Breaking Defense
• Michael Marrow
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.
Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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