A PAC-3 MSE features a two-pulse solid rocket motor. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
Lockheed Martin’s plans for further investment in solid rocket motor (SRM) production across Europe and the Middle East are ongoing, the company’s president of missiles and fires, Tim Cahill, has confirmed.
Speaking to Shephard last week during the Dubai Airshow, Cahill said that expansion was on the horizon to meet a “huge” volume of worldwide demand for its missile portfolio amid rising global conflict and tensions.
Although he declined to name companies, Cahill said: “We’re looking at a number of companies…within Poland and within Germany that might support the production lines in those countries as well. [We are] also looking at
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While several UAV programmes remain unawarded in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is forecast to be the biggest spender with its potential MQ-9B and Gambit deals overshadowing others in the region.
The US launched the Gauntlet test in February as part of its accelerated attack drone procurement effort while also exploring various naval capabilities that could lead to procurements down the line. Shield AI’s V-Bat, meanwhile, has been stirring up global interest.
The Proteus demonstrator is being pitched as a key platform showcasing the UK’s capabilities to build autonomous systems, with Leonardo in ongoing discussions about the future of the programme with the Royal Navy and UK Ministry of Defence.
Two contracts are expected to be signed by March 2026 that will help bolster the force’s capabilities, with further trials of the launcher expected across other departments.
There is currently no industry standard in the ratio of uncrewed to crewed aircraft. Because collaborative combat aircraft vary widely in capability and crewed-uncrewed teaming availability, while country-specific requirements vary, it is unlikely that a single CCA configuration will meet all operational needs.
Striking the right balance between cost and capability is likely to become more crucial in the increasingly competitive collaborative combat aircraft market. Shephard’s special CCA market report examines where the opportunities lie for suppliers.
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