FlightGlobal
• Ryan Finnerty
The Pentagon has awarded robotic manufacturing startup Machina Labs a contract to develop a containerized microfactory that can produce long-range strike munitions near the point of use. The system is intended to support production of the Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System, derived from Iran’s Shahed-136 one-way drone.
Defense Industry & Major Contractors
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The Pentagon has awarded robotic manufacturing startup Machina Labs a contract to develop a containerized microfactory that can produce long-range strike munitions near the point of use. The system is intended to support production of the Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System, derived from Iran’s Shahed-136 one-way drone.
Dronamics and HENSOLDT demonstrated the Black Swan uncrewed aircraft in Bulgaria as a platform for airborne early warning and ISTAR, integrating HENSOLDT’s MissionGrid and MDOcore systems. The companies said they will advance the collaboration toward operational deployment, but the demonstration did not establish the system’s AEW performance.
JPMorgan raised its rating on an aerospace and defense company to overweight from neutral following an earnings beat. The report signals a more positive view from the bank, but the article summary does not identify the company or provide financial results, valuation details or the rationale behind the upgrade.
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Revolv Space, an Italy- and Netherlands-based aerospace power systems developer, raised €5 million in a Series A led by Deep Ocean Capital to expand R&D and production. Separately, Avio reported nine-month revenue up 17%, with missile propulsion at 33% of backlog, and is advancing its U.S. expansion.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has introduced Super Ice, a long-range, precision-guided cruise missile designed for high-value strategic targets, including advanced air-defense systems. Its 453kg warhead is about four times heavier than Ice Breaker’s, and the weapon can be launched from aircraft, ships or land platforms.
RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems has introduced SUPER ICE, a long-range cruise missile intended to engage high-value strategic targets across challenging environments and extended operational ranges. The company’s announcement identifies a 1,000-pound warhead but provides no specific range or other performance figures.
Leonardo DRS has received a U.S. Navy contract to begin low-rate initial production of its AN/AAQ-45 Distributed Aperture Infrared Countermeasure system. The defensive suite is designed to protect AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters against surface-to-air threats.
Allen Control Systems has launched a new division focused on developing lasers to counter drones, entering a field drawing growing Pentagon interest. The weapons use concentrated energy beams to heat and destroy targets, according to the announcement summary.
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