Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army awarded Sikorsky a $234.5 million contract modification for the production of 16 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, increasing the total contract value to $356.3 million. Work will occur at Sikorsky’s Stratford, Connecticut plant, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2028. This contract builds on a previous advance procurement deal and reflects the Army's ongoing investment in modernizing its helicopter fleet.

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory increased funding for Castelion Corp.'s hypersonic missile development by $16.4 million, raising the total contract value to $37.2 million. The Blackbeard missile, designed to exceed Mach 5, will be developed at Castelion's facilities in Torrance, California, with work scheduled through June 30, 2028. The Navy has also significantly invested in the missile, aiming for large-scale production and integration into various platforms.

Anduril Industries was awarded an $85 million contract by the U.S. Air Force to develop computer-based design tools for future aircraft at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. This contract, part of the VOLARE program, will run until September 17, 2036, and aims to enhance digital design methods for military aircraft. The initial task order is funded with $50,000 for fiscal 2026.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $47.4 million contract modification for engineering support of the Nuclear-Armed Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM-N) program on May 6, 2025. This marks the development of the first new nuclear weapon since the Cold War, with an expected delivery capability by 2034. The contract includes various technical support tasks and is primarily based in Washington, D.C., with additional work at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor and Norfolk.

Perseus Defense tested a low-cost Mk-III interceptor missile at Yuma Proving Ground as part of a counter-drone experiment involving U.S. Northern Command and NORAD. The missile, costing around $2,500, is designed to physically strike drones, demonstrating a kinetic hit-to-kill approach. This testing is part of ongoing efforts to improve U.S. military capabilities against drone incursions, following incidents that exposed vulnerabilities in base defenses.

U.S. Army tested tethered unmanned aircraft systems (Te-UAS) at Fort Benning from July 27 to August 7 to enhance infantry unit capabilities. The drones, connected to ground vehicles, were evaluated for their ability to operate without battery limitations and improve communication in challenging terrains. The Maneuver Battle Lab is compiling feedback and performance data for future program decisions.

U.S. Marines tested the Mobile All-Domain Observation and Sensing System (MA-DOSS) at Twentynine Palms, California, on August 19, successfully detecting a vehicle that entered a live-fire training area. The system, which combines radar and AI technology, alerts operators to potential threats, allowing for uninterrupted training. This demonstration supports further investment in MA-DOSS as a replacement for the older G-BOSS system.

MSI-Defence Systems unveiled the TERRAHAWK RAPTOR remote weapon station at the DVD 2026 exhibition in Millbrook. This system is specifically designed for counter-drone operations and can be equipped with various weaponry, including machine guns and grenade launchers. It integrates with command-and-control systems to enhance air defense capabilities, responding to increased demand for specialized counter-drone systems across multiple markets.

IDV is introducing the latest generation of its VIKING Uncrewed Ground Vehicle (UGV) at DVD 2026 in Millbrook, Bedfordshire on 17 September 2026.

U.S. Air Force planners are exploring the future of their tanker fleet, considering unmanned and optionally manned options for air refueling capabilities. Lt. Gen. Daniel Tulley indicated that advancements in technology, influenced by the Navy's MQ-25 Stingray, suggest that future air-refueling solutions may not require manned aircraft. The Air Force is currently purchasing KC-46 Pegasus tankers while also seeking funding for advanced tanker systems.

The U.S. Army awarded Sikorsky an additional $234 million for 16 Black Hawk UH-60 helicopters, increasing the total contract value to $356 million. Initial deliveries are scheduled for fiscal 2028, with potential for up to 150 helicopters over the next few years. The contract is undefinitized, allowing for flexibility in production and funding.

The U.S. Air Force announced the extension of the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers to enhance fleet readiness and prepare pilots for the upcoming B-21 Raider. This decision was made during the 2026 Air, Space & Cyber Conference, where it was noted that the B-21 is set for delivery to Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027. The Air Force is also implementing the North Star Readiness Campaign to improve the operational capability of its bomber fleet.

Northrop Grumman is expanding its market share in munitions supply, engaging in discussions about eight weapons programs. Lockheed Martin is also involved in munitions production agreements and is seeking full funding from Congress. Both companies are adapting to the Pentagon's focus on increasing munitions production and have ongoing projects like the PAC-3 missile and GRIZZLY launch system.

The U.S. Army is focusing on training soldiers to operate small, one-way attack drones, particularly in contested electromagnetic environments. This initiative follows the acceptance of 12,080 drones from the Drone Dominance program's first gauntlet. Training is being conducted both domestically and abroad, including exercises in Germany with NATO partners. The Army aims to ensure every squad is equipped and capable of using these drones effectively by the end of fiscal 2026.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking a ground-based, medium-caliber gun weapon system to defend against drones and cruise missiles as of September 3. This initiative aims to enhance air base defenses in response to the increasing threat from inexpensive and effective drone technology. The system must be rapidly deployable and capable of engaging multiple threats simultaneously, reflecting a significant shift in air defense strategy.

The Air Force Test Center is prioritizing safety while rapidly developing and testing new technologies, including upgrades for the B-52 Stratofortress and the introduction of Massed Modular Aircraft to replace the MQ-9 Reaper. This follows a recent incident where eight airmen died during a B-52 test flight. The center is collaborating with tech industries to enhance capabilities and integrate AI into military operations.

GM Defense delivered its first batch of PAC-3 MSE missile-housing components to Lockheed Martin on September 16, 2026, just 22 days after signing a production contract. This delivery is part of a broader effort to increase the production capacity of the PAC-3 MSE interceptor, which has seen a surge in demand due to its use in combat. The U.S. Army previously awarded Lockheed Martin a $9.8 billion contract for 1,970 interceptors.

The U.S. Army is seeking contractors to develop two prototype UAVs for the Army Blood Link project to transport blood supplies in the field. Each drone must carry 20 units of blood products and have a one-way transport radius of 30 kilometers. The deadline for proposals is September 21, with delivery expected within three months of contract award.

Lockheed Martin received its first shipment of critical components for Patriot interceptors from General Motors on August 28, 2023, just 22 days after signing a manufacturing agreement. This initiative aims to accelerate weapons production in response to increased demand, particularly due to ongoing conflicts involving the U.S. and its allies. Lockheed Martin is investing significantly to enhance its production capacity and supply chain resilience.

USS Cooperstown returned to Naval Station Mayport on August 31, 2026, after a four-month deployment. The Littoral Combat Ship program has been criticized for cost overruns, reliability issues, and a lack of effective combat capability, leading to a gradual retirement of the class. The U.S. Navy is adjusting its expectations and roles for the LCS amid changing maritime threats.