Release From RTX

ARLINGTON, Va. (September 24, 2025) — Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, and Avio USA have executed a purchase order for funding of up to $26 million for continued engineering work on the Mk 104 dual-thrust rocket motor to support Raytheon’s Standard Missile franchise. 

The purchase order comes 13 months after the businesses signed a contract for preliminary engineering work on the Mk 104 rocket motor. This project secures funding through the Critical Design Review phase, procurement of long lead material for qualification, and will enable increased and accelerated capacity for solid rocket motor production.   

“This purchase order represents an important step in expanding our supply chain to ensure the resilience and availability of the Mk 104 rocket motor,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. “By strategically implementing second sourcing for critical materials, we are not only enhancing our ability to meet customer demand but also strengthening our production capacity for the Standard Missile franchise.” 

Prior to this purchase order, the companies successfully completed both a System Requirements Review and Preliminary Design Review, establishing a solid foundation for the next phases of development and production. 

“We are proud to continue our work on Mk 104, which is so critical to the United States and our allies,” said VADM (Ret.) James Syring, CEO, Avio USA. “We look forward to advancing the motor through full qualification and into production in the future.”   

“Avio is happy to support Avio USA on the Mk 104 activities, providing its longstanding expertise on SRM engineering, material characterization, laboratory and fire testing, sourcing and motor integration with the aim to ultimately support Raytheon’s accelerated ability to deliver to their end customers,” said Giulio Ranzo, CEO of Avio SpA. 

From Blue Water Autonomy, Sept. 24, 2025 

Post-Series A milestone marks shift from R&D to real-world scale and signals new life for American shipyards 

BOSTON, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Blue Water Autonomy, the Boston-based technology and shipbuilding company designing and building highly producible unmanned ships for the U.S. Navy, today announced it has entered into a production agreement with Conrad Shipyard, a premier Gulf Coast shipbuilder headquartered in Louisiana. The partnership marks a major step forward in Blue Water’s plan to deploy autonomous surface vessels at fleet scale. 

The news comes just weeks after Blue Water announced its Series A, bringing the company to $61 million raised to date, and reflects the company’s continued momentum in building operationally ready, scalable unmanned ships that meet near-term defense priorities. 

“We’re designing for deployment, not just demonstration,” said Rylan Hamilton, co-founder and CEO of Blue Water Autonomy. “Conrad is a world-class shipbuilder with proven capability, and this partnership puts us in a position to deliver ships quickly, while demonstrating the expertise and scale of existing U.S. shipbuilding capacity.” 

Under the agreement, Conrad will assemble Blue Water’s first class of autonomous ships. Conrad plans to use multiple facilities to take advantage of its advanced shipbuilding approach, including highly automated panel line and welding techniques, allowing for parallel builds and scalable throughput. 

“Blue Water Autonomy’s design reflects the kind of forward-looking innovation that U.S. shipbuilders are ready to deliver,” said Cecil Hernandez, President and CEO of Conrad Shipyard. “We’re proud to support this program and help bring autonomous naval capabilities to life with the speed, precision, and craftsmanship we’ve been trusted to deliver for over 75 years across commercial and military shipbuilding.” 

Blue Water’s partnership with Conrad comes on the heels of consecutive senior shipbuilding hires to build internal capability. Earlier this year, the company hired Tim Glinatsis, a 25-year veteran of General Dynamics NASSCO and Bath Iron Works, followed by multiple hires from the DARPA NOMARS autonomous ship program, including marine engineering lead Ryan Maatta. 

U.S. Industrial Base: Ready to Build 

This milestone also reflects the company’s broader strategy to activate underutilized U.S. shipyard capacity, particularly small and mid-tier yards that can adapt quickly to new platforms. 

“We’ve designed our vessels to be modular, producible, and buildable across the country,” said Hamilton. “What we’re proving with Conrad is just the start. We want to show that the U.S. has the infrastructure to support autonomy at scale, and the talent to build it.” 

Blue Water is focused on working with U.S. shipyards that are fully operational today, shipyards like Conrad, that are proven in both commercial and military shipbuilding and can deliver with speed, scale, and precision. Unlike manned warships, which often require years-long timelines and specialized build environments, Blue Water’s platform is intended to be produced, updated, and maintained with speed and flexibility in mind. 

by Grady T. Fontana, Sept. 24, 2025 

AT SEA – Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) commercial charter oiler motor tanker (MT) Allied Pacific conducted a consolidated cargo replenishment (CONSOL) at sea with Republic of Korea’s (ROK) Cheonji-class fast combat support ship ROKS Daecheong (AOE-58), Sept. 18, in support of Freedom Edge 25. 
 
Freedom Edge highlights trilateral defense cooperation between the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, demonstrating their ability to achieve peace through strength on the Korean Peninsula and across the Indo-Pacific. 

“Every CONSOL with allies and partners demonstrate not just technical proficiency, but the trust and interoperability at the heart of our alliance,” said U.S. Navy Capt. David L. Reyes, commodore, MSC Far East. “It’s important that we continue to build on these efforts—each evolution strengthens our ability to operate together and ensures the fleet remains lethal, resilient and ready in the Indo-Pacific.” 
 
A CONSOL allows a specially outfitted MSC-controlled tanker to conduct underway refueling and cargo transfer operations with combat logistics force (CLF) ships at sea. This capability reduces the need for CLF ships to return to shore for resupply, cutting costs and maximizing time on station to support the fleet. 
 
According to contracted mariner Capt. Edward Markuske, master of MT Allied Pacific, his crew appreciated the opportunity to work with ROK allies. 

“They were very professional and committed to completing the mission while alongside our vessel,” said Markuske. “I hope we get more opportunities to work together with our allies in the Far East, because these joint exercises are integral to our ability to work together going forward. Our ship’s crew appreciates the sense of purpose that comes from being on mission and a job well done.” 

This evolution builds on a previous CONSOL between Allied Pacific and Daecheong in June 2025, expanding the ROK Navy’s capacity to sustain fleet operations at sea with fuel, cargo, and stores. 
 
“Collaborating with our international partners to conduct CONSOL exercises enhances the training of our commercial chartered vessels,” said Peter P. Bok, marine transportation specialist, MSC Far East. “The professional development provided to civilian mariners ensures they are prepared to address any potential challenge and maintain peak operational readiness, thereby supporting our Navy’s effectiveness during times of conflict, and help ensure their lethality.” 
 
MSC Far East supports the U.S. 7th Fleet and ensures approximately 50 ships in the Indo-Pacific Region are manned, trained, and equipped to deliver essential supplies, fuel, cargo, and equipment to warfighters, both at sea and on shore. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. 

From April Crew-Kelly, Navy Strategic Systems Progams Public Affairs, Sept. 23, 2025 

ATLANTIC OCEAN – The U.S. Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs conducted four scheduled missile test flights of unarmed Trident II D5LE missiles from an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine off the east coast of Florida from September 17-21. One launch test event Sunday evening lit up the night sky and was visible from Puerto Rico.

Flight tests are conducted on a recurring, scheduled basis to evaluate and ensure the continued reliability and accuracy of the system. The missile tests were not conducted in response to any ongoing world events. 
 
These test flights were part of a planned test event and resulted in the achievement of 197 total successful missile flight test launches of the Trident II D5 strategic weapon system. The test flights were launched from a submerged SSBN and landed in a broad ocean area of the Atlantic Ocean. As part of standard safety requirements, Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) were issued identifying no-fly zones and Notice to Mariners (NOTMARs) were issued to sea-going vessels identifying stay-out areas for the pre-scheduled test period. 
 
The Trident II D5 strategic weapon system is a highly accurate and reliable weapon system. The D5 missiles were originally developed in the 1980s, and a life-extension refresh was completed in 2017 to extend the service life of the system to the 2040s. 
 
“Our Nation’s submarine launched ballistic missile system has been a critical component of our national security since the 1960s, and these launches continue to demonstrate the credibility and reliability of our strategic deterrence capabilities,” said Vice Adm. Johnny R. Wolfe, Director of the Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs, the command responsible for the Navy’s strategic weapons. 
 
A credible, effective strategic deterrent is essential to our national security and the security of U.S. allies. U.S. strategic weapons capabilities deter aggression and assure our allies by providing unique deterrence effects no other element of U.S. military power can replace. 
 
“For the dedicated SSP team, maintaining our current capability and actively demonstrating through flight testing that the system is ready to respond if called upon is central to ensuring our nation’s Peace through Strength. The team is also pushing ahead developing the next generation strategic weapon system to ensure the sea-based deterrence capability of tomorrow,” Wolfe said. 
 
Strategic Systems Programs is the Navy command providing cradle-to-grave lifecycle support for the sea-based leg of the nation’s nuclear Triad. This includes training, systems, equipment, facilities and personnel responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation’s Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) Trident II D5LE strategic weapon system deployed on Ohio-class SSBNs.

KOROR, Palau — The Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) arrived in Koror, Palau Sept. 22, 2025. 

“It’s wonderful for our mission to return to Palau, where we look forward to working alongside our multinational allies, partners, and friends as we prepare in calm for possible future time of crisis,” said Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, mission commander for Pacific Partnership. “It’s exciting to be here, as our nations share a rich history of collaboration and cultural ties. We look forward to strengthening that mutual cooperation and friendship in the days and years ahead.” 
 
Pacific Partnership mission includes stops in the Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Palau, Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu and the Philippines. 
“I’m excited to collaborate with the pharmacy staff in Palau, who are asking excellent clinical questions and showing strong engagement,” said Lt. Kamara Gray, pharmacist with the Pacific Partnership medical team. “One area I am particularly looking forward to is antimicrobial stewardship, training on how to use antibiotics appropriately, including knowing the right time to transition from oral to intravenous treatments. I’m also eager to learn about the antibiotics that are no longer effective here due to resistance.” 
 
Pacific Partnership fosters multilateral cooperation and emphasizes a multinational and whole-of-government approach by planning and executing operations with partner nation militaries, host nation civilian agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, the U.S. State Department, U.S. interagency, and other U.S military service branches. This subsequently provides a strong foundation of trust and enhances our collective ability to respond in times of crisis. 
 
In the aftermath of the December 2004 tsunami that devastated parts of South and Southeast Asia, the United States mobilized numerous military assests and personnel to support the relief effort. Recognizing the opportunity to build on the goodwill and lessons learned from Pacific Partnership began as a military-led humanitarian response to one of the world’s most catastrophic natural disasters. Building on the success and goodwill and lessons learned from that initial mission, the U.S. Navy planned and executed the inaugural Pacific Partnership mission in 2006; its primary aim was to proactively prepare for a more effective response to natural disasters while strengthening relationships and security ties between nations. 
 
Pacific Partnership, now in its 21st iteration, is the largest multinational humanitarian and civic assistance mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Each year, the mission team works alongside partners and allies to strengthen relationships, bolster host nation capacity to provide essential humanitarian services, and support efforts to reduce the risk of, prepare for, and respond to disasters. The PP25 team is led by U.S. Navy Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, commander of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 31, serving as the mission commander. 

From Communications Directorate, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Sept. 23, 2025 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, signed a memorandum Sept. 10 to formally establish Project Dynamis, an initiative to accelerate the modernization of Marine Corps contributions to Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) in partnership with the Department of the Navy’s Project Overmatch. 

This effort is aligned with the Marine Corps’ broader Force Design concept with a specific focus on developing end-to-end, joint interoperable capabilities that enable Marines to act as the forward element of the Joint Force—sensing, making sense, and communicating weapons quality data at the speed and scale of relevance. 

The memorandum established a 3-star council comprised of the Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration (DC CD&I) and the Deputy Commandant for Information (DC I) to govern the project. 

“The Marine Corps has been moving fast to modernize for the future,” said Lt. Gen. Jerry Carter, DC I. “To outpace the threat, we realized we needed a dedicated cross-functional team laser focused on prioritizing and accelerating the deployment of advanced technologies to enable AI-powered decision advantage at the tactical edge. That’s what Project Dynamis does in partnership with the Navy’s Project Overmatch.” 

The memorandum tasks the council to present an initial plan and a charter for governance, organization, authorities, and responsibilities within 30 days. The ACMC has also tasked the council to coordinate with the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisitions to designate a USMC Deputy Direct Report Program Manager within Project Overmatch.  

Colonel Arlon Smith has been appointed as the Director of Project Dynamis.  

“As Marines, our ability to aggregate, orchestrate, analyze, and share fused data at machine speeds is a warfighting imperative,” said Smith. “It is central to our value proposition. Project Dynamis is our bid for success to realize that vision.” 

Although it had not yet been formally established, Project Dynamis already helped orchestrate the Marine Corps’ recent enterprise-level contract with Maven Smart System and was integral in September deployments of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force Command and Control Prototype (MCP) to the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment in Okinawa, Japan and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit in Camp Pendleton. 

PHOENIX, Sept. 22, 2025 — Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) announced it has successfully showcased its Stationary and Mobile UAS Reveal and Intercept system (SAMURAI) and its ability to counter swarm drones in two recent demonstrations to local military operators in the United States. The system was utilized in a format in which it can be operated directly from a ground vehicle. Key elements were also demonstrated from an aerostat at more than 1,000 feet above the ground. 

“Swarm drones pose increasing risks to high-value assets – as a result, the ability to detect, track and counter them is a crucial part of modern military operations,” said Matt Milas, president, Defense and Space, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. “Our recent successful demonstrations not only provided strong examples of how Honeywell’s SAMURAI system can provide critical capabilities on the battlefield, but they also proved the technology is highly reliable, scalable and ready to integrate into existing defensive systems.” 

Using Model Based System Engineering (MBSE), the SAMURAI system provides a turnkey solution that integrates customer-selected detectors and effectors and meets Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) compliance standards for customer modeling, visibility and sustainment. It is designed to be easily operated by security forces or tower personnel. Honeywell also demonstrated the ability for rapid integration for new detectors and effectors to support operator requirements. 

With the Honeywell system, military operators can save time and money by optimizing prior investments into key components and integrating them into the overall solution. The system’s reliability is also key – Honeywell provides a single point of contact for updating all components as threat systems evolve. 

The system has been developed by integrating components from defense manufacturers such as Blue Halo, Leonardo DRS, Pierce Aerospace, Silent Sentinel, Walaris, Rocky Research and Versatol. These components include radio frequency detection with sensor technology that uses light to detect, track and identify objects as well as offensive drones to counter swarms. 

Additional demonstrations are available to both local and international operators seeking a commercial Counter-UAS offering. 

From U.S. Central Command, Sept. 23, 2025 

TAMPA, Fla. —  On Sept. 23, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the establishment of an innovation task force designed to accelerate the delivery of combat capabilities to warfighters. 

The new organization, called the Rapid Employment Joint Task Force (REJTF), will be led by CENTCOM’s chief technology officer to fast-track processes for outfitting deployed forces with cutting-edge capabilities. 

“This is about getting new warfighting capabilities into the hands of our skilled warfighters faster,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. “The new task force will synergize existing efforts among our Service components and support Secretary Hegseth’s drive to rapidly equip our warriors.” 

In July, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth issued a directive to accelerate the acquisition and fielding of affordable drone technology for combat units. CENTCOM’s creation of the REJTF supports this initiative. 

The joint task force will coordinate innovation efforts in three focus areas: capability, software, and tech diplomacy – building on progress achieved by Service-component task forces in prior years. 

“Our goal is to rapidly deliver innovation, meaning putting combat-credible capability into the hands of our warfighters in 60 days or less,” said Joy Shanaberger, CENTCOM’s chief technology officer. “Equipping skilled warfighters faster with cutting-edge capabilities will deter bad actors.” 

The REJTF will include a cross-section of experts in resourcing, assessments, information systems, data integration, acquisitions, logistics and warfighter integration. 

“We will find newer, better, and more efficient ways to equip our forces while working alongside our regional partners,” said Shanaberger. 

Last week, U.S. and Saudi forces completed the Middle East region’s largest live-fire counter-unmanned aerial system exercise called Red Sands. The multi-day event featured more than 300 personnel who fielded 20 counter-unmanned aerial systems at the Shamal-2 Range in northeastern Saudi Arabia. 

“Red Sands brought together U.S., Saudi and industry capabilities and expertise to identify ‘best in breed’ systems for detecting, tracking and eliminating modern aerial drone threats,” said Cooper. “Working shoulder-to-shoulder with regional partners to innovate and adapt is more critical than ever.” 

From Naval Air Systems Command, Sep. 22, 2025 

NAS PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The Navy’s Strike Planning and Execution (PMA-281) and Aerial Targets (PMA-208) programs recently partnered with Shield AI to demonstrate artificial intelligence-based autonomy on the BQM-177A aerial target.  

During the Aug. 5 event at Point Mugu Sea Test Range in California, Shield AI successfully flew two BQM-177As — one demonstrating Advanced Vehicle Control Laws (AVCL), a core capability for integrating autonomy, and the other incorporating additional autonomous behaviors.  

AVCL is a foundational software layer that enables aircraft to fly complex, dynamic maneuvers by translating high-level mission commands into real-time flight control inputs. For the BQM-177A, AVCL allows for more threat-representative flight profiles and the kind of maneuvering seen in adversary tactics.  

“The team has successfully demonstrated Advanced Vehicle Control Laws (AVCL) while adding some autonomy elements on our BQM-177A aerial target. When fully integrated, this capability will enhance the BQM-177A’s ability to execute more threat-representative maneuvers and simulate realistic interactions with fleet assets, providing more effective test and training scenarios for the Warfighter,” said Greg Crewse, PMA-208 program manager.  

The BQM-177A replicates modern subsonic anti-ship cruise missile threats and supports a range of missions with its internal and external payload options. It plays a key role in both developmental and operational testing for fleet training.  

Kratos, the BQM-177A’s manufacturer, integrated AVCL into the air vehicle as part of a broader development effort. Once fully implemented, AVCL will enable the BQM-177A to perform more advanced maneuvers and closer engagements, allowing the target to more accurately simulate interactions with manned ships.  

“This is a significant step in demonstrating how the Navy can plan and execute missions with a combination of manned and unmanned aircraft. The use of a combination of virtual and low-cost live air vehicles allows us to evaluate the effectiveness of multi-platform missions at a fraction of the cost of a full-scale live exercise,” said Capt. Toby Keith, PMA-281 program manager. “Integrating autonomy into existing systems allows us to fly and evolve how we plan and execute autonomous platform missions before the air vehicles are even built.”  

The Navy and Shield AI plan to conduct a second technology demonstration later this year, featuring up to two BQM-177As flying simultaneously. The event will test multi-platform coordination, mission planning, and human-machine interface integration to assess how operators interact with and direct multiple autonomous systems in real time.  

The Navy awarded a contract to Shield AI in August 2024 to integrate its Hivemind AI pilot software and deliver a robust prototype test bed using the BQM-177A to demonstrate autonomous operations during flight. Hivemind allows aircraft to operate independently using real-time sensor data and onboard processing to make decisions, plan routes and execute maneuvers without remote input. The software is designed as an open, modular platform that can be used across a range of DoD systems.  

From General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. 

SAN DIEGO – 21 September 2025 – Ongoing flight operations of the new YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft helped General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., set a new company record this week, pushing past a total of 9 million flight hours. 

GA-ASI has been tracking total flight hours across its fleet of unmanned aerial systems since the company’s inception 33 years ago. Its line of UAS includes iconic aircraft such as the Predator^®, Reaper^®, Gray Eagle^®, Avenger^®, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian^®/SeaGuardian^® 

“What an amazing moment,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “Having spent so much time supporting the U.S. military and its allies around the world with our other aircraft, it seems fitting that flight testing our new unmanned fighter jet for the U.S. Air Force was what helped bring us past this milestone as we look ahead to a program that will change air dominance again.” 

YFQ-42A’s ongoing flights are only part of GA-ASI’s unmanned operations. At any point in time, as many as 50 GA-ASI aircraft are in flight supporting global security for U.S. and allied users worldwide.  

GA-ASI’s aircraft have been a mainstay for the United States, allies and partners since the first flight of what was then called the RQ-1 Predator on July 3, 1994. The U.S. Air Force changed the designation to MQ-1 Predator in 2002. Other aircraft, including the MQ-1C Gray Eagle, MQ-9A Reaper, and MQ-20 Avenger, followed as GA-ASI drove forward the capabilities and employment of uncrewed aircraft. 

More recently, GA-ASI has begun deliveries of its new MQ-9B SkyGuardians and SeaGuardians. MQ-9B is the world’s most advanced Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, delivering exceptionally long endurance and range — with automatic takeoff and landing under pole-to-pole satellite-only control — and will be able to operate in unsegregated airspace using the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid system.  

GA-ASI has made deliveries to the U.K.’s Royal Air Force (Protector) and the Belgian Air Force, and are fulfilling orders from Canada, Denmark, Poland, Japan, Taiwan, India, and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. MQ-9B has also supported various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail. 

Meanwhile the company has been supporting the development of new aircraft and concepts of operation for the future of airpower. GA-ASI built and flies the XQ-67A Off Board Sensing Station – its second uncrewed combat jet – for the U.S. Air Force Research Lab. Just last month, GA-ASI announced the start of flight testing for its third, the new YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft. The new unmanned fighter jet has been designed and developed by GA-ASI and is built for rapid production, in large quantities, at an affordable price.