Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force is seeking a missile warning system for the F-15EX Eagle II, posting a sources sought notice on September 29, 2023, to identify operationally qualified systems for rapid integration. Responses are due by November 12, 2023. The new system must effectively warn crews of missile threats while minimizing false alarms and should utilize existing sensor locations on the aircraft.

The U.S. Marine Corps has increased funding for the development of the Viceroy Seaglider, an electric craft designed for military logistics. The partnership with REGENT Craft now totals $19.25 million, focusing on testing the prototype's capabilities and command-and-control integration. The Seaglider can operate at speeds of up to 290 km/h and is intended to facilitate troop and equipment movement without reliance on traditional airfields or ports.

The U.S. Army announced five winners of a competition to test commercial humanoid robots for military applications on September 11, 2023, at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Among the winners is Alex, a two-legged robot designed for risky missions with ballistic protection. The competition aimed to explore the use of robotics and autonomy in military operations, with a total prize pool of $490,000.

The U.S. Army selected five companies on September 29, 2023, to develop prototypes of a new Precision Strike Missile capable of striking targets 1,000 km away. This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of the HIMARS truck system, with initial prototype work concluding in fiscal 2027. The competition includes Lockheed Martin, which has previously developed missile systems for the Army.

American Rheinmetall is manufacturing and upgrading thousands of MK93 enhanced softmount systems at its facility in Maine. This new order supports military applications, indicating a focus on enhancing military equipment capabilities.

DroneShield was awarded a USD$500 million IDIQ contract to support the Joint Interagency Task Force 401's Domestic Shield initiative in Warrenton, Virginia, on 30 September 2026. This contract aims to enhance counter-drone capabilities in response to threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems across the United States. The initiative emphasizes rapid deployment of technology to protect critical infrastructure and military installations.

American Rheinmetall will manufacture and upgrade 3,104 MK93 enhanced softmount systems at its Maine facility, with deliveries starting in 2026 and continuing through October 2027. The order, valued at $20.7 million, also includes upgrades to 245 existing mounts, ensuring U.S. forces have modern, reliable equipment. This initiative reflects the company's commitment to supporting U.S. defense needs and the local economy in Maine.

Smart Shooter was awarded a 36-month IDIQ contract by the U.S. Department of War’s Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401) for SMASH Counter-Drone Systems, with a ceiling of up to $150 million. This contract supports counter-UAS efforts and includes hardware, software, training, and support services. Thousands of SMASH systems are already deployed across U.S. military services, enhancing force protection and base defense capabilities.

Boeing has been awarded a multi-billion-dollar contract by the U.S. Navy to produce the F/A-XX aircraft, intended to replace the F/A-18 Super Hornets. The announcement was made on September 29, 2026, highlighting Boeing's commitment to advancing military aviation technology. The new aircraft will be developed at Boeing's secure manufacturing facility in St. Louis, which is the largest in the U.S.

Digital Concepts Engineering (DCE) is enhancing its focus on European and NATO markets following the British Army's selection of 15 X-Series Universal Carriers. The X-Series UGVs were showcased at the Defence Vehicle Dynamics event, demonstrating various configurations for military roles. DCE is collaborating with Babcock to explore international opportunities and is testing the UGVs in environments such as Germany and the United States.

BAE Systems’ new Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) AN/APX-127(V)1 Combined Interrogator Transponder (CIT) received AIMS certification on September 29, 2026, marking it ready for use in combat aircraft missions. This next-generation system enhances identification capabilities and decision-making for allied forces in contested environments. It serves as a drop-in replacement for older IFF systems and is expected to begin delivery of the first 90 units this year.

Smart Shooter received a $150 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract from the U.S. Department of Defense for its SMASH system. This contract indicates ongoing military procurement efforts by the U.S. Armed Forces.

The U.S. Navy ordered 10 Marauder autonomous ships from Saronic, with production announced on September 30, 2023. Each vessel is estimated to cost around $40 million, with deliveries starting in July 2027. The Marauder is designed for logistics, capable of carrying significant payloads and operating autonomously or under remote supervision. Saronic is expanding its production facilities in Louisiana to meet demand.

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. Navy ordered an additional $123.4 million worth of Lionfish underwater drones from HII on September 24, 2023. Most of the work will be conducted in Pocasset, Massachusetts, with completion expected by December 2027. The Lionfish, based on the REMUS 300 design, is intended for various military applications, including mine countermeasures and electronic warfare.

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.

Boeing was awarded a contract on September 29, 2025, to develop the F/A-XX sixth-generation carrier-based strike fighter for the U.S. Navy, valued at over $20 billion. This new jet will augment and eventually replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers starting in the 2030s. The contract includes the development of multiple test aircraft for various testing phases.

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.

BAE Systems' new identification friend or foe system for the F-16 has been certified by the U.S. Department of War on September 29. The AN/APX-127(V)1 system will begin delivery of 90 units this year, enhancing the capabilities of U.S. Air Force fighters. This system integrates interrogator and transponder functions, meeting NATO standards and improving situational awareness for pilots.