Defense Modernization Update
U.S. military and defense contractors advance long-range strike and missile modernization programs.
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Key Points
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Lockheed Martin said it will invest its own funds to expand AIM-260 production capacity before any multiyear orders are authorized or funded, while the Pentagon described the agreement as a demand signal for suppliers rather than a missile purchase.
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The Pentagon called the AIM-260 “the nation’s highest-priority missile system,” and both the Air Force and Navy are expected to add it to their weapons inventories.
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Lockheed Martin said its AGM-158 FLEX effort represents an investment of more than $35 million, covering concept development, airframe design, testing, prototype production and the establishment of key suppliers.
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The FLEX design includes a 206-inch extreme-range configuration for JASSM-XR and a 168-inch configuration aligned with JASSM-ER, allowing the family to offer different airframe sizes for varying mission requirements.
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V2X received the B-52 carriage-equipment work through the Enterprise-Wide Agile Acquisition Contract, an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity vehicle, rather than through a standalone procurement program.
The U.S. military is rapidly modernizing its weapons arsenal across submarines, air defense, and strategic bombers. General Dynamics completed the first Virginia Payload Module — a 184-foot weapons section — for the future USS Arizona submarine, dramatically boosting its long-range strike power. Meanwhile, the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin signed a framework agreement to ramp up production of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, described as the nation's highest-priority missile system Pentagon Officials.
Submarine Weapons Module Expands Strike Range
The Virginia Payload Module represents a major leap forward for submarine firepower. General Dynamics Electric Boat built and transported the first completed 184-foot section, which will be installed on the USS Arizona Interesting Engineering. The new module significantly increases the Block V submarine's weapons capacity and extends its ability to strike targets from far greater distances.
Pentagon Pushes AIM-260 Missile Production Forward
The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin signed a production framework agreement for the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile Military Times. The Pentagon called it the nation's highest-priority missile system. Lockheed Martin will invest its own money to expand production capacity before any formal orders arrive Defense News. Both the Air Force and Navy are expected to eventually add the AIM-260 to their arsenals.
New Modular Cruise Missile Designed for Multiple Platforms
Lockheed Martin unveiled the AGM-158 FLEX airframe, a modular design for JASSM and LRASM cruise missile variants Interesting Engineering. The company invested more than $35 million in concept development, airframe design, and prototype production. The FLEX design offers two airframe sizes: a 206-inch extreme-range version and a 168-inch standard version. Both can launch from air, surface, subsurface, and ground platforms.
Autonomous Fighter and Nuclear Deterrent Upgrades Advance
Anduril demonstrated its FQ-44 Fury semi-autonomous unmanned fighter can carry bombs, rocket pods, cruise missiles, and targeting gear. The drone is designed to operate alongside crewed fighter jets and bombers. In a separate development, V2X won a $46 million Air Force contract to build carriage equipment integrating the future LRSO nuclear cruise missile with B-52 bombers Defense News. This replaces aging AGM-86B equipment and supports modernization of America's strategic nuclear deterrent.
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