Leidos confirmed its ~200-lb Black Arrow (Small Cruise Missile) exceeded 400 nautical miles in a late-July envelope-expansion test from a C-130 variant, also navigating thousands of feet in altitude changes. The standoff range dwarfs many compact weapons and approaches JASSM-class performance while remaining platform-agnostic and small enough for broad carriage, including drones.

Prior shots included an AC-130J launch in November. July’s test evaluated maneuverability, climb/descent, waypoint guidance, navigation accuracy, and integration with Naval Surface Warfare Center battle-management systems—positioning Black Arrow as a low-risk, government-range-proven candidate among affordable cruise-missile concepts.

Leidos and AFSOC leaders signaled a path to MQ-9 and OA-1K integration, with palletized/bomb-rack configurations under study. SOCOM’s program began via a 2022 CRADA; officials cite urgent needs for longer-range, scalable munitions to keep SOF platforms relevant in contested airspace while complementing larger standoff weapons.

Helsing debuted the CA-1 Europa at Grob Aircraft’s Bavarian facility as a full-size design study in the 3–5-ton class, built around Centaur—its autonomous fighter-pilot AI. The jet aims for high-subsonic performance, multi-role flexibility, and “intelligent mass,” using a mass-producible airframe, affordable payloads, and advanced software.

The UCAV can operate singly or in swarms, with design priorities on scalability and a resilient all-European supply/logistics chain. Test and development are already underway at Grob, which Helsing acquired to accelerate next-gen aerial-warfare capabilities.

With entry to service targeted for 2029, CA-1 marks Helsing’s push into the CCA market, complementing its HX-2 loitering munition and SG-1 Fathom subsurface glider portfolios amid broader European-U.S. autonomy tie-ups (e.g., LM/BAE, Rheinmetall/Anduril).

Boeing and the USAF networked a T-7A ground simulator with a live Red Hawk flying over 130 miles away, enabling real-time pilot interaction in a shared synthetic-live battlespace with stable, high-fidelity data—an LVC milestone to cut costs and accelerate readiness.

The twin-seat, GE F404-powered trainer (Mach 1.2+), built with digital engineering, open-architecture avionics, and fly-by-wire, is paired with a fully integrated simulator suite mirroring cockpit/mission systems for seamless training transitions.

Boeing framed the demo as proof of a digital backbone for future air-combat training, evolving beyond T-38 era methods and preserving frontline aircraft while maintaining realism; T-7A is slated to enter service later this decade.

ICBM PEO Brig. Gen. William Rogers said Sentinel’s restructuring targets a new Milestone B by mid-2027 and full operational capability before 2050, despite an ~81% cost breach and a revised ~$141B cap. EMD work continues, with every missile stage tested and design maturation progressing.

The Air Force will build new silos at existing sites—citing asbestos/lead paint remediation and concrete variability—using modular designs for faster, cheaper construction and better maintainability. USACE assumes utility-corridor/cabling duties to leverage specialized telecom expertise.

GAO suggested re-MIRVing Minuteman III as a hedge; Rogers noted it’s technically feasible but would require policy change. The service still plans 634 Sentinel missiles plus 25 for EMD as part of the land-leg overhaul.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered an unusual in-person gathering next week at Quantico, reportedly summoning hundreds of generals/admirals (brigadier and above) and senior enlisted advisers on short notice without a stated agenda—an unprecedented scale that sparked confusion and alarm.

The move follows administration efforts to cut general/flag ranks by 10–20% and a series of senior-leader firings; critics warn of operational disruption and security risks in concentrating top leadership at one site.

President Trump and Vice President Vance played down concerns, while watchdogs called the lack of justification troubling. Planning for such a large meeting would typically take months; it’s unclear how many must attend in person.

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