54 I-CONNECT007 MAGAZINE I OCTOBER 2026
MIL/AERO007
Northrop Grumman to Accelerate Extended-
Range C-UAS Missile Tech for U.S. Army ⊲
To address the evolving challenges of detecting
and defeating unmanned aerial systems at extend-
ed ranges, Northrop Grumman will develop next-
generation air-breathing propulsion for the U.S.
Army, significantly enhancing the range and air
defense capabilities of the Army's eXtended Range
Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (XRC).
Virtus Solis Signs 20-Year Space Solar PPA
with Brae Systems for 250 MW Clean Power ⊲
Virtus Solis Technologies, Inc., a pioneer in the deliv-
ery of space-based solar for terrestrial baseload
power, and Brae Systems, announced the closing of
a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in which
Virtus Solis will supply continuous, space-based solar
power to Brae's advanced computing infrastructure.
The deal represents the first solar PPA in space and
Virtus Solar's first in a series of commercial offtake
agreements over the next several months.
PCB Technologies Announces $38M
Engagement with U.S. Aerospace and
Defense Manufacturer ⊲
PCB Technologies continues to expand its operations
in the U.S. aerospace and defense market, announc-
ing a new agreement valued at approximately $38
million with a leading American defense and aero-
space manufacturer.
Q/C Technologies Announces Research
Collaboration with Sandia National
Laboratories ⊲
Q/C Technologies, Inc., a developer of next-gener-
ation optical computing solutions, announced a
collaboration with the Center for Integrated Nano-
technologies (CINT) at Sandia National Laboratories
(Sandia) to advance its proprietary optical process-
ing unit (OPU) initiative for artificial intelligence infer-
ence. The Company is pioneering next-generation
optical computing solutions designed to harness
the properties of light to perform complex compu-
tations naturally via interference.
U.S. Navy Selects Boeing for F/A-XX Program ⊲
The U.S. Navy announced Boeing has been awarded
a multi-billion-dollar contract to produce its F/A-XX
aircraft. The fighter will revolutionize advancements
in open mission systems architecture, advanced
mission systems and operational reach and capac-
ity. F/A-XX is intended to replace the service's fleet
of F/A-18 Super Hornets.
General Dynamics Lands $184M Navy
Electronic Warfare Contract ⊲
General Dynamics Mission Systems has received
a $184.25 million U.S. Navy contract for full-rate
production of the Next Generation Electronic Attack
Unit (NGEAU), which will support the EA-18G Growl-
er electronic warfare aircraft. The system uses
an open mission systems processor architecture
designed to provide advanced electronic attack
capabilities while allowing the Navy to incorporate
technology upgrades over the life of the platform.
Aitech Introduces New C165 Rugged Single
Board Computer to Help Defense Programs
Build and Modernize Fielded VME Systems ⊲
Aitech, a global leader in AI-powered rugged
embedded computing and connectivity solutions for
defense and space applications, today announced
the C165 Rugged 6U VME Single Board Computer
(SBC), helping defense and aerospace organiza-
tions build or modernize mission-critical systems
while preserving proven VME infrastructure already
deployed across air, land and naval platforms.
Leonardo DRS Awarded $96 Million in
Contracts to Provide Critical MK 41 Vertical
Launching System Electronics Hardware ⊲
Leonardo DRS, Inc. announced that it has been
awarded contracts totaling $96 million to provide
critical electronics hardware for the MK 41 Verti-
cal Launching System (VLS). The MK 41 VLS is the
U.S. Navy's premier shipborne missile launching
system and is also fielded by 14 allied navies world-
wide. The awards reinforce Leonardo DRS's role
in supporting naval combat system readiness with
trusted, mission-critical electronics.
