Tag: defense industry
128 articles
Defense Execs Downplay Pentagon Budget Uncertainty
RTX CEO Chris Calio says there's bipartisan support for boosting munitions and key capabilities, despite budget chatter, giving defense execs reason for optimism. The Pentagon's FY27 request, totaling $1.15 trillion in base budget spending, aims to further ramp up defense-related funding.
US Defense Firms Face Growing ITAR Hurdles in Europe
European countries are pushing for greater autonomy in defense procurement, seeking to buy, sell, and operate military systems without being bound by US export controls, specifically the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The ITAR "see-through rule" is a major pain point, allowing US regulators to track and control American-made components even when they're integrated into foreign-built systems.
Iran War Reshapes Regional Arms Sales Dynamics
Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Farnborough Airshow as Breaking Defense's Multimedia Director Daniel Woolfolk takes you on a tour of the grounds. In this episode of The Break Out, Daniel gives you a firsthand glimpse of the action on the show floor.
Anduril Launches Ohio Production of FQ-44A Fury Combat Aircraft
Anduril is taking flight in Ohio with the launch of its FQ-44A Fury combat aircraft production, marking a major milestone just 557 days after breaking ground on its 500-acre Arsenal-1 facility. The company's $910.5 million investment is set to create a hub for autonomous air power, with plans to employ thousands in the region.
Ukraine's Fire Point Ramps Up Missile and Drone Production to Counter Russian Threat
Meet Iryna Terekh, CEO of Fire Point, who's on a mission to supercharge Ukraine's defenses with a bold plan to ramp up missile and drone production - and she's not letting Russian threats get in her way. From humble garage beginnings to a nationwide production network, Fire Point's innovative approach is turning the tide in the fight for freedom.
Pentagon Taps Northrop to Boost PAC-3, THAAD Motor Production
The Pentagon has awarded Northrop Grumman a whopping $3 billion deal to ramp up production of critical rocket motors for its Patriot PAC-3 and THAAD defense systems, a move that will help build a more robust defense industrial base. This seven-year agreement is a major boost to the US military's ability to produce essential components for its missile defense systems.
Lockheed Martin Accelerates Munitions Production with $8 Billion Investment
Lockheed Martin is turbocharging its munitions production with a whopping $8 billion investment, a game-changing move that's set to revolutionize the industry. This massive commitment will fuel expansion of its facilities, workforce, and supplier capacity through 2030.
HII Expands Sea Drone Business Amid Modest Revenue Growth
HII is rapidly expanding its sea drone business, with CEO Chris Kastner describing it as a strategic game-changer for the Navy, despite modest revenue growth. The company's unmanned systems are poised to play a key role in future missions, but aren't expected to be a major cash driver just yet.
Pentagon Moves to Ease Industry Burden on Critical Mineral Restrictions
The Pentagon is giving industries a break, offering a phased approach to ease restrictions on critical minerals sourced from China and other prohibited countries, with a deadline to adapt by early 2027. They're also pledging to collaborate with companies to ensure a smooth transition.
Rafael CEO Pursues IPO, Seeks Flexibility Amid Global Expansion Plans
Rafael's CEO, Yoav Tourgeman, is betting big on a public listing, aiming for an IPO by 2026, as the company accelerates its global expansion plans with a 30% year-over-year growth trajectory. This move would give Rafael the flexibility to make swift decisions, unencumbered by government oversight.
Aerospace Supply Chain Feels Strain as Defense, Commercial Demands Converge
The aerospace supply chain is buckling under pressure as defense and commercial demands merge, with a notable surge in digital components, connectors, and wires driving the strain. At the Farnborough airshow, industry insiders revealed a shift towards handshake deals and partnership agreements over headline aircraft orders.
Roshel Emerges as Frontrunner in Canada's $4.9 Billion LUV Vehicle Contract
Roshel is leading the charge in Canada's $4.9 billion LUV vehicle contract, beating out the odds after initially being shut out of selling to its own government. The company is now in the running, alongside one other domestic firm, to deliver between 1,600 and 2,100 vehicles and 400 to 500 light utility trailers.
US Commerce Speeds Defense Sales Advocacy Amid Global Competition
US Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade William Kimmitt reveals that US defense firms are facing fierce competition from European and Asian rivals as they vie for a slice of the growing global defense market. With Europe's rising defense budgets, Kimmitt is rallying industry input to pinpoint key opportunities and give top picks a boost.
Lockheed Exec Sees Laser Defenses Operational by 2030
Get ready for a game-changer in defense technology: Lockheed Martin's laser defense systems are set to go from concept to reality by 2030, with successful demonstrations already proving their effectiveness against drones and cruise missiles. According to Lockheed's Stephanie Hill, these cutting-edge systems will be operational in the field before the end of the decade.
Ejection Seat Makers Adapt to Pilotless Battlefield Era
As the battlefield goes pilotless, ejection seat makers like Martin-Baker are shifting gears, leveraging their life-saving expertise to support drone manufacturers and stay ahead of the curve. With a legacy of saving over 7,800 aviators, Martin-Baker is now offering its engineering and electronics prowess to help shape the future of unmanned aircraft.
Farnborough Airshow Winds Down
The Farnborough International Airshow 2026 in the UK has wrapped up after an action-packed few days of thrilling displays and cutting-edge demonstrations. For those who missed it, a sneak peek at the event's favorite images is now available.
Pentagon Seeks Industry Cooperation on Critical Mineral Supply Chain Overhaul
The Pentagon is calling on industry partners to collaborate on a critical mineral supply chain overhaul, with a focus on friendshoring, domestic shoring, and supplier changes to reduce reliance on high-risk foreign sources. By presenting credible plans, contractors may be able to negotiate flexible timelines with the Pentagon, ahead of the 2027 deadline set by a new executive order.
Boeing Shifts Pitch to European Defense Market
Boeing is ramping up its game in the European defense market, shifting its approach to focus on local partnerships, job creation, and adaptable technology that meets the unique needs of national militaries. The aerospace giant is teaming up with European primes and offering platforms with open architecture to stay competitive.
US Weighs Ukraine Patriot Production Amid Global Demand
Raytheon is kicking off a structured review to produce Patriot interceptors in Ukraine after the US granted a license, with the company following the US government's lead on the project. The effort is just getting underway, according to Tom Laliberty, Raytheon's president of land and air defense systems.
Anduril Unveils Autonomous Tiltrotor for US Army Helicopter Missions
Imagine a game-changing aircraft that's a fraction of the cost of traditional helicopters like the Cheyenne or Apache, yet packs a powerful punch - Anduril's unveiled its autonomous, heavily armed tiltrotor, Thunder. This hybrid-electric, vertical-takeoff-and-landing rotorcraft is designed to be a robotic wingman, transportable in a standard shipping container.
Pakistan Prepares to Design Homegrown Submarines
Pakistan is poised to take a giant leap in its naval capabilities by designing and building its own homegrown submarines, gaining expertise in advanced submarine design and construction techniques. This ambitious project marks the culmination of the Pakistan Navy's vision to become a self-sufficient submarine-building navy.
Turkey's Roketsan Unveils SOM-B1T Cruise Missile with Indigenous Engine
Turkey's Roketsan has unveiled the SOM-B1T cruise missile, powered by a homegrown engine - the KTJ-3200 turbojet, delivering 3.2 kN of thrust. The Turkish Air Force is set to receive a batch of these missiles, marking a major milestone in Turkey's indigenous defense capabilities.
Bayraktar Kızılelma Conducts Supersonic Air-to-Ground Missile Test
The Bayraktar Kızılelma has aced its first supersonic air-to-ground missile test, striking a target with pinpoint accuracy from over 120 km away using Roketsan's JET-230 missile. This major milestone marks a significant advancement in the drone's combat capabilities.
Ukraine's Patriot Missile Production Hinges on Complex Supply Chain
In a surprise move, President Trump offered Ukraine a license to produce Patriot missile interceptors, a deal that could bolster the country's defenses, with the US also pledging to provide additional interceptors from its existing stockpile. The unexpected agreement was reached during a meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky at the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey.