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AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

France confirms MBDA Stratus Rapid Strike for Rafale SEAD, adding laser-guided rocket and C-UAS software/armament upgrades

France will use MBDA’s Stratus Rapid Strike (RS) missile to equip Dassault Rafale for suppression of enemy air defences. Parallel measures include Rafale software updates for cannon-based C-UAS, deployment of laser-guided rocket pods (including Thales rounds) for counter-drone/anti-Shahed roles, and DGA-stated timeline targets by summer 2026.

2026-04-16T06:57:20.561985-07:00

Breaking Defense

Raytheon contract: $3.7B Patriot GEM‑T interceptors for Ukraine, with Germany production at COMLOG

2026-04-15T07:54:30.492416-07:00

The War Zone

L3Harris shows modular Red Wolf launched-effects integration on SKY RAIDER II International for evolving mission needs

2026-04-16T09:12:33.477970-07:00

Lockheed Martin

Sikorsky launches Armed Black Hawk retrofit kits to add precision-strike, ISR, medevac and tactical-lift roles

2026-04-15T05:08:04.934280-07:00

News Timeline

SpaceNews.com

“Left of launch” approaches to counter missile threats: shifting defense toward disruption, detection and pre-launch defeat The cluster focuses on countering missile threats “left of launch,” emphasizing measures before a missile is fired—aimed at improving detection, disrupting launch preparations, and reducing the window for effective interception. The theme links early-warning and operational disruption to downstream missile defense effectiveness.

2026-04-16T16:33:19.696437-07:00

“Left of launch” approaches to counter missile threats: shifting defense toward disruption, detection and pre-launch defeat

The War Zone

L3Harris shows modular Red Wolf launched-effects integration on SKY RAIDER II International for evolving mission needs L3Harris demonstrated integration of its Red Wolf launched-effects vehicle onto the SKY RAIDER II INTERNATIONAL aircraft, emphasizing a flexible, modular architecture intended to let operators adapt capabilities in real time as mission requirements evolve. The company is also positioning Red Wolf for broader U.S. Army rotorcraft applications beyond Marine Corps work.

2026-04-16T09:12:33.477970-07:00

L3Harris shows modular Red Wolf launched-effects integration on SKY RAIDER II International for evolving mission needs

AeroTime

France confirms MBDA Stratus Rapid Strike for Rafale SEAD, adding laser-guided rocket and C-UAS software/armament upgrades France will use MBDA’s Stratus Rapid Strike (RS) missile to equip Dassault Rafale for suppression of enemy air defences. Parallel measures include Rafale software updates for cannon-based C-UAS, deployment of laser-guided rocket pods (including Thales rounds) for counter-drone/anti-Shahed roles, and DGA-stated timeline targets by summer 2026.

2026-04-16T06:57:20.561985-07:00

France confirms MBDA Stratus Rapid Strike for Rafale SEAD, adding laser-guided rocket and C-UAS software/armament upgrades

Breaking Defense

Space Force warns Golden Dome space-based boost-phase interceptors aren’t assured without affordability and scale U.S. Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein said boost-phase intercept from space will not be pursued if it cannot be made affordable and scalable, citing “other options” to achieve the kill chain. The comment underscores how DoD cost pressures are shaping the Golden Dome missile-defense design choices.

2026-04-15T17:43:14.102374-07:00

Space Force warns Golden Dome space-based boost-phase interceptors aren’t assured without affordability and scale

Breaking Defense

Congress presses Golden Dome missile-defense program manager for scope and cost details House lawmakers are seeking additional information—especially cost estimates and program details—from the Golden Dome missile-defense effort’s program manager. The push comes as the White House has proposed $1.5 trillion in cumulative defense spending for FY2027, the largest figure in history, increasing scrutiny of major space-based defense initiatives.

2026-04-15T17:43:14.102374-07:00

Congress presses Golden Dome missile-defense program manager for scope and cost details

Breaking Defense

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Raytheon contract: $3.7B Patriot GEM‑T interceptors for Ukraine, with Germany production at COMLOG Raytheon has finalized a $3.7 billion contract to deliver Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missile‑Tactical (GEM‑T) interceptors to Ukraine, alongside Patriot command-and-control stations, launchers and radars sold directly to the Netherlands under a separate reported deal. A new GEM‑T production facility in Schrobenhausen, operated by COMLOG (Raytheon/MBDA Deutschland), is planned to support supply-chain resilience and replenish Ukraine’s interceptor inventory.

2026-04-15T07:54:30.492416-07:00

Raytheon contract: $3.7B Patriot GEM‑T interceptors for Ukraine, with Germany production at COMLOG

Lockheed Martin

Sikorsky launches Armed Black Hawk retrofit kits to add precision-strike, ISR, medevac and tactical-lift roles Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin) unveiled modular “Armed Black Hawk” upgrade kits for the UH-60M, designed to broaden mission sets on a common airframe. The configuration supports multiple armament options, including precision missiles and a low-cost guided rocket system used for countering one-way attack drones, plus roles spanning close support, ISR, tactical lift and medevac.

2026-04-15T05:08:04.934280-07:00

Sikorsky launches Armed Black Hawk retrofit kits to add precision-strike, ISR, medevac and tactical-lift roles

SpaceNews.com

L3Harris to front-load investment in bid for Pentagon’s “Golden Dome” air and missile defense work L3Harris is making upfront investments as it pursues a role in the Pentagon’s “Golden Dome” space-based missile-defense effort. The company’s decision signals a willingness to fund early program costs to accelerate bid positioning within the broader Golden Dome supplier ecosystem.

2026-04-14T09:15:00.909781-07:00

L3Harris to front-load investment in bid for Pentagon’s “Golden Dome” air and missile defense work

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Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons News

France confirms MBDA Stratus Rapid Strike for Rafale SEAD, adding laser-guided rocket and C-UAS software/armament upgrades

Raytheon contract: $3.7B Patriot GEM‑T interceptors for Ukraine, with Germany production at COMLOG

L3Harris shows modular Red Wolf launched-effects integration on SKY RAIDER II International for evolving mission needs

Sikorsky launches Armed Black Hawk retrofit kits to add precision-strike, ISR, medevac and tactical-lift roles

News Timeline