All articles tagged with #defense contract
On September 29, 2026, the U.S. Department of War and Navy awarded Boeing a $20 billion contract to develop the F/A-XX, a 6th-generation carrier-based fighter. This decision moves the program into the developmental phase, with the aircraft set to replace F/A-18 Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers in the 2030s.
The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a sole-source contract with a $131.23 billion ceiling to produce, modernize and sustain F-15 fighters for the U.S., the Air National Guard, and foreign buyers through 2037, with orders possible through 2031 (extendable to 2036); the framework pools production, upgrades, retrofits, sustainment and depot support, and includes standing up organic depots in St. Louis. No jets are ordered at signing and the fund obligation is minimal for 2026. Foreign sales are planned to Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia and Poland; the deal complements ongoing F-15EX/IA programs and may affect future milestones like the FOC in light of past production disruptions.
Rocket Lab’s stock jumped in after-hours trading after the U.S. Space Force awarded a $266 million firm-fixed-price contract to launch 12 suborbital vehicles (with six options) from the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Alaska, with work through 2028; the award, issued by Space Systems Command, was competitive and about $112 million in FY2025 funds were obligated at the time of award, sending RKLB up roughly 5.9% to around $73.19.
Rocket Lab lands its largest-ever launch deal, a $190 million contract to perform 20 HASTE hypersonic flights for MACH-TB 2.0 with the U.S. Department of Defense, NSWC Crane; the multi-year program expands backlog to over 70 launches and more than $2 billion, with the first mission expected within months.
OpenAI has updated a Pentagon-related agreement that was criticized as opportunistic and sloppy, signaling a reassessment of contract terms and scope.
Raytheon Technologies has secured a $1.7 billion contract to supply Spain with four Patriot air and missile defense systems, which are highly effective against aircraft and missiles. The deal highlights ongoing international orders for Patriot systems, with additional sales to Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and support for Ukraine's defense. The Patriot system is a key component of global missile defense, developed by Raytheon and deployed worldwide.
BAE Systems has secured a contract, initially worth $50 million, to build structures for the M777 lightweight howitzer for the U.S. Army, potentially leading to the restart of the weapon's production line. The M777 has been crucial in the conflict in Ukraine, with the U.S. providing nearly 200 units. BAE will reestablish its supply chain in the U.K. and the U.S., aiming to deliver the first structures by 2025. The M777 is currently in service with several countries, and the new contract offers an opportunity for economies of scale for new and existing users. The U.S. Army is also developing a new artillery strategy to incorporate new technologies and enhance battlefield capabilities.
The UK Defense Minister, Grant Schapps, announced a £4 billion contract with BAE Systems to begin work on a new nuclear-powered AUKUS attack submarine as part of the AUKUS security pact between Australia, the UK, and the US. The aim of the project is to counter China's growing military ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. The UK will initially build the submarines, with production shifting to Australia in the 2040s. The announcement has caused tensions with France, as Australia canceled a previous contract for nuclear subs with Paris.
Germany has signed a nearly €4 billion deal with Israel for the purchase of the Arrow 3 long-range air defense system, marking Israel's largest-ever defense contract. The deal will release €560 million of funds approved by the German parliament, triggering Israel to begin production and manufacture of Arrow 3 batteries. The batteries, designed to destroy ballistic missiles and other long-range projectiles, are expected to arrive in Germany by the end of 2025. The agreement is part of the German-led European Sky Shield Initiative to strengthen continental Europe's air defenses in response to Russian airstrikes in Ukraine.
The US Air Force has released a classified contract solicitation for the engineering and manufacturing phase of the development of a new stealth six-generation crewed tactical jet as part of the Next Generation Air Dominance modernization initiative. The NGAD combat jet is expected to be a direct successor to the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter, but serve in a much more expansive role than its predecessor. The competition to win this contract will be immensely heated as it could very well be the last advanced manned tactical fighter-like aircraft built for the United States Air Force.
Boeing's losses from building the KC-46 tanker for the US Air Force have now surpassed $7 billion, as the company continues to struggle with technical issues and delays. The tanker, which was first contracted in 2011, has faced numerous setbacks and cost overruns, leading to criticism from lawmakers and military officials. Despite ongoing challenges, Boeing remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under the defense contract.