Maryland exhibition highlights air defense, robotics and medical support solutions
As the AFA Air, Space & Cyber conference concluded at National Harbor, Maryland, attendees had a final opportunity to examine a wide range of systems and equipment currently under development or undergoing testing.
The exhibition also featured technologies that manufacturers are actively offering to the US military services. One of the most notable examples was Northrop Grumman’s Raid Hunter counter-drone system, designed to protect military bases and secure sensitive facilities.
Solutions for base protection and frontline support
The final day of the event featured technologies aimed at military aviation, air defense, logistics, ground robotics and battlefield medicine.
Visitors were able to view helmet-mounted displays for pilots, liquid-fueled rocket engines, unmanned ground vehicles, training simulators and equipment designed to secure and transport military cargo.
RTX showcases helmet-mounted display technology
RTX presented its Zero-G Helmet Mounted Display system, designed to provide pilots with high-definition information through binocular lenses and an advanced multicore processor.
The HMDS+ kit was displayed behind protective glass at the 2026 AFA conference.
Elbit Systems of America adopts a new name
Elbit Systems of America, which recently changed its name to Twenty-Six Defense, operated a booth at the AFA 2026 exhibition.
The rebranding marks a new stage for the company, which remains active in the development of defense-related technologies and systems.
Ursa Major displays rocket engines
Ursa Major showcased two of its liquid-fueled rocket engines, Draper and Hadley.
The systems were displayed at the Air, Space and Cyber expo, where aerospace and defense companies presented propulsion technologies and other capabilities aimed at future military and space applications.
Battlefield blood-recycling system on display
Personnel from the Air Force Research Laboratory presented a medical system designed to recover and filter blood lost by a wounded service member.
The technology allows the blood to be processed and transfused back into the same patient. Such a capability could be particularly valuable when blood supplies are limited or access to medical facilities is restricted.
Northrop Grumman promotes Raid Hunter counter-drone system
Northrop Grumman brought a scale model of its 50 mm Raid Hunter air defense system to the exhibition. A full-size inert projectile was displayed next to the model.
The company is promoting the system as a potential solution for defending military bases against drones and other short-range aerial threats.
Ground robots and training simulators
Teledyne FLIR displayed several ground robots designed for reconnaissance, surveillance and operations in hazardous environments.
Marvin Test Solutions presented components of several training systems, including the MT3045 Advanced Hellfire Missile Simulator. The system is designed to support personnel training without requiring the use of live operational ammunition.
New equipment for securing military cargo
Kinedyne, a company specializing in cargo-security systems, introduced a new tiedown strap designed to secure equipment during transportation.
Specialized markings help personnel identify and adjust attachment points more quickly, improving the efficiency of loading operations and the securement of military equipment.
