TOTE Services Signs Contract with U.S. MARAD for New Missile Range Instrumentation Vessel; Hanwha Philly Shipyard to Build First Ship

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Jacksonville, Fla. — TOTE Services has signed a contract with the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) to serve as vessel construction manager for the Missile Range Instrumentation Vessel (MRIV) program. Immediately after the award, TOTE Services awarded a shipbuilding subcontract to Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia to build the first vessel, with delivery scheduled for 2030. The MRIV is a new class of ships that will support the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) by tracking missile flights and intercept tests at sea, collecting test data and supporting range safety operations over the Pacific Ocean. The first ship, named Golden Defender by White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought when the program was announced in July 2026, will support the Golden Dome for America missile defense initiative. The current subcontract covers one firm ship, with options for two additional vessels. TOTE Services and Hanwha Philly Shipyard have not disclosed the value of the finalized agreements. When the broader program was announced in July, Defense News reported that construction of two MRIVs was valued at about $2 billion, with the first ship targeted for delivery by June 2030. The MRIVs will replace the Pacific Tracker and Pacific Collector, two MARAD ships built in 1965 and 1970 that currently conduct missile-range instrumentation missions for the MDA. TOTE Services already manages and operates both vessels. MRIV Based on NSMV Design The new ship will use the same hull as the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV), a class of training ships that Hanwha Philly Shipyard is building for MARAD’s state maritime academies under TOTE Services’ management. According to TOTE, the MRIV shares about 70 percent of its overall design with the NSMV. The shipyard will use its existing production line, supply chain and trained workforce for the MRIV program. The vessels are approximately 160 meters, or about 525 feet, long. TOTE's Construction Management Model Under the Vessel Construction Manager model, TOTE Services coordinates the shipyard, suppliers and government customers instead of the government directly managing the shipbuilding process. TOTE said it finalized the MRIV's design, contract terms and firm fixed pricing in less than three months, compared with a process that can take a year or more under traditional government shipbuilding. The company also said its model can reduce acquisition costs by at least 50 percent through early requirement setting and faster approval of changes. “Signing the Missile Range Instrumentation Vessel contract and executing the shipyard subcontract brings us closer to delivering the next generation of U.S. defense capability,” said Jeff Dixon, president of TOTE Services. “Our proven Vessel Construction Management model means we’re hitting the milestones sooner and making meaningful progress faster.” The MRIV program is a joint effort involving the Department of Transportation, Department of War and Missile Defense Agency, carried out through TOTE Services' existing construction management contract with MARAD. Hanwha Philly Shipyard Expands Defense Work Hanwha Philly Shipyard, acquired by South Korea's Hanwha Group in 2024, now employs more than 2,000 production workers, according to TOTE. The yard's workforce had previously fallen to only a few dozen workers, but expanded through the NSMV training ship program and new defense contracts. Hanwha Philly Shipyard CEO David Kim said the company is proud to apply its shipbuilding capabilities to a program supporting U.S. national security. TOTE Services is also the construction manager for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Landing Ship Medium program, under a contract announced in July worth up to $2.2 billion. Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick said the partnership between Hanwha Philly Shipyard and TOTE Services will strengthen military readiness, expand U.S. shipbuilding capacity and reinforce Pennsylvania's role in national security. The first MRIV, Golden Defender, is expected to be delivered to MARAD in 2030, after which MARAD will operate the vessel for the Missile Defense Agency.

Pentagon Agency Plans Utah Firm Contract for 3D Gas-Mapping Robot Dog Prototype

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Centerville, Utah — The U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) plans to award a sole-source contract to Rocky Mountain Unmanned Systems (RMUS) of Centerville, Utah, to develop a four-legged robot prototype capable of autonomously navigating hazardous environments and creating real-time 3D maps of dangerous gases. Prototype to Combine Four Systems According to a contract notice posted on October 7, DTRA intends to issue a firm-fixed-price contract to RMUS for a single prototype. The notice does not specify the contract value or delivery date. Under the planned project, DTRA will provide a multi-gas chemical detector. RMUS will provide a commercial quadruped robot, survey-grade 3D lidar sensor and tactical mesh networking radio. The main task will be software integration. RMUS will combine data from the four systems to produce a live “hazardous atmosphere map” showing operators the locations of dangerous gases within the area scanned by the robot. DTRA has not identified the specific quadruped platform or chemical detector. DTRA Cites Existing Software Capability DTRA's market research identified RMUS as the only company that already has the proprietary software framework and demonstrated experience required to combine these specific data streams into a functional 3D map. The agency said the hardware components are commercially available, but no other company had demonstrated the required pre-existing software capability. DTRA also stated that the government does not own a technical data package that would allow the work to be opened to competitive bidding. Although the planned award is sole-source, other companies can submit capability statements, proposals or quotes by noon MDT on October 22. Any submission must provide clear evidence that the company already possesses the required data-fusion software. The requirement is being managed by DTRA's Western Contracting Office at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, and is classified as applied research and development. RMUS Background Founded in 2014, RMUS specializes in drones, public-safety quadruped robots and gas-imaging technology for government and commercial customers. The company has also served as an implementation partner for Boston Dynamics Spot robots at Los Alamos National Laboratory and offers integrated systems based on the Spot platform. Earlier U.S. Military Robot-Dog Testing The planned DTRA prototype follows earlier U.S. military work involving quadruped robots for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) detection. In 2024, the U.S. Space Force identified its CBRN detection robot, nicknamed “CHAPPIE,” as one of only two quadruped ground robots in the Department of Defense dedicated to that mission. The U.S. Air Force has also tested CBRN detector-equipped robot dogs at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. The DTRA project specifically focuses on integrating chemical detection, 3D lidar and networking data to create a real-time 3D hazardous-atmosphere map for operators. Main Source : Defence-blog

Furientis Secures $25 Million Funding and Department of War Contract for 100-Mile Interceptor

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LOS ANGELES, — Defense technology startup Furientis has secured its first funded government contract and raised $25 million in seed funding to accelerate development of a new interceptor system. 100-Mile Interceptor Contract Furientis received a prototyping Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) from the Department of War to develop and demonstrate a 100-mile-range interceptor vehicle intended for homeland defense. Under the agreement, the company will demonstrate the vehicle's performance against Department requirements. The contract value was not disclosed, while Furientis said the prototyping effort will run for roughly six months. $25 Million Seed Funding At the same time, Furientis closed a $25 million seed round led by Benchmark Capital. Benchmark General Partner Chetan Puttagunta is joining the company's board. The round follows Furientis' $5 million pre-seed announced in May 2026. According to a person familiar with the financing, the seed round valued the company at about $125 million. The investment is Benchmark's first pure defense investment. Focus on High-Rate Production Furientis was founded in May 2025 by Brody Franzen, co-founder and CEO, and Aris Simsarian, co-founder and head of propulsion. Franzen previously served as deputy chief engineer at Virgin Galactic and later worked at Castelion. Simsarian previously led rocket engine testing at Virgin Orbit and has experience building solid rocket motors. Based in the Los Angeles area, Furientis is developing defensive munitions designed for high-volume, low-cost production. Its manufacturing targets include producing 1,000 vehicles per factory per year and completing final assembly of each vehicle in less than one hour. The company uses commercial off-the-shelf components where they meet requirements and manufactures solid rocket motors and seekers in-house. Testing and Manufacturing Furientis said it has conducted 21 vehicle tests over roughly 10 months, including 13 flight tests and eight static fires. The company follows a biweekly prototype testing schedule and has an operational first propellant manufacturing facility supporting solid rocket motor production and testing. Its test activities include launches at White Sands, New Mexico. Furientis CEO Brody Franzen said the company was established to address a shortage of defensive munitions and described the challenge as fundamentally a production and manufacturing problem. Benchmark General Partner Chetan Puttagunta said Furientis is developing technology designed to scale rapidly while keeping costs low, while highlighting the capabilities of its propulsion, hardware and software engineering team. U.S. Defense Programs Furientis has also been selected as a finalist in the U.S. Army's xTech|Apex Intercept competition, which focuses on low-cost interceptors that could operate alongside Patriot systems. The company previously advanced as one of five finalists in a tactical missile challenge conducted by the Naval Postgraduate School and Office of Naval Research. The new funding and government contract will support expanded manufacturing and testing capabilities, hiring and continued interceptor development. Furientis is currently hiring across engineering and other disciplines.

General Dynamics to Display M-SHORAD Increment 4 on Ford Ranger at AUSA 2026

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) will display a version of the Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) Increment 4 system mounted on a Ford Ranger pickup truck at the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) annual meeting and exposition in Washington, D.C., from October 12 to 14, 2026. The display represents a lighter and more modular approach than the Stryker-based M-SHORAD Increment 1, known as SGT Stout. General Dynamics has not disclosed the specific weapons or sensors fitted to the Ranger and has not stated whether the displayed configuration has been formally submitted for the Army's Increment 4 program. Modular SLED System The system is based on the Self-Loading Equipment Dock (SLED), a self-contained pallet designed to be loaded onto different vehicles. GDLS describes SLED as a platform-agnostic system available in light, medium and heavy configurations. The pallet carries weapons and sensors on remote weapon stations, allowing crews to operate them from inside the vehicle or remotely. A March 2026 Army request for information requires the SLED to remain operational after being removed from its host vehicle, while the host vehicle must immediately return to normal use after the pallet is unloaded. M-SHORAD Increment 4 is intended to provide defensive fires for the Army's Mobile Brigade Combat Team and counter Group 1-3 unmanned aircraft systems, fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters supporting enemy ground forces. It is designed for both vehicle-mounted and dismounted operations and to use a modular open systems architecture integrating multiple kinetic and non-kinetic effectors and sensors. The system can also operate independently or connect with Army command-and-control networks. Army's Increment 4 Requirements In May 2024, the Army issued a request for information for an air-defense capability for dismounted troops. Requirements included transportation by C-130 aircraft, parachute-drop capability and the ability to be sling-loaded under a helicopter. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George approved the Increment 4 capabilities development document in October 2025. At AUSA 2025, Col. Marc Pelini, then the Army's air and missile defense requirements officer, said the sled concept was intended to move away from a fully integrated air-defense vehicle. The pallet could be placed on an Infantry Squad Vehicle, Humvee, Joint Light Tactical Vehicle or civilian-style pickup truck. Funding and Development The Army plans to achieve initial operational capability by late fiscal year 2029. According to the Congressional Research Service, the service requested $108.1 million in fiscal year 2027 research, development, test and evaluation funding for Increment 4 supporting Joint Forcible Entry and Mobile Brigade Combat Team forces. Total M-SHORAD research and development funding requested for FY2027 is $460.9 million. GDLS is the prime contractor and integrator for M-SHORAD Increment 1, which uses a Stryker chassis with Stinger missiles, Hellfire missiles and a 30 mm cannon. Increment 2, which was planned to use a laser-equipped Stryker, was canceled. Increment 3 is planned as an upgrade to the Stryker-based system, adding the Next Generation Short Range Interceptor and XM1223 30 mm cannon. The Ford Ranger-based M-SHORAD Increment 4 concept will be displayed at GDLS booth 703 at AUSA 2026, alongside other systems including the Wolf XM30 infantry fighting vehicle model and an upgraded PERCH loitering munition kit.

U.S. Special Operations Command North Unifies Greenland Activities Under Operation Apex Indigo

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PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. — U.S. Special Operations Command North (SOCNORTH) has brought its special operations activities in Greenland under a unified framework called Operation Apex Indigo. Conducted with the Kingdom of Denmark and the Government of Greenland, the operation focuses on cold-weather survival, mobility across remote terrain and joint operations with NATO Arctic allies. The first mission under Operation Apex Indigo was conducted in August 2026, following several years of U.S. special operations training in Greenland. The new framework will provide a structure for recurring bilateral and multinational exercises in the Arctic. Earlier Arctic Training SOCNORTH's activities in Greenland developed through a series of exercises, including Arctic Edge 23, Arctic Edge 24 and Arctic Edge 26. Arctic Edge 24 involved Danish, Norwegian and British forces, while Arctic Edge 26 continued joint Arctic training before the launch of Operation Apex Indigo. “Our relationship with the Kingdom of Denmark is both enduring and essential to Arctic security,” said U.S. Army Col. Matthew Tucker, SOCNORTH commander. “Operation Apex Indigo strengthens our ability to work alongside Danish and Greenlandic partners, improve readiness in one of the world’s most demanding environments, and support collective deterrence across the Arctic.” August Mission in Greenland During the first Apex Indigo mission, Green Berets from the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) trained with Danish Special Operations Forces from the SIRIUS unit around Camp Raven on the Greenland ice sheet. The training included skiing across the ice, basic survival training, search and rescue, a simulated medical evacuation and communications activities. The teams also practiced high-frequency radio operations from peaks near Kangerlussuaq. The training was designed to improve the ability of small teams to move, communicate and operate in remote Arctic conditions. LC-130H Aircraft Support The operation was supported by LC-130H “Skibird” aircraft operated by the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing. The ski-equipped aircraft can land on snow and ice, allowing personnel and equipment to be transported to and recovered from remote areas without conventional runways. Focus on Arctic Interoperability SOCNORTH relies on small, specialized teams trained for austere polar environments. Their work with Danish and Greenlandic partners focuses on operational readiness, mobility and interoperability. “Operating in Greenland alongside our Danish and Greenlandic partners demands more than simply enduring the environment,” Tucker said. “It requires specialized skills, disciplined preparation, and the interoperability needed to operate effectively in austere Arctic conditions.” A Green Beret detachment commander from the 10th Special Forces Group also highlighted the Arctic experience of Danish Special Operations Forces, saying it is important to combined training and interoperability. Low-Impact Operations SOCNORTH is also taking into account Greenland's sensitive environment and remote civilian communities. The command says its operations favor small teams with a deliberate, low-impact footprint. “Greenland’s vast distances and demanding conditions favor small, specialized teams that can operate with a deliberate, low-impact footprint,” Tucker said. SOCNORTH coordinates with its partners to limit disruption to local communities and the environment while maintaining operational readiness. Recurring Training Under Apex Indigo Operation Apex Indigo will provide a permanent framework for recurring bilateral and multinational training with Danish, Greenlandic and other NATO Arctic partners. The effort is intended to improve readiness, mobility, interoperability and collective deterrence while helping special operations teams operate effectively in extreme Arctic conditions. The official announcement of the new framework was released by U.S. Northern Command on October 2, 2026.

Anduril to Build $6.6 Billion Software-Defined Shipyard in Maryland for Virginia-Class Submarine Components

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BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. — President Donald J. Trump announced Arsenal-2, a new software-defined shipyard that Anduril Industries will build at Tradepoint Atlantic in Baltimore County, Maryland, as part of a $6.6 billion public-private investment to expand the U.S. submarine industrial base. Anduril will invest $3.7 billion in private capital, while the U.S. Navy has awarded the company a contract worth up to $2.9 billion. Payments under the contract are tied to demonstrated production results, with the arrangement designed to place execution risk primarily on the company. Arsenal-2 will manufacture critical components and large-scale assemblies for the Navy’s Virginia-class attack submarines. The submarines are currently built by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding. Components produced at Arsenal-2 will be transported to those shipyards for final integration, adding manufacturing capacity to support U.S. fleet requirements and AUKUS commitments. 187-Acre Facility at Sparrows Point The facility will be built on a 187-acre site within the historic Sparrows Point complex and will cover more than 2 million square feet, roughly the size of 40 football fields. It will include a 1,200-foot graving dock, high-bay assembly halls, fabrication and testing areas, and road, rail and maritime access. Its layout is designed to reduce the distance between fabrication, assembly, testing and integration areas. Production will be managed through Anduril’s ArsenalOS industrial software platform, which will connect workflows, outfitting sequences, material movement and inspection processes while providing digital work instructions, real-time visibility and embedded quality controls. The Sparrows Point site also has a long maritime history. Baltimore shipyards produced the first Liberty Ship during World War II, while Sparrows Point was previously known as the “Patriarch of U.S. Tanker Builders.” Jobs and Production Timeline Arsenal-2 is expected to create 3,100 direct, permanent jobs and support more than 11,000 indirect jobs. The facility is projected to generate $2 billion in annual economic output, including an estimated $312 million in annual wages. Permitting and site preparation are beginning immediately, with construction starting after final approvals. Initial operations are targeted for 2030, followed by a gradual production increase as the workforce and infrastructure expand. California Facility to Prepare Production Anduril is also establishing a 160,000-square-foot facility in Orange County, California. It will provide a two-year operational head start to validate manufacturing methods, train workers and begin SUBSAFE-qualified production of maritime components, including torpedo tubes. The California facility will continue supporting broader maritime manufacturing after Arsenal-2 becomes operational. The phased approach follows the strategy used for Arsenal-1 in Ohio. Arsenal-2 will ultimately join Anduril’s distributed production network, which includes the Columbus, Ohio facility; a maritime factory at Quonset Point, Rhode Island; a Ghost Shark factory in Sydney, Australia; a rocket motor facility in McHenry, Mississippi; and more than 15 additional production sites. The project is intended to provide an additional manufacturing source for Virginia-class submarine components and assemblies while increasing capacity across the U.S. submarine industrial base.

Boeing Secures $14.7 Billion Contract to Triple PAC-3 MSE Seeker Production

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Huntsville, Alabama — Boeing has received an undefinitized contract action worth approximately $14.7 billion from Lockheed Martin to expand production and delivery of PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) seekers. The agreement will allow Boeing to triple its current PAC-3 MSE seeker production capacity under a previously established seven-year framework agreement with the U.S. Department of War. Expansion of Huntsville Production Boeing has already begun expanding production at its PAC-3 seeker facility in Huntsville, Alabama. The company has invested more than $200 million since 2024 to increase manufacturing capacity. The expansion includes a 35,000-square-foot facility, manufacturing-process modernization, equipment upgrades and improvements to the supplier network. The measures are intended to increase production capacity, first-time quality, affordability and supply-chain resilience. Production ramp-up and related hiring began earlier in 2026 following the framework agreement. The expansion is expected to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs in the Huntsville area. PAC-3 MSE Seeker Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for the PAC-3 MSE interceptor, while Boeing manufactures its seeker, which is installed in the missile’s nose. The Boeing-built seeker uses an active Ka-band radar to identify, track and engage advanced threats. It provides range, range-rate and angle data to the interceptor's guidance system. The PAC-3 MSE is designed to counter threats including hostile aircraft, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons. The interceptor combines the seeker with a Guidance Processor Unit (GPU), Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and Multi-band Radio Frequency Data Link (MRFDL). It uses a hit-to-kill method, destroying targets through direct kinetic impact rather than an explosive warhead. PAC-3 Production Expansion The Boeing contract supports a wider U.S. effort to increase PAC-3 MSE production. In January 2026, Lockheed Martin reached a seven-year framework agreement with the Department of War to increase annual PAC-3 MSE interceptor production from about 600 to approximately 2,000 units. In July 2026, Lockheed Martin received a seven-year contract action valued at up to $53.86 billion for the interceptors. Combined with an earlier award, the total multiyear contract potential is approximately $58.6 billion. Lockheed Martin reported delivering more than 600 interceptors in 2025. The PAC-3 MSE achieved initial operational capability in August 2016 and entered full-rate production in 2018. Demand has increased due to its use in ongoing conflicts, including support for Ukraine and operations in the Middle East. The seeker has been identified as a production bottleneck, making increased seeker output important to the planned growth in complete PAC-3 MSE interceptor production. U.S. Defense Manufacturing Strategy The $14.7 billion agreement supports the U.S. Department of War’s Acquisition Transformation Strategy, which focuses on accelerating delivery of critical defense systems and expanding domestic defense manufacturing capacity under the “Arsenal of Freedom” initiative. Boeing Defense, Space & Security President and CEO Steve Parker said early investment and a focus on quality and execution have positioned the company to increase seeker deliveries and support U.S. and allied defense requirements. Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial aircraft, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under BA, while Lockheed Martin trades under LMT.

U.S. Marine F-35C Displays Markings for Three Submarines and Other Targets After Operation Epic Fury

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WASHINGTON, — A U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 (VMFA-314), the “Black Knights,” has been photographed carrying markings for three submarines and several other targets following Operation Epic Fury. The photograph was obtained by The Aviationist and published on October 5, 2026. The aircraft operated from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) as part of Carrier Air Wing 9. F-35C Displays Multiple Target Markings The markings are located below the cockpit and on a weapon bay door. They include: Three submarines An oil tanker A surface combatant resembling a corvette or frigate A Shahed-type one-way attack drone An artillery piece A possible truck-mounted air-defense system A possible static missile launcher The submarine silhouettes are highly stylized, and no specific vessels have been publicly linked to the three markings. Weapons Markings The F-35C also displays markings for weapons used during its missions, including the AIM-120 AMRAAM, AGM-154 JSOW, GBU-31 JDAM, GBU-32 JDAM and GBU-54 Laser JDAM. Tally marks indicate multiple weapons were expended. Iranian Submarine Losses During Operation Epic Fury, the United States confirmed the destruction of the Iranian Kilo-class submarine Taregh while it was in port. The United States also confirmed the destruction of ** Fateh**, the lead submarine of Iran’s Fateh class, along with multiple Ghadir-class submarines. Iran’s other two Kilo-class submarines were believed to have been inoperable for some time. At least one Ghadir-class submarine was hit by an AGM-114 Hellfire missile, meaning that particular engagement could not have involved this F-35C based on its displayed weapons. The three submarine markings on the F-35C cannot currently be connected to specific Iranian submarines. Shahed Drone Marking The aircraft also carries a marking representing a one-way attack drone. VMFA-314 previously shot down a Shahed-139 approaching USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea on February 3, 2026. The marking may be associated with that engagement, although its shape more closely resembles a Shahed-136. Earlier F/A-18F “Sub Buster” Marking The F-35C photograph follows the earlier appearance of an F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 41 (VFA-41), the “Black Aces.” The aircraft, BuNo 168491, returned to Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, on October 1, 2026, carrying a submarine silhouette marked “Sub Buster.” The silhouette most closely resembles a Kilo-class submarine, although the specific vessel has not been identified. Both VFA-41 and VMFA-314 operated from USS Abraham Lincoln as part of Carrier Air Wing 9. The carrier completed a 302-day deployment. The F-35C markings provide a record of the different naval, air and ground targets associated with its missions, although the specific weapons used against the three submarines have not been publicly detailed.

U.S. Army Awards Anduril Up to $1.8 Billion Contract to Field Next-Generation Command and Control Network with I Corps

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Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Army has selected Anduril Industries to lead the operational rollout of its Next-Generation Command and Control (NGC2) network under a contract worth up to $1.8 billion over five years. The contract has an initial base value of $162.8 million, with options that could increase the total value to $1.8 billion. The award moves NGC2 from division-level prototype testing toward operational fielding, beginning with I Corps. I Corps to Receive NGC2 I Corps, headquartered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, commands four Army divisions and oversees a significant portion of the Army's presence in the Indo-Pacific region. The Pacific operating environment presents challenges because Army units can be separated by thousands of miles and must coordinate with other U.S. military services and allied forces. NGC2 is also designed to continue supporting units when communications with higher headquarters are disrupted. Anduril has not disclosed which I Corps units will receive NGC2 first, how many vehicles or devices will be equipped, or the exact fielding timeline. Common Data Network NGC2 is designed to connect previously separate command, intelligence and fire-control systems through a common data architecture. Sensors, weapons, vehicles and applications from different manufacturers can exchange information through the network without soldiers having to manually transfer data between systems. Anduril's Lattice platform provides the common data layer. The architecture uses an open-system approach, allowing the Army to add sensors, applications and weapons from different vendors without rebuilding the underlying network. Testing With 4th Infantry Division The contract follows approximately a year of NGC2 testing. In July 2025, the Army awarded an Anduril-led team, including Palantir and Microsoft, a $99.6 million prototype agreement. Anduril subsequently worked with soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado, during exercises known as Ivy Sting. During the first Ivy Sting exercise in September 2025, soldiers used artillery fire-control software running on Lattice to fire M777 howitzers. By the Ivy Mass exercise in May 2026, the entire 4th Infantry Division was operating on NGC2. The network supported more than 2,500 end-user devices and multiple applications. According to Anduril, NGC2 reduced artillery fire timelines by 90% compared with legacy systems and accelerated airspace coordination. Testing also demonstrated data sharing with U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy systems. Parallel Testing and Selection The Army also tested a second NGC2 prototype with the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii. The effort was led by Lockheed Martin and included the Lightning Surge exercises and Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the Philippines. After both divisions completed their testing in June 2026, the Army established a common NGC2 data baseline and selected Anduril to lead the scaling effort, working with Palantir and Raft. The new contract now takes NGC2 into its next phase, beginning with I Corps and establishing the foundation for broader operational fielding across the U.S. Army.

Trump Accuses Fox News of Favoring Democrats and Criticizes El-Sayed Interview

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Washington, U.S. — Former U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized Fox News, accusing the network of giving more attention to Democratic candidates than Republicans and his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. In posts on Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump specifically targeted Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum over her interview with Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Michigan. Trump described the interview as a “softball” interview and said MacCallum does not interview him in the same way. “Fox is promoting the Dumocrats, not the Republicans and MAGA. They have totally lost their way!” Trump wrote. He also complained that Fox News does not show his “record breaking” rallies the morning after they take place, saying MAGA supporters are watching other networks instead. El-Sayed Interview MacCallum interviewed El-Sayed Monday on The Story. The discussion covered the U.S. war with Iran, terrorism, Medicare for All, public schools and campaign financing. The interview became heated as El-Sayed questioned the purpose of the war and argued that Iran's nuclear threat had previously been contained under the Obama-era Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), from which Trump later withdrew. MacCallum challenged El-Sayed over Iran's history and the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut. The two repeatedly interrupted each other, with MacCallum at one point telling El-Sayed, “I can't let you filibuster.” El-Sayed responded by accusing MacCallum of being a “fan” of the war. El-Sayed, 41, is a physician, epidemiologist and former public health official who previously led the Detroit Health Department and later directed Wayne County's Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services. He supports Medicare for All and is running against Republican Mike Rogers in the November midterm election. Trump had criticized the interview at a campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, the previous day, saying El-Sayed was allowed to “talk, talk, talk” with little pushback and calling him a “total communist.” Trump’s Wider Criticism of Fox News Trump's latest comments are part of a broader dispute with Fox News over its political coverage. In late September, he criticized the network for featuring Democratic figures including Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries and argued that opposition politicians were receiving more favorable airtime than Republicans. On Sunday, Trump also complained that Fox & Friends had not given enough coverage to his Saturday rally in Vandalia, Ohio, as well as earlier events in Alabama, Texas and Oklahoma. He said other networks had covered the rallies more positively and warned that supporters could stop watching Fox News. Trump has also criticized Fox News contributor Jessica Tarlov, calling her a “loser” at the Nebraska rally and saying her appearances were unpopular with his supporters. In another Truth Social post Tuesday, Trump questioned why Fox News was airing a long-form interview with independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn, who is running against Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts in Nebraska. Trump and Fox News have maintained a long and sometimes strained relationship, despite the network featuring hosts who have closely aligned themselves with the president. Fox News had not issued a formal response to Trump's latest criticism as of Tuesday. The dispute comes weeks before the November 3 midterm elections, with Republicans defending control of Congress and Trump continuing to campaign for Republican candidates.

U.S. Approves Possible $832 Million Javelin Missile Sale to Egypt

U.S

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of State has approved a possible $832 million Foreign Military Sale to Egypt covering up to 2,020 FGM-148F Javelin anti-tank guided missiles and related equipment. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) issued the congressional notification, No. 25-67, on October 2, 2026. What Egypt Has Requested The proposed package includes: Up to 2,020 FGM-148F Javelin missiles, including 20 fly-to-buy missiles for testing in the United States Up to 200 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLUs) LWCLU basic skills trainers and missile simulation rounds Battery coolant units Life-cycle support and spare parts Physical security inspections System integration and checkout Publications and technical documentation U.S. Government technical assistance Tool kits and training Other logistics and program support If finalized, the deal would introduce the Javelin into Egypt's military inventory for the first time. Javelin System The FGM-148F is the latest production variant of the Javelin family. It is a man-portable, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile that uses an imaging infrared seeker and can engage targets in top-attack or direct-attack modes. Its multi-purpose warhead combines a tandem shaped charge with a fragmenting steel casing, providing effects against armored vehicles, lightly armored targets and personnel. With the LWCLU, the Javelin has an effective range of approximately 4 kilometers and a minimum engagement range of about 65 meters in most conditions. The LWCLU is smaller and lighter than earlier command launch units and provides improved detection and recognition performance during day and night. It is compatible with existing and future Javelin variants. The first production LWCLUs were delivered to the U.S. Army in May 2026. Egypt's Existing Anti-Tank Weapons Egypt already operates anti-tank guided missiles from several manufacturers, including systems assembled domestically under license. However, the Javelin has not previously been part of its inventory. Javelin systems were previously fired in Egypt by U.S. Army personnel during the Bright Star 18 exercise in 2018. Contractors and Production The principal contractors are Lockheed Martin, based in Orlando, Florida, and RTX Corporation, based in Arlington, Virginia. They produce the system through the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV). The JJV has produced more than 55,000 Javelin-family missiles and more than 12,000 reusable command launch units for the United States and more than 25 international customers. The Javelin has also been used extensively by Ukrainian forces after NATO member states supplied large quantities through military assistance programs. Proposed Sale, Not Final Contract The $832 million amount is an estimated value. The notification represents a proposed transaction, not a completed purchase. The final value and terms will be determined after the United States and Egypt sign a government-to-government Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA). A final delivery schedule has not been established. The U.S. Government is not currently aware of any offset agreement associated with the proposed sale. Any such agreement would be negotiated between Egypt and the contractors. Implementation would not require additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives in Egypt and is not expected to have an adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness. U.S. Assessment The State Department said the proposed sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the security of a friendly country that is considered important to political stability and economic growth in the Middle East. The proposed sale is intended to improve Egypt's ability to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and meet its national defense requirements. The United States assesses that Egypt can absorb the equipment and services, and the sale is not expected to change the basic military balance in the region. The proposed transaction must still go through the U.S. congressional review process before the Letter of Offer and Acceptance can be finalized.

ThinKom SATCOM Antennas Selected for U.S. Navy E-130J Phoenix II TACAMO Aircraft

U.S

HAWTHORNE, Calif. — ThinKom Solutions, Inc. announced that its ThinAir satellite communications (SATCOM) antennas have been selected by Northrop Grumman for integration into the U.S. Navy’s new E-130J Phoenix II aircraft. E-130J Phoenix II to Replace E-6B Mercury The E-130J is being developed to take over the Navy’s Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) mission. TACAMO provides a survivable airborne communications link between U.S. national command authorities and the nation’s strategic nuclear forces, including ballistic-missile submarines. The E-130J will replace the Navy’s E-6B Mercury fleet. The aircraft is based on the Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules airframe, with Northrop Grumman serving as the prime contractor and mission-systems integrator. The Navy awarded Northrop Grumman a $3.46 billion contract for the program, formerly known as E-XX, in December 2024. The transition to the E-130J is expected to begin in the late 2020s to early 2030s. ThinAir SATCOM Antenna Capabilities ThinKom said its ThinAir antenna was selected to meet the TACAMO mission’s requirements for high-bandwidth beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications, multi-orbit connectivity, anti-jamming and survivability. The ThinAir GT product line is compatible with both geosynchronous (GSO) and non-geosynchronous (NGSO) satellite constellations. Its low-profile aerodynamic design is intended to reduce drag and support aircraft fuel efficiency and flight range. The systems use ThinKom’s proprietary Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub (VICTS) phased-array technology. Bill Milroy, Chief Technology Officer at ThinKom, said TACAMO requires communications systems that remain resilient, available and ready in demanding operating environments. He said the selection of the ThinAir antenna reflects the growing importance of multi-orbit, high-throughput SATCOM for strategic airborne platforms. ThinKom's SATCOM Systems ThinKom Solutions, founded in 2000 and based in Hawthorne, California, develops phased-array SATCOM antennas for commercial in-flight connectivity, government, defense, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, ground-station and other applications. The company said its antennas will provide resilient multi-orbit SATCOM connectivity for the E-130J Phoenix II strategic communications aircraft.

U.S. Navy Awards Northrop Grumman $66 Million Order to Upgrade MQ-4C Triton Fleets

U.S

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The U.S. Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. a $66.04 million firm-fixed-price delivery order to retrofit MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft operated by the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The upgrades will bring the two fleets to a common configuration, supporting standardized operations and mission readiness. The $66,041,453 order, placed by Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River, Maryland, covers recurring engineering retrofit work, materials and spare parts. It includes 17 approved engineering change proposals (ECPs) for U.S. Navy aircraft and 16 for Australian aircraft. The contract announcement did not provide the specific technical details of the individual changes. The order was issued under basic ordering agreement N0001925G0003, with delivery order N0001927F1026. The procurement was not competitively competed. About $53.61 million comes from the U.S. Navy's fiscal 2026 aircraft procurement funds, while approximately $12.44 million is provided by Australia through the two countries' cooperative defense program. Most of the work will be performed in California, with 63 percent in Hayward and 31 percent in San Diego, where Northrop Grumman builds the Triton. Additional work will take place in Red Oak and Waco, Texas; Tukwila, Washington; Elyria, Ohio; Irvine, California; and other U.S. locations. The work is scheduled for completion by June 2030. MQ-4C Triton The MQ-4C Triton is a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft derived from the U.S. Air Force's RQ-4 Global Hawk and designed for maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. It can remain airborne for more than 24 hours, operate above 50,000 feet, and has an approximately 7,400-nautical-mile range. Its sensors include a multi-function active sensor radar and other systems for detecting, tracking and classifying maritime targets. The U.S. Navy operates the Triton alongside P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. Its ground stations use a five-person crew consisting of an air vehicle operator, tactical coordinator, two mission payload operators and a signals intelligence coordinator. Australia is currently the only foreign operator of the MQ-4C and has ordered four aircraft. The first arrived at RAAF Base Tindal in June 2024, followed by the second and third in June 2025. The fourth and final aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2028. The Australian Tritons are operated by No. 9 Squadron, which was re-formed for the Triton mission, and work alongside Australia's P-8A fleet to monitor the country's northern maritime approaches. On September 22, 2026, Australia declared initial operational capability for its MQ-4C Triton capability. The U.S. Navy's program of record calls for 27 Tritons. More than 20 had been delivered by early 2025, while a second operational squadron was established in November 2025. The U.S. program is working toward full operational capability in fiscal 2031. The latest retrofit order continues efforts by the United States and Australia to maintain a common configuration across their MQ-4C Triton fleets.

Shield AI to Build X-BAT Fighter in Washington, Test and Sustain It in Kansas

U.S

Des Moines, Washington, — Defense technology company Shield AI announced on September 30 that it will manufacture its AI-piloted X-BAT fighter in Des Moines, Washington, while flight testing, customer acceptance and long-term fleet sustainment will be based at Newton City-County Airport in Kansas. Production is scheduled to begin in 2029, with full-rate manufacturing targeted for the early 2030s. Initial flight testing is scheduled to begin later in 2026. Three X-Forge Facilities Shield AI has divided the X-BAT program among three facilities. X-Forge 3 in Des Moines, Washington, will be the main production site. Shield AI has signed a lease for a 420,000-square-foot facility at the Des Moines Creek 2 light industrial park. The site is being built out and is expected to open in spring 2027. It is Shield AI’s first facility in the Puget Sound area, and hiring for the program has shifted to the region. X-Forge 2 in Newton, Kansas, will handle flight testing, production acceptance, customer acceptance flights and long-term maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). Shield AI committed to Newton in 2025 and currently leases office and hangar space and about 10 acres at the airport. It is working with the City of Newton and Harvey County on a larger hangar and expanded footprint. Ground testing is already under way. No X-BAT will reach a customer without first passing production acceptance testing and customer acceptance flights in Newton. Mayor Rich Stinnett said the city’s role has expanded from flight testing to MRO support for the entire fleet. X-Forge 1 in Frisco, Texas, will remain the company’s prototyping facility and the home of its smaller V-BAT aircraft. Texas suppliers will provide key X-BAT components, including propulsion and mission systems. X-BAT Capabilities First publicly unveiled in 2025, the X-BAT is a 26-foot, long-range autonomous strike fighter designed for vertical takeoff and landing. Shield AI says it can operate from ships, remote islands and unimproved sites without a traditional runway. The aircraft will use GE Aerospace’s F110 engine, the same class of engine used in the F-16. Shield AI lists a maximum range of 2,000 nautical miles and an objective combat radius of 1,000 nautical miles. Its internal weapon bays are designed to carry 2,000-pound-class munitions, with a payload capacity described by the company as comparable to the F-35. The aircraft will also support electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) payloads. The X-BAT will use Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software, which the company says allows it to conduct complex missions when GPS or external communications are jammed or unavailable. Economic Impact Shield AI’s economic analysis projects about 9,800 jobs by the early 2030s and roughly $78 billion in economic impact for the Seattle and Newton areas through 2046, assuming the program reaches planned full production rates. Washington is projected to account for about 8,000 jobs in the early 2030s, rising to 27,000 by 2046, with roughly $73 billion added to the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue economy. Kansas is projected to support about 1,800 jobs in the early 2030s and 2,900 by 2046, adding about $5 billion to the Newton area. Texas is projected to support about 1,400 jobs in the early 2030s and 7,900 statewide by 2046, adding roughly $18.6 billion to the state economy. The Frisco facility is projected to support about 600 jobs in the early 2030s and 700 by 2046. The site selections reflect the aerospace industries in all three states. King County has more than 45,000 aerospace workers at over 400 companies, while Washington has more than 1,500 aerospace suppliers. South-central Kansas has manufactured aircraft since the 1920s and trains workers through institutions including Wichita State University and WSU Tech. “Both these regions were building airplanes before Shield AI existed, and we went to them for that reason,” said Armor Harris, Shield AI’s senior vice president of aircraft. “X-BAT will be built in Washington and fly in Kansas before it goes to a customer, and Kansas will keep this fleet in the air for decades.” Washington Governor Bob Ferguson welcomed the investment and the expected jobs, while Kansas Senator Jerry Moran said Kansas’ long aviation history makes it a natural location for keeping advanced military aircraft mission-ready. Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense company with facilities across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. Its products include Hivemind, V-BAT, X-BAT and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies.

York Space Systems Prepares Tetra-3 and Tetra-4 GEO Satellites for Space Force After Critical Design Review

U.S

WASHINGTON — York Space Systems is expanding its prime-contractor work into geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) with two small satellites being built for the U.S. Space Force. Tetra-3 and Tetra-4 Missions The satellites, known as Tetra-3 and Tetra-4 and internally called “Nemesis” by York, are designed to detect, track and maneuver near other objects in GEO. The missions will support Space Domain Awareness (SDA) activities, including demonstrations involving resident space objects and rendezvous and proximity operations. York is serving as the prime contractor, responsible for spacecraft design, sensor integration and overall mission execution. Sensors and Mission Equipment The satellites will carry mission sensors and government-furnished equipment to support on-orbit threat presentation, independent range-data collection, small-satellite technology risk reduction and experimental payload hosting. The integrated payload includes: Long-wave infrared camera GEO-qualified GPS side-lobe receiver LiDAR sensor capable of ranging resident space objects up to 20 kilometers Critical Design Review York said Tetra-3 and Tetra-4 successfully completed their Delta Critical Design Review (CDR) and remain scheduled for spacecraft delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026. During the design-review phase, a requirement was added for a new propulsion system needed for full mission capability. York incorporated the system on an accelerated schedule without changing the spacecraft's structural, thermal or power profiles. The company also reported no impact on launch-vehicle integration, with only minor harness and flight-software updates required. Marc Cordova, York's vice president of programs, said the ability to accommodate significant late-stage design changes without causing cascading schedule delays is an important requirement for prime integrators supporting national-security missions. Expansion into GEO The Nemesis missions mark York's expansion of prime-integration work into GEO and represent the ninth unique mission set in its national-defense portfolio. York's existing defense work includes synthetic aperture radar, assured communications and tactical warfighter support across multiple orbits. GEO is located approximately 22,300 miles above Earth. Satellites operating there can remain over a similar point on the planet, making the orbit important for communications and national-security missions. Michael Lajczok, York Space Systems' chief technology officer, said Nemesis demonstrates the company's ability to prime, integrate and deliver missions across different orbital regimes. York Space Systems is based in Denver and develops satellites for national-security, government and commercial customers. The company is publicly traded under the ticker YSS.