Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons News

SpaceNews.com

Golden Dome’s Promise Hinges on Modernizing the U.S. Defense Industrial Base

Golden Dome could strengthen U.S. defenses against global missile threats, but delivering the system will depend on whether the defense industrial base can modernize, expand capacity and overcome existing production constraints. The initiative therefore presents an industrial-base challenge alongside its strategic and technological ambitions.

FlightGlobal

Vertical Aerospace Secures $100 Million to Advance Valo eVTOL Toward Certification

Vertical Aerospace has secured approximately $100 million in financing commitments from existing and new investors to advance its four-passenger, piloted Valo electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft through certification and toward commercial production. The Bristol-based company is also approaching a critical design review as it funds the next phase of development.

DefenseNews.com

DARPA develops hypersonic cruise missile to address Pentagon concerns over air-defense vulnerability

DARPA is developing a hypersonic cruise missile designed to evade enemy air defenses, responding to Pentagon concerns that existing U.S. missiles may be vulnerable. The effort signals a focus on increasing the survivability and effectiveness of U.S. strike capabilities against increasingly capable defensive systems.

Breaking Defense

High activity

U.S. Air Force seeks AI tool to streamline Minuteman III ICBM sustainment

The U.S. Air Force is pursuing an AI tool to reduce the labor required to manage Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile sustainment. The system would help personnel sift through data from roughly 60 sources, targeting a more efficient approach to maintaining the strategic weapons system.

The Air Current

DARPA seeks next-generation hypersonic cruise missiles for fighters and bombers

DARPA has opened a search for next-generation hypersonic cruise missiles launched from fighter aircraft and bombers, signaling a focus on new weapon concepts and broader participation from emerging defense suppliers. The effort targets advances in missile technology and could reshape competition in the strategic weapons sector.

Reuters

Rheinmetall targets late-2027 German ATACMS production as U.S. replenishment strains Lockheed capacity

Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin’s planned German ATACMS production line is now expected to begin manufacturing Lot 8 missiles toward the end of 2027. The gradual ramp-up reflects the challenge of rebuilding U.S. stocks depleted by the war with Iran while preserving Lockheed capacity for the newer PrSM program.

AeroTime

Zelenskyy says Ukraine’s ballistic missile tests show ‘strong potential,’ but weapon is not yet fielded

Ukraine’s domestic ballistic missile program has produced test results showing “strong potential,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his Aug. 6 evening address. His comments also underscore that the system remains in development and has not yet become an operationally deployed weapon.

FlightGlobal

Australia to become first non-U.S. operator of Lockheed Martin’s AIM-260 air-to-air missile

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.