Defense Industry Daily

Americas BAE Systems Controls Inc., based in Endicott, New York, has received a contract modification to repair the KC-135 Stratotanker’s fuel management panel and integrated fuel management computer. This fixed-price modification increases the total contract value from $5.2 million to $7.6 million and extends the contract term. The work will continue in Endicott, New York, with completion expected by March 14, 2026. Currently, no additional funds are being allocated for this extension. Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma oversees the contracting activities. Raytheon Co. has been awarded an $18.5 million contract modification for the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) and NATO SeaSparrow Missile Systems programs. This cost-plus-fixed-fee modification extends Raytheon’s involvement in providing engineering and technical services for these advanced missile systems. The total value of the modification is $18,468,273. Work will be performed primarily in Tucson, Arizona, accounting for 73% of the effort, with 26% conducted in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and the remaining 1% at various other locations. The project is expected to be completed by December 2025. Funding for this contract comes from multiple sources, including fiscal 2025 other customer funds amounting to $9,336,314, which accounts for 48% of the total. Fiscal 2024 other customer funds contribute $5,275,344, or […]

Americas Anduril has clinched a $642-million contract to supply counter-drone technology for the US Marine Corps (USMC). Under the 10-year deal, the defense tech company will install, deliver, and sustain installation-counter small unmanned aircraft systems and related services to USMC bases worldwide starting this year through 2035. The California-based firm bested nine other unnamed competitors in the solicitation issued in February last year. It is expected to provide a network of defenses to detect, track, identify, and defeat small drones and other threats against USMC installations and personnel. The US Air Force 53rd Test and Evaluation Group’s Detachment 3 recently conducted an operational taxi test at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, successfully integrating a US Navy AGM-84 Harpoon missile system onto an F-16 fighter. The AGM-84 Harpoon is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-shipping missile system capable of being launched from aircraft, surface ships, submarines, and shore batteries. The Harpoon/F-16 combination is already in use as an anti-shipping platform by a limited number of international F-16 customers such as Greece and Taiwan. Middle East & Africa Turkish firm Aselsan has tested successfully a mobile laser weapon system, dubbed GÖKBERK, against first-person-view (FPV) drones, the company said today in a statement. GÖKBERK detected, […]

Americas Rockwell Collins Simulation and Training Solutions won a $15 million modification, which exercises options for the Delta Software System Configuration-5 retrofit effort of Weapons Systems Trainer (WST)-1 and WST-2, to include associated training, technical data, computer software, and computer software documentation for each WST in support of the E-2D Hawkeye Integrated Training Systems for the Navy. Work will be performed in Point Mugu, California and is expected to be completed in September 2027. Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity. The Canadian military has announced plans to acquire new helicopters to respond to potential crashes involving the F-35 fifth-generation fighter jets in the Arctic. The decision comes amid concerns that the aircraft’s single-engine feature might be a drawback for operations in the country’s far north, where harsh weather conditions and vast, remote terrain heighten the risks associated with engine failure. According to a senior Royal Canadian Air Force officer, the new helicopters could replace the service’s current Griffon fleet in carrying out specialized missions, including emergency response. These choppers would also support joint operations with the US military and participate in Canada’s overseas missions in Latvia. Middle East & Africa A US Army AH-64 […]

Americas The US Army has begun modernizing its ground combat fleet with the delivery of new Stryker armored vehicles and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) to Pennsylvania’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, also known as the Independence Brigade. This marks a significant upgrade for the brigade, which is part of the Pennsylvania National Guard and the first reserve component Stryker unit. The upgraded Strykers feature “double-V” hulls designed to deflect explosive forces, improving protection and reducing casualties compared to older flat-bottom models. Meanwhile, the JLTVs will replace outdated Humvees, offering better protection, mobility, and payload capacity for modern combat needs. The first 25 vehicles will be used for training at Fort Indiantown Gap before deployment to units. In total, 324 upgraded Strykers and 300 JLTVs will be delivered to enhance the brigade’s readiness for future missions. Epirus has obtained $250 million in additional funding for its Leonidas high-power microwave weapon program, marking a significant boost for the directed-energy defense sector. This investment comes at a time when the global directed energy weapons market is experiencing rapid growth, with projections indicating an increase from $8.76 billion in 2025 to $20.07 billion by 2029. The new funding will allow Epirus to scale […]

Ultra APV demonstrator (click to view full) In an age of non-linear warfare, where front lines are nebulous at best and non-existent at worst, one of the biggest casualties is… the concept of unprotected rear echelon vehicles, designed with the idea that they’d never see serious combat. That imperative is being driven home on 2 fronts. One front is operational. The other front is buying trends. These trends, and their design imperatives, found their way into the USA’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program, which aims to replace many of the US military’s 120,000 or so Humvees. The US military’s goal is a 7-10 ton vehicle that’s lighter than its MRAPs and easier to transport aboard ship, while offering substantially better protection ad durability than existing up-armored Humvees. They’d also like a vehicle that can address front-line issues like power generation, in order to recharge all of the batteries troops require for electronic gadgets like night sights, GPS devices, etc. DID’s FOCUS articles offer in-depth, updated looks at significant military programs of record. JLTV certainly qualifies, and recent budget planning endorsements have solidifed a future that was looking shaky. Now, can the Army’s program deliver? JLTV: Program & Risks ONR’s […]

Americas Top Aces has introduced an innovative AI-driven “constructive wingman” designed to enhance adversarial air combat training. Developed in collaboration with EpiSci, Coherent Technical Services Inc. (CTSi), and Seger Aviation LLC, this technology mimics the flight patterns and maneuvers of advanced enemy aircraft for realistic pilot training. The AI-powered wingman is integrated into Top Aces’ F-16 Advanced Aggressor Fighters (AAF) via the Advanced Aggressor Mission System (AAMS). Using a Hands-On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) interface, pilots can control formations and tactics in real-time, simulating complex Beyond Visual Range (BVR) scenarios. The system also increases the number of adversary units in training while reducing operational costs. This cutting-edge solution provides 5th-generation fighter pilots with more dynamic and challenging training environments, ensuring improved readiness for modern combat situations. Irving Shipbuilding, based in Nova Scotia, has secured an $8 billion contract to develop the first three of 15 River-class destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy. This six-year program will construct the ships named HMCS Fraser, HMCS Saint-Laurent, and HMCS Mackenzie. The advanced River-class destroyers will replace Canada’s aging fleet and are designed for various missions, including anti-submarine warfare and humanitarian assistance. The contract also includes spare parts, maintenance services, and training to ensure […]

Americas Collins Aerospace, a company based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has won a contract worth about $80 million to create a new avionics system for the Army’s H-60M helicopters. The new system will use a Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), which means it will be easier to upgrade and modify in the future. The contract was awarded by the Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. Only one company submitted a bid for this project, which was advertised online. The work is expected to be completed by March 7, 2029. The H-60M is a newer version of the Black Hawk helicopter, used by the Army for various missions. This upgrade will improve the helicopter’s electronic systems, potentially enhancing its capabilities and making it easier to maintain. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) recently showcased the advanced autonomy capabilities of its MQ-20 Avenger drone during a flight test. The demonstration involved sequential use of two autonomy software systems, highlighting significant advancements in unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) technology. The initial phase of the flight was controlled by the U.S. government’s reference autonomy stack, focusing on air-to-air combat scenarios. A government-provided Pilot Vehicle Interface (PVI) enabled seamless control and monitoring of the system. Mid-flight, […]

Americas Donald Trump has vowed to construct a ‘Golden Dome’ – similar to Israel’s ‘Iron Dome’ missile defense – as he build :”the most powerful military of the future”. The first step, he told a joint sitting of the United States Congress is to fund a “state-of-the-art missile shield to protect our homeland”. The initiative aims to shield US from a rapidly evolving array of aerial threats, including a range of ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles. Trump’s latest announcement to the Congress is being seen as the official renaming of the US’ flagship security initiative, initially launched as the “Iron Dome for America”. Researchers at the Purdue Applied Research Institute (PARI) are developing 3D-printed dark ceramics for hypersonic missiles and aircraft. These materials are ideal for withstanding extreme conditions due to their durability and resistance to degradation. Using digital light processing (DLP) 3D printers, the team can create complex shapes with high precision, allowing for intricate designs with smooth surfaces. This technology is crucial for producing components like sharp cones and hemispheres, which are essential for hypersonic vehicle construction. The 3D-printed dark ceramics can withstand extremely high temperatures and intense pressures, making them a significant advancement in hypersonic technology. This breakthrough could […]

Americas Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has received a $100 million contract modification to improve and maintain H-53 helicopters. The work includes software updates, cost reduction analysis, and extending the helicopters’ service life. This project will benefit the Marine Corps, Navy, and foreign military customers. The work will mainly take place in Stratford, Connecticut, and is set to finish by March 2028. Tyonek Technical Services LLC has been awarded a $46 million contract to provide on-site depot maintenance for Air Force Special Operations Command’s C-130 fleet. The work, which includes support for weapons systems and subsystems, will take place at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The contract is set to run until March 30, 2035, with initial funding of $4.8 million already allocated. This agreement will help ensure the continued readiness and availability of these specialized aircraft, which are crucial for tactical airlift missions and can operate from rough, unprepared airstrips. Middle East & Africa Two Israeli companies have announced plans to set up defense factories in the United States to produce jet and rocket engines for the US military. Bet Shemesh Engines, known for civilian jet engines, is expanding into the military market. Another company, Rafael, is partnering with Kratos to build a rocket […]

Americas The US Navy Reserve’s KC-130T Hercules fleet, upgraded with the NP2000 propeller system, is now cleared to aerially refuel a significantly wider range of aircraft across the carrier airwing following envelope expansion testing at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) which concluded in early 2025. Originally, the KC-130T aircraft were primarily used for cargo missions. However, recognising the increasing need to refuel more assets in the air, the Navy initiated a project to regain aerial refuelling capabilities across the fleet. Kira AAR Logistics Services JV LLC has been awarded a contract worth up to $98 million to provide in-flight training for Naval Aviators on the E-6B Mercury aircraft. The work will be done in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and is expected to be completed by March 2027. This training supports the Navy’s efforts to maintain pilot proficiency and is crucial for the E-6B’s strategic communications and airborne command post missions. The contract was not competitively bid, and funds will be allocated as specific orders are issued. Middle East & Africa Arab leaders gathered in Cairo to discuss an alternative plan for rebuilding Gaza, opposing US President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal. The summit aimed to present a comprehensive vision […]

Americas The US military is looking for new ways to navigate without using GPS. A company called Xona might have a good solution. Xona just got $4.6 million from the Air Force to show how their navigation system could help the military. Xona’s system, called PULSAR, uses small satellites that orbit close to Earth. It can help with navigation when GPS doesn’t work or when someone is trying to block GPS signals. Saab has secured a contract to equip the Colombian Navy’s new frigate with advanced systems. The deal includes Saab’s 9LV Combat Management System, 9LV Fire Control System, and cutting-edge sensors and radars like the Ceros 200 radar and Sea Giraffe 4A radars. The frigate will be built by Colombian shipbuilder COTECMAR, with Damen Naval providing engineering and technical support. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2030. This project is part of Colombia’s efforts to modernize its naval capabilities and develop its maritime industry. Middle East & Africa Israel said Sunday that it was suspending the entry of supplies into Gaza, with deadly attacks reported in the territory after it and Hamas hit an impasse over how to proceed with their fragile ceasefire. As the 42-day first phase […]

Americas Lockheed Martin won a $19.9 million contract for PATRIOT missile software support services. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2028. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation, Army funds in the amount of $4,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Airtronics LLC in Tucson, Arizona, has been awarded a $7,941,037 contract to overhaul UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter modulating valves. The Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, awarded the contract after receiving three bids online. Work locations and funding will be decided with each order, with an estimated completion date of February 27, 2030. The contract number is W58RGZ-25-D-0018. Middle East & Africa The US on Friday approved potential foreign military sales to Israel worth $3 billion, according to the State Department. The sales include munitions, guidance kits, and Caterpillar D9 bulldozers, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement. The agency stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined an “emergency exists,” requiring the immediate sales to Israel, waiving the Congressional review requirement. The largest portion […]

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 […]