BAE Systems News

SpaceNews.com

Space Force taps BAE Systems for satellite data-layer terminals amid $21B network modernization

Space Systems Command awarded BAE Systems a contract to design and demonstrate radio-frequency terminals for a space-based data layer. The award sits within a broader Space Force acquisition portfolio estimated at $21 billion for ground systems, communications networks and software supporting satellite operations and space-threat tracking.

Financial Times

Airbus and BAE to discuss Airbus role in GCAP as Germany weighs joining fighter program

Airbus and BAE Systems executives are expected to discuss a potential role for Airbus in the Global Combat Air Programme, the next-generation fighter effort led by the UK, Italy and Japan. The talks could shape Germany’s options after the collapse of its rival FCAS partnership with France and Spain.

FlightGlobal

Commercial satellite capacity gains defense roles, from U.S. reserve contracts to Ukraine’s sovereign network plans

The U.S. Space Force has awarded initial operational contracts for its Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve, while Kyiv is considering ICEYE- and Nokia-backed sovereign communications satellites after uncertainty over Ukraine’s Starshield access. Separate efforts target satellite links for UK drones and commercial satellite intelligence for wildfire response, underscoring expanding defense and public-service uses.

FlightGlobal

High activity

Counter-drone efforts turn cargo and combat drones into interceptors

Northrop Grumman says its YFQ-48A Talon Blue is helping develop technologies to control other Collaborative Combat Aircraft, while separate efforts are adapting cargo platforms for counter-drone missions. A Malloy Aeronautics heavy-lift drone used laser-guided rockets against one-way attack drones in a Pentagon experiment; Spain also displayed an armored carrier equipped to launch interceptor drones.

Defense Daily

BAE, Pentagon set seven-year framework to raise APKWS output to 25,000 kits annually, with path to 35,000

The agreement allows the U.S. Department of Defense to buy as many as 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System laser-guidance kits a year over a term of up to seven years. BAE says the framework also provides a route to 35,000 kits annually to meet international demand.

Breaking Defense

BAE Systems promotes APKWS laser-guided rockets for precision strikes and counter-drone defense

BAE Systems says its Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guidance kit can provide cost-effective precision-strike and counter-drone capabilities across aircraft, unmanned systems and ground platforms. The pitch positions a guided-rocket solution for multiple launch platforms as militaries seek ways to address aerial threats.

Reuters

BAE Systems weighs bid for Robin Radar Systems in potential $2.3 billion deal

BAE Systems is in the early stages of exploring a possible offer for Robin Radar Systems, according to three people familiar with the matter cited by Reuters. The potential transaction could value the radar specialist at approximately $2.3 billion, though no bid has been confirmed.

FlightGlobal

BAE Systems’ next-generation F-16 IFF system receives U.S. certification

BAE Systems’ AN/APX-127(V)1 Combined Interrogator Transponder has received AIMS certification from the U.S. Department of War, clearing the identification-friend-or-foe system for U.S. Air Force F-16s. BAE expects deliveries from an initial 90-unit production lot to begin this year, with the system designed for future combat aircraft.