A subsidiary of French group Thales has secured a contract from the US Navy for remote mine detection modules, according to an announcement dated November 3, 2026

A subsidiary of French group Thales has secured a contract from the US Navy for remote mine detection modules, according to an announcement dated November 3, 2026. The contract value, delivery schedule and technical specifications of the modules were not disclosed.

The contract falls within the field of naval mine warfare, which aims to detect and neutralize sea mines at a distance from vessels and personnel.

Separately, the first HH-60W Jolly Green II combat search and rescue helicopter has arrived at Joint Base Andrews. The aircraft, derived from the Black Hawk, replaces the US Air Force's aging UH-1N Huey fleet for personnel recovery missions in hostile territory. Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin are partners on the program.

The US Air Force has also called on the defense industry to develop a new cruise missile for Ukraine. Interested companies will be required to propose solutions that are quick to produce and cost-controlled.

Defense contractors must also conduct cargo drone demonstrations for the US Marine Corps, as part of modernizing the resupply logistics of deployed forces.

The US Navy is deploying a pilot man-overboard detection system designed to improve search and rescue capabilities at sea.

Raytheon has joined DARPA's PICASSO program, focused on photonic circuits for military systems.

The French Defense Minister has launched a pact with industry to accelerate the deployment of naval drones.

India has ordered next-generation corvettes worth $5.7 billion. Australia is preparing its Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessel for anti-submarine warfare missions.

The Space Force has activated its Special Operations Command component. NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is set to re-enter the atmosphere this week after more than two decades in orbit.