France fires its newest nuke in front of Macron. Lithuania offers to pay for permanent American boots on the ground.
Top story
U.S. Army awards Anduril contract worth up to $1.8 billion over five years to expand NGC2. The U.S. Army awarded Anduril a five-year contract potentially worth $1.8 billion to expand Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2), an ecosystem of interconnected hardware and software underpinned by Anduril’s Lattice platform. Delivery begins with I Corps. The contract marks the latest expansion of the NGC2 architecture, which integrates autonomous systems, sensors, and effectors. Why it matters: The Army just bet nearly $2 billion that a California startup’s software layer can wire together the kill chain faster than legacy primes—and I Corps gets to find out if it works before anyone else. (Corroborated) DefenseScoop → · Defence Industry Europe →
The rundown
PROCUREMENT — The first F-16 Block 72 fighter, ordered by Morocco, completed its maiden flight seven years after Morocco became the variant’s launch customer. The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney engines. Lockheed Martin said the jet will now continue through flight testing ahead of first delivery. (Corroborated) The War Zone → · Defence Industry Europe →
DRONES — Quantum Frontline Industries, a German-Ukrainian joint venture between Quantum Systems and Frontline Robotics, received a follow-on order from Ukraine’s National Guard for Linza and Zoom reconnaissance drones. The contract follows the JV’s first production program in 2026. Delivery details were not disclosed. (Single source) Hartpunkt →
AUTONOMY — French defense firm Thales and Australian partner 3ME Technology unveiled BladeHAUL, a multi-role unmanned ground vehicle derived from the Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle. The robotic platform is designed for logistics, reconnaissance, and support missions. The system reflects evolving views on military robotics informed by Ukraine combat lessons. (Single source) Opex360 →
By the numbers
4 events in this issue · 2/4 corroborated · €1.7bn in stated deal values · 2/4 European · busiest beat: procurement
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