Reuters
• Matthias Inverardi
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.
Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons
Latest source-backed stories
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.
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.
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 U.S. Army has issued a request for information on the Next Generation C-sUAS Missile, seeking an interceptor compatible with Raytheon’s Coyote launcher. The effort sets a target unit price below $150,000 as the service explores additional capabilities for countering unmanned aircraft systems.
A North Korean unit is deploying to western Russia and could operate as many as 120 ballistic missiles for strikes against Ukraine, Reuters reported. The reported deployment would further integrate North Korean missile capabilities into Russia’s war effort and broaden the conflict’s international military dimension.
The Army is converting its canceled long-range supergun into a test platform for hypersonic development, potentially enabling more frequent and lower-cost ground testing while reducing reliance on expensive flight tests. The effort gives the program a new role after the weapon itself was abandoned.
RTX CEO Chris Calio said defense executives remain confident in Pentagon spending prospects despite uncertainty over the mechanics and topline of the fiscal 2027 budget. In a July earnings call, Calio cited bipartisan congressional support for increased munitions funding as lawmakers consider future allocations.
Create a free account to see more recent Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
