U.S 

Washington, — The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $125 million Foreign Military Sale to South Korea for AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles and related equipment. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has delivered the required certification to Congress, and the proposed sale still requires congressional notification and review before a final agreement can be concluded. South Korea has requested 103 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles and 10 AIM-9X Block II Tactical Guidance Units. The package also includes active optical target detectors, spare parts, training equipment, training aids and devices, weapon system support, and U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services. The principal contractor is RTX Corporation, formerly Raytheon Technologies, based in Arlington, Virginia. The U.S. government said it is not aware of any proposed offset agreement. Any offset arrangement would be determined through negotiations between South Korea and RTX. The implementation is not expected to require additional U.S. government or contractor personnel to be permanently assigned to South Korea.   U.S. Cites Regional Security and Interoperability The State Department said the proposed sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the security of a major Indo-Pacific ally. It would expand South Korea's air defense capability, help deter aggression and maintain interoperability with U.S. forces. The U.S. assessment says South Korea should have no difficulty integrating the equipment into its armed forces. The sale is not expected to alter the basic military balance in the Indo-Pacific or negatively affect U.S. defense readiness.   AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II The AIM-9X Block II is a short-range, infrared-guided air-to-air missile developed by Raytheon, now part of RTX. It is approximately 3 meters long, has a 0.13-meter diameter, a wingspan of about 0.35–0.45 meters, and a launch weight of roughly 84–85 kg, including a 9.4-kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead. The missile uses a solid-fuel rocket motor and can reach around Mach 2.5. Open-source reports cite an engagement range of up to approximately 35 km, although exact operational performance figures remain classified. The Block II variant uses a 128×128-pixel infrared imaging seeker, along with improved resistance to thermal countermeasures and electronic warfare. It also features a two-way data link and lock-on-after-launch capability, allowing the missile to receive information from the launching aircraft before its onboard seeker acquires the target.   South Korea Already Operates AIM-9X South Korea has operated the AIM-9X since 2011, initially acquiring it for its F-15K Slam Eagle fighters. The F-15K was equipped with the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), allowing pilots to cue missiles by turning their heads toward targets. The missile was later integrated with other Republic of Korea Air Force aircraft and, as of 2023, was in service with the F-15K, KF-16 Fighting Falcon and F-35A Lightning II. For the KF-21 Boramae, South Korea selected the German-made IRIS-T as its short-range air-to-air missile. Some reports have also indicated that AIM-9X Block II is being considered for integration on the KF-21 alongside IRIS-T. The proposed AIM-9X sale is therefore intended to add further missiles and support equipment to South Korea's existing inventory while maintaining compatibility with its U.S.-origin fighter fleet.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-23 11:58:58

 U.S 

Reno, Nevada — The U.S. Navy has officially revealed the AIM-424 Long Range Air-to-Air Missile (LRAAM), also known as “Malice,” at the Tailhook Symposium in Reno, Nevada, on August 22, 2026. The Navy also added the missile to its official Fact Files, releasing its first public specifications and photographs. The weapon is being developed by Raytheon, an RTX company, and is already undergoing flight testing. The AIM-424 is designed to strengthen fleet defense against advanced long-range aerial threats and support the Navy’s “first look, first shot, first kill” approach by providing greater reach, survivability and tactical flexibility. The missile is intended for fourth-, fifth- and sixth-generation aircraft, including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-35C Lightning II and future F/A-XX fighter.   AIM-424 Specifications The Navy lists the missile at 13.5 feet (4.11 meters) long, with a 13.5-inch (0.34-meter) diameter and a 26.2-inch (0.67-meter) wingspan. It weighs 1,500 pounds (680.4 kg) and uses a solid-propellant rocket motor with a blast-fragmentation warhead. Its stated range is in excess of 250 nautical miles (463 km). Aviation Week reported that the AIM-424 is a two-stage missile and is significantly larger than the AIM-120 AMRAAM. The released imagery shows the missile is also comparable in overall size to the AIM-174B, although the AIM-424 is shorter and has a narrower wingspan.   Testing and Aircraft Integration Navy photographs show the AIM-424 being carried externally by an F/A-18E Super Hornet, including a configuration from April 2026 showing four missiles. Other imagery shows the missile installed inside the F-35C’s internal weapons bay, with an AIM-120 positioned on the bay door. Captive-carry and weapons-bay fit checks have also been documented. The missile's development traces back to the Long Range Engagement Weapon (LREW) concept publicly discussed in 2017. That earlier concept involved a two-stage air-to-air missile designed for internal carriage by a stealth aircraft. The AIM-424 is now being developed alongside the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM). Raytheon President Phil Jasper said the company's Advanced Technology team developed the AIM-424 to strengthen fleet defense and maintain air superiority against emerging long-range air threats. He said the missile provides increased range, lethality and combat effectiveness for naval forces. The Navy has not announced an initial operational capability or full deployment timeline for the AIM-424. Detailed performance information also remains classified. The missile's publicly stated range of more than 250 nautical miles is intended to give carrier aviation a longer engagement envelope against high-value aerial threats, including aircraft capable of carrying long-range anti-ship weapons. The Navy has also indicated that the AIM-424 has greater range and speed than the AIM-174B while retaining maneuverability despite its size.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-23 11:15:55

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy is seeking industry concepts for a potential new version of the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) as NATO partners look to develop a Next Significant Variant (NSV) with improved capabilities against evolving aerial threats. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) issued a sources-sought notice on August 20, 2026, seeking companies able to design, build and support the NSV. Responses are due October 19, 2026. The notice is for market research only, carries no funding commitment and does not guarantee a future contract or prototype award. The ESSM is used by a 12-nation NATO consortium comprising Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Türkiye and the United States. The NATO SEASPARROW Project Office manages the program and is transitioning from Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems 12.0 to Program Acquisition Executive Munitions NSPO.   10-Inch Missile and Mk 41 Compatibility The Navy wants the NSV to retain the current 10-inch diameter of ESSM Block 2. This is important because the missile can be quad-packed in Mk 41 Vertical Launching System cells, allowing four interceptors to be carried in one cell. The existing ESSM Block 2 uses the larger 10-inch body compared with the 8-inch Block 1, providing space for its dual-mode X-band radar seeker. The Navy wants the new variant to retain this physical limit so existing ship launcher and magazine arrangements do not require redesign. ESSM Block 2 has a stated range of about 50 kilometers (31 miles) and a speed exceeding Mach 4. Its dual-mode seeker can use the missile's onboard radar or rely on a launching ship's illumination radar.   Wider Threat Requirements NAVSEA wants the NSV to handle targets with different speeds, altitudes and maneuverability, including low-speed to high-speed, sea-skimming to high-diving and non-maneuvering to high-G targets. The missile must also be able to track and discriminate between closely spaced targets and operate in contested environments involving radar, electro-optical and infrared countermeasures, as well as enemy jamming and decoys. Companies can submit complete missile designs or proposals for individual components such as seekers, propulsion systems, guidance electronics or warheads.   Open Architecture and Technology Rights The proposed missile must use a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), allowing adaptable and interoperable systems based on severable, standards-based components. The U.S. government is seeking at least Government Purpose Rights to technical data, source code and design documentation. The requirement is intended to provide the consortium with greater flexibility to support, upgrade or manufacture the missile without being dependent on a single supplier. All proposed technologies and data must be legally releasable to all 12 consortium members. Companies must also explain compliance with U.S. export controls, including ITAR, and domestic sourcing requirements such as the Buy American Act. Firms requesting detailed ESSM requirements must sign a non-disclosure agreement.   Current ESSM Production and NSV Development Raytheon, an RTX business, is the prime contractor and design agent for ESSM Block 2. The company delivered its 500th Block 2 missile to the U.S. Navy in October 2025 and has increased production to more than 350 missiles annually, with plans to roughly double production again by mid-2026. The NATO SEASPARROW Project Office held an NSV industry day in January 2026 and previously sought industry information on a releasable seeker assembly for the same 10-inch missile body. Official program material identifies a goal of reaching Milestone B by September 2029, with modeling and simulation, model-based systems engineering and other studies continuing. The ESSM program has been a multinational NATO weapons effort for more than five decades. NAVSEA has not yet announced a formal follow-on solicitation timeline, estimated program cost, or whether the NSV will replace ESSM Block 2 or operate alongside it. The current notice may or may not lead to a future Federal Acquisition Regulation-based contract or prototype award under Other Transaction authority.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-22 13:23:56

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of State has approved a possible $364 million Foreign Military Sale to Italy for the air-to-air variant of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II (APKWS-II). The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced the approval on August 21, 2026, under Transmittal No. 26-92. Italy has requested 5,031 WGU-59B/B Single Variant Air-to-Air Guidance Sections, along with associated launchers, warheads, rocket motors, proximity fuzes, training equipment and support services.   Package Details The proposed package includes: 5,031 WGU-59B/B APKWS-II guidance sections LAU-131 A/A 7-round rocket launchers Mk-152 high-explosive warheads MK66 solid-fuel rocket motors and inert training motors Proximity fuzes WTU-1/B practice warheads Other support equipment Publications and technical documentation Transportation U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support BAE Systems of Nashua, New Hampshire, is the principal contractor. The U.S. government said it is not currently aware of any proposed offset agreement. Any such agreement would be negotiated between Italy and the contractor.   APKWS-II Air-to-Air System APKWS-II is a laser-guidance kit that converts standard 70mm (2.75-inch) Hydra 70 unguided rockets into precision-guided weapons. The guidance section is installed between the warhead and rocket motor. In the air-to-air configuration, laser receivers are positioned on the leading edges of the deployable wings, while proximity fuzes and optimized software support engagements against drones and other slow-moving aerial targets. The system can also be carried in multi-round launcher pods, allowing several guided rockets to be carried on a single launcher.   Strengthening Italy's Air Defense The U.S. State Department said the proposed sale would strengthen Italy's homeland defense, improve its ability to address current and future threats, and enhance its contribution to NATO integrated air and missile defense. It would also support the protection of Italy and allied land forces. The U.S. government said Italy can absorb the equipment and services into its armed forces, while the sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region. Implementation would not require additional U.S. Government or contractor personnel to be assigned to Italy, and the proposed sale would have no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness. The approval is for a potential sale, not a completed contract. Final quantities, configuration and costs would be determined through negotiations and contracting if Italy proceeds with the purchase.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-22 13:06:18

 U.S 

QUANTICO, Va. — The U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) has completed technical acceptance of its first Ancillary Surface Craft (ASC) prototype, moving the approximately 150-foot vessel into limited technical assessments at Quantico, Virginia. The ASC is a roll-on/roll-off landing craft designed to transport personnel, equipment and fuel directly to unimproved shorelines, providing what the Marine Corps calls the “last tactical mile” of logistics support. It can carry up to 46 tons of cargo and 40 combat-loaded Marines. The shallow-draft craft is designed to operate in Sea State 5 and survive conditions up to Sea State 7. It has forward-looking sonar for navigating uncharted shallow waters, detecting submerged obstacles and assessing beach gradients before landing. It also has a fuel delivery and transfer system for vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore operations. Birdon describes the vessel, also known as the Ancillary Surface Craft-Medium, as approximately 150 feet long, 30 feet wide and with a draft of about 4.9 feet. Earlier company material listed cargo capacity of up to 54 tons, while Marine Corps technical acceptance validated 46 tons.   Supporting Distributed Marine Operations The ASC is intended to support the Marine Corps' Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) concept, which calls for small, mobile forces to operate from temporary positions in contested maritime areas without relying on fixed ports, piers or causeways. The craft is intended to complement the larger Medium Landing Ship (LSM) being developed by the Navy and Marine Corps. With the LSM program facing delays, the Marine Corps has described the ASC and similar smaller surface craft as a bridging capability for sustaining distributed forces in the Pacific. The ASC is optimized for moving medium and light tactical vehicles and other supplies between shorelines that larger vessels may not be able to reach. “This prototype allows MCWL to immediately execute hands-on experimentation, test tactical concepts, and put real hardware in the hands of Marines,” said Col. Kenny Jones, Science and Technology Division Director at MCWL. He said testing the ASC's traditional bow-first beaching approach alongside other experimental platforms will help reduce programmatic risk and refine requirements for future naval forces.   Prototype Construction and Testing The Marine Corps awarded Birdon America, the U.S. subsidiary of Australian maritime company Birdon, a contract for two ASC prototypes in 2024. Birdon partnered with C&C Marine and Repair in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, where construction began in 2025. The companies used automation-driven production methods intended to shorten construction time. The first ASC will initially operate with a hybrid crew of Marines and contracted mariners, with Birdon America craft masters and engineers and Australian Army crewing support working under MCWL oversight. The arrangement will also support Marine training for independent operation of small surface craft. Upcoming testing will examine the vessel's force-protection and self-defense configurations, while its primary mission remains logistics and maneuver. A Distinguished Visitor Day involving the ASC was held in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, on August 12, 2026, where Marine Corps personnel, industry partners and others observed the vessel. With technical acceptance complete, MCWL will now conduct hands-on testing to assess the ASC's performance and support the development of future requirements for small surface craft.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-22 11:52:48

 U.S 

Washington, D.C., — The United States is advancing bipartisan legislation that would require the Netherlands and other key allies to further restrict ASML’s semiconductor manufacturing equipment sales and services to China. The Multilateral Alignment of Technology Controls on Hardware (MATCH) Act, introduced in April 2026, would give allied countries 150 days to align their export controls with U.S. rules. If they fail to do so, Washington could expand use of the Foreign Direct Product Rule (FDPR) to restrict foreign-made equipment containing U.S. technology, software or components.   Targeting DUV Equipment and Services The legislation mainly targets deep ultraviolet (DUV) immersion lithography machines that ASML can still sell to China under current Dutch regulations. The Netherlands and the United States have already restricted China’s access to ASML’s most advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) systems and certain higher-end DUV equipment. The MATCH Act would also restrict installation, maintenance, spare parts, remote software updates and technical support for covered machines already operating in China. Major Chinese companies named for tighter restrictions include SMIC, Huawei, Hua Hong, CXMT and YMTC. U.S. lawmakers argue that existing gaps allow Chinese chipmakers to use older lithography equipment and multi-patterning techniques to produce advanced semiconductors, including chips used for artificial intelligence.   ASML and Dutch Concerns China accounted for about 33% of ASML’s sales in 2025, making it the company's largest market that year. ASML has projected that China's share could fall to around 20% in 2026 as existing restrictions take greater effect. ASML is Europe’s most valuable listed company and depends on U.S. suppliers for important technology and components, including light sources produced by its U.S. subsidiary Cymer. This gives Washington significant leverage over the Dutch company. The proposed legislation has created friction between Washington and The Hague. Dutch Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma has described forced cooperation as “undesirable” and has traveled to Washington to meet U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and members of Congress. The Dutch government has argued that export-control decisions affecting Dutch companies should remain under Dutch control and has opposed the bill’s extraterritorial provisions.   Legislative Status The MATCH Act has bipartisan support and lawmakers have sought to attach it to the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The broader NDAA temporarily stalled in the Senate on July 14, 2026, amid unrelated political disagreements over military funding connected to Iran. As of mid-August 2026, the MATCH Act remained under consideration and had not become law. Its proposed restrictions would expand existing U.S.-led controls by targeting remaining DUV equipment sales to China as well as servicing and technical support for machines already installed there.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-22 11:38:10

 U.S 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of State has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Norway for 21 UH-60M Black Hawk multirole helicopters and related equipment, with a maximum estimated value of $2.3 billion. The approval was announced on August 21, 2026, but does not represent a final Norwegian order. The deal remains subject to an intergovernmental Letter of Offer and Acceptance. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), Norway has requested 21 UH-60M helicopters, 46 T700-GE-701D engines, 25 AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems, 25 Common Infrared Countermeasure systems, 25 AN/APR-39E(V)2 Radar Warning Receivers, 50 EAGLE-M+429 Embedded GPS/Inertial Navigation Systems, 100 AN/ARC-231A RT-1987 VHF/UHF/line-of-sight satellite communication radios and 18 M240H machine guns. The package also includes laser warning systems, identification-friend-or-foe transponders and cryptographic equipment, navigation and radio systems, radar altimeters, electro-optical/infrared sensors with laser designators, ballistic armor, internal auxiliary fuel tanks, fast-rope insertion and extraction systems, rescue hoists, dual patient litter systems, external stores support and weather radar. It also covers training devices, spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools, technical data, publications, personnel training, and U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support. Four of the 46 engines are identified as spare engines. If the agreement proceeds, Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky unit, based in Stratford, Connecticut, would be the principal contractor. Around 15 U.S. government and 15 contractor representatives would travel to Norway for equipment fielding, system checkout, training and support.   Part of Norway's Helicopter Modernization The proposed UH-60M acquisition follows Norway's decision in June 2026 to suspend a project for up to nine HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopters, which had initially been valued at $2.6 billion. Norway said further decisions on helicopter fleet modernization would follow, but it has not officially confirmed a connection between the suspended HH-60W project and the UH-60M request. The Black Hawk proposal could also provide an option for replacing Norway's Bell 412 helicopters, which support Army and Special Operations Forces missions. Some of the existing Bell 412s have undergone or are undergoing upgrades to extend their service life. If completed, the purchase would expand the UH-60M's European customer base. Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania and Austria already operate the Black Hawk, while Greece has also ordered the helicopter, with deliveries expected to begin soon. Norway has separately ordered six MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters, with deliveries expected to begin within the next several months and all six anticipated by 2027. They are intended primarily for maritime and coast guard roles, replacing previously operated NH90 helicopters. The U.S. State Department said the proposed sale would strengthen Norway's ability to address current and future threats, improve interoperability with U.S. and allied forces, and provide the Norwegian Army and Special Operations Forces with a common rotary-wing platform. The U.S. assessment states that Norway should have no difficulty absorbing the equipment and services, while the sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region or adversely affect U.S. defense readiness. No offset agreement has been identified at this stage, with any such arrangement to be determined during negotiations. The U.S. Congress has been notified of the proposed sale. As a NATO ally, Norway is subject to a 15-day congressional review period.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-22 11:30:50

 U.S 

BRUSSELS — Lockheed Martin is advancing its Vectis collaborative combat aircraft (CCA), an uncrewed platform designed to operate independently or alongside crewed fighters such as the F-35 and future next-generation aircraft. Developed by the company’s Skunk Works division, Vectis was unveiled in September 2025 as a Group 5 survivable and lethal unmanned aircraft for U.S. and allied militaries. Lockheed Martin says the platform is designed around crewed-uncrewed teaming, survivability, autonomy and an adaptable open architecture. Vectis is designed for precision strikes, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) targeting, electronic warfare, and offensive and defensive counter-air missions. It can perform these missions independently or in coordination with crewed aircraft, with endurance intended for operations in the Indo-Pacific, Europe and U.S. Central Command areas. The aircraft uses a tailless lambda-wing design, top-mounted air intake, shovel-like nose and conformal antennas, reflecting its low-observable design approach. Its exact dimensions remain undisclosed, but Lockheed Martin officials have described it as smaller than an F-16 and larger than the company’s Common Multi-Mission Truck platforms. The current design is runway-dependent.   F-35 Integration and Open Architecture Lockheed Martin has conducted classified simulated operational analyses involving Vectis with the F-35 and F-22. The company says pilots in crewed aircraft will be able to control the drones through wide-area touchscreen displays. The aircraft incorporates the Multi-Domain Combat System (MDCX) for autonomous control and multi-domain connectivity. Its development also uses Skunk Works’ Agile Drone Framework, emphasizing modularity, open mission systems and government reference architectures. Lockheed Martin says this approach is intended to prevent vendor lock-in and allow payloads and software to be upgraded as requirements change.   Development and Engine Skunk Works is internally funding the program, with components already ordered and a development team working on the aircraft. Lockheed Martin initially set a goal of designing, building and flying Vectis within two years of its September 2025 unveiling, targeting a first flight in 2027. The prototype will use a Williams International FJ44-4 turbofan, which produces more than 3,600 pounds of thrust and features a compact twin-spool design. Company officials have said operational analysis does not indicate a requirement for supersonic speed. Lockheed Martin is using digital engineering and advanced manufacturing methods to pursue an accelerated development schedule and a CCA-level price point.   European Interest Lockheed Martin displayed a scale model of Vectis at the Brussels European Defence Exhibition (BEDEX) from March 12 to 14, 2026. The company promoted the aircraft to European customers, including the Belgian Air Component, as a potential “loyal wingman” capability. The company is also discussing the platform with other European countries interested in collaborative combat aircraft. Vectis is intended to complement crewed fifth-generation fighters while retaining the ability to conduct independent missions. Lockheed Martin Vice President and Skunk Works General Manager O.J. Sanchez said the Vectis concept is based on a highly capable, customizable and affordable agile drone framework designed for the future battlespace.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-21 16:10:38

 U.S 

SAN DIEGO — General Atomics has received a $42.87 million U.S. Navy order to supply spare parts for the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) installed on in-service Ford-class aircraft carriers. The firm-fixed-price order is valued at $42,871,948 and was issued by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) at Patuxent River, Maryland, under an existing basic ordering agreement. The contract was not competed. The order covers insurance spares and rotable pool spares for both systems. Insurance spares are kept in reserve for unexpected failures, while rotable pool components can be removed, repaired and returned to service. Work will be performed in Tupelo, Mississippi (61%), San Diego, California (38%), Boston, Massachusetts (0.5%), and Lakehurst, New Jersey (0.5%). The Navy expects the work to be completed by April 2034, using Fiscal Year 2026 other procurement funds. The Navy has not disclosed the number of carrier shipsets covered by the order or which specific carriers will receive the parts.   Supporting Ford-Class Carriers EMALS uses a linear induction motor to launch aircraft from the carrier deck, replacing the steam catapults used on Nimitz-class carriers. AAG provides the aircraft recovery function using an electromagnetic-based system. General Atomics designed and built both systems and has operated a related manufacturing facility in Tupelo since 2005. The lead Ford-class carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), entered service with EMALS in 2017. After early development and reliability challenges, the system has accumulated significant operational use. Pentagon documents cited by Reuters showed that the carrier had completed 36,863 EMALS launches by March 2026. The carrier returned to Naval Station Norfolk on May 16, 2026, after a 326-day deployment. During that deployment, Carrier Air Wing 8 recorded more than 5,760 flight hours and 12,200 aircraft launches.   Separate From Doris Miller Decision The spare-parts order is separate from a recent decision involving future Ford-class carriers. On August 13, 2026, President Donald Trump signed a national security memorandum directing the Navy to remove EMALS and Advanced Weapons Elevators from the future USS Doris Miller (CVN-81) and develop a plan to use steam catapults and hydraulic elevators on that ship and subsequent carriers. The directive does not affect USS Gerald R. Ford, USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), or USS Enterprise (CVN-80), which will retain EMALS and AAG as built. General Atomics said the change on Doris Miller warrants reconsideration, noting that nearly 50% of production for that shipset was already complete. The company and naval analysts have said changing the design could create significant cost, schedule and integration risks because the Ford-class ships were designed around an all-electric architecture. The new $42.9 million order applies only to EMALS and AAG already installed on carriers in the fleet and is separate from decisions concerning launch and recovery systems on future ships.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-21 14:25:35

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of State has approved a potential $4.5 billion Foreign Military Sale to Qatar covering up to four Boeing KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft and a large package of related equipment and support. The approval was announced on August 20, 2026, and the proposed sale has been notified to the U.S. Congress. The notification authorizes the possible sale but does not represent a final contract. The quantities and total cost could change during negotiations, and Congress has the opportunity to review the proposal.   Aircraft and Equipment Package Under the proposed deal, Qatar would acquire up to four KC-46A aircraft along with eight Pratt & Whitney PW4062 turbofan engines. Four engines would be installed on the aircraft, while four would be provided as spares. The package also includes: 10 AN/ALR-69A radar warning receivers, including four installed and six spares 15 Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies for Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) systems Eight LAIRCM system processor replacements Missile warning sensors Cartridge and propellant actuated devices Control interface units User data module cards Electronic warfare database support KIV-77 cryptographic modules and KY-100M terminals AN/PYQ-10 simple key loaders AN/APX-119 Identification Friend or Foe transponders Precision navigation systems Aircraft components, parts and spare parts Support equipment and training aids Technical documentation and personnel training Logistics support and other related services The proposed package is therefore considerably broader than the four aircraft themselves, covering the equipment, training, spares and support required to operate and maintain the KC-46A fleet.   State Department Rationale The State Department said the proposed sale would support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the security of Qatar, which it described as a strategic regional partner. According to the department, the KC-46A acquisition would increase Qatar's ability to respond to current and future threats, while improving interoperability with U.S. and allied forces and reinforcing Qatar's role in regional security. The department also determined that Qatar would be able to absorb the proposed equipment and services into its armed forces. It said the sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region and would have no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness. Implementation would not require additional U.S. government or contractor representatives to be assigned to Qatar.   KC-46A Capability The Boeing KC-46A Pegasus is a multi-role aerial refueling aircraft based on the Boeing 767 platform. In addition to aerial refueling, it can perform cargo and aeromedical evacuation missions. Boeing says the aircraft can use both a refueling boom and hose-and-drogue systems and is designed to support U.S., allied and coalition aircraft compatible with international aerial-refueling procedures. The aircraft also incorporates defensive systems intended to provide warning and protection against threats. Qatar's proposed configuration specifically includes radar warning receivers, missile warning sensors and LAIRCM equipment. If the proposed purchase is completed, Qatar would establish its own KC-46A aerial refueling capability. The aircraft is already operated by the United States, Japan and Israel, making Qatar a potential additional international operator. Boeing delivered the first KC-46A to Israel in May 2026, while Japan became the program's first international customer.   Strategic Importance for Qatar Qatar hosts Al Udeid Air Base, a major U.S. military installation in the Middle East and a key part of the U.S.-Qatar security relationship. The country has also played a diplomatic role in regional negotiations, including efforts involving the United States and Iran and other Middle Eastern conflicts. The proposed KC-46A purchase would give Qatar an aerial refueling platform that can support its own military aircraft while also providing additional interoperability with U.S. and allied forces. The sale comes amid continuing U.S.-Qatar security cooperation and a broader regional security environment in which Gulf states have been strengthening their defense capabilities.   Contractors and Next Steps The principal contractors identified for the proposed sale are Boeing, Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, RTX Corporation, and Northrop Grumman. The U.S. government said it is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with the potential sale. Any such arrangement would be determined through negotiations between Qatar and the contractors. The $4.5 billion notification is therefore not a finalized purchase agreement. Further negotiations will determine the final quantities, cost, schedule and implementation details, subject to the U.S. congressional review process.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-21 14:00:45

 U.S 

Middle East — U.S. forces destroyed a $23.6 million MQ-9A Reaper after the drone made a hard landing during a nearly 19-hour mission in the Middle East on August 31, 2025. The incident occurred at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The MQ-9A, tail number 13-4245, was assigned to the 432nd Wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, and remotely operated by a pilot and sensor operator from the 89th Attack Squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. The Reaper was returning to a regional base when its engine suddenly shut down. Flight data showed a brief fuel-flow spike followed by a complete drop to zero. Two automatic engine restart attempts and two manual attempts by the crew all failed. The crew kept the unpowered aircraft airborne for nearly 10 minutes while following emergency procedures. The crew then selected a relatively flat, isolated desert area for a forced landing away from population centers. The landing was attempted with the landing gear down, but communication was lost below 2,000 feet. The aircraft reached the selected area, but the impact collapsed the landing gear. U.S. forces recovered sensitive equipment from the wreckage and demolished the remaining parts on site to prevent sensitive technology and intelligence materials from potentially falling into enemy hands. No injuries, fatalities or civilian property damage occurred.   Investigation Finds Electrical Failure The Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report, released on August 13, 2026, determined that the most likely cause was internal electrical wire chafing inside the fuel control unit. According to the investigation, a frayed wire allowed enough voltage to inadvertently close the electrical fuel shutoff valve, cutting fuel to the engine. General Atomics reproduced the sequence in laboratory testing by closing the valve, matching the flight data recorded during the incident. The aircraft was on its first flight after a complete engine replacement during a routine 3,000-hour inspection. During the maintenance, contractors replaced a chafed propeller governor cable, installed an overhauled fuel control unit because of a missing log card, and repaired a leaking compressor seal. The inspection did not include removal of the fuel control unit's top cover, despite the manufacturer having identified known cases of sensor-wire chafing in the component. However, investigators found no evidence that the engine replacement or related maintenance caused the wire failure. The board also identified gaps in planning, briefing and written procedures. MQ-9 maintenance rules do not require a dedicated post-engine-replacement check flight, unlike procedures for most manned Air Force aircraft. The crew was also not informed that the Reaper had received a new engine. The report listed these procedural and communication issues as relevant factors but did not blame the maintenance work for the failure. The incident is one of multiple MQ-9 losses recorded in the region during the previous 18 months.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-21 13:09:58

 U.S 

HOHENFELS, Germany — The U.S. Army is preparing to end the specialized role of an experimental drone battalion in Europe that was created to study lessons from the war in Ukraine and improve how unmanned systems are used in combat formations. The decision was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing a U.S. Army representative, and was also confirmed by Military Times and CBS News. The battalion, designated the 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, was formed in January 2026 from elements of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. It has about 600 soldiers and was established to examine how unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) could be integrated into brigade-level operations. The unit was modeled in part on Ukraine's use of specialized drone formations. Soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade had already been experimenting with and building their own systems, including first-person-view drones, before the battalion was formally activated.   Final Mission in Germany The battalion is scheduled to participate in the Saber Junction exercises at Hohenfels, Germany, in August and September 2026. After the exercise, it will submit its findings to Army command for further analysis. The findings are expected to contribute to future Army planning, experimentation and decisions on integrating unmanned systems into larger formations. After completing the study, the battalion will end its specialized unmanned-assault role and return to standard airborne infantry duties as part of a Mobile Brigade Combat Team (Airborne). An Army representative said the service remains committed to accelerating U.S. capabilities in drone warfare but did not provide details about what organization or structure could replace the experimental battalion.   Part of a Broader Army Restructuring The decision is part of Acting Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Christopher LaNeve's broader “back-to-basics” approach. LaNeve assumed the position after Gen. Randy George was dismissed in April 2026. His strategic guidance, known as “Army Azimuth,” places emphasis on core warfighting tasks, homeland defense and power projection. The Army is also making wider structural changes. A Multi-Domain Task Force responsible for cyberspace and electronic warfare is being moved from Europe to South Korea. The Army has also established the 7th Infantry Division (Multi-Domain Command-Pacific). In another major change, the U.S. III Armored Corps, which had previously focused on strengthening the Army's European presence, has been reassigned to the newly established Western Hemisphere Command.   Internal Disagreements The rapid organizational and personnel changes have also produced disagreements within the Army's senior leadership. Gen. LaNeve and Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll have disagreed over the dismissal of senior commanders and proposed changes to physical fitness standards. Separately, U.S. military leadership recently canceled scheduled presentations by senior Ukrainian officers at the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning. The presentations were intended to provide additional insight into lessons from the Ukraine war, but officials did not give a specific reason for the cancellation. The experimental drone battalion's final exercise and subsequent report will provide the Army with another set of findings as it determines how drone and ground-robot technologies should be incorporated into future force structures.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-21 13:01:42

 U.S 

NEWPORT BEACH, California — Tiberius Aerospace has advanced its Invictus long-range precision strike system from early laboratory development into formal engineering Test & Evaluation (T&E), bringing the program closer to deployment. The company announced on August 20 that testing will focus on the weapon’s propulsion, flight performance, guidance, platform integration and manufacturability.   Invictus-200 Capabilities Invictus is a tube-launched, multi-mission weapon based on an open, modular architecture. It is designed for integration with multiple platforms, including autonomous vehicles operating on land and at sea and vertical launch systems such as Tiberius’ autonomous “Vault” containerized launchers. The Invictus-200 combines an integral solid-fuel booster with a ramjet engine. Tiberius says it can reach speeds of up to Mach 3, strike targets at ranges of up to 200 kilometers, and carry a 10–15 kilogram payload. Depending on the guidance configuration, the system is designed to achieve a 5.5-meter circular error probable (CEP). Formal propulsion testing is already underway at Purdue University’s Zucrow Laboratories, where direct-connect tests of the Invictus ramjet engine have demonstrated reliable operation using Jet-A aviation fuel across all conditions tested so far.   Experience From Sceptre Program The development of Invictus has been accelerated by Tiberius Aerospace’s earlier Sceptre program, a 155mm guided ramjet artillery munition. Tiberius launched its first Sceptre munition in May 2025. In April 2026, the company successfully demonstrated liquid-fueled ramjet ignition during live-fire testing in New Mexico. The projectile survived launch forces of approximately 16,000 Gs from a standard howitzer. The company said data and technical experience from Sceptre’s propulsion, flight performance and guidance development helped move Invictus into formal engineering testing.   Designed for Production and Future Upgrades Tiberius is developing Invictus as Western countries face pressure to replenish long-range precision-strike inventories. The company said the U.S. Army expended virtually its entire stockpile of ATACMS and Precision Strike Missiles during a five-month conflict with Iran, while European and NATO missile inventories have also faced strain. The company says Invictus is intended to address both capability and production requirements through an architecture designed for scalable manufacturing. Tiberius is also using its proprietary GRAIL (Generative Real-time Artificial Intelligence Lethality) platform. The company says GRAIL uses “Cost Effect Lethality Scores” to evaluate weapons and connects program requirements with domestic and allied suppliers capable of producing components and systems at high volume. Chad Steelberg, founder and CEO of Tiberius Aerospace, said the move into formal engineering T&E is a major step toward turning Invictus into a deployable capability. He said Invictus and Sceptre were designed from first principles for cost-effective lethality, high-volume production and an open architecture that can be upgraded without replacing the entire system. Tiberius Aerospace is based in Newport Beach, California, with a UK entity registered in London. The company continues development of both Sceptre and Invictus through its GRAIL platform.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-21 11:55:30

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy has selected Zone 5 Technologies to develop a maritime strike variant of the AGM-188 Rusty Dagger cruise missile under a $65 million agreement. The contract is part of the Coalition Heterogeneous Affordable Offensive Strike (CHAOS) program, which aims to rapidly field affordable, modular and scalable precision-strike weapons for the United States and its international allies. CHAOS is focused on weapons capable of engaging land targets and maneuvering maritime targets, while providing adaptable and exportable surface-launched strike capabilities. “Zone 5 is proud to partner with the Navy on CHAOS and deliver industry-best scalable maritime strike capabilities to the U.S. and our allies,” said Thomas Akers, CEO of Zone 5 Technologies. He said the program will provide coalition partners with a credible and affordable maritime strike capability. Capt. Sarah Abbott, program manager for the Navy's Precision Strike Weapons program office PMX-201, said advanced area-denial systems are creating challenges for coalition and allied forces seeking modern and affordable anti-ship capabilities. “CHAOS closes this capability gap,” Abbott said. The $65 million Other Transaction Agreement was facilitated by CMG Networks on behalf of the Naval Aviation Systems Consortium. Under the agreement, Zone 5 will design, build, test and deliver the CHAOS variant of the AGM-188 Rusty Dagger. Zone 5 will work with PAE Munitions and the Navy's PMX-201 office. The award is the second contract under the CHAOS initiative, following an earlier award to CoAspire for its Rapidly Adaptable Affordable Cruise Missile-Extended Range (RAACM-ER). The AGM-188A Rusty Dagger was initially developed for the U.S. Air Force's Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) program. It is a roughly 500-pound-class, subsonic cruise missile. The provided program information states that the weapon has been deployed in Ukrainian service, where it has struck targets with high precision while maintaining high survival rates in Russian airspace. Zone 5 plans to use this experience as it develops the new maritime variant for U.S. military services and international partners. Founded in 2011, Zone 5 Technologies is an aerospace engineering and production company owned by Kongsberg. The company develops modular, open-architecture counter-UAS interceptors and affordable ground- and air-launched effects. It employs more than 500 engineers, technicians and support personnel across the United States, with major manufacturing operations in California, Texas and Ohio.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-21 11:32:04

 U.S 

HAWAII — Saildrone and Lockheed Martin successfully launched two Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM) from a Saildrone Surveyor unmanned surface vessel (USV) during the U.S. Navy’s Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 exercise off Hawaii. The test marked the first time missiles have been fired from a Saildrone platform. The demonstration was conducted under the U.S. Navy Fleet Experimentation Program (FLEX), with the Surveyor operating alongside the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) Carrier Strike Group-9. The 20-meter USV was fitted with a JAGM Dual Launcher and integrated with the Navy’s Adjunct Remote Engagement System (ARES), a remotely operated combat system. Using target data received through ARES, the Surveyor engaged a surrogate high-speed surface craft. Saildrone said all firing decisions remained under human control and that the demonstration did not involve autonomous weapons. The Surveyor also tested a passive electronic warfare sensor during RIMPAC. Working with a U.S. Navy MH-60S helicopter, the USV detected, classified and identified a surrogate threat radar system. The demonstration followed the Saildrone-Lockheed Martin partnership announced in October 2025, when Lockheed Martin invested $50 million in Saildrone to advance unmanned surface vessel capabilities for the Navy. The companies moved from the concept to a live-fire demonstration in six months. Richard Jenkins, Saildrone founder and CEO, said the JAGM demonstration provides a mission-ready kinetic capability while helping accelerate the integration of more advanced weapons, including the Mk 70 launcher, onto the larger Saildrone Spectre. Paul Lemmo, vice president and general manager of Sensors, Effectors and Mission Systems at Lockheed Martin, said the companies are using industry capabilities to develop containerized systems for national defense and accelerate the deployment of new defense technologies. The JAGM launch is the first in a planned series of integrations ahead of the Saildrone Spectre, the company's largest USV. The 52-meter (170-foot) vessel is designed to carry larger containerized payloads, including the Lockheed Martin Mk 70 launcher and towed-array systems for anti-submarine warfare such as the SURTASS Towed Array. The Surveyor is a multi-mission USV designed for maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, deep-ocean mapping and long-endurance operations. Saildrone vessels have operated in remote ocean environments for more than a decade and have been used by the U.S. Navy since 2021. JAGM uses a dual-mode seeker combining semi-active laser and millimeter-wave guidance and is designed for operations across air, maritime and ground domains. The RIMPAC 2026 demonstration showed how a commercial unmanned surface vessel can be integrated with existing Navy combat systems, crewed platforms and proven munitions while retaining human control over weapon employment.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-20 15:43:59