Analysis & Reports

Tiberius Aerospace signed a $500 million contract on October 1, 2023, to manufacture and distribute the Sceptre ramjet artillery shell in collaboration with British partners. The Sceptre shell is designed to extend the range of standard artillery, capable of striking targets up to 150 km away at speeds of Mach 3.5. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen transatlantic defense cooperation and enhance military capabilities.

The U.S. Army's McAlester Army Ammunition Plant in Oklahoma will manufacture and load explosive payloads for drones produced by Perennial Autonomy. This partnership aims to enhance the capabilities of next-generation drone fleets, with the plant set to deliver combat-ready payloads. The collaboration is part of a broader effort to modernize the Army's industrial base and improve drone munitions production.

Voyager Technologies secured a $22.4 million contract from the U.S. Department of War on October 5, 2023, to develop prototype satellite dispensers for the U.S. Space Force. These dispensers will enable the launch of additional small satellites alongside primary payloads, optimizing unused capacity in rocket launches. Voyager aims to enhance military capabilities without interfering with primary mission objectives.

Microcon Vision unveiled the MICRO-D sensor payload for drones, enabling them to mark targets with a laser for laser-guided weapons. Initial orders were received on October 5, 2023, with deliveries expected by the end of 2026. The system is designed for lower altitude operations and complies with NATO standards, enhancing targeting capabilities for military applications, particularly in the United States.

XMX Defense is converting facilities at Mineral Wells Regional Airport into a site for assembling and maintaining unmanned aircraft, with a groundbreaking ceremony held on Oct. 3. The company aims to provide technology for defense and special missions, and plans to establish a Texas Unmanned Systems Defense Center of Excellence at the site.

Advanced Navigation is establishing a factory in Huntsville, Alabama, to produce military navigation systems, with operations expected to begin in 2027. The facility will focus on developing technology that remains functional when GPS is compromised and will support U.S. Department of War programs. Advanced Navigation aims to enhance its production capabilities to meet the demands of U.S. defense customers, including major contractors like Lockheed Martin.

Boeing formalized a $14.7 billion contract with the Pentagon to triple the production of PAC-3 MSE seekers, with work commencing immediately at its Huntsville facility. This seven-year agreement aligns with Lockheed Martin's efforts to increase PAC-3 interceptor production. The PAC-3 seekers are intended to identify and eliminate a range of threats, enhancing U.S. military capabilities.

NASA is preparing the SR-71 Blackbird Tail 844 for power-on testing at the Armstrong Flight Research Center after years of inactivity. The aircraft, which last flew in the late 1990s, was recently removed from display for inspections. A former NASA engineer estimates a 25% chance of the aircraft returning to flight, potentially serving as a high-speed propulsion testbed.

The U.S. Army grounded over 400 AH-64E Apache helicopters due to safety concerns regarding the Improved Drive System transmissions. This marks the second grounding in three months, following a previous pause in August. The decision affects attack aviation units and comes amid ongoing safety assessments after multiple Class-A mishaps, including fatalities.

The Defense Department selected four vendors for a directed energy pilot program in Washington, aimed at enhancing counter-drone capabilities. The program, led by Joint Interagency Task Force 401, will test high-energy laser and high-powered microwave systems in an operational environment. Coordination with the FAA and US Northern Command is planned, following a previous incident involving a counter-drone laser. A demonstration confirmed minimal risk to the National Airspace System and led to a joint agreement for a laser system to protect the southern border.

Boeing has been awarded a contract worth up to $14.7 billion to increase production of seekers for the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptor in Washington. This contract, issued by Lockheed Martin, is part of a broader effort to replenish interceptor stockpiles depleted by conflicts. Boeing plans to ramp up production and has begun hiring to support this initiative.

On October 1, 2023, 600 soldiers officially transferred to new roles as 40D Tactical Space Operations Specialists, while 10 warrant officers graduated from a robotics course at Fort Bragg. The Army is expanding its capabilities in robotics and space operations, with new training programs and career fields established to enhance military effectiveness.

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is adapting to evolving missile threats, including hypersonic weapons and maneuvering warheads, emphasizing the need for on-orbit logistics to sustain missile defense systems in space. Astroscale U.S. is set to launch the Provisioner® refueling spacecraft in 2026, which will enhance operational capabilities. The integration of logistics into missile defense architecture is crucial for maintaining readiness and effectiveness against diverse threats.

Northrop Grumman's Talon Blue drone successfully completed its first flight over the Mojave Desert on October 3, demonstrating fully autonomous capabilities including taxi, takeoff, in-flight maneuvers, and landing. This development is part of Northrop's efforts to advance autonomous drone technology, following previous contract losses with the Air Force.

The global military ammunition market is forecasted to grow significantly from 2026 to 2036, primarily driven by North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. This growth indicates an increasing demand for military ammunition in these regions.

The Lockheed YF-12A successfully engaged a QB-47 target drone over the Eglin Test Range in Florida, locking onto it from over 100 miles away and launching an AIM-47 missile from 53 miles, achieving a successful hit. Between March 1965 and September 1966, the YF-12A demonstrated its capabilities by firing seven missiles and destroying six drones. Despite its success, only three YF-12A aircraft were built, and none entered operational service due to shifting military priorities during the Vietnam War.

The U.S. Army tested counter-drone technology at the U.S.-Mexico border in September 2023, responding to an increase in drone incursions by cartels. Military officials reported 378 incursions in the previous month and successfully downed 11 cartel drones using lasers. The exercise aimed to enhance defenses against commercial drones used for surveillance in smuggling operations, while also drawing lessons from Ukraine's military innovations.

The Montana Air National Guard's 120th Airlift Wing completed its final tactical training mission with the C-130H Hercules on October 3, 2023, transitioning to the C-130J Super Hercules. The wing originally operated eight C-130Hs, with three remaining at Great Falls, scheduled to depart by the end of October. The first C-130J is expected to arrive next year, enhancing the wing's operational capabilities.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) became the second U.S. Navy aircraft carrier to be equipped with the MQ-25A Stingray drone tanker after completing modifications in August 2025. The carrier underwent a 17-month maintenance period at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, where the Unmanned Air Warfare Center was installed. The U.S. Navy plans to acquire 76 MQ-25A aircraft to enhance aerial refueling capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force has deployed the IRIS satellite communications system on B-52 Stratofortress bombers at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, as of April 1, 2023. This new system enables crews to transmit voice, data, images, and video beyond the range of traditional radios. The IRIS system, developed by Outerlink Global Solutions, is currently in operational use and is set to replace the previous Global Iridium Bomber Set.