U.S 

FORT WORTH, Texas — Lockheed Martin has completed the final assembly of Germany’s first F-35A Lightning II, marking another step in Germany’s plan to introduce the fifth-generation fighter into Luftwaffe service. The aircraft, designated MG-01, has moved from final assembly into the Aircraft Final Finishes stage at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth, Texas, facility. During this phase, the aircraft will receive its final exterior finish, including its specialized low-observable coating. The official rollout is scheduled for September 18, 2026. The Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engine was installed on MG-01 in June, completing another major stage of the aircraft’s production. Lockheed Martin previously said the aircraft would receive its paint and final finishes, including its stealth coating, before first flight and the official rollout. Lockheed Martin also highlighted the milestone in a social media statement, saying: “Another milestone for Germany’s first F-35. Following final assembly, the aircraft moved to Aircraft Final Finishes, bringing it one step closer to supporting the Luftwaffe and Germany’s next generation of air power.”   Eight Aircraft Form the Initial Batch Germany has ordered 35 F-35A Lightning II fighters. Seven additional German aircraft are currently moving through production at the Fort Worth facility, making MG-01 part of the first eight aircraft being produced for Germany. The first eight German F-35As are scheduled to remain in the United States initially for training. They will be delivered to Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where German pilots and maintenance personnel will receive F-35 training. Germany has already established a dedicated F-35 training presence in the United States. The Bundeswehr says German personnel at Ebbing are involved in F-35A pilot training, while technical and logistical personnel also receive training in the United States. German personnel will train alongside personnel from other F-35 partner countries using the Arkansas training facility.   Production of Germany’s F-35A Fleet Germany formally approved the purchase of 35 F-35As through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales process in December 2022. The German government signed the Letter of Acceptance for the aircraft on December 14, 2022. Production of the first German F-35 began with major assembly work at Lockheed Martin’s Marietta, Georgia, facility in December 2024 before the aircraft moved through the production process at Fort Worth. MG-01 entered final assembly in March 2026. The German Defense Ministry currently plans to receive the first F-35As at Büchel Air Base beginning in 2027, while the Tornado fleet is scheduled to be retired by 2030. The current program schedule calls for deliveries to continue through 2029, with initial operating capability planned for 2029 and full operating capability planned for 2030.   Büchel Base Being Upgraded Büchel Air Base is undergoing extensive infrastructure work to prepare for the F-35A. The Bundeswehr is constructing an F-35 campus that includes facilities for aircraft maintenance, washing, hangaring, spare-parts storage and flight operations. The first groundbreaking for the F-35 infrastructure project took place on October 23, 2024, and the Bundeswehr says the campus is planned to be ready by November 2026. The infrastructure upgrades are required because Büchel was previously configured for the Panavia Tornado. The new facilities are being developed to support the F-35A and its operational and maintenance requirements.   Replacing the Tornado in Germany’s NATO Role The F-35A is being introduced as the replacement for Germany’s Panavia Tornado IDS fleet. One of the major reasons for the acquisition is Germany’s continued participation in NATO’s nuclear sharing arrangement. Germany’s F-35A fleet is intended to take over the Tornado’s role in this mission. The aircraft will be configured to carry and employ U.S.-supplied B61 nuclear bombs for Germany’s NATO nuclear-sharing mission. The F-35A will also introduce fifth-generation capabilities to the Luftwaffe, including reduced radar detectability, sensor information fusion and networking with other aircraft. The Bundeswehr says these capabilities will improve the aircraft’s ability to operate within multinational NATO formations. With MG-01 now moving beyond final assembly, Germany’s first F-35A is approaching its planned rollout in September. The aircraft will then remain in the United States for the initial training phase before the first German F-35As are transferred to Büchel from 2027.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-18 16:12:56

 U.S 

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Army is seeking industry proposals for a major increase in Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) production, with a requirement for 133,014 rockets from FY2028 through FY2034. The Army Contracting Command–Redstone Arsenal published the Sources Sought notice on August 17, 2026, under Notice ID PANRSA-25-P-7693. Companies have until September 1, 2026, at 4 p.m. CDT to submit capability statements. The Army is seeking an annual production rate of 19,002 GMLRS rockets in each fiscal year from FY2028 through FY2034. The first deliveries are scheduled to begin in February 2030. The requirement covers GMLRS unitary, alternative warhead (AW) and extended-range (ER) variants, as well as production tooling, engineering change proposals and other supporting activities.   GMLRS Production Requirement GMLRS provides U.S. Army field artillery units with precision surface-to-surface fires against point and area targets. The rockets are launched from the M270-series Multiple Launch Rocket System and M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). The GMLRS Unitary uses a 200-pound-class payload and is available in two primary configurations. The unitary warhead is intended for precision strikes with minimal collateral damage, while the alternative warhead uses pre-formed penetrators to provide area effects in accordance with current cluster-munition policies. The Extended-Range GMLRS (ER-GMLRS) increases the system's maximum range while carrying either the unitary or alternative warhead payload.   Army Requests Detailed Industrial Plans The Army is asking companies to submit white papers explaining their capability, previous experience and technical approach for producing 19,002 rockets per year. Companies must explain how they would achieve the required production rate in the most efficient and cost-effective way. They are also asked to identify the risks and benefits of different production approaches and recommend contracting strategies that provide value to the government while reducing contractor cost risk. The capability statements must also address previous experience with similar work, technical skills, subcontractor management, facility and safeguarding requirements, and proposed facilities and supply-chain partners capable of supporting production beginning in FY2028. Companies must provide a tier-one schedule in Microsoft Project format showing the activities from contract award through delivery of the first GMLRS munitions to the Army.   Seven-Year Production Target The Army's maximum production quantities are: Fiscal Year GMLRS Rockets FY2028 19,002 FY2029 19,002 FY2030 19,002 FY2031 19,002 FY2032 19,002 FY2033 19,002 FY2034 19,002 Total 133,014 Respondents must also provide a development and qualification plan for the system and its subcomponents to meet the Army's technical data package, specifications and drawing requirements. The government may provide integrator-level technical data packages and drawings, subject to the required security approval. Companies would be responsible for developing or obtaining technical data packages at the subsystem level and below.   Broader Manufacturing Support The planned effort extends beyond recurring rocket production. The Army lists obsolescence management, engineering changes, systems engineering, program management, integrated logistics support, training data, support equipment and production tooling among the additional activities that may be required. Companies must also demonstrate that they can meet applicable facility and safeguarding requirements and identify qualified supply-chain partners with available capacity. The Army is conducting the notice as market research, not as a contract solicitation. The Sources Sought notice is not a Request for Proposal, Invitation for Bid or Request for Quote, and the government is not obligated to award a contract based on the responses. All responses must be unclassified. The Army said corporate or proprietary information properly identified by respondents will be protected from release outside the U.S. government. The deadline for submissions is September 1, 2026, at 4 p.m. CDT. Responses are to be sent to Army Contract Specialist Kyle Teegarden and Contracting Officer Mόnica Clemons.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-18 15:33:08

 U.S 

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin a $73.86 million contract modification to procure, test and deliver Indra Rigel electronic warfare systems for four Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) ships being built for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. The award, announced on August 12, 2026, is valued at $73,864,423 and modifies existing contract N00024-18-C-2301. It covers the electronic warfare systems for Saudi Arabia's four MMSC vessels under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.   Contract and Production Details The contract is structured as a firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee agreement. The entire amount is funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the FMS program and will be obligated at the time of the award. The funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Work will be carried out primarily in Madrid, Spain, which will account for 96% of the effort. The remaining 4% will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey. The U.S. Navy's Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair in Bath, Maine, is responsible for managing the contract. The work is scheduled to be completed by February 2031.   Indra Rigel Electronic Warfare System The four MMSC ships will receive Indra's Rigel electronic support measures system. The system is designed to detect and analyze radar signals from other vessels, allowing the system to identify and classify platforms and assess the level of threat they represent. Indra says the system provides information that improves situational awareness and supports the survivability of the ships in hostile environments. The Rigel family is designed for detection, analysis, classification and identification of radar signals and can provide direction-finding information as part of its electronic support functions. Indra is working with SAMI-AEC, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabian defense company SAMI, to deliver the systems. The cooperation builds on previous work between Indra and SAMI-AEC involving electronic defense systems for Saudi Arabia's Avante 2200-class corvettes. Indra announced the agreement to equip the four MMSC ships with Rigel systems in February 2024.   Saudi Arabia's MMSC Fleet The four MMSC ships are a derivative of the U.S. Navy's Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship. Saudi Arabia signed the Foreign Military Sales case for the ships in 2017, with Lockheed Martin serving as the prime contractor and Fincantieri Marinette Marine responsible for construction in Wisconsin. The program is known as Project Tuwaiq. Each MMSC is 118 meters (387 feet) long and has a stated range of 5,000 nautical miles. The ships are based on the Freedom-variant LCS hull and have been modified with additional combat systems for the Saudi requirement. Their weapons and combat systems include an eight-cell Mk 41 vertical launch system configured for MBDA Sea Ceptor missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, a BAE Systems Mk 110 57mm gun and a Raytheon SeaRAM system. The ships also use Lockheed Martin's COMBATSS-21 combat management system, which is built from the Aegis Common Source Library. A Saab Ceros 200 fire-control radar and Indra's Rigel electronic support measures system are among the additional systems integrated into the Saudi configuration.   Program Schedule The first ship, HMS Saud, entered the water at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Wisconsin on December 20, 2025. It is the first of four MMSC vessels being built for Saudi Arabia. The MMSC program has experienced schedule delays. Naval News reported in December 2025 that the program had been affected by shipyard disruptions, workforce shortages, the time required to complete the ship design and design changes requested by Saudi Arabia. The new Lockheed Martin contract adds the Rigel electronic warfare systems to the equipment being delivered for the four Saudi MMSC ships, with work continuing through February 2031.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-18 14:21:42

 U.S 

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — The U.S. Air Force is seeking a new family of expendable aerial target drones capable of replicating a wide range of airborne threats, from low-cost drone swarms to advanced stealth fighters, strategic bombers and airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. The Air Force's Aerial Targets Program Office at Eglin Air Force Base issued a Request for Information (RFI) on August 14. Industry responses are due by September 28. The proposed targets must be realistic enough to challenge modern sensors and weapons while being affordable and simple enough to be routinely expended during testing. The Air Force is specifically interested in commercial, modified-commercial, dual-use and non-developmental solutions that can offer advantages in cost, scalability and simplicity over legacy systems.   Multiple Target Categories For advanced fighter threats, the Air Force wants targets capable of flying at Mach 1.6 and above at 40,000 feet, performing high-agility maneuvers, sustaining 5G and reaching instantaneous loads of up to 9G. They must also provide precise low-observable radar cross-section profiles, multispectral infrared signatures, active radio-frequency emissions and integrated electronic-attack capabilities. A separate category covers C-130-sized multi-engine aircraft, as well as larger aircraft such as strategic bombers and AEW&C platforms. These targets are expected to reproduce the physical scale, slow subsonic flight characteristics and representative propulsion, radar and infrared signatures of larger aircraft. The requirement also covers unmanned aircraft. Group 5 targets should operate at altitudes up to 50,000 feet, while Group 3 and Group 4 targets should fly at approximately Mach 0.5 to 0.8 and maneuver between 3G and 6G. Group 1 and Group 2 targets should fly below 150 knots and operate in swarms.   Addressing Limits of Existing Targets The Air Force currently uses systems including the BQM-167A, a subscale aerial target, and converted QF-16 fighter aircraft. The BQM-167A provides a relatively affordable subscale target, but its size limits its ability to represent larger aircraft. The QF-16 provides full-scale fighter performance, but using converted fighter aircraft as expendable targets is different from operating purpose-built systems designed for production and expenditure in larger numbers. The new requirement is intended to cover the gap between these existing systems and provide targets representing modern stealth aircraft, large aircraft and massed small-drone threats. The Air Force has also pursued high-fidelity targets for advanced aircraft in the past, including the 5th Generation Aerial Target (5GAT) program.   Testing Modern Weapons and Sensors The requirement is aimed at supporting testing across the weapons and sensor kill chain, including detection, tracking, seeker acquisition, guidance and terminal engagement. The Air Force wants targets capable of reproducing not only aircraft flight performance and physical size but also radar cross-section, infrared characteristics, radio-frequency emissions and electronic-warfare effects. The effort reflects the increasing variety of airborne threats that U.S. weapons and air-defense systems must be tested against. The proposed family would provide different target types for fighter aircraft, large aircraft, unmanned systems and drone swarms while maintaining an emphasis on affordability and scalability. The RFI is currently seeking information from industry and does not itself represent a contract award. Responses must be submitted by September 28, 2026.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-18 14:02:28

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump has called for South Korea to pay $10 billion annually toward the cost of maintaining U.S. troops in the country, raising the issue during a White House press conference while discussing his recent conversation with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. Trump said he asked Lee to assist the United States with its military operation involving Iran, but the request was declined. He questioned why the United States should continue spending billions of dollars to defend South Korea, saying, “We have 39,000 soldiers over there, guarding you from Kim Jong Un, your next-door neighbor.” The official U.S. troop presence in South Korea is about 28,500 personnel, rather than the 39,000 figure cited by Trump.   South Korea's Current Payment South Korea has shared the cost of hosting U.S. forces since 1991 through the Special Measures Agreement (SMA). The current agreement covers 2026 through 2030 and sets Seoul's 2026 contribution at ₩1.5192 trillion, with future payments adjusted according to South Korea's consumer price index and annual increases capped at 5 percent. The SMA covers expenses including local personnel working at U.S. bases, logistical support and construction of military facilities. Trump also said that during his first term he had sought a $10 billion annual payment from South Korea. He said Seoul had agreed to nearly $3 billion with further increases planned, but that the arrangement was later changed under the Biden administration. Public records, however, do not show a finalized $3 billion multi-year agreement from that period.   Joint Military Exercises Reduced Trump has also directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to substantially reduce U.S.-South Korean military exercises, criticizing their cost and describing them as inappropriate and hostile toward North Korea. He cited his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and said North Korea had been respectful toward him. The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise began on August 17 and was scheduled to run through August 27. Despite Trump's directive, South Korea said the exercise would proceed as previously scheduled. The U.S.-South Korea alliance is based on the 1953 Mutual Defense Treaty, while defense cost-sharing has remained a recurring issue between Washington and Seoul. Trump's latest demand would be a major increase from the contribution established under the current SMA.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-18 13:18:17

 U.S 

ST. LOUIS — Boeing is marking 20 years since the first flight of the EA-18G Growler, the U.S. Navy’s carrier-based airborne electronic attack aircraft. The anniversary comes as Boeing and the U.S. Navy continue upgrading the aircraft’s processing, detection and jamming systems to address modern electromagnetic threats. The first Growler, designated EA-1, flew from Lambert International Airport in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 15, 2006. Boeing test pilot Ricardo Traven and chief weapons system operator Rick Junkin were at the controls. “From the first flight, that I had the pleasure to pilot with my WSO Rick Junkin, it was obvious to us what a terrific capability and future this aircraft would blaze in the years that followed,” Traven said.   From the EA-6B Prowler to the Growler Development of the EA-18G formally began in December 2003 under a five-year System Development and Demonstration contract between Boeing and the U.S. Navy. The aircraft was developed to replace the Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler. Based on the F/A-18 Super Hornet, the Growler is designed for electronic warfare missions including surveillance, jamming and suppression of enemy air defenses. It can operate from aircraft carriers and conduct both stand-off and escort jamming missions. Former U.S. Navy Growler pilot Paul “Disco” Ritter described the transition from the EA-6B to the EA-18G as a major change. “I started my career flying the EA-6B Prowler,” Ritter said. “It was an amazing machine — it was fun, like flying a farm truck. Transitioning to the Growler was like upgrading to a Ferrari.” The first EA-18G was delivered to the Naval Air Test Center at Patuxent River, Maryland, in September 2006. The first fleet aircraft went to Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ-129 in June 2008, and Growlers completed their first combat deployment in 2011. Boeing delivered the 100th aircraft to the U.S. Navy in May 2014.   Combat Operations The Growler has supported U.S. and allied operations in several regions, including the Red Sea and the Middle East. During recent operations against Houthi forces, a Growler achieved a confirmed kinetic combat success by destroying a Houthi Mi-24 helicopter on the ground using an Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile. The same deployment also saw a Growler achieve an air-to-air victory by shooting down a Houthi drone, marking an air-to-air combat success for a U.S. electronic warfare aircraft. The aircraft can collect threat information and provide targeting data, threat warnings and protection to other aircraft, including the F/A-18 and F-35. “The Growler provides added layers of protection for the entire air wing by gathering information on threats not seen in real time and provides that target data, threat warning, and protection to other aircraft like the F/A-18 or the F-35,” Ritter said.   Next Generation Jamming Boeing is developing the Growler Block II capability suite to extend the aircraft’s electronic warfare capabilities. The modernization effort includes an Advanced Cockpit System, enhanced avionics, improved processing and detection capabilities, and support for Next Generation Jammer systems. The Next Generation Jammer, developed by Raytheon, is being introduced to replace the legacy ALQ-99 jamming pods. The system is designed to provide improved jamming capabilities and allow the Growler to engage multiple targets at the same time and operate at longer ranges. Boeing inducted the first EA-18G into its Growler Modification Program in March 2021. The program increases processing power, improves detection capabilities and enables compatibility with Next Generation Jamming capabilities.   Australia Operates the Growler Australia became the first country outside the United States to operate the EA-18G. Boeing unveiled the first Royal Australian Air Force Growler in July 2015, and Australia acquired 12 aircraft. The EA-18G remains in service with both the U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Air Force as Boeing and the Navy continue modernization work aimed at improving the aircraft’s electronic warfare, detection, processing and jamming capabilities.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-18 12:28:13

 U.S 

Pacific Submarine Force, U.S. Navy — The U.S. Navy’s Pacific Submarine Force is examining new roles for uncrewed undersea vehicles (UUVs), including operating them with aircraft carrier strike groups and using them to resupply submarines while they remain submerged. The discussions follow RIMPAC 2026, which included more than 35 experiments involving uncrewed systems and emerging technologies. The exercise involved 30 nations, about 30,000 personnel, more than 30 surface ships, five submarines and over 190 aircraft. After the at-sea phase of RIMPAC, Rear Adm. Chris Cavanaugh, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet Submarine Force, met with Rear Adm. Marcos Jasso, commander of Carrier Strike Group 9, aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71). Jasso assumed command of the carrier strike group in June 2026, and a Navy photo from the meeting was released on July 30. Cavanaugh said the Pacific Submarine Force is investing in unmanned capabilities to augment manned submarines and maintain its undersea advantage as technology develops.   UUVs as Carrier Strike Group Extensions The two commanders discussed how UUVs could support carrier operations as tactical extensions of a carrier strike group. The vehicles could potentially conduct reconnaissance, strike missions, minesweeping and anti-submarine warfare. They could be launched directly from aircraft carriers or from helicopters and could also contribute to defenses against incoming torpedoes. Another concept involves using UUVs to transfer critical spare parts and components between aircraft carriers and submarines. The Navy faces difficulties resupplying submarines at sea, particularly in contested or denied environments where traditional submarine tenders could face limitations. Under the concept discussed, submarines could deploy and recover UUVs while remaining completely submerged. This would allow critical parts and materials to be transferred without requiring the submarine to surface or return to port, supporting operational security and potentially extending the time a submarine can remain on station.   Revolver System to Increase Submarine Payloads The Navy is also developing the Revolver system for Virginia-class attack submarines to increase the number of smaller weapons that can be carried in existing 21-inch torpedo tubes. The system is designed to multi-pack smaller-diameter weapons, including the 6.75-inch Mark 58 Compact Rapid Attack Weapon (CRAW), which is being developed by RTX. Multiple CRAW torpedoes could be carried in a single standard tube, increasing the submarine’s available weapons without major hull changes. The combination of improved underwater resupply and increased payload capacity is part of the Navy’s wider effort to extend submarine operational endurance and expand available capabilities.   UUV Production Expands The Navy is also moving toward greater production and fielding of UUVs as the technology matures. In July 2026, the Orca Extra Large Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle completed its first 1,000-nautical-mile transit in the East Pacific, according to Cavanaugh. Smaller systems are also entering operational use, including REMUS-family vehicles that can be launched and recovered through submarine torpedo tubes. Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has a multi-year production agreement with Hitachi Ltd. to provide more than a dozen REMUS 300 UUVs to Japan. The modular REMUS 300, which serves as the commercial basis for the U.S. Navy’s Lionfish program, is designed to support mine-hunting missions and interoperability with U.S. and allied forces. The Navy is continuing testing, evaluation and fielding of different UUV systems as it works to integrate unmanned vehicles more closely with manned submarines, aircraft carriers and other fleet assets.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-18 11:53:46

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Air Force is developing a cheaper and more adaptable successor to the General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper following the drone’s extensive use and losses during Operation Epic Fury against Iran in 2026. The service wants a modular unmanned aircraft that can be produced in larger numbers and operate in contested airspace where some losses are expected.   Reaper's Role in Operation Epic Fury Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach described the MQ-9A as the “most valuable player” of the operation during congressional testimony in May. He said the Reaper conducted more strikes than any other U.S. platform, although the exact number remains classified. U.S. forces struck more than 13,000 targets during roughly six weeks of fighting. The operation also exposed the Reaper’s vulnerability. Reports based on official and congressional sources indicated that around two dozen to nearly 30 MQ-9s were destroyed during the initial phase, with later figures showing higher cumulative losses. Some were destroyed by air defenses and others were hit on the ground at regional bases. The fleet reportedly fell from about 180 aircraft before the conflict to roughly 135. General Atomics ended MQ-9A production in 2025. A fully equipped MQ-9A can cost as much as $50 million depending on its sensor suite.   Massed Modular Aircraft Program In July 2026, the Air Force partnered with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) on the Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA) initiative. The program seeks an unmanned aircraft that can be manufactured rapidly, deployed in larger numbers and treated as more attritable than traditional high-value systems. Air Force Chief Modernization Officer Lt. Gen. Christopher Niemi said the MQ-9A remains effective in the Middle East, but expensive sensor packages can significantly increase its cost. The MMA would allow equipment to be removed or changed for high-threat missions, reducing the financial impact of losses. The DIU solicitation requires the aircraft to carry at least 2,800 pounds of payload, have a 2,300-nautical-mile combat radius without aerial refueling, and self-deploy at least 8,000 nautical miles one way. It must reach at least 200 knots, or about 230 mph, and support full-scale prototype flight testing within 21 months of contract award. Other requirements include allowing one operator to control multiple aircraft, resilient hybrid satellite and mesh communications, operation from runways of 6,000 feet or shorter, and sufficient power and cooling for rapid payload changes. The Air Force is targeting Initial Operating Capability in fiscal year 2031, defined as the delivery of 20 mission-ready aircraft to an operational unit.   Designed for Attrition and Modularity The MMA is intended to perform intelligence, surveillance and strike missions while also supporting larger formations of unmanned aircraft. The Air Force is considering missions including intelligence collection, weapons employment, electronic warfare and communications relay. The DIU said larger numbers of less expensive aircraft would allow the service to accept combat losses and place greater demands on adversary air defenses. The concept is based on the view that relying on low-density aircraft costing at least $30 million is difficult against layered defenses and lower-cost anti-aircraft systems. Modularity is central to the design. Sensors, weapons, fuel containers and other payloads should be rapidly changed according to the mission. The aircraft is also expected to use the Autonomy Government Reference Architecture employed by the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program to simplify integration of autonomy software.   Development and Remaining MQ-9 Fleet No specific MMA unit-cost target has been finalized. The Air Force will assess industry proposals and operational requirements to determine a price that provides the required capability while remaining affordable enough to tolerate attrition. A concept-refinement phase is scheduled for the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, with multiple traditional and nontraditional defense companies expected to compete. A separate DIU request for information on low-cost attritable unmanned ISR systems also received strong industry interest. The MQ-9A will remain in service during development of the replacement. Col. John Dayton, the portfolio acquisition executive for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and special operations forces, said the Air Force is repairing available Reapers and procuring a small number of remaining capital assets from General Atomics to restore capacity. The service has also examined General Atomics’ larger MQ-9B, which offers greater range and payload capacity, but the MMA effort is focused on a separate lower-cost aircraft. Source : nationaldefensemagazine

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-18 11:17:08

 U.S 

CINCINNATI and SAN DIEGO — GE Aerospace and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions have received a U.S. Air Force Engineering, Manufacturing and Development (EMD) contract for their GEK800 turbofan engine, which has now received the U.S. military designation F143-ZZ-100. The F143 will be developed as a second-source propulsion system for the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM). The contract moves the engine program into the EMD phase following earlier development and testing work by GE Aerospace, Kratos and government partners.   F143 Designed for Missiles and Uncrewed Aircraft The F143 is an 800-pound-thrust turbofan engine designed for long-range missiles and other uncrewed applications. GE Aerospace and Kratos are also positioning the engine for potential use in cruise missiles, collaborative combat-type aircraft and other unmanned aerial vehicles. The program is focused on developing small, lower-cost, high-performance engines that can be manufactured in larger quantities for defense applications. The new designation and EMD contract provide a formal path for continued development of the engine for JASSM while the companies also pursue broader applications for the GEK engine family.   Development Began in 2023 GE Aerospace and Kratos began their collaboration on the engine in 2023. The development effort combined company investment with support and funding from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The program included a Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction (TMRR) phase intended to mature the engine design and reduce technical risks before moving into further development. During the development program, the joint team completed more than 50 engine starts during ground testing at facilities operated by Kratos and GE Aerospace. In 2025, the GEK800 also completed altitude testing at Purdue University's Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories. The testing was part of the program's effort to evaluate the engine under simulated operational conditions. Kratos and GE Aerospace previously reported that the altitude-test campaign also included durability and limits testing.   Second Engine Source for JASSM The Air Force's EMD award specifically advances the F143 as an alternative propulsion source for JASSM. JASSM is a long-range air-launched cruise missile developed for the U.S. military and operated by the United States and allied countries. The U.S. Air Force has continued to procure JASSM and its variants as part of its long-range strike capabilities. Adding a second propulsion source gives the F143 program a defined role within the JASSM propulsion supply chain while the engine continues through the EMD stage.   Focus on Higher-Volume Engine Manufacturing The GE Aerospace-Kratos program is also part of a broader effort to expand U.S. manufacturing capacity for smaller jet engines. Kratos President and CEO Eric DeMarco said the companies are working with the U.S. Air Force and the Department of War to support reindustrialization of U.S. manufacturing capacity for low-cost jet engines that can be rapidly produced in large quantities for drones, cruise missiles and other systems. GE Aerospace President and CEO of Defense & Systems Amy Gowder said the F143 designation and EMD award demonstrate the performance and capability of the GEK800 and the strength of the GE Aerospace-Kratos partnership.   GEK Engine Family Expands The GEK800 is part of a broader family of small defense engines being developed by GE Aerospace and Kratos. GE Aerospace has also been developing the GEK1500, a larger engine intended for applications including collaborative combat aircraft and other uncrewed platforms. GE Aerospace said the GEK800's development and testing are helping inform the company's work on this wider engine family. Kratos is also preparing manufacturing capacity in Bristow, Oklahoma, for the GEK family, with an initial focus on the GEK800. The F143-ZZ-100 designation and the new EMD contract therefore mark the next development stage for the GEK800, moving the engine from technology maturation and testing toward further engineering and manufacturing development for its planned role as a second propulsion source for JASSM.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-17 15:34:27

 U.S 

South China Sea — The U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG-65) spent four days without electrical power in the South China Sea last month after an engineering casualty involving its generators, according to the U.S. 7th Fleet. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer was conducting routine operations in the Indo-Pacific on July 24, 2026, when an “engineering casualty involving its generators” occurred, according to Navy Cmdr. Matthew Comer, spokesperson for the 7th Fleet. A U.S. Navy photograph shows Benfold conducting routine operations while underway in the South China Sea on July 23, 2026. The photograph was taken by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Andrew Novak. The generator failure caused a complete loss of electrical power, leaving the nearly 10,000-ton warship unable to maneuver on its own. The Benfold is often part of the strike group accompanying the USS George Washington (CVN-73). The carrier is currently heading toward the Middle East to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, although Benfold appears to have remained in Asia.   Four Days Without Power The power failure affected several basic services aboard Benfold, including galley services, toilets, air conditioning and potable water. The crew, numbering roughly 329 to 359 sailors depending on the ship's configuration, remained aboard the destroyer while the engineering problem was addressed. Daytime temperatures in the South China Sea during late July averaged between 89°F and 98°F (32°C to 37°C), according to weather records. No injuries were reported among the crew. Cmdr. Matthew Comer said the sailors demonstrated “resilience, grit, professionalism, and unwavering steadiness” in their response to the incident. The Navy said the cause of the power outage is under investigation.   Other Ships Provided Assistance Benfold received assistance from other ships in the Japan-based USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group during the four-day outage. The guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls provided cooked meals to the Benfold crew. Other ships in the strike group also provided assistance. The destroyer was later towed to Subic Bay in the Philippines for repairs. The Navy said the repairs were completed by August 8, and the ship returned to duty. Ship spotters in Japan subsequently reported that Benfold had arrived there, according to USNI News. The Navy has not said whether Benfold was sent along with the George Washington Carrier Strike Group toward the waters off Iran.   What a Prolonged Power Loss Means for a Destroyer Former U.S. Navy captain Carl Schuster, who said he once spent about four hours aboard a destroyer without power near Puerto Rico, described the challenges of such an incident. He said operations officers would be concerned about crew morale and operational issues, while engineers would focus on resolving the failure. The navigator would have to monitor the ship's direction of drift and approaching weather, while the crew would be concerned about weather, food and what would happen next. The commanding officer and executive officer would have to manage those concerns while also determining when assistance would arrive. Schuster said that four hours without power near Puerto Rico was not nearly as stressful as four days in the South China Sea.   Wider Pressure on the U.S. Navy The Benfold incident comes as the U.S. Navy faces increasing scrutiny over the demands placed on its forces by the Iran war and global commitments. Reports have also raised concerns about low morale and mental health aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East after the carrier spent more than 200 days without a port call during operations against Iran. Analysts and Democratic lawmakers have said the Navy is being stretched by the demands of the Iran war and its worldwide commitments. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group is now heading toward the Middle East to relieve the Abraham Lincoln and its carrier strike group, according to a Navy official. The Navy has not said whether Benfold is accompanying the group.   Second Power-Related Incident Involving a U.S. Destroyer The Benfold incident is the second reported loss of power involving a U.S. Navy destroyer in the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility this year. The area covers waters from off the U.S. West Coast to the western border of India, and from the North Pole to Antarctica. In May, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Higgins (DDG-76) lost power and propulsion for several hours in the Indo-Pacific region after suffering what the Navy described as an “engineering casualty” involving its electrical system. The Navy did not specify where the Higgins incident occurred. Arleigh Burke-class destroyers such as Benfold and Higgins form a major part of the U.S. Navy's surface fleet, with more than 70 ships in service. The ships are approximately 500 feet long and have a displacement of nearly 10,000 tons. Depending on configuration, they carry crews of approximately 329 to 359 sailors. The Navy has not publicly identified the specific cause of Benfold's generator failure, and the investigation remains ongoing. Source : CNN

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-17 15:04:06

 U.S 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy has awarded Raytheon, an RTX business, a $22.9 billion seven-year contract to increase production of Tomahawk cruise missiles and associated support. The contract is intended to raise annual Tomahawk production to more than 1,000 missiles, significantly above previous production levels of about 60 missiles per year for U.S. forces. RTX said it delivered three times more Tomahawks in the first half of 2026 than during the same period in 2025. The Tomahawk is a long-range precision strike missile used by the Navy’s surface ships and submarines against land targets. The new award formalizes an earlier framework agreement between the U.S. military and Raytheon covering increased production of several critical munitions. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao said the investment will expand the U.S. munitions industrial base and support current operational requirements. Raytheon President Phil Jasper said the company is investing in its workforce, technology, supply chain and facilities to increase production capacity. RTX also plans to work with hundreds of small and mid-sized suppliers across the United States. The contract is part of the Department of War’s Arsenal of Freedom initiative and a broader effort to expand domestic munitions production and rebuild U.S. weapons inventories. The Navy has also been pursuing increased production of other missile systems, including AMRAAM, SM-3 and SM-6, while recent agreements have targeted components for Patriot and THAAD interceptor missiles.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-17 13:32:33

 U.S 

PHOENIX, Arizona — Honeywell Aerospace has demonstrated its latest counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) during the U.S. military’s Experimentation: Transforming in Contact (EXTiC) 26-2 event, testing the technology against simulated drone threats in an operationally relevant environment. The event, organized by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in coordination with the Defense Innovation Unit, was held from July 27-29, 2026, at the Playas Training and Research Center in New Mexico. Twenty-one companies were selected from 149 industry submissions. The scenarios included electronic warfare, GPS-denied conditions, autonomous systems and coordinated drone swarms. Honeywell served as the lead systems integrator, combining sensors and effectors with its AI-driven C-UAS software to detect, track and mitigate simulated drones while defending a simulated airfield. The system was demonstrated in both stationary and mobile configurations. “As a lead systems integrator, we combined best-in-class sensors and effectors with our AI-driven C-UAS software to detect, track, and mitigate simulated drone threats while defending an airfield,” said Shannon Bowman, senior customer marketing specialist for defense and space at Honeywell Aerospace. “Our system proved effective across both static and on-the-move operations, highlighting an open, adaptable and layered approach to countering rapidly evolving UAS threats.”   SAMURAI Counter-UAS System At the center of Honeywell’s demonstration was its Stationary and Mobile UAS Reveal and Intercept system, known as SAMURAI. It uses a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) architecture, allowing operators to combine customer-selected detectors and effectors from multiple defense manufacturers. Honeywell has integrated components from BlueHalo, Leonardo DRS, Silent Sentinel, Pierce Aerospace, Walaris, Rocky Research and Versatol. SAMURAI serves as a battle-management layer that fuses information from radio-frequency sensors, electro-optical and infrared trackers and other detectors. Its AI-based software helps distinguish threats and supports kinetic and non-kinetic effectors, including interceptor drones. The system is designed to counter Group 1 through 3 drone swarms, including low-signature “dark” drones that can be difficult to detect. It can operate from a vehicle traveling at up to 70 mph (113 km/h), from a fixed position, or through sensors installed on an aerostat flying more than 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the ground.   Airborne SAMURAI Development Since March 2026, Honeywell has worked with Odys Aviation to adapt an airborne version of SAMURAI for the company’s long-range Laila unmanned aircraft. Laila is a hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft with a flight time of up to eight hours and a range of approximately 450 miles. The aircraft does not require a traditional runway and is intended to carry SAMURAI as an airborne counter-drone layer. The configuration is being developed to help protect infrastructure such as pipelines, refineries and offshore energy platforms by providing counter-UAS coverage farther from high-value assets. Matt Milas, president of Defense and Space at Honeywell Aerospace, said SAMURAI provides counter-UAS capabilities with scalability and integration with existing defense architectures.   Other Counter-Drone Technology at EXTiC EagleNXT’s joint venture, ThirdEye USA, was separately selected in July 2026 to demonstrate its MeduzaX passive electro-optical counter-drone sensor at EXTiC 26-2. MeduzaX uses AI and passive electro-optical technology to detect, track and classify hostile drones. It is designed to provide 360-degree coverage, can be set up in less than 10 minutes and operates without emitting radiation. The EXTiC event allowed multiple technologies to be tested in scenarios involving contested conditions and drone threats, with Honeywell focusing on an integrated architecture that connects sensors, AI-based software and effectors. Bowman summarized Honeywell’s approach: “One integrated system. Built to stay ahead of the drone threat.”

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-17 13:13:20

 U.S 

NEWPORT NEWS, Virginia — Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has successfully completed the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit’s (DIU) Production-Ready, Inexpensive, Maritime Expeditionary (PRIME) prototype project for its Watcher small unmanned surface vessel (sUSV), moving the system closer to a potential transition to production. The PRIME initiative was launched to identify commercially available, production-ready autonomous surface vessels for maritime expeditionary operations. HII was selected after a full and open competition that received 116 solution briefs to design, build and demonstrate its solution. The Watcher is based on HII’s ROMULUS-25 unmanned surface vessel and was developed with MetalCraft Marine. Two Watcher ROMULUS-25 vessels were delivered in December 2025 under a DIU contract supporting smaller-form-factor autonomous surface vessels for the U.S. Marine Corps. The two vessels underwent extensive government-led testing covering autonomy, seakeeping, performance and operations in degraded environments. They also demonstrated autonomous mission behaviors during at-sea testing that included contractor demonstrations and government autonomy evaluations. In a memorandum to HII, DIU said the Watcher demonstrated the ability to autonomously travel hundreds of miles through contested waters, loiter in an assigned operating area while monitoring maritime surface threats, and sprint to intercept a noncooperative maneuvering vessel. DIU confirmed that HII achieved the prototype’s key technical objectives and success metrics, supporting a potential transition to production under Other Transaction Authority (OTA) prototype agreements. The 27-foot ROMULUS-25 is a high-speed unmanned surface interceptor capable of carrying payloads of up to 1,000 pounds and operating at ranges of up to 1,000 nautical miles. Its navigation and mission execution are managed by HII’s Odyssey Autonomous Control System. Odyssey uses a modular open systems architecture for navigation, mission planning, collaborative behaviors and autonomous operations across different vehicle types. HII said the system can also support AI-enabled contact recognition, identification and edge-based decision-making. Its service-based software architecture allows additional mission technologies to be integrated as requirements change. HII said Odyssey has previously accumulated more than 2,200 hours of autonomous operations in government-led tests and exercises over five years. It has also been deployed on more than 30 platforms, recording more than 12,000 hours of successful at-sea operations. Duane Fotheringham, president of HII’s Unmanned Systems group within its Mission Technologies division, said the milestone reflects the company’s strategy of moving autonomous technologies from concept toward operational capability and providing greater flexibility for naval operations. Mike Reed, general manager of MetalCraft Marine, said the Watcher was engineered for the speed, seakeeping, strength and reliability required by the mission. He added that completing the government-led assessments confirmed the quality of the aluminum platform and its construction. HII plans to position the Watcher and ROMULUS platforms alongside its REMUS unmanned underwater vehicles and Odyssey autonomy software as part of an integrated maritime systems portfolio. The company said these platforms can operate independently or collaboratively to extend fleet reach, improve maritime awareness and support naval operations across surface and undersea domains. The completion of the PRIME prototype provides a potential path toward follow-on production while confirming the Watcher’s performance against the stated operational requirements for autonomous small surface interceptors.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-17 12:22:34

 U.S 

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. —  MDA Space has successfully deployed the first eight of 17 replenishment satellites being built for Globalstar’s low Earth orbit (LEO) communications constellation. The eight satellites were launched on August 15 at 9:12 p.m. Eastern Time aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Following deployment, contact was established with all eight spacecraft. The satellites are generating power, operating as expected in orbit and entering the commissioning phase, where they will undergo in-orbit testing. The launch marks MDA Space’s first satellite delivery as prime contractor for a commercial communications constellation. MDA Space was selected by Globalstar in 2022 to provide 17 replacement satellites intended to replenish and extend the company’s existing LEO constellation.   MDA Space Leads Satellite Program Under the program, MDA Space is responsible for the overall satellite program, including design, manufacturing, assembly, testing and integration. The spacecraft were fully integrated and tested at MDA Space’s facilities in Montréal, Canada, before being transported to Florida for launch. MDA Space originally announced the 17-satellite contract in February 2022. The contract was valued at $327 million and included the design, manufacture, assembly and testing of the satellites. The satellites are intended to integrate with Globalstar’s existing constellation and help maintain continuity of service. The Globalstar replenishment program has also been an important part of MDA Space’s expansion of its satellite production capabilities. The company has been developing higher-volume manufacturing processes to support constellation-class spacecraft. MDA Space CEO Mike Greenley previously said the Globalstar program was helping transform the company’s satellite design and high-volume production process. The company has also brought its new high-volume satellite manufacturing facility in Montréal into operation.   Rocket Lab Provides Satellite Platforms Rocket Lab is supplying the satellite platforms for the 17 spacecraft under its agreement with MDA Space. The platforms are based on a customized version of Rocket Lab’s Lightning satellite design. Each spacecraft weighs approximately 500 kilograms. Rocket Lab has supplied components including solar arrays, reaction wheels, avionics, flight and ground software, and command and telemetry radios. The platforms were manufactured at Rocket Lab’s facility in Long Beach, California, before being sent to MDA Space in Montréal for integration and testing. Rocket Lab reported that it established contact with all eight spacecraft after launch and confirmed that they were generating power and operating nominally. MDA Space and Rocket Lab’s roles were established when the satellite contract was announced in 2022. MDA Space was named prime contractor, while Rocket Lab was selected to lead development of the spacecraft bus.   Satellites Will Replenish Globalstar’s LEO Network Globalstar’s existing LEO constellation supports mobile satellite services and Internet of Things applications. The company has also used its satellite network to provide direct-to-device services for selected mobile devices. Globalstar previously said the 17 replacement satellites would replenish its existing constellation and provide continuity of satellite services. The company signed launch agreements with SpaceX for two Falcon 9 missions to deploy the replacement satellites. The first launch carries eight of the 17 satellites. The remaining nine satellites are in the final stages of integration at MDA Space’s facilities. Globalstar signed a separate agreement with SpaceX in July 2025 for the launch of the remaining nine replacement satellites. The company said at the time that the second launch was expected in 2026. A specific launch date for the remaining nine satellites has not been announced in the information provided.   Next Steps The eight newly deployed spacecraft will continue through their commissioning process before being incorporated into Globalstar’s operational constellation. The remaining nine satellites will complete the 17-satellite replenishment program once they are integrated, tested and launched. The program gives MDA Space a commercial reference for its role as a prime contractor responsible for delivering satellites for a LEO communications constellation. It also builds on the company’s broader work with Globalstar. In February 2025, MDA Space announced a separate contract worth approximately $1.1 billion to serve as prime contractor for Globalstar’s next-generation LEO constellation, which is planned to include more than 50 MDA AURORA software-defined satellites.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-17 11:44:18

 U.S 

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Alabama — The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is seeking industry prototypes for a new highly mobile radar system designed to detect, track and discriminate ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missiles and other advanced airborne threats. The Forward-Based Mode (FBM) Radar Next program is being led by the MDA’s Mobile Land-Based Sensors Project Office. The agency issued a presolicitation notice on August 10, 2026, through SAM.gov under its Nimble Options for Buying Layered Effects (NOBLE) Multiple Authority Announcement.   Rapid Prototyping and Production The MDA plans to use Other Transaction Authority (OTA) to speed up the prototyping process. The prototype must demonstrate a clear path to rapid, high-volume production at an affordable unit cost, allowing systems to be produced and replaced cost-effectively in forward locations. Only companies that successfully complete the prototype project will be eligible for a potential sole-source follow-on production award. The MDA will first screen out speculative or immature technologies. Vendors must demonstrate hardware maturity and provide empirical measurement data before entering the prototyping pipeline. The planned stages include concept development; technology and manufacturing readiness and extensibility; subscale prototyping with modeling and simulation; and full-scale prototype development and demonstration. Proposals will be evaluated on technical merit, operational feasibility, schedule viability, producibility, affordability and cost realism.   Mobile and Survivable Design The FBM Radar Next is intended to address limitations of current static or semi-mobile radars, which the MDA says can be vulnerable to counterattacks and lack the rapid relocation capability needed for distributed operations. The system must be transportable by C-17 aircraft and tactical ground vehicles, while supporting rapid setup and teardown. It must provide high-sensitivity detection, persistent tracking and precise discrimination in high-clutter and contested electromagnetic environments. The radar must also support remote operation and automated health monitoring, reducing the need for personnel at the radar site. It must remain interoperable with existing Command and Control, Battle Management and Communications (C2BMC) networks and use a flexible aperture configuration and modular open-systems architecture. Its physical, thermal and electromagnetic signatures must also be designed to improve survivability.   Driven by Changing Missile Threats The MDA said the requirement for agile and survivable forward-based sensors has increased as adversaries develop more sophisticated missile capabilities. The notice comes amid reports of Iranian targeting of U.S. air-and-missile defense radars in the Middle East, Russian use of hypersonic and ballistic missiles in Ukraine, and China's continued expansion of missile arsenals in the Pacific. FBM Radar Next is positioned as a more mobile successor concept to systems such as the AN/TPY-2, which has been used in forward-based roles but is not optimized for rapid relocation. The MDA’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request includes funding for two next-generation radar prototypes to mature technologies for a future fleet. The formal solicitation has not yet been released, and the government is not currently accepting inquiries or feedback on the presolicitation. The listed place of performance is Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. The notice carries public-release marking 26-MDA-12385, dated August 10, 2026. Offerors must hold or obtain a facility security clearance through the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) before beginning the first cycle. The MDA also encourages teaming arrangements involving non-traditional defense contractors and small businesses, including shared resource alignment or co-investment.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-16 15:19:53