Lockheed is exploring PAC-3 production in Germany. That's the most honest signal yet that U.S. lines can't keep up.
Top story
Lockheed exploring PAC-3 interceptor production in Germany with Diehl for European demand. Lockheed Martin is exploring production of PAC-3 interceptors in Germany, likely in partnership with Diehl Defence, to meet European and Ukrainian demand. A company executive confirmed the option at AUSA 2026. The move follows Germany’s $1.15 billion Tomahawk order and would establish a second Western production line for the missile. Why it matters: A German PAC-3 line would cut European dependence on U.S. deliveries and bypass the backlog that has delayed Poland’s order — a visible test of Washington’s appetite for allied production sharing on a premium interceptor. (Single source) Defense News →
The rundown
AUTONOMY — The U.S. Army has redesignated its Futures and Concepts Command as the new Futures and Autonomous Systems Command (FASCOM), according to General Christopher LaNeve. The new command will focus on developing operational concepts that integrate autonomous capabilities across all warfighting functions. The move is part of the Pentagon’s broader Autonomous Warfare Command restructuring. (Corroborated) Breaking Defense → · Defense One →
MUNITIONS — Lockheed Martin and Italy’s Avio have signed a strategic cooperation agreement for Avio USA to produce solid rocket motors for the Extended Range GMLRS and Precision Strike Missile. Production will take place at Avio USA’s facility under construction in Hurt, Virginia, after qualification. No contract value or timeline was disclosed. (Corroborated) Breaking Defense → · EDR Magazine → · Defence Industry Europe →
DRONES — Israel Aerospace Industries and Sig Sauer have completed a firing test of the FIRE STORM 250 airborne machine gun, a heavy-duty quadcopter carrying Sig’s M250 light machine gun. The test required the system to identify and engage targets autonomously from the air. The system is a demonstrator with no announced customers. (Corroborated) Defense News → · EDR Magazine →
DRONES — The U.S. Army expects to field its first directed-energy weapon for counter-drone operations by early 2028, following completion of testing. The system is part of the Army’s ongoing effort to deploy high-energy lasers for short-range air defense. No vendor or contract details were provided. (Corroborated) Defense News →
DRONES — The U.S. Army has received its first VAMPIRE counter-drone systems from L3Harris Technologies, with initial deliveries arriving within two months of contract award. VAMPIRE is a mobile counter-UAS system designed for short-range air defense. No order quantity or contract value was disclosed. (Single source) Defence Industry Europe →
INDUSTRY — RENK Group and KNDS Deutschland have signed a contract extension worth approximately €130 million for the delivery of HSWL 354 transmissions for Leopard 2 family vehicles. The order also includes TCS-354A transmission control systems and related services. (Single source) Hartpunkt →
MUNITIONS — Russia launched 39 ballistic missiles and more than 120 attack drones at Ukraine’s energy and critical infrastructure overnight, knocking out power to at least 600,000 people, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The strike followed President Trump’s announcement of a halt to Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy facilities. Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Col. Yurii Ihnat said partners warned of three of four missile waves but sent no alert before the first wave hit Kyiv. (Single source) Defence Blog → · Defence Blog →
By the numbers
8 events in this issue · 4/8 corroborated · €130m in stated deal values · 4/8 European · busiest beat: procurement
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