⚔️ Marine Corps Developing New Armed Recon Drone for Contested Airspace

📬 In Today’s Defense Brief

🛫 GE Aerospace Awarded Subcontract for Next Phase of Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft LINK

⚓️ Navy Pushing Innovation to Build the Next Generation of Submarines, Says Admiral LINK

⚔️ Marine Corps Developing New Armed Recon Drone for Contested Airspace LINK

💰 Boeing Lands $2.45B Boost to C-17 Sustainment Contract, Total Now $7.6B LINK

🖨️ Stratasys Unveils New 3D Printing Materials for Aerospace Applications LINK

🎱 Plus 9 other news stories you may like

📰 Full Breakdown

🛫 GE Aerospace Awarded Subcontract for Next Phase of Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft LINK

• GE Aerospace has been selected to continue work on the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), supplying engine technology and components as part of the Bell Textron team.

• The FLRAA program aims to replace the Army’s Black Hawk helicopters with a faster, more agile aircraft capable of longer ranges and greater payloads.

• GE’s involvement in this next phase includes further development of its T901 turboshaft engine, a key propulsion component for Army aviation modernization.

⚓️ Navy Pushing Innovation to Build the Next Generation of Submarines, Says Admiral LINK

• Admiral Frank D. Whitworth III emphasized the Navy’s focus on speed, digital engineering, and integrated design to accelerate development of the SSN(X) submarine.

• The Navy is seeking to apply lessons from the Columbia-class ballistic missile subs and prioritize collaboration across shipyards to improve build timelines.

• SSN(X), envisioned as the most capable attack sub ever built, is expected to dominate undersea warfare in contested environments through enhanced stealth, sensors, and weapons.

⚔️ Marine Corps Developing New Armed Recon Drone for Contested Airspace LINK

• The Marine Corps is developing a new armed reconnaissance drone designed to support operations in denied and contested environments.

• The drone will carry munitions and sensors to locate, track, and engage enemy targets with minimal exposure to U.S. forces.

• Officials say the effort aligns with the Corps’ Force Design 2030 modernization initiative, which prioritizes autonomous systems and distributed operations.

💰 Boeing Lands $2.45B Boost to C-17 Sustainment Contract, Total Now $7.6B LINK

• Boeing received a $2.45 billion contract modification to support global sustainment of the C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, bringing the total contract value to $7.6 billion.

• The agreement covers parts, logistics, engineering, and maintenance services for a fleet used by both U.S. and allied forces around the world.

• Sustainment work under the contract will continue through 2031, ensuring long-term readiness of the C-17 fleet for strategic airlift missions.

🖨️ Stratasys Unveils New 3D Printing Materials for Aerospace Applications LINK

• Stratasys introduced new high-performance materials for additive manufacturing, including Antero 840CN03 and FDM Nylon-CF10, both tailored for aerospace and defense use.

• The new materials are designed for applications requiring heat resistance, strength, and static dissipation, offering lighter alternatives to traditional components.

• Stratasys says the products will help reduce supply chain strain and accelerate prototyping and end-use part production for defense contractors and aerospace firms.

🌏 Other Important News

• New U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier to Be Named USS Musk LINK

• India’s Light Combat Helicopter to Get Aerial Refueling Capability LINK

• Hegseth Orders Sex-Neutral Fitness Standards for Combat Arms LINK

• Navy, Industry Try to Reverse Course on Workforce Woes LINK

• Army to Deploy Integrated Data Layer for Next-Gen Command and Control LINK

• USS Ford Launches Drones Against Houthis in Red Sea LINK

• Leidos Completes Successful Test Launch of Small Cruise Missile LINK

• F-35As Unite Over Typhoons in Simulated Devastation Scenario LINK

• L3Harris Completes $800M Sale of Commercial Aviation Business LINK

Thanks for reading today’s Defense Brief. If you haven’t already, subscribe and share with others to stay up to date on the latest defense news.