The U.S. Marine Corps is preparing to deploy Airbus U.S. Space & Defense’s MQ-72C Lakota Connector, an optionally piloted logistics helicopter, with a Pacific Marine Littoral Regiment for operational testing, shifting the platform from controlled trials into a contested Indo-Pacific environment where it could sustain dispersed frontline units. Announced during Modern Day Marine in Washington, D.C., on April 28, the move signals a push to validate autonomous resupply under real-world conditions where traditional logistics are vulnerable to enemy targeting. The MQ-72C is designed to operate with or without a pilot, enabling flexible resupply of missiles, sensors, communications gear, and small-unit forces across island chains without exposing crews to risk. This capability directly supports the Marine Corps’ shift toward distributed operations, where low-signature units must remain supplied inside adversary engagement zones, reinforcing a broader trend toward autonomy and survivable ...
The U.S. Army has awarded Raytheon a $441.6 million contract to produce additional PATRIOT GEM-T interceptors, expanding missile defense capacity for Operation Epic Fury and strengthening protection against incoming ballistic and cruise missile threats. The award was announced by the U.S. Department of War (Department of Defense) on May 1, 2026. The decision directly increases interceptor stockpiles at a time when U.S. forces must prepare for complex, high-volume aerial attacks in contested environments. The GEM-T interceptor is designed to track and destroy tactical ballistic missiles and maneuvering air threats at range, providing a combat-proven layer within the PATRIOT system. Expanding production enhances sustained air defense operations, improves resilience against saturation strikes, and supports broader efforts to reinforce integrated missile defense and deterrence. Read full Defense News at this link … PATRIOT GEM-T missile: an upgraded interceptor designed to destroy cruise m...