đ Space and Defense #6
HolonIQ's Space and Defense Newsletter covers the latest developments in military tech systems, missile defense systems, and space tech evolution.
Happy Monday đ
The Defense Information Systems Agency awarded Viasat a $153.5M contract to enhance the U.S. Army Blue Force Tracker-2 system. China launched the HQ-9B missile system with improved interceptors, while the U.S. Navy expanded fleet communications using Starlink satellites. The U.S. Air Force introduced hypersonic MAKO missiles for 5th-gen aircraft, the US Army received EAGLS counter-drone systems and secured a $592M AMRAAM missile deal with Romania. Sierra Nevada Corporation received a contract for the HADES ISR program. In space tech, India launched its first hybrid reusable rocket, Rhumi 1, Northrop Grumman received $200M for UK space radar, and SpaceX launched the Polaris Dawn mission, marking the first commercial spacewalk.
đĄī¸ Military Tech Systems
đĻž The Defense Information Systems Agency awarded Viasat a $153.5M contract to support the U.S. Army Blue Force Tracker-2 system. The contract includes a one-year base with four options, funded by fiscal 2024 Army funds, to enhance situational awareness and communications.
đ China launched an upgraded HQ-9B missile system with smaller, agile interceptors for enhanced air defense. The HQ-9B, similar to the U.S. Patriot PAC-3, now includes eight smaller missiles per launcher, improving target engagement efficiency and range.
đ°ī¸ The U.S. Navy enhanced fleet communications using commercial satellite constellations like Starlink. SEA2, now expanding fleet-wide, improves internet speed, security, and crew morale by leveraging low Earth orbit satellites, marking a major advancement in naval operations and connectivity.
âī¸ Missile Defense Systems
đŠī¸ The U.S. Air Force announced it will equip 5th-gen aircraft with hypersonic strike capabilities into MAKO missiles. Launched in April 2024, MAKO travels at five times the speed of sound, offering rapid, precise strikes against air defenses and ships, matching China's YJ-21 in the hypersonic arms race.
đĄī¸ MSI delivered EAGLS counter-drone systems to the US Army and CENTCOM, while Romania secured a $592M sale of AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles for F-16s. Both deals bolster defense against emerging threats and enhance NATO interoperability.
đ§ Sierra Nevada Corporation awarded U.S. Army contract for HADES ISR program, starting with $93.5M, up to $991.3M. HADES will modernize Army aerial reconnaissance, enhancing speed, range, and deep sensing, replacing aging aircraft by 2030.
đĒ Space Tech Evolution
đ India's first hybrid reusable rocket, Rhumi 1, launched by SpaceZone India and Martin Group, sets new benchmarks in space innovation. Deployed three Cube satellites and 50 Pico satellites and safely returned in 7 minutes, marking a significant leap in rapid space missions.
đ°ī¸ Northrop Grumman awarded $200M to build space radar in the UK, part of the DARC project enhancing Space Domain Awareness. This U.S.-UK-Australia initiative will provide 24/7 deep-space monitoring across three countries, addressing rising satellite and space debris challenges.
đ¨âđ SpaceX launched an all-civilian Polaris Dawn mission on Tuesday, featuring the first commercial spacewalk. Led by Jared Isaacman, the crew will reach 870 miles above Earth, test new EVA suits, and conduct experiments over six days, marking a significant milestone in private space exploration.
Thank you for reading. Have a great week ahead!
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