Lockheed’s Sikorsky wins $2.3 billion Army Black Hawk multi-year contract

The Army and Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky have finalized its tenth multi-year contract for the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter as the service prepares to keep it in the fleet for several more decades as it continues to develop the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft intended to replace the utility helicopter.

Industry teams move to accelerate work on MDA’s next-generation missile interceptor

As industry teams plant deeper roots in Huntsville, Alabama, hope for continuing to accelerate the next-generation interceptor program remains.

Air Force acquisition chief talks drone wingmen, supply chains, and the B-21

The Air Force is focusing on fielding a drone wingman in time for the Next Generation Air Dominance program reaching IOC by the end of this decade, said Andrew Hunter.

NATO to boost readiness numbers, approve new Ukraine aid at Madrid summit

The increase to more than 300,000 on-alert troops will be matched with more prepositioned equipment and supplies stockpiles, notably air defense capabilities, said Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.

Russia to provide nuclear-capable missiles and fighter jets to Belarus

The latest development comes as the two countries are tightening their military cooperation in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Kennedy confirmed as Air Force cyber boss

Air Force Maj. Gen. Kevin Kennedy was approved by voice vote on June 23 to lead the 16th Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) and receive his third star.

Commentary

How to set defense spending when inflation is volatile

During periods with volatile inflation, policymakers have different outlooks on the accuracy of the inflation forecast.

Vehicle makers court Europe’s militaries with hybrid, electric rides

While the civilian vehicle world has successfully deployed hybrid and electric cars onto city streets, the defense sector is just getting started.

Raytheon, Northrop advance in competition to develop hypersonic weapons interceptor

The Missile Defense Agency awarded contracts to Raytheon and Northrop Grumman to continue development of its Glide Phase Interceptor designed to take out hypersonic threats.

Head of US Army combat vehicle modernization moves to Army Futures Command

While the future leader of U.S. Army Futures Command has yet to be named, Maj. Gen. Ross Coffman will pin on his third star and take over as deputy commanding general of the service's modernization branch.

French navy eyeing US progress in unmanned, ‘data-centric’ operations

France believes U.S. advances in unmanned systems, artificial intelligence and networked operations could shape its naval tech investments and concept development work.

Having visited Pakistan and China, is Argentina ready to buy the JF-17 jet?

Here's what we know about Argentina's progress so far in acquiring the JF-17 fighter, and its related goals for supporting local industry.

South Korea develops robot for autonomous tunnel exploration

The robot can explore underground tunnels without topographic information, detecting risks and generating a 3D map of the exploration area, a government agency says.

The congressional fight to scrap littoral combat ships isn’t over

Congress appears poised to save five littoral combat ships from an early retirement, but the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee is saying that the fight to ditch the ships is not yet over.

US Air Force mints program to hone command and control

“In order to fight as joint and coalition forces,” Lt. Col. Steve Wyatt said, “we need to understand each other’s capabilities and limitations, and how each entity operates and communicates.”

South Korea is trying to double the range of its K239 rocket launcher

The Agency for Defense Development announced its effort, a key part of which is the application of ducted rocket propulsion technology.

Spain finalizes $2.1 billion deal for 20 Eurofighters to replace old F-18s

Eurofighter had something of a lock on replacing the oldest of Spain's U.S.-made planes, stationed on the popular tourist island of Gran Canaria, and the government in Madrid had cleared the purchase in late 2021.

House defense bill calls for US-built ships to modernize strategic sealift fleet

After neglecting strategic sealift for too long, some in Congress are trying a new approach to get the Navy and the Maritime Administration to invest in new US-made ships.

US Army lacks plan to modernize Apache helicopter, lawmakers say

The Apache attack helicopter is expected to fly all the way into 2050, but the Army has not articulated its plans to modernize the aircraft. The House Armed Services Committee wants to see a more concrete plan from the service on the helicopter's way forward.

US Air Force seeks tech sweet spot for Advanced Battle Management System

“Those who have followed this ABMS journey, they’ve probably seen that it’s evolved over time as we learn more,” said Gen. CQ Brown, U.S. Air Force chief of staff.

US to send Ukraine rocket systems, other aid in new package

The aid is part of the $40 billion in security and economic assistance passed last month by Congress.

Parsons’ chief executive talks acquisitions, Ukraine and the defense budget

Carey Smith took over as chief executive of Parsons in April 2021. Since then, the contractor has kept up a busy pace of acquisitions, most recently picking up Xator, which specializes in cybersecurity, counter-drone technology, biometrics and more.

More money to buy weaponry and fight inflation in House defense bill

Despite hours of sometimes intense debate, the measure advanced out of committee on a bipartisan 57-1 vote.

Battlefield robots getting ‘common sense’ training before deployment

Although legged robots have existed for several years, in order to be deployed, they would need to adapt in real-time to unseen scenarios such as changing terrains, changing payloads and wear and tear.

Mobile howitzers take center stage at Eurosatory as artillery battles intensify in Ukraine

On the Eurosatory defense exposition floor, artillery was king as the Russian invasion of Ukraine evolves from missile attacks and close combat to daily artillery barrages.

No consensus yet on military spending for next year, except for more of it

House lawmakers on Wednesday offered new and conflicting plans for defense spending next year, setting up intense congressional debate in coming months over what the right level of military funding for fiscal 2023 should be.

Defense agencies among worst for disclosing contracting needs

General Services Administration received the highest score. Marine Corps Systems Command and Naval Information Warfare Systems Command won honorable mentions.

Viasat to test 5G networking for Marine Corps operations

The U.S. Marine Corps plans to conduct expeditionary advanced base operations in the near future, both for offensive and defensive reasons. But command and control remains a big barrier.