The US military keeps its supersonic target drones flying for missile defense tests
What happened
The US military just awarded Northrop Grumman nearly $100 million. This money pays for the continued operation of its GQM-163A aerial target drones.
Why it matters
This contract ensures the US military can keep testing its missile defense systems. These drones fly fast and low, mimicking enemy anti-ship missiles. Without them, the military cannot fully validate its defenses or train its crews.
The signal
Watch for any new contracts that expand the types of targets or introduce new drone capabilities for these tests.