Bobcat offers rapid, resilient, and cost-effective access to contested coastlines, rivers, and islands; production-ready in U.S. shipyards.  

WASHINGTON — Eureka Naval Craft today unveiled the AIRCAT Bobcat, a 57-foot, ultra high-speed catamaran landing craft designed to move personnel and materiel rapidly into littoral zones, up rivers, and through estuaries where ports and infrastructure are limited or denied.  

Autonomous or optionally manned, the all-aluminum Bobcat can carry up to 10 tons of cargo or 36 troops. It has a top speed of 50 knots and a range of 350 nautical miles at an average speed of 38 knots, while range can be extended with additional modular fuel tanks.  

“The Bobcat is quite literally the pick-up truck of the littorals and will revolutionize Army and Marine Corps expeditionary operations,” said Bo Jardine, CEO of Eureka Naval Craft. “It is the practical workhorse for modern ship-to-shore movement, and it is production-ready today.  

“Bobcat can be produced rapidly and cost-effectively in multiple Tier 2 and Tier 3 U.S. shipyards with which we have collaborated, including Bordelon Marine in Houma, LA, and Shoreline Offshore in New Bedford, MA.”  

Jardine explained that Eureka is scheduling Bobcat briefings, technical exchanges, and virtual demonstrations during AUSA week.  

The Bobcat’s open-top deck can carry outsized and irregular loads, support modular weapons payloads, and enable offshore load and discharge alongside larger ships and port quaysides.  

The vessel is fitted with both bow and stern ramps to provide rapid roll-on/roll-off capabilities. It is also equipped with SH Defense’s modular deck lock system to allow rapid securing of containers, mission modules, small vehicles, and other cargo.  

With its catamaran design, the Bobcat can operate effectively in as little as 1.6 feet of water, and is capable of beaching and self-recovery. It is optimized for conveying personnel and materiel into littoral zones and for transit up rivers and estuaries.  

Richard Byno, EVP of Defense at Eureka Naval Craft said: “The design supports ship-to-shore and island-to-island operations as well as inland-waterway operations. We have designed it for high-tempo forward operations with features to support sustained sorties and rapid turnaround in austere environments.”  

For contested littoral operations, the low-profile craft with minimized visual signature can be fitted with a stabilized remote weapon station and a compact counter-UAS systems suite for self-protection. Appliqué armor can be added to the hull and superstructure as required for specific missions.  

Byno emphasized the Bobcat’s field serviceability with main engines fitted on quick-change modular mounts at main deck level with standardized mechanical and electrical interfaces. Accessible service hatches and on-deck lifting provisions allow engine swaps and repairs without the need for specialized shore support equipment. Additionally, parts commonality with commercial energy-industry components simplifies spares and reduces mean time to repair – keeping the warfighter in the fight.  

Release From Lockheed Martin

In a world where threats are increasingly complex and interconnected, Lockheed Martin is redefining the art of mission integration, accelerating the delivery of innovative solutions that strengthen deterrence and enable modern forces to stay ahead of ready. 

Lockheed Martin successfully conducted a JAGM Quad Launcher (JQL) ground-based demonstration, marking a significant development milestone for the vertical launching system (VLS). Held on August 28 at Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona, the demonstration showcased the successful integration of the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) with the JQL, culminating in a first-time launch event. 

The successful shot resulted in a direct hit on a stationary ground target and collection of real-time data of JAGM’s ignition, launch and flight from the launcher to target impact. The demonstration took place with the JQL positioned at a 45-degree angle, underscoring the system’s flexibility and potential for various operational applications. 

Mission-focused Innovation 

This demonstration is a testament to the collaborative efforts and agile forward-thinking of Lockheed Martin’s Missile & Fire Control and Rotary & Mission Systems teams. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and expertise from both teams, this demonstration paves the way for further advancements in JAGM’s VLS and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) capabilities. 

“This pivotal milestone achievement showcases the versatility and adaptability of JAGM to provide a robust defense capability for multiple mission scenarios,” said Casey Walsh, program management director of Multi-Domain Missile Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “By driving progress in areas like vertical launch and counter-UAS capabilities with JAGM, we’re helping to ensure that our users have the tools they need to stay innovative and ahead of emerging threats.” 

With this demonstration being the first time a JAGM was flown from a cannister-based launcher, the integration of JAGM with the JQL system showcases its versatility to be adapted for multiple mission scenarios, providing a robust defense capability for both American forces and our allied partners.  

The JQL system features four independent, modular composite cells, known as canisters, and one of the biggest benefits and features of the system is that it allows for rapid reload of individual canister cells based on existing JAGM procedures, enhancing its operational efficiency. The JQL system is equipped with a pivot fixture, which enables the ease of loading and launching of JAGM at angled or vertical orientations. The JQL’s vertical launch capability supports rapid 360-degree engagement against targets (maritime, air and ground) around the launching platform. The self-contained vertical missile gas management system provides enhanced safety to crew members and launching platforms 

In addition, JQL’s modular design facilitates ease of installation onto any number of launching platforms: ships, patrol craft, vehicles and other various fixed-based applications. This design versatility also enables the JQL system to be adapted and scaled for multiple mission scenarios, providing a robust defense capability for armed forces. For example, the JQL system could be scaled down to one or two launch tubes, or multiple JQL systems could be mounted together on a platform to support a larger arsenal.  

“By continuing to build upon our five decades of vertical launching systems expertise, we are excited to see our scalable, flexible launching solutions continue to successfully meet expeditionary capability needs,” said Edward Dobeck, director of Launching Systems at Rotary and Mission Systems.  “The JQL launcher provides a combat-ready capability that meets multi-domain deployment objectives in a lightweight, easily transportable footprint that provides the same reliability expected of all our launching systems.” 

As the JQL development and integration timeline moves forward, Lockheed Martin continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in vertical launch system development, driving innovation and advancement in the field. 

 The Future of Vertical Launch Capability 

The success of the recent JQL ground-based demonstration paves the way for future advancements for both JAGM and the JQL system, including an upcoming vertical launch demonstration in November 2025. This demonstration will showcase the vertical launch capability of the JAGM at a 90-degree angle, as well as its application in Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) operations. 

As the integration of JAGM with the JQL system evolves, it is expected to provide enhanced capabilities for users that require expedient multi-domain capabilities, enabling more effective and efficient operations in a variety of environments. With our focus on mission integration and innovation, Lockheed Martin is poised to play a leading role in shaping the future of global defense and security, delivering game-changing capabilities that enable modern forces to stay ahead of ever-evolving threats. 

Construction to begin immediately in both Finland and the United States with eventual transition to full production in the United State 

From Bollinger Shipyards, Oct. 9, 2025 

LOCKPORT, La. — [October 9, 2025] — At a White House event today, U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced that Bollinger Shipyards, in partnership with Rauma Marine Constructions (Rauma), Seaspan Shipyards (Seaspan), and Aker Arctic Technology Inc. (Aker Arctic), has been selected for the design and construction of six Arctic Security Cutters (ASC). The Bollinger-led team will leverage the mature and production-ready Multi-Purpose Icebreaker (MPI) design, developed by Seaspan and Aker Arctic for allied missions in extreme polar environments. 

“Today’s award is a testament to President Trump’s leadership and his historic investment in America’s maritime industrial base,” said Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. “We appreciate the trust President Trump has placed in the skilled men and women of Bollinger Shipyards and stand ready to begin construction on these critical vessels on day one. The Arctic Security Cutter will enable the United States to rapidly project American power, enforce our sovereignty, and reassert American dominance in the arctic.” 

Bollinger and its partners will be responsible for the construction of six state-of-the-art icebreakers. The first three vessels will be built simultaneously by Rauma in Finland and Bollinger in the United States, with production of the remaining three vessels to be built in the United States. Delivery of the first three vessels is expected within 36 months of the contract award. 

“The United States Coast Guard is placing its trust in Rauma Marine Constructions’ proven shipbuilding capability. With a hot production line and our ice-class experience, we are ready to deliver the Arctic Security Cutters on an accelerated timeline in close cooperation with our U.S. partner and allied industry. Together, we will provide the Coast Guard with the world’s most capable Arctic security vessels,” said Mika Nieminen, CEO of Rauma Marine Constructions. 

The award delivers on President Trump’s and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s calls to rebuild U.S. polar capacity, strengthen the industrial base, and secure long-term American presence in the Arctic. 

“Thanks to President Trump, this historic Memorandum of Understanding is a great win for our state that further cements Southeast Louisiana as a leader in America’s domestic shipbuilding industry,” said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA). “I am proud to represent the only shipbuilder in the United States in Bollinger Shipyards that has the capability, capacity and expertise to begin construction on these critical vessels on day one that will project American power and dominance in the Arctic.” 

The Seaspan-Aker MPI design has already undergone significant engineering, testing, and integration work, enabling the team to proceed immediately to production. The partnership structure ensures speed to delivery, cost certainty, and seamless interoperability with the Canadian Coast Guard. 

 “Seaspan is extremely proud to work hand in hand with our American and Finnish partners, Bollinger, Aker and Rauma, to provide the U.S. Coast Guard with a state-of-the-art icebreaker design that is mission ready for extreme ice conditions and will fortify and strengthen Arctic security” says John McCarthy, CEO Seaspan Shipyards. “This contract award demonstrates the Seaspan’s world-class marine engineering and design capabilities on the global stage, and further expands North America’s capacity to design, build, and export Arctic-going vessels.”   

 “Aker Arctic is honored to bring our proven icebreaker expertise to this partnership. The ASC program is a milestone for allied Arctic collaboration, and we are proud to help deliver world-class capability for the U.S. Coast Guard” said Mika Hovilainen, CEO of Aker Arctic. Under the ICE Pact trilateral framework between the 

Under the ICE Pact trilateral framework between the United States, Canada, and Finland, this program represents a model for allied industrial collaboration. The parallel construction of the first three vessels at Rauma and Bollinger will rapidly accelerate early delivery while ensuring a stable foundation for full domestic production in the United States. Bollinger will assume full program leadership for U.S.-based construction and long-term sustainment. 

With the ability to break four feet of ice, travel 12,000 nautical miles, and operate for over 60 days, the ASC is purpose-built to support the evolving mission needs of the U.S. Coast Guard in the harshest conditions. Additionally, its shared multi-mission design with the Canadian Coast Guard fleet will create the largest class of icebreaking capability in the world, optimizing interoperability and maintenance support. The ASC fleet will enable year-round access to polar regions for national defense, maritime sovereignty, scientific research, and search and rescue operations. With this new class of vessels, the United States takes a major step forward in asserting leadership in the Arctic. 

In addition to the Bollinger-led team, Canada’s Davie Shipyards will also contribute to the ASC program by building a separate class of vessels on their fourth-generation Multi-Purpose Polar Support Ship (MPPS) design. 

From the Senate Armed Services Committee, Oct. 9, 2025  

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, the United States Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 by a vote of 77-20.  
  
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker released the following statement praising Senate passage of the legislation:  

“Today, the Senate passed one of the most important legislative priorities to enable the modernization of our military and strengthen of our national security.  This year’s NDAA reflects the severity of the threat environment we find ourselves in – one that we have not faced since World War II.   

This bill centers on two main themes: rebuild and reform.  My colleagues and I have prioritized reindustrialization and the structural rebuilding of the arsenal of democracy, starting with drone technology, shipbuilding, and innovative low-cost weapons.  We have also set out to enact historic reforms in the Pentagon’s budgeting and acquisition process to unleash innovation and root out inefficiencies.    

This legislation succeeded because it was member-driven. The bill contains almost 1,100 items that were driven by members across this body. Thanks to the diligent efforts of Leader Thune, Ranking Member Reed, the members of the Armed Services Committee, and our colleagues across the Senate who helped advance and improve the substance of the bill, our country is more secure, and our military is better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.”   

Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jack Reed also commented on the bill:  

“This is a good, bipartisan bill that supports our troops and strengthens America’s security. It provides essential resources for servicemembers and their families, modernizes key platforms, and invests in critical technologies like hypersonics, AI, and cybersecurity. This NDAA also bolsters our posture against China and Russia, supports America’s allies, and prepares the Department of Defense for emerging threats.  

I thank Chairman Wicker and Leaders Schumer and Thune for their partnership, and I look forward to working with the House to finalize a bipartisan bill.”  

WASHINGTON – The acting commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard sent the below message to the Coast Guard in honor of the U.S. Navy. 
 

1. Congratulations to the United States Navy on your 250th Birthday!  
 

2. Since 1775, America’s Navy has stood as a global beacon of strength, freedom, and security. More than just marking another year, this anniversary celebrates the Navy’s legacy  
of strategic dominance of the sea, enduring commitment to preserving peace through strength, and readiness to fight and win that defines every Sailor.  
 

3. The Navy’s ability to project power and control the sea has been vital to safeguarding our nation and our values. Just as the Coast Guard controls, secures, and defends the  
U.S. border and maritime approaches, the Navy’s mastery of the seas preserves freedom of navigation around the world and ensures our strategic advantage across domains. 

  
4. Today, we honor the Navy trailblazers who advanced maritime power, the dedicated Sailors who stand watch around the world, and the innovative leaders who continue to secure our warfighting edge. Your commitment to protecting our nation’s interests at sea ensures we will prevail.  

 
5. On behalf of the United States Coast Guard, I extend our best wishes to the United States Navy on this momentous occasion. We are proud to serve with you as part of the  
Joint Force.  

 
6. ADM Kevin Lunday, Acting Commandant (CCG), sends. 

From Bollinger Shipyards, Oct. 10, 2025 

TAMPA, Fla. – Bollinger Shipyards, a leading designer and builder of military and commercial vessels, in partnership with General Dynamics Electric Boat hosted a christening ceremony today for the state-of-the-art floating dry dock ATLAS. ATLAS will play a critical role in the construction and sustainment of the Columbia-Class Ballistic Missile Submarine Program, providing essential dry dock capacity for construction, maintenance, and long-term sustainment. 

“Bollinger Shipyards is proud to deepen our partnership with Electric Boat and take a leading role in strengthening America’s dry dock capacity with the delivery of the ATLAS,” said Ben Bordelon, President & CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. “This project isn’t just a build, it’s a strategic investment in our Navy’s future. Modernizing the fleet demands cutting-edge infrastructure, built right here at home. Bollinger is all-in on driving innovation, reinforcing the U.S. industrial base, and delivering the tools our Navy needs to stay ahead.” 

ATLAS measures at 618ft by 140ft. Electric Boat is the prime contractor on the design and build of the Columbia Class submarine, which will replace the aging Ohio-Class of Ballistic-Missile Submarines due to begin to retire from service in 2027. Submarines of the Columbia class will be the largest ever built by the United States at two-and-a-half-times the size of the existing Virginia-class attack submarines. 

“Dry docks are the backbone of America’s fleet modernization efforts, especially for programs like Columbia-class, where precision, scale, and readiness are paramount,” said Chris Remont, EVP of New Construction at Bollinger Shipyards. “The delivery of ATLAS is a testament to American engineering and the skilled workforce driving our shipbuilding capabilities. At Bollinger Shipyards, we’re steadfast on building capacity to support the Navy’s evolving mission and ensure our fleet remains ready, resilient, and equipped for the challenges of tomorrow.” 

This delivery marks the completion of Bollinger Shipyards’ second contract with Electric Boat. In late 2019, Bollinger Shipyards was selected to construct the 400 ft by 100 ft Ocean Transport Barge for Electric Boat, which was delivered on-schedule in 2021. Bollinger is also in the construction phase of a pontoon launcher for Electric Boat, which will also support the construction and launching of the nation’s new class of ballistic-missile submarines. 

From U.S. Coast Guard Southwest District, Oct. 8, 2025 

PACIFIC OCEAN — A U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) embarked aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102), interdicted 14 aliens aboard a 33-foot sport fishing vessel approximately 18 miles southeast of Catalina Island, California, Sunday morning. 

Watchstanders at the Sector San Diego Joint Harbor Operation Center (JHOC) received notification of a vessel crossing north of the maritime boundary line operating with no navigation lights. Sampson approached the vessel as it loitered in the contiguous zone off San Clemente Island and San Diego and observed two persons aboard the vessel giving the appearance of fishing. When Sampson distanced itself from the vessel, it stopped loitering and continued transiting on a northerly course. Watchstanders at the JHOC then directed Sampson to board the vessel using its attached LEDET.  

13 adults aboard the vessel claimed Mexican nationality and one adult claimed Ecuadorian nationality.  The 14 aliens and the vessel were brought to Oceanside, CA, and custody of the people was transferred to another Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agency. 

Upon mission completion, tactical control of Sampson returned to U.S. 3rd Fleet. 

This operation reflects ongoing cooperation between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and interagency partners to disrupt transnational criminal networks operating in the maritime domain. 

Sampson is employed under U.S. Northern Command’s maritime homeland defense authorities with a Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment embarked to enable maritime interdiction missions to prevent the flow of illegal drugs and other illegal activity. U.S. Northern Command is working together with the Department of Homeland Security to provide additional military forces and capabilities at the southern border. 

New electronic warfare system expands rapid-response capability to detect and neutralize drone threats in dynamic environments 

Release From Leonardo DRS

ARLINGTON, VA, Oct. 9, 2025  ̶   Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRS) announced today that it won first place in a Department of Defense counter drone competition by demonstrating an advanced electronic warfare system that can be integrated into the company’s range of proven and fielded counter-UAS (C-UAS) capabilities. This latest capability highlights the company’s leadership role as a developer and provider of proven counter-UAS and air defense systems that enhance force protection across today’s complex and dynamic battlespace. 

During a demonstration event hosted by the DoD’s Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (JCO), Leonardo DRS demonstrated the cutting-edge Ring C-UxS system that employs proprietary, advanced radio frequency-based electronic warfare capabilities to detect, identify, and defeat enemy drones and autonomous systems, from air, land, or sea. 

Leonardo DRS and its technology partner, Regulus, excelled in the portion of the demonstration that focused on Dismounted Detect-Identify-Track-Defeat of group 1 and 2 UAS.  During the demonstration, Leonardo DRS successfully employed the system to detect, identify and defeat mock enemy drones with its radio frequency-based electronic warfare capabilities. The demonstration gave industry the chance to inform the JCO of new capabilities that are able to operate in a contested electromagnetic environment. 

“We are proud to have been recognized with a first-place award in this critical JCO demonstration used to inform requirements for keeping ahead of the ever-growing small UAS threat,” said Aaron Hankins, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Land Systems business unit. “As an agile and experienced company in the space, we are honored to support the JCO as they identify capabilities that can be quickly integrated and deployed to defend our warfighters across the battlespace.”  

The Ring system leverages radio frequency (RF) detection, unique Global Navigation Satellite Systems techniques, and RF datalink manipulation to counter both commercial and military uncrewed threats.  The technology has been actively deployed across multiple platforms and operational theaters and has demonstrated exceptional effectiveness against uncrewed threats—from commercial Group 1 systems to military Group 3 platforms. 

The Ring demonstration highlights Leonardo DRS’ proven capability to identify and rapidly integrate best-of-breed technologies to enhance its counter-UAS and air defense portfolio to support the critical needs of its customer.  The company’s leadership in this space includes serving as prime contractor and lead systems integrator for the Mobile-Low, Slow Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (MLIDS) program as well as developer and provider of the integrated Mission Equipment Package for the SGT Stout Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) program. The company’s integration capability also extends across all domains to support force protection, computer networking and C5I, as well as naval power and propulsion systems. 

AUSTIN, Texas — Terradepth, a seabed information company, successfully completed an IHO S-44 Special Order survey with an autonomous underwater vehicle. This achievement meets one of the most stringent international standards for hydrographic accuracy. Using advanced AUV technology, Terradepth demonstrated that high-specification surveys no longer require costly, high-footprint operations.

“This milestone marks a tide-shifting moment for the hydrographic community, proving that Terradepth AUV-based surveys meet the most rigorous seabed mapping specifications,” said Joe Wolfel, CEO and co-founder of Terradepth. “It is a benchmark traditionally reserved for large, crewed survey vessels and towed sonar systems. With the team’s achievement, we hope the offshore community sees the opportunities inherent in high specification autonomous hydrography.”

The survey took place in approximately 80 meters of water, 60 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, a region affected by hurricanes and subsea infrastructure development. Despite the absence of local tide stations or buoys, European Remote Sensing satellite radar was used to correct for tidal variations, demonstrating a fully autonomous and low-logistics survey approach.

The IHO S-44 Special Order standard relates to areas where underkeel clearance is critical. Therefore, 100% feature search and 100% bathymetric coverage are required, and the size of the features to be detected by this search is more demanding than lower IHO orders. 

As part of Terradepth’s delivery model, survey results were processed and delivered through Absolute Ocean, the company’s secure, cloud-native ocean data platform. This streamlined delivery enabled efficient execution and rapid access to results. It also empowers stakeholders to perform quality assurance, quality control, visualization, and decision-making from anywhere.

Terradepth’s autonomous approach dramatically reduces surface support requirements, cutting carbon emissions, operational costs, and personnel risk while maintaining industry-leading data quality.

The achievement of the IHO Special Order standard has broad implications across various industries, according to the company. AUV-enabled surveys yield crucial insight into seabed characteristics, infrastructure integrity, and cable/foundation conditions across all depths. Further, Terradepth’s data and information quality satisfies National Marine Fisheries Service permitting exemptions and most BOEM requirements. 

Radar will bring advanced capability to the German Navy 

Release From RTX

ANDOVER, Mass. (October 8, 2025) — Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has been selected by the German government to provide the Raytheon-built SPY-6(V)1 radar for installation on eight of its F127 frigates under a requested foreign military sales contract with the U.S. Navy. The contract, which would also include comprehensive support and services to adapt the radar to the ship’s design, will make Germany the first international customer for SPY-6. 

SPY-6(V)1 features four array faces – each equipped with 37 radar modular assemblies – providing continuous, 360-degree situational awareness. It is part of the U.S. Navy’s SPY-6 family of radars that performs air and missile defense on seven classes of ships and is a giant leap in capability for the fleet. 

“Germany’s selection of SPY-6 reaffirms the global confidence in the radar’s advanced capabilities and its critical role in enhancing naval defense,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. “Integrating the radar on F127 frigates will provide the German Navy with a multi-mission solution that enables faster and more informed decision-making at sea.” 

SPY-6 is the most advanced, most tested maritime radar in the world. It is one of several radar programs designed and manufactured at Raytheon’s Radar Development Facility in Andover, Mass., a 30,000-square foot site supporting the production of diverse types of radars for U.S. and allied forces. This vertically integrated and highly automated site is one of the most advanced in the world, with sophisticated radar testing and integration happening around the clock.