Industry Archives - Page 5 of 1071

Boeing’s Compact Laser Weapon System downs larger drones for the first time

Posted on October 14, 2024October 14, 2024 by alert5

Boeing’s Compact Laser Weapon System (CLWS) has engaged and neutralized Group 3 Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UASs) for the first time. This is a significant development in counter-drone technology as Group 3 UASs, which can weigh up to 1,320 pounds, present a greater threat due to their capacity to carry heavier and more sophisticated payloads. The successful demonstration took place at the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center in Saudi Arabia, where the CLWS, equipped with a 5-kilowatt laser, effectively neutralized the Group 3 drones.

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L3Harris drops out of C-390 project

Posted on October 13, 2024October 13, 2024 by alert5

A Breaking Defense exclusive reveals that the partnership between American defence contractor L3Harris and Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer to introduce the C-390 Millennium to the U.S. Air Force has come to an end. The partnership, announced in 2022, initially planned for L3Harris to act as the prime contractor and equip the aircraft with U.S. mission systems, including a refuelling boom, creating the American KC-390.

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Feasibility study launched for U.S.-Japan AMRAAM co-production

Posted on October 10, 2024 by alert5

The U.S. and Japan are set to begin a feasibility study to co-produce the American AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile, known as AMRAAM. This follows an agreement made in late July at a “two-plus-two” meeting of foreign and defence ministers in Tokyo, where Japan and the United States agreed to explore “co-production opportunities” for both AMRAAMs and Patriot PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement. This decision, reported by Nikkei Asia, a prominent Asian business publication, stems from concerns over diminishing American stockpiles due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (Jan. 24, 2019) Photos of U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force variants of the F-35 Lightning II conducting the first operational live-fire tests of AIM-120 missiles released from their internal weapons storage bays over a controlled sea test range in the Pacific Ocean. F-35C Tail No. 105 piloted by U.S. Navy Lt. Daniel “Crib” Armenteros. F-35A Tail No. 5118 piloted by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan “Scar” Thulin. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christopher Okula)

Anduril Industries lands $250 million contract for Counter-UAS Systems

Posted on October 10, 2024October 10, 2024 by alert5

In the high-stakes world of air defense, Anduril Industries has just raised the bar—and secured a quarter-billion dollar vote of confidence from the Department of Defense (DoD).

The Pentagon recently awarded Anduril a $249,978,466 contract to deliver next-generation air defense capabilities. The deal includes over 500 Roadrunner-M interceptors and additional Pulsar electronic warfare systems, aimed at countering the escalating threat of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) attacks on U.S. forces.

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Taiwan abandons domestic Next-Generation Fighter Jet Program

Posted on October 9, 2024 by alert5

Taiwan is abandoning its pursuit of domestically developing a next-generation fighter jet, and will instead procure advanced aircraft from the United States, according to a report by Up Media, a Taiwanese online news outlet. This decision, reached by Defence Minister Koo Li-hsiung, marks a significant shift in Taiwan’s defence acquisition strategy and highlights the technological and financial hurdles of developing advanced weapons systems independently.

總統府, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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