Rocket Lab Corporation

Issued on behalf of Starfighters Space

VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- USANewsGroup.com News Commentary – The Pentagon's Joint Hypersonics Transition Office has awarded $68 million across six vendors to accelerate next-generation technologies capable of traveling faster than Mach 5^[1]. The U.S. Army has begun fielding Dark Eagle, the nation's first operational ground-launched hypersonic weapon, with delivery expected to complete in early 2026^[2]. Companies positioned at the intersection of commercial aerospace and defense testing include Starfighters Space (NYSE-A: FJET), Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB), Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ: LUNR), Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (NASDAQ: KTOS), and Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY).

Even private capital is flowing into the sector, with hypersonic testing companies securing major institutional investment to expand production capacity and flight cadence^[3]. As traditional government test ranges struggle to keep pace with development timelines, commercial operators with flight-proven supersonic and hypersonic platforms are drawing serious attention from defense agencies and prime contractors alike.

Starfighters Space (NYSE American: FJET) recently completed wind tunnel testing for STARLAUNCH 1, the company's air-launched sub-orbital vehicle designed for short-duration microgravity missions. Testing evaluated separation behavior at Mach 0.85 and Mach 1.3 across ten successful runs, with results showing strong agreement between computational fluid dynamics predictions and experimental data.

The company has now initiated procurement of instrumented drop test articles to evaluate separation dynamics under actual flight conditions.

"Demonstrating clean, predictable separation across these flight regimes is a foundational requirement for an air-launched system," said Rick Svetkoff, CEO of Starfighters Space. "The close alignment between our simulations and the wind tunnel results gives us confidence in the underlying design and allows us to proceed methodically to the next phase of testing."

Starfighters also recently completed a supersonic flight test campaign for GE Aerospace, in which a Starfighters F-104 aircraft carried an advanced propulsion test vehicle at supersonic speeds during three captive carry missions from Kennedy Space Center.

The work supports GE Aerospace's Atmospheric Test of Launched Air-breathing System (ATLAS) program, which is focused on advancing solid fuel ramjet propulsion technology. The ATLAS program receives funding from the U.S. Department of Defense under Title III of the Defense Production Act.

"The Starfighters team provided a reliable, flight-ready supersonic platform that enabled us to conduct multiple captive carry flights in realistic atmospheric conditions," said Mark Rettig, VP and GM of Edison Works Business and Technology Development at GE Aerospace. "Commercially operated test aircraft like Starfighters play an important role in accelerating development timelines by allowing repeatable, flexible flight testing outside of traditional range constraints."

Starfighters believes its fleet of F-104 aircraft is the only commercial fleet in the free world capable of carrying underwing test payloads at speeds greater than Mach 2, or more than 1,500 miles per hour.

In other industry developments:

Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) recently announced preparations for its fourth hypersonic test mission in under six months, a dedicated HASTE launch named Cassowary Vex for the Defense Innovation Unit and Hypersonix. The mission, scheduled from Launch Complex 2 at Wallops Island, Virginia, will deploy the scramjet-powered DART AE vehicle, with HASTE supporting flight profiles up to Mach 20.

Now the company has positioned its HASTE suborbital launch vehicle as a rapid, flexible platform for hypersonic and defense testing, offering an alternative to traditional government test infrastructure. Rocket Lab continues to expand its Electron launch cadence alongside HASTE, with over 80 missions completed to date.

Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ: LUNR) recently completed its acquisition of Lanteris Space Systems, formerly Maxar Space Systems, for $800 million in a combination of cash and stock. The acquisition positions Intuitive Machines as a vertically integrated next-generation space prime contractor capable of building spacecraft, connecting resilient communications and navigation networks, and operating systems across LEO, MEO, GEO, and cislunar space.

"This acquisition marks a defining moment in the evolution of Intuitive Machines," said Steve Altemus, CEO of Intuitive Machines. "We previously proved our ability to operate on the Moon. With Lanteris, we add flight-proven manufacturing at scale."

Intuitive Machines also successfully soft-landed two Nova-C class lunar landers in 2024 and 2025, returning the United States to the lunar surface for the first time since 1972. The Lanteris acquisition strengthens the company's ability to service Golden Dome, Space Development Agency layered architecture, and NASA's Artemis and Lunar Terrain Vehicle initiatives.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (NASDAQ: KTOS) recently received contract awards valued at approximately $65 million to design, develop and deliver simulators and training solutions for warfighter operations across multiple aircraft platforms. Contracts include awards from the U.S. Department of War as well as allied nations.

"2025 was another growth year for Kratos, particularly in the domain of air-based system platforms," said Jose Diaz, SVP of Kratos Training Solutions. "Our customers deeply appreciate our successful delivery of cost-effective solutions that produce highly effective training outcomes."

Kratos continues to expand its defense portfolio beyond training into unmanned aerial systems and hypersonic technology, with the company delivering simulation and training solutions across ground combat, subsurface naval, surface navy, and unmanned combat aerial systems throughout 2025.

Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY) recently announced an agreement to acquire a manufacturing facility in the Dayton, Ohio area spanning more than 700,000 square feet. The facility will initially support Joby's plans to double production to four aircraft per month in 2027, while also providing space for significant future growth.

"This site will not only support our near-term plan to double production, it can also serve as a base for significant future growth, as we turn a decade of engineering into the manufacturing scale the market is now demanding," said JoeBen Bevirt, CEO of Joby Aviation.

Joby completed landmark flights in Dubai in 2025 and plans to begin carrying passengers in 2026. The company has also partnered with L3Harris to pursue defense applications for autonomous hybrid VTOL aircraft, expanding its addressable market beyond commercial air mobility.

Article Source: https://usanewsgroup.com

CONTACT:

USA News Group

editor@usanewsgroup.com

(604) 265-2873

DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. This article is being distributed by USA News Group on behalf of Market IQ Media Group Inc. ("MIQ"). MIQ has been paid a fee for Starfighters Space advertising and digital media from Creative Digital Media Group ("CDMG"). There may be 3rd parties who may have shares of Starfighters Space, and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. The owner/operator of MIQ/BAY does not own any shares of Starfighters Space but reserve the right to buy and sell, and will buy and sell shares of Starfighters Space at any time without any further notice commencing immediately and ongoing. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by MIQ has been approved on behalf of Starfighters Space by CDMG; this is a paid advertisement, we currently own shares of Starfighters Space and will buy and sell shares of the company in the open market, or through private placements, and/or other investment vehicles. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment.

SOURCES:

1.   https://defensescoop.com/2026/02/12/pentagon-taps-6-vendors-for-accelerated-hypersonics-research-development/

2.   https://defensescoop.com/2026/01/21/dark-eagle-hypersonic-weapon-army-fielding-plans/

3.   https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stratolaunch-raises-significant-capital-to-further-accelerate-hypersonic-capability-at-scale-302665149.html

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Issued on behalf of VisionWave Holdings, Inc.

VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 29, 2026 /CNW/ -- Equity Insider News Commentary – The 2026 National Defense Strategy explicitly prioritizes supercharging America's defense industrial base^[1]. Governments are aggressively repositioning critical supply chains away from foreign dependencies. The space launch services market expanded from US$27.43 billion in 2025 to US$31.84 billion in 2026^[2]. This surge reflects institutional capital rotating into reusable infrastructure and domestic technology stacks. Companies commanding this independent architecture include VisionWave Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: VWAV), AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS), BW Technologies (NYSE: BWXT), Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB), and Karman (NYSE: KRMN), each delivering mission-critical systems spanning RF sensing, space-based connectivity, nuclear fuel enrichment, reusable launch infrastructure, and maritime defense.

The Department of Energy's US$2.7 billion uranium enrichment deployment^[3] confirms a federal commitment to industrial recapitalization. This capital injection secures energy assets and advanced manufacturing capabilities. Concurrently, electronic warfare markets reaching US$20.01 billion in 2026^[4] validate the sector's growth trajectory. Platforms integrating AI-powered signal processing and autonomous threat detection represent primary valuation drivers. Asymmetric threat environments now demand invisible architecture to protect high-value assets across Space-to-Sea domains.

VisionWave Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: VWAV) has entered into a definitive strategic exchange agreement with SaverOne 2014 Ltd. (NASDAQ: SVRE) in a three-stage transaction valued at $7.0 million in staged equity consideration. Under the agreement, VisionWave may acquire approximately 51% of the Israeli technology company on a fully diluted basis, subject to milestone achievement, regulatory approvals, and shareholder approval from SaverOne. Both companies' boards unanimously approved the transaction following an independent fairness opinion from BDO Consulting Group.

The partnership aims to integrate VisionWave's proprietary radio-frequency sensing and AI-driven analytics technologies into SaverOne's existing VRU (Vulnerable Road User) platform. The combined system is designed to address concealed, obscured, and non-line-of-sight threats in environments where optical and LiDAR-only sensing systems face limitations, including occlusion, cluttered terrain, adverse weather, and complex infrastructure settings. Management currently estimates an RF-enhanced, commercially deployable solution addressing identified concealed-threat scenarios could be demonstrated during the 2026 calendar year, subject to continued development, testing, and validation.

SaverOne will serve as the core operating platform for specified RF-based defense and security applications, supported by a non-exclusive global license to VisionWave's RF sensing technologies. The unified platform intends to support detection of concealed threats, counter-drone sensing, perimeter and infrastructure protection, battlefield situational awareness, and RF-based threat classification in complex environments across military, homeland security, and critical infrastructure deployments.

VisionWave recently acquired the qSpeed computational acceleration engine, independently valued at $99.6 million by BDO Consulting Group. This technology addresses decision latency between threat detection and response execution by collapsing computation cycles from minutes into seconds. The system prioritizes decision-critical computations first, enabling rapid initial conclusions that continuously refine themselves as additional data becomes available. The company has announced initial progress integrating qSpeed across its WaveStrike RF-enabled fire control systems and Argus counter-drone technology.

The company's intellectual property position includes U.S. Patent No. 12,499,578, which secures enforceable protection for the radio-frequency sensing and artificial intelligence architecture powering both Argus and its SkyWeave high-frequency communications backbone.

VisionWave is executing strategic expansion into Southern Europe through its Solar Drone Ltd. subsidiary, having secured follow-on hardware orders and distribution agreements covering Italy and Spain for critical infrastructure maintenance markets. The company's universal Adaptation Kit enables integration of heavy-duty payloads exceeding 200 pounds into third-party drone fleets. VisionWave plans to invest up to $10 million in U.S.-based development over the next 6 to 12 months to accelerate commercialization timelines.

CONTINUED… Read this and more news for VisionWave Holdings at:

https://equity-insider.com/2025/09/25/the-ai-defense-technology-developments-on-the-rise-in-2025-26/

AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) announced timing for its BlueBird 7 orbital launch scheduled for late February aboard Blue Origin's New Glenn-3 mission from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The next-generation satellite features a nearly 2,400 square foot commercial communications array delivering peak data rates up to 120 Mbps for space-based broadband connectivity, representing a 3.5 times increase over BlueBirds 1-5 and supported by more than 3,800 patent and patent-pending claims.

"This launch advances our mission to bring space-based cellular broadband connectivity to everyday smartphones as we progress towards launching commercial services in 2026," said Scott Wisniewski, President of AST SpaceMobile. "BlueBird 7 moves us closer to delivering a new layer of cellular broadband connectivity for consumers, enterprises, and government customers worldwide."

The company plans a multi-launcher campaign averaging one orbital launch every one to two months during 2026 and remains on track to launch 45-60 satellites by year-end. AST SpaceMobile operates nearly 500,000 square feet of manufacturing facilities in Texas with 95% vertical integration and a workforce of nearly 1,800 people focused on enabling 4G and 5G space-based cellular broadband.

BW Technologies (NYSE: BWXT) announced opening of its Centrifuge Manufacturing Development Facility in Oak Ridge marking a major milestone in reestablishing fully domestic uranium enrichment capability for national security priorities. The facility serves as the company's primary hub for design, engineering, fabrication and testing of advanced gas centrifuge machines following the NNSA's September contract award valued at $1.5 billion for a comprehensive program ensuring secure enriched uranium supply for defense fuel needs.

"I am so impressed with the speed at which the BWXT team moved, from breaking ground in late June to standing up this facility just seven months later," said Rex D. Geveden, BWXT president and CEO. "With the CMDF now operational, we are positioned to move centrifuge technology from development into production readiness while strengthening America's sovereign nuclear supply chain."

Located in Oak Ridge with deep nuclear expertise heritage, the facility features precision manufacturing space and specialized infrastructure supporting future centrifuge production aligned with national priorities for energy security and defense readiness. Approximately 100 highly skilled professionals currently work in support of the CMDF with plans to expand the workforce as manufacturing activities scale.

Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) announced arrival of its Hungry Hippo captive fairing to Wallops Island in Virginia for the Neutron rocket following qualification testing completion late last year. The world-first reusable commercial rocket fairing halves remain attached throughout the entire mission including launch, payload deployment, and return to Earth, opening and closing for second stage deployment within seconds to streamline operations for high-cadence launch service supporting commercial, civil, and national security missions.

Neutron will be the world's largest reusable carbon composite rocket capable of launching up to 13,000 kg of payload to space for missions involving national security, space science, human exploration, and constellation deployment for satellite internet and Earth observation. The fairing arrived at Rocket Lab's Neutron Assembly and Integration Complex where engineers will complete inspections and prepare for pre-launch testing at Launch Complex 3, with the debut flight ushering a launch, return, and launch again ethos that strengthens America's industrial base and ensures reliable access to space with modern capabilities.

Karman (NYSE: KRMN) entered agreement to acquire Seemann Composites and Material Sciences for $220 million consisting of $210 million cash and approximately $10 million in common shares, expanding into strategic maritime defense markets serving submarines and amphibious platforms. The acquisition adds leaders in specialty maritime defense technologies including sonar, acoustic and signal mitigation solutions, subsea and surface propulsion systems, and missile and amphibious strategic launch products supporting high-priority DOW naval programs.

"Entering the strategic maritime defense market, which is a critical element of near-peer nation state deterrence, has been on our strategic roadmap for years," said Tony Koblinski, Karman chief executive officer. "The acquisitions of Seemann and MSC represent the natural expansion of the Karman platform into a compelling new market that is poised for decades of sustained growth."

Based in Gulfport and Horsham with 95 years combined heritage and approximately 240,000 square feet of manufacturing space, Seemann and MSC deliver mission-critical technologies enhancing system-level performance for submarines, surface vessels and autonomous maritime platforms. The acquisitions are immediately accretive to Karman in 2026 across major financial metrics including revenue growth, funded backlog, EBITDA, earnings per share, and cash flow with transaction expected to close during first quarter fiscal 2026.

Article Sources: https://equity-insider.com/2025/09/25/the-ai-defense-technology-developments-on-the-rise-in-2025-26/

CONTACT:

Equity Insider

info@equity-insider.com

(604) 265-2873

DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an ofer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. Equity Insider is owned by Market IQ Media Group, Inc. ("MIQ"). This article is being distributed for MIQ, who has been paid a fee for VisionWave Holdings, Inc. advertising and digital media from the company directly. There may be 3rd parties who may have shares VisionWave Holdings, Inc., and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. The owner/operator of MIQ owns shares of VisionWave Holdings, Inc. which were purchased in the open market. MIQ reserves the right to buy and sell, and will buy and sell shares of VisionWave Holdings, Inc. at any time thereafter without any further notice. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by MIQ has been approved by VisionWave Holdings, Inc.; this is a paid advertisement, and we own shares of the mentioned company that we will sell, and we also reserve the right to buy shares of the company in the open market, or through other investment vehicles. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment.  This publication may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations and beliefs and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described.  Forward-looking statements in this document are subject to risks and uncertainties, including technological, regulatory, market, and geopolitical factors, which may cause actual results to differ materially.  VisionWave Holdings, Inc. makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy of third-party projections or market data cited herein.

SOURCES:

1. https://www.csis.org/analysis/2026-national-defense-strategy-numbers-radical-changes-moderate-changes-and-some
2. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/01/23/3224799/28124/en/Space-Launch-Services-Market-to-Skyrocket-at-16-97-CAGR-Expected-to-Reach-USD-82-23-Billion-by-2032.html
3. https://www.energy.gov/articles/us-department-energy-awards-27-billion-restore-american-uranium-enrichment
4. https://natlawreview.com/press-releases/electronic-warfare-systems-market-analysis-future-demand-and-leading-key 

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