How is the defense industry accelerating the development of next-generation technologies designed to protect military personnel from emerging aerial threats?

In this NYSE Live interview from the AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition, Cindy Gruensfelder, President of Leidos Defense, showcases several advanced defense technologies and discusses how Leidos is helping develop integrated solutions to support the evolving needs of the U.S. military.

JD Durkin spoke with Gruensfelder about counter-drone systems, cruise missile defense, high-power microwave technology, production scaling, and the growing importance of integrated battlefield capabilities.

A major focus of the conversation is AirShield, Leidos' counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) platform. Gruensfelder explains how the system combines advanced radar, tracking, and engagement capabilities to identify and defeat aerial threats while supporting force protection objectives.

The interview also explores IPIC, a layered defense capability designed to address both drone and cruise missile threats. As military organizations increasingly confront complex airspace challenges, integrated protection systems are becoming a critical component of modern defense operations.

Another key topic is Leidos' manufacturing and production efforts in Huntsville, Alabama, where the company is expanding its capabilities to meet increasing customer demand and support the deployment of next-generation defense technologies.

The conversation further examines Low-Cost Cruise Missile (LCCM) programs. Gruensfelder discusses efforts to develop scalable and cost-effective systems designed to address emerging threats while enabling large-scale production to support evolving military requirements.

A significant theme throughout the interview is the concept of the kill chain, which integrates sensing, targeting, tracking, and response capabilities into a unified defense ecosystem. Leidos is focused on connecting multiple systems to improve situational awareness and response effectiveness.

The interview also highlights Army Long-Range Persistent Surveillance (ALPS), a passive sensing system designed to provide enhanced threat detection and targeting information. Gruensfelder explains how ALPS supports broader defense architectures and contributes to layered security frameworks.

Another major topic is the use of high-power microwave (HPM) technologies. These systems offer alternative methods for countering drone threats and play an increasingly important role in the development of non-kinetic defense capabilities.

The discussion also explores the Pentagon's push for faster innovation and deployment timelines. Gruensfelder explains how Leidos leverages a combination of agility, engineering expertise, and large-scale operational resources to accelerate technology development and field critical capabilities more quickly.

Additionally, the interview examines programs such as Havoc Sphere, a rapidly developed defense solution that has progressed from research and development into validation and production readiness within a compressed timeline.

The conversation further addresses investments in workforce expansion, manufacturing capacity, and supply chain development. Leidos is increasing hiring efforts and strengthening production resources to support anticipated growth across multiple defense programs.

Looking ahead, Gruensfelder identifies scaling production, productization of defense technologies, and greater integration between systems as key opportunities for future growth as defense organizations seek increasingly connected and capable solutions.

Throughout the discussion, Gruensfelder shares insights on defense technology, counter-drone systems, cruise missile defense, military modernization, force protection, battlefield integration, surveillance systems, high-power microwaves, advanced manufacturing, and national security.

Disclaimer: Informational content only. NYSE does not endorse or recommend investments, strategies, companies, products, or services discussed.

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