Discussion on military tech updates, potential changes to Navy's Super Hornet purchase, developments in defense and technology industry, contracts awarded to various companies, and collaborations on AI for drones and flying 5G stations.
The army plans to contract Raytheon for 6000 Coyote counter-drone interceptors, while also reducing its fleet by cutting 157 blockhogs.
Northrop is expanding the production of E7 wedge-tail radar and the Pentagon is yet to finalize decisions on the Replicator Initiative.
Deep dives
Army plans to increase procurement of Coyote interceptors and decrease blockhogs
The army intends to put Raytheon on contract for at least 6000 Coyote counter-drone interceptors and 269 launchers. Meanwhile, the army plans to cut 157 blockhogs from its fleet.
Northrop and Boeing ramping up radar production, Pentagon's Replicator Initiative moving slowly
Northrop is expanding the production of E7 wedge-tail radar by tripling the current capacity. On the Replicator Initiative, the Pentagon has selected some capabilities for the initial tranche, but decisions on actual systems and vendors are yet to be made. The Navy's plan to purchase 20 super hornets may be shelved due to rising costs, with the possibility of buying only 10. The Navy believes the money can be better used for acquiring more F-35Cs. The Air Force's fighter fleet is much older than the Navy's, leading to a suggestion to convert the super hornet funding into the Air Force's F-15 EX program.