Analysis & Reports

Raytheon was awarded a $247.1 million contract to build and upgrade Phalanx close-in weapon systems for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army, covering production and overhauls through September 2030. The contract includes both shipboard and land-based systems, with significant funding allocated for the U.S. Army's Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar defense. The Phalanx systems are designed to intercept missiles and other threats, demonstrating their effectiveness in recent combat scenarios.

The U.S. Navy has contracted Boeing for $16.7 million to plan the shutdown of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler production lines, with work running until November 2030. The contract includes inventory management of tools and equipment across St. Louis, El Segundo, and Bethpage. Final deliveries of Super Hornets are expected by spring 2027, while the F/A-XX is set to replace these aircraft in the 2030s.

The U.S. Army awarded contracts worth $4.15 billion to 10 companies for counter-drone systems on September 28, 2023, at Detroit Arsenal, Michigan. The contracts include various equipment such as radars, cameras, and jammers, aimed at detecting and defeating hostile drones. The contracts will run through late September 2029, with only $50 million obligated so far.

Mack Defense is showcasing a hybrid-electric heavy tractor at the Association of the United States Army’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C., from October 12-14, 2023. This tractor is designed to replace the older M915 Line Haul Tractor and is part of the U.S. Army's modernization efforts for combat logistics. The vehicle incorporates advanced technologies, including a hybrid-electric system and drive-by-wire controls, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.

The U.S. Army awarded 10 contracts worth $4.15 billion for counterdrone systems to disable unmanned aerial drones. This includes systems from seven companies, with a total ceiling of $7 billion for future contracts. The new procurement strategy aims to enhance flexibility and efficiency in acquiring military technology.

The U.S. Defense Department announced a $450 million investment in The Elmet Group to enhance the domestic supply chain for tungsten, crucial for military manufacturing. This investment is in response to a federal procurement rule that restricts the use of tungsten sourced from adversarial nations, with operations planned in Imlay, Nevada, and upgrades in Maine, Michigan, and Ohio. The move aims to bolster supply chain resilience and support defense manufacturing jobs.

The U.S. Navy will purchase 30 medium unmanned surface vessels (MUSVs) from three defense firms after successful at-sea testing. Each vessel is expected to cost around $40 million, with deliveries anticipated by the end of fiscal 2027. This procurement is part of the Navy's new MUSV marketplace initiative, aimed at streamlining acquisitions and enhancing operational capabilities.

The U.S. Army awarded multiple contracts worth up to $7 billion for counter-drone capabilities in Washington. This initiative is part of an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) vehicle aimed at enhancing the Pentagon’s drone and counter-drone marketplace. The contracts will support various counter-UAS requirements and aim to establish a layered defense against drone threats. Additionally, a memorandum was signed to improve information sharing on drone threats.

Robinson Unmanned is scaling production of SPIRIT FPV systems to 10,000 annually as part of the Pentagon's Drone Dominance program. The program tests the ability to produce reliable drones and integrate evolving technologies. The R66 TURBINETRUCK has been selected for the U.S. Marine Corps' logistics program, highlighting the importance of industrial capacity in military operations.

Raytheon was awarded a contract worth up to $20.7 billion for the production of the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) in Washington. The multi-year deal includes orders for the US Air Force, Navy, and 16 international customers, and aims to replenish munitions depleted by conflicts. The contract is expected to nearly double AMRAAM production rates over the next five years.

The Pentagon awarded Raytheon a multiyear contract worth up to $20.7 billion on September 25, 2025, to nearly double the production of Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs). This contract is part of the Arsenal of Freedom campaign to enhance weapons production and includes joint procurement by the Air Force, Navy, and allies. Raytheon plans to significantly increase its output to meet rising demand from military and international customers.

General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) has been awarded a $510 million task order by the US Army Communications Electronics Command (CECOM) to provide logistics, sustainment, and maintenance services worldwide.

The U.S. Army published a new guidebook for noncommissioned officers (NCOs) to assist in managing barracks and addressing emergencies. This resource outlines responsibilities, best practices, and steps for maintaining living conditions, particularly at Fort Polk, Louisiana. It emphasizes active engagement to prevent issues that affect soldier morale and readiness.

The U.S. Army published a new guidebook on Wednesday morning to assist noncommissioned officers (NCOs) in managing barracks at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The guidebook outlines responsibilities for NCOs, including maintenance and cleanliness, and provides strategies for addressing common issues. It aims to enhance the quality of life for soldiers and is intended as a resource rather than a policy document.

GE Aerospace has intensified its commitment to the F110 engine program, enhancing production and supply chain resilience to meet the demands of the U.S. Air Force and allied operators. The company has invested over $600 million in manufacturing since 2023, resulting in a 50% increase in F110 output year over year since Q2 2025. Innovations such as additive manufacturing and AI integration have streamlined production processes and improved delivery capabilities.

The U.S. Navy awarded Raytheon a contract worth up to $30.2 million to expand its supplier base for AIM-9X Sidewinder missile components, including critical parts like the cryoengine and warhead components. The work will be conducted across various locations in the U.S. and Europe, with completion expected by February 2030. This initiative aims to ensure production continuity by qualifying additional manufacturing sources for the missile's components.

The Pentagon ordered an additional $52.3 million in L3Harris proximity fuzes to enhance Hydra rockets' capabilities against drones. This contract modification builds on a previous $48.5 million contract and is set to be completed in Cincinnati, Ohio, by November 2027. The fuzes will allow laser-guided APKWS rockets to effectively engage small, fast-moving drones without direct hits.

The U.S. Air Force awarded a $64.4 million contract to Aerostar for the rapid development of a high-altitude balloon prototype under the project named Swamp Gas. The contract, which is set to be completed by March 23, 2028, aims to address an urgent operational requirement, although specific details about the balloon's intended use remain undisclosed. The project will be managed from Arlington, Virginia.

The U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon a multi-year contract worth up to $20.7 billion to produce AMRAAM missiles in Tucson, Arizona, through June 30, 2033. This contract includes foreign military sales to 16 countries and is part of the Department of War's initiative to expand munitions production. Raytheon aims to increase missile output significantly, responding to both domestic and international demand.

The delivery of the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) has been postponed from July 2025 to March 2027 due to certification issues with its Advanced Arresting Gear and Advanced Weapons Elevators. The USS Kennedy features a new radar system and a simplified construction process compared to the USS Gerald R. Ford, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The U.S. Navy plans to apply lessons learned from both carriers to future projects.