First F-35C Stealth Fighters Conduct Flight Trials Aboard USS John F. Kennedy

U.S

NORFOLK, Va., — Two Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II stealth fighters completed landing and takeoff trials aboard the future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) in the Western Atlantic on October 13, 2026. The tests marked the first time the F-35C operated from a Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier, according to the U.S. Navy announcement. F-35C Tests Evaluate Carrier Launch and Recovery Systems The aircraft belonged to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23), known as the “Salty Dogs,” based at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft compatibility tests evaluated launches using the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and arrested landings using the Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG). Unlike older Nimitz-class carriers, which use steam catapults and traditional arresting equipment, Ford-class carriers use these newer systems to launch and recover aircraft. The trials will help the Navy assess the F-35C’s compatibility with the carrier’s equipment and support certification for future flight operations. USS John F. Kennedy Moves Toward Delivery The John F. Kennedy, the second Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier, departed Newport News Shipbuilding on September 29, 2026, after receiving preliminary technical acceptance from the Navy. It arrived at Naval Station Norfolk on October 2 to begin further testing. Preliminary acceptance allows the crew to conduct at-sea testing and gain operating experience while the shipbuilder completes remaining work. The carrier is approximately 99 percent complete, with major systems finished. Final testing continues on the remaining Advanced Weapons Elevators. Formal delivery to the Navy is planned for spring 2027. Carrier Designed for F-35C Operations The John F. Kennedy was designed to support sustained F-35C operations. A 2020 contract change incorporated requirements for jet-blast deflectors, flight-deck coatings, maintenance spaces and other support facilities. The lead ship, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), entered service in 2017. Its operational deployments have used air wings equipped with Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters. The carrier entered service without the complete set of facilities required for sustained F-35C operations. F-35C Specifications and Procurement Plans The F-35C is the carrier-based variant of the Lightning II family. It has a wingspan of 13.1 metres, a wing area of 62.1 square metres, reinforced landing gear, an arresting hook and folding wingtips. These features support catapult launches, arrested landings and storage aboard aircraft carriers. U.S. procurement plans call for 413 F-35C aircraft, including 273 for the Navy and 140 for the Marine Corps. Aircraft already delivered have participated in combat operations, including recent operations in the Middle East against Iran. The October 13 trials are part of the preparations required before the John F. Kennedy can support F-35C operations. Data collected by VX-23 will help the Navy evaluate and certify the carrier’s flight deck, while further compatibility tests and system checks continue ahead of the ship’s planned delivery in spring 2027.

Raytheon Secures $8 Billion Contract to Modernize U.S. Nuclear Communications Network

U.S

MARLBOROUGH, Mass., — The U.S. Air Force has awarded Raytheon an $8 billion maximum-ceiling, 10-year contract to modernize Strategic Communications Terminals supporting the United States’ Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) architecture. According to the U.S. Department of War’s October 13, 2026, contracts announcement, the cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract covers terminal development and modernization, production restart services, and technical studies. Work will be performed primarily in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and Largo, Florida, with completion expected by October 12, 2036. The sole-source award carries contract number FA2293-27-D-B001. The Air Force obligated $800,000 in fiscal year 2026 research, development, test and evaluation funds at the time of the award. The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity. Modernizing the Nuclear Communications Network The AFNWC manages secure, survivable and jam-resistant communications connecting nuclear command authorities, command centers and operational forces. These systems are designed to maintain critical communications during electronic jamming, severe disruptions and high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) events associated with nuclear explosions. The AFNWC Integration Directorate oversees the Air Force’s contribution to the NC3 architecture through the AN/USQ-225 weapon system. Its terminal portfolio supports ground-based, mobile, airborne and satellite communications, including links to the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite constellation and the legacy Milstar network. Global ASNT and FAB-T Terminals The Global Aircrew Strategic Network Terminal (Global ASNT), managed by the AFNWC Nuclear Networks Division, distributes emergency action messages and alerts to strategic bomber crews, missile-related personnel and supporting aircraft crews. The program includes 90 terminals—45 fixed and 45 transportable—and uses extremely high frequency (EHF) waveforms. Its Equipment Control Unit supports simultaneous encryption and decryption. The system is being developed in three increments: Increment 1: Compatibility with Milstar and AEHF satellites. Increment 2: High-frequency (HF) communications and local message distribution through pagers, radios and base klaxons. Increment 3: Redundant message reception using very low frequency (VLF) waveforms. The Family of Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals (FAB-T) provides protected, high-bandwidth satellite communications for airborne command posts and strategic aircraft. It interfaces with the AEHF constellation and supports extended data rate (XDR) signals of up to 8.192 Mbps. Associated platforms include the B-2 Spirit, B-52 Stratofortress, RC-135, E-4B National Airborne Operations Center and E-6B Mercury. Raytheon became FAB-T’s primary contractor in 2014. In 2023, the Air Force awarded the company a $625 million contract for Force Element Terminals, the airborne variant used on platforms such as the B-52 and RC-135. In March 2026, the service increased the ceiling of a separate Raytheon contract for AEHF terminals by $2 billion, bringing its total ceiling to nearly $3 billion. Additional NC3 Communication Systems The broader portfolio includes three additional systems that provide alternative communication pathways: SMART-T (Secure Mobile Anti-jam Reliable Tactical-Terminal): A transportable satellite communications system supporting tactical and strategic forces in contested environments. SCAMP (Single-Channel Antijam Man-Portable Terminal): A portable EHF terminal providing secure communications for personnel in remote locations. Common Very Low Frequency Receiver (CVR): Hardened receiving equipment designed to capture low-data-rate strategic instructions when conventional communications are severely disrupted. Together, these systems support emergency action messages, attack warnings, presidential voice conferences and other critical nuclear command-and-control communications across ground, mobile and airborne platforms. The new contract covers modernization, production restart services and technical studies over the next decade. Its $8 billion figure represents the maximum contract ceiling, not funding already awarded in full; the initial funding obligation is $800,000.

U.S. Army Receives First VAMPIRE Counter-Drone Systems from L3Harris

U.S

MELBOURNE, Fla. — L3Harris Technologies has delivered the first batch of VAMPIRE counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) to the U.S. Army, less than two months after the Army placed a contract worth up to $106 million in June 2026. The systems are intended to strengthen protection for military personnel and critical assets against hostile drones. VAMPIRE, short for Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment, is a self-contained weapons platform that combines reconnaissance and precision-strike capabilities. It uses the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), which converts unguided 70mm Hydra-70 rockets into laser-guided munitions. An advanced proximity fuze allows the rockets to detonate near small, fast-moving aerial targets without requiring a direct hit. The system has a reported engagement range of up to six kilometres against aerial threats. The modular system can be installed on the cargo bed of a suitable tactical or civilian vehicle with a flat surface in approximately two hours by a two-person team. Its design provides a mobile and relatively low-cost alternative to relying exclusively on expensive interceptor missiles. “From day one, our team has worked side-by-side with the Army to rapidly field VAMPIRE systems,” said Chris Aebli, president of Communications & Spectrum Dominance at L3Harris. “U.S. armed forces are now equipped to reliably defend personnel and vital assets against drone threats.” Developed for Combat Operations in Ukraine L3Harris initially developed and privately funded VAMPIRE at the beginning of the war in Ukraine to provide a cost-effective method of countering Russian drones. According to the company, military forces have accumulated more than 350,000 operational hours with the technology since 2023. VAMPIRE systems were also included in earlier U.S. security assistance packages for Ukraine. In 2025, L3Harris expanded the VAMPIRE family to include specialised variants for land, maritime, air and electronic warfare applications, with integration work also involving platforms such as GM Defense’s Infantry Squad Vehicle. High-Volume Production in Alabama L3Harris began high-volume VAMPIRE production at a dedicated facility in Huntsville, Alabama, in March 2026, ahead of the Army contract. Located in Cummings Research Park, the approximately 379,000-square-foot facility combines assembly, testing and installation operations for integrating the system onto ground vehicles and containerised weapon platforms. The flexible production line is designed to increase output according to military demand. Industry data cited in the supplied information indicates a production capacity of up to 40 systems per month. L3Harris has not disclosed the exact number of systems delivered to the Army or the timeline for completing the contract. The initial deliveries follow the system’s operational use in Europe and the expansion of its production capacity to meet demand from the United States and allied forces.

General Dynamics Displays XM30 Wolf Scale Model at AUSA 2026 as Army Prototype Testing Continues

U.S

WASHINGTON, — General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) is displaying a one-eighth-scale model of its XM30 Wolf infantry fighting vehicle at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2026 exhibition in Washington, D.C., as full-size prototypes undergo testing with the U.S. Army. The vehicle is being developed to replace the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle and M3 cavalry fighting vehicle. The Army selected GDLS and American Rheinmetall as finalists for the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle program in June 2023. GDLS is offering the Wolf, while American Rheinmetall is competing with a version of its Lynx vehicle. The combined design and prototype phase is valued at approximately $1.6 billion. GDLS delivered its first functional Wolf prototype to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, on August 21, 2026. The company has reported additional prototype deliveries to Fort Hood, Texas, along with a ballistic hull and turret at Aberdeen and another vehicle for software integration. GDLS plans to deliver all eight prototypes by the end of November. “This on-time delivery will allow Soldiers to start putting the Wolf through its paces, with the ultimate goal of getting it fielded into armored brigades as quickly as possible,” said Geoffrey Norman, GDLS director of strategy. Soldier evaluations are expected to begin in late November or December, supporting the Army’s planned selection decision in 2027. Warning: There has been a Wolf sighting at AUSA 2026! The Wolf XM30 mechanized infantry combat vehicle is purpose-built as a leap-ahead replacement for the Bradley fighting vehicle, with improved survivability, lethality, mobility and fightability. Shown at AUSA as a one-eighth-scale model, the Wolf XM30 implements the Army’s imperative for a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) to software and hardware architectures from inception. With a born-digital design, the Wolf XM30 carries a digital thread beyond engineering and into verification, production, support and sustainment. Its mission is to deliver Soldiers to a point of positional advantage and provide decisive lethality in support of Infantry squads and Cavalry scouts. #AUSA2026 #ThePowerToWin #ArmyModernization — General Dynamics Land Systems (@GD_LandSystems) October 12, 2026 XM30 Wolf Features and Capabilities The Wolf is designed to carry a two-person crew and up to six fully equipped soldiers in its rear troop compartment. It features a lower-profile, uncrewed turret armed with a 50 mm XM913 cannon developed by Northrop Grumman. The weapon fires 50×228 mm ammunition, including programmable high-explosive air-bursting rounds, and has a dual-feed capability. Other features include roof-mounted electro-optical equipment, smoke-grenade launchers and an all-round observation system. The vehicle uses hybrid-electric propulsion designed to retain power reserves for future upgrades. Its total power output has not been disclosed. The design builds on GDLS’s Griffin III demonstrator, unveiled at AUSA in 2018 and based on a modified European ASCOD 2 platform. The Wolf retains a broadly similar chassis arrangement but incorporates updated running gear, lighter composite tracks, side armor and additional observation and protection features. GDLS has applied the U.S. Army’s Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) to the vehicle’s hardware and software from the beginning. Its born-digital design maintains a digital thread across engineering, verification, production, support and sustainment, with the aim of simplifying future technology integration and upgrades. The company identifies improved survivability, lethality, mobility and fightability as key design objectives. Army Evaluation and Production Plans The Army plans to evaluate both competing designs through soldier feedback, unit-level experimentation and operational assessments. The 1st Cavalry Division is expected to play a central role, with testing planned at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California. The Bradley has been in service since 1981, making its replacement a major Army modernization priority. The fiscal year 2027 budget request includes $547 million for 19 additional XM30 prototypes, while program plans include purchasing 108 vehicles by fiscal year 2031. The Army is expected to select between the GDLS Wolf and American Rheinmetall’s Lynx XM30 in 2027, based on testing results, performance and operational assessments. The AUSA exhibition runs from October 12 to 14, 2026, with GDLS presenting the scale model while full-size prototypes continue through the evaluation process.

Raytheon Tests Rocket-Powered Coyote Block 2C+RM to Counter Faster Drones

U.S

WASHINGTON, D.C., — Raytheon, an RTX business, has completed three developmental flight tests of its new Coyote Block 2C+RM counter-drone interceptor, designed to engage faster and more advanced unmanned aerial threats. The company announced the results on October 12 at the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) annual meeting in Washington, D.C., with U.S. Army officials observing all three tests. Developed in just 15 months using company funding, the new interceptor replaces the existing Block 2's rocket booster and turbojet arrangement with a single solid-fuel rocket motor. It also features a new seeker and a modified proximity warhead. Raytheon has not disclosed the interceptor's exact speed, range or detailed seeker and warhead specifications. Rocket Motor Improves Interception Speed The existing Coyote Block 2 uses a rocket booster for launch and a small turbojet for sustained flight. This allows it to remain airborne for several minutes, loiter and potentially attempt another interception if the first engagement fails. The Block 2C+RM replaces this system with a solid rocket motor designed to provide faster acceleration, higher flight velocity and increased range. However, it sacrifices the extended airborne endurance offered by the turbojet-powered version. Tom Laliberty, president of Land & Air Defense Systems at Raytheon, said the upgrade provides “upgraded propulsion for faster launch and higher velocity flight.” The new configuration is intended to address faster drones that give air defense systems less time to respond, including jet-powered one-way attack drones. Designed for Class 3 Drone Threats Class 3 unmanned aircraft generally weigh approximately 25–600 kilograms, can reach speeds of about 463 km/h and operate at altitudes of up to approximately 5,500 metres. These include larger attack drones that present greater interception challenges than smaller, slower unmanned aircraft. Raytheon said the Block 2C+RM is intended to cover the full range of Class 3 threats. Laliberty declined to discuss specific targets, including jet-powered one-way attack drones. The new seeker and warhead are intended to address more advanced drone capabilities being fielded by potential adversaries. Compatible With Existing Launchers and Radars The three tests confirmed initial integration with existing launch cells, guidance radars and command-and-control systems already in operational use. The test series also included the first launches of a Coyote equipped with the tactical rocket motor. The new variant is designed to use existing Coyote launch infrastructure across mobile and fixed ground positions and naval platforms. Land-based configurations include four-cell and eight-cell launchers, while the system is also deployed aboard U.S. Navy ships. The Coyote family supports kinetic and non-kinetic payload options. Raytheon is also developing non-kinetic variants intended for recoverable use against drone swarms. Further Block 2C+RM tests are planned through the first half of 2027. Combat Record and $5 Billion U.S. Army Contract According to Raytheon, the jet-powered Coyote Block 2 and Block 2C interceptors have achieved more than 600 combat intercepts of attack unmanned aircraft systems. The Coyote serves as the primary kinetic effector in the U.S. Army's Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (LIDS). In September 2025, the U.S. Army awarded RTX an eight-year contract worth up to $5 billion for Coyote interceptors, launchers and radars under the LIDS program. Raytheon has roughly quadrupled Block 2C production over the previous 18 months and plans further increases. Individual Block 2 interceptors have previously been reported to cost around $100,000, although no specific price has been announced for the new rocket-powered variant. Government Sponsorship Sought The Block 2C+RM remains a company-funded development effort, and production of the rocket-powered variant is not included in the existing contract. Raytheon is seeking government sponsorship to transition it into an official program of record. The company stressed that the rocket-powered interceptor will complement rather than replace the jet-powered Block 2, which will remain in production for threats requiring longer airborne endurance. Raytheon is also pursuing international interest in the Coyote family, with potential contracts involving Qatar and Jordan under discussion.

Lockheed Martin Details Lower-Cost PAC-3 ACE Interceptor for Patriot Systems

U.S

WASHINGTON, D.C., — Lockheed Martin has provided further details of its PAC-3 Adapted Capability Effector (PAC-3 ACE), a simplified, lower-cost interceptor designed for the Patriot air defense system. First announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2026, the missile was displayed as a mock-up at the AUSA 2026 defense exhibition. It aims to reduce interceptor costs and increase missile availability while retaining compatibility with existing Patriot systems. Simplified Design to Reduce Costs Jason Reynolds, Lockheed Martin’s vice president for integrated air and missile defense, outlined the changes made to reduce the missile’s production cost and complexity. The company aims to price the ACE at less than half the cost of the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE). Public estimates place its price at around $2 million or less per missile, compared with approximately $4 million to $5.3 million for the MSE. Lockheed Martin has not confirmed an official unit price. The PAC-3 ACE replaces the MSE’s hit-to-kill interception method with a conventional blast-fragmentation warhead, similar in concept to the older PAC-2 Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical (GEM-T). The warhead is positioned in space previously occupied by aerodynamic fins. Other changes include: Removal of the Attitude Control Motors that provide the MSE with high terminal maneuverability. Replacement of the dual-pulse solid rocket motor with a single-pulse motor. A simplified missile midsection to reduce manufacturing complexity. A less complex seeker, while retaining established PAC-3 guidance software and fire-control integration. Reduced Range but a Complementary Role The design changes give the PAC-3 ACE a shorter engagement range and lower maximum interception altitude than the PAC-3 MSE. Its ballistic-missile interception capability is also more limited than that of both the MSE and PAC-2 GEM-T. The ACE is intended primarily to engage aircraft, cruise missiles, and close- and short-range ballistic missiles. The higher-performance MSE will remain available for more demanding threats. Compatibility with Existing Patriot Launchers Despite its internal changes, the ACE retains the MSE’s external dimensions and is designed to use the same missile canisters, M903 and M903A2 launchers, and existing Patriot fire-control systems. It is also designed to work with the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). A standard M903A2 launcher can accommodate 12 ACE missiles. Some reports suggest that the number could increase to 16 if certain canister armor is removed. The configuration is intended to increase the number of available interceptors without requiring a new launcher system. Production Plans and European Cooperation Lockheed Martin plans to manufacture the ACE on production lines separate from those used for the MSE. The company is exploring partnerships with American and European industry, including potential European production and supply of rocket motors and guidance electronics, subject to U.S. government approval. The proposed cooperation aims to expand production capacity, strengthen local supply chains and help European allies field a common, interoperable interceptor. Flight Testing Scheduled for 2028 The PAC-3 ACE remains under development and is not yet ready for operational deployment. First flight testing is scheduled for early 2028, followed by initial limited production. Serial production is expected to begin around 18 months after flight testing starts, with manufacturing capacity increasing in subsequent years. Lockheed Martin presents the PAC-3 ACE as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, the PAC-3 MSE. Its lower-cost design is intended to help Patriot operators address selected aerial threats with more affordable interceptors while reserving higher-performance missiles for more demanding engagements.

BAE Systems Unveils Truck-Mounted 155mm MDACS Cannon at AUSA 2026

U.S

WASHINGTON, D.C., — BAE Systems has unveiled a truck-mounted prototype of its Multi-Domain Artillery Cannon System (MDACS) at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2026 exhibition, held from October 12 to 14 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The 155mm system is designed to intercept drones and missiles while retaining the ability to conduct precision strikes against ground targets. BAE Systems presented MDACS alongside a High Power Microwave (HPM) system, combining conventional artillery and directed energy for layered defense against drone swarms and other aerial threats. The systems are intended to protect fixed and semi-fixed military installations at a moderate cost. Truck-Mounted Design The MDACS prototype differs from earlier technology demonstrators and is mounted on a three-axle Oshkosh Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) chassis. Its split cab has a central opening to accommodate the 155mm barrel during transport. A hydraulically raised support secures the barrel for firing, while two side stabilizers and one rear stabilizer steady the vehicle. The cannon sits in a large unmanned turret at the rear and uses a fully mechanized loading system. BAE Systems describes the platform as air-transportable and suitable for mobile battlefield deployment. HVP and Scorpio-XR Ammunition For air defense, MDACS is designed to fire the Hypervelocity Projectile (HVP), a low-drag guided round under development since 2013. Earlier tests used the 155mm M777 towed howitzer and the 127mm Mk 45 naval gun, achieving reported ranges of approximately 31.5 kilometers and more than 74 kilometers, respectively. These figures are from earlier test platforms and do not represent MDACS's confirmed range. Despite technical challenges that have increased development costs, simulations indicate that HVP could be cheaper than conventional guided air defense missiles. For ground attacks against fixed and moving targets in contested environments, MDACS will use Scorpio-XR, an HVP-derived precision munition that BAE Systems says doubles the range of existing 155mm cannon-launched projectiles. High Power Microwave System The HPM system provides a directed-energy option against coordinated drone swarms. According to BAE Systems, more than 99% of its components are commercial off-the-shelf products. It operates on electrical power and does not require conventional ammunition for each engagement, allowing continued operation while sufficient power is available. Together, MDACS and HPM are intended to provide complementary defenses against aerial threats while reducing reliance on traditional, magazine-limited air defense systems. Jason Casciotti, vice president of BAE Systems' Weapon Systems product line, said, “The threat environment is evolving faster than traditional procurement cycles can keep up with.” The company said it is using proven technical components and an established supply chain to accelerate delivery of both systems. U.S. Army Testing Plans The U.S. Army reportedly plans to have a complete MDACS battery ready for testing by the end of September 2027. The proposed configuration includes eight guns organized into four two-gun platoons, supported by Multi-Function Precision Radar (MFPR) equipment, two Multi-Domain Battle Manager (MDBM) command posts and dedicated ammunition supply vehicles. The programme builds on earlier U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force research into using 155mm artillery for air defense. The planned testing will assess the system's potential to protect military installations against a range of aerial threats while retaining its ground-strike capability.

Raytheon Secures $729 Million Counter-Drone Contracts for U.S. Army, Qatar and Jordan

U.S

TEWKSBURY, Massachusetts, — Raytheon, a subsidiary of RTX, has secured $729 million in contracts to supply counter-drone technology to the U.S. Army, Qatar and Jordan. The awards mark the first international sales of the company’s Coyote interceptors and Ku-band Radio Frequency Sensor (KuRFS). The contracts cover fixed-site and mobile configurations of both systems, which form key components of the U.S. Army’s Low, slow, small, unmanned aircraft Integrated Defeat System (LIDS). KuRFS provides 360-degree radar detection to identify and track incoming drones, while Coyote interceptors use kinetic and non-kinetic methods to neutralize individual unmanned aircraft or coordinated swarms. According to Raytheon, Coyote effectors have achieved hundreds of successful combat intercepts. LIDS also incorporates command-and-control components from other suppliers. Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon, said LIDS provides a proven, cost-effective layer of protection for allied forces. He added that the company is accelerating Coyote production to meet growing global demand and counter rapidly evolving drone threats. Growing Demand for Counter-Drone Systems Demand for dedicated drone defenses has increased amid Russia’s war in Ukraine and U.S.-Iran confrontations in the Persian Gulf. Iranian drone attacks that damaged infrastructure in U.S.-allied Gulf countries have further highlighted the need for systems capable of countering repeated aerial attacks. These systems are designed to protect deployed troops, military bases, critical infrastructure, government facilities and civilian sites. RTX is expanding manufacturing capacity and developing upgrades for the Coyote family, including faster launch times, higher speeds, and greater engagement range and altitude. Raytheon recently reported three successful tests of the Coyote Block 2C+RM variant, which features a rocket motor for faster launches and higher velocity, alongside an updated seeker and warhead. The variant is designed to remain compatible with existing launchers, radars and command systems. Builds on Earlier U.S. Army Contract The latest awards follow a $5.04 billion multiyear U.S. Army contract awarded in 2025 for Coyote interceptors, launchers and KuRFS radars, with work extending into the early 2030s. Raytheon, a Virginia-based defense contractor, reported more than $88 billion in sales in 2025. The company has not disclosed the number of systems ordered under the new $729 million contracts, delivery timelines or how the contract value is divided among the U.S. Army, Qatar and Jordan.

BAE Systems Unveils High Power Microwave Weapon for Drone Defense at AUSA 2026

U.S

WASHINGTON, — BAE Systems has unveiled a new High Power Microwave (HPM) weapon system at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2026 exhibition. The directed-energy system is designed to disable or destroy the electronics of airborne threats, including drones, using focused electromagnetic energy without firing physical projectiles. Designed to Counter Drone Swarms The HPM system is designed to address the growing challenge of mass drone attacks, where conventional interceptor missiles can face limited ammunition stocks. Instead of using physical ammunition, the system directs high-power microwave energy at airborne targets. BAE Systems describes the system as a “bottomless magazine” because it can continue engaging targets as long as it has a continuous electrical power supply. Commercial Components and Testing BAE Systems said approximately 99% of the HPM system uses commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components. The company says using established American commercial supply chains can reduce production lead times and manufacturing costs while making maintenance easier. The system has reached Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6). BAE Systems said it has fired billions of microwave pulses during outdoor range testing to document their effects on airborne targets. The system's architecture includes controllers, power systems and user interfaces that allow operators to change frequency bands without requiring a new research and development effort. Jason Casciotti, vice president of BAE Systems' Weapon Systems product line, said, “The threat environment is evolving faster than traditional procurement cycles can keep up with.” He said the company is using a validated technical core and resilient supply chain to provide a system that can maintain defense as long as power is available. Four Deployment Configurations The HPM system uses a modular array, allowing its size and power output to be adjusted for different operating environments. BAE Systems has outlined four configurations: Strategic: A permanent system connected to the local power grid for defense of critical fixed installations. Towed: A transportable system powered by heavy-duty generators for forward or contested locations. Maneuver: A combat-vehicle version that uses the vehicle's power supply to protect mobile forces. Maritime: A ship-based version designed to use the vessel's onboard power system. Part of a Layered Defense BAE Systems said the HPM system is not intended to replace traditional kinetic weapons. Instead, it is designed to operate as part of a layered air-defense system. At AUSA 2026, the company also unveiled the Multi-Domain Artillery Cannon System (MDACS), which fires precision-guided kinetic munitions. Under the layered approach, conventional missile and kinetic systems can be used against long-range, high-value threats requiring physical destruction, while the HPM system can provide another layer against large numbers of smaller drones. BAE Systems has confirmed the HPM system's testing and TRL 6 status, but has not disclosed its maximum engagement range, exact cost per shot, or a specific timeline for fielding the system with active military units.

U.S. Army Receives First Hanwha Mobile Tactical Cannon Prototype to Replace M777

U.S

WASHINGTON, — The U.S. Army has taken delivery of its first Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC) prototype from Hanwha Defense USA, an eight-wheeled 155 mm self-propelled howitzer being evaluated to replace the Army’s towed M777 artillery systems. K9-Based Mobile Howitzer The MTC is based on Hanwha’s K9 Mobile Howitzer (K9MH), a wheeled version of the South Korean-designed K9 Thunder family. It carries a 52-caliber 155 mm gun mounted on a Tatra Force chassis. The prototype will undergo field testing with active-duty soldiers under near-combat conditions. The Army will use the trials to collect operational data and soldier feedback. Brig. Gen. Robert “RJ” Mikesh Jr., the Army’s portfolio management executive for offensive fires, confirmed the delivery on October 8 ahead of the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual meeting. “We’re excited to have that and get ready to test it,” Mikesh said, highlighting the importance of soldier feedback. Rapid Acquisition and U.S. Production The Army selected Hanwha in August 2026, less than a year after requesting industry proposals. The service awarded a four-year Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement worth $100.3 million initially, with a potential ceiling of nearly $263 million if all options are exercised. The agreement covers six prototypes, with options for 12 additional systems. Hanwha was selected over proposals from BAE Systems, General Dynamics Land Systems, American Rheinmetall, a Leonardo DRS and KNDS team, and an Elbit Systems of America team that included Anduril and Oshkosh. The Army selected a mature, available design rather than pursuing a clean-sheet system. Hanwha is establishing an integration and testing facility in Opelika, Alabama, and plans to shift production work to the United States within two years. Range and Mobility Advantage The MTC is intended to provide greater mobility and range than the M777, which has been in U.S. Army service since 2005. The M777 has a range of about 24 km with standard ammunition and about 40 km with the Excalibur guided shell. The K9-based system can reach more than 60 km using existing U.S. Army ammunition inventories. Unlike the towed M777, the self-propelled MTC can move under its own power after firing. This “shoot-and-scoot” capability is intended to reduce the time the crew remains at a firing position and its exposure to counter-battery fire. Planned Army Fielding The Army plans to initially field the system with Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, followed by Mobile and Infantry Brigade Combat Teams. The service ultimately aims to replace more than 400 towed artillery systems across its Brigade Combat Teams. Army leadership has set a goal of fielding a fully battle-ready version of the Mobile Tactical Cannon by 2031. K9 Global Experience and Future Development The K9 platform has been in service with the South Korean Army since 1999. Hanwha says more than 2,500 K9 systems have been fielded by approximately 10 countries, including recent expansions in Norway and development interest in Spain. The U.S. prototypes will also support the Army’s 155 mm Artillery Propulsion Modernization project, which is testing new propellants, charges and ignition systems aimed at extending artillery range toward 70 km. Separately, the Army issued a solicitation in late August 2026 for a tracked version of the Mobile Tactical Cannon. Hanwha has confirmed that it intends to compete for that program.

Anduril Unveils Steelfin Missile Family as Lower-Cost Alternative to Existing Air Defense Interceptors

U.S

COSTA MESA, Calif., — Anduril Industries has unveiled the Steelfin family of surface-to-air interceptor missiles, designed to counter cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic threats, manned aircraft and unmanned aircraft. The company is developing the missile family around a common architecture intended to support multiple air-defense missions while reducing production costs and increasing interceptor output. Two-Stage Modular Design Steelfin uses a two-stage architecture consisting of a solid rocket booster and a terminal interceptor. The first-stage booster can be varied according to requirements for range, performance, launch configuration and packing density. The second stage uses a common baseline airframe, avionics, software, flight controls and interfaces across the Steelfin family. Modular connections allow different seekers and mission equipment to be installed without redesigning the complete missile. Anduril is considering 10-inch, 18-inch and 21-inch booster diameters for different configurations. The company has also indicated that Steelfin variants can use kinetic interceptors and fragmentation warheads. Today’s missile defense model does not scale. The modern fight demands an interceptor that can match cost and capability to threat. Introducing Steelfin. https://t.co/d4ZYpB0iSu — Anduril Industries (@anduriltech) October 12, 2026 Designed for Multiple Air-Defense Missions The Steelfin family is intended to cover missions ranging from point defense and lower-tier integrated air and missile defense to upper-tier ballistic missile defense. One configuration is being positioned for the U.S. Army's Future Interceptor effort, which seeks an interceptor capability between the PAC-3 MSE and higher-tier missile-defense systems. Anduril has not confirmed that Steelfin has been selected for the program. The company has stated that one configuration could perform 100% of THAAD missions for a fraction of the cost, while another could perform 80% of PAC-3 missions for less than 50% of the cost. Lower-Cost Interceptor Target Anduril is targeting a cost that represents a fraction of existing benchmark interceptors in each mission class. Company executives have indicated an aim of roughly one-third the cost of the Patriot PAC-3 MSE. Specific Steelfin unit prices have not been released. Compatibility With Existing Launchers Steelfin variants are designed to operate with several existing and emerging launch systems, including: M903A2 Patriot launcher Mk 41 Vertical Launch System Typhon launcher Emerging containerized launch systems The missiles are also designed to work with existing fire-control software, including Aegis and the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). Common Production Line Anduril plans to manufacture Steelfin variants using shared production lines, tooling, technicians and facilities. The company says this approach would allow production capacity to be shifted toward a particular variant when demand increases. The missiles also use open interfaces that can support commercial off-the-shelf components and subsystem designs from multiple vendors. Anduril said this can expand the supplier base and reduce the risk of production interruptions. The company initially plans to produce several thousand Steelfin variants per year, with longer-term plans to move toward hundreds of thousands annually. Testing and Production Timeline Anduril said it has spent years developing Steelfin while investing alongside multiple customers. The company has completed ballistic testing with representative air vehicles and plans to begin flight testing of Steelfin variants in 2027. Full-rate production is targeted for late 2028 or early 2029. Anduril has not announced a fielding date. Growing Demand for Air Defense The Steelfin announcement comes as demand for air and missile defense systems remains high and existing interceptor stockpiles face pressure from ongoing conflicts. Lockheed Martin has introduced PAC-3 ACE, described as a lower-cost option compared with PAC-3 MSE, and PAC-3 Edge, aimed at improved effectiveness against hypersonic threats. European companies including MBDA and Diehl Defence are also developing new air-defense missiles. Ukrainian company Fire Point is developing the FP-7.x interceptor under the Freyja program with European partners. Anduril's Steelfin approach is centered on a common missile architecture and shared manufacturing processes across multiple variants, with the aim of increasing interceptor production while providing different configurations for different air and missile defense requirements.

Raytheon Wins U.S. Navy Contract to Upgrade SPY-6 Radar Software for Longer-Range Target Detection

U.S

ARLINGTON, Va. — Raytheon, an RTX business, has received a contract from the U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR) to develop software upgrades aimed at helping naval radars detect smaller targets at greater distances and classify them more quickly. The program will run through 2031 and focus on the SPY-6 family of radars and future naval systems. Software Upgrades for Naval Radars Raytheon’s Advanced Technology team will develop and evaluate advanced signal- and data-processing algorithms. The software changes are designed to increase radar sensitivity, extend detection range and improve overall system efficiency. The upgrades will undergo laboratory and field testing to validate their performance before being integrated for operational fleet use. “Modernizing fielded radar systems with software-first upgrades is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to deliver mission-ready capability,” said Colin Whelan, president of Advanced Technology at Raytheon. He said the enhancements will enable naval operators to detect smaller objects at greater distances and classify targets more quickly, providing faster and more informed decision-making. Builds on ASPIRE and STORM The new contract builds on earlier ONR projects, including ASPIRE and STORM. These programs focused on software-defined apertures and established hardware and software foundations for next-generation radar capabilities. SPY-6 Radar Family The SPY-6 family is used by the U.S. Navy across seven ship classes. The radar can support simultaneous defense against ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missiles, as well as hostile aircraft and surface vessels. It also provides incoming-threat data to guide naval weapons, including all variants of the Standard Missile. SPY-6 variants use shared hardware and software components called radar modular assemblies. Each assembly is a self-contained radar antenna housed in a two-foot cube. The main variants include: SPY-6(V)1: Installed on Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers, with four array faces and 37 assemblies per face. SPY-6(V)2: Designed for amphibious assault ships and Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, using a single rotating array. SPY-6(V)3: Designed for Ford-class carriers and guided-missile frigates, using three fixed arrays. SPY-6(V)4: Used on Flight IIA destroyers, with four array faces containing 24 assemblies each. The modular architecture is designed to meet different mission requirements while improving reliability and reducing maintenance costs. Development and Testing Development and testing will be conducted at Raytheon facilities in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and Andover, Massachusetts. Raytheon is also expanding its engineering workforce to support the long-term contract and other military programs, recruiting emerging talent, veterans and experienced professionals. Raytheon’s parent company, RTX, reported more than $88 billion in sales in 2025 and currently employs more than 180,000 people globally.

Northrop Grumman Launches First 21 SDA Satellites for U.S. Missile-Tracking Network

U.S

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. — A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched 21 Northrop Grumman-built satellites into low Earth orbit for the U.S. Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL), marking the company’s first deployment for the Pentagon’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). The Falcon 9 lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base at 3:39 a.m. EDT (12:39 a.m. local time) after a five-day delay caused by a launch vehicle issue. The mission, designated T1TL-A, is the fourth of six planned Tranche 1 Transport Layer launches. The satellites arrived at Vandenberg on September 28. Secure Communications in Low Earth Orbit The 21 satellites are designed to provide secure, resilient and low-latency communications for warfighters. They carry optical inter-satellite links and Link 16 radios, extending the military’s secure, high-speed and jam-resistant tactical data network into space. The interconnected satellites are designed to move tactical data between military users and missile-warning and tracking satellites, supporting global missile detection and tracking. Optical links allow data to move between spacecraft before reaching users through the wider network. Multi-Vendor Transport Layer The launch is also an important deployment for the SDA’s multi-vendor acquisition strategy. In July 2026, 21 Transport Layer satellites built by York Space Systems were deployed into orbit, while Lockheed Martin has also supplied Tranche 1 Transport Layer satellites. The SDA plans for spacecraft from different manufacturers to operate together within the same network architecture, making interoperability between the satellites an important part of the program. Northrop Grumman’s 21 satellites represent the first half of its 42-satellite Tranche 1 Transport Layer contract, valued at approximately $692 million. Tranche 1 and Future Deployments The Tranche 1 Transport Layer is planned to include 126 satellites, with Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin and York Space Systems each contracted to build 42 satellites. The wider Tranche 1 program also includes 28 missile-warning and tracking satellites, with initial warfighting capability targeted for 2027. Northrop Grumman plans to launch a second orbital plane of 21 Transport Layer satellites, followed by several dozen additional PWSA spacecraft over the next six months. The company is under contract to build approximately 150 satellites across PWSA Tranches 1, 2 and 3, as well as more than 30 space vehicles for the SDA’s missile-warning and tracking constellation. Accelerating Satellite Production Northrop Grumman is using advanced manufacturing systems, AI-enabled production tools and commercial technologies from industry partners to accelerate production. The company has about seven million square feet of manufacturing space dedicated to space programs, with dozens of additional satellites already fully integrated and undergoing final checks. The October 10 deployment adds Northrop Grumman satellites to the expanding PWSA network. Future deployments, reliable data links, interoperability between satellites from different manufacturers and the network’s ability to operate in a contested space environment will be important to the system’s overall effectiveness.

Israel’s IAI Unveils 360-Degree POINT@AIR Mobile Surveillance Radar for Tactical Operations at U.S. Expo

U.S

WASHINGTON, D.C., — Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will unveil its new POINT@AIR tactical radar system at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting & Exposition, scheduled for October 12–14, 2026, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The system will be displayed at Hall C, Booth 3525. Compact Radar System with 360-Degree Coverage POINT@AIR combines advanced radar technology with a compact aerostat, a tethered balloon that carries the radar above ground level. Based on IAI’s operational ELM-2083 early warning radar family, the system uses active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology to provide long-range detection, continuous tracking and 360-degree surveillance. The radar can track moving objects at ranges of up to 150 kilometres (approximately 90 miles). It combines electronic scanning in azimuth and elevation with mechanical rotation to provide all-around coverage. Its elevated position extends the radar’s line of sight beyond terrain and ground-level obstacles, helping detect low-flying aerial threats earlier. The system can simultaneously detect and track aerial, maritime and ground targets, prioritise them according to mission requirements, and connect with existing command-and-control networks to provide a unified picture of the operational environment. Designed for Mobile Field Operations POINT@AIR is designed for continuous surveillance, rapid deployment and relocation as operational requirements change. Its compact configuration aims to provide advanced radar capabilities in areas where fixed infrastructure is impractical. The system adapts technology from the larger ELM-2083 L-band radar family, which is used for aerostat-based early warning and shares technological roots with the Green Pine radar associated with Israel’s Arrow missile defence system. Its mobile approach differs from larger aerostat programmes such as the US Army’s Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor System (JLENS), which was cancelled in 2015. POINT@AIR instead focuses on a smaller, more flexible platform for tactical operations. IAI Highlights Situational Awareness IAI President and CEO Guy Bar Lev said continuous battlefield visibility helps military forces understand developments, anticipate threats and respond with greater confidence. He added that IAI is developing next-generation capabilities to improve situational awareness, operational flexibility and the time available to respond to threats. Dror Bar, CEO of IAI’s ELTA Systems and an executive vice president at IAI, said the main challenge was maintaining advanced radar performance while making the system compact and quick to deploy. He explained that POINT@AIR combines AESA technology, long-range detection and 360-degree coverage to provide persistent surveillance where fixed installations may not be practical. Specifications and Commercial Status IAI has not disclosed the system’s price, exact airborne endurance or details of customer orders. Its unveiling at AUSA 2026 will present the mobile aerostat-based radar as a tactical surveillance solution combining elevated detection, multi-target tracking and operational flexibility.

Minerva Zen Tanker Carrying Fertilizer, Not Russian Diesel, to US

U.S

WILMINGTON, North Carolina — The Greek-flagged tanker Minerva Zen, initially reported to be carrying Russian diesel to the United States, is transporting urea ammonium nitrate (UAN), a liquid nitrogen fertilizer, according to updated maritime tracking data. The vessel, identified by IMO number 9410909, departed St. Petersburg on September 22 and is heading toward Wilmington, North Carolina. Earlier reports incorrectly identified its cargo as approximately 275,000–280,000 barrels of diesel and gasoil. TankerTrackers and updated Vortexa data subsequently confirmed the fertilizer cargo, which is intended for EuroChem North America. The correction comes after US President Donald Trump announced an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 9 to resume Russian diesel supplies to US and global markets. The US Treasury Department subsequently issued General License 135, temporarily authorizing certain transactions involving Russian-origin diesel imports until April 7, 2027. On October 10, Russia partially lifted its diesel export restrictions, allowing an initial 500,000 metric tons to enter international markets. However, the Minerva Zen shipment is unrelated to the newly authorized diesel trade, and actual Russian diesel deliveries to the United States would require separate cargoes and commercial arrangements. The proposed resumption of Russian diesel exports has drawn criticism from Ukrainian and European officials, who argue that easing sanctions could increase Moscow’s revenue while its war against Ukraine continues.