U.S. Army

Palladyne AI has been awarded two U.S. Army contracts to develop and validate its SwarmOS autonomy and Gremlin-X mini-bomber UAV. The contracts will focus on researching and operationally validating the technologies with warfighters.

The US Army has awarded Rune Technologies a $99 million contract for edge-first software to maintain battlefield supply during jamming. This technology aims to ensure continuous supply chain operations despite potential disruptions. The contract highlights the Army's focus on resilient and adaptive logistics systems.

An Indian-made artillery gun is in the running to equip the US Army through a partnership between AM General and Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited. The joint proposal was submitted after the two companies signed a strategic partnership at the Eurosatory defense exposition in Paris. This development marks a significant entry of Indian defense technology into the US military's artillery modernization efforts.

The Army is considering the use of small Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) as the Ukraine war changes the landscape of battlefield robotics. Further research and structural changes within the Army are needed to integrate UGVs fully. This development could potentially enhance the Army's capabilities in future conflicts.

A UK startup has successfully tested a new long-range strike missile, while the US Army's Precision Strike Missile is expanding its long-range fires capabilities. Both developments aim to enhance military strike capabilities at reduced costs and timelines.

The Idaho National Guard's cavalry unit has reorganized from an armored combined arms battalion to a mobile infantry battalion, replacing 70-ton tanks with Infantry Squad Vehicles. This change reflects the US Army's shift in the character of ground warfare. The unit's transformation was marked by a ceremony on June 18, 2026.

The US Army is creating a biotech startup accelerator to develop biological defense technologies, with up to $95 million in funding and a potential follow-on contract worth $500 million. The accelerator aims to rapidly transition technologies from laboratory to battlefield.

The US Army is looking to develop unmanned systems to recover battlefield vehicles, reducing the risk of casualties during recovery missions. The Army is asking the defense industry to showcase their solutions. This effort aims to remove humans from the recovery process, improving safety in hostile territories.

The US Army has awarded a $43.5 million contract modification to General Dynamics Land Systems for the production of M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams main battle tanks. This modification supports the Army's ongoing production and modernization effort for the M1A2 SEPv3 tank.

The US Army demonstrated its expeditionary support capability for the US Air Force in the Philippines, showcasing its ability to operate in the Indo-Pacific region. The region's vast distances and limited infrastructure pose significant challenges, but the Army's support helps extend the US military's reach. The demonstration highlighted the importance of regional partnerships and cooperation.

The US Army's 25th Infantry Division and the Philippine Army showcased their ability to plan and execute operational maneuvers during Exercise Salaknib 2026. The exercise featured a combined Ground Assault Convoy, where US and Philippine forces seized objectives at Camp Dela Cruz. This demonstration highlighted the effectiveness of joint planning and digital integration in operational maneuvers.

The US Army has awarded Palladyne AI two contracts to test its autonomous drone-control software, enabling one soldier to control multiple drones. This technology aims to enhance the Army's drone operations and improve situational awareness. The contracts mark a significant step in the Army's efforts to integrate autonomous systems into its operations.

The US Army is using drone boats to escort logistics craft in a Philippine drill, as part of its efforts to experiment with new technology and tactics in the Western Pacific. The drone boats were fielded during the Salaknib exercise, which aims to sustain forces in the first island chain. This technology could be crucial in a potential conflict with China.

The U.S. Army Drone Team attended SkillsUSA 2026 to demonstrate how unmanned aircraft systems are transforming military and civilian industries. They connected with students, educators, and industry professionals to inspire future innovators. Meanwhile, Army Recruiters also engaged with students to discuss career opportunities in the Army for technical and trade professionals.

The U.S. Army Drone Team attended SkillsUSA 2026 to connect with students, educators, and industry professionals, highlighting the transformation of unmanned aircraft systems in military and civilian industries. The team showcased how UAS is changing operations. The event aimed to educate and inspire the next generation of professionals.

The Army operates in a resource-constrained environment with a growing $144 billion restoration and modernization backlog, including $47 billion in high-priority facilities. This backlog affects mission execution, Soldier readiness, and life-safety requirements. The Army is exploring solutions through Total Force Integration.

Anniston Army Depot has completed a new $44 million combat vehicle welding facility, which was unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The facility will support the production and maintenance of combat vehicles. The ceremony was attended by US Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command leadership and other stakeholders.

The Justified Accord 2027 planning event focuses on innovation and interoperability, with attendees like US Army Master Sgt. Chad Spencer bringing their field experience to the table. Spencer's past experiences as an infantry Marine inform his approach to engineering solutions for soldiers' needs. The event aims to improve mission capabilities through collaborative planning.

The US Army has ordered 8,936 DAGIR-V1 laser systems to support the M7 rifle's fire-control program. The contract was awarded to B.E. Meyers & Co., a family-owned business based in Redmond, Washington. The company has been in business for five decades, initially making night vision gear.

The US Army Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment Activity has established localized calibration and repair support for the M41 Protective Assessment Test System in South Korea. This expansion aims to boost Army logistical efficiency in the Pacific theater. The support is now available at Camp Carroll, South Korea.

The US Army Corps of Engineers and US Air Force have begun a project to construct a Commercial Entrance Control Facility at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, to support future modernization efforts for the Minuteman III ICBM arsenal. The facility will enable easier access for contractors and construction machinery to Sentinel-related construction sites. The project is a key step in the 'Gateway to Sentinel' initiative.

The Army Modernization and Equipping Conference emphasized the need for a unified push to accelerate equipping units and divesting legacy systems. Leaders and experts discussed the importance of synchronizing efforts across the sustainment enterprise. This approach aims to field new systems while shedding outdated ones.

The 3rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division successfully performed a robotic combined arms breach during a recent JRTC rotation. This tactic involves using robots to clear breaches, potentially reducing human casualties. The brigade's commander shared the details of the exercise with Breaking Defense.

Australia's military is evaluating OpenWorks Engineering's Vision Guard system to spot drone threats. The system is part of the country's Land 156 counter-drone program.

The US Army's 25th Infantry Division, also known as Tropic Lightning, has undergone significant transformation in recent years, with a focus on incorporating new technologies such as HIMARS and next-generation rifles. The division has been testing new drones, 3D printers, and solar-panel micro grids during exercises in the Philippines. The transformation aims to enhance the division's lethality and capabilities in the Pacific region.

KNDS, a Franco-German defense consortium, has introduced a new long-barreled artillery system, the LORAS self-propelled howitzer, capable of reaching targets at a 60-kilometer range. The system features a 58-caliber gun tube, approximately 12% longer than common European barrels. This new technology aims to challenge rocket launchers with its extended range.

The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) is seeking sources for a consolidated Army endpoint security program worth up to $850 million. The program aims to defend the Army's network and advance its zero trust goals. Responses are due June 29.

The U.S. Army Reserve 81st Readiness Division has opened a new Equipment Concentration Site at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. The site was launched in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark the occasion.

The US Army has signed a letter of intent with NATO allies to expand the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Marketplace, aiming to speed up capability fielding. This agreement is intended to enhance cooperation and innovation in counter-UAS technologies. The move is expected to foster a more competitive and dynamic marketplace for counter-UAS solutions.

BAE Systems has received a $535 million contract to continue producing M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzers for the U.S. Army. The contract award will support the production of additional howitzers. The M109A7 Paladin is a key artillery system for the U.S. Army, providing mobile and reliable firepower.

The US Army conducted a successful flight test of medium-range air-launched effects from an H-60M Black Hawk at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. The test accelerated the development of an air-launched effects capability for the Black Hawk, advancing the Army's aviation modernization efforts. Multiple medium-range launched effects were successfully launched and controlled during the test.

The 1st Armored Division activated the Headquarters and Headquarters Company for the 1st Armored Division Engineer Brigade, a major milestone in optimizing its structure and mission readiness. This effort supports the Army's 2030 force design.

The U.S. Army Reserve conducted Iron Forge, an exercise that challenged public affairs soldiers with AI-generated scenarios and a simulated online information environment. The exercise aimed to test soldiers' ability to support commanders through strategic communication and information analysis. The event was held at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst from June 8-11.

The 304th Cyber Battalion executed an Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise to validate Over the Horizon support from a Reserve location. The exercise tested operational, logistical, and technical requirements for future missions. Reserve cyber soldiers demonstrated their ability to provide mission support without physical forward deployment.

The US Army Contracting Command has issued a sources sought notice for the procurement of Javelin missiles, seeking to identify defense manufacturers for a potential 10-year buying period. The Javelin missile has been successfully used by Ukrainian soldiers to destroy Russian tanks. The procurement planning exercise is expected to be one of the most significant in years.

The Army has commissioned three more tech executives as lieutenant colonels in the Army Reserve, with the Navy planning to follow suit. This move aims to leverage their expertise to enhance the military's technological capabilities. The commissioned executives will bring their industry experience to the Army Reserve.

Senior officers from Cloudflare, Sutter Hill Ventures, and Facebook AI Research are joining the Army Reserve, bringing their expertise to the military. This move highlights the growing intersection of technology and national security. The Army is leveraging the skills of these tech executives to enhance its capabilities.

The joint and coalition forces exercise RED FLAG-Alaska 26-2 has concluded, involving over 2,100 service members and 75 aircraft from five partner nations. The exercise provided advanced combat training in the largest instrumented air and ground combat training range in the world. The training aimed to enhance readiness and interoperability among participating forces.

The Program Manager of Light Armored Vehicles (PM LAV) has undergone a change of command, with Col. Douglas Peterson assuming the position. The ceremony took place at the US Army Detroit Arsenal on June 10, 2026. Lt. Gen. Eric Austin relieved Col. Christopher Stephenson of his duties as program manager.

The US Army Sustainment Command (ASC) briefed the Army Materiel Command (AMC) on its expanded role as the Army's sustainment enterprise. The ASC's role has been strengthened by the transition of the Joint Munitions Command to ASC. This update highlights the ASC's broadened capabilities in sustainment.