AST SpaceMobile has finalized a $7 billion agreement with Ligado Networks, gaining access to 40 MHz of L-band Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) spectrum in the U.S. and Canada, plus an additional 5 MHz in the U.S. The deal includes a $550 million upfront payment and an $80 million annual fee for 80 years, amounting to roughly $2 million per MHz per year. This move comes as the MSS sector evolves, with companies like Globalstar and Echostar forming partnerships to expand direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity. Meanwhile, SpaceX continues to push for regulatory changes to support its D2D services despite having its […]
Month: February 2025
Honeywell to Split Into Three Companies by 2026
Honeywell International plans to break into three independent companies, separating its aerospace and automation divisions while spinning off its advanced-materials business. The restructuring, set for completion by the second half of 2026, follows a yearlong review by CEO Vimal Kapur and pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management. Honeywell’s aerospace unit, which earned $15 billion in 2024, will become one of the largest publicly traded aerospace suppliers. The automation business generated $18 billion last year, while advanced materials brought in $4 billion. The move aims to enhance financial flexibility and operational focus, mirroring General Electric’s successful 2024 breakup. Original news
U.S. Officials Push for Standardized Cybersecurity in Space Systems
U.S. officials are advocating for standardized cybersecurity measures for space systems to enhance information sharing with international allies. Former Defense Department official Lauryn Williams highlighted the lack of clear cyber standards when addressing concerns from Japanese officials during a Washington Business Space Roundtable discussion. Erin Miller, executive director of the Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center, supported the initiative, suggesting that the Department of Homeland Security oversee the effort. She also called for space systems to be designated as critical infrastructure due to their growing global importance. The push for unified standards aims to strengthen cybersecurity and international cooperation in […]
Italian Defense Chief Urges Acceleration of €23 Billion Tank and Vehicle Order
Italian Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Luciano Portolano has called on Leonardo and Rheinmetall to speed up a €23 billion ($24 billion) order for tanks and fighting vehicles to boost military readiness. The Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles joint venture plans to deliver 1,050 Lynx fighting vehicles and 272 Panther tanks. Production is expected to peak in 2031 at 171 units per year, with additional plans for export. The order is part of Italy’s broader effort to modernize its armed forces amid evolving security challenges. Original news
Saab Builds C-UAS Radars Absent Orders To Quickly Meet Demand
Saab has started building Giraffe 1X air surveillance radars without waiting for specific orders, aiming to rapidly meet growing demand. The radar has attracted significant interest due to its counter-uncrewed aircraft system (C-UAS) capabilities. This proactive production strategy allows Saab to deliver the system quickly to potential buyers amid increasing global threats from drones. The Giraffe 1X is designed for agile air defense, offering real-time surveillance and threat detection. Saab’s move highlights the growing importance of advanced radar systems in modern warfare. Original news
Google removes guidelines barring its AI from being used in surveillance and weapons: report
Google has removed its ethics guidelines that previously prohibited the use of its AI technology in weapons and surveillance, The Washington Post reports. This shift reflects a broader industry trend, as major tech firms increasingly collaborate with U.S. defense and intelligence agencies. Google originally imposed the ban in 2018 after employee protests over a Pentagon contract but has now aligned with companies like OpenAI and Anthropic in pursuing defense-related projects. Meanwhile, firms such as Palantir, Anduril, OpenAI, Saronic, and Scale AI are reportedly in talks with SpaceX to form a consortium competing for Pentagon contracts. The move signals growing competition […]
U.S. Army Places $288 Million Order for AeroVironment Switchblade Munitions
The U.S. Army has awarded AeroVironment a $288 million contract for additional Switchblade loitering munitions. This marks the third delivery order under a five-year agreement, potentially worth $990 million, signed last August. AeroVironment senior vice president Brett Hush reaffirmed the company’s commitment to providing reliable loitering munition solutions. The contract includes both Switchblade 300 and 600 systems, with the latter serving as the Army’s first test platform for its Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance program. The deal strengthens the Army’s focus on precision strike capabilities amid evolving battlefield needs. Original news
Embraer Marks 10 Years of C/KC-390 and Expands Production Amid Strong Demand
Embraer is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its C/KC-390 Millennium tactical transport’s first flight and plans to ramp up production due to rising international orders. The aircraft has been delivered to multiple countries, including Portugal, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and South Korea, with a firm order backlog of 32 jets. Sweden is also set to acquire the KC-390 to replace its aging Lockheed Martin C-130H fleet. Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin’s C-130J has only five export orders, according to Cirium data. Embraer’s growing success in the global military transport market underscores the KC-390’s increasing appeal over competing platforms. Original […]
Indra Group to Acquire Majority Stake in Hispasat for €725 Million
Indra Group has agreed to acquire an 89.68% stake in satellite operator Hispasat from Redeia for €725 million ($747 million). The deal also includes Redeia’s 43% stake in Hisdesat, a Spanish government satellite services provider, complementing Indra’s existing 7% share. This acquisition aligns with Indra’s strategy to expand its presence in Europe’s space sector, consolidating civil and military capabilities under Indra Space. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2025, with projected synergies of up to €70 million ($72 million) by 2030. The move strengthens Indra’s position as a key player in European defense and space technology. Original news
Palantir Shares Surge on Strong AI-Driven Growth and 2025 Forecast
Palantir Technologies saw its shares rise after projecting a 2025 revenue of $3.75 billion, exceeding analyst expectations. CEO Alex Karp attributed the growth to surging AI demand, calling it “untamed organic growth.” The company reported a 36% increase in fourth-quarter revenue to $827.5 million, fueled by a 45% rise in U.S. government sales and a 64% jump in U.S. commercial revenue. Palantir is expanding AI partnerships with defense tech firms like Anduril Industries and Anthropic, reinforcing its role in the growing software-first defense sector. The strong financial performance highlights the company’s increasing influence in AI-driven military and commercial applications. Original […]
U.S. Navy Tests HELIOS Laser Weapon, Showcases Drone-Destruction Capabilities
The U.S. Navy has released striking images of its HELIOS laser weapon in action, demonstrating its ability to destroy drones in real-time. Tested aboard the USS Preble, the system fires more than 60 kilowatts of directed energy at the speed of light, capable of hitting targets up to five miles away. Developed by Lockheed Martin, HELIOS is designed to counter drones, small boats, and potentially incoming missiles while also disrupting enemy surveillance sensors. Integrated into the ship’s combat system, the laser offers unlimited firepower as long as the ship maintains power. The successful test highlights the Navy’s push to counter […]
Lockheed Martin handovers first Bulgarian F-16 Block 70 fighter jet
Lockheed Martin has delivered the first two F-16 Block 70 multi-role fighter jets to Bulgaria in a ceremony held in Greenville, South Carolina. The delivery is part of two contracts signed in 2019 and 2022, totaling 16 aircraft. Bulgarian Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov called the acquisition a historic milestone for the country’s Air Force, marking the beginning of its combat aviation renewal. The new jets enhance Bulgaria’s defense capabilities, ensuring full interoperability with NATO and EU allies. Equipped with advanced radar, an automatic ground collision avoidance system, and an upgraded cockpit display, the F-16 Block 70 provides superior situational awareness […]
Space Companies Push Satellite Servicing Amid Market Skepticism
Space companies specializing in satellite servicing and debris removal are striving to prove the economic viability of their operations despite skepticism from commercial satellite operators and cautious Pentagon interest. The key challenge is making services like debris removal and in-orbit refueling cost-effective and scalable, particularly for low Earth orbit satellites. Companies such as Starfish Space and Orbit Fab are developing solutions, but regulatory hurdles and market uncertainty pose significant obstacles. Industry success will depend on overcoming technical and financial challenges while demonstrating clear value to satellite operators. The push for sustainable space operations continues as firms work to gain traction […]
Defense Secretary Hegseth Unveils Military Reform Plans Under “America First” Doctrine
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced plans to overhaul military structures and processes in line with President Trump’s “America First” policy. His agenda includes revitalizing the defense industrial base, reforming acquisition practices, and enforcing financial audits. As part of a broader budget review, the administration has paused financial assistance, including Foreign Military Sales, and may redirect funds. Hegseth is also pushing for new missile defense systems and streamlining acquisition decisions, including the Replicator initiative for rapid deployment of uncrewed systems. The reforms aim to strengthen U.S. military readiness while prioritizing domestic defense capabilities. Original news
Top DOD weapons testers challenged by next-generation warfare
A recent report reveals that the Pentagon’s weapons testers lack the necessary facilities, tools, and expertise to evaluate advanced technologies like AI, hypersonics, cyber, and electronic warfare. While new policies and manuals aim to address these challenges, the Department of Defense still faces critical shortages in modern test ranges and resources to simulate evolving threats. The report highlights significant gaps in areas such as electronic warfare and cyber capabilities. It calls for urgent investment in testing infrastructure, workforce training, and modernization to keep pace with rapidly advancing military technologies. Original news