Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
US Army Awards AeroVironment $464.8 Million Contract for Laser Weapons After Border Deployment

US Army Awards AeroVironment $464.8 Million Contract for Laser Weapons After Border Deployment

The US Army has awarded AeroVironment a $464.8 million contract for its Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program, marking what the company claims is the first production order for directed energy weapons in American history. This contract follows the recent deployment of similar laser technology by a task force under US Northern Command, which successfully used a high-energy laser to bring down three drones near the Mexican border in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, in late August. The systems used at the border were 20-kilowatt prototypes from the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser program, while the new production contract is for 30-kilowatt LOCUST X3 systems. These systems are designed to counter small to medium unmanned aircraft (Group 1 to 3 drones) and will be integrated onto Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, with potential for Infantry Squad Vehicles. AeroVironment will also provide support and training.
AP News AP News
USS Lincoln crew hits the streets of Thai beach city after lengthy Middle East deployment

USS Lincoln crew hits the streets of Thai beach city after lengthy Middle East deployment

The crew of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has streamed into Pattaya, Thailand, as part of the port call after the ship's lengthy deployment to the Middle East
Trendline Trendline
Lockheed Martin Ventures Invests in Diffraqtion for Quantum Camera Technology

Lockheed Martin Ventures Invests in Diffraqtion for Quantum Camera Technology

Lockheed Martin Ventures Invests in Diffraqtion for Quantum Camera Technology
Trendline Trendline
Mississippi Workers at Raytheon Forest Plant Exceed Goals for Over 40 Years, Bolstered by Political Leadership

Mississippi Workers at Raytheon Forest Plant Exceed Goals for Over 40 Years, Bolstered by Political Leadership

Mississippi Workers at Raytheon Forest Plant Exceed Goals for Over 40 Years, Bolstered by Political Leadership
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Japan Plans Development of Underwater-Launched Hypersonic Missile

Japan Plans Development of Underwater-Launched Hypersonic Missile

Japan has announced its intention to develop an underwater-launched hypersonic guided missile, a move that could significantly enhance the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's (JMSDF) sea-based strike capabilities. This development was revealed in the Japan Ministry of Defense's (MoD) FY2027 budget request overview document, released on August 31. The plan involves creating a derivative of its Type 25 Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (25HGP) that can be deployed from an underwater platform. While no specific budget figure for this particular project was disclosed, it falls under a special funding request category. This initiative is part of Japan's broader hypersonic guided missile (HGM) effort, which aims to equip the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) with long-range stand-off weapons capable of exceeding Mach 5. The MoD has allocated JPY14.2 billion (USD89 million) for continued HGM development and JPY167.3 billion for the acquisition of hypersonic missiles and associated ground equipment. The ministry em...
Rapid Read Rapid Read
NRO, NGA, and Space Force Resolve Commercial ISR Acquisition Disputes Through New Agreements

NRO, NGA, and Space Force Resolve Commercial ISR Acquisition Disputes Through New Agreements

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), and U.S. Space Force have resolved long-standing disputes regarding the acquisition and management of commercial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) data. These conflicts arose from unclear boundaries and overlapping responsibilities, particularly after the Space Force's establishment in 2019. The NRO is the primary acquirer of ISR imagery for the intelligence community and the Department of War, while the NGA oversees the purchase of analytic products and distribution of ISR to federal users. The Space Force's introduction of the Tactical Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Tracking (TacSRT) program in 2024, designed to directly connect field components with commercial vendors for critical data, further exacerbated tensions. Additionally, disagreements emerged over the dissemination of data from Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) sensors, with NGA historically responsible for tasking and priority acce...
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Bipartisan Lawmakers Question Army's Decision to Halt Drone Warfare Specialization

Bipartisan Lawmakers Question Army's Decision to Halt Drone Warfare Specialization

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers, including Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, independent Senator Angus King of Maine, and Republican Representative Mike Turner of Ohio, has formally requested an explanation from the Army regarding its decision to stop a European-based military unit from specializing in drone warfare. The 173rd Airborne Brigade, comprising 600 soldiers, was established in November to focus on drone operations, including building its own drones and practicing tactics similar to those used in conflicts in Ukraine and against the U.S. The lawmakers expressed significant concerns that this move would impede the U.S. military's ability to learn from allies, particularly the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and hinder the modernization of drone warfare at a necessary pace. They have requested a briefing by September 21 from departing Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and General Christopher LaNeve, the Army’s acting chief of staff, to unde...
Trendline Trendline
Raytheon Completes $50 Million Expansion of Mississippi Facility for Electronic Warfare and Radar Systems

Raytheon Completes $50 Million Expansion of Mississippi Facility for Electronic Warfare and Radar Systems

Raytheon Completes $50 Million Expansion of Mississippi Facility for Electronic Warfare and Radar Systems
Trendline Trendline
LG Energy Solution Secures Lithium Supply from South Arkansas Project, Boosting Domestic Production

LG Energy Solution Secures Lithium Supply from South Arkansas Project, Boosting Domestic Production

LG Energy Solution Secures Lithium Supply from South Arkansas Project, Boosting Domestic Production
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Senator Rosen Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Expedite Munitions Delivery to Ukraine

Senator Rosen Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Expedite Munitions Delivery to Ukraine

U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) has co-sponsored a bipartisan bill aimed at providing critical munitions to Ukraine. The legislation, known as the Fast Tracking European Investment in Ukraine’s Defense Act, seeks to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities against ongoing Russian aggression. Senator Rosen emphasized that the bill would facilitate the rapid delivery of high-volume, low-tech munitions to Ukraine. Additionally, the act is designed to encourage NATO allies to increase their contributions to Ukraine's defense efforts and to invest in the U.S. defense industrial base. This initiative comes as the conflict between Ukraine and Russia enters its fourth year, highlighting a continued need for international support for Ukrainian sovereignty. Senator Rosen, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate NATO Observer Group, has consistently advocated for aid to Ukraine, including her involvement in passing a bipartisan aid package in 2024 that allocated over $60 billion in defense assist...
Trendline Trendline
Rolls-Royce Completes $1 Billion Investment in Indiana Engine Manufacturing Campus, Bolstering U.S. Defense Production

Rolls-Royce Completes $1 Billion Investment in Indiana Engine Manufacturing Campus, Bolstering U.S. Defense Production

Rolls-Royce Completes $1 Billion Investment in Indiana Engine Manufacturing Campus, Bolstering U.S. Defense Production
Rapid Read Rapid Read
House Intelligence Committee Chair Rick Crawford Urges Vigilance Against Drone and AI Threats Post-9/11

House Intelligence Committee Chair Rick Crawford Urges Vigilance Against Drone and AI Threats Post-9/11

Representative Rick Crawford, a Republican from Arkansas and Chair of the House Intelligence Committee, is advocating for increased vigilance against emerging threats such as drone attacks and artificial intelligence. Speaking to 'Just the News,' Crawford emphasized that the nation cannot afford a 'lack of imagination' in addressing these new challenges. He plans to present a roadmap for protecting the U.S. from future threats during an upcoming field hearing in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Crawford expressed concern that the country has not done enough to prevent future attacks potentially driven by AI, drone swarms, biological weapons, or cyberattacks. He highlighted that adversaries do not organize based on U.S. bureaucracies but rather exploit vulnerabilities, making it crucial for the U.S. to identify these weaknesses first. The committee's work, typically conducted behind closed doors, is being brought to a public forum to encourage serious reflection on preventing...