U.S
VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. — Northrop Grumman has delivered 21 military communications satellites to Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marking its first batch of spacecraft for the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tranche 1 Transport Layer. The satellites are part of the Pentagon’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a planned low-Earth-orbit network designed to rapidly move targeting data and other military information around the world. The Transport Layer will also support data transport for the SDA’s Tracking Layer, which is focused on missile warning and tracking. 126 Transport Layer satellites planned The Tranche 1 Transport Layer will consist of 126 satellites. Northrop Grumman is building 42, while Lockheed Martin and York Space Systems are each producing 42. The companies received contracts in 2022 as part of awards totaling about $1.8 billion. The satellites are designed to provide secure, resilient and low-latency communications between military forces on the ground, in the air and at sea. They also include Link 16 capability, allowing tactical data to be transmitted directly to existing military systems. The network is designed around open architecture standards so satellites, payloads and ground systems from different providers can operate together. Optical inter-satellite links will allow spacecraft to exchange data in orbit and form an interconnected mesh. Launches to begin in October The first Tranche 1 satellites are expected to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg as early as October 2026. Northrop Grumman said several dozen additional PWSA spacecraft are expected to launch over the next six months, supporting both secure communications and missile-tracking missions. The company said the 21 delivered satellites are the first batch from a larger pipeline of about 150 spacecraft it is producing for the overall effort. SDA plans to deploy Tranche 1 across 10 orbital planes. The broader plan includes 126 Transport Layer satellites, 28 Tracking Layer satellites and four additional demonstration spacecraft. SDA expects the Transport and Tracking satellites to reach orbit and form their interconnected network within roughly six to eight months. 63 Transport satellites already in orbit So far, 63 Transport Layer satellites are already on orbit. York Space Systems supplied 42 through two launches, while Lockheed Martin supplied 21. Earlier launches faced technical and operational challenges that resulted in a pause, with launches resuming in July 2026 with another group of York satellites. Northrop Grumman said dozens of additional spacecraft have been fully integrated and are undergoing final checks. The company is using part of its roughly 7 million square feet of space-program manufacturing facilities, including advanced manufacturing systems and artificial intelligence tools, to support higher-volume production. Keith Matthews, Northrop Grumman’s Tranche 1 Transport Layer program manager, said the production approach is supporting scalability. Lou Christen, senior director of proliferated systems, said the company is focused on integrating its spacecraft into the wider architecture supporting national defense requirements. Once deployed, the Tranche 1 Transport Layer is intended to provide the initial warfighting capability of the PWSA, while expanding the Pentagon’s low-Earth-orbit communications and missile-tracking network.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-30 16:22:22
U.S
REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. — The U.S. Army has selected five defense companies to develop competing prototypes for the next-generation Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 4, a version designed to reach targets at least 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) away. On September 29, the Army awarded separate Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements to Anduril, Castelion, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Mach Industries, and RTX. The Army did not disclose the value of the individual agreements. The OTA process provides a streamlined approach for prototype development outside traditional procurement rules. 1,000-Km Range Requirement The Increment 4 prototypes must have a minimum range of 1,000 km, roughly twice the range of the current PrSM baseline. They must be compatible with the M142 HIMARS launcher, with potential integration onto platforms such as the M270. The missile must also be capable of engaging moving maritime targets and relocatable land targets, including mobile air-defense systems and missile launchers. The program will also follow the Army's Modular Open Systems Approach. Two-Phase Competition Initial prototype development will take place in Fiscal Year 2027, beginning October 1, 2026, followed by a competitive fly-off and a down-select. The companies whose designs demonstrate sufficient maturity will receive follow-on agreements in Fiscal Year 2028, leading to a second development phase and final competitive fly-off. PrSM Development PrSM entered service in 2023 as a replacement for the ATACMS, which has a maximum range of about 300 km (186 miles). Lockheed Martin's PrSM Increment 1 is designed for approximately 500 km (310 miles) and has been tested against targets beyond 400 km. It was used in combat for the first time in March 2026 during Operation Epic Fury against targets in Iran. The PrSM family is being developed in stages. Increment 2 adds a multi-mode seeker for moving ships and land targets, while Increment 3 focuses on additional warhead and payload options. Earlier in September, the Army awarded Lockheed Martin a production contract worth up to $1.2 billion for Increment 2. Increment 4 is focused on extending the range to at least 1,000 km. Lockheed Martin's Long-Range Design In 2023, the Army awarded Lockheed Martin $33.3 million and a Raytheon-Northrop Grumman team nearly $100 million to study advanced propulsion and airframe designs for the long-range requirement. Lockheed Martin's Increment 4 design uses a rocket booster and air-breathing ramjet engine to increase range while maintaining the missile's physical size for existing launchers. In June 2026, Lockheed Martin and L3Harris completed a ground test of the transition from the booster to the ramjet. Flight testing was planned for fall 2026. RTX, formerly Raytheon, is also participating in the competition. Castelion is developing the Blackbeard hypersonic missile and was selected earlier this year by the U.S. Navy for its Multi-mission Affordable Capacity Effector program. Anduril and Mach Industries have not publicly disclosed their technical approaches for Increment 4. The Army is also continuing production of earlier PrSM variants. In June 2026, it increased an existing Lockheed Martin contract by $8.4 billion, bringing its total value to about $13.3 billion and extending production support through September 2032.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-30 16:17:18
Northrop Grumman Awarded $18.8 Million Contract for Solid Fuel Ramjet Propulsion on Army XRC Program
U.S
ROCKET CENTER, W.Va. — Northrop Grumman has been awarded an $18.8 million contract by the U.S. Army to develop and integrate solid fuel ramjet (SFRJ) propulsion technology into missile prototypes for the Army’s eXtended Range Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (XRC) program. The contract was issued by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center (DEVCOM AvMC). The work will focus on developing an air-breathing propulsion system designed to provide greater range and energy for counter-UAS interceptors. Solid fuel ramjet technology Unlike conventional solid rocket motors, which carry both fuel and a chemical oxidizer, solid fuel ramjets use oxygen from the atmosphere as the oxidizer during flight. This allows internal space that would otherwise be used for oxidizer to be allocated to additional fuel. The design is intended to provide a more efficient propulsion system with greater range and kinetic energy, allowing the interceptor to engage highly maneuverable aerial threats, including advanced uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), at greater distances from protected forces. Supporting the XRC and M-SHORAD The XRC program is intended to enhance the Army’s Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) capability, which protects maneuvering combat units against low-altitude aerial threats. The new ramjet-powered interceptors are also designed to remain compatible with the Stinger Vehicle Universal Launcher (SVUL). This compatibility supports the use of the system against advanced UAS as well as traditional fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Ground and flight testing Northrop Grumman will conduct a ground and flight test campaign to validate the SFRJ propulsion design and establish reliable production processes. The development work will be carried out at the company’s Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in West Virginia, which focuses on advanced propulsion systems and energetics. Northrop Grumman vice president of missile products Erik Buice said the rapid evolution of unmanned aerial threats requires new solutions. He said the company’s propulsion technology is intended to help engage targets farther away, protect mobile forces and strengthen layered air defense. The company is also involved in other Army counter-UAS efforts, including the Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) system, the AI-driven AiON command system for managing sensors and engaging drone swarms, and the Raid Hunter 50mm gun-based air-defense system. The $18.8 million contract represents the Army’s latest effort to develop extended-range counter-UAS interceptor technology while maintaining compatibility with existing launcher infrastructure.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-30 16:07:27
Space & Technology
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — NASA has added Blue Origin’s upgraded New Glenn 9×4 configuration to its NASA Launch Services (NLS) II contract, making the rocket eligible to compete for future NASA science, exploration and technology missions. The addition was announced by NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on September 29, 2026, through the annual NLS II on-ramp process. It does not represent a specific mission award. Instead, it adds the 9×4 to the launch vehicles available for future missions alongside the existing New Glenn 7×2 configuration. New Glenn 9×4 upgrades The New Glenn 9×4 has nine BE-4 engines on its first stage, compared with seven on the 7×2, and four BE-3U engines on its second stage, compared with two. Blue Origin says the 9×4 can carry more than 70 metric tons to low Earth orbit (LEO), more than 14 metric tons directly to geosynchronous orbit, and more than 20 metric tons to trans-lunar injection. It will use an 8.7-meter-diameter payload fairing and stand nearly 120 meters (about 400 feet) tall. The first stage is designed for a minimum of 25 flights. The current New Glenn 7×2 is listed with capacity for more than 45 metric tons to LEO and more than 13 metric tons to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), with a 7-meter fairing. Blue Origin plans to operate both configurations, with the larger 9×4 intended for missions requiring greater payload capacity or volume. NLS II contract The NLS II contracts are multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity agreements supporting NASA’s Human Spaceflight, Science, and Research and Technology Mission Directorates. The ordering period runs through June 2030, while the overall period of performance continues through December 2032. NASA can also use NLS II to provide launch services for other government agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Launch infrastructure Blue Origin is preparing infrastructure for the 9×4 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Launch Complex 36A supports the 7×2, while LC-36B is being developed for the 9×4. The company is also working to resume New Glenn flights following a May 2026 integrated vehicle hot-fire anomaly. Blue Origin has been adjusting operations at LC-36A and moving toward a horizontal-vertical hybrid process as part of its return-to-flight work. The NLS II addition gives NASA another heavy-lift commercial launch option while Blue Origin continues preparations for the New Glenn 9×4 and the return of the New Glenn program to regular flight operations.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-30 16:01:41
World
TEHRAN — New satellite imagery shows major construction changes at a hillside site in northern Tehran that open-source intelligence (OSINT) researchers have linked to underground infrastructure associated with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC). The imagery, released by Mahsa Alert in cooperation with satellite mapping platform Soar Atlas, shows extensive earthworks and two large openings cut into the hillside. Mahsa Alert has assessed the openings as tunnel portals, although their exact function and connection to Iranian security infrastructure have not been independently confirmed. The site is located north of Chitgar in western Tehran. A comparison of earlier and newer imagery shows that a structure previously resembling a villa at the location has been replaced by the two large openings. IRAN — New satellite imagery shows major changes at a hillside site linked by OSINT researchers to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council bunker complex.The latest imagery reveals extensive earthworks and two large features resembling tunnel portals cut into the hillside.… pic.twitter.com/At3h4uTraV — MizarVision (@MizarVision) September 30, 2026 Part of Iran’s underground infrastructure Mahsa Alert assesses the site as part of a broader network of underground infrastructure associated with Iran’s senior security and political leadership. The findings are part of the group’s ongoing investigation into underground command-and-control facilities linked to Iranian authorities. The latest development follows Mahsa Alert’s August 2026 report on the “Habib Ebrahimi” underground complex near the Supreme Leader’s compound in central Tehran. That reconstruction reportedly identified a network extending about five kilometers, reaching depths of up to 50 meters, with at least seven entry portals beneath civilian infrastructure. The newly identified hillside site is separate from the Habib Ebrahimi complex. The available imagery shows significant engineering activity, but does not independently establish the site's precise role or operational status. SNSC connection remains unconfirmed The Supreme National Security Council is Iran’s highest national security body. It is chaired by the president and includes senior officials responsible for defense and security policy. Mohsen Rezaee was appointed its secretary in August 2026. Soar Atlas has made the satellite imagery available for public examination, allowing researchers to review the changes directly. No official Iranian government statement regarding the hillside construction or the imagery has been reported. The assessment that the openings are tunnel portals and are connected to infrastructure associated with senior Iranian leadership is based on Mahsa Alert’s analysis and supporting open-source imagery.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-30 15:54:38
U.S
AUSTIN, Texas — The U.S. Navy has awarded Saronic Technologies a production agreement for 10 Marauder autonomous vessels, part of an initial order for 30 Medium Unmanned Surface Vessels (MUSVs) following successful at-sea testing. The Navy awarded production agreements for 10 vessels each to Saronic, Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), and Galliano Marine Services. The service lists an average procurement cost of about $40 million per vessel, which would put 10 vessels at roughly $400 million based on that average. However, neither the Navy nor Saronic disclosed the exact value of Saronic's agreement. The awards use Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements, a contracting method intended to move faster than traditional procurement. Production is set to begin immediately at shipyards in Louisiana, with deliveries expected to begin as early as the fourth quarter of fiscal 2027. Marauder Design and Capabilities Saronic's Marauder is a 55-meter (180-foot) autonomous vessel designed mainly for logistics and modular payload transportation. It can carry up to 150 metric tons, including four 40-foot or eight 20-foot shipping containers. The vessel cruises at 12 knots and can exceed 25 knots at sprint speed. Its listed range is 5,400 nautical miles (10,000 km) with a light load and 4,100 nautical miles (7,600 km) when fully loaded. Marauder can operate autonomously or under remote human supervision. During Navy testing, Marauder completed more than 140 test scenarios without failure during eight days of continuous operations. It demonstrated autonomous maneuvering around maritime traffic and detected, tracked and followed vessels using passive onboard sensors while keeping its radar switched off, reducing active electronic emissions. “Marauder went from initial design to on-the-water in under a year, and this evaluation demonstrated that the platform holds up under the Navy’s own toughest testing,” Saronic CEO and co-founder Dino Mavrookas said. Mavrookas said Saronic has now flipped its third Marauder hull, with several more moving through production. Production Expansion Saronic launched its first Marauder in May 2026 at its shipyard in Franklin, Louisiana. The company is investing $300 million at the facility to construct three new slips and establish a dedicated production line, with a long-term goal of producing up to 20 Marauders annually. Finished vessels are transported to the Port of Gulfport, Mississippi, for final testing and commissioning. Saronic is also developing its planned Port Alpha shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, where the company has a separate Navy contract to construct landing craft utility vessels. Navy's MUSV Marketplace The production awards follow Phase One of the Navy's MUSV Marketplace, launched in March 2026 after the service ended its earlier Modular Attack Surface Craft prototyping effort. Under the “fly before you buy” approach, companies funded development of their vessels and had to pass Navy at-sea evaluations before receiving production opportunities. Seven companies were selected for testing in May: Saronic, HII, Galliano Marine Services, Leidos, PacMar Technologies, Sea Machines and Birdon. Six successfully completed testing, while Birdon did not advance. Saronic, HII and Galliano received the initial 30-vessel production awards. Leidos, PacMar Technologies and Sea Machines each received $15 million after completing the prototype phase and were added to an online marketplace where U.S. defense organizations can place follow-on orders. HII will provide 10 vessels from its Romulus family, while Galliano Marine Services, affiliated with Edison Chouest Offshore, will deliver another 10. Production locations include Loreauville, Houma and Franklin, Louisiana. The Navy is funding the first 30 vessels with money provided through the previous year's reconciliation law. The service has also opened Phase Two, covering additional MUSV designs, including larger logistics vessels. The requirements allow vessels up to 90 meters long that can operate unmanned for at least 10 days and carry at least two standard 20-foot containers. The first phase has also faced a legal challenge from Blue Water Autonomy and Saildrone, two companies that were not selected for testing. They argue that the Navy did not follow its stated criteria when selecting the initial competitors. The Marauder is Saronic's second major Navy production program. The company already holds a $392 million contract to produce its 7-meter (24-foot) Corsair autonomous boat. Earlier this year, Saronic raised $1.75 billion, bringing its valuation to $9.25 billion.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-30 15:46:29
U.S
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio — The U.S. Department of the Air Force has awarded Boeing a $2.38 billion contract for 22 F-15EX Eagle II fighter aircraft under Lot 7 of the program. The agreement was finalized before the September 30 fiscal-year deadline to use available congressional reconciliation funding. The award brings the total number of F-15EX aircraft under Air Force contract to 120 across Lots 1 through 7. The Lot 7 deal was negotiated amid inflation across the defense industrial base and the effects of a 2025 production disruption. The Air Force's F-15 Program Office and Boeing reached an agreement that kept all 22 aircraft within available funding. Earlier planning documents had listed 21 aircraft for Lot 7. Funding included approximately $115 million from the fiscal 2026 budget and about $2.8 billion from the previous year's reconciliation package. The reconciliation funds faced an 8.3 percent reduction if they were not obligated by October 1, 2026. At $2.38 billion, the airframe portion of the contract averages about $108 million per aircraft. The figure does not include engines, which are supplied by GE Aerospace under a separate contract. “Lot 7 reflects a disciplined approach to executing available resources while balancing the realities affecting defense production,” said Brig. Gen. Timothy Helfrich, portfolio acquisition executive for the Fighters and Advanced Aircraft Directorate. F-15EX Replacing Older F-15s The F-15EX Eagle II is a twin-seat, multirole heavy fighter based on the F-15 design. It features modern avionics, large-area cockpit displays, a digital backbone and improved survivability systems. The Air Force is acquiring the aircraft to replace aging F-15C and F-15D fighters. The aircraft is also designed to accommodate future weapons and system upgrades, while some planning anticipates it supporting part of the F-15E Strike Eagle mission set over time. Production and Deliveries Boeing is currently delivering aircraft from Lot 3, with deliveries continuing through the rest of 2026. The company and the Air Force are working to increase production to two aircraft per month. About 22 F-15EX aircraft have been delivered to the service as of the latest available figures. The contract involved specialists from program management, contracting, pricing, engineering, financial management, logistics and other acquisition areas. Col. Jonathan Varoli, system program manager for the F-15 Program Office, said the effort brought together the required expertise to support the program and future fighter force. The F-15EX program remains in full-rate production. Earlier Air Force plans had targeted about 129 aircraft, before the overall program goal was later increased substantially. Lot 7 sustains near-term production while the Air Force continues assessing its longer-term fighter requirements and acquisition strategy. The Department of the Air Force said it will continue working with Boeing to support rapid, affordable and sustainable F-15EX production.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-30 15:42:25
Europe
SCOTLAND — The UK Navy has conducted the first operational live firings of its Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Sea Venom missile systems against a realistic maritime target during Exercise Atlantic Thunder 2026. The tests took place at the UK Ministry of Defence’s Hebrides range off northwest Scotland, using the decommissioned former U.S. Navy guided-missile frigate USS Klakring as the target. The exercise was led by the U.S. Sixth Fleet and ran from September 14 to 25. HMS Portland fires NSM The Type 23 frigate HMS Portland, based in Plymouth, fired an operational NSM at USS Klakring. It was the Royal Navy’s first operational NSM firing against a realistic ship target. The 400kg NSM can travel at close to supersonic speed and strike targets more than 100 miles away. Its sea-skimming flight profile is designed to reduce the chance of detection. The missile is also in service with the Norwegian, U.S. and Polish navies. The Royal Navy plans to equip 11 ships, including Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers, with NSM. The missile will complement the Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon, planned as the fleet’s main long-range anti-ship missile for next-generation ships using the Mk41 vertical launch system, including Type 26 and Type 31 frigates. Petty Officer James Kenyon, an Above Water Warfare specialist who fired the missile, described the launch as the highlight of his career following more than a year of planning. Lieutenant Commander Louise Kirkaldy, HMS Portland’s Principal Warfare Officer, said the firing demonstrated a modern maritime strike capability. Wildcat fires Sea Venom A Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron, operating from HMS Portland, simultaneously fired Sea Venom missiles at the same target. It was the first operational live firing of Sea Venom from a Royal Navy Wildcat against a representative maritime target. The crew completed the full process of detecting, identifying and engaging the target. Produced by MBDA, Sea Venom has a range of more than 20km and carries a 30kg warhead. It is designed to attack corvette-sized vessels and can disable larger warships such as frigates and destroyers. A Wildcat can carry up to four missiles, and Sea Venom can also be used against land targets including bunkers, buildings and vehicles. Lieutenant Commander Rhydian Edwards, Test and Evaluation Commander for the Maritime Aviation Strike Operational Advantage Group, said the firing demonstrated the complete maritime strike process under realistic conditions. Data from the test will support future tactics, training and operational use. Sea Venom reached initial operating capability in 2025. U.S.-UK forces complete coordinated strike The exercise also involved USS Paul Ignatius, which fired an anti-surface variant of the SM-6, followed by the NSM and Sea Venom attacks from HMS Portland. The Virginia-class submarine USS Massachusetts then launched a Mk 48 Advanced Capability torpedo, delivering the final hit. USS Klakring sank in approximately 6,000 feet of water. U.S. Navy and Royal Air Force P-8 maritime patrol aircraft and U.S. Air Force F-15E aircraft also participated. The target ship underwent a rigorous cleaning process, and checks were carried out for marine mammals before the live firings. Commander Dafydd Bryden, commanding officer of HMS Portland, said firing anti-ship missiles against a decommissioned warship provided an important test of warfighting capability and the systems and personnel involved. Lieutenant Commander Paul Atkins, UK Lead Project Officer for Atlantic Thunder, said the exercise demonstrated the ability of the UK and U.S. navies to integrate, share expertise and operate as an interoperable maritime force. The firings are part of the Royal Navy’s effort to expand its anti-ship strike capability following the withdrawal of Harpoon. HMS Somerset conducted an earlier NSM test firing against a floating target in Norway in September 2025.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-30 15:37:34
Flydubai Flight to Israel Diverted to Saudi Arabia After Possible Attempted Terror Attack in Cockpit
World
TABUK, Saudi Arabia — A flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 8 flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday after a serious altercation occurred in the cockpit. All passengers and crew were reported safe after the aircraft landed. Flight FZ1073, operated by aircraft A6-FKF, departed Dubai International Airport at about 07:05 local time (03:05 UTC) carrying approximately 174–180 passengers, including about 27 children and a large number of Israeli nationals. Cockpit incident More than two hours into the flight, an altercation occurred between the captain and first officer. According to Israeli officials, the first officer, an Omani national, stabbed the captain with a pocketknife and attempted to take control of the aircraft, reportedly trying to force it into a descent. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incident as a serious security event and said the pilot appeared to have tried to crash the aircraft. Israeli officials assessed the incident as a possible attempted terror attack, although the circumstances, motive and sequence of events remain subject to formal investigation. The captain was identified in media reports as Smit Machchhar, an Indian national. He was reportedly serving as a flydubai Boeing 737 captain and had previously worked for Indian airline SpiceJet. The first officer, who was identified as an Omani national, has not been reliably named by official sources. He was taken into Saudi custody after the aircraft landed in Tabuk. Passengers reported hearing shouting and seeing blood after the cockpit door was opened. Crew members and passengers intervened to restrain the person involved. Reports said that two off-duty pilots traveling as passengers, along with at least one doctor, also assisted during the emergency. The aircraft subsequently experienced a rapid descent before the crew stabilized the aircraft and diverted it to Saudi Arabia. The crew also transmitted squawk 7500, the international transponder code associated with unlawful interference or a suspected hijacking, before later returning to 7700. Rapid descent and emergency codes Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft cruising at about 34,000 feet before experiencing major altitude changes around 05:21 UTC. In one report, the aircraft lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds, while other tracking summaries indicated an overall descent of roughly 17,000 feet over a short period. The aircraft later stabilized at about 15,000 feet. The crew transmitted squawk 7700, indicating a general emergency, followed by 7500, the international code associated with unlawful interference or a suspected hijacking. The aircraft later returned to 7700. The 7500 signal prompted Israeli authorities to scramble fighter jets. Israeli officials later said the situation was not a conventional hijacking. Diversion to Tabuk The aircraft briefly entered Jordanian airspace before turning toward Saudi Arabia and diverting to Tabuk Regional Airport. It landed safely at approximately 06:45–06:58 UTC, or around 09:45 local time. Saudi security forces took control of the situation around the aircraft. Both pilots were injured and taken to a local hospital for treatment. Saudi authorities also took custody of the pilot involved in the incident. Flydubai confirmed that an altercation had occurred in the flight deck and said its crew secured the aircraft and completed the diversion and landing. The airline said all passengers and crew were safe and accounted for. Flydubai also deployed two replacement aircraft to Tabuk to assist passengers and crew. Passengers were later transferred to replacement flights for onward travel to Tel Aviv. Images circulating online appear to show possible damage to part of the aircraft's rudder or tail section, but the extent and cause of the damage have not been officially confirmed. Claims that the damage was caused by the rapid descent also remain unverified. Flydubai said the underlying reasons and motives remain subject to formal investigation and urged against premature speculation. Saudi, Israeli and other relevant authorities are continuing to investigate the cockpit incident and the sequence of events.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-30 15:28:10
U.S
LOS ANGELES — The U.S. Army has awarded Heaviside Industries Inc., based in Marina del Rey, California, a $99 million firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract for its MOTH radio-frequency (RF) spectrum analyzers. The award, dated August 27, 2026, covers the procurement, fielding, upgrades and sustainment of MOTH systems. Army Contracting Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity under contract W56KGY-26-D-A003. The five-year contract is scheduled to run through August 27, 2031, with initial deliveries expected in fiscal year 2027. Work locations and funding will be determined through individual orders. The Army received 99 proposals after soliciting bids online. Part of Army's REWSI effort The contract is one of the first two production awards under the Army's Rapid Electromagnetic Warfare and Signals Intelligence (REWSI) Call for Solutions. The program operates under the Army Open Solicitation and Commercial Solutions Opening framework and is intended to accelerate access to commercial capabilities for spectrum situational awareness, direction finding, geolocation and signal identification at the tactical edge. The Army also awarded Research Innovations Inc. $96.9 million under the same call, bringing the combined value of the two initial contracts to nearly $196 million. MOTH RF spectrum analyzer MOTH is a compact, passive RF detection system designed to provide soldiers with real-time awareness of nearby RF activity, including signals from unmanned systems and communications equipment. It scans frequencies from 5 MHz to 6 GHz in real time, at a rate of five scans per second. The unit weighs 0.99 pounds (0.45 kg) with its battery installed and measures 5.78 by 3.3 by 1.8 inches. It can be carried by hand or worn on a vest. The system features a 2.79-inch LCD display with 240 × 320-pixel resolution, built-in GPS, vibration alerts, Direction Finding Mode and real-time signal display. Its 25.2 Wh battery provides up to 12 hours of battery life. MOTH has an IP67 rating for dust and water protection and operates from 14°F to 131°F. It has a Technology Readiness Level of 9, is NDAA-compliant, Blue UAS Cleared, and is designed and manufactured in the United States. It also supports integration with the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK). The system can operate independently or provide real-time signal detection and spectrum-awareness information to existing electronic-warfare systems. It supports distributed threat detection, spectrum management and frequency deconfliction for individual soldiers. Commercial price and company A commercial MOTH kit is currently available through Lumenier for $4,950. The kit typically includes the analyzer, two batteries, USB-C charger, vest pouch, protective case and antennas. However, the unit price under the Army contract has not been disclosed. Founded in 2024, Heaviside Industries describes itself as a developer of multi-domain precision-munitions platforms and specialized tactical technology for U.S. and allied forces, including systems designed for contested and GPS-denied environments. Heaviside President Nils Haagenrud said MOTH supports the Army's electromagnetic-spectrum operations priorities, while CEO Phillip Walker said the contract expands the company's work beyond precision-strike systems by providing real-time spectrum awareness directly to individual soldiers.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-30 15:19:21
Europe
KYLE OF LOCHALSH, Scotland — A Royal Navy experimental uncrewed submarine has successfully launched and controlled a U.S. Navy Mk48 Mod 4 Heavyweight Torpedo during a trial off the northwest coast of Scotland. The test marked the first time either the UK or United States has launched a heavyweight torpedo from an uncrewed underwater vessel instead of a crewed submarine. The vessel, XV Excalibur, an Extra-Large Uncrewed Underwater Vessel (XLUUV), conducted the firing at the British Underwater Test and Evaluation Centre (BUTEC) near Kyle of Lochalsh on September 13, 2026. The three-week trial was codenamed Project Broadsword, also known as Trial Iron, and formed part of work under the AUKUS partnership between Australia, the UK and the United States. The trial is described as a major operational milestone for AUKUS Pillar 2, which focuses on the rapid development of advanced military capabilities. The objective is to develop uncrewed systems capable of conducting undersea warfare operations while reducing risks to personnel. External Torpedo Launch XV Excalibur is a 12-metre-long, approximately 19-tonne experimental vessel measuring about two metres across. It entered service in May 2025 after development by UK-based MSubs under Project Cetus. Because Excalibur was not designed with conventional internal torpedo tubes, engineers developed an external launch arrangement. The nearly six-metre-long, more than 1.5-tonne Mk48 was fitted beneath the vessel, while a specialist management system was integrated to allow Excalibur to control and fire the weapon. The test used an inert, recoverable torpedo. The Mk48 is designed to engage submarines and warships and is operated by several navies. Neither Excalibur nor the Mk48 was originally designed for this type of deployment. British and American teams completed the integration in less than seven months after the project was approved in February 2026 by the U.S. Department of the Navy Rapid Capabilities Office. The work involved the Royal Navy, U.S. Navy, UK Submarine Delivery Group Autonomy Unit, which is part of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, as well as MSubs and QinetiQ, which operates the BUTEC range. AUKUS and Hybrid Navy First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said the trial demonstrated what Australia, the UK and the United States could achieve together. He said the teams had delivered a credible capability in about six months and highlighted the role of uncrewed vessels in the Royal Navy's hybrid navy approach. Jenkins added that combining uncrewed vessels with crewed warships and submarines could provide greater underwater combat power while reducing risks to personnel. UK trial director Lieutenant Commander David Iwanek said the achievement paves the way for a step change in underwater lethality. U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle described the test as a historic first for allied undersea warfare, saying it demonstrated that a U.S. heavyweight torpedo could be launched from a Royal Navy autonomous underwater vehicle and supported the goal of greater interchangeability between allied platforms. Project CUTLASS The Excalibur firing is the first in a planned series of trials to develop uncrewed underwater systems for more advanced missions. Follow-on work under Project CUTLASS is planned using the Anduril Dive-XL platform to examine further payload integration, tactical employment and command-and-control systems. The longer-term aim is to develop torpedo-launching uncrewed underwater vessels for potential operational use. The trial was conducted at BUTEC, a QinetiQ-operated facility on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence that provides tracking and evaluation of vessels, underwater vehicles, weapons and targets.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-30 15:15:43
U.S
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Navy has selected Boeing to develop its next-generation carrier-based stealth fighter, the F/A-XX, under a contract valued at more than $20 billion for the full-scale development phase. The contract includes multiple test aircraft for ground, airworthiness, systems and weapons integration testing. Boeing defeated Northrop Grumman for the contract after Lockheed Martin was eliminated during an earlier down-select in March 2025. The decision gives Boeing both of the U.S. military’s major sixth-generation crewed fighter programs. In March 2025, Boeing won the U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) contract to develop the F-47. F/A-XX to replace Super Hornets and Growlers The F/A-XX is intended to augment and eventually replace the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers beginning in the 2030s. It will operate alongside the F-35C and work with manned and unmanned platforms, including Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The Navy plans to use the aircraft for advanced carrier-based power projection, extended operational reach and operations in contested airspace. Earlier program information also identified advanced stealth, open-architecture systems and a 25% range increase over existing Navy strike fighters. The aircraft is intended to operate as an airborne command node with uncrewed aircraft. Technical and programmatic details remain classified, and the Navy has not announced a formal designation for the aircraft. Boeing has said the design will advance open mission systems architecture, advanced mission systems, operational reach and capacity. Program faced a potential freeze The F/A-XX program faced uncertainty in June 2025, when the Pentagon moved to freeze the effort over concerns that the U.S. defense industrial base lacked sufficient capacity to develop the Navy’s fighter and Air Force F-47 at the same time. Congress intervened to keep the program funded and moving forward. In April 2026, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle said a winner would be announced in August. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao supported that timeline, but August passed without an announcement. Caudle later said he was no longer aware of the decision date. Two weeks before the award, Air Force Gen. Dale White again raised industrial-capacity concerns about producing F/A-XX alongside F-47. Caudle had also said in January 2026 that existing aircraft, including the F/A-18, would not provide the capabilities required against potential adversaries including China, Russia and Iran, among others. Officials and Boeing respond Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment, called F/A-XX a “crucial, non-negotiable investment” in U.S. national security and said it would extend operational reach and provide capabilities for contested airspace. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao described the sixth-generation fighter as a “generational leap in air superiority.” Boeing Defense, Space & Security President and CEO Steve Parker said Boeing had planned to develop and deliver two advanced fighters in parallel and had invested accordingly. Boeing is expanding its production facilities in St. Louis, Missouri, with nearly $2 billion in planned investment to support its future fighter programs. The company has described the facility as the largest fighter manufacturing facility in the United States and is also investing in digital manufacturing, technology and personnel. Super Hornet production shutdown On the same day, the Navy awarded Boeing a separate $16,667,607 contract to support the final shutdown of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler production lines. Northrop Grumman said it had offered a highly survivable, digitally advanced sixth-generation fighter and looked forward to receiving additional information about the selection. The F/A-XX will form a major part of the Navy’s future carrier air wing, alongside the F-35C and increased use of Collaborative Combat Aircraft. A first-flight date has not been officially announced.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-30 15:08:25
U.S
NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. — The U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Lab (MCWL) has awarded an additional $5 million to Rhode Island-based REGENT Craft to expand testing of its electric Seaglider technology. The latest funding brings the total value of the military partnership to $19.25 million. Fourth phase to focus on operational testing The new funding supports the fourth phase of the partnership, which includes six deliverables. REGENT will test its full-scale Viceroy Seaglider in conditions designed to closely resemble real-world military operations. The phase will also examine command-and-control integration, including how the Seaglider would be tasked, tracked and coordinated with other military assets. REGENT has not announced when or where the demonstrations will take place. The partnership began with $4.75 million for the first two phases, which focused on technical feasibility. The third phase received $9.5 million and supported demonstrations of the full-scale prototype. REGENT said the third phase is now complete and included flight testing. “What started as a feasibility question has become a real operational program, and that trajectory says a lot about where this technology is headed,” said Billy Thalheimer, co-founder and CEO of REGENT. Viceroy completes crewed flight The Seaglider starts as a boat, rises onto a hydrofoil as it accelerates and then lifts off to fly within about one wingspan of the water. At this low altitude, it uses ground effect, which reduces drag. REGENT says the Viceroy is designed to carry up to 12 passengers, reach 180 mph (290 km/h) and travel up to 180 miles (290 km). It operates from water without requiring a runway and can be recharged from a ship or shore facility. On September 2, two captains conducted the Viceroy's first human-crewed flight over Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. The flight lasted about 30 seconds, covered nearly 2,000 feet and reached 33 feet in altitude. REGENT says the flight provided engineering and performance data for the ongoing development program. Squire supports autonomous logistics REGENT is also testing the smaller Squire, a fully autonomous Seaglider designed for uncrewed logistics missions. The Squire is designed to carry a 50-pound payload and travel at 80 mph (70 knots) for more than 115 miles (100 nautical miles). Marine Corps focuses on expeditionary logistics For the Marine Corps, the Seaglider's main potential use is expeditionary logistics. The technology is intended to provide another option for moving troops and equipment between remote islands and naval vessels without relying on established ports or airfields. This is relevant to the Marine Corps' plans for dispersed operations in the Pacific. “This next phase of our MCWL partnership is about putting the technology in the hands of the warfighter so they can fully realize the advantages Seagliders bring to the forward-operating areas,” said Becky Russo, REGENT’s director of defense mission integration. REGENT also says the Seaglider's low flight path could keep it below some radar coverage and that its electric motors produce limited heat signatures. However, these specific defense claims have not been independently verified through public testing. Commercial development REGENT is also pursuing commercial applications for the Seaglider. The company says it has secured more than $340 million in funding commitments, including investment from Lockheed Martin and Japan Airlines, and has civilian orders across six continents. The additional $5 million from the Marine Corps now moves the partnership into its fourth phase, with testing focused on operational conditions and integration with military command-and-control systems.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-30 14:53:11
U.S
MELBOURNE, Fla. — L3Harris Technologies has received an undefinitized contract from Lockheed Martin worth more than $6 billion, excluding escalations, over seven years to expand propulsion production for the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. The award was announced on September 29, 2026, and follows a framework agreement signed earlier this year by L3Harris, the U.S. Department of War and Lockheed Martin to quadruple THAAD propulsion production. New THAAD production capacity Under the contract, L3Harris will build a new facility for increased production of THAAD Solid Rocket Boost Motors (SRBMs). It will also expand production of the Liquid Divert and Attitude Control Systems (LDACS). L3Harris currently manufactures THAAD solid rocket boost motors in Huntsville, Alabama, and Camden, Arkansas, while LDACS production is carried out at its Los Angeles facility. Ken Bedingfield, president of Missile Solutions at L3Harris, said the contract highlights the company's ability to provide defense technologies at the scale and speed required by the Department of War. He said facility expansions and continued investments in the propulsion portfolio will support missile-defense missions. THAAD system and interceptor production THAAD is a mobile, globally deployable ballistic-missile defense system designed to intercept short-, medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase. The system uses hit-to-kill technology, destroying targets through kinetic impact rather than an explosive warhead. Its interceptors can engage targets both inside and outside Earth's atmosphere and reach approximately Mach 8.2. A standard THAAD battery includes an AN/TPY-2 X-band radar, tactical fire-control and communications equipment, and six mobile launchers carrying up to 48 interceptors. It is typically supported by about 90 to 95 personnel. THAAD operates as the middle tier of the U.S. ballistic-missile defense architecture, between systems such as Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense and Ground-based Midcourse Defense and lower-tier systems such as Patriot. L3Harris says THAAD has achieved a 100 percent intercept success rate in flight tests since production began. The company has also reported delivering its 1,000th solid rocket boost motor and 1,000th LDACS ahead of schedule. Lockheed Martin, the THAAD prime contractor, previously received a seven-year undefinitized contract action worth up to $35 billion from the Missile Defense Agency to increase annual THAAD interceptor production from 96 to 400 units. The expansion is intended to strengthen U.S. missile-defense industrial capacity and replenish interceptor inventories following operational deployments, including in the Middle East. PAC-3 MSE and Army oversight L3Harris recently received another $4.7 billion, seven-year undefinitized contract from Lockheed Martin for PAC-3 MSE propulsion systems. The work covers the interceptor's two-pulse solid rocket motor, attitude control motors and lethality enhancer. A related framework agreement was aimed at nearly tripling production of certain PAC-3 MSE propulsion components. Meanwhile, administrative oversight of operational THAAD batteries is being transferred from the Missile Defense Agency to the U.S. Army by fiscal year 2027. The Army already operates the systems, while the Missile Defense Agency has handled development and procurement. The latest THAAD contract remains undefinitized, with final pricing and delivery schedules expected to be completed in the coming months.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-30 14:45:41
India
NEW DELHI — The Indian Navy has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) under the Make-II category for the indigenous development of ship-based C-band and Ku-band satellite communication (SATCOM) terminals, officially listed as the Ship Based SATCOM Terminal project. The new systems, referred to as Rukmini Terminals, are intended to support the Navy’s transition to its newer satellite communication network and reduce dependence on foreign-origin equipment. The Navy’s existing shipborne SATCOM equipment is more than 10 years old and has faced product-support and data-transfer limitations. The new terminals are being developed for reliable communication between naval platforms and the wider naval communication network. Indigenous development under Make-II The project requires Indian industry to develop the terminals under the Make-II framework. The EoI was uploaded by the Department of Defence Production on August 31, 2026, with responses due by 3:00 pm on October 24, 2026. The project is listed by the Department of Defence Production as a Navy Make-II project for the development of a ship-based SATCOM terminal. The development programme covers different terminal configurations for naval ships and is intended to provide indigenous SATCOM capability for future naval requirements. The move follows an earlier Navy initiative for indigenous development of Rukmani C- and Ku-band SATCOM equipment, which had been identified for private-industry participation. The new terminals will support the Navy's broader effort to strengthen indigenous communication systems and modernise its ship-based SATCOM capability.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-29 16:43:40
Europe
PORTSMOUTH, England — Shield AI and Kraken Technology Group have demonstrated two uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) operating together on an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) mission off the southern coast of England. The trial was Shield AI’s first maritime autonomy demonstration in the United Kingdom and used the company’s Hivemind AI software on Kraken’s K3 SCOUT vessels. Coordinated Autonomous Maritime Mission During the demonstration, the two USVs searched a designated area using onboard radar, electro-optical cameras and Automatic Identification System (AIS) data to build a shared operational picture. After detecting and classifying a vessel of interest, Hivemind automatically adjusted the mission plan. The two K3 SCOUTs tracked and escorted the vessel out of the operating area before returning to their original search patterns. The demonstration showed how multiple autonomous vessels can operate as a coordinated team, sharing sensor data and adjusting their movements without requiring operators to manually steer each vessel or process every sensor feed. Human operators retained decision-making authority, while the autonomy system handled navigation, collision avoidance and sensor processing. “This collaboration with Kraken demonstrates how Hivemind enables autonomous maritime teams to operate as part of a larger, distributed force,” said Christian Gutierrez, Shield AI’s senior vice president of Hivemind. K3 SCOUT Specifications and Capabilities The K3 SCOUT is an 8.4-meter composite-hulled USV capable of speeds of up to 55 knots and carrying a 600-kilogram payload in its configurable bay. Its modular design supports missions including logistics, search and rescue, survey, ISR, strike and other kinetic tasks. The vessel has a range of about 650 nautical miles at 25 knots and can operate for up to 30 days, depending on the mission. It uses an inboard diesel engine with stern-drive propulsion. “K3 SCOUT was designed to be a fully modular and interoperable capability; the successful integration of Hivemind onto K3 SCOUT further validates our technology,” said Mal Crease, Kraken’s chief executive and founder. Royal Navy Project BEEHIVE Kraken recently delivered 20 K3 SCOUT vessels to the UK Royal Navy under Project BEEHIVE, a £12.3 million programme. The vessels are intended for the Coastal Forces Squadron and 47 Commando Royal Marines for operations, training and capability development. Further Trials Planned Shield AI and Kraken plan to conduct further trials with UK and NATO partners over the coming year, focusing on autonomous swarm operations in contested electronic environments. The Portsmouth trial expands Hivemind’s use from aviation into maritime operations.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-29 16:39:00
U.S
SINGAPORE — The U.S. Navy’s Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara (LCS-32) is undergoing urgent maintenance in Singapore after government contracting documents identified serious problems involving its engines and other ship systems. The 418-foot warship arrived in Singapore for a repair availability after all four of its diesel engines were found operating beyond their maximum recommended operating thresholds. The Navy said the maintenance was urgently required to prevent engine failure, maintain operational readiness and protect the crew. The affected equipment includes the ship’s two main propulsion diesel engines and two ship service diesel generators. Government documents said inspections and related overhaul work were scheduled from September 11 to October 11, 2026. Additional repair requirements included replacing two raw-water cooling pumps for the ship’s service diesel generators and a non-operational fire pump. The documents said the fire pump problem severely reduced the ship’s firefighting capability. A stern tube seal also required replacement, with the Navy warning that failure to replace it before further underway operations could create a serious flooding risk. The ship was already scheduled for planned maintenance at Sembawang Wharves in Singapore beginning September 4. The Navy awarded the routine maintenance contract to Epsilon Systems Solutions Inc. on August 6, with the additional engine work later treated as a follow-on requirement. The Navy also sought contractors for additional repairs but received no bids for one set of work. It subsequently relied on local Singapore facilities with existing arrangements with the U.S. Navy to address the urgent requirements. The U.S. 7th Fleet confirmed that USS Santa Barbara safely arrived in Singapore for the repair availability. The fleet said forward-deployed maintenance is a standard practice and that the ship will continue supporting fleet and combatant-command tasking after the required work is completed. USS Santa Barbara was commissioned in 2023 and has operated in both the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas. In August, it participated in a seven-day joint exercise with the Royal Australian Navy and Philippine Navy in the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone. The Navy has not publicly provided a final date for the ship’s return to full operations.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-29 16:30:49
World
KYIV — Ukraine has received a new NASAMS air defense system and a package of interceptor missiles from the United States and Norway, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on September 29. Zelensky also thanked France and Germany for providing additional air defense missiles to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense network. “I am grateful to our American and Norwegian partners for the NASAMS system and the accompanying missiles. I am grateful to France and Germany for their recent support of our air defense system, specifically in the form of missiles,” Zelensky said. The deliveries come as Ukraine continues to expand its layered air defense network against ongoing Russian attacks involving missiles and drones. NASAMS system and capabilities NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) is a medium-range, network-centric air defense system jointly developed by Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and U.S. company Raytheon. It entered service with the Royal Norwegian Air Force in the mid-1990s and has been continuously upgraded. A typical NASAMS configuration includes a Fire Distribution Center, an AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel 3D radar, stationary or self-propelled launchers, an optoelectronic surveillance system, and loading and maintenance vehicles. Each launcher can hold up to six missiles. The system is designed to engage aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. Its main interceptor is the AIM-120 AMRAAM, an air-to-air missile adapted for ground launch. Depending on the variant, AMRAAM missiles can engage targets at ranges of up to about 40 kilometers. NASAMS can also use the AIM-9 Sidewinder for shorter-range engagements and the extended-range AMRAAM-ER. Ukraine's NASAMS inventory Ukraine first received NASAMS systems from the United States in autumn 2022. Norway has also supplied NASAMS systems and missiles. In February 2026, Zelensky said Ukraine had received more than 10 NASAMS systems from Norway and continued to receive additional systems and Norwegian-made missiles. Other countries that have contributed NASAMS-related support over time include Canada and Lithuania. The latest delivery adds another NASAMS system and missiles to Ukraine’s existing air defense network. Ukrainian forces have reported intercepting approximately 55% of jet-powered drones during recent periods, with some later updates citing around 57% for jet-powered models and higher interception rates for conventional propeller-driven drones. The new deliveries from the United States, Norway, France and Germany add to Ukraine’s existing air defense capabilities as it works to maintain protection for cities, infrastructure and military assets.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-29 16:26:50
World
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian defense company Fire Point could supply around 31,000 to 32,000 FP-1 and FP-2 strike UAVs to Ukraine’s Defense Forces in 2026, based on the value of its state contracts and estimated unit costs. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has signed contracts with Fire Point LLC (ТОВ “Файєр Поінт”) worth a combined UAH 107.4 billion (about $2.4 billion) for 2025 and 2026. The contracts include UAH 56.743 billion ($1.3 billion) for 2025 and UAH 50.7 billion ($1.1 billion) for 2026. The figures were provided by the Ministry of Defense in response to a request from the Anti-Corruption Action Center (AntAC) and published by its director, Vitaliy Shabunin. Fire Point specializes in unmanned systems, long-range strike drones, and cruise and ballistic missiles. Its main UAVs in this category are the FP-1 long-range deep-strike UAV and FP-2 mid-range strike UAV. The company was founded in 2022 and has significantly expanded production of these systems. The average cost of an FP-1 has been reported at around $55,000. Using that figure, the combined $2.4 billion contract value would correspond to approximately 43,500 UAVs over 2025 and 2026. Fire Point reportedly delivered products worth UAH 29.3 billion (about $670 million) in 2025. At the estimated $55,000 unit cost, this would represent roughly 12,000 UAVs, leaving an estimated 31,000 to 32,000 units for the 2026 contracts. However, this is only an estimate. The publicly disclosed contracts do not specify the exact number of individual systems ordered and may include other unmanned systems. They could also cover a limited number of FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles, which have an estimated cost of around $600,000 each. Their inclusion would reduce the number of UAVs that could be calculated from the total contract value. Fire Point has reported that its FP-1 and FP-2 production capacity has reached more than 100 units per day during peak periods, with the systems used for long-range strikes. Shabunin also said Fire Point holds separate contracts for ballistic and anti-ballistic systems, which are not included in the unmanned-systems figures discussed above. Therefore, the estimated 31,000–32,000 UAVs for 2026 is not an officially confirmed quantity. It is a calculation based on the disclosed contract value, reported 2025 deliveries, and an estimated average UAV cost.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-29 16:20:21
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Defense has ordered another $52.3 million worth of L3Harris proximity fuzes that allow APKWS laser-guided rockets to be used against drones. The firm-fixed-price modification more than doubles the value of a contract awarded just four months earlier. The U.S. Department of War announced the modification to a $48.5 million contract awarded in late May by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division to L3Harris Fuzing and Ordnance Systems. Work will take place in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is scheduled for completion by November 2027. The number of fuzes being purchased was not disclosed. How the fuze works L3Harris' Mechanical Proximity Fuze, also known as the FALCO fuze under the Fixed Wing, Air Launched, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Ordnance program, is designed to detonate a rocket's warhead when it detects a nearby target. This allows the rocket to destroy a small, fast-moving drone without requiring a direct hit. The FALCO combines radio-frequency sensor electronics from Technology Service Corporation with an L3Harris safe-and-arm device. It is installed on BAE Systems' Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), which converts standard 70 mm (2.75-inch) Hydra rockets into laser-guided munitions. An F-16 fitted with six seven-tube launchers can carry up to 42 rockets. Combat use and production U.S. Air Force F-16s first used proximity-fuzed APKWS rockets against Houthi one-way attack drones over the Red Sea in 2024. During testing at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, APKWS rockets equipped with the L3Harris fuze destroyed Group 3 drones in every engagement. The same fuze is used on L3Harris' VAMPIRE truck-mounted counter-drone system, which Ukraine has used against Russian drones since 2023. L3Harris has said demand is driving a sevenfold increase in proximity fuze production. The company is investing in tooling, modernized inspection equipment and expanded suppliers, with a goal of increasing overall production capacity by 20 times. The original May contract had options that could raise its $48.5 million value to about $98 million, with deliveries through July 2027, or September 2028 if all options are exercised. Funding and future APKWS upgrade Of the new $52.3 million, $44.8 million comes from fiscal 2026 Defense-wide operations and maintenance funds, $3.8 million from fiscal 2025 funds expiring on September 30, and $3.7 million from fiscal 2026 U.S. Army ammunition procurement funds. The Pentagon did not identify which units will receive the fuzes. Separately, in February 2026, the U.S. Air Force awarded BAE Systems a contract worth up to $145 million for an upgraded air-to-air APKWS variant. It will combine a long-wave infrared seeker with a proximity-fuzed warhead, allowing the rocket to home on a drone's heat signature without continuous laser designation from the pilot. The upgraded version is planned for U.S. Air Force F-16s and U.S. Navy MH-60 helicopters.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-29 16:06:27Search
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