Collins Aerospace, a unit of RTX, announced that its Sidekick mission‑autonomy software completed a four‑hour autonomous flight on a General Atomics YFQ‑42A uncrewed jet. The test demonstrated seamless integration of Sidekick with the aircraft’s mission systems and confirmed the software’s ability to support the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, a key component of the Next‑Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) effort.
Raytheon, another RTX division, reported that the U.S. Navy approved its StormBreaker smart weapon for operational use on the F/A‑18‑E/F Super Hornet strike fighter. StormBreaker’s tri‑mode seeker—combining millimeter‑wave radar, imaging infrared, and semi‑active laser—enables engagement of moving and stationary targets in all weather conditions, expanding the Navy’s strike lethality and allowing deployment across multiple aircraft platforms.
RTX’s recent financial results underscore the strategic importance of these milestones. In Q4 2025, the company reported adjusted sales of $24.2 billion, up 14% organically, and an adjusted EPS of $1.55. The full‑year 2025 adjusted sales reached $88.6 billion, while the backlog climbed 23% to a record $268 billion, giving RTX a strong capital base to invest in advanced technologies.
The Sidekick flight and StormBreaker approval fit into RTX’s broader strategy of delivering open‑systems autonomy and next‑generation smart weapons. The CCA program’s emphasis on vendor‑agnostic software aligns with Sidekick’s open‑systems approach, positioning RTX as a key partner in the USAF’s future air dominance architecture. Similarly, StormBreaker’s approval expands the Navy’s precision‑strike capability and reinforces RTX’s role in the defense ecosystem.
These milestones also reinforce the performance of RTX’s core segments. Collins Aerospace’s aerospace and defense business benefits from growing demand for autonomous systems, while Raytheon’s missile and fire‑control segment gains a new, high‑profile product that can be fielded across multiple platforms. Together, the achievements support RTX’s trajectory of revenue growth, margin expansion, and a robust backlog, all of which contribute to the company’s long‑term competitive positioning.
Overall, the successful Sidekick flight and the StormBreaker approval represent significant operational achievements that enhance RTX’s product portfolio, strengthen its relationships with the U.S. military, and reinforce the company’s financial strength and strategic direction.
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