On Wednesday February 4th, 2015 at the Navy’s Future Force Science and Technology Expo, the next generation in weapon systems was on display. Science fiction is becoming reality with General Atomics’ new Electromagnetic Railgun. Although it is still quite large, the gun has finally been engineered to a size that can be mounted onto a Navy vessel. Development of the EM Railgun began in 2005 when the goal was just to demonstrate proof-of-concept by achieving 32 mega-joule muzzle energy. Phase II of the program began in 2012 and focused efforts on demonstrating repeated fire capability by developing thermal management techniques for sustained firing. Read more >>

Diehl Defence, a German arms manufacturer founded in 2004 in Uberlingen by the merger of Bodenseewerke Geratetechnik and Diehl Munitionssysteme, has conducted trials of their newly developed infrared imaging system-tail/thrust vector controlled surface-launched missile system, or IRIS-T SL. The company already manufactures an air-to-air guided missile version (the IRIS-T), but the new surface-based missiles have been upgraded with an enhanced rocket motor, new aerodynamic designs for extended range, and advanced software (data link and autonomous navigation systems). Read more >>

Headquartered in Fairfax County, Virginia, General Dynamics is an aerospace and defense company that offers a wide range of products and services to many platforms including business aviation, combat vehicles, shipbuilding, and weapons systems and munitions. It also offers various communications and information technology systems and solutions. Read more >>

The American industrial company Oshkosh Corporation was recently awarded a base contract plus options for work on current vehicles. With a value of over USD$77 million, the contract calls for Oshkosh to reset 800 Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) All-Terrain Vehicles (M-ATVs). Awarded by the United States Army, this programs looks to standardize the entire M-ATV fleet configuration. In addition, the contract will guarantee that the MRAP platform is 100% mission ready, even after years of operation in theater. Read more >>

The Walrus-class attack submarines of the Royal Netherlands Navy are 222ft-long and have a submerged speed of 20k with a range of approximately 11,500 miles when cruising at 9k. The 2,765 long-ton, life-extended Walrus subs are set to be replaced by 2025 after being in service since 1990. Saab has entered into an agreement with shipbuilding firm Damen to work together in pursuit of the submarine replacement program for the Netherlands. Read more >>