U.S 

WASHINGTON, D.C.,  — The U.S. Department of War announced approximately $350 million in quantum computing initiatives on October 8, 2026, to advance utility-scale quantum technologies, strengthen domestic manufacturing and identify applications for national security. The package includes approximately $200 million in new funding for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and a $150 million conditional loan commitment to quantum computing company PsiQuantum through the Office of Strategic Capital. The initiative is led by the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering and aligns with the administration’s efforts to accelerate quantum technology commercialisation and domestic manufacturing. “Dominance in quantum information science is a critical priority for both President Trump and the Department of War,” said Emil Michael, Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering. He highlighted the importance of maintaining U.S. technological leadership through innovation across academia and industry.   Four Companies Advance to DARPA Stage C DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) has advanced four prospective quantum computing providers to Stage C: Atom Computing, Diraq, IBM and IonQ. They join Microsoft and PsiQuantum, which advanced through a precursor programme. The companies are developing different technologies: Atom Computing, based in Boulder, Colorado, develops scalable arrays of neutral atoms. Diraq, based in Sydney, Australia, uses silicon CMOS spin qubits. IBM, based in Yorktown Heights, New York, develops modular superconducting processors. IonQ, based in College Park, Maryland, specialises in trapped-ion quantum computing. Stage C introduces direct physical hardware testing. The companies will work with DARPA to verify whether their proposed utility-scale quantum computers can be built and operated as designed. Each has established a development plan, assessed technical and programme risks, identified mitigation measures and defined prototype requirements. The programme aims to determine whether any approach can achieve utility-scale operation by 2033, where computational value exceeds cost. Since its launch in mid-2024, DARPA has evaluated more than 20 organisations. The new funding brings its total financial backing for prospective quantum computing providers to more than $650 million.   PsiQuantum Manufacturing Support The $150 million conditional loan commitment is intended to support PsiQuantum’s advanced manufacturing and prototyping capabilities in the United States, particularly its 140,000-square-foot PsiFactory facility in Milpitas, California. The facility handles cryogenic testing, component testing, system assembly and integration. The loan remains subject to financial, legal, technical and regulatory conditions. The investment aims to strengthen the domestic quantum industrial base and support U.S. technological leadership.   Defence Applications and Next Steps The Department of War expects mature quantum systems to assist research in chemistry, materials science and physics, potentially supporting the development of future defence platforms and weapons that are more effective, cost-efficient and easier to manufacture. Practical benefits will depend on the capabilities of the technology and its ability to deliver useful results at scale. DARPA plans to hold application workshops before January 2027, bringing together end users and quantum-algorithm experts to identify high-value operational applications and accelerate industrially relevant quantum advantages. The workshops will be coordinated with the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, the National Nuclear Security Administration and the Laboratory for Physical Sciences. The initiative will complement existing quantum programmes involving the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation and NASA. The announcement supports President Trump’s designation of quantum information science as a national priority through Executive Order 14413 and aligns with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s report on advancing American science.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-11 12:13:37

 U.S 

FORT IRWIN, California, — The U.S. Army’s efforts to integrate artificial intelligence (AI), drones and advanced command systems into future warfare faced technical challenges during Project Convergence Capstone 6, held from July 20 to 29, 2026, at the National Training Center in California’s Mojave Desert. Nearly 9,700 U.S. and allied soldiers from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand participated in the exercise, which tested more than 90 technologies, including drones, autonomous systems, electronic warfare tools and the Army’s Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) network. The exercise involved the U.S. 4th Infantry Division and force-on-force scenarios across challenging desert terrain.   Extreme Heat and Equipment Failures Temperatures reached around 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius), with some reports indicating higher readings. Servers and other electronic equipment overheated, while lithium-ion batteries in drones and robotic systems failed or could not be recharged reliably. Some experimental drones struggled to remain airborne because of overheating and power limitations. Systems from companies including Anduril Industries also experienced signal losses behind terrain features, while wind affected flight stability. Some drones lacked full AI or autonomous flight capabilities and required manual control, forcing soldiers to carry spare batteries and replacement parts. Communications equipment also experienced connectivity problems. Some antennas required improvised cooling using ice-water-soaked T-shirts, while electronic warfare effects and network disruptions sometimes limited access to digital maps. The NGC2 network and associated tools placed additional demands on power supplies needed to operate sensors, share data and support AI-assisted planning.   NGC2 Demonstrates Progress Despite Setbacks Despite these problems, the exercise showed progress in software-driven command operations. NGC2 combined information from multiple sources, including friendly-force positions and sensor feeds, into a shared operational picture for commanders. In some scenarios, the system supported faster coordination during simulated urban assaults and improved information sharing between U.S. and allied units. Lt. Gen. Michael McCurry, head of Army Futures and Concepts Command, directed the exercise. Maj. Gen. Patrick Ellis, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, described NGC2 as “ready but not done,” indicating that the system was ready for operational use in its current form but still required further development. Gen. Christopher LaNeve, the Army’s vice chief of staff, emphasized that the technology was intended to support commanders’ decisions, not replace their role, particularly when units operate across dispersed locations and remain on the move.   Lessons for Future Modernization Project Convergence Capstone 6 is part of the Army’s continuing effort to test emerging technologies before wider deployment. The results will help refine requirements and guide improvements in battery reliability, heat management, communications and network performance. The exercise highlighted the gap between the potential of AI-enabled warfare and the practical challenges of operating advanced equipment in demanding environments. Although software-assisted planning and data sharing showed promise, unreliable hardware, power limitations and communications failures remain obstacles. The Army will use the findings to improve its systems and push defence contractors to deliver more durable, field-ready equipment. The results underline that successful AI-enabled warfare depends not only on advanced software but also on reliable drones, computing hardware, power supplies and communications networks.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-10 16:01:42

 U.S 

SAN DIEGO,  — Newly published photographs of the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln show markings representing targets destroyed during its 321-day Middle East deployment, including approximately 103 one-way attack drones, 34 surface vessels and 10 submarines. These figures differ from those announced by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and the U.S. Navy has not publicly explained the discrepancies. On October 7, Hegseth stated that the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group shot down 77 one-way attack drones, sank 64 Iranian warships and destroyed 21 anti-ship cruise missiles. He also reported 3,693 combat sorties, 450 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles launched from escort ships, 1.37 million pounds of ordnance delivered and defensive actions against four fast-attack craft and explosive-carrying vessels, as detailed in our previous report. The markings on the carrier’s superstructure include symbols for drones, surface vessels and submarines. Some reports have also identified markings for anti-ship missiles and other targets. The reasons for the differences between the painted markings and the officially announced figures remain unclear.   Carrier Air Wing 9 Reports 14,037 Sorties The U.S. Navy reported that Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9) completed 14,037 sorties and 31,460 forward-deployed flight hours during the deployment. During the 38-day Operation Epic Fury campaign, the air wing expended 1,499 precision-guided munitions and delivered more than 1.37 million pounds of ordnance against missile sites, production facilities, military infrastructure and naval combatants. CVW-9 comprises nine squadrons: three F/A-18E/F Super Hornet squadrons (VFA-14, VFA-41 and VFA-151); Marine Fighter Attack Squadron VMFA-314, operating the F-35C Lightning II; Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ-133, equipped with the EA-18G Growler; Airborne Command and Control Squadron VAW-117, operating the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye; helicopter squadrons HSM-71 and HSC-14; and logistics squadron VRM-30. Individual aircraft also display operational markings. An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to VFA-41 carries a submarine kill symbol, and the squadron reportedly expended 421 missiles and bombs during the operations. An F-35C assigned to VMFA-314 displays markings representing a tanker, submarines, a surface combatant, a drone and ground-based systems.   USS Abraham Lincoln Completes 321-Day Deployment The USS Abraham Lincoln departed San Diego on November 21, 2025, and returned to Naval Air Station North Island on October 8, 2026. After reaching the U.S. Central Command area in late January, the carrier strike group participated in Operation Epic Fury, supporting major combat operations before an early April ceasefire. It later took part in maritime blockades of Iranian shipping. The deployment included more than 260 consecutive days at sea without a port call. The strike group’s escort ships included the guided-missile destroyers USS Frank E. Petersen Jr., USS Spruance and USS Michael Murphy. During a ceremony on October 7, Hegseth presented the Presidential Unit Citation to the strike group. The Navy has not publicly reconciled the differences between the carrier’s displayed target markings and the officially announced operational figures.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-10 15:53:55

 U.S 

WASHINGTON,  — Lockheed Martin has unveiled the PAC-3 Edge, a next-generation missile interceptor designed to counter hypersonic weapons and other advanced aerial threats. Announced on October 9, the interceptor is the company's entry in the U.S. Army's Future Interceptor program, where it has advanced to the next stage of development. The company plans to begin testing in 2027, with the goal of rapid deployment by 2031.   New Seeker and Propulsion System PAC-3 Edge builds on the architecture of the combat-proven Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE), but incorporates a new seeker, an upgraded propulsion system and modified flight controls. The seeker was developed at Lockheed Martin's Strigo Product Center, supported by a $250 million investment. The company also plans to invest approximately $800 million overall in seeker technology to support additional systems. The interceptor uses a three-pulse solid rocket motor manufactured by Northrop Grumman. The motor is intended to improve range and altitude performance, while updated flight control systems are designed to enhance maneuverability and enable interception of aircraft, missiles and hypersonic threats at greater distances and higher altitudes. Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said PAC-3 Edge builds on the combat-proven PAC-3 MSE while delivering greater maneuverability, power and velocity.   Integration and Production Plans The interceptor is designed to integrate with the U.S. Army's existing and future air and missile defense networks, including the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), M903 launcher, containerized launch systems and HIMARS Flex. Lockheed Martin has also indicated plans to pursue integration of the PAC-3 missile family with the U.S. Navy's Aegis combat system for potential shipboard deployment. Production is planned at the company's existing PAC-3 facility in Camden, Arkansas. The facility is being expanded and modernized with robotics, automation and other manufacturing improvements. Lockheed Martin expects the PAC-3 Edge to cost roughly the same as the PAC-3 MSE and is targeting production of approximately 2,000 interceptors annually.   PAC-3 Edge Joins the Expanding Interceptor Family In July 2026, Lockheed Martin introduced the PAC-3 ACE, a lower-cost interceptor designed for faster production and priced at less than half the cost of the PAC-3 MSE. The ACE is intended to provide a more affordable option for meeting demand for air and missile defense systems, while the Edge focuses on improving performance against advanced threats.   Rising Global Demand Drives Production Expansion Demand for Patriot-compatible interceptors has increased amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, including the conflict involving Iran. Ukraine has repeatedly requested additional Patriot systems from Western allies, and Ukrainian forces have reported high success rates using PAC-3 interceptors against ballistic and other missile threats. To address shortages, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. government have established a seven-year framework to increase annual PAC-3 MSE production from approximately 600 to around 2,000 units. Related multiyear contracts have a potential value of about $58.6 billion. Lockheed Martin is also working with industry partners and suppliers, including Boeing and L3Harris Technologies, to expand manufacturing capacity and accelerate deliveries. The company is one of two manufacturers selected to advance in the U.S. Army's Future Interceptor program, according to Lockheed Martin. A full-scale model of the PAC-3 Edge is scheduled to be displayed at the Association of the U.S. Army conference.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-10 13:52:33

 U.S 

SEATTLE,  — Seattle-based Overland AI has introduced IBEX, an autonomous unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) selected by the U.S. Marine Corps for integration into its Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS), which supports counter-unmanned aircraft system (counter-UAS) operations. The company announced the vehicle on October 7, 2026. IBEX is built on the chassis, engine and drivetrain of the Polaris MRZR Alpha tactical vehicle, allowing it to use compatible parts, existing military maintenance and supply chains, and standard diesel or JP-8 military fuel. It is an evolution of Overland AI’s earlier ULTRA ground vehicle, featuring a modified chassis and dimensions designed for transport aboard the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. According to company co-founder and chief operating officer Greg Okopal, IBEX is narrower and longer than ULTRA, with greater payload capacity and additional space for sensors and equipment.   Performance and Autonomous Capabilities IBEX can carry up to 2,000 pounds (907 kg) of cargo and equipment, reach speeds of 35 mph (56 km/h), and travel approximately 250 miles (402 km) at 20 mph (32 km/h) on a single tank. It also provides 5 kW of exportable electrical power to support external sensors, equipment and field systems. The vehicle uses Overland AI’s OverDrive autonomy software, OverWatch user interface and SPARK hardware. Its system is designed to navigate complex off-road terrain, plan routes and operate without remote piloting, GPS signals or pre-mapped routes. It is also designed for denied, degraded, intermittent and limited (DDIL) communications environments, while OverWatch enables operators to manage multiple vehicles. Beyond cargo transport, IBEX is designed to function as a mobile power, communications and computing node for forward military units.   Marine Corps Integration and Procurement The Marine Corps plans to use IBEX initially to support MADIS counter-drone operations, including resupply of air defence systems. Other potential missions include general resupply, breaching and electronic warfare support. IBEX is being procured under the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) programme. The initial contract was valued at nearly $20 million for more than a dozen vehicles, primarily for the Marine Corps, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. A subsequent $4.5 million expansion brought the total contract value to $25 million and added support for the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment. The vehicles are also intended for use by U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). Two IBEX prototypes are undergoing daily testing in central Washington, with further refinements planned before production.   Company Background Founded in 2022 as a spinout from the University of Washington, Overland AI develops autonomous vehicle software and hardware for military applications. The Seattle-based company has raised approximately $140 million in venture funding, including a $100 million Series B round in 2026, and operates a production facility in Seattle’s Rainier Beach neighbourhood. IBEX adds an autonomous logistics platform designed to support frontline military units while using the fuel, components and maintenance infrastructure associated with the existing Polaris MRZR fleet.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-10 12:19:38

 U.S 

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif., — The U.S. Air Force launched an unarmed Mk21A reentry vehicle aboard a Minotaur I rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base on October 9, conducting an in-flight environmental test to support development of the system for the next-generation LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The test provided additional flight data to mature the Mk21A design. Developed by Lockheed Martin, the vehicle is currently in the engineering and manufacturing development phase and is designed to carry the modernized W87-1 nuclear warhead on the Sentinel. Maj. Gen. William Rogers, the Air Force portfolio acquisition executive for ICBMs and director of ICBM systems at the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC), said the Mk21A is crucial to modernizing U.S. ICBMs in response to the changing global threat environment. He said its development would support a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent. Brig. Gen. Amanda Okeson, program manager for the AFNWC ICBM Systems Directorate, added that ICBM modernization remains an Air Force priority.   Mk21A Testing and Development The latest launch follows a successful Mk21A test flight over the Pacific Ocean on June 17, 2024. An earlier attempt on July 6, 2022, failed when the Minotaur II+ rocket carrying the vehicle exploded approximately 11 seconds after liftoff from Vandenberg. Northrop Grumman supplied the Minotaur I rocket for the latest test, which was overseen by the U.S. Space Force’s Rocket Systems Launch Program. Minotaur rockets are used to demonstrate and test payload technologies in operationally realistic flight environments. Northrop Grumman is also developing the Sentinel ICBM. A reentry vehicle houses a missile’s warhead and must withstand high speeds and intense atmospheric heat during reentry. Lockheed Martin adapted the existing Mk21 design for the Mk21A using digital engineering, modeling and simulation. Lockheed Martin began work on the programme in October 2019 under a $108.3 million technology maturation and risk reduction contract. On October 30, 2023, it received a follow-on contract worth approximately $996 million for engineering, manufacturing and development. Subsequent modifications increased the cumulative contract value to about $1.48 billion by late 2025. Work is being conducted in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and other locations. The AFNWC leads the Mk21A acquisition effort, coordinating nuclear materiel management for Air Force Materiel Command in support of Air Force Global Strike Command.   Sentinel ICBM Programme The LGM-35A Sentinel is intended to replace the U.S. Air Force’s Minuteman III ICBM fleet. Initial Sentinel missiles are planned to use existing Mk21 reentry vehicles and W87-0 warheads before transitioning to the Mk21A and modernized W87-1 warhead. The Air Force plans to procure 642 Sentinel missiles, including 400 for one-for-one replacement of Minuteman III missiles, with the remainder intended for operational reserve and testing. Sentinel has a targeted operational entry date of 2029, with initial flight testing scheduled for 2027. The Air Force has also completed the vertical stacking of an inert Sentinel vehicle at Vandenberg to verify critical subsystems ahead of flight testing. Looking beyond the Mk21A, the Air Force issued a request for information in April 2023 for a Next Generation Reentry Vehicle intended eventually to replace both the Mk21 and Mk21A. Further details about the future system have not been released. The October 9 test adds to the data supporting Mk21A development as the Air Force continues work on its next-generation land-based nuclear deterrent.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-10 12:14:17

 U.S 

Washington, — The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) plans to integrate the AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) onto the U.S. Air Force’s B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers, expanding their long-range maritime strike capabilities. According to a presolicitation notice issued on October 7, NAVAIR intends to award a sole-source contract to Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control under an existing basic ordering agreement. The proposed Cost Plus Fixed Fee delivery order will cover missile software updates, integration testing, test asset repairs and failure review boards. The response deadline is October 22, 2026.   B-52H to Gain Long-Range Anti-Ship Capability The B-52H can already carry up to 20 AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM), the land-attack missile from which LRASM was developed. The two weapons share similar dimensions and hardware characteristics, providing a basis for integration, although software updates and testing will still be required. Naval News first reported the possibility of integrating LRASM onto the B-52 in 2019, but the effort did not advance for several years. Lockheed Martin is the intended contractor because it designed, developed and manufactures the missile and holds the technical data required for integration. The subsonic, stealth-oriented LRASM is designed to attack surface vessels, including moving ships, from long distances. Its integration would give the B-52H another option for maritime strike missions, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, where the United States is preparing for potential contingencies involving China’s expanding naval fleet. Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Mark Gunzinger, a former B-52 pilot and director of future concepts and capability assessments at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, said a small number of B-52s could deliver more weapons against maritime targets over longer ranges than Navy carrier-based aircraft could in a day. Operating from airbases farther from contested areas could also reduce the need to expose aircraft carriers to hostile threats.   B-2 Has Already Employed LRASM In June 2026, a B-2A Spirit stealth bomber used an LRASM against the decommissioned Austin-class amphibious transport ship USS Juneau (LPD-10) during Exercise Valiant Shield in the Philippine Sea, north of the Mariana Islands. The event marked the first public acknowledgment by the U.S. military of the B-2’s use of the missile. The development follows earlier LRASM milestones. DARPA and the U.S. Navy launched the programme in 2009. In 2012, DARPA cancelled the supersonic LRASM-B concept and focused on the subsonic LRASM-A, based on the JASSM-ER. Lockheed Martin conducted the first successful air-launch flight test from a B-1B in 2013, and the Pentagon designated the weapon AGM-158C in 2015. Low-rate production began under a 2017 contract. The Air Force achieved Early Operational Capability on the B-1B in 2018, followed by the Navy on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in 2019. The Navy completed four-missile salvo testing and began F-35C flight testing in 2024, with initial testing expanding to the F-35B in 2025.   Missile Production and New JASSM-FLEX Concept Pentagon acquisition reports published in July 2026 stated that Lockheed Martin had delivered 5,348 JASSMs to the Navy and Air Force as of April. Production capacity was approximately 600 missiles annually, with plans to increase it to 860 per year. Lockheed Martin plans to invest $8 million to $9 million through 2030 to expand production, while the Air Force allocated $200 million in fiscal year 2025 to develop a second-source engine for LRASM and JASSM-ER. A Center for a New American Security report estimated that the Air Force used approximately one-quarter of its JASSM inventory during Operation Epic Fury, highlighting the need to replenish stocks. In September 2026, Lockheed Martin unveiled the AGM-158 JASSM-FLEX concept at the Air, Space & Cyber conference. Its modular design features interchangeable nose sections and boat tails, allowing payloads, sensors and launch configurations to be changed for different missions, including land attack and anti-ship operations. Lockheed Martin spokesperson Scott Swofford declined to provide specific details about the B-52 integration and referred questions to the Pentagon. He described LRASM as a precise, stealthy and survivable cruise missile offering flexible capabilities for offensive anti-surface warfare. The October 7 notice outlines the planned integration rather than confirming that the work has been completed. If the effort proceeds, it will expand the U.S. bomber fleet’s options for long-range maritime strikes and build on the B-52H’s existing compatibility with JASSM-family weapons.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-09 16:17:26

 U.S 

WASHINGTON,  — The U.S. Department of State has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia valued at an estimated $300 million for Tomahawk cruise missile mission-planning systems, communications equipment and related support services. According to the State Department notification issued on October 8, the proposed package includes Theater Mission Planning Centers (TMPCs), the TMPC Mission Planning System (MPS), communications systems, program management, engineering, training, logistics and other related support services. The approval does not confirm that a final contract has been signed or that any equipment has been delivered.   Supporting Australia's Tomahawk Programme The package supports Australia's programme to acquire more than 200 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles for the Royal Australian Navy, comprising Block IV and modernised Block V variants. The missiles have a reported range exceeding 2,000 kilometres, with some official Australian statements citing up to 2,500 kilometres under certain conditions, depending on the variant and mission profile. The mission-planning systems will support the preparation and coordination of missile operations, while communications equipment and technical services will help integrate the capability into Australia's military command structures. The latest proposal focuses on operational planning and support infrastructure rather than additional missiles. In December 2024, the Hobart-class destroyer HMAS Brisbane successfully test-fired a Tomahawk missile during a trial off California's coast, making Australia the third country, after the United States and the United Kingdom, to fire the missile. The missiles are planned for Hobart-class destroyers and future Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines. Their possible integration onto Hunter-class frigates remains subject to further assessment and is not confirmed.   Contractors and Strategic Objectives The State Department identified four principal contractors for the proposed sale: BAE Systems in San Diego, California; Tapestry Solutions in St. Louis, Missouri; Peraton in San Jose, California; and Leidos in Virginia Beach, Virginia. No offset agreement has been identified. Any such arrangements would be negotiated directly between Australia and the contractors. Implementation would not require additional U.S. government or contractor personnel to be assigned to Australia. The State Department said the sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives. It is expected to strengthen Australia's ability to address current and future threats, deter regional threats, enhance homeland defence and improve interoperability with U.S. maritime forces and other allied militaries. The department assessed that Australia could integrate the systems and services into its armed forces without difficulty. The notification also stated that the proposed sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region or adversely affect U.S. defence readiness.   Previous Approvals The latest proposal follows a March 2023 approval for a possible sale of up to 200 Tomahawk Block V and up to 20 Block IV missiles, with associated equipment and support, valued at an estimated $895 million. In January 2024, the United States also notified a possible $250 million sale of general Tomahawk weapons system support services. The proposed $300 million package would add mission-planning, communications and sustainment infrastructure to support Australia's wider Tomahawk acquisition programme.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-09 14:39:51

 U.S 

WASHINGTON, — The U.S. Navy has awarded five agreements worth a combined $743.6 million for prototype development of the Nuclear-Armed Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM-N). Signed on September 23 and announced on October 6, the agreements cover missile development, flight systems integration and launch canisters, with work scheduled through December 31, 2027. Leidos subsidiary Dynetics, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman will lead missile development and systems integration, while Northrop Grumman Mission Systems and Pacific Engineering will develop launch canisters. The awards were issued through Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements under the Strategic & Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S2MARTS) initiative, managed by the National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL). The agreements support prototyping rather than production missile purchases.   Earlier Contracts and Development Work The latest awards build on prototype agreements issued in August 2025 to Leidos, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Florida Turbine Technologies for initial missile and technology development. Separate launcher and canister agreements worth approximately $26.24 million followed in September 2025. Other related contracts include a $194.1 million award to General Dynamics Mission Systems in September 2026 for fire-control subsystem engineering through September 2028; a $47.4 million award to JRC Integrated Systems for integration, modelling, simulation and flight-test engineering extending into 2030; and a $94.6 million contract to BAE Systems for engineering, technical and programme support through September 2028.   Return of a Sea-Launched Nuclear Capability The SLCM-N programme aims to restore a capability previously provided by the nuclear-armed Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM-N). The United States began deploying TLAM-N missiles aboard surface ships and submarines in the mid-1980s. They were removed from surface ships in the early 1990s, and the remaining inventory was fully retired in 2013. The Trump administration's 2018 Nuclear Posture Review revived the concept to strengthen regional deterrence and provide the United States and its allies with an additional response option. The Biden administration later proposed cancelling the programme, but Congress maintained funding and directed the Navy to continue development.   Funding, Deadlines and Planned Platforms According to the Congressional Research Service, fiscal year 2025 budget legislation allocated $2 billion to accelerate missile development and $400 million for the associated nuclear warhead. Fiscal year 2026 legislation authorised further funding for the missile and warhead. Fiscal year 2024 defence legislation set September 30, 2034, as the deadline for initial operational capability. Fiscal year 2026 legislation requires a limited number of weapons to be available for limited operational deployment by September 2032. These are statutory deadlines, not guarantees that development will be completed on schedule. The programme achieved Milestone A in December 2025 and is in the technology maturation and risk reduction phase. Planned milestones include the start of system development around September 2028 and a low-rate production decision in September 2031, followed by further testing and production decisions. The missile is intended primarily for Virginia-class attack submarines equipped with the Virginia Payload Module and Virginia Payload Tubes. Potential integration with future surface ships has also been referenced in programme planning. The SLCM-N is expected to use a variant of the W80 nuclear warhead family. The programme remains in development and prototyping, with the latest agreements supporting work on the missile, its flight systems and launch equipment ahead of planned testing, production and deployment milestones.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-09 14:35:34

 U.S 

ARLINGTON, Va., — Raytheon, a business of RTX , has received a multi-year contract worth up to $6.3 billion from the U.S. Department of War and the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to produce and sustain Standard Missile-3 Block IB (SM-3 IB) interceptors. The agreement has a five-year base period valued at approximately $4.4 billion, with two additional option years that could increase its total value to $6.3 billion. Issued as an undefinitized contract action, it allows Raytheon to begin work while the remaining contractual details are finalized. Production will take place primarily at facilities in Tucson, Arizona, and Huntsville, Alabama, with work expected to continue through October 2034. The exact number of interceptors covered by the contract has not been disclosed.   Contract to Replenish Missile Defense Inventories The award is part of framework agreements Raytheon signed with the Department of War in February 2026 to expand production capacity and accelerate deliveries of critical munitions, including the SM-3 family, SM-6, Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) and Tomahawk variants. The agreement aims to replenish missile defense inventories reduced through combat use. The SM-3 interceptor family saw its first combat use in 2024, when U.S. Navy ships engaged ballistic missile threats during Iranian attacks on Israel. Raytheon President Phil Jasper said the contract demonstrates the company's commitment to increasing production of critical munitions. He added that the SM-3 Block IB's combat experience highlights its continued relevance and that the agreement will help the U.S. Navy, the MDA and partner nations maintain their defensive capabilities against evolving threats. Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael P. Duffey said the contract provides production certainty for the defence industrial base, helps address manufacturing bottlenecks among lower-tier suppliers and supports interceptor availability for fleets and combatant commands operating across air, sea and land domains.   SM-3 Block IB Capabilities The SM-3 Block IB is a ship- and land-based interceptor designed to destroy short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles during the midcourse phase of flight, outside Earth's atmosphere. It uses hit-to-kill technology, destroying targets through direct collision rather than an explosive warhead. The interceptor features a two-colour infrared seeker and a throttleable divert and attitude control system to support target discrimination and manoeuvrability. It can be launched from Aegis-equipped U.S. Navy ships using the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System and from land-based Aegis Ashore installations. The SM-3 Block IB operates alongside the more advanced SM-3 Block IIA and other members of the Standard Missile family as part of the United States' layered ballistic missile defence network.   RTX Expands Missile Production RTX has been investing in additional manufacturing capacity and faster production across the Standard Missile family. The latest award follows other multi-year agreements, including a major SM-6 production contract and earlier framework arrangements covering AMRAAM and Tomahawk variants. The SM-3 Block IB production line had previously slowed, with a contract modification earlier in 2026 adding 23 interceptors to an existing order. The new agreement establishes a longer-term production framework, although the annual delivery schedule and total interceptor quantity remain undisclosed. The contract is intended to help restore and maintain U.S. and allied inventories of a combat-proven ballistic missile defence capability.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-09 14:23:05

 U.S 

MANILA,  — Lockheed Martin has signed a Direct Commercial Sale contract with the Philippine Department of National Defense to supply advanced training systems for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and its growing fleet of Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters. Announced on October 8, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, the agreement includes a Full Flight Simulator, a Virtual Maintenance Trainer, training course materials, and sustainment and spare parts support through 2032. The contract marks the first direct commercial order for Lockheed Martin’s S-70i Black Hawk training devices. The Full Flight Simulator uses digital twin technology to replicate the aircraft’s cockpit environment, flight characteristics and operating systems. It will allow pilots to practise routine operations and emergency procedures in a simulated environment without using operational helicopters. The Virtual Maintenance Trainer uses physics-based models of aircraft subsystems, including avionics and hydraulics, allowing maintenance personnel to practise troubleshooting and repair procedures without taking helicopters out of service for training.   Building Domestic Training Capabilities The Philippine Air Force will continue training pilots at the U.S.-based Sikorsky Training Academy until the new systems are installed and domestic training capabilities are established. The PAF already operates a full-motion simulator with interchangeable cockpits for the S-70i Black Hawk and Bell 412EP helicopters. Supplied by Romania-based Simultec, it was inaugurated in Cebu in December 2025. The new Lockheed Martin systems will expand the country's existing training infrastructure. Lockheed Martin said its training systems use digital twins and a digital thread linked to the helicopter’s operational flight programme. This approach can allow simulator software updates to be developed in days rather than years, helping keep training systems aligned with future aircraft upgrades.   Supporting a Fleet of Approximately 47 Helicopters The agreement follows the Philippine Air Force’s completion of deliveries under its second Black Hawk procurement contract. In August 2026, the PAF received its final batch at Villamor Air Base, completing deliveries of 32 additional S-70i helicopters under the agreement. Following two major procurement contracts, the Philippines operates approximately 47 S-70i Black Hawks, making it the world's largest operator of this variant. The helicopters are manufactured by PZL Mielec in Poland, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary. The PAF uses its Black Hawks for search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, aerial firefighting and troop transport across the Philippine archipelago, which is frequently affected by severe weather and natural disasters. The expanding fleet increases the need for qualified pilots, maintenance personnel and reliable spare parts support. Tim James, vice president of Air and Commercial Solutions at Lockheed Martin, said the contract was a long-term investment in the Philippine Air Force’s mission readiness and would support its growing S-70i fleet through training and sustainment solutions. William Blair, vice president and regional chief executive for Asia and India at Lockheed Martin, said the systems would help keep crews and maintenance personnel mission-ready while supporting the Philippines’ broader military modernization programme. The contract value and exact delivery schedule for the training systems have not been disclosed.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-09 13:15:56

 U.S 

EAST CAMDEN, Arkansas, — The first Tamir interceptors fully manufactured and assembled in the United States for Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system have been delivered at the Raytheon-Rafael Protection Systems (R2S) facility in East Camden, Arkansas. The missiles were handed over to Israel’s Missile Defense Organization (IMDO), part of the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development. The delivery marks the first time complete Tamir interceptors have been manufactured outside Israel. Previously, American companies supplied components, while final assembly took place in Israel.   US-Israel Defence Partnership The delivery ceremony was attended by Israeli Defense Attaché Maj. Gen. Tal Politis, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Senator Tom Cotton, IMDO Director Moshe Patel, Rafael Executive Vice President Shlomo Toaff, R2S CEO Jonathan Casey, US Missile Defense Agency Deputy Director Maj. Gen. Jason D. Cothern, Israeli Consul General Adi Farjon, and other defence officials and industry representatives. The ceremony coincided with the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel. Cotton remembered the more than 1,000 Israelis, Americans and citizens of other countries killed or kidnapped during the attacks and highlighted the project's security and economic benefits. “Iron Dome is not just a military tool or a defense system. It is a symbol of the security of our nation and our people,” Politis said, adding that the Israeli-American alliance strengthens the system. Sanders, who attended the facility's groundbreaking in 2024 and its opening in November 2025, welcomed the first Arkansas-produced interceptors and praised the partnership between the state, Camden community and R2S.   $63 Million Facility Expands Production R2S is a joint venture between Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Raytheon, a subsidiary of RTX. Rafael developed Iron Dome with Israel's Ministry of Defense, while Raytheon has collaborated with Rafael for more than a decade on interceptor production under US workshare requirements linked to American funding. The $63 million facility is expected to create up to 60 jobs. Announced in 2023 following discussions at the Paris Air Show, the project initially involved approximately $33 million and 30 jobs. Construction began in February 2024 at Highland Industrial Park in East Camden, using existing RTX production capacity in the area. When the plant opened in November 2025, R2S received a $1.25 billion contract to supply Israel with Tamir missiles, kits and testing equipment. R2S CEO Jonathan Casey said the delivery marks the start of US production for the Iron Dome Weapon System, strengthening the American industrial base and providing the United States and its allies with an additional reliable source of interceptors.   SkyHunter Production for US Marine Corps The Arkansas facility will also manufacture SkyHunter, the US variant of the Tamir interceptor, for the US Marine Corps' Medium-Range Intercept Capability (MRIC) air defence system. The Marine Corps has been testing and fielding Iron Dome-based technology to improve protection against rockets, cruise missiles, aircraft and drones. Rafael executive Shlomo Toaff said the facility provides another reliable source of Tamir interceptors while supporting the Marine Corps' SkyHunter programme.   Tamir Interceptor Capabilities The Tamir interceptor is designed to counter short-range rockets and other aerial threats at ranges of approximately 4 to 70 kilometres. Iron Dome entered operational service in 2011 and has recorded more than 10,000 successful interceptions. The system has helped protect Israeli civilians and approximately 250,000 Americans living in Israel from rocket and missile attacks, according to the information provided. IMDO Director Moshe Patel said Iron Dome and Israel's wider multi-layered missile defence system have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to save lives and reduce damage. He added that the new production line strengthens joint manufacturing capabilities as both countries seek to accelerate missile defence production. R2S plans to increase production at Camden to meet demand from the United States, Israel and allied countries. The facility will provide Israel with an additional source of Tamir interceptors while supporting US defence requirements and broader bilateral missile defence cooperation, which also includes work on David's Sling and Arrow.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-09 13:07:09

 U.S 

SAN DIEGO — U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visited the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group at sea on October 7, one day before the carrier’s scheduled return to San Diego, and presented the crew with the Presidential Unit Citation for its combat operations during a record-setting deployment. The carrier left San Diego on November 21, 2025, for an initially planned Indo-Pacific mission but was later redirected to the Middle East. The deployment lasted 321 days, including 264 consecutive days at sea without a port call, exceeding the previous Navy record of 206 days set by the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in 2020. The citation covers operations from February 28 through August 22, 2026, including Operation Epic Fury and the later maritime blockade of Iranian ports in and around the Strait of Hormuz. According to figures provided by Hegseth, the strike group, built around the carrier, Carrier Air Wing 9 and accompanying ships including the USS Frank E. Petersen Jr., conducted 3,693 combat sorties, delivered 1.37 million pounds (about 621 metric tons) of ordnance, and launched 450 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles. The group also destroyed 77 one-way attack drones and 21 anti-ship cruise missiles, sank 64 Iranian warships, and repelled attacks by four fast-attack craft and explosive-carrying wooden sailing vessels. Hegseth said the group completed its combat sorties without a single aircraft mishap. He also said the group carried out 40 consecutive days of combat operations beginning February 28 before supporting the blockade. Hegseth said President Donald Trump had followed the group’s activities and wanted the crew personally thanked. The prolonged deployment also raised concerns about crew well-being. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao said medical and mental-health professionals were available to support sailors during the extended deployment. The USS Abraham Lincoln is scheduled to arrive in San Diego on October 8, while some Carrier Air Wing 9 elements and the USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. had already returned. The Lincoln strike group is among at least five U.S. military units, including the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, to receive the Presidential Unit Citation in 2026. The U.S. continues to maintain a major naval presence in the Middle East, with the USS George Washington and USS George H.W. Bush assigned to the region. Military officials have also indicated that the USS Theodore Roosevelt could join them by the end of October.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-08 15:55:05

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy and defense technology company Shield AI have committed a combined $400 million to accelerate development of the X-BAT, an autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fighter aircraft. The investment is aimed at moving the aircraft toward its first flight tests later this year.   $400 Million Combined Investment The Navy has approved a $150 million modification to an existing Other Transaction agreement with Shield AI. The funding comes through the Defense Exportability Features program under the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. Shield AI is matching the Navy's investment with $150 million in private capital. The latest funding follows a separate $50 million Navy and Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) investment announced in August under the Runway Independent Maritime Expeditionary Strike (RIMES) initiative. Shield AI also matched that investment with another $50 million. Together, the two government investments total $200 million, matched by $200 million from Shield AI.   X-BAT Aircraft The X-BAT is being developed as a standalone autonomous fighter rather than a conventional “loyal wingman” drone. The aircraft is 26 feet long and has a 39-foot wingspan. Shield AI says three X-BAT aircraft can fit into the deck space required for one legacy fighter, allowing the aircraft to use deck space more efficiently. The aircraft is powered by a GE Aerospace F110-GE-129 engine equipped with a thrust-vectoring nozzle for VTOL operations. Shield AI lists an estimated combat radius of 1,000 nautical miles, a maximum range of more than 2,000 nautical miles and a service ceiling above 50,000 feet. The X-BAT has internal weapons bays for air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons, along with external hardpoints for larger strike weapons.   Autonomous Operations The aircraft uses Shield AI's Hivemind software as its AI pilot. The system is designed to allow X-BAT to conduct tactical missions in environments where GPS and satellite communications are denied or jammed. Its VTOL configuration removes the need for conventional runways. The aircraft is designed to operate from aircraft carriers, smaller ships, remote islands and austere forward land bases.   Development and Testing About 500 engineers from Shield AI and key suppliers, including GE Aerospace, are working on the flight-test aircraft. The program has completed several major development milestones, including engine light-off and thrust-vectoring nozzle integration. The team has also validated the aerodynamics of the internal weapons bays through low- and high-speed wind-tunnel testing. Shield AI plans to begin flight testing later in 2026 while continuing work on the aircraft, mission systems, ship suitability and production in parallel.   Flight Test and Production Sites Newton City-County Airport in Kansas has been selected for flight testing, acceptance and long-term sustainment. Prototyping is continuing in Texas, while production is planned for a facility in Des Moines, Washington. Manufacturing is targeted to begin in 2029, with full-rate production planned for the early 2030s. J.J. “Yank” Cummings, Shield AI's head of mission solutions for the U.S. Navy and a former commanding officer of USS Gerald R. Ford, said the X-BAT is being developed to enhance the lethality, survivability and combat power of U.S. Naval Aviation while integrating with existing carrier air wing operations. The latest funding brings the announced government and Shield AI commitments to the X-BAT program to $400 million, supporting its transition toward flight testing and future production.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-08 15:08:18

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — Bell Boeing and the V-22 Joint Program Office (PMA-275) are expanding a global supply-chain initiative aimed at keeping the V-22 Osprey fleet operational beyond 2055.   Expanding the V-22 Supply Chain The effort was a major focus of a recent Team Osprey Working Group, which brought together 200 defense experts from six allied nations and seven U.S. government agencies. More than 35 defense, engineering and manufacturing suppliers are involved in the initiative. Its priorities include addressing material shortages, improving component reliability, increasing parts availability and carrying out technical modernization. The group also welcomed 14 first-time industry participants, expanding the industrial base supporting V-22 sustainment. Col. Robert Hurst, PMA-275 program manager, said that better coordination across the global supply chain and the integration of technical improvements can increase material availability on the flight line. He also highlighted the importance of component reliability for maintaining expeditionary lift and logistical flexibility in high-threat environments.   Supporting Multiple Military Missions The effort supports the three main V-22 variants operated by U.S. forces. The U.S. Marine Corps' MV-22 provides tactical medium-lift capability, including troop transport and assault support. The Navy's CMV-22 performs Carrier Onboard Delivery missions, moving supplies, passengers and high-value cargo to deployed carrier strike groups. The CV-22, operated by U.S. special operations forces, supports long-range infiltration, exfiltration and specialized resupply missions.   Long-Term Fleet Sustainment The initiative comes as V-22 production moves toward completion. The Marine Corps received its 359th and final planned MV-22B on July 28, 2026. Production of the remaining Navy CMV-22B aircraft is expected to continue into 2027 or early 2028. The Marine Corps plans to operate its MV-22B fleet through 2055. Japan is the V-22's only international customer and operates 17 Ospreys. Recent contracts are also supporting the fleet's long-term sustainment. In September 2026, the Pentagon awarded Bell Boeing about $29.67 million to maintain loads-and-dynamics modeling data for V-22 variants through March 2030. The data supports structural analysis, repairs, mishap investigations and airworthiness activities. A separate contract was awarded to Raytheon for software support.   Modernization and Reliability V-22 modernization work includes improvements to nacelles, wiring and structural components, as well as proprotor gearboxes made with triple-melted steel. The program is also working on aircraft configuration standardization, component redesign and cockpit technology upgrades to address avionics obsolescence. According to the Department of War, continued coordination between the government, military operators and industry is intended to preserve the V-22's operational capabilities for several more decades. The initiative combines immediate supply-chain requirements with long-term reliability and modernization efforts to support the Osprey fleet beyond 2055.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-08 15:03:09