Kristen Smith 
SNC has signed a memorandum of understanding with Specter Aerospace to develop a next-generation line of supersonic aerial launched effects designed to address evolving air defense needs and drone threats.
In a press release published Friday, SNC said the collaboration will combine its mission systems integration and air defense expertise with Specter Aerospace’s ramjet and scramjet propulsion technology to produce scalable, low-cost systems with extended range and improved reliability.
Initial flight testing is targeted for the third quarter of 2026. Air vehicle and engine development and testing are already underway.
What Capabilities Will the SNC-Specter Systems Deliver?
“Together with Specter Aerospace, we are combining affordability with advanced propulsion and scalable manufacturing to create a solution that allows for widespread deployment without compromising on range, reliability or performance,” said Jon Piatt, executive vice president of SNC’s ISR, aviation and security business area.
Piatt explained that despite technological leaps, current air defense systems struggle with high costs and the technical challenges of intercepting hypersonic threats and drone swarms.
How Does the MOU Fit SNC’s Broader Defense Strategy?
The agreement builds on SNC’s expanding portfolio in missile defense and advanced air systems.
In December 2025, SNC secured a position on the Missile Defense Agency’s 10-year, $151 billion Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense contract vehicle, which supports research, prototyping and development of systems designed to detect and neutralize ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missile threats.
Earlier that month, SNC partnered with Applied Intuition to integrate autonomy software into its Expeditionary Area Air Defense systems. The collaboration focuses on distributed autonomy and real-time sensor fusion to strengthen missile defense and counter-drone operations.
