Release From Teledyne FLIR Defense

Will deliver more than 600 Rogue 1™ reusable loitering munition systems that enable small units to directly engage enemy targets beyond line of sight 

Highly accurate loitering munition features mission-specific payload options, boosting warfighter efficiency and effectiveness 

BOSTON ― December 5, 2025 ― Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), announced that it has been awarded a $42.5 million contract by the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command for Delivery Order 3 of its Organic Precision Fires-Light (OPF-L) program. 

Teledyne FLIR Defense will deliver more than 600 of its advanced Rogue 1™ lethal loitering munition systems, along with ground control stations and training kits, for fielding to Marine Corps units starting this summer. 

Organic Precision Fires-Light is a program designed to provide rifle squads and platoons with a man-packable “organic, loitering, precision strike capability to engage the enemy beyond the line of sight.” 

Teledyne FLIR’s Rogue 1 has proven highly successful in multiple exercises against moving and stationary armor, soft-skinned vehicles, and dismounted targets.  Operators can attach modular, mission-specific payloads with lethal effects designed for distinct target types.  An advanced fuzing system on Rogue 1 allows the aircraft to be safely returned to the operator and reused when targets are disengaged or missions aborted, which lightens the pack load for Marines while increasing their tactical effectiveness. 

Rogue 1 also features advanced electro-optical and FLIR Boson® 640+ thermal cameras to deliver day/night long-range reconnaissance and surveillance.  Plus, a novel coupling between sensors and warhead in the gimballed payload enables extremely precise targeting. 

“The accuracy and modularity of the Rogue 1 platform will enhance Marine lethality against whatever threats they may encounter in future conflicts,” said Dr. JihFen Lei, president of Teledyne FLIR Defense.  “We’re honored to support the OPF-L program and will continue to work with the Marine Corps to quickly field technology innovations they need to win on the battlefield.” 

“While Teledyne provides a broad range of unmanned air, ground, and subsea systems, this award represents our first production rate contract in the loitering munition market, following the initial test and evaluation contract in 2024,” said George Bobb, president and chief executive officer of Teledyne Technologies. 

Visit us online to learn more about the wide range of FLIR Defense loitering munitions, unmanned aerial systems and advanced payload options. 

BALTIMORE, Md. – Dec. 9, 2025 – A software update to Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) has enabled new, extended range capabilities, allowing the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) and U.S. Air Force (USAF) to detect threats at greater distances and respond more swiftly. 

In addition to a new extended range mode, this update refines G/ATOR’s identification friend or foe system and enhances interoperability. These improvements enable the radar to better categorize detected threats and share intelligence with friendly assets through an open architecture command and control connection. All currently deployed G/ATOR systems received this update. 

“G/ATOR’s extended range and improved identification systems provide U.S. and allied forces with a crucial tactical advantage,” said Bob Gough, vice president, maritime and land systems and sensors, Northrop Grumman. “Our radar system is designed to perform in the most complex air defense environments – detecting, tracking and targeting threats in real time.” 

G/ATOR is a highly mobile, long range active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar system that operates in the S-band frequency range. G/ATOR provides precise fire control and real-time 360-degree, four-dimensional tracking of a wide range of airborne threats, including cruise missiles, hypersonic missiles, crewed aircraft and uncrewed aerial systems. 

Currently, thirty-nine G/ATOR radars have been delivered to the USMC and USAF, with the 40th delivery anticipated later this year. The radar incorporates Northrop Grumman’s U.S.-manufactured microelectronics to support advanced multifunction and multi-mission capability. 

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our employees define possible every day.  

Release From Lindsey A Phillips, PEO Digital Public Affairs

Flank Speed Wireless, born as a Sailor quality-of-life upgrade, proved its strategic power when it quietly enabled secure, seamless communications for the President and First Lady during the Navy’s 250th Birthday celebration at sea. 

When the President and First Lady of the United States stepped aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) to celebrate the Navy’s 250th Birthday during a high-profile Sea Power Demonstration, much of the world was watching. Behind the scenes, ensuring seamless and secure communications for the Commander-in-Chief and his team was a quiet but powerful capability: Flank Speed Wireless (FSW), formerly known as Sailor Edge Afloat and Ashore (SEA2), a capability led and delivered by Program Executive Office for Digital and Enterprise Services (PEO Digital). 

Originally developed to provide Sailors with reliable wireless connectivity at sea, FSW proved to be more than a quality-of-life initiative, it became a mission-critical enabler. During the President’s visit and subsequent speech aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), FSW allowed the White House Communications Agency (WHCA) to integrate with shipboard technologies to maintain secure communications for the President, First Lady, White House Military Office, U.S. Secret Service, and senior Department of Defense leadership. 

“This event proved that our investments in Sailor-focused digital infrastructure are also strategic assets,” Navy Enterprise Networks (NEN) Deputy Director, Capt. Frederick Crawford said. “Flank Speed Wireless was designed to serve Sailors, and it’s now proving itself mission-critical in high-stakes national operations.” 

From MWR to Mission Enabler 

FSW began as SEA2, an afloat connectivity initiative launched by PEO Digital as part of the “Get Real, Get Better” campaign. The aim: improve Sailor quality of life, especially during extended deployments, by providing secure, reliable internet access in shipboard environments. 

This capability directly addressed persistent challenges related to Sailor isolation, morale, and mental health, and was shaped around the realities of life underway. 

“This started as a pilot effort between our afloat Sailors and the engineering community,” said Capt. Kevin White, now Program Manager for PMW 770. “As the Combat Systems Officer aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, I worked closely with our engineers to design a wireless capability that could actually function in the complex environment of a carrier. We designed Flank Speed Wireless from the deckplates up, built by Sailors for Sailors. Together, we ensured not only the design, but also the security and authorization needed to scale it rapidly across the fleet. What began on a single carrier quickly became a Navy-wide capability through the World Class Alignment Metrics [WAM] initiative.” 
 
“We created Flank Speed Wireless to reduce barriers for Sailors trying to stay connected to family and support networks while deployed,” said FSW Architect, Damon Regan. “It’s a small capability with an outsized impact on mental resilience and readiness.” 
With installations now underway across the fleet, FSW’s infrastructure is not only improving quality of life, it is enabling fleet-wide operations at the highest level. 

Engineering the Presidential Visit 

Supporting the President’s embark required close collaboration across the fleet. PEO Digital, together with shipboard IT teams and mission partners, ensured that secure and resilient communications capabilities were in place throughout the event. 

In a dynamic and time-constrained environment, the Flank Speed Wireless team executed a series of critical readiness activities to confirm that all necessary systems were prepared and functioning ahead of the Presidential party’s arrival. 

“This kind of real-time responsiveness is only possible because of the groundwork we laid with Flank Speed Wireless,” said FSW Product Owner, Brad Terry. “We didn’t build this just to check a box, we built it to meet real-world mission demands, and that’s exactly what it did.”

A Blueprint for Fleet Modernization 

PEO Digital’s success with FSW reflects a broader approach to digital modernization, one that starts with Sailors, scales for operations, and adapts to strategic demand. 

“The Flank Speed Wireless story shows what happens when we focus on real user needs and deliver with urgency,” Program Executive Officer Louis Koplin said. “That’s what Get Real, Get Better is about, and it’s what digital modernization across the Navy must be.” 

Whether enabling a Sailor to video call home or supporting secure comms for the Commander-in-Chief, PEO Digital’s Flank Speed Wireless stands as a powerful example of what agile, user-centered delivery can achieve for the Navy. 

About PEO Digital 

The Program Executive Office for Digital and Enterprise Services (PEO Digital) delivers services throughout the Department of the Navy that improve performance, security, mobility, and customer experience. PEO Digital embraces business agility to ensure quality, accelerate innovation, continuously deliver value, and meet the dynamic needs of the warfighter. 

Our mission is to provide the Marine Corps and Navy with a decisive information advantage through a modern, innovative, and secure digital experience – any data, any time, anywhere. 
 
Our vision is to deliver a world-class digital experience at the speed of mission. 

Learn more at: 

www.peodigital.navy.mil 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/donpeodigital 
https://twitter.com/donpeodigital 

From Naval Air Systems Command

NAS PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — October 27, 2015 –The CH-53K King Stallion took to the skies for its first flight. Today, more than 10 years later, there are 20 CH-53Ks executing missions with four different Navy and Marine Corps squadrons. 

The CH-53K, which will deploy for the first time in fiscal year 2027, achieved Initial Operational Capability in April 2022 and entered full rate production the following November. The only heavy lift helicopter in the U.S. military, the King Stallion can lift 36,000 pounds; refuel mid-air; provide ship-to-shore mobility and maneuverability along with multiple other assault support missions. 

According to Col. Kate Fleeger, Program Manager, H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopters Program Office (PMA-261), the CH-53K will be used to ensure forces remain agile and supported, sustaining operations and maintaining a forward presence on the battlefield. 

“With its unique capability to lift all Marine Corps air-transportable equipment from ship-to-shore, the CH-53K will play a crucial role in rapidly and flexibly deploying forces and supplies, supporting Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations  and Distributed Air Operations  concepts, and ultimately enabling the Marine Corps to project power and sustain its presence with greater speed and agility,” she said.   

The Marine Corps plans to procure 200 CH-53Ks and the program office recently entered a five-year, multi-year contract with Sikorsky to purchase up to 99 more helicopters. 

“We will be equipping six active-duty squadrons, one reserve squadron, two test squadrons and a training squadron with the CH-53K as the Marine Corps transitions from the CH-53E Super Stallion,” said Fleeger. “The full changeover is expected to be completed in FY32.” 

PMA-261 manages the cradle to grave procurement, development, support, fielding and disposal of the entire family of H-53 heavy lift helicopters. 

From 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Nov. 13, 2025 

CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines — At the request of the government of the Philippines, the U.S. military is working shoulder to shoulder with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to provide foreign disaster relief to communities affected by consecutive Typhoons Kalmaegi (Tino) and Fung-Wong (Uwan), which caused extensive damage and tragic loss of life.  

The forward presence and ready posture of United States Indo-Pacific Command in the region facilitated a rapid and effective response to these natural disasters, demonstrating the U.S. commitment as friends, allies, and partners during times of need. 

Working in close coordination with the AFP, Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Philippine Office of Civil Defense, Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group, Task Force – Philippines, and U.S. Department of State, the U.S military deployed a variety of assets and personnel to the Philippines to support with foreign disaster relief operations.  

“I have been thoroughly impressed by the preparedness and forward-leaning measures taken by the Philippine government during this situation, and we will support the lead of our Philippine counterparts as we carry out this relief mission together as a fully-aligned team,” said U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Robert Brodie, the 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade commanding general. “Support to our friends, allies, and partners, and their people in a time of need, is non-negotiable. Together, we are overcoming distance, weather, and logistical challenges to save lives.” 

Since Nov. 5, 2025, the U.S. military has coordinated mission planning with the Philippine government and military agencies to continue the work of providing vital supplies to regions impacted by the storm. This effort highlights the long-standing U.S.-Philippine Alliance and the shared commitment to regional resilience and humanitarian assistance. 

From Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Nov. 5, 2025 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This Veterans Day, the Department of the Navy commemorates 250 years of American seapower with “Above, Below, and Beyond,” a two-hour Presidential special airing Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, on Fox Nation.  

A once-in-a-generation broadcast, the special takes viewers behind the scenes of the world’s preeminent maritime force; revealing never-before-seen footage, rare access, and first-hand accounts from Sailors, Marines, and the families who stand the watch with them. 

Using never-before-seen footage, viewers will see dynamic Navy and Marine Corps operations across air, land, sea, space, and cyber; a rare look at how our sea services deliver peace through strength.  

Filmed across the nation and around the globe, the special moves from the decks of aircraft carriers to the depths of submarine commands, offering an inside view of the operations that keep the Navy–Marine Corps team the most lethal and vital force in America’s arsenal so when the world looks to the sea, it sees our flag, and behind it a team that is disciplined, lethal, and dominant.  

It also spotlights the men and women of American industry: the shipyard workers, welders, pipefitters, electricians, engineers, and suppliers, whose craftsmanship turns steel into ships and keeps the Fleet at sea. 

Viewers will witness seapower at speed—carrier strike groups executing blue-water power projection, amphibious forces driving ship-to-shore operations in contested littorals, and elite naval aviators flying precision profiles inside the Navy’s TOPGUN training squadron.  

The two-hour special shows the world that the United States Navy – Marine Corps Team has been the enduring, forward deployed force that keeps danger far from our shores.  Across these two hours, the Navy–Marine Corps team will show why the United States commands the seas, secures global trade, and sets the course for the future. 

We show the world that ‘freedom isn’t free’ is not just a tagline.  

“In 1775, the Founders made a bet; that America’s future would be written at sea. For 250 years, Sailors and Marines have written freedom’s story from the front lines of history,” said John C. Phelan, Secretary of the Navy. “To be a superpower, you must be a seapower. In this tribute, we show the world and our adversaries that America’s Navy–Marine Corps team and their families is what makes America a superpower. This honors both those in uniform and the families who give them strength. The next century of American seapower won’t be defined by a single platform, but by the character of our people.”  

Featuring participation from the President, Vice President, Secretary of War, Secretary of the Navy alongside active-duty service members and veterans, “Above, Below, and Beyond” spans every domain of modern seapower. 

This special reminds the world that freedom is not free; it’s defended by the strength of America’s Navy and Marine Corps team. We safeguard something infinitely greater than our might. Their resolve keeps the future open and ensures the blessings our Founders promised: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 

Viewers will see carrier strike groups protecting vital sea lanes; Marines conducting expeditionary training alongside allies; and the shipbuilders, engineers, logisticians, and families whose quiet professionalism sustains the Fleet. It is a living portrait of American seapower: past, present, and the future we are building now. 

“For 250 years, America’s Navy and Marine Corps have stood the watch—bold, resilient, and always ready—protecting our Nation and defending the ideals of freedom across every domain,” said Adm. Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations. “This tribute honors not only our history, but the extraordinary Sailors and Marines who continue to shape our future with innovation, courage, and an unbreakable commitment to service.” 

“The Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary is a testament to our enduring legacy as the Nation’s expeditionary force, always ready to answer the Nation’s call,” said Gen. Eric Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps. “As we celebrate this historic milestone, we honor our past and those who have gone before us. We reaffirm our commitment to our culture, one another, our Corps, and our Nation.” 

For more than two centuries, the Navy–Marine Corps team has ensured freedom of navigation, safeguarded global commerce, and provided the Nation unmatched capability to deter aggression and respond to crisis. With two-thirds of trade and 80% of goods moving by sea, the maritime security provided by our Navy- Marine Corps team is the backbone of prosperity and deterrence. 

Today, they continue to adapt—advancing shipbuilding, unmanned systems, hypersonics, AI, and cyber defense so America’s maritime dominance endures into the two hundred and fifty years and beyond. 

From Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Oct. 23, 2025 

HEADQUARTERS, MARINE CORPS – The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric M. Smith, published the 2025 Force Design Update, which lays out how the Marine Corps is aggressively pursuing modernization initiatives to ensure it remains a globally responsive, naval expeditionary force. These efforts are crucial for maintaining readiness and lethality in an era of rapidly evolving technology and increasingly capable adversaries. 

“Force Design is the Marine Corps’ strategic priority, and this update makes clear both our progress and our direction,” said Gen. Smith. “We have strengthened formations, fielded new capabilities, and refined our concepts, but modernization remains a continuous campaign of learning and adaptation.”  

The update highlights the value today’s Marine Corps provides to the Joint Force and the nation, characterized by MAGTFs that are balanced, multi-domain, combined arms, naval expeditionary formations. 

This update also describes results of modernization already delivered across the Marine Corps. We have strengthened formations, fielded new capabilities, and refined our concepts. Forward-deployed Marines remain postured across multiple theaters, ready to conduct sea-denial and amphibious operations, seize key terrain, and enable joint and combined kill webs in support of naval and joint campaigning. 

Additionally, the update describes where the Marine Corps will focus efforts to adapt faster than our adversaries, integrate seamlessly with the Navy and Joint Force, and remain ready for the future fight. 

The Force Design Update 2025 can be found here: Force Design Update 2025  

Story by Master Sgt. Shakima Deprince, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command 

MacDill AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 542 (VMFA-542), operating the F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter, has successfully returned from a historic five-month deployment to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, marking a major milestone in Marine Corps aviation and joint force integration. 
 
During the deployment, VMFA-542 made a significant operational and strategic impact in the CENTCOM AOR. The squadron conducted Close Air Support, Armed Overwatch, and Defensive Counter-Air missions in support of Marine, Navy, Army, coalition, and partner nation forces. They advanced F-35 tactics, techniques, and procedures while demonstrating the aircraft’s flexibility in real-world operations. 
 
The unit flew more than 1,099 combat sorties and accumulated over 4,736 mishap-free flight hours, providing essential support to CENTCOM’s integrated air operations. VMFA-542 not only enhanced deterrence, supported regional maritime security, and deepened interoperability through combined training with allied and partner air forces, but also led the way in USMC F-35 flight hours, maintaining a high Aircraft Mission Capable readiness rate, setting the standard for aviation units across the fleet. 
 
“VMFA-542’s historic deployment has set new benchmarks for Marine Corps aviation, demonstrating that a forward deployed F-35B squadron can deliver unmatched combat power and readiness while seamlessly integrating with Joint Forces during a major regional crisis,” said LtCol Carlo F. Bonci, Executive Officer, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 542. 
 
As part of CENTCOM’s Air Component Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central), VMFA-542 integrated into coalition air and defense operations. The addition of the F-35B Lightning II brought a major upgrade in tactical flexibility, intelligence gathering, and precision strike capabilities. 
 
The F-35B is a fifth-generation stealth fighter uniquely capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings, providing the Marine Corps with operational agility across both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. 
 
This deployment underscores the Marine Corps’ commitment to maintaining readiness and effectiveness in complex environments while reinforcing partnerships with regional allies. VMFA-542 set a new standard for aviation units across the fleet, leaving a tangible impact on the CENTCOM mission recognized by joint and coalition commanders alike. 

By Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

PHILIPPINE SEA  –  The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), the U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Navy begin the multilateral exercise Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX) 2025 in the Philippine Sea, Oct. 20, 2025. 

This year’s ANNUALEX focuses on enhancing the Japan and U.S. bilateral alliance within a multilateral context through maritime communication tactics, anti-submarine warfare operations, air warfare operations, replenishment-at-sea, and more. JMSDF Izumo-class helicopter-capable, anti-submarine warfare destroyer JS Kaga (DDH 184) leads the JMSDF participation in this year’s ANNUALEX. 

Held every two years, ANNUALEX is led by the JMSDF to provide an opportunity to refine and build upon existing combat interoperability capabilities, enhancing readiness across all platforms. This serves as a deterrent against regional instability and aggression. 

U.S. participating assets include the U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86), Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62), P-8A Poseidon, Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ships USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6), USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8), fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199), a U.S. submarine, and U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II is assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242. 

Participating forces will also include the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Air Force (RAAF), Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Air Force (RCAF), French Navy (FN), and Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). 

The previous ANNUALEX, held in November 2023, featured Carrier Strike Group 1, represented by its flagship Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), during operations in U.S. 7th Fleet. 

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. 

The following statement from the 3^rd MAW was released on Oct. 17, 2025: 

At approximately 7:05 p.m. PDT Oct. 16, 2025, an AH-1Z Viper assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, experienced an aviation mishap during routine operations near an unpopulated area of Imperial Gables, California. The crew of two pilots were transported to separate hospitals for medical treatment. The first pilot was transported to Pioneers Memorial Hospital, Brawley, California, and is confirmed deceased. The second pilot was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center, Palm Springs, California, and is in stable condition. 

Maj. Gen. James B. Wellons, the commanding general of 3rd MAW, issued the following statement, “It is with profound sadness that I share the loss of a Marine from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the “Gunfighters” while conducting a training flight in support of the Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course. This Marine made the ultimate sacrifice, and we are forever grateful for his selfless commitment and willingness to go into harm’s way. To the family, friends, and loved ones of our fallen Marine, we send our deepest condolences and offer our unwavering support during this time of grief.” 

As a matter of policy, we will not release the identity of a deceased service member until 24 hours after all next of kin notifications have been completed. 

Though we understand the inherent risks of military service, any loss of life is always difficult. The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing stands firm in its commitment to supporting the families, friends, and fellow service members of our fallen Marine.