Howitzers, helos and drones: Day 2 of AUSA [PHOTOS]

AUSA 2025 — The country’s biggest defense trade show is now in full swing. From howitzers to handguns, companies are vying for a piece of the US Army’s acquisition budget while mulling what Army Secretary Dan Driscoll’s vision of emulating Silicon Valley’s innovation could mean for industry.

While longtime American prime contractors are revamping old designs for new needs, foreign companies are also betting their own proposals could help shape the Army’s priorities. And the service is actively listening to industry’s pitches — including live demonstrations — on electronic warfare, power generation, drones and counter-drone technology through its new FUZE program to get weapons and software into troops’ hands faster.

Check out more scenes from the first two days at AUSA 2025, and find our full coverage of the show here.

Hanwha Defense USA pitches its 155 mm, 52-caliber K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer at the Association of the US Army’s Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, DC, Oct. 13, 2025. (Rachel Cohen/Breaking Defense)Honeywell’s Samurai anti-drone system is one of myriad counter-drone technologies on display at AUSA 2025, Oct. 13, 2025. (Daniel Woolfolk/Breaking Defense)The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X is a contender for the Army’s Flight School Next program. (Daniel Woolfolk/Breaking Defense)Conference attendees try out Trijicon’s firearm sights and scopes, Oct. 13, 2025. (Aaron Mehta/Breaking Defense)GM Defense’s Infantry Squad Vehicle-Utility is based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and can be adapted to carry mortars, counter-drone equipment and more. (Aaron Mehta/Breaking Defense)Attendees roam the halls of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in downtown Washington, DC, Oct. 13, 2025. (Daniel Woolfolk/Breaking Defense)Name a more iconic duo. We’ll wait. (Aaron Mehta/Breaking Defense)