💣 Army Eyes 2026 Test of Castelion’s “Blackbeard” Hypersonic Missile

📬 In Today’s Defense Brief

🚀 Missile Defense Agency Issues Lockheed Martin Aegis Contract Worth Up to $2.97B LINK

⚓ BlueForge and Palantir to Create "Warp Speed" Initiative for Warships with AI LINK

💣 Army Eyes 2026 Test of Castelion’s “Blackbeard” Hypersonic Missile LINK

🛡️ U.S. Navy Boosts Missile Defense with New Flight III Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer USS Jeremiah Denton LINK

📦 Pentagon Confirms It's Holding Weapons Previously Promised to Ukraine LINK

🎱 Plus 11 other news stories you may like

📰 Full Breakdown

🚀 Missile Defense Agency Issues Lockheed Martin Aegis Contract Worth Up to $2.97B LINK

• Lockheed Martin secured a significant Missile Defense Agency (MDA) contract valued up to $2.97 billion to support production and maintenance of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system.

• The contract covers upgrades, logistics, and sustainment activities to enhance naval missile defense capabilities against evolving ballistic missile threats.

• This award underlines ongoing U.S. investment in integrated missile defense systems critical for national and allied security in contested regions.

⚓ BlueForge and Palantir to Create "Warp Speed" Initiative for Warships with AI LINK

• BlueForge Alliance and data analytics leader Palantir announced the launch of an AI-driven initiative named "Warp Speed," aiming to dramatically speed up U.S. Navy warship production timelines.

• The partnership leverages Palantir’s software to provide real-time data analytics, predictive insights, and operational improvements across Navy shipyards and supply chains.

• Officials believe the project can significantly streamline naval manufacturing, cutting down shipbuilding delays and enhancing overall fleet readiness.

💣 Army Eyes 2026 Test of Castelion’s “Blackbeard” Hypersonic Missile LINK

• The U.S. Army revealed plans to test Castelion's "Blackbeard," a cutting-edge hypersonic missile, in 2026 as part of its ambitious Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon program.

• The Blackbeard missile offers significantly improved range, maneuverability, and survivability compared to existing missile platforms.

• This test aligns with Army modernization goals, emphasizing hypersonic strike capabilities critical for penetrating advanced adversary air defenses.

🛡️ U.S. Navy Boosts Missile Defense with New Flight III Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer USS Jeremiah Denton LINK

• The U.S. Navy commissioned its latest Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Jeremiah Denton, significantly bolstering maritime missile defense capabilities.

• Equipped with advanced SPY-6 radars, the destroyer enhances detection, tracking, and engagement of ballistic and cruise missile threats.

• Navy officials emphasized the ship’s critical role in providing robust defense against growing threats from adversary missile systems in key global hotspots.

📦 Pentagon Confirms It's Holding Weapons Previously Promised to Ukraine LINK

• Pentagon officials confirmed the temporary withholding of certain advanced weapons previously promised to Ukraine, citing urgent U.S. military requirements amid growing global security challenges.

• The decision sparked concerns among Ukrainian allies, who argue the delay could negatively impact Kyiv’s defense efforts against Russian aggression.

• The Pentagon stated the move is part of an ongoing capability review to ensure critical resources remain available for U.S. national security needs.

🌏 Other Important News

• Argentina Increases Military Ties to the United States LINK

• NGA Announces Selectees for $200M Luno-B IDIQ Contract LINK

• Fincantieri Names New CEO of Its American Shipmaking Arm LINK

• Army Experiments Integrating Attack Drones into Artillery Formations LINK

• Paraguayan Air Force Receives New Embraer Aircraft LINK

• DoD Launches Capability Review to Analyze Military Aid Priorities LINK

• Pentagon Provides Update on Southern Border Recruitment Numbers LINK

• New F-22 Upgrade Package Detailed to Keep Jets Viable LINK

• Army Requests $3 Billion in 2026 Budget for Next-Gen Command and Control Systems LINK

• Army Prepares New Hub in Australia for Strategic Stockpiling LINK

• Terma Selected to Upgrade Argentinian F-16 Aircraft LINK

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