Reuters
The Pentagon has signed seven-year framework agreements with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems and Lockheed Martin to expand the components and production capacity supporting Patriot PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missiles, underscoring a sustained U.S. air-defense manufacturing push.
Military Aircraft Procurement
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The US Navy is exploring options for a new long-range air-launched torpedo, provisionally dubbed “Silent Anvil.” The anti-submarine munition would be captive-carried and released from internal or external aircraft weapons stations, giving the service flexibility in platform integration and employment.
High activity
The Pentagon has signed seven-year framework agreements with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems and Lockheed Martin to expand the components and production capacity supporting Patriot PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missiles, underscoring a sustained U.S. air-defense manufacturing push.
High activity
Hungary scrambled two Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighters on Aug. 29 after a 24-year-old man allegedly stole a Cessna 172 from Kalocsa-Foktő Airport and flew without authorization toward the Paks Nuclear Power Plant. The aircraft made a forced landing near Gerjen before the fighters reached it.
Turkish Aerospace has flown the first Hürjet advanced jet trainer built for the Turkish Air Force, marking the program’s move from prototypes toward operational production. Separately, Saab has conducted the maiden flight of the two-seat Gripen F, beginning Swedish testing ahead of delivery to Brazil.
Uzbekistan’s Defence Ministry has released official images and television footage showing at least six Chengdu J-10CE fighters in flight and on the ground, providing the first firm confirmation that the Central Asian country has received and inducted the Chinese-built combat aircraft after months of speculation.
The first production-standard Hürjet advanced jet trainer completed an 18-minute maiden flight on Aug. 30, marking the program’s shift from prototype development toward operational aircraft for the Turkish Air Force. Spain has agreed to buy 30 Hürjets, with deliveries targeted for 2028.
South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration is seeking industry proposals for a 14-month study defining the requirements, design and technologies for a future sixth-generation fighter. The envisioned tailless aircraft would feature broadband stealth, adaptive-cycle engines and internal weapons bays, with propulsion remaining a central challenge.
The Pentagon’s latest assessment increases the F-35 program’s estimated acquisition cost from $485.2 billion in 2023 to $536.2 billion. Development costs account for roughly $19 billion of the increase, while procurement costs add $32 billion; unit costs are projected to rise across all three variants.
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