U.S
MELBOURNE, Florida — Northrop Grumman has received a contract valued at up to $1.196 billion from the U.S. Department of Defense to manufacture and deliver three additional E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning and command aircraft for the U.S. Navy. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery by the end of December 2031. The sole-source, undefinitized contract obligates approximately $583.4 million in fiscal year 2026 aircraft procurement funding at the time of the award. The procurement is being managed by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), headquartered in Patuxent River, Maryland. Aircraft to Be Built in Block II Configuration The three aircraft will be produced in the Block II configuration. According to the contract details, this configuration includes improvements to mission systems, computing architecture, and other capabilities to keep the platform effective in modern operations. The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is the U.S. Navy's carrier-based airborne early warning and command aircraft. It provides 360-degree surveillance, command and control, battle management, and theater missile defense. The aircraft also supports carrier strike groups by providing long-range situational awareness and can track multiple air and surface targets while directing friendly aircraft during operations. Production Across Multiple Facilities Manufacturing and assembly work will be carried out at several Northrop Grumman facilities across the United States and overseas. Approximately 30% of the work will be performed in Melbourne, Florida, followed by 18% in St. Augustine, Florida, and 14% in Liverpool, New York. Additional component manufacturing will take place at other locations in the United States, as well as in France and the United Kingdom. Contract Supports Production Line Continuity The latest order helps maintain continuity of the E-2D production line. Before this award, initial funding had already begun for a planned production wind-down because of a recent lack of domestic and international orders. Northrop Grumman currently has a production backlog of approximately 28 E-2D aircraft. The new contract helps sustain production, the workforce, and the supply chain in the near term while the company continues efforts to secure additional orders. Focus on Future Export Opportunities Northrop Grumman is working with the U.S. federal administration to support potential E-2D sales to international customers. Defense industry discussions have identified Egypt, India, and Poland as potential export markets. Poland is reportedly evaluating the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye as a possible replacement for its Saab 340AEW airborne early warning aircraft. Japan already operates the E-2D, and the company continues to pursue additional international opportunities. Modernization of Existing Fleet Continues In addition to manufacturing new aircraft, Northrop Grumman is carrying out modernization work on E-2D aircraft already in service. The upgrades include structural and fuel system modifications to support the installation of an aerial refueling probe, extending the aircraft's operational endurance. The modernization program also includes cockpit improvements and the replacement of selected avionics components to keep the fleet updated for future operational requirements. Program Continues Through New Order The new contract supports continued production of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye while helping maintain the program's manufacturing base through the end of the decade. It also supports ongoing investment in the U.S. Navy's airborne early warning and command capabilities as Northrop Grumman continues production, fleet modernization, and efforts to secure future domestic and international orders. Source : in.investing
Read More → Posted on 2026-07-23 16:41:06
Europe
PARIS — Prototypes of France's next-generation THUNDART long-range rocket system could soon undergo battlefield testing in Ukraine, according to reports citing an anonymous source. The reported deployment has not been officially confirmed, and neither MBDA, Safran, nor the French Ministry of Armed Forces has issued a statement verifying the claim. According to the monitoring group French Aid to Europe, the reported objective is to obtain a "combat-proven" designation by evaluating the system in real combat conditions against Russian forces. However, the information remains unverified. 🚨 🇫🇷🇺🇦 Selon une source anonyme, des prototypes du système THUNDART, qui sera la future capacité de frappe dans la profondeur de l’armée de Terre et qui va succéder aux LRU, devraient être testés en Ukraine pour obtenir le label “combat-proven”. pic.twitter.com/I8HGDoAap5 — French Aid to Europe 🇨🇵 🇪🇺 (@aidefranceukr) July 23, 2026 THUNDART Selected as France's Future Long-Range Strike System THUNDART is being jointly developed by MBDA and Safran Electronics & Defense as the successor to the French Army's Lance-Roquettes Unitaire (LRU) rocket artillery system, a modernized version of the M270 platform that is nearing the end of its service life. The system was selected under France's Frappe Longue Portée Terrestre (FLPT) programme managed by the French defence procurement agency (DGA). On June 15, 2026, French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin announced that the government had entered exclusive negotiations with the MBDA-Safran consortium after THUNDART was chosen over competing proposals from Thales and ArianeGroup, as well as a late offer from Lockheed Martin to supply the HIMARS rocket system. French authorities have prioritized a domestically developed, ITAR-free system that can be manufactured, modified, and exported without requiring U.S. export approval. Ukraine's 'Test in Ukraine' Programme If the reported deployment takes place, it would align with Ukraine's "Test in Ukraine" initiative launched by the state-backed defence innovation platform Brave1 in July 2025. The programme allows foreign defence manufacturers to provide developmental weapon systems directly to Ukrainian forces for operational evaluation. In return, manufacturers receive detailed battlefield reports to help improve system performance and development. At the programme's launch, Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's former minister for digital transformation and defence, said the initiative provides battlefield feedback that cannot be replicated through laboratory testing. The programme focuses on systems including drones, missiles, and robotic ground vehicles. Technical Features THUNDART is designed to significantly increase the French Army's long-range precision strike capability. The system will fire 227 mm guided rockets with an initial range of up to 150 kilometres, nearly doubling the approximately 70 to 80-kilometre range of the current LRU rockets. A second development phase aims to extend the system's range to up to 500 kilometres by 2035. Each rocket carries a 100-kilogram-class warhead and uses a guidance system combining GPS and inertial navigation (INS) technology derived from Safran's AASM Hammer precision-guided bombs. According to available information, the AASM guidance system has been used extensively by the Ukrainian Air Force and has demonstrated resistance to electronic warfare and GPS jamming, contributing to its selection for THUNDART. Launcher and Mobility The launcher will be mounted on an armoured Scania 8×8 truck chassis capable of travelling at speeds of up to 80 km/h on roads. Each launcher will carry a pod containing eight rockets and will include an integrated lifting crane, allowing crews to reload the system independently without requiring additional support equipment. THUNDART completed its first demonstration launch on April 14, 2026, at the Île du Levant test site in France. France's Long-Term Procurement Plan France plans to field at least 13 THUNDART systems by 2030, with the fleet expected to expand to 26 launchers in the future. The programme is intended to provide the French Army with a sovereign long-range strike capability while reducing dependence on foreign export controls for future upgrades and international sales. Export Prospects Belgium has expressed interest in becoming the first export customer for THUNDART. According to Belgian defence officials, the commander of the Belgian Land Forces intends to acquire the same system selected by France. Belgium is also working to accelerate its long-range artillery procurement plans to 2030 to align with the development of a future combined-arms brigade with the French military. If reports of prototype testing in Ukraine are confirmed, the system could gain operational experience before entering full service, potentially supporting future export opportunities. However, there has been no official confirmation from MBDA, Safran, or the French Ministry of Armed Forces that THUNDART prototypes will be deployed to Ukraine.
Read More → Posted on 2026-07-23 16:27:45
Europe
FARNBOROUGH, England — European defence company Destinus has unveiled Vorexon, a concept for a new ground-based interceptor system designed to protect high-value military and infrastructure sites from artillery rockets and certain artillery shells. The concept was presented during the Farnborough International Airshow. Addressing the Cost of Modern Air Defence The Vorexon concept is intended to address one of the major challenges facing modern air defence systems: the high cost of intercepting low-cost incoming threats. In recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, forces have fired large numbers of artillery rounds each day. Using traditional air defence missiles against every incoming projectile can become costly over time. Rather than attempting to defend entire areas, Destinus says Vorexon is designed to protect only critical locations that are most important to military operations. Designed for Point Defence According to Destinus, Vorexon is intended to defend specific high-value targets such as command posts, air defence radars, ammunition depots, bridges, and logistics hubs. The system would operate as part of a wider integrated air defence network instead of functioning independently. External radars would detect incoming artillery rockets and shells, calculate their flight paths, and determine whether they are heading toward protected sites. Only those projectiles assessed as threatening the designated locations would be selected for interception. Destinus said every engagement would require authorisation from a human operator before an interceptor is launched. Planned Performance Under the current concept, the Vorexon interceptor is being designed with a planned top speed of more than Mach 2 and an engagement range of over 20 kilometres. The company noted that these are development targets and will require further testing. The interceptor is planned to be launched from multi-round canister launchers, which could be deployed in either fixed or mobile configurations. Focus on Critical Threats Destinus Chief Executive Officer Mikhail Kokorich said the objective is not to intercept every incoming artillery round but to identify and defeat only those that pose a threat to critical assets. According to the company, this approach is intended to provide effective protection while improving the cost efficiency of defending high-value sites against repeated artillery attacks. Built on Existing Defence Experience Founded in 2021, Destinus has grown to around 750 engineers working across facilities in the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and Ukraine. The company also produces the Ruta cruise missile system, which has been in use in Ukraine since 2023. Destinus said experience gained from that programme is contributing to the development of the Vorexon interceptor. Similar Approach to Low-Cost Drone Defence Destinus said the concept follows a similar approach to recent efforts to develop lower-cost interceptors for drone threats. Ukraine has introduced lower-cost drone interceptors to counter inexpensive aerial threats while preserving more expensive air defence missiles for higher-priority targets. Vorexon applies a similar concept to artillery rockets and certain shells, which travel significantly faster and provide much less warning time before impact. Development Timeline Destinus has set a development milestone for Vorexon in 2027. The company has not announced a timeline for when the system could enter operational service. According to Destinus, Vorexon is being developed as a European point-defence solution that could be integrated into larger air defence networks to protect critical military and infrastructure assets. Source : destinus
Read More → Posted on 2026-07-23 16:15:00
World
MOSCOW REGION — A Russian Su-57 multirole fighter jet crashed during a training flight in the Moscow Region on Thursday afternoon. The pilot ejected safely before the aircraft crashed, and no casualties or injuries on the ground were reported. The crash occurred in the Odintsovo District near Zvenigorod, between the Shikhovo neighborhood and the village of Lutsino. Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft crashed in an open field and caught fire. Photos shared by local Telegram channel Zven_Info showed a large fire and thick black smoke rising from the crash site. Russia's Ministry of Defense confirmed through TASS that an unarmed military training aircraft crashed and that the pilot survived. The ministry did not officially identify the aircraft type. However, Telegram channel Mash reported that the aircraft was a Su-57 fighter. Russia's Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case under Article 351 of the Russian Criminal Code to examine possible violations of flight rules or pre-flight preparation procedures. A Ministry of Defense commission is also investigating the accident. Unofficial claims from some Russian military bloggers suggested the aircraft may have been brought down by friendly fire, but these claims have not been confirmed by Russian authorities. The Su-57 is Russia's fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by Sukhoi and entered service in late 2020. Thursday's accident follows the 2019 crash of the first production-model Su-57 and reported damage to two Su-57 aircraft during Ukrainian drone strikes in 2024.
Read More → Posted on 2026-07-23 15:33:12
Europe
Rome/Lisbon — Portugal has finalized a €3.9 billion state-to-state agreement with Italy for the acquisition of three FREMM EVO multi-mission frigates, marking one of the country's largest naval procurement programmes in recent years. The agreement was signed on July 20, 2026, at the Army Palace in Rome during a visit by Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and was overseen by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The contract assigns Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to construct the three frigates, with deliveries to the Portuguese Navy scheduled between 2029 and 2030. Portugal will also become the first export customer for the FREMM EVO variant. Procurement Through EU SAFE Programme The €3.9 billion acquisition represents approximately 67.2% of Portugal's €5.8 billion allocation under the European Union's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) financing instrument. The SAFE programme is designed to accelerate defence procurement while strengthening Europe's defence industrial base. Rather than a conventional commercial shipbuilding contract, the programme has been structured as a government-to-government agreement. The contract is managed through the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), while industrial execution will be carried out by Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, a joint venture between Fincantieri and Leonardo. According to the available information, Italy's proposal was selected over competing offers, including Naval Group's FDI and Navantia's F-110, primarily because Fincantieri was able to meet the delivery schedule required under the SAFE programme. FREMM EVO Specifications The FREMM EVO is an advanced version of the European multi-purpose frigate and incorporates updated propulsion, combat management, radar, and anti-submarine warfare systems. Specification Details Length 144 metres Displacement 6,500–6,700 tonnes Propulsion CODLAG (Combined Diesel-Electric and Gas) Gas Turbine 32 MW General Electric LM2500+ Maximum Speed More than 27 knots Range 6,000 nautical miles at 15 knots Endurance Up to 45 days The CODLAG propulsion system combines a gas turbine with electric propulsion. According to the available information, this configuration reduces machinery noise transmitted through the hull during anti-submarine operations, lowering the vessel's acoustic signature. Combat Systems and Sensors The frigates will be equipped with the cyber-resilient SADOC 4 combat management system. Their sensor suite includes dual-band active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars operating in both C-band and X-band. The C-band radar is designed for wide-area surveillance, while the X-band radar provides high-resolution tracking of smaller and faster targets, including low-altitude cruise missiles. For anti-submarine warfare, each vessel will carry a multi-layer sonar suite consisting of: Hull-mounted sonar Variable-depth sonar Towed-array sonar The ships will also integrate dedicated anti-drone radar and counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities. Fleet Modernisation The three FREMM EVO frigates will replace ageing vessels within the Portuguese Navy's five-frigate fleet. The Vasco da Gama (MEKO 200) and Bartolomeu Dias (Karel Doorman) class frigates, originally designed in the early 1990s, are approaching the end of their service lives. The new ships form part of Portugal's broader naval modernisation programme. The programme also includes the planned 2027 delivery of the NRP D. João II, a 7,000-tonne multipurpose drone carrier currently under construction by Damen in Romania. Long-Term Support Package Beyond construction of the vessels, the agreement includes a comprehensive 30-year operational support package covering: Logistical sustainment Spare parts integration Crew preparation and training programmes Technology transfer to Portuguese defence industries Infrastructure upgrades at the Arsenal do Alfeite near Lisbon The infrastructure improvements are intended to support domestic maintenance of the frigates through the 2050s. Production Schedule To meet the delivery timeline required under the SAFE programme, Fincantieri will begin construction of the Portuguese frigates after completing two FREMM EVO ships currently being built for the Italian Navy. Deliveries to Portugal are scheduled to take place between 2029 and 2030. Source : navalnews
Read More → Posted on 2026-07-23 15:18:49
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy has awarded Virginia-based CoAspire a $70 million Prototype Other Transactional Agreement (OTA) to develop a ground-launched version of its Rapidly Adaptable Affordable Cruise Missile-Extended Range (RAACM-ER) under the Coalition Heterogeneous Affordable Offensive Strike (CHAOS) program. The agreement was brokered through CMG Networks on behalf of the Naval Aviation Systems Consortium. Under the contract, CoAspire will design, build, test, and deliver the system to the Navy's Program Executive Office for Munitions (PMX-201). The CHAOS program is focused on Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and is intended to provide U.S. allies and coalition partners with an affordable, scalable, and ground-launched precision strike capability for engaging both maritime and land targets. To meet the program's requirements, CoAspire is adapting its turbojet-powered RAACM-ER cruise missile with a new booster and launcher system to create a mobile ground-based strike platform. The missile uses GPS-assisted navigation together with a long-wave infrared seeker, enabling it to engage fixed land targets as well as moving ships at sea. Doug Denneny, CEO and founder of CoAspire, said the company is pleased to support the U.S. Navy under the CHAOS program. "CoAspire is thrilled to support the U.S. Navy with this much-needed, affordable, mid-range maritime strike weapon. We, and our 56 first-tier suppliers across almost every state, are excited to support PMX-201, NAVAIR, and our coalition partners with an affordable cruise missile solution." Focus on Affordable and Scalable Production According to CoAspire, the RAACM family is designed to support rapid and cost-effective manufacturing. The company uses additive manufacturing (industrial 3D printing) to produce the missile's fuselage, reducing reliance on traditional tooling and lowering manufacturing costs. The manufacturing approach also reduces the number of internal structural components, creating additional internal space for a larger fuel tank. CoAspire says this allows engineers to develop structural modifications and new variants in months rather than the years typically required through conventional aerospace manufacturing. The company also prioritizes the use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components to help reduce supply chain constraints. Part of Wider U.S. Affordable Munitions Effort The CHAOS ground-launched missile shares significant engineering with the RAACM-ER GHOST configuration, which CoAspire is developing under the Low-Cost Containerized Munition (LCCM) program. The LCCM program, supported by the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering and the U.S. Army, aims to procure tens of thousands of low-cost cruise missiles beginning in 2027 to strengthen munition stockpiles for future operational requirements. CoAspire is also participating in the U.S. Air Force's Family of Affordable Mass Missiles (FAMM) initiative through a multi-year framework agreement covering an air-launched version of the RAACM. By adapting the RAACM-ER for ground launch under the CHAOS program, the U.S. Navy aims to provide allied nations with access to an affordable cruise missile that can be produced at scale using the same manufacturing base supporting other RAACM variants. Source : navalnews
Read More → Posted on 2026-07-23 15:04:07
India
Bhubaneswar — India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Kusha M1 long-range surface-to-air missile from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast on Thursday. During the trial, the missile intercepted an electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude aerial threat, successfully validating its performance. The Kusha M1, the first interceptor in the Project Kusha family, has an engagement range of approximately 150 kilometres. The @DRDO_India has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile Kusha today from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. pic.twitter.com/wCV3SMCIqJ — Alpha Defense™🇮🇳 (@alpha_defense) July 23, 2026 Project Kusha is an indigenous long-range air defence programme designed to counter threats such as fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and other large airborne targets as part of India's layered air defence network. The system is being developed in three variants: M1 (150 km), M2 (250 km), and M3 (350–400 km). According to DRDO, the missiles, radars, and command-and-control systems have been developed by its laboratories in collaboration with Indian industry partners. The Indian Air Force is the primary user of the system, with plans to procure five squadrons. Full operational deployment is targeted for the 2028–2030 period. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO team and described the successful maiden flight as an important milestone for India's indigenous defence capabilities. Source : timesofindia
Read More → Posted on 2026-07-23 14:57:44
U.S
FARNBOROUGH, England — GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace Corporation have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in Canada for the F414-GE-39E engine that powers the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E fighter aircraft. The agreement, announced at the Farnborough Air Show, is conditional on the Government of Canada selecting the Gripen E for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) future fighter fleet. If the aircraft is not selected, the agreement will not take effect. Agreement Depends on Canada's Fighter Decision The MoU comes as the Canadian government continues reviewing its future fighter aircraft procurement. Prime Minister Mark Carney's government is reassessing the country's fighter acquisition after pausing its existing contract for 88 Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft following recent U.S. tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump. As the review continues, Saab and its industry partners are highlighting domestic industrial participation as part of their proposal for the Gripen E. Earlier, Saab also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Canadian company CAE to provide domestic flight simulation and pilot training if the Gripen E is selected. Domestic F414 Engine Support Planned Under the proposed agreement, GE Aerospace would train and license Magellan Aerospace to become Canada's domestic centre of excellence for F414 engine sustainment. Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities would be carried out at Magellan's facility in Mississauga, Ontario. The companies said the arrangement would provide in-country engine sustainment capabilities for a future RCAF Gripen E fleet while supporting operational readiness and long-term engine availability. Building on a Long-Standing Partnership The agreement expands a partnership between GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace that spans more than six decades across military and commercial engine programmes. Magellan already manufactures components for the F414 engine family, including under a 2025 amendment to the companies' revenue-sharing agreement supporting programmes such as South Korea's KF-21 fighter. According to the companies, the proposed initiative would strengthen Canada's sovereign aerospace capabilities by keeping specialized maintenance expertise, infrastructure, and skilled technical personnel within the country. They added that it aligns with Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy and its "build, partner, buy" approach by supporting the domestic defence industrial base. Company Statements Paul Ferraro, Vice President of Defense Engines & Services at GE Aerospace, said the agreement builds on the companies' long-standing relationship and would provide the Royal Canadian Air Force with in-country F414 engine sustainment capabilities to support fleet readiness if the Gripen E is selected. Haydn Martin, Vice President of Business Development, Marketing, and Contracts at Magellan Aerospace, said the agreement reflects the companies' shared objective of developing sovereign aerospace capabilities in Canada. He said that, if the Gripen E is selected, Magellan would provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul services while supporting highly skilled Canadian jobs, developing advanced technical expertise, and strengthening Canada's long-term defence industrial capacity. F414 Engine According to GE Aerospace, the F414 engine has accumulated more than five million flight hours, with over 1,600 engines delivered to eight nations. The engine features a six-module architecture designed to simplify maintenance and help reduce life-cycle costs. GE Aerospace said it provides unrestricted performance on demand, rapid throttle response, and zero throttle restrictions. Instead of scheduled overhauls, the F414 uses an on-condition maintenance approach intended to maximize engine availability and keep aircraft operational for longer periods. Source : geaerospace
Read More → Posted on 2026-07-23 14:48:18
Europe
FARNBOROUGH, UK — The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded BAE Systems a £708 million contract to continue developing critical technologies for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), strengthening the United Kingdom's contribution to the multinational sixth-generation combat aircraft programme. Announced during the Farnborough International Airshow, the contract supports the UK's national Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme and builds on work carried out since 2018 under Team Tempest. BAE Systems to Lead UK Technology Development Under the agreement, BAE Systems will continue as the UK's lead system integrator for GCAP. The company will work with Leonardo UK, MBDA UK, Rolls-Royce, the Ministry of Defence, and the wider UK supply chain to develop and integrate key national technologies. The work includes advanced software, artificial intelligence, digital networks, digital engineering, physical infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing technologies such as robotics, augmented reality, and additive manufacturing. Contract Covers Broader Future Combat Air System The funding extends beyond the development of the UK's sixth-generation crewed fighter, Tempest, and also supports the wider Future Combat Air System. BAE Systems will carry out operational analysis and concept development for an integrated combat air system that includes advanced weapons networks and uncrewed air systems (UAS). The announcement also coincided with the unveiling of Brontanax, BAE Systems' autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft prototype designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft, including Tempest and the Eurofighter Typhoon. Builds on Team Tempest Programme The contract continues work that began in 2018 through Team Tempest, a partnership comprising BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA UK, Rolls-Royce, and the UK Ministry of Defence. According to the MoD, the programme currently supports around 4,500 people involved in researching, evaluating, and developing future combat air capabilities. The nationwide supply chain includes approximately 600 British-based companies and academic institutions, with around 90% of the jobs located outside London and the South East. A significant portion of the design and assembly work is carried out at BAE Systems' facilities in Warton and Samlesbury, Lancashire. Part of Wider UK Investment in GCAP The £708 million contract forms part of the UK government's wider commitment of £8.6 billion to the Global Combat Air Programme over the next four years. Since 2018, the UK government has invested more than £5 billion in the domestic Future Combat Air System programme. The award specifically funds UK sovereign technologies and complements the broader GCAP partnership between the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan. It also follows the recently announced £4.6 billion contract awarded to the Edgewing joint venture to support the programme through the end of 2027. Officials Highlight Long-Term Benefits Richard Berthon, Director of Future Combat Air at the Ministry of Defence, said the investment secures the UK's freedom of action to ensure the armed forces remain equipped for future threats. Declan Holland, Managing Director of Future Combat Air Systems at BAE Systems, said the contract builds on progress across the UK's defence sector and brings together industry and academic partners to advance next-generation combat air technologies. Programme Continues Toward 2035 Service Entry The announcement also follows Canada's confirmation as the first Observer Nation to join the GCAP partnership. Meanwhile, development of the UK's combat air demonstrator continues at BAE Systems' facilities in Samlesbury and Warton, where the aircraft is in final assembly. The demonstrator is expected to make its first flight by the end of 2027, while the full GCAP combat aircraft remains on track to enter service in 2035. Source : baesystems
Read More → Posted on 2026-07-22 16:18:43
Europe
FARNBOROUGH, England — BAE Systems has officially unveiled Brontanax, the United Kingdom's first domestically designed uncrewed autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), during the Farnborough International Airshow. Named Brontanax, a title derived from the Ancient Greek words for "thunder" and "king," the aircraft has been developed to operate alongside crewed combat aircraft, expanding frontline capabilities while reducing risk to pilots. BAE Systems described the platform as an operational prototype rather than a technology demonstrator. The company said Brontanax is designed to increase "combat mass" at a significantly lower cost than traditional fighter aircraft. It is intended to work alongside existing crewed platforms, including the Eurofighter Typhoon, under the control of either a mission commander or a Typhoon pilot. Designed for Frontline Support Brontanax is approximately the size of a BAE Systems Hawk jet trainer and has been developed to carry out multiple frontline support missions. Its planned roles include electronic warfare, where it can disrupt and degrade enemy communications and radar systems, and precision strike missions against both airborne and ground-based targets. The aircraft also features an open architecture and modular design, allowing capabilities to be updated as operational requirements evolve. Developed by FalconWorks The aircraft was designed and built by FalconWorks, BAE Systems' advanced projects division, at the company's Warton facility in Lancashire. According to BAE Systems, development has been funded through the company's own research and development investment. More than 500 BAE Systems employees contributed to the programme alongside over 75 UK aerospace companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The company also stated that the programme draws on more than 25 years of experience in uncrewed and autonomous systems development. Testing and Future Plans Following its public debut at Farnborough, Brontanax is being prepared for ground-based testing at the Warton facility. Flight testing in UK airspace is scheduled to begin in 2027, and the aircraft is also expected to participate in a NATO exercise in 2027. BAE Systems said it aims for Brontanax to be available for military service before the end of the decade. Linked to UK's Storm Fighter Programme The unveiling comes after the UK Government published its Defence Investment Plan, which includes a £300 million commitment to the Storm Fighter sovereign autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme. The investment is intended to support the UK's domestic development of autonomous combat aircraft and strengthen the country's defence industrial capability. UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, who attended the unveiling, described Brontanax as an important achievement for British engineering and manufacturing. "Built at BAE Systems in Warton by British engineers, backed by British businesses large and small, this aircraft demonstrates that the UK has the skills, the technology and the determination to lead the world in combat air power," Streeting said. He added that the government's £300 million investment would help accelerate the development of autonomous combat aircraft in the UK. RAF Vision Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, said Collaborative Combat Aircraft are a key element of the Royal Air Force's future force structure. According to Smyth, the RAF aims to become "Europe's first sixth-generation air force" by integrating crewed and uncrewed aircraft to improve survivability and combat effectiveness in increasingly complex operational environments. BAE Systems said Brontanax has been developed to support human-machine teaming by extending the reach and capability of crewed aircraft while reducing risk to pilots. The company has also stated that the aircraft is designed with strong stealth characteristics and aims to deliver around 70–80% of the capability of a traditional fighter aircraft at significantly lower cost, potentially less than 25% of the cost of a crewed platform. Further details on the aircraft's payloads, performance and future production plans are expected as the flight test programme progresses. Source : baesystems
Read More → Posted on 2026-07-22 16:02:08
Europe
LONDON — BAE Systems has unveiled BlackThorn, a new family of modular, multi-role warheads developed for autonomous systems, loitering munitions, counter-drone interceptors, missiles, and other low-cost weapon platforms. The system was introduced during the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, held from 20 to 24 July. Designed around a common modular architecture, BlackThorn enables manufacturers to integrate the same warhead family across multiple weapon platforms without developing a new warhead for each system. The design allows users to select the required caliber and terminal effect based on mission requirements. Modular Design Across Multiple Calibers The BlackThorn family is available in 40 mm, 70 mm, and 120 mm caliber options, with the largest variant having an actual diameter of 127 mm. The 40 mm version is intended for small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), mini-missiles, and compact interceptor systems. According to BAE Systems, it measures 96 mm in length and weighs approximately 0.35–0.37 kg, depending on configuration. The 70 mm variant is designed for larger platforms, including attack helicopters, maritime autonomous systems, and larger strike drones. It measures 186 mm in length and weighs between 2.2 kg and 2.35 kg. The 127 mm variant is available in lengths ranging from 225 mm to 305 mm and weighs between 3.25 kg and 12.4 kg, depending on the selected configuration. All BlackThorn variants share a common platform-agnostic architecture and incorporate electronic safety and arming systems. Multiple Warhead Effects The modular family supports several warhead effects, including blast, enhanced fragmentation, explosively formed penetrator (EFP) for anti-armor missions, and multi-effect shaped charge configurations. This approach enables a single warhead family to engage a wide range of targets while reducing the requirement to stock multiple specialized munitions. According to BAE Systems, the warheads are currently in low-rate initial production for testing and evaluation at the company's Glascoed facility in Wales. The company said the development process combined modeling, simulation, digital engineering, and testing, supported by its experience in warhead design, energetic materials, and fuzing technology. Frankenburg Technologies Becomes First Customer BAE Systems also announced that Frankenburg Technologies, an Estonia-based defense company operating across the United Kingdom and Europe, has become the first customer for the BlackThorn family. The company selected the 40 mm enhanced fragmentation variant for integration into its Mark I short-range air defense missile. Mark I Interceptor Specifications The Mark I is a compact, solid-fuel interceptor designed to engage Class I, II, and III unmanned aerial systems. According to Frankenburg Technologies, the missile: Measures 660 mm in length. Has a 60 mm diameter. Weighs under 2 kg at launch. Can intercept targets at distances of up to 2 km. Can engage targets at altitudes of up to 1,500 meters. Is designed to intercept propeller-driven drones flying at 150–200 km/h and jet-powered drones traveling at 400–650 km/h. Uses fire-and-forget guidance and proximity fuzing. The company aims to manufacture approximately 100 missiles per day, or around 10,000 missiles annually. Frankenburg Technologies has also secured a UK Ministry of Defence contract to establish domestic manufacturing capacity under the Low-Cost Air Defence Effectors program. Partnership Reflects Broader Procurement Trend The collaboration between BAE Systems and Frankenburg Technologies reflects a broader trend in European defense procurement, where established defense manufacturers are partnering with newer companies to accelerate the development and production of military systems. Company Statements Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems Maritime and Land Defence Solutions, said: "BlackThorn combines decades of expertise in warhead design, energetic materials and fuzing with our proven experience in delivering high-volume munitions to demonstrate a new way of thinking about payloads for a range of platforms that meet the demands of the modern battlefield. This innovation provides an advanced, affordable solution that meets the evolving needs of our customers." Dan Hallett, Managing Director of Frankenburg Technologies UK, said: "Frankenburg was founded to deliver affordable mass at the speed demanded by modern warfare. Our collaboration with BAE Systems brings together advanced UK warhead technology and low-cost missile manufacturing to create a scalable interceptor capability. Together, we are proving that effective air defence can be delivered quickly, at scale, and at a price point that enables mass deployment." BAE Systems said BlackThorn is intended to support the growing demand for attritable platforms, autonomous systems, missiles, and counter-drone capabilities by providing a modular payload that can be integrated across multiple weapon systems. Source : baesystems
Read More → Posted on 2026-07-22 15:52:38
World
KUWAIT CITY — The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force has claimed it destroyed an AN/FPS-117 early-warning radar at Kuwait's Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base during its latest military operation. According to the IRGC, the strike targeted a strategic long-range air-surveillance radar operated by Kuwait and integrated into U.S. and coalition air-defense networks across the Gulf. The IRGC said the attack marks the second AN/FPS-117 radar it has claimed to destroy since the war began. According to Iranian military statements, the first was a similar radar installation in Bahrain. The AN/FPS-117 is a Lockheed Martin-built long-range three-dimensional air-surveillance radar with a detection range of approximately 470 kilometers. The system is designed to provide early warning by detecting aircraft, drones, and missiles over long distances and is used as part of Kuwait's air-defense infrastructure. Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base is one of Kuwait's principal military installations and has long hosted U.S. and coalition aircraft supporting regional operations. Iranian sources also released what they described as post-strike imagery captured by Iran's Khayyam reconnaissance satellite. According to those sources, the satellite image shows the aftermath of the reported attack at Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base. The reported strike comes amid continuing military exchanges in the region. However, independent verification of the reported destruction of the AN/FPS-117 radar remains limited in publicly available sources. As of the latest available information, U.S. and Kuwaiti authorities have not publicly confirmed the IRGC's claim or released detailed assessments regarding the reported damage. The AN/FPS-117 provides long-range air surveillance and early warning capabilities, supporting airspace monitoring across the Gulf through its integration with coalition air-defense networks. Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base remains one of Kuwait's key military facilities and has hosted U.S. and coalition aircraft for many years.
Read More → Posted on 2026-07-22 15:20:10
Europe
ATHENS, Greece — Greece is preparing to approve a €3 billion package of Israeli-made air and missile defense systems that will form the foundation of its new "Achilles’ Shield" integrated air defense network. Final authorization is expected from the Government Council for National Security (KYSEA), marking a major step in the country's long-term military modernization program. The procurement is part of Greece's broader defense modernization plan, valued at €28 billion and scheduled to run through 2036. The program aims to replace aging Soviet-era air defense systems, including the S-300, OSA-AK, TOR-M1, and Hawk batteries, while strengthening the country's air and missile defense capabilities. Once operational, the Achilles’ Shield network will provide a multi-layered air defense architecture designed to counter a range of aerial threats, including drones, cruise missiles, aircraft, and tactical ballistic missiles. Multi-Layered Air Defense Network Under the proposed government-to-government agreement with Israel, Greece plans to acquire several Israeli air defense systems. The package includes Rafael Advanced Defense Systems' SPYDER All-in-One and David's Sling, along with the Barak MX air defense system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). David's Sling is intended to provide protection against tactical ballistic missiles and other longer-range aerial threats, forming the middle and upper layer of the defense network. The Barak MX and SPYDER systems will provide short- to medium-range air defense, with the ability to engage drones, helicopters, aircraft, cruise missiles, and precision-guided threats. The network will also incorporate EL/M-2084 Multi-Mission Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars supplied by ELTA, a subsidiary of IAI. According to the available information, each mobile radar can track up to 1,200 airborne targets at ranges of up to 475 kilometers. Rather than operating as separate air defense batteries, Achilles’ Shield is designed as an integrated network in which radar and target information will be shared across multiple systems. The network is also planned to operate alongside Greece's upgraded F-16 Viper fighter aircraft, future F-35 fighters, and Belharra-class frigates. Greek Industry Participation A key requirement of the program is domestic industrial participation. The Greek Ministry of National Defense has required that at least 25% of the program's value involve local industry. Greek companies, including Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) and Intracom Defense, are expected to participate in manufacturing, assembly, and support activities. Their work is expected to include the production of selected components, maintenance support, and the development of the central Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) system that will coordinate the different layers of the Achilles’ Shield network. The arrangement is also expected to support technology transfer and enable Greek companies to participate in the future supply chains of Rafael and IAI while expanding domestic maintenance capabilities. Part of Wider Defense Modernization The Achilles’ Shield project is one of the largest individual programs within Greece's long-term defense modernization effort. In addition to air defense, the modernization plan includes upgrades to the F-16 Viper fleet, the acquisition of F-35 fighter aircraft, naval modernization programs, artillery systems, transport aircraft, and unmanned systems. The package currently under KYSEA's review also includes additional defense equipment, including V-BAT vertical takeoff unmanned aircraft for army surveillance, Heron unmanned aerial vehicles, British-built mini-submarines, and C-390 Millennium transport aircraft. Greece-Israel Defense Cooperation The planned procurement reflects the growing defense partnership between Greece and Israel. In April 2026, Greece signed a $750 million agreement with Israel's Elbit Systems for PULS multiple rocket launchers. Greece, Israel, and Cyprus also continue to conduct joint military exercises focused on regional security and the protection of energy infrastructure in the Eastern Mediterranean. Following KYSEA's approval, representatives from Israel's Defense Export and International Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT) are expected to travel to Athens to finalize contracts with Greece's General Directorate for Defense Armaments and Investments under the government-to-government agreement. Implementation of the program is expected to take place over several years as Greece continues its long-term military modernization through 2036. Source : ekathimerini
Read More → Posted on 2026-07-22 14:53:35
World
LIMA, Peru — South Korea's HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) and Peru's state-owned SIMA Shipyard have completed the basic design of the HDS-MGP next-generation submarine, marking an important milestone in their joint effort to strengthen Peru's submarine construction and maintenance capabilities and support the development of a regional submarine industry in Latin America. The milestone was presented to senior officials of the Peruvian Navy during the "Presentation of the Vision for the Construction of Peru's Next-Generation Submarine", held on July 14, 2026, at the Peruvian Navy Headquarters. Representatives from HD HHI, SIMA, and the Peruvian Navy reviewed the progress of the joint development program, the submarine's technical capabilities, and the long-term objectives of the partnership. HDS-MGP Designed for Peru's Operational Requirements The HDS-MGP (Hyundai Design Submarine – Marina de Guerra del Perú) is based on HD HHI's proprietary HDS-1500 design. The conventional submarine measures 65 meters in length and has a displacement of 1,500 tons. According to HD HHI, the submarine has been customized to meet Peru's operational requirements and the maritime conditions along the Pacific coast. The design also considers underwater terrain that frequently exceeds 3,000 meters in depth, reflecting the country's operating environment. Building Local Submarine Construction and Maintenance Capability A key objective of the program is to enable SIMA Shipyard to independently build, maintain, and support the HDS-MGP submarines in Peru. HD HHI said it is working closely with SIMA and local industrial partners to establish a self-sustaining submarine industrial ecosystem. The cooperation covers submarine construction, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), while also focusing on technology transfer and workforce development. According to the companies, the initiative is expected to support local employment, strengthen Peru's maritime industrial base, and contribute to the country's broader economic growth. Peru's Experience Supports Regional Vision Peru has operated submarines for decades and has provided submarine education and training to neighboring countries. HD HHI plans to build on this operational experience as part of the joint development program. The companies said the long-term goal is to position Peru as a regional hub for submarine construction, maintenance, repair, and logistics support, while creating opportunities for future submarine exports within Latin America. Partnership Timeline The HDS-MGP program is part of a broader defense and shipbuilding partnership that has expanded steadily since 2024. April 2024: HD HHI and SIMA signed a 640.6 billion KRW (approximately $462.9 million) contract for the local construction of four naval vessels, including a 3,400-ton frigate, a 2,200-ton offshore patrol vessel, and two 1,500-ton amphibious landing ships. The agreement was described by the companies as the largest defense export contract in Latin America's history. November 2024: The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to begin joint submarine development. April 2025: HD HHI and SIMA signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to expand cooperation on a customized 1,500-ton submarine. During the same period, HD HHI also received Approval in Principle (AIP) from classification society DNV for the HDS-1500 design. November 2025: Both companies signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to advance detailed terms for the submarine's joint design and production. December 19, 2025: HD HHI and SIMA signed the formal Joint Development Agreement for a Next-Generation Submarine at SIMA's facilities in Lima. Program Progress The basic design phase began in January 2026 and was completed after approximately 11 months. The companies said the successful completion of the design phase demonstrates close cooperation throughout the project and allows the program to move toward securing a formal contract for the joint construction of the HDS-MGP submarine. Meanwhile, the BALOG amphibious vessel, which is being built under the April 2024 naval shipbuilding agreement, is scheduled to be launched later this year. Source : navalnews
Read More → Posted on 2026-07-22 14:44:17
U.S
RED OAK, Texas — Qarbon Aerospace has been awarded a contract to manufacture composite structures for the sustainment of the U.S. Air Force's F-22 Raptor fleet, marking the company's return to the fifth-generation fighter program that it previously supported during the aircraft's development phase. During the early 2000s, Qarbon Aerospace produced horizontal stabilizers for the F-22. The company said the new contract builds on its earlier experience, with its composite manufacturing expertise and long-standing relationship with Lockheed Martin supporting the sustainment requirements of the program. The F-22 Raptor remains one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory. Since production of new F-22 aircraft ended in 2012, maintaining the operational fleet through sustainment, maintenance, repairs, and modernization has become a key focus. Composite materials are an important part of the aircraft's structure, contributing to its performance, strength-to-weight ratio, and low-observable characteristics. Under the contract, Qarbon Aerospace will manufacture structural composite assemblies to support the long-term sustainment of the operational F-22 fleet. The company stated that its established manufacturing capabilities and experience with advanced composite structures position it to meet the program's technical requirements. "The F-22 is one of the most capable aircraft ever flown, and we are proud to be manufacturing for the program again," said Michael Canario, Chief Executive Officer of Qarbon Aerospace. "Defense is a core part of who Qarbon is, and we are committed to being the Tier 1 partner the U.S. defense industry counts on for its most advanced programs." The contract further expands Qarbon Aerospace's defense portfolio. The company has supported U.S. defense programs for decades by producing structures and assemblies for fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft, and space platforms. It said defense remains a central part of its business strategy, and it continues to invest in additional manufacturing capacity and defense-related opportunities. Qarbon Aerospace traces its aviation heritage to the Aeroplane Vought Company, established in 1917. Headquartered in Red Oak, Texas, the company specializes in advanced composite components and assemblies for commercial aircraft, military aircraft, spacecraft, and business jet programs. The company operates nearly two million square feet of manufacturing space across its primary facilities in Red Oak, Texas; Milledgeville, Georgia; and Rayong, Thailand. Its production capabilities range from individual component fabrication to large-scale assembly, supported by proprietary thermoplastics technologies and long-standing relationships with major original equipment manufacturers. Qarbon Aerospace has contributed to several defense programs, including completed wings for Northrop Grumman's High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) platform, the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine duct, Boeing V-22 Osprey empennage components, and structures for the T-7A Red Hawk trainer. The new F-22 sustainment contract supports broader U.S. Air Force efforts to maintain fleet readiness through maintenance, upgrades, repairs, and logistics support. Industry partners such as Qarbon Aerospace provide specialized components, including advanced composite structures, that help keep the aircraft operational. For Qarbon Aerospace, the award aligns with its focus on delivering complex aerostructures for advanced military aircraft while supporting the long-term sustainment requirements of the F-22 Raptor fleet. Source : finance.yahoo
Read More → Posted on 2026-07-22 14:33:33
U.S
FARNBOROUGH, U.K. — Brazilian aerospace company Embraer and U.S. defense technology firm Anduril Industries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to evaluate the integration of the pallet-launched Barracuda-500M (B-500M) stand-off cruise missile with the Embraer C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. The agreement, announced during the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow, aims to expand the C-390 Millennium's operational role beyond tactical air mobility while maintaining its primary transport capabilities. Under the collaboration, the companies will study the use of the Barracuda-500M through roll-on/roll-off mission systems and conventional aerial-delivery procedures. Instead of permanently modifying the aircraft into a dedicated strike platform, the palletized launch system would enable the C-390 to deploy dozens of cruise missiles directly from its cargo compartment. This concept is intended to provide massed stand-off effects during dispersed operations while allowing the aircraft to continue performing its transport missions. The approach is designed to support agile combat employment by giving military operators the ability to rapidly configure the aircraft for different mission requirements without structural changes. The C-390 Millennium is a twin-engine military transport aircraft capable of carrying 26 tons of payload and reaching speeds of 470 knots, according to Embraer. The company says the aircraft flies faster and farther than other medium-sized military transport aircraft. The aircraft is designed to perform a wide range of missions, including troop and cargo transport, equipment and personnel airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian assistance. It can also operate from temporary or unpaved runways. With quick-installation air-to-air refueling equipment, the C-390 can serve as both an aerial tanker and a receiver. Anduril describes the Barracuda-500M as a software-defined, affordable cruise missile developed to rapidly rebuild and expand U.S. and allied munitions inventories. The company says the missile family has been designed for hyper-scale commercial production, requiring 50% fewer parts, 95% fewer tools, and half the manufacturing time compared with traditional cruise missiles. Barracuda-500M Specifications Feature Specification Propulsion Turbojet Top Speed 930 km/h (approximately 500 knots) Operational Range More than 930 km (500 nautical miles) Payload Capacity More than 45 kg (100 lbs) According to Anduril, the first successful flight test of the pallet-launched Barracuda-500M was completed in September 2024. Since then, the company says it has conducted dozens of additional flight tests to validate the missile's maturity, modularity, and payload performance. These tests included demonstrations of Networked Collaborative Autonomy, terminal target engagements, and payload performance validation. The Embraer agreement represents another potential application for the Barracuda-500M. It follows Anduril's localized production agreement with Poland's PGZ and procurement framework agreements with the U.S. Department of War under the Family of Affordable Mass Missiles (FAMM) program. To support anticipated production demand of up to 8,000 missiles annually, Anduril is shifting manufacturing to its 5-million-square-foot Arsenal-1 facility in Ohio. For Embraer, the integration study introduces an additional mission concept for the C-390 Millennium as the aircraft continues to expand its international customer base. The C-390 has been selected by the air forces of Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Uzbekistan, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Slovakia, and Lithuania. Bosco Da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, said the collaboration represents another step in expanding the aircraft's capabilities. "This collaboration with Anduril marks another important step in the evolution of the C-390 Millennium. By exploring the integration of stand-off launch capabilities for palletized, kinetic, and non-kinetic effects, we are further expanding the aircraft's flexibility to meet the evolving needs of modern air forces. Together, we are developing innovative solutions that strengthen mission versatility, support agile combat employment, and increase operational possibilities for our customers worldwide." Greg Kausner, Senior Vice President for Global Defense at Anduril, said the integration would provide allied militaries with an additional stand-off strike option using an existing airlift platform. "Integrating the pallet-launched Barracuda-500M with Embraer's C-390 Millennium gives allied militaries a new way to generate massed, stand-off effects from a proven airlift platform. Anduril's Barracuda family of systems delivers rapidly producible, operationally relevant capabilities to meet the growing demand for affordable, scalable munitions." The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a framework for studying the integration of the pallet-launched Barracuda-500M with the C-390 Millennium, combining Embraer's multi-mission transport aircraft with Anduril's stand-off cruise missile concept to evaluate an additional operational capability for future military operators. Source : Embraer
Read More → Posted on 2026-07-22 14:24:06
U.S
WASHINGTON — The United States Marine Corps has selected the Bullfrog autonomous weapon station, developed by Texas-based Allen Control Systems (ACS), for integration into its Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System (L-MADIS), strengthening the service's expeditionary counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capability. The selection was made under a prototype Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) as part of the Marine Corps' Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD) program. The initial contract is valued at approximately $6.2 million, while the Marine Corps has requested $1.27 billion for GBAD capabilities in its fiscal year 2027 budget. AI-Guided Robotic Mount for Existing Weapons Rather than introducing a new firearm, Bullfrog is a robotic weapon station designed to convert existing military weapons into AI-assisted precision systems. The version selected by the Marine Corps is configured around the M240 machine gun, enabling it to detect, track and engage aerial targets with significantly reduced operator workload. The system weighs approximately 300 pounds (136 kilograms) without ammunition and fires standard 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition at a maximum cyclic rate of 850 rounds per minute. Bullfrog uses computer vision and artificial intelligence to manage target detection, tracking and engagement. It relies on a fully passive sensor suite, using optical cameras and onboard data processing instead of radar or other active emissions. This approach allows the system to track targets without broadcasting signals that could reveal its position to enemy electronic warfare systems. Despite its high level of automation, Bullfrog operates under a human-in-the-loop model. The system performs target tracking and firing calculations, but a human operator must authorize every engagement before the weapon fires. According to Allen Control Systems, Bullfrog is designed to engage Group 1 through Group 3 unmanned aerial systems, ranging from small commercial quadcopters to tactical fixed-wing drones weighing up to 1,320 pounds (599 kilograms). Depending on the installed weapon, the system has a maximum effective range of up to 1,500 meters against point targets. Integration with L-MADIS The Bullfrog weapon station will be integrated into the Marine Corps' Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System (L-MADIS), the service's most expeditionary counter-drone platform currently in operation. L-MADIS consists of two Polaris MRZR all-terrain vehicles operating together. One vehicle serves as a command-and-control platform, while the second carries an electronic warfare suite designed to detect, jam and disrupt hostile drones. The addition of Bullfrog provides L-MADIS with a kinetic counter-drone capability, allowing Marines to physically engage drones if electronic jamming is ineffective, particularly against autonomous drones operating without active radio links. "The Marine Corps requires the most sophisticated and accurate possible capabilities to carry out its critical missions," said Mike Wior, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Allen Control Systems. "We are honored to support Marines with fast, scalable, and cost-effective counter-drone solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing platforms," he added. Lower-Cost Drone Interception The system is intended to provide a lower-cost method of defeating drones by using standard machine gun ammunition instead of missile interceptors. According to Allen Control Systems, using conventional ammunition can reduce the cost of intercepting drones to as little as $10 per engagement, allowing forces to respond to multiple drone threats without relying on limited stocks of more expensive interceptor missiles. Previous Testing and Military Adoption Bullfrog attracted attention during the Department of Defense's Technology Readiness Experimentation event at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, in August 2024, where it successfully engaged drone targets during a two-week evaluation attended by military officials, including former Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Heidi Shyu and representatives from U.S. Special Operations Command. The system has also been validated by Joint Interagency Task Force 401, the Pentagon's counter-drone coordination unit. In December 2025, the U.S. Army Applications Lab awarded Allen Control Systems a $4.5 million contract to evaluate Bullfrog integration across five Army combat vehicles. The company also confirmed that Bullfrog systems have already been deployed with U.S. Army and U.S. Navy units. Internationally, Allen Control Systems has secured export contracts with South Korea and the United Arab Emirates, and has signed a memorandum of understanding for local co-production in Romania. Multiple Weapon Configurations In addition to the M240 variant selected by the Marine Corps, Allen Control Systems manufactures Bullfrog configurations designed for the M2 machine gun, M230 30mm automatic cannon, and M134 Gatling-style rotary gun, allowing the system to be adapted for different operational requirements. Company Background Allen Control Systems is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and was founded by Mike Wior, Steven Simoni, and Luke Allen, two of whom previously served as U.S. Navy nuclear engineers. The company recently completed a $200 million Series B funding round in June 2026 at a $2.2 billion valuation, with plans to expand its manufacturing capacity to support growing defense demand. Source : breakingdefense
Read More → Posted on 2026-07-21 15:21:41
U.S
WASHINGTON — Lockheed Martin is expanding its U.S. munitions production capacity through four factory and workforce initiatives across Pennsylvania, Florida and Arkansas as part of a long-term investment strategy worth more than $9 billion. According to the company, the investment is intended to increase manufacturing capacity, improve supply-chain resilience and meet rising demand for advanced defense systems. Lockheed Martin said the projects are already increasing production output, improving manufacturing efficiency and strengthening its defense workforce. The expansion supports several key missile programs, including the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) interceptor and Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). Pennsylvania expansion In Pennsylvania, Lockheed Martin plans to invest more than $60 million to expand its existing facility in Archbald. The project will double the site's physical size and create more than 700 jobs. The company has also leased a new 150,000-square-foot facility in nearby Jessup, which will manufacture cable-and-harness systems for PrSM, THAAD, PAC-3, Apache sensors and other defense programs. Phased production at the Jessup facility is scheduled to begin in 2027. Lockheed Martin said the additional space will accommodate more tooling, test equipment and hardware. The facility will also introduce advanced manufacturing technologies, including digital projection harness boards, a modular digital-twin production floor for rapid assembly-line reconfiguration, and advanced material-handling automation to improve manufacturing scale and speed. Florida production improvements In Orlando, Florida, the company has combined three older paint bays into a single high-performance paint facility that supports THAAD, PrSM and other missile systems. According to Lockheed Martin, the new layout enables manufacturing teams to reconfigure production cells in hours instead of weeks. Improved temperature and humidity controls, together with a high-efficiency oven, have reduced cure times by 15%. The Orlando facility also includes five recirculating paint booths, a second high-efficiency oven to reduce production bottlenecks, and sensor-based mix-room controls designed to improve paint consistency and reduce rework. At its Ocala, Florida facility, Lockheed Martin has introduced a Progressive Work Smart Assembly Line for missile control unit and seeker subassemblies. The company said the assembly line uses modular and flexible workstations to improve material flow and reduce waste. Early production results indicate an approximately 50% reduction in hours per unit for both missile control unit and seeker builds. Lockheed Martin said it plans to expand the smart-line manufacturing approach to additional production sites and missile programs to accelerate delivery of systems to military forces. Workforce expansion in Arkansas To support increased manufacturing capacity, Lockheed Martin is also expanding its workforce in Camden, Arkansas. The company's high school hiring initiative reached a staffing record in its fourth year, with more than 40 candidates transitioning into full-time positions this year to support higher munitions production. The program, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, has now brought more than 90 apprentices into Lockheed Martin's workforce. According to the company, the partnership helps develop a skilled workforce for national security manufacturing while providing local workers with a structured pathway into advanced manufacturing and defense-related careers. The workforce expansion aligns with the recent groundbreaking of a new Munitions Acceleration Center in Camden, which is intended to increase production of THAAD and PAC-3 interceptors. Lockheed Martin said the four initiatives combine factory expansion, advanced manufacturing technologies, automation and workforce development to strengthen munitions production capacity for current and future U.S. and allied defense requirements. Source : lockheedmartin
Read More → Posted on 2026-07-21 15:13:38
U.S
ANDOVER, Mass. — Raytheon, a business of RTX, has received a $1.8 billion contract modification from the U.S. Navy to continue the production and sustainment of the AN/SPY-6(V) family of radar systems, supporting the Navy's ongoing modernization of its surface fleet. The contract extension builds on the original hardware production and sustainment agreement awarded to Raytheon in March 2022. According to the company, the modified agreement includes contract options that, if fully exercised, would increase the total cumulative value to $3.39 billion. The SPY-6 family of active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars is designed to detect and track multiple threats simultaneously, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, hostile aircraft, and surface ships. The radar provides greater detection range and improved sensitivity compared with legacy U.S. Navy radar systems. Raytheon said the SPY-6 radar is currently operational aboard two commissioned U.S. Navy ships and has been installed on 11 additional vessels that are undergoing various stages of sea trials and testing. Over the next decade, the Navy plans to deploy the radar across more than 50 ships, including Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, frigates, aircraft carriers, and amphibious assault ships. “This contract extension reflects the Navy’s confidence in our ability to deliver advanced, reliable and scalable radar solutions,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. “Our continued investment and commitment to ramping production will ensure the fleet has the sensing advantage to stay ahead of evolving threats for decades to come.” The SPY-6 radar family is the result of more than a decade of design, testing, and manufacturing work, and Raytheon said the system has been validated through operational performance at sea. To support the Navy's planned deployment schedule, Raytheon has invested more than $800 million to modernize its radar manufacturing facilities and expand production capacity. The company said these upgrades are expected to double SPY-6 production by 2028, helping improve long-term hardware availability while reducing overall costs for the Navy. Manufacturing work under the contract will be carried out at several U.S. facilities. Approximately 30% of the production will take place in Andover, Massachusetts, where Raytheon is expanding its engineering workforce to support the program. Additional work will be performed in San Diego, California; Scottsdale, Arizona; and Syracuse, New York. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the base contract work is scheduled for completion by July 2031. If all contract options are exercised, work could continue through October 2031. Source : rtx
Read More → Posted on 2026-07-21 14:52:51
World
OTTAWA — The Government of Canada has awarded Babcock Canada a six-year contract extension worth more than $1 billion to continue providing in-service support for the Royal Canadian Navy's Victoria-class submarine fleet, ensuring the submarines remain operational as the country prepares to transition to a new generation of vessels over the next decade. The extension to the Victoria In-Service Support Contract (VISSC) allows Babcock Canada to continue serving as the fleet's prime contractor, a role it has held for more than 18 years. The agreement also includes options to extend support through to the end of the Victoria-class submarines' operational life, which is expected in the mid-to-late 2030s. The contract is intended to maintain Canada's existing submarine capability while the country advances the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), which will replace the current fleet with up to 12 Type 212CD conventionally powered submarines. Maintaining Canada's Victoria-Class Fleet The Royal Canadian Navy currently operates four Victoria-class submarines, originally built between 1983 and 1990, acquired by Canada in the late 1990s, and brought into service in the early 2000s. As the submarines approach four decades of service, sustaining the fleet requires extensive engineering, maintenance, upgrades, refits, and periodic deep maintenance. The Victoria-class is considered an "orphan class" because no other navy currently operates the submarines, meaning many original replacement parts are no longer produced. To address this challenge, Babcock Canada reverse-engineers obsolete components and manufactures replacement parts through a Canadian supply chain. The company also works with Canadian shipyards, including Seaspan's Victoria Shipyards, to carry out major maintenance periods. HMCS Corner Brook is currently deployed in the Pacific Ocean participating in RIMPAC, the world's largest international maritime exercise, while the remaining three submarines are undergoing scheduled maintenance. Supporting the Transition to Canada's Future Fleet The VISSC extension is intended to ensure uninterrupted submarine support until Canada's next-generation fleet enters service. Earlier in July 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) had been selected as the preferred bidder under the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project. Initial deliveries of the new submarines are expected between 2032 and 2034, while the Victoria-class fleet will continue operating into the mid-to-late 2030s to avoid a capability gap. Tony March, Chief Executive Officer of Babcock Canada, said the company is proud to continue supporting the Royal Canadian Navy. "Supporting the men and women of the Royal Canadian Navy with a safe and capable submarine fleet is something Babcock is hugely proud of, and this contract extension continues our longstanding partnership and delivery of this important sovereign and strategic capability," March said. He said the extension will strengthen support for the Victoria-class fleet while helping maintain Canada's submarine sustainment workforce and engineering expertise during the transition to the future fleet. Economic Impact According to Babcock Canada, work under the Victoria In-Service Support Contract has contributed more than $3.2 billion to Canada's gross domestic product since 2008. The program supports more than 1,500 jobs annually, including over 1,300 engineering and technical positions, and works with a network of more than 450 Canadian suppliers. Babcock also collaborates with Canadian universities, colleges, Indigenous communities, and small and medium-sized businesses to support workforce development, technical training, and innovation in the submarine sector. Babcock has also indicated it intends to compete for the sustainment contract for Canada's future Type 212CD submarine fleet, building on the experience and industrial capabilities developed through more than 18 years of supporting the Royal Canadian Navy's Victoria-class submarines. Source : bnnbloomberg.ca
Read More → Posted on 2026-07-21 06:35:28Search
Top Trending in 24 Hours
-
Russian Su-57 Stealth Fighter Crashes During Training Flight Near Moscow, Pilot Ejects Safely
-
DRDO Successfully Conducts Maiden Flight Test of 150-km-Range Kusha M1 Air Defence Missile
-
U.S. Navy Awards Northrop Grumman $1.2 Billion Deal for Three New E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes
-
U.S. Navy Selects CoAspire to Build Ground-Launched CHAOS Cruise Missile Under $70 Million Program
-
Portugal Orders Three FREMM EVO Frigates from Italy in €3.9 Billion Naval Deal
-
GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace Corporation Sign Strategic MoU for F414 Engine Sustainment in Canada
-
France's THUNDART Long-Range Rocket System May Undergo Prototype Combat Testing in Ukraine
-
Destinus Unveils Vorexon Interceptor Concept to Defend Critical Sites from Artillery Threats
Top Trending in 4 Days
-
New Satellite Imagery Reveals Extensive Damage at Jordan's Muwaffaq al-Salti Air Base After Iranian Missile Strike
-
Anduril Unveils Thunder Autonomous Attack Rotorcraft Built with Archer Aviation to Support Apache Helicopters
-
Iran Claims It Shot Down U.S.-Operated Polish-Built Tiguar-M Drone, Releases Images
-
U.S. Marine Corps Selects AI-Powered Bullfrog Weapon Station for L-MADIS Counter-Drone Platform
-
Pratt & Whitney Completes Testing of 3D-Printed TJ150 Engine for Military Applications
-
Lockheed Martin Unveils MORFIUS X-Rotor High-Power Microwave System That Can Neutralize 50+ Drones in One Flight
-
Lockheed Martin Unveils Lower-Cost PAC-3 ACE Interceptor for Patriot Air Defense System
-
Canada Awards Babcock $1.1 Billion Six-Year Contract Extension to Support Victoria-Class Submarine Fleet
