Sponsored by Galvion
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15 Apr 26. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX), Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger and the Orange County Board of Supervisors have announced an agreement to further expand L3Harris’ solid rocket motor production capacity at its site in Orange County with the creation of the Virginia Advanced Propulsion Facilities (VAPF).
The more than $1 billion expansion project, which builds on a previously announced expansion at the Orange County site, is expected to more than double the manufacturing space and create more than 350 jobs over the next five years.
“L3Harris’ continued investments in solid rocket motor facilities are bolstering manufacturing capacity for key national defense programs,” said Ken Bedingfield, President, Missile Solutions, L3Harris. “With a talented workforce and a community committed to long-term success, our expanded presence in Virginia will deliver additional capability to the Department of War and our allies.”
“I congratulate L3Harris on its historic expansion in Central Virginia,” said Gov. Spanberger. “With a deep talent pipeline and strong track record in the defense and advanced manufacturing sectors, the Commonwealth is ready to fill the hundreds of new positions coming to Orange County. L3Harris exemplifies the kind of partnership that builds the future of Virginia, and we look forward to celebrating this investment for many years to come.”
“On behalf of the Board of Supervisors and our Economic Development team, we are thrilled to recognize and support L3Harris’ $1.265 Billion expansion and the creation of 350+ new jobs in Orange County. This is a transformational announcement that will benefit Orange County for decades,” said Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bryan Nicol. “L3Harris has been an important, long-time member of our business community – making their growth and continued investment here particularly gratifying. This project is a recognition of Orange County’s strong business climate, its economic vitality and our region’s qualified workforce. The Board is grateful to be receiving a grant from Governor Spanberger’s Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund and support from the General Assembly’s Major Employment Investment Project Approval Commission to bring this opportunity to the Commonwealth.”
“I’m pleased to see L3Harris expanding its operations in Virginia, bringing hundreds of good-paying jobs to Orange County while strengthening manufacturing capacity for critical national defense programs,” said Rep. Eugene Vindman, D-Va. “This investment will more than double their footprint and build on a long track record of success in the region. I look forward to continuing to partner with L3Harris to support this growth, create new opportunities for our workforce, and advance the aerospace innovation that drives both our economy and our national security.”
L3Harris plans to construct new facilities at the site to support key solid rocket motor production operations spanning multiple Department of War programs. The VAPF will support company operations such as mixing, grinding, casting and final assembly.
L3Harris’ site in Virginia currently has 256,000 square feet of manufacturing space and serves as the company’s Center of Excellence for Propellant Research and Small to Medium-sized Solid Rocket Motor Production.
L3Harris is also modernizing and expanding solid rocket motor production at its sites in Camden, Arkansas, and Huntsville, Alabama. The company’s ongoing investments in new facilities, equipment and processes will enable it to double, triple and quadruple solid rocket motor production rates for a range of key programs.
16 Apr 26. FN is introducing the new FN PUREVIEW™ holographic micro red dot sight, a solution engineered specifically for military, law enforcement, and special operations personnel who require split-second precision in challenging environments.
Built to survive the world’s most demanding theatres, the FN PUREVIEW™ is the only militarygrade holographic micro red dot sight engineered for absolute frontline reliability. At the core of this capability is the ImageGuide® (1) technology, with its unique nano-structure printed within the glass. It enables holography to be implemented into a lightweight, compact optic with a true holographic red dot. This ensures that frontline personnel can rely on better optical quality, achieving better overall performance.
Designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern multi-role missions, the FN PUREVIEW™ provides operators with a singular, highperformance, exceptionally compact aiming solution that transitions seamlessly across platforms. It can serve as the primary optic for pistols, submachine guns, shotguns, and select carbines, or as a backup sight for sniper systems and magnified platforms.
The FN PUREVIEW™ delivers a free sight picture that remains clear in the harshest conditions. From sub-zero arctic environments to the intense heat of desert operations, the sight eliminates the pain points of hardware failure, allowing the user to focus entirely on the threat at hand rather than the integrity of their optic.
Innovation at your fingertips
At the core of the FN PUREVIEW™ is the exclusive patented ImageGuide® technology, a breakthrough in optical physics that achieves a 25% reduction in housing weight compared with competitors in this class of professional and rugged optics.
Unlike traditional optics, this fully enclosed system utilises a proprietary architecture to eliminate visual distortion. Unparalleled optical clarity is achieved through the use of clear, flat glass, guaranteeing fast, instinctive target acquisition and ensuring the user’s sight picture remains perfect even under the stress of combat.
Its innovation extends to its brightness management system. With automatic brightness adjustment and 14 tactical brightness settings, including dedicated modes for Night Vision Goggles, the FN PUREVIEW™ provides the ultimate in tactical flexibility, allowing the user to operate effectively, even in dark and low-light conditions.
The FN PUREVIEW™ has been designed to maintain a precise zero through extreme kinetic impact; the system has been tested in accordance with MIL-STD-810 and can survive multiple drops up to 1.8 metres (6 feet) onto concrete. Most notably, the FN PUREVIEW™ features a fail-safe reticle design: the aiming point remains fully functional and visible even in the event of lens shattering.
The FN PUREVIEW™ remains submersible up to 35 metres.
Designed differently
Primarily designed for pistols yet versatile enough for rifles, submachine guns and shotguns, this is the only military-grade holographic micro red dot sight of its kind designed and manufactured by a world-renowned Europe-based small arms manufacturer. The FN PUREVIEW™ has successfully passed the most rigorous firing tests using the most powerful ammunition currently in service, without sustaining any damage. And every unit has successfully met FN’s stringent testing standards.
It is the latest innovation in the proven product range of FN® aiming systems, which includes the FN® FCU fire control unit for 40mm LV/MV grenades and the FN ELITY® ballistic calculator for sniper and precision rifles, and spotting scopes. Both are in service with several armies and special forces globally.
The FN PUREVIEW™ inherits a legacy of trusted quality, practical, and easy-to-maintain equipment. It is compatible and can seamlessly integrate with all guns. Additionally, FN is supported by a robust, secure supply chain that meets the most rigorous military and law enforcement compliance standards.
François Legras, VP FN E-NOVATION, said: “At FN, our innovation is driven by an over 135-year legacy of industrial excellence and an unwavering commitment to those who serve, defend and protect us. The FN PUREVIEW™ is another example of this innovative spirit, being the first holographic sight in this form factor to use a nano-structured glass to guide light. This was driven by a user-first philosophy, combining our bold and accurate approach to the rugged reliability that defence forces and law enforcement need.”
François Legras added: “With its micro-size form factor, the lightweight holographic red dot sight has eliminated the risk of optic aberration and distortion even in extreme low-light conditions or sudden temperature fluctuations. This is a solution designed to empower users, ensuring they have the absolute advantage in the moments that matter most supported by its on-axis aiming design and patented ImageGuide® technology. ”
The FN PUREVIEW will be showcased at EUROSATORY in Paris (15–19 June).
15 Apr 26. AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced the debut of MAYHEM 10, a groundbreaking, multi-role launched effects system purpose-built for deployment from air, ground, and maritime platforms.
MAYHEM 10 is an autonomous, multi-role launched effects system that delivers significant operational versatility with a modular payload.
MAYHEM 10 is an autonomous, multi-role launched effects system that delivers significant operational versatility with a modular payload that supports interchangeable lethal and non-lethal effects—including intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare, communications relay, and precision strike—tailored to specific mission requirements and adaptable as operational conditions change.
“MAYHEM 10 sets a new standard for operational versatility and survivability on the modern battlefield,” said Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer at AV. “By integrating advanced autonomy, multi-domain payloads, and rapid adaptability, we empower our forces to sense, disrupt, and strike with precision—even in the most contested environments. This breakthrough allows commanders to extend their reach, accelerate decision-making, and maintain superiority without putting crews or high-value assets at unnecessary risk.”
Developed on the heritage of AV’s Switchblade® family and designed for demanding, contested environments, MAYHEM 10 boasts a 10-pound (4.5 kg) payload capacity, up to 100 km operational range, 50 minutes of endurance, and readiness for assembly and launch in less than five minutes.
Built using a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), the system supports seamless upgrades, third-party payload integration, and unified control through AV’s Tomahawk Grip controller and AV_Halo™ COMMAND interface, empowering networked, distributed, and scalable employment alone or in collaborative swarms to execute multiple effects in parallel and adapt quickly to evolving threats and mission needs.
“MAYHEM 10 changes how forces generate combat power by enabling collaborative swarm operations at scale,” said Brian Young, Senior Vice President of Loitering Munitions at AV. “Operators can employ multiple systems to work collaboratively—expanding coverage, overwhelming defenses, and executing synchronized effects across the battlespace—without increasing platform risk or force concentration.”
MAYHEM 10 features a removeable forward modular payload for rapid integration of third-party payloads to enhance mission flexibility. Its self-contained launcher supports flexible deployment across dismounted, mobile ground, air-mounted and vehicle-mounted operations.
Advanced autonomy is powered by an AI-driven processor and enables effective operations in contested and denied environments, with resilience to jamming, spoofing, and navigation-denied conditions. Secure navigation and communication are facilitated by M-Code GPS and Silvus datalink, while a MANET secure mesh network ensures robust command-and-control links with a 25-40 km link range.
Key features of the MAYHEM 10.
- Multi-Platform Extended Standoff:
Deployable from air, ground, and maritime platforms, MAYHEM 10 extends host-platform standoff by enabling threat detection and engagement at range—pushing sensing and effects 100+ km forward while reducing risk to crews and high-value assets.
- One System, Multiple Effects:
A single MAYHEM 10 supports configurations for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare/disruption, deception/decoy, communications relay, and precision strike with up to 10 lbs of tailorable nonlethal or lethal payloads—without changing launch concepts.
- Scalable, Coordinated Effects:
Employ MAYHEM 10 individually or in collaborative swarms to expand coverage, overwhelm or confuse defenses, and execute multiple effects in parallel—without concentrating forces or crewed platforms.
- Autonomy for Contested Environments:
AI-enabled autonomy allows MAYHEM 10 to maintain mission effectiveness through jamming, spoofing, degraded communications, and denied navigation, reducing reliance on continuous operator control and operator burden.
- Built to Adapt and Evolve:
A Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)-based, interoperable architecture enables rapid payload integration, autonomy upgrades, and system employment keeping MAYHEM 10 aligned with evolving threats, networks, and priorities. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
13 Apr 26. Hanwha Aerospace hosted permanent representatives from 30 NATO member states for the inaugural ‘Hanwha-NATO PermReps Strategic Dialogue’, presenting its next-generation defense vision spanning unmanned systems, manned-unmanned teaming, and satellite capabilities. During the visit, the company briefed the delegation on its proven defense platforms, including the K9 self-propelled howitzer and the Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launcher System. Hanwha Aerospace supplies the K9 to six NATO member states, Poland, Finland, Estonia, Norway, Romania, and Türkiye, and holds the top global market share in self-propelled howitzers. The Chunmoo system has also been exported to Poland, Estonia, and Norway, further expanding the company’s strategic cooperation with NATO. The company also presented its localization strategy, which contributes not only to European defense capabilities but also to local economies and industrial ecosystems. Hanwha Aerospace has broken ground on H-ACE Europe, a production facility in Romania, and established a joint venture with Poland’s WB Electronics for local production of Chunmoo guided missiles, deepening its integration into Europe’s defense industrial base. Jae-il Son, President & CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, said, “This visit reaffirmed the strong partnership between Hanwha Aerospace and NATO allies. We will continue strengthening European security through local production, sustainment, and tailored defense solutions. Our goal is to become NATO’s most trusted partner.”
13 Apr 26. Rheinmetall and Destinus to form a joint venture for missiles The Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall and Destinus, a Netherlands-based European defence technology company focused on scalable strike and interception systems, have agreed to establish a joint venture. The aim of the two partners is to set up the joint venture, to be named Rheinmetall Destinus Strike Systems, during the second half of 2026. It will manufacture, market, and deliver advanced missile systems. These will include cruise missiles and ballistic rocket artillery. Rheinmetall will hold a 51 percent stake, while Destinus will hold the remaining 49 percent. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals. As part of the partnership, Rheinmetall and Destinus intend to exploit market opportunities and further develop modern missile systems. Within agreed markets and under applicable approvals, they intend to provide innovative solutions for cruise missiles and ballistic rocket artillery, and to strengthen existing product portfolios. Destinus remains headquartered in the Netherlands and will continue to develop and manufacture core systems and components across its Dutch and broader European footprint. The joint venture adds Germany-based qualification and serial production capacity within Rheinmetall’s industrial facilities. Armin Papperger, the CEO of Rheinmetall, said: “We must expand the industrial base for modern defence systems in Europe. This joint venture reflects this necessity. We are combining Rheinmetall’s production capacities and experience in managing large-scale programs with Destinus’s specific technology and system design. By doing so, we are laying the foundations for scalable, operational missiles that are tailored to the current requirements of the European and allied armed forces.” “Europe is entering a new phase of scaling missile production,” added Mikhail Kokorich, co-founder and CEO of Destinus. “Modern conflict is defined by volume and cost-per-effect. Missile systems are evolving from limited-production assets into industrial products. The real constraint in Europe today is not demand, but industrial capacity.” Recent conflicts, including in Ukraine and the Middle East, have demonstrated that demand for scalable strike systems is no longer measured in limited batches. Instead, there is an increasing demand for thousands of systems per year, which could grow to tens of thousands over time as European and allied procurement adapts. This translates into a market opportunity of hundreds of millions of euros annually in the near term, with the potential to reach the low billions over time. This partnership combines Destinus’ battle-proven system architecture, product design, and scalable platform development, including systems already operationally validated and used in Ukraine, with Rheinmetall’s industrial scale, qualification capabilities, and manufacturing execution as the leading German defence company. Destinus develops and manufactures cruise missile systems and turbojet engines, with an established serial production program in Europe, currently producing over 2,000 cruise missile systems a year. Rheinmetall brings many years of experience in developing and producing complex defence systems, an industrial presence in Germany, and extensive ongoing investment in independent, scalable defence production. Together, the partners will add Germany- based industrial capacity for serial production and qualification, supporting European sovereignty objectives and allied requirements. The joint venture will focus on manufacturing, assembling, testing, and delivering advanced cruise missile systems to accelerate the delivery of a missile system specifically developed for this purpose, meeting the requirements of national and international customers. The joint venture will target a broad international market in Europe, as well as selected partner countries within the NATO alliance. For individual key markets, the involvement of local industrial partners may be considered. Both companies will contribute their regional expertise and market knowledge to define suitable sales structures and drive sustainable growth in relevant market segments. This initiative reflects a broader shift in modern warfare, with long-range strike capabilities evolving from predominantly drone-based approaches toward faster, more resilient, and industrially scalable cruise missile systems. With this joint venture, Rheinmetall and Destinus aim to bridge the gap between what Europe and Ukraine require and what Europe’s defence industry can deliver, at volume and at industrial tempo. About Destinus Destinus is a European defense technology company focused on scalable strike and interception systems. The company develops and manufactures cruise missile systems, guided rocket systems, interceptor platforms, and turbojet engines, combining autonomy, system integration, and industrial[1]scale production. Destinus operates across multiple European countries and is focused on delivering cost-asymmetric, mass-producible systems for high-intensity conflict environments
13 Apr 26. Northrop Grumman and U.S. Air Force Accelerate Sentinel Program Momentum. A revised acquisition approach is speeding Northrop Grumman’s development of the next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile program.
Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force are achieving substantial progress across the Sentinel program, advancing toward first flight in 2027 and initial capability in the early 2030s. From missile testing and infrastructure prototyping to supply chain readiness, Sentinel is accelerating development enabled by a transformed acquisition approach.
In close partnership with the U.S. Air Force, Northrop Grumman is focused on achieving the earliest possible initial capability for the Sentinel weapon system. With rigorous systems engineering and an incremental approach to development and fielding, the Sentinel team is advancing capability through a series of phases that prioritize speed to make the system operational as quickly as possible. This allows testing and validation to occur earlier, lessons learned to be applied in real time and capability to be fielded faster while maintaining rigorous performance standards.
Sentinel is a new system to replace the aged ground-based leg of the nuclear triad, spanning more than 32,000 square miles across five states. With elements of the updated acquisition approach already in motion, the Sentinel government-industry team has made significant progress testing critical hardware, fortifying the supply chain—a massive industrial base of more than 500 partners—and augmenting the nationwide workforce of more than 10,000 dedicated professionals.
Over the past five years, Northrop Grumman has invested $13.5 billion in infrastructure and R&D for critical national security programs, including $2 billion dedicated to solid rocket motor capacity and capabilities that benefit Sentinel’s ability to accelerate and scale production. The Sentinel program continues to gain momentum—and Northrop Grumman is dedicated to delivering warfighter capabilities that balance breakthrough technology, affordability and speed.
“The Sentinel program exemplifies what’s possible when a bold acquisition approach meets relentless innovation,” said Sarah Willoughby, vice president and general manager, strategic deterrent systems, Northrop Grumman. “Our dedicated workforce and extensive partner network are united by a common purpose to field the Sentinel weapon system with speed and scale while delivering enhanced capability to the U.S. Air Force.”
From Digital Designs to Verified Hardware
Leveraging lessons learned from the B-21 Raider, the LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was designed in a digital ecosystem—increasing speed, efficiency and collaboration. The new three-stage booster design bolsters accuracy and flexibility for no-fail ICBM missions. Sentinel’s solid rocket motors are made of strong and corrosion-resistant composite materials which are 70% lighter than Minuteman III’s—increasing payload capacity and range.
The missile has already moved from digital designs into early prototyping, assembly and testing, paving the way for the first flight test and initial capability. Examples of the missile’s progress include:
- Every propulsive element of the Sentinel missile has been prototyped and tested. Northrop Grumman has assembled the first three-stage Sentinel booster, verifying design, processes and technologies, and solid rocket motors for the first five flight tests are already in production.
- Two Interstage Separation Tests were conducted to demonstrate the ability of the missile to cleanly separate the spent solid rocket motor stages one and two from the rest of the vehicle. A shroud fly-off test tested and validated the design of the shroud, which is a protective cover for the missile’s payload.
- The Guidance and Control Hardware—the brains of the missile—was stress tested through an initial mass model sled test which exposed the Navigation Inertial Measurement System (NIMS) hardware to flight-like conditions to evaluate performance. Passing this test means the hardware will survive the environmental stresses induced during the missile’s flight, critical for Sentinel’s accuracy and overall mission success.
First fully assembled Sentinel ground test booster, including stages-one, -two and -three solid rocket motors and both interstage mechanisms. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)
Sentinel’s Guidance and Control (G&C) hardware has passed an initial mass model sled test conducted by Northrop Grumman Corporation and the U.S. Air Force. (Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force)
Sentinel replaces existing launch silos with a new modular silo design and supporting infrastructure. The new architecture saves costs and improves performance and maintenance—positioning Sentinel to meet today’s requirements while staying adaptable to meet future needs. Alongside the missile development, the Sentinel program has seen significant progress in maturing other crucial elements of the complex weapon system.
- Northrop Grumman broke ground on a prototype of the Sentinel Launch Silo tube, which will test and validate the structural design and construction approach. The new design is a key enabler in accelerated fielding of the system and is expected to control costs for the program when compared to refurbishing Minuteman III’s silos.
- Sentinel’s mission-critical transport systems were verified through a cross-country road test, ensuring high-value assets will be protected during transit.
- The Launch Support System (LSS)—a digital command and control infrastructure—completed its critical design review, paving the way for system build, test and qualification phases.
Proving Today, Building for What’s Next
The Sentinel weapon system is one of the most rigorous and thoroughly tested defense programs in modern history—ensuring each component meets requirements and is resilient for the warfighter from initial capability through 2075. This program momentum will become even more visible in 2027 as digital designs translate into critical facilities, infrastructure and the first Sentinel flight test. Northrop Grumman is partnering with the U.S. Air Force and industry teammates to support and inform local communities at the missile wings, collecting critical data and insights that lay the foundation for successful construction, fielding and future operations.
Northrop Grumman and its partners will continue prototyping and testing the cornerstones of the new system—including the missile, Launch Silo and Launch Center—on the path to certifying each design, flight testing and eventually reaching initial capability. Together, Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force will deliver the world’s most powerful ICBM system, ensuring strategic deterrence that withstands the test of time—with unmatched reliability and undisputed credibility.
14 April 2026 . Destinus and Quantum Systems have entered into a strategic partnership to integrate reconnaissance, engagement coordination and strike systems within a unified operational framework. The partnership brings together Quantum Systems’ reconnaissance systems and MOSAIC UXS software suite with Destinus’ scalable strike systems. The resulting architecture is European-led, vendor-neutral and open, designed to connect reconnaissance assets, data exchange, and scalable strike systems for coordinated unmanned reconnaissance-strike operations.
As part of the partnership, Quantum Systems’ MOSAIC UXS software suite and reconnaissance systems will be connected with Destinus’ platforms in one shared workflow. By linking real-time operational data with Destinus’ strike systems, the companies aim to enable faster cueing and engagement processes in complex environments.
Data collected by reconnaissance platforms is processed and distributed through MOSAIC UXS, making it available to Destinus’ strike systems. The architecture is compatible with existing national and NATO command systems. All engagement decisions remain under human command authority.
The partnership is built on an open, vendor-neutral approach that allows systems from different providers to work together in one environment. This gives defence organizations the flexibility to combine the technologies that best fit their needs.
The collaboration responds to Europe’s growing need for faster and more reliable coordination between reconnaissance and strike systems.
“Together, we are addressing a critical capability gap in Europe,” said Martin Karkour, Chief Revenue Officer of Quantum Systems. “By combining our solutions with Destinus’ strike capabilities through MOSAIC UXS, we enable the connection of sensors and effectors even over long distances.”
“Europe needs a sensor-to-effect architecture that can be industrialized and scaled at pace,” said Wouter Van Beek, Chief Commercial Officer of Destinus. “This alliance connects reconnaissance data with strike systems while keeping decision authority where it belongs, within existing command frameworks.”
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About Galvion:
Galvion designs, develops, and delivers mission critical head, face, and torso protective solutions as well as intelligent power and data management systems for the world’s most demanding military and tactical teams. Founded in 2002 as Revision Military, a foundational belief in calculated investment and capability expansion led to a strategic refocus, resulting in the divestiture of the protective eyewear business, along with the Revision name, in 2019. Rebranded as Galvion, the company’s products and technology continue to evolve beyond purely passive protection, focusing instead on active systems that enhance performance and survivability, with an eye to the ever-changing demands of the modern battlefield. Through advanced design, keen end-user insight and intelligent integration, Galvion engineers uniquely customized solutions that go beyond what was once thought possible.
Privately owned with ISO 9001:2015 certified facilities in Vermont, Massachusetts and New Hampshire in the US, Montreal in Canada and Bristol in the UK, Galvion’s team of 400+ employees work proactively to solve the problems left unsolved by others.
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