Aerospace & Defense Electronics

PARIS - Blue Dome, Belgium’s new layered air-defense capability, will include, GM200 MM/C radars, providing the shared, accurate air picture to connect sensors, command-and-control systems, and effectors into a responsive defense network.

The GM200 MM/C is also being customized for integrated ground-based air defense (GBAD) architectures with Kongsberg’s Fire Distribution Centre (command and control) and Raytheon’s AMRAAM missile, resulting in the GM200 MM/C-NASAMS configuration. After the initial configuration with the Netherlands, Belgium’s selection further accelerates this sensor-to-shooter collaboration.

Source: Thales
Associated URL: https://www.thalesgroup.com/en

ARLINGTON, Va. - AeroVironment, Inc., today announced a landmark $405 million international direct commercial sales order for its LOCUST X3 high-energy laser weapon systems, expanding critical counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) capabilities in the Middle East.

The award comes amid escalating regional security threats, where the proliferation of low-cost, increasingly sophisticated drones has exposed the urgent need for persistent, affordable air defense. Recent attacks and evolving threat patterns across the Middle East underscore the importance of defeating Group 1 to 3 unmanned aircraft systems before they threaten military installations, critical infrastructure, and civilian populations.

Examples include Shahed-series one-way attack drones, which have been used in attacks against energy facilities, airports, military sites, and other critical infrastructure across the region. These systems can be launched in large numbers, complicating detection and interception while imposing significant costs on conventional air-defense systems.

LOCUST X3 provides a scalable, precision high-energy laser capability designed to counter Group 1-3 UAS threats. Integrated with radar, command-and-control and complementary kinetic systems, LOCUST strengthens layered defense architectures by providing a low-cost-per-engagement option against persistent and high-volume drone threats.

Source: AeroVironment
Associated URL: https://www.avinc.com/

WASHINGTON - Space Exploration Technologies Corp., Hawthorne, California, has been awarded a $9.9 million broad agency announcement contract, with options for up to a maximum $12.6 million, for a risk reduction study on their Plug and Play Laser, also known as Plaser. This contract provides for the risk reduction study, the delivery of representative hardware, and support to missile warning and tracking system integration.

Work will be performed in Hawthorne, California; and Redmond, Washington, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 7, 2027. This contract was a competitive acquisition. Since proposals are received throughout the year under the Systems, Technologies, and Emerging Capabilities Broad Agency Announcement, the number of proposals received in response to the solicitation is unknown. The Space Development Agency, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (FA240127C0001).

Source: U.S. Air Force
Associated URL: http://www.defense.gov