Defense & Military
Anduril and Korean Air Partner on Advanced Unmanned Systems in South Korea
Anduril and Korean Air form a strategic partnership to develop AI-driven unmanned aerial systems supporting South Korea’s Defense Innovation 4.0 and Indo-Pacific security.
The partnership between American defense technology company Anduril Industries and Korean Air marks a pivotal moment for international defense collaboration, especially in the realm of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and next-generation autonomous technologies. Announced in 2025, this alliance covers joint development of UAS, licensing for Indo-Pacific production, and the exploration of manufacturing infrastructure in South Korea. The collaboration also ventures into civilian applications such as wildfire response systems, showcasing the dual-use nature of modern defense innovations. With Anduril’s valuation reaching $30.5 billion after a recent funding round and Korean Air’s established aerospace manufacturing prowess, both firms are poised to leverage the expanding global drone market, which is projected to reach $22.81 billion by 2030. This partnership aligns with South Korea’s Defense Innovation 4.0 initiative and addresses regional security concerns amid evolving dynamics in Northeast Asia.
Understanding the significance of this partnership requires an examination of the backgrounds of both companies, the details of their collaboration, the broader context of South Korea’s defense modernization, and the economic, technological, and geopolitical implications that follow. This article breaks down these elements, offering a thorough analysis grounded in publicly available sources and expert commentary.
Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey and a team of technology and defense veterans, Anduril Industries has rapidly become a disruptor in the U.S. and allied defense sectors. The company’s business model departs from the traditional defense contractor approach by using private capital to develop products before selling them to government clients, rather than relying on taxpayer-funded development cycles. Luckey’s stated mission was to build a “defense product company” capable of agile, iterative innovation, a model inspired by the tech sector.
Symbolically, Anduril draws its name from Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings,” reflecting a mission to defend Western civilization with advanced technology. The company’s headquarters features a replica of the sword Anduril, reinforcing this cultural ethos. Since its inception, Anduril has grown to over 6,000 employees, securing more than $1 billion in public contracts with U.S. and allied governments. Major deals include a $250 million contract for U.S. border sensor towers, a $100 million agreement with the Australian navy for submarine drones, and a $1 billion, 10-year contract with U.S. Special Operations Command for counter-drone systems.
Anduril’s product suite spans multiple domains. Its Lattice software platform integrates sensors and autonomous systems for unified command and control. Hardware offerings include the Ghost drone for reconnaissance, the Anvil interceptor for disabling enemy drones, and the Barracuda family of autonomous air vehicles designed for mass production in high-demand scenarios. The company’s $1 billion manufacturing facility in Ohio, announced in 2025, underscores its commitment to scaling operations.
“We’re not a defense contractor, we’re a defense product company. We’re building things that work—fast—using private capital.” – Palmer Luckey, Founder of Anduril Industries
Anduril’s focus on artificial intelligence, autonomy, and rapid software updates marks a departure from the multi-year development cycles typical of legacy defense primes. Its ability to bridge commercial technology advances with military requirements has allowed it to compete successfully against industry giants.
Korean Air’s aerospace division began in 1986 with the production of Boeing 747 wing structures, evolving into one of Asia’s most advanced aerospace manufacturers. The company’s 2004 partnership with Boeing on the 787 Dreamliner was transformative, leading to the delivery of components for over 1,200 aircraft. Today, Korean Air produces five major parts for the Dreamliner and expects to manufacture components for 120 aircraft annually as the aviation sector recovers post-pandemic.
Success with Airbus further established Korean Air’s credentials. In 2010, it became the exclusive supplier of Sharklet wingtips for the A320 series, delivering approximately 4,200 units since 2012. The company also supplies components for the A330neo and maintains a strong presence in both commercial and military aerospace supply chains. On the defense side, Korean Air has manufactured 130 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters since 1991 and recently secured a major contract to upgrade these platforms. Its MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) capabilities are recognized globally, with facilities in Incheon, Gimpo, and Busan. The company’s selection by Pratt & Whitney as an official MRO partner for the PW1100G-JM engine in 2021, with operations commencing in 2023, highlights its technical and operational excellence.
Korean Air’s foray into unmanned systems is a natural extension of its aerospace expertise. The company is developing stealth UAVs and next-generation unmanned combat aircraft, aligning with South Korea’s broader defense modernization goals and providing a strong foundation for its partnership with Anduril.
The Anduril-Korean Air partnership is structured as a comprehensive technology and manufacturing alliance. Korean Air’s Aerospace Business Division will work with Anduril to co-develop unmanned systems for both defense and civilian applications. The agreement includes provisions for licensing Anduril products for Indo-Pacific production and exploring the establishment of advanced manufacturing facilities in South Korea.
Technologically, the partnership leverages Korean Air’s manufacturing and operational experience with Anduril’s AI-driven autonomy and software-defined systems. Notably, the partnership aims to create an autonomous wildfire response system, combining Korean Air’s drone platforms with Anduril’s Lattice software. This system can detect, assess, and respond to wildfires using a mix of aerial, terrestrial, and orbital sensors, and then deploy both autonomous and piloted aircraft for rapid containment.
The wildfire solution is particularly relevant for South Korea, which experiences 500–900 wildfires annually, mainly in the spring. The partnership demonstrates how military-grade technologies can be adapted for public safety, offering scalable, automated responses that could save lives and property.
“Our partnership with Korean Air is about more than defense; it’s about building the future of autonomous systems for both military and civilian needs in the Indo-Pacific.” – John Kim, Anduril Korea
Beyond technology, the partnership establishes a cooperative regional defense technology framework, facilitating joint development, technology transfer, and coordinated responses to evolving security challenges. This aligns with broader Indo-Pacific security cooperation trends and reflects a shared commitment to rapid capability development.
South Korea’s defense modernization is driven by the Defense Innovation 4.0 initiative, which seeks to integrate artificial intelligence, autonomy, and advanced networked systems into military operations. The Ministry of Defense has prioritized these technologies, recognizing that legacy systems are insufficient for future deterrence and conflict scenarios.
The Defense Innovation 4.0 project, launched in 2023, brings together government, academia, and industry to accelerate AI adoption in defense. The Army AI Development Promotion Strategy and the TIGER 4.0 concept provide roadmaps for integrating AI into ground forces, including the development of the K3 tank and new-generation unmanned systems to support the KF-21 fighter program. South Korea’s urgency is evident in its compressed development timelines. For example, unmanned systems to support the KF-21 are scheduled for deployment by 2030, reflecting the need to address regional threats from North Korea and China. The integration of public and private sector expertise enables South Korea to adapt commercial AI advances for military use while maintaining security and oversight.
The global military drone market was valued at $15.23 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $22.81 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%. South Korea’s domestic market is growing even faster, with revenues expected to rise from $759 million in 2024 to $1.89 billion by 2030, a CAGR of 16.6%. These projections reflect robust demand for advanced drone systems and AI-enabled defense solutions.
Within South Korea, fixed-wing drones currently dominate market share, but hybrid systems, combining endurance and versatility, are forecast to grow fastest. This aligns with the Anduril-Korean Air focus on developing modular, multi-role platforms. Regionally, South Korea is positioned as a key hub in the Indo-Pacific, with opportunities to serve fast-growing markets in India, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
The economic impact of the partnership includes potential job creation, technology transfer, and industrial development. Anduril’s plans to double its South Korean workforce and possibly establish local manufacturing facilities signal significant investment. Korean Air’s licensing role could enable it to capture value across multiple regional markets, while the dual-use nature of the technology creates additional commercial revenue streams.
“The Indo-Pacific is the fastest-growing defense technology market in the world. Partnerships like this are key to meeting regional demand and ensuring allied technological leadership.” – Defense Industry Analyst
Anduril’s $2.5 billion Series G funding round, which doubled its valuation, underscores investor confidence in the sector. The partnership could help consolidate South Korea’s position as a regional leader in advanced defense manufacturing and innovation.
The partnership’s technological core is Anduril’s Lattice platform, which integrates diverse sensors and autonomous systems into a unified command and control network. This enables rapid adaptation to changing mission requirements and continuous improvement through software updates. Korean Air’s UAV expertise provides the hardware foundation, while Anduril’s AI-driven autonomy ensures operational flexibility and resilience.
The wildfire response system exemplifies this integration. Distributed sensors across air, land, and orbit feed real-time data into Lattice, enabling early detection and rapid response. Autonomous drones can assess and contain fires with minimal human intervention, demonstrating how military-grade systems can address civilian challenges.
The partnership’s modular approach allows for the rapid reconfiguration of systems for different missions, reducing costs and improving adaptability. Advances in sensor fusion, edge computing, and distributed decision-making enhance resilience against cyber and electronic warfare threats, critical for both defense and public safety applications. Stealth and hybrid capabilities are also in focus, with the partnership leveraging Korean Air’s experience in composite manufacturing and Anduril’s expertise in AI and autonomy. The result is a new generation of unmanned systems capable of operating in contested environments and transitioning seamlessly between autonomous and human-directed modes.
This partnership comes amid heightened regional tensions, with North Korea’s ongoing military developments and China’s assertive posture in the Indo-Pacific. The collaboration strengthens U.S.–South Korea defense ties and supports allied efforts to maintain technological superiority and interoperability.
Recent intelligence suggests North Korea is expanding its military capabilities, potentially with Russian support. The Anduril-Korean Air partnership directly addresses the need for advanced autonomous systems to counter such threats. Additionally, Chinese sanctions on Anduril in 2024 highlight the geopolitical stakes of defense technology cooperation in the region.
South Korea’s efforts to link with AUKUS alliance projects and its leadership on AI norms at the United Nations further contextualize the partnership. The alliance not only enhances deterrence but also positions South Korea as a key player in shaping the future of military AI governance and regional security structures.
“The Anduril-Korean Air alliance is a blueprint for allied technology cooperation in a contested Indo-Pacific. It’s about speed, integration, and staying ahead of the curve.” – Regional Security Expert
The defense sector is undergoing rapid transformation, with software-defined systems, AI, and autonomy reshaping procurement and operational concepts. Venture capital is flowing into dual-use technology firms like Anduril, reflecting confidence in their ability to bridge commercial and military innovation cycles. Traditional defense primes are facing new competition from agile technology companies capable of rapid development and deployment.
Global demand for unmanned and autonomous systems is rising, with the Asia-Pacific region leading growth. The shift toward fully autonomous platforms is underway, though reliability, security, and ethical challenges remain. The trend toward domestic manufacturing and supply chain resilience is also evident, with Anduril and Korean Air’s facility plans reflecting a broader move toward “friend-shoring.”
The dual-use nature of many emerging technologies, such as the wildfire response system, creates opportunities for broader societal benefits and public support for defense investments. The partnership’s modular, agile approach positions both companies to respond quickly to evolving threats and market needs.
Looking ahead, the Anduril-Korean Air partnership may serve as a model for future international defense collaborations, emphasizing rapid capability development, interoperability, and the integration of commercial technology advances into military applications. The Anduril Industries and Korean Air partnership exemplifies the convergence of technological innovation, economic opportunity, and strategic necessity in the modern defense landscape. By combining world-class aerospace manufacturing with cutting-edge AI and autonomy, the alliance is set to deliver advanced unmanned systems for both military and civilian use across the Indo-Pacific. The partnership supports South Korea’s Defense Innovation 4.0 agenda and addresses urgent regional security challenges, while also offering scalable solutions for public safety.
With the global drone market on a strong growth trajectory and South Korea’s domestic market expanding rapidly, both companies stand to benefit economically and strategically. The partnership’s emphasis on rapid development, modular design, and dual-use applications positions it at the forefront of industry trends. As allied nations grapple with evolving threats and technological competition, the Anduril-Korean Air collaboration provides a blueprint for future defense technology cooperation grounded in agility, innovation, and shared security objectives.
What is the main focus of the Anduril-Korean Air partnership? How does the partnership benefit South Korea’s defense sector? What are the economic implications of the partnership? How does the partnership address regional security challenges? What role does dual-use technology play in this collaboration?
Anduril Industries and Korean Air Strategic Partnership: Reshaping Defense Technology Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
Background on Anduril Industries
Korean Air’s Aerospace Capabilities
The Strategic Partnership Details
South Korea’s Defense Modernization Context
Market Opportunities and Economic Impact
Technology Integration and Innovation
Geopolitical and Regional Security Implications
Industry Trends and Future Outlook
Conclusion
FAQ
The partnership centers on developing advanced unmanned aerial systems for both defense and civilian applications, with a strong emphasis on AI-driven autonomy and manufacturing collaboration in South Korea.
It accelerates the integration of AI and autonomous systems into South Korea’s military, supports the Defense Innovation 4.0 initiative, and positions the country as a regional hub for advanced defense technology manufacturing.
The alliance could drive significant investment, job creation, and technology transfer, while enabling both companies to access high-growth markets in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
By developing next-generation unmanned and autonomous systems, the partnership enhances deterrence and interoperability among allied nations, helping to counter evolving threats from North Korea and China.
Dual-use systems, such as the wildfire response platform, demonstrate how military-grade innovations can address civilian challenges, broadening the partnership’s impact and societal value.
Sources
Photo Credit: Anduril
Defense & Military
Firehawk Aerospace Expands Rocket Motor Production in Mississippi Facility
Firehawk Aerospace acquires a DCMA-rated facility in Mississippi to boost production of solid rocket motors using 3D-printing technology.
This article is based on an official press release from Firehawk Aerospace.
On December 19, 2025, Firehawk Aerospace announced a significant expansion of its manufacturing capabilities with the acquisition of a specialized defense facility in Crawford, Mississippi. The Dallas-based defense technology company has secured a 20-year lease on the 636-acre site, which was formerly operated by Nammo Talley.
This acquisition marks a strategic pivot for Firehawk as it moves to address critical shortages in the U.S. defense supply chain. By taking over a facility that is already rated by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), the company aims to bypass the lengthy construction and certification timelines typically associated with greenfield defense projects. The site will serve as a hub for the full-system integration of solid rocket motors (SRMs), complementing the company’s existing R&D operations in Texas and energetics production in Oklahoma.
The Crawford facility is located in Lowndes County within Mississippi’s “Golden Triangle” region. According to the company’s announcement, the site is a “turnkey” defense asset designed specifically for handling high-grade explosives and munitions. The infrastructure includes assembly bays protected by one-foot-thick concrete walls and safety “blowout” walls designed to contain accidental detonations.
Because the facility was previously used by Nammo Defense Systems for the high-volume assembly of shoulder-launched munitions, such as the M72 LAW and SMAW systems, it retains the necessary regulatory certifications to allow for rapid operational ramp-up. Firehawk Aerospace CEO Will Edwards emphasized the urgency of this expansion in a statement regarding the deal.
“This acquisition strengthens Firehawk’s ability to address one of the nation’s most urgent defense challenges: rebuilding munition inventories that have been drawn down faster than they can be replaced.”
, Will Edwards, Co-founder and CEO of Firehawk Aerospace
The acquisition comes at a time when the Western defense industrial base is grappling with a severe shortage of solid rocket motors, which power critical systems like the Javelin, Stinger, and GMLRS missiles. Traditional manufacturing methods, which involve casting propellant in large batches that take weeks to cure, have created production bottlenecks.
Firehawk Aerospace intends to disrupt this model by utilizing proprietary 3D-printing technology to manufacture propellant grains. According to the press release, this additive manufacturing approach reduces production times from weeks to hours. The company has explicitly stated that the new Mississippi facility is being designed to achieve a production tempo of “thousands of rockets per month,” a significant increase over legacy industry standards. “While the current industrial base is built to produce thousands of rockets per year, we are building this site… to operate at a much higher production tempo… designing for throughput measured in thousands per month, not years.”
, Will Edwards, CEO
The expansion is expected to bring skilled jobs to the Golden Triangle region, which is increasingly becoming a hub for aerospace and defense activity. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves welcomed the investments, noting the dual benefits of economic growth and national security support.
“Their acquisition in Crawford will bring skilled jobs to the region while directly contributing to the production capacity our nation needs.”
, Tate Reeves, Governor of Mississippi
From R&D to Mass Production: This acquisition signals Firehawk’s transition from a development-focused startup to a volume manufacturer. By securing a pre-rated facility, Firehawk has effectively shaved 2–3 years off its timeline, the period typically required to build and certify a new explosives handling site. This speed is critical given the current geopolitical demand for tactical munitions.
Supply Chain Decentralization: The move also highlights a strategy of decentralization. By distributing operations across Texas (R&D), Oklahoma (Energetics), and now Mississippi (Integration), Firehawk is building a supply chain that may prove more resilient than centralized legacy models. This geographic diversity also allows the company to tap into distinct labor markets and state-level incentives, such as Mississippi’s aerospace initiatives.
What is the significance of the DCMA rating? How does Firehawk’s technology differ from traditional methods? What was the facility used for previously?
Firehawk Aerospace Acquires Mississippi Facility to Scale Rocket Motor Production
Strategic Asset Details
Addressing the “Rocket Motor Crisis”
Regional Economic Impact
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
A DCMA (Defense Contract Management Agency) rating verifies that a facility meets strict Department of Defense quality and safety standards. Acquiring a pre-rated facility allows Firehawk to begin production much faster than if they had to build and certify a new site from scratch.
Traditional solid rocket motors are cast in large batches, a process that requires weeks for the propellant to cure. Firehawk uses 3D-printing technology to print propellant grains, which allows for custom geometries and reduces the manufacturing time to mere hours.
The facility was formerly operated by Nammo Talley (now Nammo Defense Systems) for the assembly of shoulder-launched munitions, including the M72 LAW and SMAW systems.Sources
Photo Credit: Firehawk Aerospace
Defense & Military
20 Years of the F-22 Raptor Operational Capability and Upgrades
Lockheed Martin celebrates 20 years of the F-22 Raptor’s operational service, highlighting its stealth, combat roles, readiness challenges, and modernization.
Lockheed Martin has launched a campaign commemorating the 20th anniversary of the F-22 Raptor achieving Initial Operational Capability (IOC). In December 2005, the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia became the first unit to field the fifth-generation fighter, marking a significant shift in global air superiority.
According to the manufacturer’s announcement, the aircraft continues to define the benchmark for modern air combat. In a statement regarding the milestone, Lockheed Martin emphasized the platform’s enduring relevance:
“The F-22 Raptor sets the global standard for capability, readiness, and mission success.”
While the airframe was designed in the 1990s and first flew in 1997, the F-22 remains a central pillar of U.S. air power. The fleet, which consists of approximately 185 remaining aircraft out of the 195 originally built, has evolved from a pure air superiority fighter into a multi-role platform capable of ground strikes and strategic deterrence.
Since its operational debut, the F-22 has maintained a reputation for dominance, primarily established through high-end military aircraft exercises rather than direct air-to-air combat against manned aircraft.
Data from the U.S. Air Force and independent observers highlights the discrepancy between the Raptor’s exercise performance and its real-world combat engagements. During the 2006 Northern Edge exercise, its first major test after becoming operational, the F-22 reportedly achieved a 108-to-0 kill ratio against simulated adversaries flying F-15s, F-16s, and F/A-18s.
Despite this lethality in training, the aircraft’s combat record is distinct. The F-22 made its combat debut in September 2014 during Operation Inherent Resolve, conducting ground strikes against ISIS targets in Syria. To date, the aircraft has zero confirmed kills against manned enemy aircraft. Its sole air-to-air victory occurred in February 2023, when an F-22 utilized an AIM-9X Sidewinder missile to down a high-altitude Chinese surveillance balloon off the coast of South Carolina.
The primary driver of the F-22’s longevity is its low observable technology. Defense analysts estimate the Raptor’s Radar Cross Section (RCS) to be approximately 0.0001 square meters, roughly the size of a steel marble. This makes it significantly stealthier than the F-35 Lightning II and orders of magnitude harder to detect than foreign competitors like the Russian Su-57 or the Chinese J-20.
While Lockheed Martin’s anniversary campaign highlights “readiness” as a key pillar of the F-22’s legacy, recent Air Force data suggests a more complex reality regarding the fleet’s health. We note that maintaining the world’s premier stealth fighter comes at a steep logistical cost. According to data published by Air & Space Forces Magazine regarding Fiscal Year 2024, the F-22’s mission capable (MC) rate dropped to approximately 40%. This figure represents a decline from roughly 52% in the previous fiscal year and indicates that, at any given time, fewer than half of the Raptors in the inventory are flyable and combat-ready.
This low readiness rate is largely attributed to the fragility of the aircraft’s stealth coatings and the aging avionics of the older airframes. The Air Force has previously attempted to retire 32 older “Block 20” F-22s used for training to divert funds toward newer programs, though Congress has blocked these efforts to preserve fleet numbers. The contrast between the jet’s theoretical dominance and its logistical availability remains a critical challenge for planners.
Contrary to earlier projections that might have seen the F-22 retired in the 2030s, the Air Force is investing heavily to keep the platform viable until the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter comes online.
In 2021, the Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a $10.9 billion contract for the Advanced Raptor Enhancement and Sustainment (ARES) program. This decade-long modernization effort aims to update the fleet’s hardware and software.
According to budget documents for Fiscal Year 2026, the “Viability” upgrade package includes several key enhancements:
These investments suggest that while the F-22 is celebrating its past 20 years, the Air Force intends to rely on its capabilities well into the next decade.
Sources: Lockheed Martin, U.S. Air Force
Two Decades of the Raptor: Celebrating the F-22’s Operational Milestone
Operational History and Combat Record
Exercise Performance vs. Combat Reality
Stealth Capabilities
AirPro News Analysis: The Readiness Paradox
Modernization and Future Outlook
The ARES Contract and Upgrades
Sources
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
U.S. Navy Zero-G Helmet System Completes Critical Design Review
Collins Elbit Vision Systems completes design review for the Zero-G Helmet Display, reducing pilot weight load and enhancing safety for Navy aircraft.
This article is based on an official press release from Collins Elbit Vision Systems (RTX).
Collins Elbit Vision Systems (CEVS), a joint venture between RTX’s Collins Aerospace and Elbit Systems of America, has officially announced the completion of the Critical Design Review (CDR) for the Zero-G Helmet Mounted Display System+ (HMDS+). This milestone, finalized on December 12, 2025, marks a pivotal step in the U.S. Navy’s Improved Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (IJHMCS) program.
The successful CDR effectively freezes the system’s design, confirming that the helmet meets the Navy’s rigorous requirements for safety, performance, and platform integration. With the design locked, the program now transitions into the airworthiness testing and integration phase, bringing the system closer to deployment aboard the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fleets.
According to the press release, the Zero-G HMDS+ is engineered to address long-standing physiological challenges faced by naval aviators while introducing “6th-generation” digital capabilities to existing 4.5-generation aircraft.
The Zero-G HMDS+ represents a significant departure from legacy analog systems. While previous iterations required pilots to physically attach heavy Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) for low-light operations, the new system integrates digital night vision directly into the visor. This integration streamlines cockpit operations and reduces the physical burden on the aircrew.
A primary driver for the Zero-G’s development is the reduction of head-borne weight. High-G maneuvers in fighter aircraft place immense strain on a pilot’s neck and spine, a hazard exacerbated by heavy, unbalanced legacy helmets. CEVS reports that the Zero-G system is more than 25 percent lighter than current market alternatives. Its name is derived from its optimized center of gravity, designed to minimize fatigue and long-term injury risks.
Capt. Joseph Kamara, the U.S. Navy Program Manager for Naval Aircrew Systems (PMA-202), emphasized the safety implications of the new design in a statement:
“Aircrew health and safety is our number one priority. The Zero-G being integrated through our IJHMCS program promises to relieve aircrew of neck and back strain and greatly improve ejection safety.”
Beyond ergonomics, the helmet utilizes a binocular waveguide display system. Unlike monocular reticles used in older models, this technology projects high-definition color symbology and video into both eyes, creating a fully immersive 3D view of the battlespace. The system is capable of “sensor fusion at the edge,” processing mission data and weapon information directly on the helmet to act as a primary flight instrument. Luke Savoie, President and CEO of Elbit Systems of America, highlighted the strategic necessity of this upgrade:
“Zero-G is providing sensor fusion at the edge… As fighter aircraft level-up, the HMDs of those systems need to as well.”
The Zero-G HMDS+ program has moved rapidly since CEVS was awarded a $16 million contract by the U.S. Navy in September 2023 for development and test support. Following the successful CDR in December 2025, the program is scheduled to undergo flight testing and Avionics integration throughout 2026 and 2027.
The U.S. Navy projects Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the system in 2027. Once fielded, it is expected to equip aviators across the entire fleet of U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Air Force Super Hornets and Growlers, totaling more than 750 aircraft.
The completion of the CDR signals a critical maturity point for the Navy’s effort to modernize the human-machine interface in its tactical fleet. While much industry attention is focused on future platforms like NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance), the Zero-G program illustrates the military’s commitment to maintaining the lethality and survivability of its existing backbone fleet.
By adapting technology originally matured for the F-35 Gen III helmet, CEVS is effectively retrofitting advanced situational awareness tools onto older airframes. This approach not only extends the combat relevance of the Super Hornet but also addresses the acute retention issue of pilot physical health. The shift to digital night vision and balanced weight distribution suggests that the Navy views pilot longevity as a critical component of fleet readiness.
Critical Design Review Completed for Navy’s Next-Gen Helmet
Technical Leap: The Zero-G HMDS+
Weight Reduction and Pilot Safety
Advanced Display Capabilities
Program Timeline and Deployment
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: RTX
-
Commercial Aviation6 days agoVietnam Grounds 28 Aircraft Amid Pratt & Whitney Engine Shortage
-
Business Aviation3 days agoGreg Biffle and Family Die in North Carolina Plane Crash
-
Defense & Military4 days agoFinland Unveils First F-35A Lightning II under HX Fighter Program
-
Business Aviation2 days agoBombardier Global 8000 Gains FAA Certification as Fastest Business Jet
-
Business Aviation4 days agoBombardier Launches Smart Router for Next-Gen Aircraft Connectivity