Defense Watch: MQ-25 Taxiing, Harpoon Testing, Machina Raise, TNT Awards
•February 6, 2026
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Companies Mentioned
Why It Matters
These developments accelerate U.S. force modernization, expand unmanned capabilities, and inject private‑sector innovation into defense manufacturing, reshaping the industrial base and future combat readiness.
Key Takeaways
- •CVN‑79 sea trials completed; delivery slated March 2027
- •MQ‑25A Stingray achieves first low‑speed taxi
- •Harpoon Block II final test validates 2026 missile deliveries
- •Machina Labs raises $124 M for AI metal‑fabrication factory
- •Army awards $378 M TNT contract to three explosives firms
Pulse Analysis
The Navy’s carrier program remains a bellwether for maritime power projection. The successful sea trials of CVN‑79 demonstrate that the Ford‑class platform is on track to integrate Advanced Arresting Gear and weapons elevators, technologies that will increase sortie rates and ordnance handling efficiency. Coupled with the MQ‑25A Stingray’s taxi test, the service signals a decisive shift toward unmanned aerial refueling, extending the reach of carrier air wings and reducing reliance on manned tankers.
On the weapons front, the Harpoon Block II’s final flight test confirms the missile’s upgraded guidance and low‑altitude attack profile, positioning it for delivery in 2026 and reinforcing the Navy’s anti‑surface warfare toolkit. Simultaneously, the Army’s $377.7 million TNT contract to three specialized firms reflects a renewed focus on legacy explosive production, ensuring a reliable supply chain for high‑intensity operations. These procurement actions illustrate a broader trend of modernizing kinetic capabilities while maintaining readiness for near‑term conflicts.
Industrial innovation is equally prominent, as Machina Labs’ $124 million Series C funding fuels the rollout of AI‑driven RoboCraftsman cells capable of shaping complex metal geometries without traditional tooling. This approach promises faster, lower‑cost production for aerospace, defense, and automotive sectors, potentially reshaping supply‑chain dynamics. When paired with additive‑manufacturing initiatives at Air Force bases and the Army’s investment in mobile ad‑hoc networking, the defense ecosystem is increasingly leveraging commercial‑grade technologies to sustain a competitive edge. The convergence of advanced manufacturing, unmanned systems, and strategic procurement underscores a transformative period for U.S. defense capabilities.
Defense Watch: MQ-25 Taxiing, Harpoon Testing, Machina Raise, TNT Awards
The future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN‑79) sailed out from shipbuilder HII Newport News Shipbuilding division’s Virginia shipyard for the first time on Jan. 28 to conduct builder’s sea trials. The ship is expected to be delivered by March 2027. (Photo: HII)
CVN‑79 – HII announced its Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division successfully completed builder’s sea trials of the second Ford‑class aircraft carrier as the ship came back to port on Feb. 4. The future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN‑79) started initial trials on Jan. 28 when it sailed to sea for the first time. According to the Navy’s FY 2026 budget request, the carrier is now set to be delivered in March 2027 in order to accommodate finishing Advanced Arresting Gear certification and continued Advanced Weapons Elevator work, two new systems that help catch landing aircraft on the deck and move ordnance between the deck and storage areas. The service noted acceptance trials are the carrier’s next milestone, “the timeline for which is currently under review.”
MQ‑25 Taxied – A Boeing MQ‑25A Stingray unmanned aircraft completed its first successful low‑speed taxi test when controlled by Navy pilots, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) revealed on Jan. 30. NAVAIR posted a video of the test on X where the aircraft taxied from Boeing’s production facility to the taxiway at MidAmerica St. Louis airport. The Navy noted during the test the aircraft was under the control of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 while Air Test & Evaluation Squadron Two Four (UX‑24) monitored. UX‑24 conducts the research, development, test and evaluation on MQ‑25 alongside other Group 1‑through‑5 unmanned aircraft systems.
Exchanging Positions – Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Voorheis became the service’s first portfolio acquisition executive (PAE) for command, control, communications and battle management (C3BM) on Feb. 2. Lt. Gen. Luke Cropsey, now the military deputy to acting acquisition chief William Bailey, had been the program executive officer for C3BM before the Air Force took up the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to move to the PAE set‑up. Voorheis had headed the service’s program executive office for fighters and advanced aircraft from 2023 to 2025 before becoming the acting military deputy to Bailey between Dec. 2025 and this month. “I’ve watched the Advanced Battle Management System and C3BM story unfold over the last decade from various perches,” Voorheis said in a statement. “What the dynamically evolving C3BM team has built over the last three years has been impressive.” Voorheis is to oversee more than 50 programs, according to the Air Force.
USV Divisions – Commanders of Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) Divisions 31, 32 and 33 assumed their commands during a Jan. 22 ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado, presided over by Vice Adm. Brendan McLane, commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. These USV Divisions fall under Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron (USVRON) 3 in San Diego, commanded by Cmdr. Sophia Haberman. All three commanders are the inaugural heads of their divisions, marking their establishment.
CASR Awards Coming – This year, the Space Force’s Commercial Space Office (COMSO) plans to make its first award under the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR), beginning with space domain awareness, Col. Tim Trimailo, head of the office, said on Feb. 6. Trimailo told attendees at the Miami Space Summit that he will take a “crawl, walk, run” approach to capabilities acquired through the CASR, and with space domain awareness “we’re gonna sort of crawl.” CASR is the Space Force’s Space Systems Command effort to ensure access to commercial capabilities in times of conflict and crisis.
…What’s Ahead – Beyond space domain awareness, which Trimailo equated crawling with a “minimum viable product,” the COMSO is “thinking, ‘how would we do things like manufacturing as a service?’” he said. “How do we do all kind of mission sets and think outside the box when it comes to CASR, because the opportunities are endless.”
Harpoon Block II – The Navy on Feb. 5 announced it completed the third and final planned flight test of the Harpoon Block II Update Obsolescence Update program on Jan. 16. Naval Air Systems Command’s Precision Strike Weapons (PMA‑201) program office and Boeing conducted the test at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake and the Point Mugu Sea Range in California, demonstrating a successful coastal target‑suppression mission against a representative land target. In the test, an F‑15 launched the Harpoon at about 12,000 ft above ground level; the missile descended to 5,000 ft, then proceeded to the target area while performing several altitude changes to simulate a coastal engagement. The flight ended with a steep terminal dive leading to impact. This series includes three events meant to progressively validate systems across mission sets. Initial deliveries are planned for later in 2026.
Polymer Parts – The Reverse Engineering, Additive, Design and Inspection (READI) Lab at Robins AFB, Ga.’s Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex is using additive manufacturing to build polymer parts to replace metal ones from now‑defunct suppliers for aircraft such as the C‑130, C‑5, C‑17, B‑1, B‑52, KC‑135 and the F‑15, according to Air Force Materiel Command and the 78th Air Base Wing at Robins AFB. “The additive manufacturing mission began roughly 10 years ago with polymer machines,” the wing said. “Approximately 2 years ago, the lab brought on metal additive machines to increase their mission scope and efficiency at which they create and produce parts.”
Manufacturing Raise – Machina Labs, a startup developing factories of the future, closed a $124 million Series C funding round to accelerate deployment of its first U.S.–based factory for advanced metal structures. The Los Angeles‑based company said the 200,000 sq ft factory will include up to 50 of its RoboCraftsman cells—AI‑driven industrial robotic arms that shape metal sheets into complex geometries without specific dies, molds or presses. Machina Labs is focused on the aerospace, automotive and defense industries. Investors included Woven Capital, Toyota’s ventures arm, Lockheed Martin Ventures, Balerion Space Ventures and Strategic Development Fund.
…Upper Ocean Investment – Apeiron Labs last week closed a $9.5 million Series A round to expand its engineering and commercial teams and scale its Tensor platform, an autonomous underwater vehicle and related data‑analytics system for scientific observation and surveillance of the upper ocean. The round was co‑led by S2G Investments, RA Capital Management and DYNE Ventures, with participation from Assembly Ventures, TFX Capital and Bay Bridge Ventures. “The atmosphere has its satellite constellations. The ocean needs its own,” said Ravi Pappu, co‑founder and CEO. “We’re applying CubeSat thinking to ocean observation through a data platform designed for continuous insight at a scale that matches the scope of the challenge.”
TNT – The Army on Jan. 30 selected Accurate Energetic Systems (Tennessee), Nammo Perry (Florida) and Spectra Technologies (Arkansas) to compete for orders to produce TNT and plastic‑bonded explosive N‑9 supplementary charges under a new $377.7 million contract. The three companies were the only firms to bid, according to the Pentagon. Work on the deal is expected to be completed by the end of Jan. 2031.
More ACV‑30s – The Marine Corps on Dec. 18 awarded BAE Systems a $195 million order to build more turreted‑variant Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACV‑30), the company said on Feb. 3. The deal follows a $184.4 million order BAE received on Dec. 1 for 30 ACV‑30s. “The additional ACVs keep the program aligned with operational requirements so that Marines are ready for any mission,” said Rebecca McGrane, BAE Systems’ vice president of amphibious vehicles. The Marine Corps is pursuing a family‑of‑vehicles approach for ACV, which includes the ACV‑30, a base personnel platform, a command‑and‑control version in full‑rate production and a recovery variant in development.
Ukrainian Parts Deal – The State Department on Feb. 6 said it has approved a potential $185 million Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of Class IX spare parts and related equipment to Ukraine. The parts would support U.S. Army‑supplied vehicles and weapons systems previously provided to Ukraine. “Ukraine has an urgent need to strengthen local sustainment capabilities to maintain high operational rates for U.S.–provided vehicles and weapon systems,” the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.
…Iraqi FMS – Last Thursday the department approved a potential $90 million FMS to Iraq for VACIS XPL Passenger Vehicle Scanning Systems and related equipment supplied by Leidos. The sale would support an Iraqi request to extend Contracted Logistical Services, including round‑the‑clock help‑desk service, for two years in support of the Ministry of Interior’s VACIS XPL systems. Iraqi border forces use VACIS to detect weapons, CBRN agents, drugs and other contraband.
More FMTV A2s – Oshkosh Defense received a $25 million order from the Army to deliver more FMTV A2 Low‑Velocity Airdrop (LVAD) 4×4 cargo vehicles and kits, the company said on Feb. 5. The latest deal follows a recent order for 97 FMTV A2 LVAD 4×4 and 6×6 vehicles. “As the Army adapts to future operations that assume contested terrain, limited access, and increased mobility, the FMTV A2 LVAD fills a critical sustainment gap for airborne and rapidly deploying units. Designed to be parachuted from aircraft, the FMTV A2 LVAD delivers both critical supplies and a mission‑ready vehicle immediately upon deployment, even in areas without established infrastructure,” Oshkosh said.
NGC2 – Persistent Systems said on Feb. 4 it has received a second Army order worth $87.5 million to supply more Wave Relay mobile ad‑hoc networking (MANET) devices in support of the Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) prototype initiative. The new deal follows a $34 million award for MANET devices announced last October. “Faster information delivery times and more reliable access to data enable faster, more efficient decisions, streamlining command and control (C2). The MANET radio continues to demonstrate it can serve as part of the transport layer, with the speed, resilience, and capacity required for combat operations,” Persistent said. The Army has said NGC2 will provide “commanders and units at echelon an open and modular C2 ecosystem across hardware, software and applications with access to a common and integrated data layer,” describing it as a “fundamental change in how the U.S. Army conducts digital mission command.”
Navy Helmets – The Navy awarded Gentex Corporation a $22.6 million contract to deliver over 5,000 Next‑Generation Fixed Wing Helmet (NGFWH) systems and spares to be fielded across all Navy fixed‑wing aircraft, the service said on Feb. 4. The NGFWH systems are intended to “streamline and modernize life‑support capabilities for fixed‑wing aircrews” and replace the aging HGU‑55/P and HGU‑68P helmets. Naval Air Systems Command highlighted improvements in ergonomics, safety and integration. The helmet uses a lighter carbon‑fiber shell that reduces head‑borne weight and improves center of gravity, mitigating neck and back strain, with an inner liner that stays secure during high‑G maneuvers. Its modular design allows future head‑mounted displays and communications systems to be added without overhauling the entire helmet.
Lockheed, Fujitsu MoU – Lockheed Martin and Japan’s Fujitsu last week agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding that will leverage Lockheed’s expertise in integrated systems and Fujitsu’s technologies and commercial scale to advance dual‑use solutions in quantum computing, edge computing for sensing and data fusion, artificial intelligence, microelectronics and multi‑domain network solutions. “This collaboration accelerated technologies that are critical to meeting the future needs of our customers,” said Craig Martell, Lockheed’s chief technology officer. “Coupling the expertise of Lockheed Martin and Fujitsu across technology areas will be a force multiplier, advancing leadership in critical technologies like microelectronics, inference at the edge and quantum solutions.”
BlackSky Award – BlackSky Technology said it received a seven‑figure contract from a new international defense customer to provide imagery from its Generation‑3 electro‑optical satellites to support “time‑sensitive tactical ISR operational needs” after the customer obtained early access to the technology. “This partnership reflects continued traction against our land‑and‑expand strategy and demonstrates the growing recognition that dynamic space‑based intelligence is no longer optional, it’s essential,” said CEO Brian O’Toole. “Assured gives our customers guaranteed, priority access to Gen‑3 capacity over their operational areas of interest.”
Air Force Security – Picogrid announced a $9.3 million Air Force contract to transition pilot projects of its Legion software to operational deployments at key sites, giving security operators a common operating picture that integrates data from existing sensors into a unified system. The California‑based company says its software orchestrates sensors and effects across locations and applies AI‑based analytics to provide real‑time threat awareness to multiple mission systems.
C‑UAS at the Border – Parsons Corp. said in January its DroneArmor counter‑unmanned aircraft system (C‑UAS) solution is being used by a federal customer to protect personnel, communities and critical infrastructure on the U.S. southern border. As an integrator, Parsons combines sensors and effectors from various industry partners and weaves in AI to create DroneArmor, which autonomously tracks, identifies and mitigates potential UAS threats.
Another HC‑130J Delivered – The Coast Guard announced it has taken delivery of its 18th mission‑ready HC‑130J long‑range surveillance aircraft. L3Harris Technologies completed the aircraft’s missionization in Waco, Texas. The missionization includes integration of the Minotaur Mission System Suite, Coast Guard‑specific multi‑mode radar, sensors, communications systems, enhanced approach and landing systems, expanded diagnostics and civil GPS. The Coast Guard has appropriations for 25 HC‑130Js and one HC‑130J simulator.
Lethal Payloads – The Army on Jan. 29 issued a Request for Information related to lethal payload packages that could be integrated onto remotely operated unmanned ground vehicle systems. The RFI will gather input to support the Army’s Human Machine Integrated Formations effort. The Army is interested in technologies for small and medium‑caliber remote weapons stations, medium‑caliber remote turrets, remotely‑operated mortar systems, lethal UAS launch systems, anti‑tank capabilities and smart munition delivery systems.
Group 4 S/VTOL Summit – The Army will host a Group 4+ Short/Vertical Takeoff and Landing (S/VTOL) Summit with industry from March 10‑12 in Huntsville, Ala., according to a new notice. “The initiative is designed to foster early and deliberate collaboration with dedicated industry partners to shape future acquisition, development and procurement strategies. The goal is to field modular, runway‑independent weapon systems that reduce logistics footprints, enhance operational flexibility and provide a decisive advantage to the warfighter,” the Army wrote. The summit will engage industry working on air vehicles, UAS sensors and payloads, autonomy and onboard mission software.
Starfish and Quindar – Quindar, a developer of ground‑based systems to automate mission services across different spacecraft bus constellations, has partnered with Starfish Space to support Starfish’s first three deorbit‑as‑a‑service missions. Starfish’s Otter space vehicle can capture satellites in various orbits and safely remove them from orbit when necessary. “Quindar automates spacecraft bus operations—providing reliable access, health monitoring, commanding, and fault response—so Starfish’s vehicles maintain continuous uptime of their core systems,” said Nate Hamet, co‑founder and CEO of Quindar. “Mission‑level decisioning and autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations remain with Starfish’s cutting‑edge software and vehicle capabilities.”
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