Tag: missile defense
91 articles
US Space Command Urges Evolution in Protecting Space Assets
The US Space Command is pushing for a major upgrade in protecting its space assets, driven by a key lesson from recent conflicts: fixed infrastructure is a sitting duck for enemy attacks. Gen. Stephen Whiting cites Iranian drone and missile strikes during Epic Fury, which damaged multiple radar sites and exposed the vulnerability of high-value systems.
Golden Dome Missile Defense Program Faces Funding Crisis
The Golden Dome missile defense program is on shaky ground, with its leader, Gen. Michael Guetlein, issuing a stark warning that its survival hinges on Congress resolving a funding crisis sparked by a White House budgeting decision. If funding isn't secured, the program could be at risk of disappearing altogether.
US Army Neutralizes Over 1,400 Iranian Missiles, Drones
The US Army has successfully neutralized over 1,400 Iranian missiles and drones in the largest air and missile defense fight in US history, a 14-month campaign led by Lt. Gen. John Rafferty that saw unprecedented action against ballistic, cruise, and unmanned aerial threats.
Golden Dome Missile Defense Shield Faces Funding Impasse
The Golden Dome missile defense shield is at a crossroads, with Gen. Michael Guetlein warning that without a resolved funding pathway, the program simply won't exist. Its future hinges on securing a topline appropriation, as a continuing resolution won't suffice.
US Seeks Mobile Radar to Counter Missile Threats
The US Missile Defense Agency is seeking a cutting-edge mobile radar system that can swiftly detect and track missile threats, as adversaries continue to develop more sophisticated capabilities. This new system, dubbed FBM Radar Next, must be highly agile, transportable, and able to rapidly deploy and conceal itself to stay one step ahead.
Missile Defense Expo Unveils Emerging Threats and Tech
Get ready for the ultimate gathering of missile defense experts! Each year, the Space and Missile Defense Symposium brings together the brightest minds in the field in Alabama to tackle emerging threats and cutting-edge tech.
Army Expands Testing Ranges to Accelerate Interceptor Development
The Army is shaking things up to speed up interceptor missile development - they're opening up five testing ranges to private industry, slashing wait times from 12-18 months to just 30 days. This move aims to get innovative defense firms, especially smaller players, quicker access to test their promising interceptors.
Rocket Lab Expands Launch Capacity with Alaskan Spaceport Deal
Rocket Lab just scored a major win with the Space Force, landing a $266 million contract for 12-18 launches from a new spaceport in Alaska, a move that's got the Pentagon buzzing with excitement. This deal is a game-changer, not just for Rocket Lab, but for the future of US space capabilities.
US Missile Defense Arsenal Exposes Gaps Against China Threat
The US missile defense arsenal was put to the test during Operation Epic Fury, where 1,738 munitions were fired to counter 622 incoming Iranian missiles - a staggering show of force that reveals just how quickly defenses can be depleted. This intense battle highlights a concerning gap in the US missile defense capabilities, particularly against a formidable threat like China.
Rheinmetall Launches GMF 140 Frigate with Integrated Air and Missile Defense Capabilities
Meet the GMF 140, a game-changing frigate that combines air and missile defense capabilities with versatility for a range of missions, from blue-water operations to littoral and coalition deployments. This cutting-edge ship is designed to provide affordable, interoperable, and highly capable protection for NATO and allied navies.
US Navy Pursues Submarine-Launched Anti-Air Missile Capability
The US Navy is taking a giant leap forward with its Naval Modular Missile program, seeking a cutting-edge, modular interceptor that can revolutionize surface naval capabilities with multi-mission flexibility and enhanced capacity. This new missile system, built around a common Terminal Stage Interceptor, is envisioned as a versatile family of surface-to-air missiles.
Pentagon Bolsters Rocket Motor Production with L3Harris Deal
L3Harris has secured a game-changing deal with the Pentagon to supercharge rocket motor production, enabling the creation of critical missile defense systems at unprecedented speeds. This long-term agreement will help ramp up production of vital components for the PAC-3 and THAAD missile defenses.
India Advances Long-Range Air Defense With Kusha Missile Test
India just took a massive leap in air defense with the successful test of its Kusha missile, capable of neutralizing a wide range of aerial threats, from fighter jets to large enemy aircraft, with precision and accuracy. The maiden flight, part of Project Kusha, marks a significant milestone in India's multi-layered air defence architecture.
US Army Revives PAC-2 Patriot Missile Buys Amid Stockpile Strains
The US Army is reviving its Patriot missile buys, with Raytheon securing a major deal worth $441.6 million, marking the first domestic GEM-T production order in over 30 years. This move comes as the Army faces stockpile strains, highlighting the ongoing demand for these critical defense systems.
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.
Destinus Unveils Vorexon Counter-Rocket Interceptor
Destinus tackles a glaring gap in European air defense with Vorexon, a game-changing counter-rocket interceptor designed to take down inexpensive, high-volume artillery rockets that overwhelm traditional defense systems. By targeting only priority threats, Vorexon offers a smart, cost-effective solution to shift the defense advantage.
Lockheed Martin Unveils Cheaper Patriot Missile Variant
Lockheed Martin has just unveiled the Adapted Capability Effector (ACE), a game-changing, smaller interceptor that can take down short-range ballistic threats at an incredible 5,600 miles per hour. This cheaper alternative to traditional Patriot missiles can seamlessly integrate with existing PAC-3 infrastructure, making it a cost-effective solution for defense systems.
Lockheed Unveils PAC-3 ACE, Lower-Cost Patriot Interceptor
Lockheed Martin has just unveiled the PAC-3 ACE, a game-changing, lower-cost interceptor that complements the Patriot missile system, offering battle-tested performance at a budget-friendly price. This innovative solution empowers warfighters to take on aircraft, cruise missiles, and shorter-range threats with enhanced efficiency.
US to Build Missile Monitor Ship for Golden Dome Defense System
Get ready for a major boost to national defense: a contract has been awarded to build a cutting-edge missile monitor ship, the Golden Defender, right here in Philadelphia. This game-changing vessel is being brought to life through a partnership between Hanwha Philly and TOTE Services.
Germany Bolsters Strike Capabilities with US Tomahawk Missiles
Germany is set to significantly boost its strike capabilities with the acquisition of US Tomahawk missiles, a strategic move that will help bridge a critical defense gap while the country works on developing its own European systems. This deal, valued at over $1 billion, marks a major milestone in strengthening Germany's defense, with plans to procure up to 400 of the advanced Tomahawk Block Vb missiles.
Ukraine Faces Acute Shortage of Patriot Interceptors
Ukraine's capital was left vulnerable to a devastating Russian attack due to a critical shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles, which failed to shoot down a barrage of ballistic and hypersonic missiles that killed at least 20 people. The alarming gap in Ukraine's air defenses has raised urgent concerns about the country's ability to protect its citizens.
Lockheed Secures $35 Billion THAAD Production Boost
Lockheed Martin is set to supercharge production of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors with a whopping $35 billion contract, quadrupling output over the next seven years. This game-changing deal is a major win for the company and a significant boost to America's defense capabilities.
US Air Defenses Face Munitions Stockpile Challenges
The US air defense systems have proven effective, but their success relies on a dwindling stockpile of crucial components like solid rocket motors, leaving the nation with fewer interceptors and limited options to defend against threats. A balanced approach, or "high-low mix," is urgently needed to address the pressing issue of munitions shortages.