From U.S. Pacific Fleet, June 25, 2026 

HONOLULU — On June 24, the opening ceremony and press conference marked the start of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026, the 30th iteration of the world’s largest international maritime exercise. 

Thirty nations, over 30 surface ships, five submarines, 15 national land forces, more than 206 aircraft and 30,000 personnel will train and operate in and around the Hawaiian Islands during the exercise, which runs through July 31. RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants that are critical to ensuring the security of sea lanes and stability across the region. 

“The Rim of the Pacific exercise continues to be the world’s premier multinational maritime training event, bringing together allies and partners committed to strengthening security and stability across the region,” said Vice Adm. Jeff Jablon, RIMPAC 2026 commander, Combined Task Forces (CCTF), “By training together in complex, realistic scenarios, participating nations improve readiness, sharpen warfighting skills, and strengthen the interoperability required to operate effectively alongside one another whenever and wherever needed.” 

RIMPAC 2026 marks a significant milestone as the 30th exercise in a series that began in 1971. As the world’s largest joint and combined exercise in the maritime domain, RIMPAC combines force capabilities in a dynamic maritime environment to demonstrate enduring interoperability across the full spectrum of military operations. 

The theme of RIMPAC 2026 is “Partners: Integrated and Prepared,” underscoring the multinational commitment to collective readiness and interoperability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Through realistic, high-end training, participating nations strengthen partnerships, enhance tactical proficiency, and improve their ability to operate together in support of regional security and stability. 

Hosted by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, RIMPAC 2026’s multi-national leadership is comprised of Chilean Navy Commodore Andres Howard, as Deputy Commander, Combined Task Force; Rear Adm. Takuo Kobayashi, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, as Vice Commander, Combined Task Force; Rear Adm. In-Ho Kim, Republic of Korea Navy, as Combined Forces Maritime Component Commander; and Brig. Gen. J.S. Davis, Royal Canadian Air Force, as Combined Forces Air Component Commander. 

RIMPAC 2026 builds on the success of previous exercises by bringing together a coalition of allies and partners to demonstrate the flexibility and capability of maritime forces. The exercise includes a wide range of training events, including amphibious operations, gunnery and missile exercises, anti-submarine warfare, air defense operations, military medicine, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, counter-piracy operations, mine countermeasures, explosive ordnance disposal, and diving and salvage operations. 

Throughout the exercise, participants will train and operate together to strengthen collective readiness, reinforce international partnerships, and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. 

For more information and updates on RIMPAC 2026, visit http://www.cpf.navy.mil/rimpac and http://www.dvidshub.net/feature/RIMPAC2026. 

Media inquiries should be directed to mailto:[email protected]. 

From RTX, June 3, 2026 

ANDOVER, Mass., June 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has been awarded a $515 million contract from the U.S. Navy for the SPY-6 family of radars. The contract is a follow-on to the Integration and Production Support contract, which was awarded in June 2025, and includes upgrading Flight IIA destroyers with the SPY-6(V)4 variant. 

Under the sole source award, Raytheon will provide continued support for the SPY-6 family of radars to the U.S. Navy, including the government of Germany with the potential for other countries to be added under the Foreign Military Sales program. 

“With over a decade of demonstrated success at sea, SPY-6 remains the U.S. Navy’s most advanced maritime radar, providing the fleet with unmatched sensing power and multi-mission readiness to counter evolving threats,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. “Backed by an $800 million investment to modernize our radar manufacturing facilities, we’re accelerating production and are expecting to double SPY‑6 output by 2028.” 

SPY-6 is now aboard two commissioned U.S. Navy ships and is installed on 11 others, all of which are undergoing various stages of testing. Over the next decade, SPY-6 is expected to be deployed on more than 50 U.S. Navy ships, enhancing defense against air, surface, ballistic and electronic warfare threats. 

SPY-6 is one of several radar programs designed and manufactured at Raytheon’s Radar Development Facility in Andover, Massachusetts, a 30,000-square foot site supporting the production of diverse types of radars for U.S. and allied forces. This vertically integrated and highly automated site is one of the most advanced in the world, complete with a gallium nitride (GaN) foundry to produce the semiconductors essential for SPY-6 and other Raytheon radars. 

Raytheon is actively hiring engineers across multiple disciplines to support this critical program. Interested candidates can learn more by visiting our website. 

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., June 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) and the U.S. Navy celebrated the opening of a new facility at Newport News Shipbuilding Thursday that will enhance the work environment for sailors and shipbuilders during refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. 

The Carrier Refueling Overhaul Workcenter (CROW) provides approximately 80,000 square feet of dedicated space near aircraft carriers undergoing RCOH. The facility includes office spaces for sailors and shipbuilders, as well as quality of service areas sailors can utilize while executing RCOH. 

“This new facility, designed to serve sailors — and benefit shipbuilders as well — is a shining example of what teamwork can do,” NNS President Kari Wilkinson said. “We are grateful for the tenacity with which this project was envisioned, pursued and executed, and we are honored to celebrate its opening.” 

“The RCOH facility directly supports Admiral Caudle’s ‘Sailors First’ vision for the Navy,” Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. James Kilby said. “It is our obligation to our sailors and the employees at this shipyard to keep improving and striving to deliver the best quality of service. This facility provides our sailors and shipyard partners with a dedicated, modern space outside of the heavy industrial environment to build sailors’ well-being and warfighting readiness.” 

The new CROW facility is located mid-yard at NNS, conveniently between the dry dock and the outfitting pier that support RCOH work. 

Award continues program expansion capacity to meet rising domestic and international demand 

From RTX

TUCSON, Ariz. (June 26, 2026) — Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, was awarded a $1.1 billion contract from the U.S. Navy to produce AIM-9X Block II missiles to bolster U.S. military inventory and meet increased demand from allied nations. 

Under the contract, Raytheon will produce AIM-9X missiles along with associated hardware and software for U.S. and Foreign Military Sales customers.   

“Our teams have streamlined production, shortened lead times and ramped up deliveries of AIM-9X missiles to keep pace with growing demand,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. “This contract, along with our close partnership with the U.S. Navy, allows us to sustain that momentum and ensure U.S. and allied forces have this advanced, combat-proven capability they depend on in high threat environments.” 

AIM-9X is the most advanced infrared tracking, short-range air-to-air and surface-to-air missile, and it is combat-proven in multiple theaters around the world. The system is configured for easy installation on a wide range of modern aircraft and provides layered defense options with ground launched capabilities, including the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS). 

Trusted by the U.S. and more than 35 allied and partner nations, AIM-9X is a critical asset for ensuring strategic deterrence and operational advantage worldwide. To meet growing demand, Raytheon is increasing its production capacity to 2,500 missiles per year.  

A majority of the work under this contract will take place in Tucson, Arizona. Raytheon is significantly expanding its engineering workforce in Tucson to support critical military programs across domains. Engineers with active security clearances and relevant technical experience ready to make a difference helping connect and protect our world can learn more by visiting our website. 

From the Navy office of Information, June 25, 2026 

NEW YORK CITY (June 25, 2026) – The U.S. Navy announced today the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) will participate in the International Naval Review (INR) 250 in New York City, July 3-8, 2026. 

Nimitz joins a robust, previously announced lineup of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels, as well as participation from more than 50 allied and partner nations, converging on New York Harbor to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. 

As the most iconic serving aircraft carrier in the U.S. fleet and the lead ship of her class, Nimitz brings unparalleled historical significance to what will be the largest international maritime spectacle in U.S. history. Named for World War II Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, the carrier represents more than 50 years of active global defense, having played pivotal roles in missions ranging from Operation Desert Storm to Operation Inherent Resolve. 

“Adding USS Nimitz to the International Naval Review 250 roster brings a legendary piece of American naval history and maritime dominance directly to the heart of this celebration,” said Vice Adm. Doug Perry, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet. “For five decades, the Sailors aboard Nimitz have stood the watch, defending freedom and ensuring global maritime security. Having this iconic warship anchor in New York Harbor alongside our international partners will be a breathtaking tribute to our nation’s 250th anniversary and a powerful demonstration of American resolve.” 

The arrival of Nimitz underscores the core themes of INR 250: celebrating the strength of international partnerships, showcasing the professionalism of the Sailors who make up the fleet, and honoring the deep, historical naval ties of New York City. 

During the week-long event, Nimitz will be a centerpiece of the fleet following the monumental Parade of Sail July 4. While anchored, the ship expects to host distinguished visitors, and her crew of thousands of Sailors will engage with the citizens of New York and New Jersey through community relations projects, public events, and memorial ceremonies. 

“The Sailors of USS Nimitz are honored to represent the Navy and our nation at INR 250,” said Capt. Joseph Furco, Nimitz’s commanding officer. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase the dedication, pride, and professionalism of ‘Team Nimitz’ as well as the enduring capability of this incredible ship on a global stage. We are humbled to be the iconic symbol of America’s unparalleled sea power.” 

Additional details regarding ship locations, aerial reviews, and media availabilities surrounding Nimitz’s arrival will be released soon. 

For more information about the INR 250, participating ships, and a schedule of public events, please visit International Naval Review 250 website. 

From U.S. Pacific Command, June 22, 2026 

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii – U.S. Pacific Command joint forces, along with allied and partner forces, are scheduled to participate in exercise Valiant Shield (VS26) 2026, June 22–July 1, in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Japan, and at sea around the Mariana Islands Range Complex. 

VS26 is a multinational, biennial field training exercise focused on integrating interoperability training in a multi-domain environment. This training builds real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces through detecting, locating, tracking, and engaging units at sea, in the air, in space, on land, and in cyberspace. 

Exercises such as VS26 allow forces across the Indo-Pacific the opportunity to integrate Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, and allies to train in precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the joint and combined force. With the involvement of U.S. Space Command and U.S. Transportation Command, VS26 is expanding the multi-domain cross-combatant command collaboration that is required for any large-scale exercise or operation. 

VS26 prepares the joint and combined force to rapidly respond to crises and contingencies across the spectrum of operations from humanitarian assistance and disaster response to armed conflict. 

“Valiant Shield demonstrates our enduring commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Adm. Steve Koehler, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “Exercising advanced multidomain capabilities with our allies ensures we continue to seamlessly innovate and operate together, project combat power together, and prevail over any challenge — together.” 
 

VS26 assists U.S., allied, and partner forces in developing regional and global power projection capabilities. Integrated training provides a full range of options to succeed in defense of U.S. interests and those of like-minded nations around the world. 

This is the 11th iteration of Exercise Valiant Shield, which first began in 2006. While it began as a unilateral U.S. exercise, Valiant Shield has evolved with demands of the security environment, incorporating new technology and strategies to further enhance the lethality of the joint fighting force. Since 2024, Valiant Shield has become a multilateral joint field training exercise to further integrate allies and partners in the multi-domain environment. This iteration of Valiant Shield marks the second time the Japan Self-Defense Forces has heavily integrated in Valiant Shield planning and execution. 

From NAVSOUTH/FOURHTFLT Public Affairs, June 17, 2026 

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and its strike group successfully completed their highly anticipated deployment to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility as part of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet’s Southern Seas 2026. 

This year’s deployment marked the 11th iteration of the Southern Seas exercise since 2007, demonstrating the United States’ enduring commitment to the Western Hemisphere. Southern Seas 2026 highlighted unprecedented diplomatic and military integration, recording the highest number of Latin American leadership visits in the exercise’s history, with approximately 339 distinguished visitors embarking and 3,100 guests hosted during port visits. 

As the USS Nimitz and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) circumnavigated the South American continent, they executed complex passing exercises and operations at sea alongside partner nation maritime forces. The historic volume of high-level DV embarkations provided heads of state, top military officials, and regional dignitaries a firsthand look at the unmatched capabilities of a U.S. aircraft carrier operating at peak proficiency. 

Throughout the deployment, the strike group conducted vital engagements with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Uruguay, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. The fleet also successfully executed high-visibility port visits in Brazil, Chile, Jamaica, and Panama, further cementing enduring ties with host nations. 

“The USS Nimitz’s Southern Seas 2026 deployment provided a unique opportunity to enhance interoperability and build proficiency with our partner nations across the maritime domain,” said Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet. “Deployments of this magnitude demonstrate our unwavering commitment to a secure and stable Western Hemisphere. This historic mission is a shining example of our dedication to strengthening regional partnerships, building mutual trust, and countering shared threats together.” 

Another cornerstone of Southern Seas 2026’s success was the integration of an embarked international staff. Approximately a dozen officers from 6 partner nations—including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Mexico —served aboard the Nimitz. These officers received advanced instruction from U.S. Naval War College professors and worked seamlessly alongside embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9 personnel to conduct detailed, real-world operational planning at sea. 

“From presidents and ministers to admirals and generals to sailors and marines, Southern Seas 2026 gave us the opportunity to display not only the unmatched capability of a United States carrier strike group, but also the friendship, trust, and partnership that have long unified the nations of the Americas,” said Rear Adm. Cassidy Norman, commander of Carrier Strike Group 11.  “The most enduring outcome of this deployment will be the relationships we built.  Whether conducting complex operations at sea, welcoming distinguished visitors aboard USS Nimitz, or training side-by-side with our partners, we demonstrated that American leadership is measured not only by strength, but also by trust.  We leave this region with stronger relationships, deeper interoperability, and a shared commitment to ensuring our hemisphere remains secure, prosperous, and free.” 

Nimitz-class aircraft carriers remain the pinnacle of mobile projection of naval air power and forward operational presence. The successful conclusion of Southern Seas 2026 reinforces that no other weapons system possesses the responsiveness, endurance, multi-dimensional might, inherent battlespace awareness, and command-and-control capabilities of a U.S. carrier strike group. 

NIMCSG consists of the USS Nimitz, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101). USNAVSOUTH/FOURTHFLT is the trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South America maritime forces improving regional unity and security. 

Collaboration positions MARTAC to build 200–300 unmanned surface vessels per year by leveraging Florida’s world-class boatbuilding base 

MELBOURNE, Fla., June 17, 2026 — Maritime Tactical Systems, Inc. (MARTAC), a leading provider of high-performance autonomous unmanned surface vessels (USVs), today announced a manufacturing partnership with Intrepid Powerboats, a Florida-based premium boatbuilder. The collaboration gives MARTAC the ability to scale production of its Devil Ray USV platforms to between 200 and 300 vessels per year, meeting accelerating demand from U.S. government, allied-nation, and commercial customers. 

Under the partnership, Intrepid Powerboats will apply its established production capacity, skilled marine workforce, and decades of high-performance hull manufacturing expertise to the construction of MARTAC USV platforms. The arrangement allows MARTAC to expand output rapidly without the heavy capital investment and lead time that building dedicated new production facilities would require. 

The partnership is the latest demonstration of MARTAC’s scaling strategy: meeting surging demand by leveraging the depth of Florida’s established boatbuilding industry rather than building production capacity from the ground up. By partnering with experienced regional manufacturers, MARTAC converts proven commercial boatbuilding capacity into mission-ready autonomous vessel production, preserving speed, controlling cost, and reinforcing a domestic, Florida-anchored industrial base. 

“This partnership shows how quickly we can scale when we tap into the talent and capacity that already exists in Florida’s marine manufacturing sector,” said Tony Smeraglinolo, Chief Executive Officer of MARTAC. “Working with a builder of Intrepid’s caliber enables us to rapidly accelerate quality production, without the lengthy process of standing up new plants. It is the right model for a moment when demand for autonomous maritime systems is growing faster than the traditional defense industrial base can respond.” 

“Intrepid has spent more than four decades building some of the most capable boats on the water, right here in Florida,” said Terry McNew, President of Intrepid Powerboats. “Partnering with MARTAC lets us put that craftsmanship and capacity to work supporting national security and the broader unmanned maritime mission. It’s a natural extension of what our team does best.” 

MARTAC’s MANTAS and Devil Ray families have been fielded across multiple theaters and customer programs, and the company continues to expand to meet growing operational and procurement demand. 

“Our customers don’t just need a capable platform, they need confidence that we can deliver at scale, on schedule,” said Seamus Flatley, MARTAC’s Chief Growth Officer. “This partnership is how we answer that. We’re turning Florida’s boatbuilding strength into a strategic advantage for customers at home and abroad.”

Award marks first delivery of low-cost hypersonic strike weapons to the Navy 

From Castelion 

TORRANCE, Calif., June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Castelion has been awarded a $23.4M firm-fixed-price order from the U.S. Navy for the production and delivery of 50 Blackbeard early operational capability pre-production prototypes and 50 associated storage and shipping containers. 

The award marks an important step in Blackbeard’s transition from development and flight testing toward operationally relevant production. The order supports continued maturation of Castelion’s low-cost, highly manufacturable long-range hypersonic strike weapons and will exercise the company’s expanding production capacity at its Project Ranger manufacturing campus in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. 

Work under the award will be performed primarily in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, with supporting work in Torrance, California, and is expected to be completed in 2027. 

“Blackbeard was designed from the beginning to support our nation’s conventional deterrence,” said Bryon Hargis, Co-Founder and CEO of Castelion. “This award reflects the Navy’s continued commitment to and leadership in rapidly advancing affordable, manufacturable long-range strike capability, and moving Blackbeard toward early operational use.” 

This award builds on a series of Army and Navy platform integration contracts and follows Castelion’s $250M+ investment in Project Ranger, a 1,000-acre manufacturing campus in New Mexico built for hypersonic production at scale. 

Kestrel navigation system delivers high-accuracy positioning for small platforms operating in GPS-jammed and spoofed environments 

From Honeywell 

PHOENIX, June 17, 2026 – Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) today announced the launch of Kestrel, a compact navigation solution designed to help uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) operate reliably in contested environments where GPS signals may be degraded, jammed or spoofed. 

Built to support the growing demand for smaller, more affordable and highly efficient platforms, Kestrel combines Honeywell Aerospace’s HG3900 MEMS Inertial Measurement Unit with an M-code receiver and a multi-GNSS receiver. The platform is intended to meet the specific needs of Group 2 and 3 collaborative combat aircraft (CCAs) and loitering munitions platforms. It is also suitable for crewed aircraft where size, weight, power and cost are important considerations. 

“Kestrel reflects the evolving needs of today’s uncrewed operations, where operators are looking for resilient navigation technology that is smaller, lighter and more cost-effective,” said Matt Picchetti, vice president and general manager of Navigation & Sensors at Honeywell Aerospace. “This system helps operators maintain mission objectives in environments where legacy GPS systems are lagging behind.” 

Kestrel is an Embedded GNSS/INS (EGI) system for global defense and commercial operators in need of advanced inertial navigation technology with secure positioning capabilities in a smaller footprint. The system is 40 percent smaller and lighter than similar navigation products available today, while still delivering up to an 80 percent improvement in navigation accuracy for uncrewed platforms. It also reduces costs by as much as 50 percent, helping operators efficiently scale deployment across high-volume drone operations. Kestrel’s resiliency reduces UAS attrition by 60 percent, while more than doubling the capacity for mission distances. 

The ability to operate without assured GNSS access is a distinct advantage for any military aircraft operating in contested or GNSS-denied environments because it provides continuous, self-contained position, velocity and attitude estimates independent of external signals. 

Kestrel is designed to support a broad range of defense and commercial applications and will be available in configurations that support international and non-ITAR deployments. 

Honeywell pioneered EGI technology and has produced more than 60,000 units since the mid-1990s to meet customers’ most challenging navigation, pointing, stabilization and flight-control applications. To learn more, visit: New Kestrel Small EGI Navigation for Tactical Drones