Sensors

The U.S. Air Force’s classified Force Design 2026 replaces its 2024 framework and emphasizes integrated sensors, networks, artificial intelligence, autonomy and command-and-control capabilities, including operations in denied environments. The strategy signals potential future modernization demand, but identifies no solicitation, funding level, contract value or procurement timeline.

The Army merged its terrestrial sensor and aerial intelligence offices on November 1 to create PM ATSR, consolidating acquisition and lifecycle management for aerial, terrestrial, identity, protection, and deep-sensing capabilities. The reorganization may shape future requirements, but the announcement identifies no solicitation, award, funding, or procurement schedule.

The Marine Corps will hold an Own Force Monitoring Industry Day on December 1, 2026, at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia. This market-research event is not a solicitation; invited companies should be ready to discuss system completeness, production capacity, manufacturing timelines, and government-witnessed testing.

The U.S. Army DEVCOM Armaments Center awarded Armaments Research Company (ARC) a three-year, $10.9 million development contract through the Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium. The work will integrate AI-enabled weapon sensors with logistics and command-and-control systems to support autonomous small-unit resupply in contested environments; it is an active award, not an open solicitation.

The U.S. Navy awarded CACI International a four-year task order worth up to $145 million to advance maritime technologies at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division. The work covers autonomous systems, maritime sensors, research, testing, rapid prototyping, and integration; it is an award, not an open solicitation, but may create teaming and subcontracting prospects.

Joint Interagency Task Force 401 assessed layered defenses against small unmanned aircraft systems at an undisclosed U.S. European Command operating location. The activity signals operational interest in integrated counter-UAS capabilities, but no solicitation, contract award, or funding was announced.

Saab says it developed and launched a fully functional large uncrewed underwater vehicle demonstrator in less than a year after receiving a contract, and has completed successful sea trials. A planned next phase involving autonomy, advanced software, and new sensors could create follow-on opportunities, although contract value, award details, and a procurement timeline have not been disclosed.

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd will showcase innovative sensor technologies at the upcoming Sensors Converge 2026 in Santa Clara, California. This exposure presents significant procurement opportunities for government contractors in sectors like mobility and medical devices, driving modernization in federal and state acquisitions.