After five years in secretive development, the L3Harris Red Wolf cruise missile broke cover in early 2025 as the new Precision Attack Strike Missile for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Bell AH-1Z fleet. This puts the $300,000-500,000 weapon at the forefront of an emerging wave of affordable, long-range and precise cruise missiles that promise to break the trend toward ever more exquisite and costly munitions.
Steve Parker, Boeing Defense, Space And Security CEO
Credit: Boeing
As the division’s new president and CEO, Parker led the business to what may be a generational win with the U.S. Air Force’s F-47 program, building on his prior leadership of the company’s combat aircraft business. Parker has also been instrumental in beginning to turn around Boeing’s defense business after years of problems.
Rafael And Mafat Iron Beam
Credit: Israel Defense Ministry
Rafael and Mafat, Israel’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development, fielded the Iron Beam high-power laser air defense system to enable a low-cost-per-shot means of defeating rocket, missile and drone threats. The team, working with suppliers such as Elbit Systems, rushed the system into the field under wartime conditions, achieving operational shootdowns of drones attacking Israel.
Rolls-Royce Orpheus
Credit: Tony Osborne/AW&ST
Jet engines are complex examples of engineering that can take years to develop and refine, but Rolls-Royce broke this paradigm by designing, developing and ground-testing its Orpheus small turbofan in just 18 months. Now being used to explore new technologies, Orpheus is helping to advance the manufacturer’s military and commercial engine projects.
Ukraine’s Darknode
Credit: Wild Hornets
Faced with a relentless barrage from Russia’s cheap loitering munitions, Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces stood up the Darknode unit in the fall of 2024 to devise a response. Within months, the secretive R&D cell led by a Ukrainian rap star and drone-racing enthusiast came up with a solution. The Darknode unit credits its $5,000 drone-based interceptor with scoring over 1,000 kills against Iranian-built Shaheds and Russian Gerans in 2025.
Aviation Week has announced the recipients for the Defense category of the 68th Annual Laureate Awards (#AWLAUR), which recognizes exceptional achievements in the global aerospace industry.
The 2026 Laureates will be presented on March 19 at a black-tie gala at the National Building Museum in Washington. That evening, editors will reveal five Grand Laureates selected from winners in each of the industry categories. We will also recognize the leaders of tomorrow—two dozen university-level students and military cadets pursuing careers in aerospace or aviation.
