Saronic Technologies Launches Latest Autonomous Surface Vessel ‘Corsair’ to Support U.S. Navy Operations

Austin, TX — Defense tech startup Saronic Technologies has made headlines with the unveiling of its third autonomous surface vessel (ASV), the 24-foot Corsair, on Wednesday. This new addition is the largest ASV produced by the Texas-based firm, which previously launched the 14-foot Cutlass and the 6-foot Spyglass earlier this year.

Designed specifically to meet the operational needs of the U.S. Navy and its allies, the Corsair aims to serve as a deterrent against adversaries while functioning as a force multiplier in military operations. The company is actively focused on the Pentagon’s Replicator program, which seeks to deploy swarms of expendable unmanned platforms to bolster defense capabilities, particularly regarding potential threats such as a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

Dino Mavrookas, co-founder and CEO of Saronic Technologies, highlighted the importance of the Corsair in supporting the Navy’s evolving maritime strategy, stating, “Corsair is the answer to our maritime forces’ need for an attritable autonomous platform that can be delivered to the fight in the hundreds or thousands without compromising on reliability, performance, or capability.”

The Corsair ASV boasts an impressive operational range, capable of traveling up to 1,000 nautical miles (approximately 1,852 kilometers) without refueling and achieving speeds exceeding 35 knots (over 65 kilometers per hour). With a payload capacity of 1,000 pounds (approximately 453 kilograms), the vessel is designed for diverse blue-water missions, ranging from maritime domain awareness to the delivery of both kinetic and non-kinetic effects.

Saronic Technologies has integrated advanced hardware, software, and artificial intelligence to allow for scalable production of the Corsair, keeping costs lower and efficiency higher. Mavrookas revealed plans to manufacture "hundreds" of these vessels in response to increasing demand, emphasizing that five prototypes are already under development.

With live demonstrations conducted for end users, Saronic is ramping up efforts for high-rate production. Mavrookas affirmed, “We will be building hundreds and hundreds of Corsairs next year with the ability to scale that into the thousands,” underscoring the company’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the U.S. Navy’s hybrid fleet of manned and unmanned systems.

US Army Awards $676 Million in Contracts to Raytheon for TOW 2B Anti-Tank Missiles

The US Army has officially awarded Raytheon a pair of significant production contracts for the TOW 2B anti-tank missile system, with a total value of $676 million. The contracts, which cover fiscal years 2023 and 2024, are valued at $430 million and $246 million, respectively.

Tom Laliberty, president of Raytheon’s Land and Air Defense Systems, highlighted the company’s robust production capabilities, stating, "Our TOW production line is active, and we can manufacture up to 10,000 missiles annually." He emphasized that the TOW missile system is combat-proven and designed to meet the current and future anti-tank guided missile requirements for the US Army, Marine Corps, and land forces globally.

The TOW (Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wirelessly-guided) anti-armor missile is renowned for its effectiveness in various combat scenarios, including anti-armor, anti-bunker, and anti-fortification missions. It boasts the fastest detection time in its category, with an impressive operational range of approximately 3,750 meters (12,303 feet). The missile is compatible with multiple platforms, including manned and unmanned vehicles such as the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, the Stryker anti-tank guided missile vehicle, and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Additionally, the TOW missile system has been adapted for use on several attack helicopters across at least 13 nations.

The TOW 2B variant incorporates critical design enhancements, featuring modernized fusing and target detection upgrades. These improvements facilitate quick target engagement times and enhance the missile’s performance in complex urban environments, allowing it to engage a variety of targets effectively. Laliberty noted that advancements in the overall missile design and packaging would ensure compliance with the latest military environmental standards, which support emerging logistical and terrain challenges.

Since its introduction, Raytheon has delivered over 700,000 TOW missiles to the US and allied militaries, with approximately 13,000 units supplied to Ukraine to aid in its defense efforts. The latest contracts reflect the ongoing demand for advanced anti-tank capabilities in modern warfare.

Lithuania Approves Procurement of Leopard 2 Tanks to Strengthen Armed Forces

VILNIUS – In a significant move to bolster its military capabilities, Lithuania’s State Defense Council has formally approved the procurement of Leopard 2 main battle tanks. The decision was made during a meeting on Tuesday, marking a strategic shift for the Lithuanian Army which had been evaluating various options over the past year.

The German-made Leopard 2 tanks were selected over their American and South Korean counterparts, the Abrams and Black Panther, respectively. Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas announced that this acquisition aims to enhance the Lithuanian Army’s armored battalion, which will be complemented by additional support vehicles, including tracked infantry fighting vehicles.

“We have received the information provided by Germany regarding the preliminary cost of the tank project and a final decision has been made to purchase the German Leopard 2 tanks,” Kasciunas stated. “It is planned to sign an agreement on the creation of tank battalions in the near future.”

While the specific number of Leopard 2A8 tanks to be acquired has yet to be officially confirmed, estimates suggest that Lithuania is looking to procure approximately 50 tanks. The Lithuanian government plans a staggered purchase to ensure it can also fund other defense initiatives, particularly air defense systems.

In addition to the tanks, the State Defense Council has proposed acquiring CV-90 infantry fighting vehicles to outfit two battalions. The Ministry of Defense has tasked the Minister of National Defense to initiate the acquisition process for the CV-90s and to establish a framework for potential collaboration with local industry.

“The decision by the VGT (State Defense Council) reflects our commitment to enhance the operational capacity of our forces while ensuring compatibility with NATO standards,” the Ministry of Defense’s statement read. “Once proposals from manufacturers are received, they will be presented to council members for final approval.”

This procurement initiative underscores Lithuania’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military capabilities and address security challenges in the region.

Boeing Workers Reject Contract Offer, Continuing Six-Week Strike Amid Production Standoff

SEATTLE — Boeing factory workers have decisively rejected the company’s latest contract offer, opting to remain on the picket lines for six weeks as the strike significantly disrupts the production of its best-selling jetliners. A substantial 64% of members from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) voted against the proposal, leading to a clear message from union leadership concerning the need for improved labor conditions.

Jon Holden, head of the IAM District 751 union, emphasized the workers’ frustrations, stating, “After 10 years of sacrifices, we still have ground to make up,” and highlighted the importance of resuming negotiations. "This is workplace democracy — and also clear evidence that there are consequences when a company mistreats its workers year after year.”

Boeing has refrained from commenting on the vote. The labor dispute comes at a particularly challenging time for the aerospace giant, which has faced ongoing scrutiny following federal investigations triggered by a safety incident involving the 737 Max in January.

The strike has dire financial implications for Boeing, which has reported a staggering $6 billion loss for the third quarter, exacerbated by stalled aircraft deliveries essential for cash flow. Union machinists, who assemble the 737 Max, along with the 777 and 767 models, are at the heart of the production stoppage occurring at factories in Renton and Everett, Washington.

The rejected offer included a proposed 35% pay raise over four years, a modification from a prior offer that was countered during the strike, which offered a 25% increase. The union had initially requested a more ambitious 40% raise over three years. Workers expressed discontent over the absence of a restored traditional pension plan, which had been frozen a decade ago.

Larry Best, a veteran employee, lamented that the pension should have taken precedence, while another employee, Theresa Pound, voiced concerns about rising health plan costs versus inadequate retirement benefits.

As the strike unfolds, new Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg faces scrutiny in his first major test leading the company since taking over in August. Ortberg has indicated the need for a cultural overhaul within Boeing to mend management-labor relations and regain trust, further acknowledging the company’s precarious financial state with a backlog of $58 billion in debt.

Boeing aims to stabilize after experiencing significant operational hurdles following two 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019 that resulted in numerous fatalities. The company has not seen a profitable year since 2018, and the current strike could significantly impact its financial recovery timeline, echoing the lasting effects of past labor disputes.

The stakes are high as both the union and Boeing management navigate this tense situation, with the future of production and the well-being of workers hanging in the balance.