The external release of a subsonic, Lockheed Martin AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile from the right forward fuselage station of the B-1B helps to prove the feasibility of launching hypersonic weapons.

The USS Chaffee, a DDG-51 destroyer, conducted the first operational test of the Raytheon Tomahawk Block V. 

Northrop Grumman announced late Dec. 7 that it will sell its federal information technology and mission support services business to private equity investor Veritas Capital for $3.4 billion.

The German business of missile manufacturer MBDA said it has been forced to undertake a restructuring after the German government again delayed plans to contract a new ground-based air defense system.

Hungary has ordered Kongsberg’s Norwegian Advanced Surface to Air Missile System to replace its Soviet-era ground-based air defense system. 

Australia said it will work with the U.S. in developing and testing prototype hypersonic cruise missiles.

Defense officials have said UK plans to develop a laser directed energy weapon are “on-track” despite the program suffering a year-long delay.

Brazil is to develop an air-launched cruise missile for use from its new fleet of F-39 Gripen combat aircraft, becoming the first Latin American country to pursue such a capability.