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BWXT, ORNL Expand Partnership to Restore US Enriched Uranium Supply Under DUECE Program
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BWX Technologies logo. BWXT and Oak Ridge National Laboratory signed an MOU to advance the DUECE program

BWX Technologies has signed a memorandum of understanding with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to advance the Domestic Uranium Enrichment Centrifuge Experiment, or DUECE, which aims to restore a reliable domestic supply of enriched uranium for U.S. defense missions.

ORNL said Thursday that it serves as the design authority of the DEUCE technology, while BWXT will provide classified manufacturing and operational capabilities to the project.

The MOU builds on the $1.5 billion contract the National Nuclear Security Administration awarded to BWXT in 2025 to establish a domestic uranium enrichment capability by constructing a DUECE pilot plant.

“This MOU solidifies our shared commitment to the DOE’s vital defense priorities by combining ORNL’s innovative centrifuge designs with BWXT’s proven industrial expertise,” Stephen Streiffer, laboratory director at ORNL, stated. “Together, we’re restoring a capability the U.S. hasn’t had since 2013 to enable a secure supply of enriched uranium for the nation’s defense.”

The partnership will enable the deployment of DUECE technology at a larger scale, according to ORNL.

What Is BWXT’s Centrifuge Manufacturing Development Facility?

BWXT recently opened the Centrifuge Manufacturing Development Facility, or CMDF, to support domestic uranium enrichment capabilities. The facility serves as BWXT’s primary hub for the design, engineering, fabrication and testing of advanced gas centrifuge machines used in uranium enrichment.

BWXT said the centrifuge built in CMDF will support the DUECE pilot plant.

How Will the DEUCE Project Support Defense Missions?

The DEUCE project is expected to produce low-enriched uranium for tritium production and eventually highly enriched uranium used in naval nuclear propulsion systems. According to NNSA, the initiative will also help establish critical supply chains and ensure uranium enrichment capabilities are ready to support long-term defense mission needs.

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UDRI Secures $850M Air Force RSO Support Contract
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UDRI logo. UDRI secured a potential $850M Air Force contract to help RSO develop and transition sustainment technologies.

The University of Dayton Research Institute has received a potential $850 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract from the U.S. Air Force to support engineering, manufacturing, and research and development activities for the service’s Rapid Sustainment Office. 

UDRI Secures $850M Air Force RSO Support Contract

The 2026 Air and Space Summit, hosted by the Potomac Officers Club, will gather government and industry stakeholders to discuss developments affecting the air and space mission areas. Scheduled for July 30, the event will feature keynote speakers and panel sessions examining service priorities, emerging technologies and collaboration between the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Space Force and the private sector. Register now.

What Work Will the Contract Support?

The Department of War said Thursday the contract covers efforts to maintain operational capabilities, including laboratories, essential to identifying, integrating, scaling and transitioning sustainment technologies. Work will take place in Dayton, Ohio, through March 15, 2033.

The Air Force obligated several funding sources at the time of award, including $15.4 million in fiscal 2025 reconciliation funds, $26.4 million in fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance funds, and $4.7 million in fiscal 2026 other procurement funds.

The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis.

How Does the Contract Build on UDRI’s Air Force Work?

UDRI has supported multiple Air Force research initiatives in recent years.

In 2025, the organization received a potential $500 million Air Force Research Laboratory contract to develop and test technologies designed to improve operational systems and reduce lifecycle sustainment burdens, and secured a potential $98.5 million Air Force contract to conduct research aimed at improving counter-targeting and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

The institute was also among the vendors selected in 2024 for a $975 million Air Force contract to help the Rapid Sustainment Office develop and transition emerging technologies to improve the readiness of deployed weapon systems.

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OSTP Takes Lead in Coordinating National Space Policy After Council Revocation
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OSTP seal. The Office of Science and Technology Policy has taken over responsibility for coordinating national space policy.

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, or OSTP, has taken over responsibility for coordinating national space policy after the administration formally revoked the National Space Council through a December executive order, SpaceNews reported Sunday.

OSTP Takes Lead in Coordinating National Space Policy After Council Revocation

Sign up for the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30 for a day of keynotes, panels and networking focused on advancing air and space capabilities.

How Is OSTP Coordinating US Space Policy?

Charlie Powell, assistant director for space and spectrum at OSTP, said during the March 12 Goddard Space Science Symposium that the office is now serving as the government’s policy coordinator and integrator for space matters. The order directs the assistant to the president for science and technology, currently OSTP Director Michael Kratsios, to oversee implementation of the administration’s space policy.

According to Powell, the role includes convening agencies involved in space activities and guiding interagency coordination related to the administration’s agenda.

What Are the United States’ Space Policy Priorities?

The executive order assigned OSTP responsibilities for the space policy enterprise, including developing guidance for a “National Initiative for American Space Nuclear Power,” which outlines plans for a lunar fission surface power system by 2030. The order also sets additional milestones across the space sector, directing NASA to deliver a new exploration plan and calling for a review of the national space transportation policy, last updated in 2013.

“OSTP helps organize and integrate space policy decisions among the interagency and we mostly try to be good advocates for individual agency equities as we drive the administration’s space agenda,” said Powell.

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Army Launches UAS Marketplace Solicitation to Accelerate Commercial Drone Adoption
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Drone swarm. The U.S. Army's PMO UAS has issued a Commercial Solutions Opening for the UAS Marketplace.

The U.S. Army’s Project Management Office for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, or PMO UAS, has launched a commercial solutions opening for the UAS Marketplace, establishing a solicitation strategy to expand the industrial base and accelerate production in support of warfighter requirements. The CSO was posted Thursday on SAM.gov.

Army Launches UAS Marketplace Solicitation to Accelerate Commercial Drone Adoption

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Army Summit on June 19 will highlight strategies and initiatives to help the industrial base address the needs of a modernized Army. Book your seat now.

What Is the Army’s UAS Marketplace?

The UAS Marketplace is part of a wider Pentagon initiative to expand the military’s drone inventory, reports DefenseScoop. The effort aligns with Executive Order 14307, which shifts traditional acquisition models toward a free-market approach linking soldier demand directly to industry-developed technologies. Issued by the Capability Program Executive Office for Aviation and managed through Army Contracting Command-Redstone, the initiative is intended to incentivize industry innovation, accelerate the adoption of advanced commercial technologies and strengthen the Department of War’s UAS capabilities.

What Types of Technologies Is the Army Seeking?

The solicitation identifies a wide range of areas of interest tied to uncrewed aircraft and supporting technologies. These include full UAS platforms, air vehicles, payloads, and autonomous and command-and-control software.

In addition, the Army is seeking technologies connected to soldier equipment, tactical communications, intelligence and electronic warfare, sensors, autonomous systems, simulation and training tools, logistics, additive manufacturing, and software.

How Can Industry Participate?

Industry partners can submit proposals through two pathways: Innovative Warfighter Solutions or Calls for Solutions. Submissions may involve briefs, demonstrations or pitches, and commercial solution proposals. Awards may be issued as Federal Acquisition Regulation contracts or other transaction agreements, depending on needs and funding. The solicitation remains open indefinitely unless canceled by the Army.

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National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Chief AI Officer Dr. Michelle Aten to Keynote 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit
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Dr. Michelle Aten. The NGA chief AI officer keynotes the 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 18.
  • National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency chief AI officer Dr. Michelle Aten will deliver a keynote address at the 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 18
  • Aten’s leadership and experience in creating the CIA’s first computer vision program and  publishing the agency’s first intel products using AI models makes her a highly-desired speaker
  • Get your burning questions answered by Aten after her keynote. Secure your seat today!

Potomac Officers Club, the nation’s top GovCon events, networking and media organization, is thrilled to announce that Dr. Michelle Aten, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency chief artificial intelligence officer and former CIA official, will deliver a keynote address at the 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on Wednesday, March 18, at the Hyatt Regency Reston in northern Virginia.

The 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit will feature top officials from federal agencies, the Department of War and its services, and the GovCon industry to discuss future plans, procurement strategies and captivating use cases for how AI, automation and machine learning are transforming the business of government.

The Pentagon, for FY 2026, is spending a record $13 billion on AI and autonomy, the first time the department has appropriated a dedicated budget line for the technology, according to CDO Magazine. NGA is part of the Pentagon.

Why Is the 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit a Must-Attend for GovCon Executives?

The 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit is a must-attend event for GovCon executives looking to gain an edge in the fast evolving federal AI marketplace. AI is a strategic priority across agencies as they use it to automate workflows, improve decision-making and deliver better public services.

Government adoption of AI is driving new requirements for data infrastructure, cloud services, cybersecurity and more. Attendees of the 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit will gain first-hand insight from leading federal AI practitioners into:

  • AI procurement priorities
  • Risk management and responsible AI requirements
  • Contract structures for AI and data platforms
  • And more!

Capitalize on this unique chance to hear from the federal government’s most influential AI practitioners and drive the future of your GovCon business. Few tickets remain—get yours today!

Who Is Michelle Aten?

Dr. Michelle Aten is an accomplished intelligence professional with an extensive track record of success in some of national security’s most essential emerging technologies. She became NGA’s CAIO in October of last year after holding positions as chief of digital innovation and AI for mission in the CIA’s Weapons and Counterproliferation Mission Center.

Aten has also served in these leadership positions at the CIA:

  • Director for AI and data analytics, aka AIDA
  • Deputy chief of staff for the directorate of digital innovation
  • Deputy director for AIDA
  • Deputy chief, innovation to enterprise

What Has Michelle Aten’s Career Focused On?

Aten is a technical expert and innovation leader who developed, delivered and championed the intelligence community’s Foundational AI Stack. This included mission-targeted AI capabilities aligned with both IC and DOW strategic priorities, goals and standards.

After joining the CIA in 2014, Aten created the agency’s initial computer vision program and published the CIA’s first finished intelligence products using AI models. Among her long list of notable achievements, she led the design, development and deployment of the CIA’s premier solutions to democratize access to large language models, retrieval augmented generation and agentic capabilities. Aten also co-founded the CIA’s data science career service and the IC’s annual machine learning conference.

Aten’s background and resume highlight extensive experience building enterprise AI capabilities across the IC. Her career reflects a blend of hands-on technical development, organizational leadership and strategic AI implementation.

What Aten Will Address in Her Keynote

Aten’s keynote at the 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on Wednesday will provide GovCon technology executives with a unique opportunity to hear directly from one of the IC’s foremost experts on the most vital emerging technologies for national security.

Some possible topics include:

  • AI expansion in the NGA and IC. Hear directly from Aten about the latest developments in how the NGA and the IC are using AI to tackle new mission cases, solve existing challenges and improve workflows.
  • Analysis tradecraft. Learn from Aten about how the NGA is using AI to support, not replace, human judgement and empower human analysts to apply context, experience and critical thinking to maximize AI’s value.
  • Acquisition opportunities. Discover the latest procurement priorities from Aten and get a step ahead of your competitors.
  • And much more!

Why Michelle Aten’s Keynote Is Critical for GovCons

Aten’s keynote at the 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on Wednesday is essential for GovCon technology executives. Attendees can look forward to:

  • Spending insights. Hear directly from Aten about NGA spending priorities for key emerging technologies like AI, computer vision, machine learning and more for FY 2026 and beyond.
  • Q&A session. Get your pressing questions answered by Aten after her keynote.
  • Networking. Have the priceless face-to-face conversations with other ambitious GovCon executives that only happen in live venue settings.

Why Should I Attend the 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit?

The agenda includes (with additional speakers still to come):

  • Keynotes by
    • Cameron Stanley, DOW chief digital and AI officer
    • Robert Hayes, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office acting chief AI and data officer and Department of Commerce senior advisor
  • Panels on the most critical AI topics:
    • Discover keys to building AI ecosystems, not standalone tools, and measuring success through mission impact at the Explore Effective, Excellent Enterprise AI Through Partnerships panel discussion, featuring these leading DOW professionals:
    • Dive into agentic AI and autonomous workflows and controls and guardrails for safe automation at the Automating Government With AI panel discussion, featuring:
    • Unlock designing scalable and secure AI infrastructure and compliance and resilience by design at the Building Mission-Ready AI Infrastructure: Designing a Data and Security Foundation for the Future panel discussion, featuring FBI CAIO Katie Noyes
    • And more!

The 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 18 is the signature GovCon event for professionals interested in innovative modern applications of AI and how the technology will impact federal business in the future. Make the most of this opportunity to learn of new partnership opportunities and get an edge on your competition. Secure your seat now!

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Chief AI Officer Dr. Michelle Aten to Keynote 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit
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Charles Worthington to Step Down as VA CTO & Chief AI Officer
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Charles Worthington. The VA CTO and chief AI officer is stepping down from his role.

Charles Worthington announced he will step down from his role as chief technology officer and chief artificial intelligence officer at the Department of Veterans Affairs after several years overseeing digital modernization and AI initiatives at VA.

Charles Worthington to Step Down as VA CTO & Chief AI Officer

As federal leaders highlight the growing role of AI in transforming public-sector systems and workforce productivity, the conversation around AI adoption and innovation continues across government and industry. Join the 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 18 to connect with leaders shaping the future of AI in the federal landscape. Register now!

In a LinkedIn post published Thursday, Worthington said serving at VA has been the most rewarding chapter of his career so far and expressed enthusiasm about the next phase of his work.

“We are in the early innings of the most important technology shift since the Internet. The deep integration of AI into the systems that power how we live, work, and experience critical services has barely begun, and I plan to be building at this frontier at scale,” he noted in his post.

What Are the VA Technology Team’s Accomplishments Under Worthington’s Leadership?

In his post, Worthington highlighted several initiatives the VA technology team carried out during his tenure.

The team modernized VA.gov, transforming the department’s web presence into a veteran-focused digital platform that integrates multiple VA systems. The website now serves about 18 million users per month and processes more than 100 million transactions annually, according to Worthington.

VA also launched its flagship mobile application, which has recorded more than 4 million downloads and about 1.8 million monthly active users, with a 4.8-star rating in the Apple App Store.

The CTO said the team expanded access to generative AI tools across the VA workforce, enabling more than 120,000 employees to use AI capabilities. The department also deployed clinical decision support tools to about 110,000 clinicians and introduced ambient AI scribes used by more than 2,500 providers.

The department also used AI-powered document processing to help eliminate a 70,000-case application backlog and introduced engineering practices, such as DORA metric tracking and AI-enabled developer tools for more than 2,000 developers, according to Worthington.

Who Is Charles Worthington?

Worthington is a software developer who joined the federal government in 2013 as a Presidential Innovation Fellow.

During that time, he helped co-found the U.S. Digital Service at the White House, an organization focused on improving federal digital services. He co-authored the Digital Services Playbook and implemented digital service engagements at several agencies.

In 2017, Worthington moved to the VA, where he leads cloud and AI adoption efforts and other digital modernization initiatives.

According to his LinkedIn profile, the Harvard University graduate founded and served as principal of Gray Duck Labs. Earlier in his career, he served as an engagement manager at Altman Solon.

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Army Launches Group 4+ S/VTOL Unmanned Aircraft Challenge
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U.S. Army logo. The Army launched the Group 4+ Short/Vertical Takeoff and Landing Challenge to advance UAS modernization.

The U.S. Army is advancing efforts to modernize its unmanned aircraft capabilities to support multidomain operations through the Group 4+ Short/Vertical Takeoff and Landing, or S/VTOL, Challenge, DVIDS reported Monday.

Army Launches Group 4+ S/VTOL Unmanned Aircraft Challenge

The Army’s latest challenge highlights the service’s push to modernize unmanned aviation and strengthen collaboration with industry. Join defense leaders and technology innovators at the 2026 Army Summit on June 18 to hear firsthand how the service is advancing future capabilities. Book your spot now!

The challenge will involve collaboration with industry partners to inform acquisition, development and procurement strategies for future unmanned aircraft platforms.

The Portfolio Acquisition Executive, or PAE, Maneuver Air is conducting the challenge with support from One Nation Innovation, a nonprofit acquisition intermediary that connects government organizations with industry through a secure digital marketplace designed to support rapid acquisition efforts.

PAE Maneuver Air is one of the six PAE organizations launched by the Army as part of a restructuring effort announced in November.

What Is the Objective of the Army Group 4+ S/VTOL Challenge?

The Group 4+ UAS S/VTOL Challenge aims to create a dual engagement effort between the Army and industry partners, according to a sources sought notice published in December.

Through the challenge, the Army aims to communicate the desired characteristics of S/VTOL systems while obtaining industry feedback on the viability of those platforms and the integration of government-furnished equipment components.

The collaborative effort aims to help the Army outline its operational requirements and future priorities for S/VTOL unmanned platforms while providing industry partners with the specifications and capabilities required for integration.

What Are the Army’s Required Capabilities for the Group 4+ S/VTOL System?

The Group 4+ S/VTOL platform will be designed to operate in unimproved areas without traditional launch and recovery infrastructure, a capability that the Army said could reduce logistics footprint and the burden on warfighters deploying unmanned systems. The runway-independent system is intended to support operations in environments where legacy support models are not feasible.

The service branch envisions the Group 4+ S/VTOL UAS as a long-endurance, multimission platform capable of supporting reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition missions while operating in denied, disrupted, intermittent and limited environments during large-scale combat operations.

The Army said the effort also seeks to expand capabilities related to target detection, identification and network extension. The platform will use a modular open systems approach to enable upgrades and integration of emerging technologies while supporting intelligence-gathering and precision strike capability.

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FAA Issues RFI for National Airspace System Transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography
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Federal Aviation Administration seal. FAA issued an RFI to move the National Airspace System to post-quantum cryptography.

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a request for information seeking industry partners capable of supporting the transition of the National Airspace System to post-quantum cryptography, or PQC.

FAA Issues RFI for National Airspace System Transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography

The FAA’s modernization efforts reflect the broader government push to upgrade legacy systems, a topic that will take center stage at Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22. Register now.

According to the sources sought notice posted on SAM.gov Tuesday, the FAA is seeking potential vendors to move its air traffic control infrastructure, as well as its IT and business systems to PQC as part of the agency’s modernization effort. Interested vendors can submit their responses to the RFI by April 10.

Why Is the FAA Exploring Post-Quantum Cryptography?

The effort is part of the FAA’s ongoing modernization of the National Airspace System, with a focus on advancing its air traffic control system to accommodate drones, advanced air mobility platforms, commercial space operations and other new entrants. To achieve this, the agency aims to strengthen cybersecurity defenses across its enterprise IT systems, including implementing crypto-agile security measures to address emerging threats from quantum computing.

What Challenges Does the FAA Anticipate?

The FAA acknowledges that it may encounter technical and operational hurdles when transitioning its systems to quantum-resistant algorithms. Potential constraints include limitations in vendor capabilities and system compatibility. A single provider may not have validated all required cryptographic primitives across every hardware and software layer, and some offerings may not be designed to support both FAA IT and operational technology environments. Additionally, integrating PQC into legacy NAS infrastructure and existing FAA business systems could require specialized expertise and coordination beyond what a single product suite can provide.

FAA’s Broader Modernization Efforts

The transition to post-quantum cryptography is part of the FAA’s broader push to modernize its operations. The agency recently launched the Accelerated Transformation of Legacy Applications and Systems program to update more than 200 applications and about 3,000 databases across its mission-support portfolio. It has also begun an internal restructuring aimed at strengthening safety oversight, modernizing air traffic systems and enhancing coordination across emerging aviation technologies.

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GAO Raises Concerns Over CMMC Assessor Capacity Amid Phased Rollout
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GAO logo. GAO warns that CMMC's long-term success is threatened by a lack of planning for external risks.

The Department of War’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0 program is officially underway, but a new federal watchdog report warns that its long-term success is threatened by a critical lack of planning for external market pressures. 

A Government Accountability Office report published Thursday reveals that the Pentagon has failed to systematically account for external factors that could stall implementation. Chief among these concerns is whether the private sector has enough certified assessors to handle the approximately 80,000 defense contractors now requiring Level 2 certification. 

GAO Raises Concerns Over CMMC Assessor Capacity Amid Phased Rollout

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21 will bring together government and industry leaders to discuss evolving cyberthreats, federal cybersecurity policy and initiatives affecting the defense and civilian sectors. Register now.

What Is the CMMC Program?

CMMC is DOW’s framework for verifying that contractors follow required cybersecurity practices when handling government data. The model was introduced in 2020 and later revised as CMMC 2.0 to simplify compliance and reduce the number of certification tiers.

Under the updated structure, the program includes three levels of cybersecurity maturity aligned with the sensitivity of data handled by contractors:

  • Level 1: Basic safeguards for federal contract information
  • Level 2: Implementation of all 110 controls from the National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-171 to protect controlled unclassified information
  • Level 3: Additional protections from NIST SP 800-172 to defend against advanced threats

The Pentagon began the phased rollout of CMMC in November 2025, marking the end of the program’s voluntary phase and requiring contractors seeking certain defense contracts to begin meeting certification requirements.

What Risks Could Affect the CMMC Assessment Ecosystem?

DOW currently relies on third-party assessor organizations to verify that companies are protecting sensitive government data. The Cyber AB, an external nonprofit organization, administers the certification program and accredits organizations that conduct contractor assessments. As of December 2025, The Cyber AB had authorized 92 CMMC third-party assessment organizations to conduct Level 2 certification assessments. However, GAO investigators found that the DOW has not documented how it will mitigate the risk if these private sector assessors cannot meet the demand. 

“By assessing and documenting key external factors and developing approaches to address them, DOD would better understand program implementation risks,” the GAO noted, warning that relying on waivers to bypass requirements could undermine the entire program’s intent to verify security.

GAO: DOW Still Evaluating Training Needs

The government watchdog also noted that DOW is still determining how extensively the acquisition workforce must be trained to administer and enforce the CMMC program.

Officials within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment must evaluate existing training materials and determine whether new courses or expanded training requirements are needed, the report said.

The Defense Acquisition University has already developed several training offerings to support implementation, including:

  • Cybersecurity 1010, an introductory course covering CMMC program requirements and regulatory clauses tied to defense contracts
  • Cybersecurity 1020, which explains how cybersecurity requirements flow through the acquisition process and apply to subcontractors
  • Cybersecurity 1030, a course for senior acquisition personnel focused on selecting appropriate certification requirements for procurements

DAU also provides webinars and online resources describing CMMC regulatory requirements and implementation guidance.

However, GAO said officials have not yet determined the full scope of workforce training required to ensure acquisition personnel can effectively implement the program.

How Prepared Is the Defense Industrial Base for CMMC Compliance?

The urgency of the GAO’s warning is underscored by industry data showing a massive readiness gap. An October 2025 CyberSheath report indicated that only 1 percent of the defense industrial base was fully prepared for the CMMC final rule. The State of the DIB Report 2025 also noted that while 69 percent of contractors claim compliance through self-assessments, only 30 percent have undergone validated third-party checks.

As the Pentagon continues its phased rollout of CMMC requirements, GAO is calling on the DOW secretary to have the department’s chief information officer assess and document key external factors that may impede CMMC implementation, ensuring the Pentagon has a clear road map for addressing those challenges. DOW concurred with the recommendation.

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AFRL, Ursa Major Achieve Supersonic Speeds With ARMD Missile Demonstrator
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​​Brig. Gen. Jason Bartolomei, commander of AFRL. Bartolomei said the ARMD test strengthens U.S. deterrence

The Affordable Rapid Missile Demonstrator, or ARMD, powered by Ursa Major’s Draper liquid rocket engine, achieved supersonic speeds and validated concepts of operations during a recent flight test, the Air Force Research Laboratory said Thursday.

According to Brig. Gen. Jason Bartolomei, commander of the ARFL and a technology executive officer for the Air Force, the effort strengthens deterrence and the nation’s capability to fight in future conflicts.

“We are not just building a single missile; we are forging a new path toward a cost-effective, mass-producible deterrent for the nation,” he stated.

AFRL, Ursa Major Achieve Supersonic Speeds With ARMD Missile Demonstrator

Air Force leaders will talk about initiatives that strengthen the nation’s warfighting capabilities and other priorities at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30. Get your tickets today.

Chris Spagnoletti, CEO of Ursa Major, noted that the flight demonstrates that a vehicle powered by a safe, storable and throttleable liquid rocket engine can be developed and deployed quickly and at lower cost.

“We went from contract to flight-ready of an all up round and propulsion system in just eight months,” he shared.

Ursa Major is in contract for the continued maturation of the Draper liquid rocket engine. In December, the company said it conducted a static fire test of the ARMD.

What Is the Draper Engine?

Draper is a 4,000-pound-thrust storable liquid rocket engine developed to support hypersonic defense, in-space propulsion and rapid launch missions. It is a tactical and storable variant of the company’s Hadley system, which has reached Mach 5 speeds aboard Stratolaunch’s Talon-A vehicle in previous tests. 

In an interview with Breaking Defense in December, Dan Jablonsky, former CEO of Ursa Space, explained that Draper is storable and can remain in a system for extended periods, potentially for more than a decade, while still maintaining readiness for launch. The executive added that the engine can be deployed at very high altitudes and in space.

What Is Ursa Space?

Ursa Major is an aerospace and defense company that develops technologies designed to operate across land, sea, air and space missions. It develops and manufactures propulsion systems for hypersonic platforms, solid rocket motors and space mobility applications.

Ursa Major conducts engineering, testing and core operations at its headquarters in Berthoud, Colorado, while its additive manufacturing operations are based in Youngstown, Ohio.

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