BAE Systems wins $16 million to integrate M-code GPS into U.S. Navy carrier landing system
BAE Systems will upgrade the GPS inside the U.S. Navy's Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS) to the military's encrypted, jam-resistant M-code signal under a $16 million (€14.8 million) contract from Collins Aerospace. The upgrade aims to protect carrier landing operations in contested environments.
Why it matters: The U.S. is hardening carrier ops against jamming — a recognition that close-in electronic attack on the boat is now a peer threat, not a niche scenario.
Pentagon and BAE Systems sign framework for up to 25,000 APKWS laser-guidance kits annually over seven years
The U.S. Department of War and BAE Systems have agreed a framework contract allowing the purchase of up to 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance kits per year for as long as seven years, with capacity to scale to 35,000 kits. APKWS converts unguided 70 mm Hydra rockets into precision-guided munitions using a laser seeker mid-body section. The system has been fielded by the U.S. military and exported to more than 30 countries.
Why it matters: The seven-year horizon and upper capacity of 35,000 kits per year signal sustained demand for cheap precision fires — a doctrine shift visible across NATO after Ukraine demonstrated the cost-effectiveness of converting legacy munitions into guided weapons at scale.
United StatesBAE Systems Defense News →Defence Industry Europe →
BAE Systems awarded U.S. Space Force contract to develop compact jam-resistant satellite terminals
BAE Systems won a U.S. Space Force contract to design and demonstrate ultra-compact radio-frequency terminals for a space-based data layer that can operate amid jamming and radiation. No contract value was disclosed.
BAE SystemsUnited StatesU.S. Space Force EDR Magazine →Defence Industry Europe →
U.S. Navy accepts first C-130J-30 for conversion into E-130J Phoenix II nuclear command aircraft
Lockheed Martin delivered the first C-130J-30 Super Hercules to the U.S. Navy for conversion into the E-130J Phoenix II, which will assume the Take Charge And Move Out airborne nuclear communications mission from the aging E-6B Mercury fleet. The turboprop platform replaces the jet-powered E-6, a Boeing 707 derivative. The Navy plans a fleet of E-130Js to maintain constant radio contact with ballistic missile submarines.
United StatesU.S. NavyLockheed Martin The War Zone →Defence Industry Europe →The Aviationist →
U.S. Navy flies and lands drone on pitching ship without GPS or pilot using onboard vision
The U.S. Navy's Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division flew a drone through mission tasks and landed it autonomously on a moving ship at sea with GPS jammed, using only the aircraft's cameras, motion sensors and software. No value, platform type or timeline details were provided beyond the October 15 announcement.