Platforms & Systems Archives - Page 2 of 6

Northrop Grumman and USSF Run First Coherent Multi-Antenna DARC Demo to Track Multiple GEO Satellites

Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Space Force achieved a first for the Deep-Space Advanced Radar Capability at Site 1 in Western Australia, synchronizing multiple ground antennas to act as one radar and track several satellites in geosynchronous orbit. Program officials described a

August 27, 2025

Aircraft

Phoenix II EC-130J technical profile VLF communications and transition from E-6B Mercury

The Navy has given its next-generation nuclear command-and-control aircraft a name: Phoenix II. The service announced the designation on Aug. 7, 2025 and tied the choice to the C-130 family's long service in related roles. The airframe will form the backbone of

August 21, 2025

Aircraft

US Air Force Relocates 31 F-16s to Osan Air Base for Two-Year Super Squadron Test

The Air Force is transferring F-16s and personnel from Kunsan Air Base to Osan Air Base to form a second "super squadron" in South Korea. The service describes the transfer as temporary and tied to a defined year-two trial.

August 11, 2025

Naval Systems

Australia Awards A$10 Billion Mogami-Class Frigate Contract to Japan’s MHI

Canberra has selected an upgraded Mogami-class frigate for the Navy's general-purpose program after a full competition. Ministers described it as a practical choice-one that closes the gap between need and delivery without starting from scratch. Defense officials reported that cabinet signed off

August 8, 2025

Naval Systems

Solicitation Calls for Scalable USVs Ready for Mass Production in 18 Months

The U.S. Navy issued a formal solicitation on July 28, 2025, for a new class of unmanned surface vessels-Modular Attack Surface Craft (MASC)-designed to move from contract award to prototype delivery within 18 months and then scale production across multiple shipyards. White

August 5, 2025

Aircraft

US Air Force to Expand KC‑46 Fleet with Up to 75 Additional Jets

The U.S. Air Force has authorized an extension to KC-46A production for up to 75 additional aircraft. Senior leaders announced this decision in the past two weeks to sustain the tanker recapitalization line once the current contract expires. Under the original 2011

August 4, 2025

Aircraft Propulsion

First In‑Flight Trial of VK‑800 Engine on Yak‑40 Testbed Advances Baikal Program

Novosibirsk, Russia - A Yakovlev Yak-40 flying laboratory lifted off from SibNIA's Yeltsovka airfield on July 14, logging the first airborne run of UZGA's new VK-800 turboprop. The 15-minute sortie reached roughly 700 meters and about 340 kilometers per hour. Test crews

July 15, 2025

Naval Systems

Swedish FMV Awards Saab £70m Order for 22 Next-Gen CB90 Combat Boats

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has awarded Saab a contract for 22 additional CB90 fast assault boats, placing a fresh £70 million order that lifts Sweden's amphibious capacity at a moment when Baltic security demands rapid response craft.

July 7, 2025

Space Systems

U.S. Space Force Selects Boeing for $2.8B Secure Strategic Communications Program

The U.S. Space Force has selected Boeing to build the first two satellites of the Evolved Strategic SATCOM program, issuing a $2.8 billion fixed-price-incentive contract that includes options for two more spacecraft. The decision, announced late July 3, positions the company to

July 4, 2025

Naval Systems

Royal Australian Navy Welcomes HMAS Arafura as New Arafura-Class OPV

The Royal Australian Navy has added a new hull to its order of battle. On 28 June the service commissioned HMAS Arafura, first of the Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels, during a ceremony at Fleet Base West near Fremantle. Defense officials confirm the

July 2, 2025

Platforms & Systems - Page 2