Defense Industry Daily

Americas The recent opening of the US Army’s Theater Readiness Monitoring Facility (TRMF) at the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (MCAAP) has shed light on the extensive efforts to inspect HAWK missiles for the support of Ukraine’s war efforts. A key revelation from the opening is the sheer scale of HAWK missile inspections being undertaken. As of 2025, MCAAP has inspected a total of 2,751 HAWK missiles. Furthermore, the facility has received 825 missiles and other equipment donations from six countries. These missiles and equipment are likely to be transferred to Ukraine. The US Coast Guard received its 18th HC-130J Combat King II airplane from Lockheed Martin. This is part of a plan to improve their long-range patrol planes. The plane will spend a year in Georgia getting special equipment to make it better at watching the sea and carrying heavy things. It will get a system called Minotaur, which helps gather and send information using radar and other tools. This will make the plane much better at its job. Middle East & Africa The Royal Navy has used its S-100 Peregrine rotary-wing unmanned aerial system for the first time in the Middle East. It was deployed from aboard the HMS […]

Americas According to Breaking Defense, Pentagon leaders are planning to change how they buy and use technology. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth might make the Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP) the main way to develop software. The SWP is a faster method created in 2020 to speed up software development by using ideas from private companies. It helps the Department of Defense (DoD) get custom software quickly, aiming to deploy new features in hours or days instead of months. RTX has introduced its first aircraft radar warning receiver (RWR) with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities. This technology uses the Cognitive Algorithm Deployment System (CADS), which integrates AI/ML models into existing RWR systems. CADS combines advanced computing with sensor-level threat processing, allowing the RWR to detect, classify, and prioritize threats more effectively. This enhances survivability by quickly identifying and prioritizing threats, reducing the workload on pilots. The system is designed to improve threat analysis and resistance to spoofing, making it more reliable in combat scenarios. Middle East &Africa The UAE military is focusing on autonomy and investing heavily in naval assets, particularly unmanned maritime systems. This strategy aims to address two key challenges: The UAE Navy is the smallest branch […]

Americas Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday backed a suggestion by US counterpart Donald Trump for Russia, the United States, and China to all cut their defense budgets in half. “I think it’s a good idea. The US would cut by 50 percent and we would cut by 50 percent and then China would join if it wanted,” Putin said in a televised interview. Russia has massively ramped up military spending since launching its offensive in Ukraine in 2022, boosting economic growth but also inflation. GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney have passed the detailed design review of their offerings for the US Air Force’s Next-Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program. The detailed design review is the fourth stage of the six-phase program, preceded by initial design, preliminary design, and adaptive prototyping planning. It allows the two contenders to procure, assemble, and test a prototype ground demonstrator, with testing likely in the late 2020s. Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia has reportedly expressed interest in purchasing General Atomics’ MQ-9B SeaGuardian unmanned aerial systems (UAS). In response, the American defense contractor has been preparing a package involving a “large number of aircraft” along with arrangements to involve Riyadh’s local industries.  No further details have been disclosed and the deal […]

Americas Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., part of Lockheed Martin, has received a $232.4 million contract modification to procure additional long-lead time materials for the CH-53K King Stallion helicopters. This modification is for Lot 10 full-rate production of the aircraft for the US Marine Corps. The work will be carried out at Sikorsky’s facility in Stratford, Connecticut, and is set to be completed by March 20262. The Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, Maryland, is overseeing the contract and will use fiscal year 2025 aircraft procurement funds for this project. This contract ensures that the Marine Corps’ next-generation heavy-lift helicopter program remains on schedule1. The CH-53K King Stallion is designed to replace the aging CH-53E Super Stallion fleet and is considered the most powerful and technologically advanced heavy-lift helicopter ever built for the US Marine Corps. The Marine Corps plans to acquire at least 200 CH-53K helicopters, with production ramping up as additional Lot 10 aircraft enter production. The CH-53K program has already achieved several milestones, including Initial Operational Capability in April 2022 with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 4611. Huntington-Ingalls Inc. has received a $44.9 million contract modification to prepare for the USS Harry S. Truman’s (CVN 75) Refueling and Complex […]

Americas General Dynamics Bath Iron Works has received a $21.7 million contract modification for DDG-1000 Class Planning Yard requirements, extending its role in maintaining and modernizing the Zumwalt-class destroyers. Key points include: The contract covers tasks such as Ship Change Document development, technical problem resolution, and integrated logistics support. Most work will be done in Bath, Maine, with completion expected by March 2026. Funding sources include fiscal 2024 and 2025 Navy procurement and research funds. The contract was awarded without competition due to the need for a specific source under 10 US Code 3204(a)(1). This modification supports the ongoing efforts to enhance the capabilities of the three Zumwalt-class destroyers. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. has been awarded a $15.1 million contract modification for work on the AN/AQS-24 Sonar Mine Detecting Set. This modification covers depot-level repair, maintenance, and modifications for all variants of the AN/AQS-24 system, along with support for common post-mission analysis and intermediate-level test equipment. The work will be primarily performed in Annapolis, Maryland (95%), and Panama City, Florida (5%), with completion expected by March 2026. This modification is part of a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The AN/AQS-24 is a high-speed airborne mine detection system that utilizes side-scan sonar […]

Americas Raytheon Co. in McKinney, Texas, has received a contract worth $48.5 million to supply JANUS II systems. This contract includes a multi-mission optical sensor, a multi-spectral targeting system pedestal enclosure system, and additional hardware and software needed to support these systems. The contract was awarded as a sole source action, meaning Raytheon was the only company that could meet the Navy’s needs. The work will take place at Raytheon’s facilities in McKinney and is expected to be completed by February 2030. The funding for this contract comes from the Fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance budget for the Navy, with $4,169,000 allocated at the time of the award. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, located in Crane, Indiana, is responsible for overseeing this contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. in Melbourne, Florida, has received an $8 million modification to an existing contract for the E-2D Hawkeye aircraft upgrade program. This modification adds work to integrate a single board computer as part of the Block II upgrade, which involves a complete technology refresh for the cockpit, mission computer, and operations station. The Block II upgrade aims to modernize the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye fleet by reducing pilot workload, improving situational awareness, […]

Americas The Colombian Air Force (FAC) is evaluating the potential inclusion of the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB3 drone into its fleet in an ongoing effort to modernize its capabilities. High-ranking FAC officials reportedly traveled to Ankara to assess the operational capabilities of the long-endurance drone and determine whether it aligns with the country’s strategic needs. As part of its modernization, the FAC is exploring options to upgrade its unmanned aerial systems (UAS) fleet, transitioning away from its current Israeli-made Hermes 900 and 450 drones. The US Marine Corps conducted the maiden test launch of a new Long Range Precision Fire (LRPF) capability in November, the service announced last week. An AH-1Z Viper helicopter fired the munition at Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona. The launch was conducted through a wireless application called the Marine Air-Ground Tablet (MAGTAB). The tablet-shaped device enables navigation and communication data exchange for enhanced battlefield situational awareness. “The November test at YPG exceeded the threshold requirements with regards to position, navigation, and timing,” the service said in a press release. Middle East & Africa Sierra Nevada Co. has been awarded a $29,661,478 contract to provide support and sustainment for the Royal Saudi Air Force’s King Air 350ER aircraft. The contract includes field service representatives, […]

Americas Sentrycs has received a multi-million-dollar award to integrate its counter-unmanned aerial system technologies for an undisclosed Latin American defense customer. Under the effort, the Tel Aviv-based company will provide fixed, portable, and vehicle-mounted versions of its anti-drone kits to address the user’s multi-layer defense requirements against evolving autonomous airborne threats. Part of the countermeasure devices will be used for low-footprint protection across military bases, mobile operations, special forces missions, and VIP security. In another production qualification trial, the US Army’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) has completed a flight test at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Two of the Lockheed Martin-developed weapons were launched in a long-range flight from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) to neutralize targets, which included a mock SCUD missile, radar, and rotary wing platforms. This test follows the system’s double salvo performance in November and the first soldier-led limited user test conducted in December last year. Middle East & Africa Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed on Tuesday that troops remain at five positions in southern Lebanon past a pullout deadline, vowing action against any truce violation by militant group Hezbollah. The Israeli military “will remain in a buffer zone in Lebanon with five control positions, and […]

Americas Lockheed Martin got an extra $18.8 million to keep providing engineering and maintenance at Pearl Harbor for MK48 torpedoes. This is an addition to an existing contract. The work should be done by February 2026. The Navy is paying for it with $3.3 million in funds that must be used this year. The Naval Sea Systems Command is in charge of the contract. The  Intermediate Maintenance Activity at Pearl Harbor typically processes about 300 torpedo maintenance actions per year. These maintenance activities include failure analysis, cleaning, rebuilding components, testing, and configuration changes to ensure the torpedoes meet reliability and availability standards for the submarine fleet. General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) is set to provide enhanced armor protection to the US Army’s Stryker armored fighting vehicle. A functional review of the technology will be performed by the company on a Stryker platform over the next six months, using DEVCOM Ground Systems Center (GVSC) provided armor designs, integration schemes, and durability test data. It is part of GVSC’s Stryker Enhanced Armor (SEA) program, which was conceived to provide increased protection for the platform’s future armor kits. Middle East & Africa Israel’s defense ministry said Sunday that a shipment of “heavy” US-made […]

Americas Raytheon won an $18.7 million modification to exercise options for design agent and engineering support services for the Rolling Airframe Missile. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by March 2028. Federal Republic of Germany funds in the amount of $22,471,090 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity. The US Army is conducting tests for the M10 Booker armored infantry support vehicle at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. Testing includes firing trials as well as performance and maintainability assessments. Personnel from different US Army divisions are trialing the vehicles on rough terrain, steep slopes, and water obstacles. Operations also evaluate durability and performance in extreme weather conditions. Furthermore, cold-weather testing is underway at Fort Greely in Alaska to assess its capability in sub-zero temperatures. Middle East & Africa A shipment of heavy US-made bombs, specifically MK-84 munitions, arrived in Israel overnight. This delivery coincided with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s first visit to the country in his new role. The Israeli Defense Ministry confirmed that the bombs were unloaded at […]

Americas Bell Boeing Joint Project Office in Amarillo, Texas, has been awarded a $23 million contract modification to continue flight test support for the V-22 Osprey aircraft. This modification extends the existing contract to provide ongoing support for the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and the government of Japan.The work will be distributed across multiple locations, with the majority of work (70%) performed in Patuxent River, Maryland, followed by Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (15%), Fort Worth, Texas (10%), and Hurlburt Field, Florida (5%). The project is expected to be completed in January 2026. Anduril Industries has taken over the development of the US Army’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) from Microsoft. This transition comes after a series of challenges and delays in the program, which was initially awarded to Microsoft in 2021 with a budget of $21.9 billion.The IVAS program aims to provide soldiers with augmented reality headsets to enhance combat effectiveness, situational awareness, and decision-making on the battlefield Europe The Dutch Ministry of Defense has announced the delivery of 25 YPR armored vehicles to Ukraine. These vehicles are specifically configured for medical evacuation purposes, designed to transport wounded soldiers from the frontlines. This announcement was made by Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans […]

Americas Lockheed Martin and Boeing are in a competition to build new military communication satellites for the US Space Force. Both companies have successfully passed early design reviews, allowing them to proceed to the next stage. Lockheed Martin emphasized its use of advanced digital technology and collaboration, creating a reprogrammable payload processor, and its design surpassed expectations. Boeing completed its design review in December 2024, leveraging its existing 702MP satellite platform used by the Space Force. The goal is to expand the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) with two new satellites by 2030, enhancing secure military communications. Momentus has secured a $3.5 million contract from DARPA to support the NOM4D program, which focuses on building large-scale structures in space. The company will use its Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle to demonstrate in-orbit assembly technologies in low-Earth orbit. This mission, scheduled for early 2026, aims to validate the performance of space-optimized structures like antennas and solar arrays, advancing capabilities for future Department of Defense systems. Middle East & Africa A tragic accident has claimed the life of an Air Force of Zimbabwe student pilot during a training mission near Gweru. Air Lieutenant Nesbert Tambudza was killed when his Karakorum-8 (K-8) jet trainer […]

Americas Detyens Shipyards Inc., located in North Charleston, South Carolina, has been awarded a $21.1 million fixed-price contract to perform maintenance and dry-docking on the Military Sealift Command’s fleet replenishment oiler, USNS John Lenthall (T-AO 189). The project will last 180 days, starting March 23, 2025, and ending September 18, 2025. The contract includes additional options that could increase its total value to $21.8 million. The funding for this work comes from the Navy’s fiscal year 2025 budget and will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, and three proposals were submitted. Military Sealift Command, based in Norfolk, Virginia, is managing the contract. The US Navy is upgrading its mine-hunting tech. Raytheon got $18.3M to build mine-detecting gear for unmanned boats. Textron got $12.1M to build mine-sweeping gear for the same boats. Bollinger Shipyards got $7.7M to improve the boats themselves. These upgrades will help the Navy find and get rid of underwater mines more safely and efficiently. Middle East & Africa The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait of Design and Construction Services and related equipment for […]

Americas Canada has opened a rebuilt pier at its Esquimalt naval base in British Columbia. This project cost 1.1 billion Canadian dollars and is part of a larger plan to upgrade the harbor. The new pier will be able to handle the Royal Canadian Navy’s new ships, like the Joint Support Ships and Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessels, which are being built as part of the country’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. This upgrade will allow the base to support these larger, modern vessels. GM Defense has been awarded a $44.8 million contract to provide its Infantry Squad Vehicles (ISV) to the US Army. The exact number of vehicles to be supplied hasn’t been specified, and work locations and funding will be determined as orders are placed. Deliveries are expected to continue through December 2025. This deal will provide the Army with vehicles designed to improve troop mobility, based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 platform and able to carry nine soldiers. Middle East & Africa The US government has agreed to sell $7.4 billion worth of weapons to Israel. This includes $6.75 billion for bombs and related equipment, and $660 million for Hellfire missiles– The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency says these weapons […]

Americas Raytheon received a $52.2 million contract to produce 18 advanced camera systems for military helicopters (MH-60 aircraft) used by Saudi Arabia (1), South Korea (1), Norway (8), Spain (4), and India (4). The majority of the work will be conducted in Texas, with additional parts manufactured in other US states, and is expected to be completed by February 2028. The funding for this project originates from foreign countries through the Foreign Military Sales program, and the US Navy is overseeing the contract. The US Navy is spending money on new tools to find and remove underwater mines. They’re focusing on improving unmanned boats that can be launched from ships or the shore. These boats are designed to find, track, and destroy mines without putting sailors in danger. The Navy has given out several contracts to different companies to make these tools better. They want to make sure their ships, especially the Littoral Combat Ships, have the latest equipment to deal with mines in shallow waters near coastlines.These new tools will help the Navy replace its older mine-hunting ships and helicopters. The goal is to make it safer and more efficient to clear mines from important areas where ships need […]

Americas The US government has given Lockheed Martin a big job worth up to $2.81 billion to improve the THAAD missile defense system. This work will continue for 10 years, from February 2025 to January 2035. The company will upgrade THAAD’s hardware and software, test these improvements, and start putting them into use.Most of this work will happen in Sunnyvale, California, and Dallas, Texas. THAAD is a powerful weapon that can stop different types of incoming missiles. It works by hitting these missiles directly, destroying them before they can reach their targets. This system is important for protecting areas from missile attack. The US Air Force has given BioFlyte, a company from New Mexico, a job to test their new safety device called BioTOF z200. This device is special because it can spot dangerous things in the air that might harm people or buildings. The BioTOF z200 uses smart computer programs to quickly figure out if there are any bad chemicals or germs in the air.. The Air Force wants to see if this device can help keep military bases and soldiers safe from harmful substances that enemies might use.The Air Force is working with BioFlyte through a program that helps small companies […]

Americas The United States Marine Corps is undergoing a significant transformation of its aviation assets, as detailed in the recently released 2025 Marine Aviation Plan. The plan aims to maintain a lethal and responsive Aviation Combat Element (ACE) by transitioning to an all-5th generation tactical aircraft fleet and modernising all other aspects of the ACE. The plan encompasses a wide range of updates across fixed-wing, tiltrotor, rotary-wing, unmanned, and support aircraft, each playing a crucial role in the Corps’ future warfighting capabilities. L3Harris has successfully tested its new Viper Shield system on an F-16 fighter jet for the first time. This test took place at Edwards Air Force Base in California.The Viper Shield is a advanced electronic warfare system that helps protect the F-16 from enemy threats. During the test flight, they checked if the system worked well with the plane’s computer and other equipment. They also made sure the Viper Shield could work together with a new radar called APG-83, which was made by another company, Northrop Grumman, to make the F-16 better.The US Air Force’s 412th Test Wing, which is in charge of testing new aircraft equipment, helped with this first flight. Middle East & Africa Iran has […]

Americas Lockheed Martin won a $25 million modification to keep working on the AEGIS system for ships. This work includes keeping the system running well, making sure all parts work together, writing instructions and helping people use it. The Navy office in Washington, D.C. that handles ship-related contracts gave them this extra work on January 30, 2025. Lockheed Martin got $383 million to make a new version of the Trident II D5 for the US Navy. This new missile, called D5LE2, is supposed to work until 2084. It will be used on new submarines called Columbia-class, which will replace older Ohio-class submarines. Jerry Mamrol, Lockheed Martin VP, said this upgraded missile will help both the US and UK keep their ability to defend themselves from threats using submarines. The D5LE2 is an improvement on the current Trident II D5 missile, which is already used by both US and UK navies on their submarines. Middle East & Africa The Washington Post has published an investigation revealing that Google has been providing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to Israel’s military. The report highlights the ongoing support from Google’s technology divisions to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel’s Defense Ministry. Records from 2024 […]

Americas Moog Military Aircraft won a $13 million contract for B-2 flight control actuators. This deal provides for the remanufacturing of the B-2 flight control actuators. The B-2 Spirit, also known as the Stealth Bomber, is a US military aircraft designed for long-range strategic missions. It’s a revolutionary bomber with several key characteristics:Work will be performed at Elma, New York, and is expected to be completed by November 27, 2027. The Air Force Sustainment Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity. Kay and Associates, a company from Illinois, has been awarded $79.3 million to continue their work in Kuwait. They will keep helping with the maintenance and support of Kuwait’s F/A-18 fighter jets and missile repair facilities. This new deal adds $79,368,571 to their existing contract. The work will be done in Kuwait and should be finished by January 2026. The money for this comes from Foreign Military Sales funds. The US Navy’s aircraft division in Maryland is managing this contract. Middle East & Africa Dassault Aviation, a French company, has shown off the first new F4 Rafale fighter jet for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This is a big step in a deal the two countries made […]

Americas The US Navy is paying BAE Systems $70 million to improve their Mk 45 ship guns. This includes $47 million they agreed to earlier, plus $23.5 million more just added. The improved guns will be able to fire stronger bullets, making them 50% more powerful. BAE will do this work at their factory in Louisville, Kentucky, and finish by the end of 2028. The US Air Force is testing small, 3D-printed parts called microvanes on their big C-17 cargo planes. These microvanes are thin, blade-like pieces about 4 inches wide and 16 inches long. By putting many of these blades on the plane, they change the plane’s aerdynamic profile. This helps the plane fly more smoothly, using 1% less fuel. The Air Force is now in the last stage of checking if these parts work well enough to use on all their C-17 planes. Middle East & Africa The US military recently attacked Islamic State (IS) fighters in Somalia. This was the first time they did this since Donald Trump became president again. Trump ordered the attacks, and the US worked together with Somalia’s government. The US military used planes to bomb IS hideouts in northern Somalia. Trump, in […]