Recap: Highlights from the US Army’s 2025 conference in Washington
The Army continues to transform, with efforts focused on next-gen weaponry, long-range artillery, unmanned systems and much more.
Unmanned
Pentagon stages first ‘Top Drone’ school for operators to hone skills
Industry and military drone operators flew tethered and untethered first-person drones through a course designed to test endurance and maneuverability.
Raytheon awarded $15.5 million to upgrade laser weapon
Mounted on the back of a dune buggy, the Raytheon-built High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) uses directed energy to defeat incoming unmanned aerial systems.
America’s next missile warning satellite arrives in Florida
The fifth Space Based Infrared System satellite was delivered to Florida ahead of an anticipated May launch.
Bluestaq wins $280 million contract for space situational awareness library
Bluestaq will continue its work on the Unified Data Library, a one stop shop for space domain awareness data.
Rocket Lab launches Army satellite
Gunsmoke-J will help the Army develop tactical capabilities for the war fighter.
GAO to review Space Command headquarters decision
The Government Accountability Office will look into the Air Force's decision to move Space Command's headquarters to Huntsville, Alabama, following a request from a Colorado congressman.
Air Force begins construction of new space environment lab
The Skywave Technology Laboratory will support the Air Force Research Laboratory's space weather studies.
L3Harris sees opportunities in Pentagon’s growing responsive space business
The company says its move into responsive space has opened up $9 billion in opportunities.
Drone-killing, dune buggy-mounted laser gets tested overseas
Affixed to the back of an off-road vehicle, the Raytheon-built High Energy Laser Weapon System uses directed energy to defeat incoming unmanned aerial systems.
Raytheon wins $178 million contract to support Air Force intel-sharing system
In addition to providing field support to the Air Force's Distributed Common Ground System, Raytheon will help transition the system of systems to an open architecture.
