Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft
US services have already conducted multiple tests with military maritime systems fitted with the system.
BAE Systems to develop next-generation radiation hardened by design (RHBD) microelectronics. (Image: BAE Systems)
BAE Systems has been awarded a $60 million contract from the Army Contracting Command to develop certain types of next-generation, radiation-hardened by design microelectronics.
The main goal of the contract is to expand onshore access to state-of-the-art microelectronics technology for the US government and aerospace community.
The limited supply of microelectronics leads to supply chain challenges and time lags for delivery.
With this contract, BAE System’s FAST Labs TM research and development organisations will harness Intel’s commercial foundry process to build a new design library.
This will be used to develop advanced, high-reliability microelectronics and expand the domestic supply of this technology, which can be used for environmentally rugged missions like those occurring in space.
This award opens a roadmap for the US defence and aerospace community to access more advanced process nodes for the development of Application Specific Integrated Circuits.
Currently, the development of RHBD ASICs uses a 45nm process, but with this contract, there is potential to deploy more advanced technology nodes and enables more functionality and faster processing in smaller areas and low power.
US services have already conducted multiple tests with military maritime systems fitted with the system.
Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) “has to establish itself…as a centre of excellence for cooperative Defence Equipment Programmes” in the face of growing threats and the need for rearmament, according to the organisation’s chairman.
MBDA CEO Éric Béranger stressed the company’s role supporting European countries with complex weapon systems and focused on boosting production against the backdrop of “shifting” geopolitical alliances.
Rheinmetall is riding high as Europe scrambles to boost its defence forces and replenish spent stockpiles sent to Ukraine.
The forecast came as the Italian firm presented its new 2025–29 industrial plan to analysts, with its future figures bolstered by the European increase in defence spending.
Speaking before a committee on European affairs, the speakers addressed recent developments following an eventful few days. During this period, the UK pushed for increased support for Ukraine, while the EU eased budget constraints to allow for greater defence spending. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump introduced tariffs that could impact the defence industry.