Lockheed is shopping PAC-3 production in Germany. The U.S. industrial base has admitted it can't keep up.
Top story
U.S. Army awards $93.6 million across nine companies for Next Generation Command and Control software. The U.S. Army awarded contracts totaling $93.6 million to nine companies to build applications for its Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) software framework. The awards support development of modular applications that will integrate with the Army’s evolving digital battle network. Companies and specific application roles were not disclosed in public announcements. (Corroborated) Defense News → · C4ISRNET →
The rundown
MUNITIONS — The German Air Force conducted the first live firing of its IRIS-T SLM air-defense system at the NATO Missile Firing Installation in Crete, completing operational certification required before the system can be deployed. Air Defence Missile Group 61 conducted the test. Diehl Defence, the manufacturer, confirmed the successful engagement. The system is now cleared for operational use. (Single source) Defence Blog →
NAVAL — HMS Dauntless, a Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer, has been observed with new containerized launchers installed on her upper deck. The equipment, photographed in August, appears consistent with counter-drone interceptor systems. The Royal Navy declined to comment on the nature of the fit. The installation precedes the destroyer’s escort role for HMS Prince of Wales. (Corroborated) Naval News → · Navy Lookout →
PROCUREMENT — The U.S. Marine Corps has awarded Las Vegas-based S.A.F.E. Structure Designs a contract worth more than $10 million to supply Multi-Utility LoadEr (MULE) expeditionary logistics platforms. The small tracked loader can lift a fully loaded 4,500 kg air cargo pallet and fit inside an MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor. Delivery schedule and quantities were not disclosed. (Corroborated) Defence Blog → · Naval Technology →
NAVAL — An F-35C Lightning II conducted the first arrested landing on the pre-commissioning USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), marking the first time the carrier variant has operated from a Ford-class aircraft carrier. The milestone follows years of technical challenges integrating the F-35C with Ford-class systems. The Navy released photos of the landing and subsequent takeoff trials in the Atlantic. (Corroborated) The War Zone → · The Aviationist → · Defence Industry Europe →
DRONES — European defense leaders are reassessing the balance between unmanned systems and traditional heavy armor to secure NATO’s eastern flank, Defense News reports. Discussions at the Warsaw Security Forum reflected divergent views on whether future force structures should prioritize mass production of cheaper drones or maintain investments in expensive armored platforms. The debate is shaped by lessons from Ukraine but complicated by NATO’s collective defense posture. (Corroborated) Defense News →
PROCUREMENT — Senior U.S. Army commanders have called for more frequent and larger-footprint joint exercises with South Korea, citing lessons from Ukraine and the need to maintain readiness in an unpredictable geopolitical environment. The recommendation follows the Trump administration’s earlier decision to scale back a major joint exercise. No specific exercise schedule or budget has been announced. (Single source) Defense News →
PROCUREMENT — European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius emphasized the importance of collective European defense support for Ukraine during remarks at the Warsaw Security Forum, Breaking Defense reports. Kubilius highlighted the need for coordinated European procurement and industrial policy to sustain Ukraine and defend the continent. Specific policy initiatives were not detailed. (Single source) Breaking Defense →
By the numbers
8 events in this issue · 5/8 corroborated · €96m in stated deal values · 4/8 European · busiest beat: procurement
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