Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons News

The War Zone

Ukraine report traces Russia’s Zircon hypersonic missile production chain and identifies U.S.-origin electronics

Ukraine’s intelligence service says it has mapped the production chain for Russia’s Zircon hypersonic missile and identified U.S.-origin electronics inside the weapon. The findings challenge Moscow’s claims about Zircon’s capabilities while highlighting the technology and supply-chain dependencies underpinning Russia’s strategic weapons production.

The War Zone

Japan’s ASM-3 Kai Supersonic Missile May Add an Air-to-Air Role

Japan describes the ASM-3 Kai as an “air-to-surface/anti-air” weapon, suggesting the supersonic cruise missile could be intended to counter large, high-value airborne targets in addition to its established anti-ship mission. The designation points to a potentially broader role for Japan’s air-launched strike arsenal.

Reuters

High activity

Pentagon signs seven-year agreements to triple PAC-3 MSE and quadruple THAAD interceptor production

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.

SpaceNews.com

Gravitics to build three orbital carriers for Lockheed Martin’s Golden Dome missile-defense demonstrations

Gravitics was selected by Lockheed Martin to build three spacecraft, described as “orbital carriers,” for demonstrations of space-based missile-defense technologies under the Pentagon’s Golden Dome program, according to regulatory filings. The selection adds a spacecraft builder to a major U.S. effort focused on missile defense in orbit.

Associated Press

UAE says it intercepted Iranian drone as Iran claims strikes on US bases in UAE and Jordan

The UAE said its Air Force responded to or intercepted a drone approaching from Iran over its territorial waters, following an exchange of fire between the US and Iran. Iran’s Army and IRGC separately claimed drone and missile strikes on US bases in the UAE and Jordan.

AeroTime

Greece advances €3.1 billion nationwide air defense network with Israeli systems

Greece is moving ahead with a €3.1 billion program to establish an integrated nationwide air defense network using Israeli systems. The architecture is intended to protect against aircraft, drones and missiles, representing a major expansion of Greece’s layered air defense capabilities.

Wall Street Journal

L3Harris CEO’s Abrupt Departure Sends Shares Lower as Missile Rearmament Opportunity Emerges

The abrupt departure of L3Harris Chief Executive Officer William M. Brown has pushed the defense company’s shares into the discount bin, according to The Wall Street Journal. The leadership shake-up arrives as investors assess the company’s exposure to a broader missile-rearmament opportunity.

AeroTime

MBDA says Akeron missiles seized from French van in Italy were inert test units

MBDA says three Akeron anti-tank missiles seized from a French-registered van at the port of Bari in June 2026 were inert test units rather than live rounds. The claim addresses the status of the weapons involved in the Italian seizure, though no further details were provided.