ArianeGroup has successfully completed the first launch of SyLEx, France's new sovereign suborbital test system, marking a significant milestone in European aerospace independence. The inaugural flight on November 28, 2025, from the DGA Missile Testing Centre in Biscarrosse validated both the single-stage rocket and its dedicated launch pad, developed in under three years.
A helicopter crash occurred while supporting officers on the ground during an active shooter response in Flagstaff, Arizona. Two crew members died, and officials have not determined the cause of the crash.
The Army has selected three companies - Bell, M1, and Lockheed Martin - to move on to the next phase of the Flight School Next program. The companies will provide more information about their proposals and illustrate their full-scale solutions.
The Army successfully integrated Marine Corps data into its Next Generation Command and Control ecosystem during Ivy Sting 4. This exercise demonstrated bidirectional data exchange and coordinated joint fires using the NGC2 data layer.
The US Army has paused its decision to move forward with the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle program, instead opting to assess multiple competing designs and consider non-traditional vendors. The Request for Information (RFI) aims to explore innovative solutions for rapid design, production, and delivery of ground combat vehicles.
The US Army is expanding its high-altitude balloon swarm experiment with more platforms and help from NORAD. The experiment aims to use swarms as an intel-gathering tool at scale, with a focus on creating mass disruption for an adversary.
The US Army has released a request for information for up to 11 business jets to be used for its High Altitude Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program, which aims to provide advanced surveillance capabilities. The RFI was published on January 22 and seeks aircraft that can operate between 41,000 and 51,000 feet above sea level.
The US Army has issued a call to industry for electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) solutions, seeking proposals that embrace artificial intelligence and edge computing. The request for information (RFI) outlines four general areas for which the Army is seeking solutions: attack, support, protect, and common services.
The US Army has launched a challenge to find a replacement for its Gray Eagle large drone, with industry invited to submit proposals for short/vertical takeoff and landing (S/VTOL) unmanned options. The RFI seeks systems that meet specific weight and performance requirements, as well as advanced sensors and autonomous capabilities.
The US Army is facing challenges in its sustainment costs, particularly with regards to non-mission capable tanks. Advanced manufacturing techniques can produce parts quickly, but current policies limit their use due to funding and pricing constraints.
The US Army has selected three companies to move on to the next phase of its Flight School Next competition, which aims to train 900-1,500 rotary wing pilots per year with a period of performance of 26 years. Lockheed Martin will partner with Robinson for the program, while Bell and M1 are competing as their own entities.
The Army's acquisition czar expressed concerns over General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems' (GD-OTS) handling of the 155mm artillery projectiles production plants in Mesquite, Texas. The facility has yet to produce a single projectile for 155 or any other artillery, resulting in only 56,000 shells per month being manufactured.
A senior Army official warned companies to avoid criticizing the service's 'clean sheet' approach to Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) when interacting with Congress. The initiative aims to modernize the Army's command and control systems, and the official emphasized the importance of transparency and consistency in its communications with lawmakers.
The US Army has announced significant changes to its acquisition process, aiming to boost funding for network modernization and software acquisition. The service plans to invest $750 million per year in emerging technologies through the FUZE program.
The US Army is implementing a comprehensive overhaul of its acquisition structure, aiming to streamline processes and reduce costs. Breaking Defense reports that the reorganization will see significant changes, including consolidating general officers and reducing the number of Program Executive Offices (PEOs).
The US Army has budgeted for the first division in fiscal year 2027 to receive the production full stack Next Generation Command and Control ecosystem, according to officials. Brig.
The US Army is preparing to integrate small drones into its forces, with a goal of fielding one-way attack drones to every squad by October. To achieve this, the Army is hosting a drone warfighter competition to explore training and tactics changes.
The US Army is pushing its M1E3 tank prototypes to soldiers five years ahead of schedule, thanks to a new acquisition model that involves multiple vendors working together. This approach allows for faster testing and iteration, with the goal of delivering top-of-the-line equipment.
The US Army is set to release a new software directive aimed at bringing flexibility to acquisition and streamlining the application of modern software. Undersecretary Michael Obadal emphasized the need for flexible funding, citing the challenges of rigid funding authorities in acquiring modern, agile software.
The Army's acquisition overhaul is accelerating modernization of its simulation and training capabilities, according to Brig. Gen.