Reuters
• Matthias Inverardi
Rheinmetall says its planned ATACMS production line in Germany, developed with Lockheed Martin, will take longer than initially expected to ramp up. Lot 8 missile manufacturing could begin toward the end of 2027, potentially freeing Lockheed capacity for the newer PrSM program as the U.S. replenishes depleted inventories.
Military Aircraft Procurement
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Rheinmetall says its planned ATACMS production line in Germany, developed with Lockheed Martin, will take longer than initially expected to ramp up. Lot 8 missile manufacturing could begin toward the end of 2027, potentially freeing Lockheed capacity for the newer PrSM program as the U.S. replenishes depleted inventories.
The U.S. Air Force is searching for ways to address supply-chain bottlenecks in the engines supporting Boeing’s F-15EX and Lockheed Martin’s F-16 fighter programs. The effort underscores manufacturing constraints affecting two key tactical-aircraft platforms and the service’s ability to sustain production.
Recent demonstrations span automated MQ-4C Triton–P-8A Poseidon mission control, AI-enabled fighter intercepts, autonomous submarine-hunting sonar and the Pentagon’s push to scale drone production. The activity comes as the Navy again reorganizes its unmanned-systems office, underscoring continued pressure to field interoperable autonomous capabilities faster.
A new Pentagon report attributes delays to Boeing’s two VC-25B presidential aircraft to interior design problems and certification issues. The findings add to schedule pressure surrounding the Air Force One replacement program, with implications for Boeing’s execution, government oversight and delivery planning.
Australia has confirmed procurement of Lockheed Martin’s AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, making the Royal Australian Air Force the first operator outside the United States. The long-range weapon will initially be integrated with Australia’s F/A-18F Super Hornet fleet.
The U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing a $75 million undefinitized contract action for the BSU-111/B JDAM Long Range, a precision-guided munition designed to carry a 500-pound-class payload beyond 300 nautical miles. Boeing says the first production kits will go to the U.S. Navy.
The P-8A Poseidon and MQ-4C Triton were designed to operate together, but enabling Poseidon crews to directly control Tritons in flight would add new tactical options and extend the manned maritime patrol aircraft’s operational reach.
Bell has been awarded a contract to provide Structural and Power Improvements for NextGen Effects (SPINE) upgrades to 49 H-1 aircraft at its Amarillo Assembly Center. The work will modernize the fleet’s structural and power systems for future operational requirements.
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