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US, Canadian, and Mexican defense news, procurement, and strategy.
The US Navy awarded Raytheon a $22.9 billion contract to expand Tomahawk cruise missile production. RTX says output will exceed 1,000 missiles per year. The deal addresses reported munitions shortages after heavy expenditure. Major long-range strike capacity boost for the fleet.
GE Aerospace and Kratos won a USAF EMD contract to develop the F143 engine as a second source for the JASSM-ER cruise missile. The move diversifies propulsion supply for the long-range strike weapon. Details cover engine development milestones toward qualification.
USSOCOM is on track to receive 31 OA-1K Skyraider II light attack aircraft by the end of FY 2026. The program milestone marks fielding progress for special operations air support. Details cover delivery schedule and capability.
A new White House shipbuilding order opens the door for the US to procure foreign-built warships. The policy shift aims to address domestic yard capacity constraints. Significant implications for naval procurement and allied shipyards.
The US is moving to increase naval anti-ballistic missile production. The push aims to boost interceptor stocks for Aegis-equipped ships. Reflects rising demand for maritime missile defense capacity.
The US Army expanded its $750 million drone marketplace to include Group 3 UAS and mission payloads. The vehicle streamlines rapid unmanned systems procurement. Broadens acquisition options for larger tactical drones.
The US Army awarded Airbus a $140 million contract for 12 new UH-72B Lakota helicopters. The order continues the light utility helicopter fleet's expansion. Details cover delivery quantities and value.
The US formed its first multinational attack drone task force. The unit brings allied partners together to develop and employ strike drones. Reflects institutionalization of drone warfare doctrine.
The Pentagon awarded NODA AI a $100 million contract for autonomy software. The deal supports autonomous systems development across platforms. A notable AI/autonomy procurement award.
The US Navy added its 26th Virginia-class submarine as USS Massachusetts moved directly to the fleet. The delivery boosts undersea warfare capacity. A significant submarine force milestone.
Northrop Grumman and the US Navy completed the E-2D Block II critical design review, targeting 2029 flight tests. The upgrade advances next-generation airborne command and control. A key program milestone for carrier AEW&C.
The US Navy is exploring carrier-basing and submarine replenishment missions for unmanned underwater vehicles. The concepts expand UUV operational roles. Reflects growing investment in undersea autonomy.
The US Army is targeting a dramatic increase in GMLRS rocket production. The ramp-up addresses high expenditure and stockpile needs. A key munitions industrial base expansion.
HawkEye 360 received an NRO award for sustained use of its commercial RF sensing data. The deal supports space-based signals intelligence collection. A notable commercial-military space intelligence contract.
The Ford-class carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) completed acceptance sea trials. The milestone clears the ship toward delivery to the Navy. A significant carrier program step.
The USAF plans a cheaper MQ-9 Reaper successor after combat losses over Iran, targeting 2031 fielding and massed drone operations. The program prioritizes attritable, affordable UAS. Signals a shift toward drone mass.
Lockheed Martin detailed a layered counter-drone architecture designed to defeat autonomous swarms. The system integrates sensors, effectors and command layers. Reflects growing focus on countering mass drone threats.
The USAF plans to buy DJI drones for counter-UAS training at F.E. Warren, testing radars and jammers against real signals. The purchase supports realistic C-UAS training at a nuclear missile base. Notable given DJI's Chinese origin.
Voyager is expanding solid rocket motor manufacturing in Colorado. The move addresses supply constraints in the missile propulsion base. Supports broader US munitions production expansion.
Lockheed Martin says quantum sensing is nearing operational use for navigation in GPS-denied environments. The technology offers resilient PNT alternatives. A key advance for contested-environment operations.
The US Army will evaluate BLADE's Hunter WOLF robotic vehicle with the 82nd Airborne for logistics, CASEVAC and mobile power. The trials assess uncrewed ground support roles. Part of Army robotics experimentation.
M1 was contracted to modernize the US Army's helicopter flight training under a new contractor-run model. The deal shifts rotary-wing instruction to industry. Marks a change in Army pilot training delivery.
Anduril detailed upgraded technology for SBMC Phase 2, eyeing a potential Army downselect in 2028. The system targets counter-drone and battle management roles. Reflects Anduril's push in Army autonomy programs.
Northrop Grumman says its LITENING targeting pod delivers fifth-generation-like sensing and networking to F-16s and other legacy fighters. The upgrade extends multi-domain sensor capability. Enhances fourth-gen fleet relevance.
The US Army's AH-64 Apache grounding, prompted by a deadly Texas crash, will end this week per an internal memo. The fleet returns to flight status after safety review. Details cover the grounding cause and resumption.
A Hawaii firm tested basalt-fiber drones at a US Navy exercise. The novel material offers durability and manufacturing advantages for expendable UAS. A notable materials-technology demonstration.
L3Harris promoted insider Sam Mehta to CEO after Christopher Kubasik was forced out following a conduct review. The abrupt change affects a major defense contractor. Notable industry leadership development.
US officials say drones may play a significant role in future air superiority missions. The remarks emphasize collaborative combat aircraft and autonomy. Reflects evolving air-power doctrine.
The Pentagon is scrutinizing foreign research ties at 30 US academic institutions. The review targets potential technology leakage and security risks. Part of broader efforts to protect defense R&D.
The US is still pressing Canada to buy Boeing E-7 Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft during tariff talks despite Ottawa's GlobalEye selection. The dispute affects Canadian airborne radar procurement. Details the competing platforms.
DARPA is exploring novel designs for high-payload drones. The effort seeks new configurations for heavy-lift unmanned aircraft. Part of ongoing US advanced UAS research.
HII's ROMULUS-25 autonomous surface vessel completed DIU PRIME testing. The trials position the Watcher interceptor for potential US naval production. A milestone in unmanned maritime systems development.
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