New Air Defense Weapons and Military Electronics Reveal Where U.S. Defense Industry Is Heading.

At AUSA 2026 in Washington, D.C., Army Recognition interviewed representatives from BAE Systems and Creation Technologies to examine how the American defense industry is responding to evolving military requirements. From new air defense technologies to advanced electronics manufacturing, the discussions highlight efforts to improve battlefield protection, integrate emerging technologies, and expand industrial capabilities supporting future military operations.

At AUSA 2026 in Washington, D.C., BAE Systems and Creation Technologies highlighted emerging U.S. defense technologies, from advanced air-defense weapons to military electronics and AI-enabled robotics, during interviews with Army Recognition. 

The two interviews provide complementary perspectives on the challenges facing defense manufacturers. BAE Systems outlined its approach to countering increasingly complex aerial threats through directed-energy and kinetic weapon systems, while Creation Technologies discussed the growing importance of specialized electronics, autonomous platforms, and manufacturing capabilities across the aerospace and defense sectors.

During the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting, held from October 12 to 14, 2026, Army Recognition spoke with Chris Lasky, Business Development Director for Precision Guided Munitions at BAE Systems, and Chad Crosby, Vice President of Aerospace and Defense at Creation Technologies. Their discussions, featured in Army Recognition's video coverage, explore both the operational capabilities being developed for modern armed forces and the industrial requirements necessary to bring advanced military technologies into service.

Latest AUSA 2026 Defense News.

BAE Systems Discusses New Approaches to Counter-Drone and Air Defense Operations

In the first interview, Chris Lasky presented BAE Systems' work on two complementary air defense technologies: the Multi-Domain Artillery Cannon System (MDACS) and a High Power Microwave (HPM) weapon. Both systems reflect growing military interest in alternatives to traditional missile-based interception, particularly as armed forces face larger numbers of drones and other airborne threats.

Lasky explained that the development of these capabilities is driven by the need for greater mobility, more affordable engagements, and the ability to counter multiple threats without rapidly exhausting interceptor inventories. Although conventional surface-to-air missiles remain essential, their cost and logistical requirements present challenges when confronting inexpensive unmanned aircraft deployed in large numbers.

The MDACS concept seeks to address part of this problem by adapting artillery technology for air defense missions. Using guided hypervelocity projectiles and an automatic loading system, the FMTV-based platform is being developed to engage aerial targets while maintaining the mobility required by ground forces. During the interview, Lasky emphasized the logistical advantages of transporting comparatively compact artillery ammunition instead of relying exclusively on larger missile interceptors.

The discussion also covered the HPM system, which uses electromagnetic energy to disrupt vulnerable electronic components in smaller unmanned aircraft. Unlike conventional weapons that expend ammunition with each engagement, microwave technology offers the possibility of repeatedly engaging threats using an onboard electrical power source.

Lasky described how BAE Systems is developing these technologies as complementary elements of layered air defense. The microwave system is intended primarily for smaller drones, while MDACS could provide an additional kinetic response against larger unmanned aircraft and cruise missiles. He also discussed ongoing testing, vehicle integration, and the company's experience in bringing advanced weapon technologies toward production.

Together, the systems illustrate how the defense industry is exploring new ways to balance interception costs, mobility, ammunition availability, and operational effectiveness against an increasingly diverse range of aerial threats.

Creation Technologies Highlights Advanced Electronics and Industrial Manufacturing Priorities

In the second interview, Chad Crosby discussed the role of Creation Technologies in supporting the development and production of complex electronics for aerospace and defense applications. Rather than manufacturing complete combat platforms, the company specializes in electronic systems and integration services used across a wide range of military technologies.

Crosby explained that the company supports defense customers operating in the air, land, and maritime domains, with activities covering tactical vehicles, radar installations, munitions, training applications, and AI-enabled robotics. These sectors are experiencing growing demand for specialized electronic components and engineering expertise as military platforms become increasingly dependent on advanced sensors, computing systems, and integrated electronics.

One of the main subjects addressed during the interview was the expansion of autonomous technologies. According to Crosby, Creation Technologies is seeing increased customer engagement involving AI-enabled robotics, including applications for aircraft and unmanned surface vessels. Such developments create additional requirements for electronic integration, reliability, and manufacturing processes capable of supporting complex military equipment.

Crosby also identified radio-frequency engineering as an important area of growth. Demand for these capabilities is expanding alongside the development of advanced radar technologies and other military electronic systems. To respond, Creation Technologies is investing in engineering resources, design-for-manufacturability, and design-for-test services intended to help customers transition from early development to scalable production.

With 13 facilities across its manufacturing network, the company is also expanding its industrial footprint and technical expertise. Crosby emphasized that the ability to support increasingly complex equipment throughout its development and production lifecycle is becoming a central requirement for defense customers.

The interview provides insight into a less visible but essential aspect of military modernization: the industrial infrastructure required to manufacture, integrate, test, and sustain the electronic technologies used in next-generation defense systems.

Defense Innovation Increasingly Depends on Operational Needs and Industrial Capacity

The two interviews conducted by Army Recognition at AUSA 2026 highlight different but closely related developments within the defense industry. On one side, military manufacturers are pursuing new operational capabilities designed to counter emerging threats, particularly drone swarms and increasingly sophisticated aerial weapons. On the other, electronics specialists are expanding their engineering and manufacturing capabilities to support more complex military platforms and autonomous systems.

These developments also reflect lessons from recent conflicts, where the rapid deployment of unmanned systems has increased pressure on traditional defense architectures and accelerated demand for affordable countermeasures. At the same time, the growing use of artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, and electronic subsystems is placing additional demands on industrial supply chains and specialized manufacturing capacity.

Through its interviews with BAE Systems and Creation Technologies, Army Recognition provides a closer look at how defense companies are addressing these challenges, from the development of new counter-drone technologies to the production capabilities required to support future generations of military equipment.

Written By Erwan Halna du Fretay - Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Erwan Halna du Fretay holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and has experience studying conflicts and global arms transfers. His research interests include security and strategic studies, particularly the dynamics of the defense industry, the evolution of military technologies, and the strategic transformation of armed forces.

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