and ground platforms. Its modular design accommodates different payloads for kinetic strikes or electronic warfare. An optional parachute recovery system allows potential recovery and reuse in certain configurations. The Wolf Pack family also includes Green Wolf, which is designed for electronic warfare and other non-kinetic missions. L3Harris has described Red Wolf unit costs of approximately $300,000 to $500,000, depending on configuration, and is expanding production capacity to meet potential demand.   Previous Tests and Marine Corps Contract In January 2026, the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command selected L3Harris to develop, test and manufacture Red Wolf systems under the Marine Corps’ Precision Attack Strike Munition programme. The approximately $86 million contract includes systems, training and support equipment for the AH-1Z, with deliveries scheduled by the end of fiscal year 2027. Earlier tests included low-altitude launches from AH-1Z helicopters, including a successful engagement of a sea-based target over the Atlantic Test Range in 2025. According to L3Harris, the October 2026 MH-60 demonstration brings the total number of Wolf Pack flight demonstrations to 60.   Longer-Range Strikes and Helicopter Survivability The integration could give Army special operations aviation units, including those operating MH-60 helicopters in support of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, another option for engaging targets from greater distances. Similar capabilities could support Marine Corps operations across maritime and island environments, particularly in the Pacific, where long distances between islands complicate military operations. The development also reflects growing concerns about threats from first-person-view (FPV) drones and short-range air defences. Combat in Ukraine has demonstrated the risks to helicopters operating near the front line, increasing interest in weapons that can be launched from farther away. Russia has pursued long-range air-launched weapons as well. The supplied information identifies the Dan-T as a jet-powered missile reportedly capable of reaching targets up to 450 kilometres away and intended for use from aircraft and helicopters. However, its specifications and direct comparability with Red Wolf require independent verification. The first MH-60 demonstration confirms progress in adapting Red Wolf to the special operations Black Hawk variant. Further integration work is planned for standard UH-60 Black Hawks and other H-60 aircraft. The test does not, by itself, confirm operational deployment or completed integration across the entire helicopter family.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-18 15:52:28

 U.S 

WASHINGTON, — The U.S. Navy has launched a market research effort to assess domestic shipyard capacity for its next-generation nuclear-powered attack submarine, designated SSN(X). The initiative aims to identify facilities, equipment, workforce and infrastructure capable of supporting the submarine's construction. The Sources Sought Notice (N00135-27-SSNX) was issued under Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) by the Director of Submarine Programs (DSP), the Director of Design and Construction (D, D&C), and the SSN(X) New Attack Submarine Program Office (PMS 351). Published on October 9, 2026, the notice was intended for market research and planning, not a contract award or formal request for proposals. Responses were due October 15 through the Department of Defense Secure Access File Exchange (DoD SAFE).   Shipyard Requirements The Navy is seeking information on shipyards' ability to perform complete pressure hull fabrication, modular outfitting, precision systems integration, nuclear reactor compartment installation, post-delivery testing and final certification. The assessment also covers certified graving or floating drydocks, heavy-module fabrication facilities, specialized tooling, gantry cranes and heavy-lift equipment, as well as the availability of qualified shipbuilding design personnel. The applicable industry classification is NAICS 336611, Ship Building and Repairing. The assessment focuses on the existing U.S. nuclear-submarine industrial base, which includes General Dynamics Electric Boat, with facilities in Groton, Connecticut, and Quonset Point, Rhode Island, and Huntington Ingalls Industries' Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia. Both organizations build Virginia-class attack submarines and support the wider nuclear-submarine construction effort. Electric Boat is the Virginia-class program's prime contractor. The notice does not select a shipyard for SSN(X).   SSN(X) Program and Planned Capabilities The SSN(X) is intended to succeed the Virginia and Seawolf classes. Planned improvements include greater speed, increased horizontal payload capacity, vertical launch systems for cruise missiles, improved acoustic and other signatures, higher operational availability, and better coordination with unmanned underwater vehicles and off-board sensors. Design work remains ongoing. Production has been projected to begin around 2034, with entry into service expected in the early to mid-2040s.   Industrial Capacity, Timeline and Cost The Navy's submarine industrial base is already supporting Virginia-class attack submarine production and the higher-priority Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarine program. The Navy aims to increase production to at least two Virginia-class submarines and one Columbia-class submarine annually. The SSN(X) assessment will help determine what additional infrastructure, assembly space, equipment and workforce capacity may be needed without disrupting existing construction programs. The Navy's FY2025 budget submission shifted procurement of the first SSN(X) from fiscal year 2035 to FY2040 because of competing funding priorities and industrial-base constraints. The FY2027 budget request for the program is approximately $315 million, around $121 million below earlier expectations. FY2026 research and development funding requests included support for class development and next-generation nuclear propulsion work. Estimated unit costs are between $6.7 billion and $8.0 billion, potentially making SSN(X) significantly more expensive than the Virginia class. Final costs and timelines remain subject to design development, funding and industrial capacity. The Sources Sought Notice is an early planning step to assess whether U.S. shipyards can accommodate the next-generation submarine alongside ongoing construction programs. It does not constitute a construction contract or confirm the final shipyard arrangement.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-17 13:55:47

 U.S 

LOS ANGELES, — The U.S. Army has selected defense startup Furientis as one of four companies for an interceptor shoot-off scheduled for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2027. The competition aims to identify a second missile for the Army’s Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 (IFPC Inc 2) air defense system. Furientis co-founder and CEO Brody Franzen announced the selection, describing it as a downselect ahead of a fly-off expected before the fiscal year ends on September 30, 2027. The other three companies selected for this parallel competition have not been disclosed.   IFPC Inc 2 Seeks a Second Interceptor IFPC Inc 2 is designed to protect military bases and troops against cruise missiles, drones, rockets and artillery. Its truck-mounted Enduring Shield launcher, manufactured by Leidos subsidiary Dynetics, currently fires RTX’s ground-launched AIM-9X Sidewinder missile. The Army wants a second interceptor capable of defeating fast, low-flying cruise missiles while supporting production in larger quantities. The formal competition is progressing separately, with Lockheed Martin and a Boeing-Anduril team entering the demonstration phase in September 2026. Rafael’s U.S. subsidiary was not selected to advance. The Army is seeking a missile with range and lethality comparable to the AIM-120D Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), while retaining the dimensions of the AIM-9X to preserve the Enduring Shield launcher’s 18-missile capacity. Boeing-Anduril has proposed a new design featuring an open architecture and Anduril-developed solid rocket motors.   Army Opens a Parallel Competition At the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) conference, Lt. Gen. Frank Lozano, the Army’s portfolio acquisition executive for fires, announced a parallel route for companies that missed the initial selection but continued developing their interceptor designs. These companies are invited to bring their missiles to a test range in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2027. Furientis was selected through this initiative, which allows the Army to evaluate additional designs alongside the primary competition.   Furientis Focuses on Mass Production Founded in 2025 by Brody Franzen and Aris Simsarian, both former engineers at Virgin Orbit and Castelion, Furientis develops interceptors designed for low-cost, large-scale production. The company builds its own seekers, rocket motors and airframes. Its multimodal seekers use commercial off-the-shelf electronics, while its proprietary solid rocket motor is designed to be poured. Furientis reports a final assembly time of approximately 30 minutes per interceptor and conducts prototype flight tests roughly every two weeks. It has stated a production target of about 1,000 interceptors per factory annually, with unit costs intended to be well below those of traditional systems.   Funding and Government Contract Furientis emerged from stealth in May 2026 with a $5 million pre-seed funding round. On October 6, it announced a $25 million seed round led by Benchmark, with general partner Chetan Puttagunta joining its board. The company also announced its first funded government contract, a prototyping agreement with the U.S. Department of War to develop a 100-mile-range interceptor for homeland defense. The contract value was not disclosed.   Recent Flight Tests and Launcher Development Furientis recently conducted its first horizontal flight test on a government range for the Army’s low-cost interceptor effort. At AUSA, the company also presented a containerized launcher developed with Rheinmetall for the Army’s Common Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher program. A live interceptor firing involving a containerized launch module mounted on a Rheinmetall HX-based platform was conducted earlier in fall 2026.   Preparing for the 2027 Shoot-Off Franzen credited the Army’s Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Fires and its defensive fires team, led by Brig. Gen. Guy Yelverton, with supporting nontraditional defense companies and accelerating development. Furientis is expanding its workforce in mechanical engineering, optics, flight software, and guidance, navigation and control (GNC) as it prepares for the 2027 competition. The parallel shoot-off will give the Army additional interceptor designs to evaluate alongside the Lockheed Martin and Boeing-Anduril effort. The competition is intended to help the service assess further options for cruise missile defense while addressing its requirements for production capacity and interceptor performance.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-17 13:38:44

 U.S 

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., — The U.S. Air Force has successfully demonstrated in-flight tactical control of an Anduril YFQ-44A Fury Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) by an F-22 Raptor pilot. Conducted during the week of October 5, the test marks progress in integrating autonomous aircraft with crewed fighters.   F-22 Pilot Directs Fury Drone in Flight Both aircraft took off from Edwards Air Force Base, California, and joined up in flight. The F-22 pilot then transmitted an updated mission plan to the YFQ-44A through a tactical data link. Rather than remotely controlling the drone, the pilot acted as an airborne “quarterback,” issuing high-level tactical commands. The YFQ-44A’s onboard autonomous software interpreted the instructions and independently performed dynamic flight maneuvers and simulated combat tasks. This approach allows pilots to focus on mission objectives while autonomous aircraft manage the flight actions needed to carry out assigned tasks.   Air Force Leadership Highlights Teaming Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink said the achievement demonstrates the value of military-industry cooperation in delivering new capabilities. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach highlighted the operational advantages of crewed-uncrewed teaming, stating, “We must test often, learn fast and give commanders what they need, when they need it.” The demonstration involved personnel from the 412th Test Wing, 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, 309th Software Engineering Group, Experimental Operations Unit, F-22 System Program Office, and CCA Software Autonomy and Teaming Branch.   YFQ-44A Part of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft Program The YFQ-44A Fury is one of two designs selected for the first increment of the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. The other is the General Atomics YFQ-42A. The program aims to develop affordable, adaptable autonomous and semi-autonomous aircraft that operate alongside crewed fighters. These aircraft are intended to extend operational reach, improve situational awareness and support the survivability of U.S. airpower in contested environments. The F-22 is serving as an initial platform for testing autonomous wingmen.   Further Testing Planned Before Operational Deployment The Air Force will use data from the demonstration to guide software development, further testing and future operating concepts. However, the test does not mean the YFQ-44A is ready for operational deployment. Further evaluation will be required, including software refinement and testing a pilot’s ability to manage multiple drones. The Air Force must also establish production capacity to meet its fleet targets. The service aims to field 500 combat-ready, semi-autonomous Increment 1 CCAs by 2032, as part of a planned fleet of approximately 1,000 or more aircraft. The next planned milestone is Exercise Emerald Flag in December 2026, where the YFQ-44A Fury and General Atomics YFQ-42A are scheduled to participate in a large-force exercise integrating autonomous aircraft.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-17 13:24:30

 U.S 

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., — The U.S. military is advancing plans to build a permanent $4 billion headquarters for U.S. Space Command at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, with operational readiness targeted for December 2031. The Command and Control Facility (C2F) will occupy a 64-acre site and accommodate approximately 1,800 personnel. The complex is planned to cover around 700,000 to 800,000 square feet, housing command-and-control infrastructure, secure communications networks, a dedicated data center and facilities for classified operations. The facility will incorporate electromagnetic pulse (EMP) protection, including high-altitude EMP hardening, radio-frequency shielding, redundant power and utility systems, and resilient communications infrastructure. It will also include Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs), Special Access Program spaces, and integrated command, control, communications, computers and intelligence systems.   Contractor Selection and Construction Timeline The Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC), working with Army Contracting Command on behalf of U.S. Space Command, is preparing to select a U.S.-based design-build contractor. The contract will cover design, construction, equipment installation, commissioning, accreditation and fixtures, furniture and equipment. The estimated $4 billion contract has not yet been awarded. Selection criteria include experience with large-scale projects, bonding capacity, Top Secret facility security clearance and compliance with cybersecurity standards. Responses to the formal challenge statement are listed as due December 15, 2026, subject to confirmation against the latest procurement notice. The project uses Other Transaction Authority (OTA) to accelerate delivery and aims to reduce traditional military construction timelines by roughly half. Groundbreaking is targeted for around September 2027, mission-ready occupancy for 2031 and full personnel relocation for approximately 2032. Parsons Corporation received an $85 million agreement in September 2026 to serve as the owner's advisor, providing program and construction management support through planning, design, construction and the transition to operations.   Relocation from Colorado Springs The decision to establish the permanent headquarters at Redstone Arsenal was finalized in September 2025 following years of site evaluations and political debate. The relocation will move the headquarters from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Huntsville. More than 140 staff members were working at interim facilities at Redstone Arsenal by early September 2026. The workforce is expected to reach approximately 200 by year-end 2026 and around 900 personnel, or half the headquarters workforce, by the end of 2028. The joint operations center will remain in Colorado until the new facility is completed. An Air Force environmental review found no significant impacts associated with developing the proposed site. Local officials and the command's transition office have begun preparations for the incoming workforce. Redstone Arsenal already hosts the Missile Defense Agency, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and other Army and intelligence organizations. Funding for the relocation has supported interim secure digital infrastructure, planning and design, with additional budget requests supporting the wider move. The $4 billion estimate covers design, construction, equipment and associated requirements. The permanent headquarters will consolidate operations currently spread across multiple buildings and support orbital monitoring, satellite protection and coordination of responses to emerging space threats. The project reflects the U.S. Department of Defense's growing focus on space as a military domain.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-16 15:35:57

 U.S 

MARIETTA, Georgia, — The U.S. Navy has received its first C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft from Lockheed Martin for conversion into the E-130J Phoenix II, the service’s next-generation aircraft for the Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) nuclear communications mission. The aircraft was handed over at Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Marietta, Georgia. It is the first of three C-130J-30 aircraft acquired by the Navy in September 2024 and will undergo modifications to replace the aging E-6B Mercury fleet.   E-130J to Maintain Nuclear Communications The TACAMO mission provides secure, survivable communications between the U.S. president, the secretary of defense, U.S. Strategic Command and the Navy’s deployed ballistic missile submarines. The capability allows national leadership to transmit instructions to submarines, including during crises when ground-based communications networks are disrupted. The Navy has relied on the Boeing 707-based E-6B Mercury for more than three decades. The E-130J is intended to take over the mission with updated avionics, communications systems and survivability features. The C-130J-30 extended-fuselage aircraft was selected for its range, payload capacity and fuel efficiency. Capt. Roger Davis, program manager for the Navy’s Airborne Strategic Command, Control, and Communications program office (PMA-271), said the delivery establishes the foundation for the future strategic deterrence posture and reflects cooperation between the Navy, Lockheed Martin and industry partners.   Northrop Grumman to Integrate Mission Systems Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor and mission systems integrator under a contract worth approximately $3.46 billion awarded in December 2024. The company will modify the government-furnished C-130J-30 airframes and install and test the specialized equipment. The industry team also includes Collins Aerospace, Raytheon, Crescent Systems and Long Wave. Collins Aerospace will supply the Very Low Frequency (VLF) communications system, which supports authenticated communications with submarines operating beneath the ocean’s surface, allowing them to receive messages without surfacing. After post-delivery processing, the aircraft will undergo mission-system modifications, ground testing, developmental flight testing and certification before operational deployment. Trish Pagan, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions business, described the handover as a milestone for the Navy and the nation’s strategic communications network.   Hercules Returns to the TACAMO Mission The Phoenix II name refers to the Navy’s previous use of the EC-130Q Hercules for TACAMO operations from 1963 to 1993, before the E-6 Mercury took over. The E-130J will return the Hercules family to the mission with modernized avionics, communications and survivability systems. The program is part of the wider modernization of the U.S. Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) architecture. The program of record calls for 31 aircraft: six developmental or pre-production aircraft and 25 production aircraft. The first airframe completed assembly in early September 2025. A critical design review is planned for 2027, a production decision is targeted for 2029, and initial operational testing is expected in the early 2030s.   Strategic Communications Wing 1 to Operate the Fleet Strategic Communications Wing 1 (SCW-1), based at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, will operate and maintain the E-130J fleet. The wing currently operates the E-6B Mercury around the clock, receiving, verifying and retransmitting emergency action messages. It also supports U.S. Strategic Command’s airborne command post mission, known as Looking Glass. Selected SCW-1 sailors visited the Marietta facility for program briefings, simulator flights and production line tours ahead of the aircraft handover. Capt. David Gardner, commodore of SCW-1, said the E-130J would provide sailors with next-generation survivable and reliable communications to maintain the link between national leadership and strategic nuclear forces. The existing E-6B fleet will continue operating during the transition while the E-130J completes its development, testing and certification.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-16 15:02:10

 U.S 

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) has demonstrated that an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) can navigate and land on a moving ship without GPS or direct human pilot control. The technology is designed to help unmanned aircraft operate in maritime environments where satellite navigation and communications may be jammed. The demonstrations showed that a tactical drone could perform mission tasks and recover on a vessel with a pitching deck. The system uses commercial-standard cameras, motion sensors and onboard electronics combined with guidance, navigation and control software developed by NAWCAD’s Maritime Autonomous Guidance-Navigation-Control Intelligent Coupled Systems Lab. Testing included work with a scale model of a Navy Yard Patrol craft on October 14, following initial indoor validation of the computer vision and flight-control algorithms. “In contested areas where satellites and communications are jammed, autonomy gives significant advantage to our sailors,” said Navy Rear Adm. Todd Evans, NAWCAD commander. “Breakthroughs like this help us scale unmanned capability fast and affordably across a distributed fleet.”   How the Technology Works Traditional shipboard drone recovery can require multimillion-dollar radar systems, specialized flight-deck equipment and ship modifications that take months to complete. NAWCAD’s approach uses existing aircraft sensors and software to reduce the need for this additional hardware. The drone uses computer vision to recognize the ship’s shape and visual features, guiding its approach without GPS. Algorithms predict the deck’s movements in real time, allowing the aircraft to adjust its flight path and land on the moving vessel. The modular software is designed to work with different unmanned aircraft computer systems and could support platforms ranging from small tactical quadcopters to larger combat-class aircraft. “In a high-end maritime conflict, GPS is the first operational link an adversary attempts to sever,” said Peter Arslanian, a NAWCAD aerospace engineer. He added that the adaptable software could expand deployment options through software upgrades rather than expensive modifications to ships with limited space.   Funding and Future Integration The project was funded by the Office of Naval Research and the Naval Innovative Science and Engineering Program. With the initial flight demonstrations complete, the software is ready to progress toward operational testing on fleet platforms. NAWCAD is coordinating with military program offices to move the technology into formal acquisition processes, including the Navy’s Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems program, the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) EVADE project. NAWCAD also plans to adapt the technology for larger unmanned systems, particularly tactical resupply drones that could deliver equipment to ships operating in contested waters. NAWCAD employs military personnel, civilians and contractors to operate test ranges, laboratories and aircraft supporting the testing, evaluation, research, development and sustainment of Navy and Marine Corps aviation platforms. Headquartered in Patuxent River, Maryland, it also has major operational sites in St. Inigoes, Maryland; Lakehurst, New Jersey; and Orlando, Florida.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-16 13:59:42

 U.S 

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — BAE Systems has secured a contract from the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) to design and demonstrate ultra-compact radio-frequency (RF) terminals for a space-based data layer. The terminals will support resilient communications between satellites and between spacecraft and ground stations.   Multi-Orbit Satellite Communications The terminals are being designed to operate across orbital regimes ranging from low Earth orbit (LEO) to geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO). BAE Systems will use its existing family of space-hardened, software-defined radios as the basis for the system. The terminals are designed to maintain reliable communications despite intentional jamming, electromagnetic interference and space radiation. They will incorporate military-grade security and an application programming interface (API) to support precise pointing between payloads. Their compact design aims to reduce size, weight, power consumption and cost, allowing integration into both small satellites and larger spacecraft.   Prototype Testing and Production During the initial phase, BAE Systems will work with Space Systems Command teams to build, test and demonstrate prototype terminals in simulated orbital environments. Testing is expected to cover API command sequences, multi-band frequency agility and crosslink acquisition. The system will also undergo space-characterization testing. BAE Systems plans to work with government partners to demonstrate the technology and is preparing for scalable manufacturing to meet future military requirements, including those of the Department of War.   BAE Systems Highlights Experience Joe Dziezynski, BAE Systems’ Space Systems product line director, said: “This contract leverages decades of experience delivering mission-critical, radiation-hardened hardware and communications systems – from Apollo-era programs to today’s deep-space and airborne missions. Our resilient design and established manufacturing capacity will enable rapid deployment and scalable production, supporting the Space Force’s vital mission to enhance global security”.   Contract Details The contract was announced on October 15, 2026. BAE Systems and the U.S. Space Force have not disclosed the contract’s financial value or the number of terminals to be built. No specific dates have been announced for testing, demonstration or deployment.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-16 13:36:09

 U.S 

WASHINGTON, — The US military has developed updated contingency plans for strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities, including the possible use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), according to a CNN report citing multiple US officials familiar with the planning. The plans were developed at the direction of President Donald Trump and could be used if the administration decides to resume major combat operations. The reported options include strikes before a US military withdrawal from the Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility. However, no decision to launch the proposed attacks has been reported.   MOAB Considered for Iranian Targets The MOAB, also known as the “Mother of All Bombs,” is the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal. It weighs approximately 21,600 pounds (9,800 kilograms), measures around 30 feet long and contains roughly 18,700 pounds of Composition H-6 explosive. The GPS-guided weapon is designed to detonate above the ground, producing a powerful blast across a wide area. It is delivered by a C-130 aircraft and was first used operationally in Afghanistan in 2017 against an Islamic State tunnel complex. According to CNN, the proposed strike packages include extensive energy infrastructure and nuclear-related targets. One source said the planning documents refer to attacks “prior to US retrograde in CENTCOM AOR,” suggesting strikes could precede a withdrawal of American forces from the region. The reported plans include the possible use of the MOAB against Pickaxe Mountain, an underground Iranian nuclear-related facility. However, military sources have questioned whether the bomb could effectively damage deeply buried structures because it is designed for large-area blast effects rather than deep penetration. Its use near energy facilities could also cause civilian casualties and disrupt essential services.   Pickaxe Mountain's Underground Facility Pickaxe Mountain, known in Persian as Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La, is located approximately 1.5 to 2 kilometres south of Iran's Natanz nuclear complex in central Iran, within the Zagros mountain region. The mountain rises about 1,608 metres above sea level. Construction of the underground facility began in 2020. Analysts estimate its main halls are at least 100 metres (330 feet) beneath solid granite or hard volcanic rock. Iran has described the site as intended for advanced centrifuge production and assembly, but international inspectors have not been granted access. US and Israeli officials believe Iran has stored nuclear programme components there. Some assessments suggest the facility could also store enriched uranium or support other nuclear-related activities. The site was not struck during earlier US and Israeli attacks. Even the US GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a conventional bunker-busting weapon weighing approximately 30,000 pounds, could struggle to reach facilities protected by such thick layers of hard rock. Analysts have also questioned whether a tactical nuclear weapon would guarantee the site's destruction because of the surrounding geology. No nuclear weapon is identified in the reported strike plans.   Trump Keeps Options Open Trump has publicly stated that the United States would not launch new military action against Iran before the November 3, 2026, midterm elections. However, advisers told CNN they were uncertain whether that position could change before Election Day. A White House official declined to confirm the specific plans, saying Trump “keeps all options on the table to ensure that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.” A Pentagon official said the department prepares for a wide range of operational scenarios to carry out presidential and secretary-level direction and ensure mission success. The Pentagon and Iran's Foreign Ministry had not issued specific statements on the reported plans at the time of the report. The United States and Israel began striking Iran in February 2026. Full combat operations were subsequently paused, but tensions have continued, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. The reported plans provide additional military options if Washington decides to resume major combat operations. The potential use of the MOAB would mark its first reported use in the current conflict with Iran, but the timing and execution of any new strikes remain unconfirmed.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-15 16:35:49

 U.S 

WASHINGTON, D.C.,  — American defense technology company Moog Inc. showcased its MR SLED (Moog Reconfigurable Self-Loading Equipment Dock) mobile defense system at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2026 Annual Meeting and Exposition, held in Washington, D.C., from October 12 to 14. The system combines tactical missiles, drone interceptors, radar and digital command integration on a modular vehicle-mounted platform.   Lightweight Platform for Multiple Vehicles MR SLED is built around Moog’s Lightweight Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP), a lighter version of the standard RIwP used on the U.S. Army’s Stryker-based Mobile Short-Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) vehicles, also known as SGT Stout. The Lightweight RIwP base assembly weighs less than 950 pounds (approximately 431 kg), compared with around 2,500 pounds for the standard version. It retains the same software architecture, fire-control interfaces and support systems to simplify training and maintenance. The system can be installed on pickup trucks, light tactical vehicles, Infantry Squad Vehicles, 6x6 platforms and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) without major custom modifications. One demonstration configuration used a BC Customs PSXV-XL-6X6 vehicle. Moog designed MR SLED to support short-range air defense, counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) and future U.S. Army M-SHORAD Increment 4 requirements.   Zeus Missiles and Kestrel Interceptors The demonstrated system combined Aeon Industrial’s Zeus tactical missiles with Moog’s Kestrel interceptors. Reports differ on the number of Zeus missiles carried, with configurations listing either nine or 12, alongside 37 Kestrel interceptors. Originally developed by Texas-based Aeon as an anti-tank missile, Zeus has been adapted for air defense and precision-strike missions. Its publicly reported range is approximately 4–5 kilometres, with a speed exceeding Mach 0.65 and a 2.7 kg (6-pound) warhead. Its reported unit cost is around $50,000. The missile uses Aeon’s ODIN targeting software for automatic threat identification, tracking and strike options. Its modular design supports payload changes and integration with different platforms, including vehicles and, in some configurations, shoulder-fired launchers. Earlier in 2026, Aeon and Moog completed a guided flight test of Zeus launched from a Moog turret mounted on an unmanned ground vehicle. The missile hit its target on the first attempt. The Kestrel interceptors are intended to counter small unmanned aircraft systems and loitering munitions. Their role is broadly comparable to low-cost kinetic interceptors such as the Kreuger 100, developed by Sweden’s Nordic Air Defence. However, detailed public specifications for Kestrel remain limited, and its interception performance against fast-moving or swarming drones has not been established by the available information.   Radar, Software and Additional Weapons The AUSA configuration also integrated Echodyne’s EchoShield 3D pulse-Doppler active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for search and tracking. The radar supports AI- and machine-learning-based target classification and operation while moving. Picogrid’s Legion software provides digital integration and connections to command networks, allowing soldiers to coordinate sensors and weapons and reconfigure the system in the field. The RIwP architecture can also accommodate direct-fire weapons, including 30 mm cannons and machine guns, depending on the configuration. Moog describes MR SLED as a scalable solution that can be adapted to the payload limits of different vehicles while using components common to existing Army air-defense and counter-drone programs. The platform was nominated for an AUSA Best New Product award. Although the system offers a flexible combination of weapons and sensors, detailed public performance data for Kestrel and the complete MR SLED configuration remain limited. Its operational effectiveness against different aerial threats will depend on the capabilities demonstrated during testing and evaluation.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-15 16:05:08

 U.S 

WASHINGTON, — The U.S. Air Force plans to field operational prototypes of its Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA) unmanned aircraft by 2028, with large-scale production scheduled to begin in 2029. The aircraft is intended to succeed the MQ-9 Reaper in long-range reconnaissance and strike missions. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink announced the timeline on October 14 during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) annual conference in Washington. The service aims to have approximately 100 MMA aircraft by 2029 and expand the fleet to 500 by 2032.   Project Agincourt and Development Contracts The MMA program falls under Project Agincourt, a rapid-acquisition initiative supported by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). Established through a memorandum signed in September 2026, the initiative aims to accelerate autonomous military systems across the armed forces and support the creation of an Autonomous Warfare Command. The Air Force has awarded initial development contracts, but officials have not disclosed the selected companies or contract values. Previously identified contenders include Anduril, Chaos Industries, General Atomics, Grid Aero, Otto Aerospace, Shield AI and Swarm Aero. The available information does not confirm which companies received awards.   Cost, Range and Technical Requirements The Air Force has set a target price of approximately $10 million per basic aircraft, excluding weapons and sensors. This is roughly half the projected cost of an individual Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). Designers are studying a turboprop propulsion system for the MMA, with a planned range of approximately 6,400 kilometers (3,977 miles), nearly twice the range cited for the CCA. The aircraft is designed to prioritize endurance, payload capacity and affordability over speed. Program requirements include: Payload capacity: At least 2,800 pounds (1,270 kilograms). Unrefueled combat radius: At least 2,300 nautical miles while carrying a payload. One-way self-deployment range: At least 8,000 nautical miles. Runway requirement: No longer than 6,000 feet. Minimum speed: 200 knots. The modular aircraft is intended to carry interchangeable payloads for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), strike missions, electronic warfare and communications. These figures are program requirements, not confirmed performance results from a completed aircraft.   MQ-9 Reaper Losses Drive Replacement Effort An October 5, 2026, Congressional Research Service report stated that the U.S. military had lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reapers since Operation Epic Fury began in February 2026. The Air Force's MQ-9 inventory also declined from 351 aircraft in fiscal year 2022 to approximately 135 by May 2026. The Reaper, which costs approximately $30 million per aircraft according to the provided program information, performs reconnaissance and precision-strike missions. The MMA's lower target price is intended to support larger-scale procurement and make it less costly to replace aircraft lost during operations.   Relationship With Collaborative Combat Aircraft The MMA complements the Air Force's separate CCA program, which focuses on jet-powered autonomous aircraft designed to operate alongside crewed fighters. General Atomics' FQ-42A Vengeance and Anduril's FQ-44A Fury have been selected for the CCA effort and are flying with the Experimental Operations Unit at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada. While the CCA emphasizes autonomous combat aircraft, the MMA is intended to provide a lower-cost, longer-range platform combining reconnaissance and strike capabilities. The Air Force plans to begin large-scale MMA production in 2029, with the goal of reaching 500 aircraft by 2032. Achieving these targets will depend on development, testing, manufacturing capacity and the aircraft's ability to meet its cost and performance requirements.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-15 15:40:49

 U.S 

WASHINGTON,  — L3Harris Technologies and Divergent Technologies have signed a teaming agreement to increase production of affordable munitions, initially focusing on L3Harris’ Wolf Pack family, which includes the Red Wolf and Green Wolf systems. Announced during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) event, the partnership will apply Divergent’s additive manufacturing technology to increase production, reduce costs and accelerate future aerospace and defence programmes. The agreement will integrate Divergent’s Adaptive Production System (DAPS), which combines AI-enabled design software, metal 3D printing and automated robotic assembly without traditional design-specific tooling. Quinlan Lyte, President of Advanced Effects at L3Harris’ Missile Solutions, said the battlefield requires affordable, capable munitions to counter low-cost threats at scale. Divergent CEO and Co-Founder Lukas Czinger said the partnership would support current production programmes and accelerate future development.   Wolf Pack Systems and Capabilities L3Harris’ launched-effects portfolio is designed for long-range precision strikes and non-kinetic missions. The company reports 60 flight demonstrations, comprising 13 launches from fixed-wing aircraft, three from rotary-wing aircraft and 44 from ground platforms. The Wolf Pack vehicles share a modular design and software supporting real-time in-flight collaboration, dynamic retargeting and autonomous swarming. Published family-level specifications include a low-altitude range exceeding 200 nautical miles (370 kilometres), endurance of more than 60 minutes and high-subsonic flight speeds. Launch options include fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing platforms and ground-based systems, with rocket-assisted launches also supported from ground and maritime platforms. The common air vehicle reduces integration and logistical requirements. The systems can be configured for recovery and have supported multiple radios, electronic warfare payloads, a seeker and autonomy engines during testing.   Red Wolf: Precision Strike Red Wolf is the kinetic-strike variant, designed for long-range precision attacks against designated targets. It supports modular payloads and shares the published range, endurance and speed characteristics of the Wolf Pack family. It has demonstrated launch compatibility with multiple platforms, including the U.S. Marine Corps’ AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter. In January 2026, the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command awarded L3Harris an $86.2 million contract under the Marine Corps’ Precision Attack Strike Munition (PASM) programme for Red Wolf development, testing and manufacturing. Deliveries are planned by the end of fiscal year 2027. Exact dimensions, weight, warhead specifications and guidance-seeker details have not been publicly disclosed.   Green Wolf: Electronic Warfare Green Wolf is designed for electronic attacks and detect, identify, locate and report (DILR) missions. It shares Red Wolf’s modular design and software features, including in-flight coordination, dynamic retargeting and autonomous swarming. Its electronic-warfare payload is intended to work alongside Red Wolf during coordinated missions. Specific figures for its individual range, payload weight, transmitter power and detailed electronic-warfare performance have not been publicly released.   Production Expansion Divergent’s DAPS platform uses AI-enabled design, large-scale metal additive manufacturing and autonomous robotic assembly to produce complex metal and multi-material structures without traditional design-specific tooling. The company has also applied the technology to defence programmes involving General Atomics and Raytheon. The agreement aims to increase production of existing Wolf Pack systems and identify opportunities to accelerate future defence manufacturing. However, financial terms, production quantities, cost targets and delivery schedules under the new agreement have not been disclosed.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-15 13:46:23

 U.S 

WASHINGTON, D.C. / RAMAT GAN, Israel, — Defense technology startup Skapion has unveiled a new air defense system designed to intercept large-scale, coordinated drone swarms. The company recently raised $36 million in seed funding, co-led by UP.Partners and Khosla Ventures, with participation from Fusion VC, Stratos Ventures, TBD VC and q Fund. The funding will support development, system validation, recruitment and engagement with defense organizations in Israel, the United States and allied markets. Founded in late 2025 by CEO Ido Bar-On and CTO Gal Goren, Skapion is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with its research and development centre in Ramat Gan, Israel. Its system addresses the capacity and cost limitations of conventional counter-unmanned aerial systems (counter-UAS), which can struggle against large drone attacks that exhaust interceptor supplies and defense budgets. Such tactics have been documented in conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.   Designed to Intercept More Than 100 Targets Skapion's many-to-many architecture is designed to allow multiple interceptors to engage multiple targets simultaneously. According to the company, its highly mobile, fully kinetic system can engage more than 100 targets at once, with a claimed interception rate above 97%. The company targets an interceptor cost of approximately $10,000 per round at scale. Its short-range interceptors are designed for engagements at roughly one to seven kilometres and use a proximity-based kill mechanism. The system uses vertical launch to provide 360-degree coverage and is intended for ground, airborne and maritime deployment. Its fully kinetic design is intended to counter autonomous drones and threats that do not depend on communications links. Skapion says the platform can operate independently in adverse weather and communications-constrained environments.   AI-Based Command and Control The platform uses an AI-native command-and-control (C2) system that combines tracking data from its own sensors with external threat information. It evaluates and prioritises threats, allocates interceptors and manages engagements in real time. Depending on customer policy, the system can operate with full end-to-end autonomy or under the supervision of a human operator. Its open, sensor-agnostic architecture is designed to integrate with existing C2 networks and other counter-UAS systems. It can operate as a standalone battery protecting critical infrastructure and mobile forces or as a complementary layer in a national air-defense network.   Development Team and Testing Plans Skapion's Founding Architect, Brigadier General (ret.) Pini Yungman, previously served as general manager of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems' Air and Missile Defense division and contributed to the Iron Dome and David's Sling programs. Bar-On previously led international defense and government business at XTEND and serves as a reserve lieutenant colonel in an Israeli special operations unit. The founding team also includes Gal Goren, Zafrir Yoeli and Yaron Karp. Skapion has grown to several dozen employees and is recruiting in aerospace, robotics, autonomy and related engineering fields. The company plans to conduct its first live-fire test within the next several weeks, involving up to 50 interceptors against small Class 2 and Class 3 drones. Potential customers are already participating in the evaluation process. Skapion aims to begin operational test evaluation in 2027, with operational capability targeted for the second half of that year. The system is intended to protect critical infrastructure, maritime assets, mobile forces, borders and high-value air-defense sites. However, independent test results and confirmed customer contracts have not been publicly released, and the company's performance and cost claims remain subject to validation.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-15 13:35:27

 U.S 

OWEGO, N.Y.,  — The U.S. Army has awarded Lockheed Martin a $117.1 million contract to provide post-production support for the Generation II radar frequency interferometer used on AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters. The indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract is valued at $117,118,040 and covers repairs, spare parts, engineering support, and other sustainment services for the AN/APR-48B sensor. Lockheed Martin was the sole bidder after the Army solicited one bid and received one response. Work will be managed at the company's Owego, New York, facility through October 12, 2031. The contract includes cost-no-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and firm-fixed-price arrangements, with funding and work locations determined through individual orders. Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is managing the award under contract number W58RGZ-27-D-A007.   AN/APR-48B Detects Enemy Radar Threats The AN/APR-48B is a passive sensor that detects, identifies, and locates enemy radar emissions without transmitting its own signal. It ranks detected threats by priority, cues the Apache's fire-control radar, and warns crews about radar-guided anti-aircraft threats. The system also controls the helicopter's integrated survivability equipment, linking its self-protection and targeting functions.   Support Bridges Transition to Generation III The new contract follows an earlier $60.5 million award for Generation II sensor production and related services, with work scheduled through October 31, 2026. As production winds down, the latest agreement will support existing systems while the Army prepares for their replacement. In October 2024, the Army awarded Lockheed Martin a separate contract to develop a Generation III radar frequency interferometer and radar warning receiver. The programme is intended to improve sensor performance while reducing size and weight. Its technology includes a multi-chip package known as MCP-2 and radio-frequency system-on-a-chip technology. Development draws on work involving Intel's Altera, Booz Allen Hamilton, and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering through Trusted and Assured Microelectronics programmes. The Generation III system is intended to replace Generation II sensors across the Apache fleet. However, the Army and Lockheed Martin have not announced when the new system will enter production or reach operational units, making continued support for the AN/APR-48B necessary during the transition.   Sensor Family Has Decades of Service Lockheed Martin's Owego facility has produced this sensor family for decades. The first-generation AN/APR-48A served on Apache Longbow helicopters during Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. The Generation II AN/APR-48B also equips international Apache fleets. Through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales programme, Lockheed Martin has delivered the sensors to operators in the United Kingdom, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea. The $117.1 million contract will help maintain the existing sensors until the next-generation system is ready for operational use.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-14 14:10:21