🚀 RTX’s Pratt & Whitney to Provide Propulsion for Leidos’ Small Cruise Missile

📬 In Today’s Defense Brief

✈️ Boeing Very Close to Finalizing Air Force One Design Changes LINK

🚀 RTX’s Pratt & Whitney to Provide Propulsion for Leidos’ Small Cruise Missile LINK

🛠️ Lockheed’s New Upgrade Package for F‑35 Is Ready LINK

🛩️ General Atomics’ MQ‑9B Gains Airborne Early Warning Capability for European Defense LINK

🤖 E‑7A Wedgetail Controls MQ‑28s in Collaborative Combat Test LINK

🎱 Plus 10 other news stories you may like

📰 Full Breakdown

✈️ Boeing Very Close to Finalizing Air Force One Design Changes LINK

• Boeing is nearing completion of the VC-25B Air Force One design modifications, which include enhanced interior configurations and secure communication capabilities to meet presidential requirements. The final design review is expected shortly.

• These updates are part of the Air Force’s broader initiative to modernize the presidential fleet, despite previous cost overruns and production delays affecting the timeline.

• Boeing remains confident in delivering the aircraft on schedule, though the Air Force is maintaining oversight due to ongoing transparency concerns.

🚀 RTX’s Pratt & Whitney to Provide Propulsion for Leidos’ Small Cruise Missile LINK

• RTX’s Pratt & Whitney has been selected to supply a high-efficiency propulsion system for Leidos' new low-cost cruise missile, designed for affordable mass production at scale.

• The new engine technology supports the Pentagon's shift toward quantity-focused munitions suitable for large-scale conflicts, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.

• The propulsion system is expected to deliver a balance of performance and affordability, enhancing the missile’s adaptability in contested environments.

🛠️ Lockheed’s New Upgrade Package for F‑35 Is Ready LINK

• Lockheed Martin has declared its Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) upgrade ready for fielding on F-35s, pending Pentagon validation. The company completed all required testing phases.

• TR-3 provides enhanced onboard computing, greater memory capacity, and upgraded displays, forming the foundation for future Block 4 upgrades with advanced weapon capabilities.

• Delivery had faced significant delays, but Lockheed now anticipates accelerating rollout, boosting jet performance and enabling long-term software-driven enhancements.

🛩️ General Atomics’ MQ‑9B Gains Airborne Early Warning Capability for European Defense LINK

• General Atomics unveiled an airborne early warning radar capability on the MQ-9B drone, aimed at supporting NATO surveillance and tracking missions in Europe.

• The radar-equipped MQ-9B offers long-endurance, low-cost monitoring over contested areas, enhancing real-time intelligence and detection range without needing manned platforms.

• The upgrade reflects growing interest in leveraging UAVs for traditionally high-end missions, providing flexible AEW support for allied air defenses.

🤖 E‑7A Wedgetail Controls MQ‑28s in Collaborative Combat Test LINK

• A recent Royal Australian Air Force test showcased the E-7A Wedgetail’s ability to direct MQ-28 Ghost Bat drones mid-flight, validating manned-unmanned teaming in real-time.

• The demonstration integrated air battle management and drone control, simulating multi-asset coordination during live operations with data-link connectivity and situational awareness tools.

• This test advances collaborative combat concepts and shows promise for integrating autonomous platforms in future warfare scenarios.

🌏 Other Important News

• Kratos Expands U.S. Jet Engine Production Footprint with New Facility LINK

• State Department Approves Australia FMS for F/A‑18F & EA‑18G Aircraft LINK

• Boeing Says It Can Build F‑XX and F‑47, Rejecting SecNav’s Concerns LINK

• BlackSky to Expand Constellation for Broad Area Collection Capabilities LINK

• Sweden Eyes Gripen Upgrade Amid Need for Improved Electronic Warfare LINK

• U.S. Navy P‑8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft Gains Real-Time Targeting LINK

• FBI Shares Intel with Congress on Alleged Chinese Fake Mail Plot LINK

• Army Seeks Boost in Network Funding in Pentagon Procurement Plan LINK

• Embraer Sells New C‑390 to Portugal, Adds Aero-Medical Variant for Netherlands LINK

• Honeywell Selected by Bell for Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft Systems LINK

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