World
LOP NUR, Xinjiang, China — China is rapidly expanding a remote flight-test facility near Lop Nur in Xinjiang, with new satellite imagery showing large hangars, taxiways, aircraft turning areas and possible fuel-storage infrastructure under construction. The facility, which is used for testing experimental platforms and next-generation combat aircraft, has developed from a relatively basic airfield into a larger People’s Liberation Army (PLA) flight-test center. The site is sometimes compared with the U.S. Area 51 because of its remote location and apparent role in testing sensitive aerospace programs. High-resolution satellite imagery collected by Planet Labs on August 27, 2026, shows the latest construction across the base. The airfield has a runway approximately 16,400 feet (about 5 kilometers) long, making it one of the longest military runways of its type. Geo-intelligence researcher Damien Symon, who assisted The War Zone in analyzing the imagery, said the new taxiways, aircraft turning pads, hangars and possible fuel-storage infrastructure substantially increase the facility's ability to support aircraft movements and sustained flight-test activity. From a Basic Airstrip to a Major Test Facility The Lop Nur facility was considerably smaller when it attracted attention in 2020. At that time, satellite imagery showed a 3.1-mile runway, a small hangar and a limited number of vehicles. The site was also associated with Chinese military space-development activities, including testing of reusable spaceplanes. The facility expanded significantly in the following years. In 2023, the main apron was enlarged and a large hangar was added. Additional hangars appeared on both sides of the main ramp in 2025, with their configuration indicating that they were intended for tactical fixed-wing aircraft. Construction activity increased further from May 2025 and has continued since then. The facility's growing infrastructure has coincided with the appearance of advanced Chinese aircraft at the site. In 2025, both of China's publicly identified sixth-generation fighter designs, the Chengdu-associated J-36 and Shenyang-associated J-XDS, were observed at Lop Nur for the first time. Their presence was notable because the aircraft were operating away from the home airfields associated with their manufacturers. Four Large Hangars Under Construction One of the most significant developments visible in the latest imagery is the construction of four large hangars on the southern apron. Three of the hangars measure approximately 80 by 40 meters (262 by 131 feet), while a fourth nearby structure has different dimensions. All four have access to the new southern taxiway. According to Symon's assessment, the dimensions of these structures are sufficient to accommodate tactical and strategic aircraft currently operated by the PLA. For comparison, China's operational Xi'an H-6 strategic bomber has a wingspan of approximately 108 feet. The wide proportions of the new hangars are also similar to structures at another Chinese test facility near Malan in Xinjiang, which has been associated primarily with unmanned aircraft testing. However, Lop Nur appears to have a greater focus on crewed aircraft. The large hangars have led to speculation that the facility could eventually support testing of China's H-20 stealth bomber. However, the H-20 has not yet appeared publicly, and there is no confirmation that the new Lop Nur hangars are being built specifically for that aircraft. The War Zone also describes this possibility as speculation. New Taxiways Increase Aircraft Movement Capacity A new taxiway is nearing completion along the southern side of the main runway. It runs parallel to the runway and connects with the central apron and main hangar area. Once completed, the taxiway will allow aircraft to move between areas of the facility without having to back-taxi along the main runway. This would provide greater flexibility for aircraft movements during flight-test operations. Construction is also continuing at the northern section of the facility. Grading is underway for another taxiway intended to connect the central apron with the northern portion of the runway, with concrete work already beginning. A circular pad approximately 400 feet in diameter has also been constructed in the northern area. It has direct connections to both the runway and the main base area. Analysts assess the feature as likely being intended for engine runs and aircraft turnaround activities, although its exact purpose has not been officially confirmed. An additional apron extension is being built nearby, with at least two large hangars under construction. These structures have more conventional proportions than the four wide hangars on the southern apron. Possible Fuel Infrastructure and Construction Support The latest imagery also shows possible fuel-storage infrastructure under construction. The structures appear to include three potential storage tanks, although their exact purpose has not been confirmed. Symon assessed that, if confirmed as fuel-storage facilities, the infrastructure could support higher sortie rates and longer periods of sustained flight-test activity. Construction-support infrastructure has also expanded. Buildings that were still under development in late 2025 are now complete, while rows of prefabricated containers have appeared behind the central apron. Their exact purpose is not confirmed, although the structures could provide storage or accommodation associated with the ongoing construction work. A concrete batching plant, including wash-water ponds and aggregate stockpiles, has also been established farther east on the facility's outskirts. Other construction sites are visible nearby, but their eventual purpose remains unclear. Lop Nur's Role in China's Advanced Aircraft Testing The continued expansion suggests that Lop Nur is being developed to support a larger volume of aircraft testing and associated activities. Its remote location, long runway and growing hangar and taxiway infrastructure provide the facility with additional capacity for experimental aircraft programs. The presence of the J-36 and J-XDS prototypes has already linked the base with China's advanced combat-aircraft development. The new hangars are large enough for aircraft substantially larger than conventional fighter aircraft, but their specific intended occupants have not been publicly identified. The possible connection to the H-20 remains unconfirmed. China has not publicly revealed a testing location for the bomber, and there is currently no verified evidence establishing that the aircraft will be tested at Lop Nur. The facility is located near China's historic Lop Nur nuclear test area, where China conducted its first nuclear test, Project 596, in 1964. The region has therefore been associated with highly sensitive Chinese military and strategic programs for decades. The latest satellite imagery shows that the Lop Nur flight-test facility is continuing to expand, with new hangars, taxiways, aircraft operating areas and support infrastructure increasing its capacity. However, the specific aircraft and programs that will use the newest facilities remain largely unconfirmed. Source : TWZ
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-29 15:45:23
U.S
WASHINGTON, — The U.S. Navy says a single Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer can perform air and ballistic missile defense missions that previously required two Flight IIA destroyers. Two Flight III ships have been delivered, while another 23 are under contract or under construction at Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Ingalls Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Bath Iron Works. The Navy considers Flight III a new type-model warship rather than a minor upgrade. The variant is designed to protect carrier strike groups and operate in more contested environments. SPY-6 Radar and Aegis Baseline 10 The main upgrade is the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar, integrated with the Aegis Baseline 10 combat system. The Navy says the combination can detect, track and engage more complex threats at greater distances and in less time than older destroyers. Aegis Baseline 10 processes the larger amount of data produced by SPY-6 and allows Flight III ships to conduct air defense and ballistic missile defense simultaneously without losing performance. The SPY-6 uses gallium-nitride technology and modular assemblies, providing greater sensitivity and longer detection ranges than the earlier SPY-1 radar. It is designed to help track smaller, faster and more complex threats. Major Power and Cooling Changes The larger radar required major changes to the ship’s electrical and cooling systems. Flight III uses a 4,160-volt electrical grid, compared with 450 volts on Flight IIA ships. The increased capacity also supports future systems such as directed-energy weapons. The ships have upgraded air-conditioning systems, a larger chilled-water supply and updated gas-turbine generators producing 4 megawatts each. A modified steel hull supports the additional equipment. These changes increase displacement to more than 9,500 tons, compared with about 9,300 tons for a Flight IIA destroyer. The ships retain the standard Arleigh Burke-class armament, including 96 vertical-launch cells. USS Jack H. Lucas Leads the Class USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), commissioned in October 2023, is the lead Flight III ship and currently the only one in operational service. It is completing initial operational test and evaluation before taking the air and missile defense commander role for a carrier strike group. The destroyer participated in Pacific Dragon 2026, a U.S. 3rd Fleet-led missile-defense exercise around Hawaii involving the Missile Defense Agency and allied forces. Testing will continue during a busy underway schedule for the next 13 months. Capt. Rob Niemeyer, the ship’s commanding officer, said Jack H. Lucas represents a major advance in surface warfare capability and highlighted the performance of its sailors during Pacific Dragon 2026. Ted Stevens and Louis H. Wilson Jr. The future USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128) is nearing commissioning and will become the second Flight III destroyer. It recently completed Full Ship Shock Trials, using live ordnance to test whether the ship can continue operating after combat-related shock. The Navy has scheduled its commissioning for October 3, 2026, in Whittier, Alaska. It will then be homeported in Norfolk, Virginia. Capt. Mary Katey Hays, commanding officer of Ted Stevens, said Flight III ships represent the future of integrated air and missile defense and provide an upgrade needed by carrier strike groups. The future USS Louis H. Wilson Jr. (DDG 126) is also expected to join the surface force as additional Flight III ships enter service. Yeoman 1st Class Kristha Hernandez, assigned to the ship, said serving aboard the next class of DDGs provides an opportunity to contribute to the Navy’s future mission and maintain maritime superiority. Flight III production is continuing at Ingalls Shipbuilding and Bath Iron Works, as the Navy expands a destroyer variant built around SPY-6, Aegis Baseline 10 and substantially increased power and cooling capacity.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-29 15:32:29
World
KYIV, — Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence said artificial intelligence is reducing by up to 90% the time military analysts need to detect signs of enemy activity in photographs and video. According to the ministry, AI systems can automatically examine visual data and identify enemy positions and military equipment. By automating the initial analysis, the technology allows personnel to assess potential targets more quickly than through manual examination alone. The ministry said the time savings also affect the wider military kill chain, which covers the stages from finding and fixing a target to tracking, selecting a means of engagement, carrying out the engagement and assessing its results. AI is being used to reduce the time required at several of these stages rather than replacing the process itself. Human remains responsible for strike decisions Ukraine says the use of AI on the battlefield continues to follow the human-in-the-loop principle. AI can identify potential targets and accelerate their assessment, but the final decision to engage remains with a human operator. The Ministry of Defence said the level of system autonomy is limited according to the potential consequences of an error. The approach is intended to increase the speed of battlefield analysis while keeping authority over the use of force with people. More than 70 AI and machine-vision systems in use The ministry said Ukrainian Defence Forces units are currently using more than 70 systems based on artificial intelligence and machine vision for detecting, recognizing and engaging targets. Ukraine's AI development effort also involves a growing domestic industrial base. The ministry said more than 200 Ukrainian companies produce AI-enabled drones. Brave1, Ukraine's state defense-technology cluster, separately lists more than 200 AI product manufacturers within its wider defense-technology ecosystem. The Brave1 Market also provides military users with access to AI-related technologies. The ministry said 46 AI solutions are available, including technologies for target recognition, optical stabilization and automatic terminal guidance. AI is being trained on battlefield data Ukraine is also developing infrastructure to train military AI systems using real-world battlefield information. The Ministry of Defence said more than 100 Ukrainian companies have access to Brave1 Dataroom, a secure environment for testing, training and fine-tuning military AI models. Developers can use structured visual and thermal datasets collected under real-world conditions. Another system, Avengers Labs, provides developers with an annotated dataset containing 5 million frames collected during military missions. The data includes images of tanks, artillery, air-defense systems, infantry groups and aerial targets, including reconnaissance UAVs and Shahed-type drones. The resulting Avengers AI platform has been integrated into the Vezha module of Ukraine's DELTA combat system. The Ministry of Defence said it identifies 70% of enemy military equipment in real time while analyzing more than 100,000 video streams each month. Defence AI Centre established in 2026 Ukraine's Ministry of Defence established the Defence AI Centre A1 in March 2026 to coordinate the wider integration of artificial intelligence into defense processes and support the development of military technology. The ministry has also said that AI is already being incorporated into systems associated with DELTA. On August 28, the ministry announced that an AI assistant had become available to all DELTA users, allowing them to obtain answers to common questions directly through the combat-system interface. Ukraine has set a longer-term goal of equipping 100% of frontline drones with machine-vision and AI technologies. The expansion reflects the country's broader effort to use automated analysis and machine vision to process increasing volumes of battlefield information while keeping human operators responsible for decisions to use force. The 90% figure and the details on AI-enabled battlefield analysis were published by Ukraine's Ministry of Defence on August 28, 2026.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-29 15:28:00
U.S
STAMFORD, Connecticut, — The U.S. Army has awarded Integrate DG LLC a contract worth up to $27.8 million for its Alphawing uncrewed aircraft systems, related support equipment and field technicians. The Department of War announced the award this week. The Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, issued the contract as a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) agreement. The Army solicited bids online and received one response, from Integrate DG. The contract sets a maximum spending ceiling and allows the Army to place orders as required rather than committing to a fixed number of systems. Funding and work locations will be determined with each order. The estimated completion date is October 30, 2026. Integrate DG is based in Stamford, Connecticut, and has offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, France and Germany. The company describes itself as a defense engineering firm focused on autonomous systems for air and sea. Its work includes moving drone technologies from prototypes toward deployable hardware, with areas of focus including long-endurance missions, maritime surveillance and secure communications relays. The Alphawing is part of Integrate DG's broader portfolio of unmanned systems. However, the Army has not released the technical specifications of the Alphawing variant covered by the contract. It has also not disclosed the number of systems it plans to order, the Army units that will receive them or the missions they will support. The single-bid outcome reflects the procurement of a specialized system, although the Army has not stated why only one company submitted a bid. With the contract scheduled for completion by October 30, 2026, any orders placed under the agreement will fall within a relatively short delivery period.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-29 15:16:39
World
LINKÖPING, Sweden, — Saab has successfully completed the first flight of the Gripen F, the two-seat variant of the Gripen E fighter. The flight took place on August 28, 2026, at Saab’s airfield in Linköping, Sweden, marking the start of the aircraft’s airborne test campaign. The aircraft took off at 09:40 local time and remained airborne for 40 minutes. Saab chief test pilot Jakob Högberg and Brazilian Air Force test pilot Lieutenant Colonel Aviator Abdon de Rezende Vasconcelos flew the mission. The sortie verified the functionality of the aircraft’s core systems and its initial flight performance. Brazil is the launch customer for the Gripen F. The aircraft carries Brazilian Air Force markings and was formally rolled out at Linköping on June 2, 2026. Manufacturing of the first Gripen F began in 2020. The aircraft combines components common with the Gripen E with a redesigned forward fuselage to accommodate the second cockpit. Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area, said the first flight was an important step for Saab and the Brazilian Air Force. He said the Gripen F is designed to accelerate pilot training while enhancing operational performance in advanced combat missions. Flight Testing Following the first flight, the Gripen F will undergo initial production acceptance flights before progressive flight-envelope expansion. Test teams will gradually evaluate speed, altitude, G-load and angle of attack, while also testing tactical capabilities and functions specific to the rear cockpit. The test campaign will be conducted by Saab’s Flight Test Centre in Sweden. After the planned testing and aircraft acceptance procedures are completed, the Gripen F will be prepared for delivery to the Brazilian Air Force. Developed With Brazil The Gripen F is the result of the strategic partnership between Brazil and Sweden and the technology-transfer programme under Brazil’s Gripen programme. More than 350 Brazilian engineers, technicians and pilots have participated in training related to development, production, flight testing and maintenance. Brazil also played an active role in co-developing the two-seat variant, supporting direct industrial participation and long-term cooperation between the two countries. Brazil’s 2014 contract covers 36 Gripen aircraft, comprising 28 single-seat Gripen E and eight two-seat Gripen F aircraft. Deliveries began in 2020, with 11 aircraft handed over so far, all single-seat models. The first Gripen E assembled in Brazil was rolled out at Embraer’s facility in Gavião Peixoto in March 2026. The Gripen F retains the Gripen E’s core configuration, including its AESA radar and General Electric F414G engine. The second cockpit can operate independently or together with the front cockpit, allowing the aircraft to be used for pilot training and operational missions. The Gripen F is 15.9 metres long, has a 16,500 kg maximum take-off weight and retains the same number of external hardpoints as the Gripen E. Unlike the single-seat Gripen E, it does not have an internal cannon. Additional Gripen F orders have been placed by Colombia for two aircraft and Thailand for one aircraft as part of an initial batch. The Swedish Air Force has not ordered the two-seat version. The first flight begins the Gripen F’s flight-testing phase in Sweden. Further testing will continue before the aircraft is prepared for transfer to the Brazilian Air Force.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-29 15:07:49
World
KYIV, Ukraine — At least 37 people were killed and 42 others injured after a Russian drone strike hit a warehouse in the village of Myla in Kyiv region on the evening of August 28, triggering a large fire and a series of secondary explosions that continued for hours, Ukrainian authorities said. The facility is located in the Bucha district, west of Kyiv. The explosions damaged around 50 nearby residential buildings and affected a care facility for elderly people and people with disabilities. More than 380 people were evacuated from the area as emergency crews continued firefighting, rescue and debris-removal operations. 🇷🇺🇺🇦 Huge explosions in Kiev. 3 mushroom clouds can be seen. pic.twitter.com/HgUoaAwzsd — ConflictX (@ConflictXtweets) August 28, 2026 Ammunition storage under investigation Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the initial strike hit a Defense Forces storage facility containing shells, mines, other ammunition and drones. He said the ammunition should not have been stored close to residential areas and confirmed that a criminal investigation into official negligence had been opened. The Office of the Prosecutor General is examining the legality of storing explosive materials at the site, including the actions of officials responsible for the facility and whether the necessary permits and safety requirements were followed. The investigation comes after the secondary explosions caused extensive damage outside the facility. Ukrainian authorities are continuing to assess the site as rescue workers search damaged areas. Local official among those killed Among those killed was Taras Didych, head of the Dmytrivka community, which includes Myla. Officials said Didych was among the first people to arrive at the scene to help residents after the strike. He was killed during the response to the incident. Traffic was also temporarily restricted on a section of the M-06 Kyiv–Chop highway between the 15th and 32nd kilometer markers because of the continuing fire and explosions. More than 300 emergency personnel were involved in the response, according to Zelenskyy's office. Russia says ammunition depot was targeted Russia's Defense Ministry said the strike targeted an ammunition depot in Myla. According to the Russian statement, the facility stored components and launch boosters associated with FP-1/FP-2 long-range unmanned aerial vehicles. Ukrainian officials, meanwhile, described the site as a Defense Forces ammunition storage facility. The attack has therefore raised two separate issues in Ukraine: the direct impact of the Russian strike and questions over how explosive materials were stored near populated areas. Similar incident in Vyshneve The Myla explosion follows another Russian strike on an ammunition storage facility in Vyshneve, near Kyiv, in July. Ukrainian authorities said the July 6 strike caused ammunition stored at the site to detonate. The Security Service of Ukraine later said the warehouses were not intended for ammunition storage and that the facility was located close to residential areas. Investigators subsequently detained senior executives of the defense enterprise involved over alleged official negligence. Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi criticized the failure to prevent another similar incident, saying the previous case should have provided a lesson for authorities. Myla strike part of wider Russian aerial attacks The strike on Myla occurred during a broader series of Russian drone attacks across Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities reported attacks affecting Kyiv and several other regions, including Odesa, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Kherson, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Donetsk and Chernihiv. Ukrainian officials have also reported increased use of jet-powered drones in recent attacks. These systems fly at substantially higher speeds than conventional propeller-driven attack drones, creating additional challenges for Ukraine's existing air-defense network. Ukrainian officials have said interceptor drones intended to counter such threats have not yet demonstrated the expected effectiveness. The Myla site remains under emergency operations, with authorities continuing to clear debris, search affected areas and assist residents whose homes were damaged. The death toll could still change as rescue and inspection work continues.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-29 14:20:06
World
ANKARA, Turkiye — Turkish defense manufacturer Roketsan has conducted the first publicly announced ground-launch tests of its CAKIR cruise missile, firing two missiles from a mobile land-based launcher against separate land and maritime targets. In a statement released on August 28, 2026, Roketsan said the two missiles were launched in separate tests conducted on different days and both achieved direct hits. The tests used a next-generation Imaging Infrared (IIR) terminal seeker and also demonstrated an extended range enabled by a new fuel system. Roketsan did not disclose the exact test location, engagement ranges, target types, flight profiles or telemetry data. Reporting identified the launch vehicle as a Koluman DERMAN 8x8 tactical truck. The surface-launched version uses a solid-fuel booster and folding fins for canister carriage before the missile's turbojet takes over. The tests expand ÇAKIR's publicly demonstrated launch options beyond its earlier air-launch trials. The missile was first unveiled in March 2022 as a modular system designed for air, naval and land platforms, including aircraft, unmanned combat aerial vehicles, unmanned surface vessels, tactical wheeled vehicles and surface combatants. In May 2023, a Bayraktar Akıncı UCAV conducted ÇAKIR's first flight test from an altitude of about 7,000 metres. That test also marked the first demonstrated use of Kale Arge's indigenous KTJ-1750 turbojet engine. CAKIR Specifications CAKIR is a high-subsonic cruise missile with a stated speed of Mach 0.75 to 0.85 and a manufacturer-stated family range exceeding 150 km. Roketsan's published specifications give the missile a weight of about 275 kg without the booster, while different surface-launch configurations have been published at around 330–350 kg with the booster. The missile has a diameter of about 275 mm. Its approximately 70-kg warhead is offered in high-explosive, blast-fragmentation and thermobaric configurations and is intended for use against surface ships, coastal targets and land targets. Its guidance system combines inertial navigation, anti-jam satellite navigation, altimeter and terrain-referenced navigation. ÇAKIR can use IIR, radio-frequency (RF) or hybrid IIR/RF terminal seekers; the latest ground tests used the new-generation IIR seeker. A two-way datalink allows in-flight target updates, re-attack decisions and mission aborts. Roketsan has also designed the missile for terrain-masking flight over land and sea-skimming flight over water, as well as coordinated employment by multiple missiles. Export and Indonesian Cooperation CAKIR also has an international market. Roketsan's chief executive said in July 2023 that an export agreement had been signed before the missile entered Turkish service. Qatar and Indonesia are publicly identified as customers. Indonesia has confirmed procurement of CAKIR along with other Turkish systems. Roketsan and Indonesian partners have also established cooperation for local missile and rocket production. During Indo Defence 2025, Indonesian shipbuilder Republik Palindo, part of Republikorp, displayed a fast attack craft concept equipped with CAKIR. The latest tests demonstrate a land-based launch capability for CAKIR against both land and maritime targets. However, Roketsan has not stated that the tests completed formal qualification or confirmed an immediate operational deployment by the Turkish Armed Forces. Further testing will be required to establish the performance of the boosted ground-launched configuration across its full range and target envelope.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-29 14:04:46
U.S
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) has delivered the first prototype of its XM30 “Wolf” Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle (MICV) to the U.S. Army at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. The delivery marks a major step in the Army’s program to replace the M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle, which has served for more than 40 years. XM30 Wolf The XM30 is being developed as an optionally manned tracked combat vehicle with a reduced two-person crew and space for six fully equipped infantry soldiers. The vehicle is planned to feature a 50mm automatic cannon, anti-tank guided missiles, active protection systems, advanced sensors for 360-degree situational awareness and hybrid-electric propulsion. GDLS is also developing the Wolf with a Modular Open Systems Architecture and a born-digital design intended to support software updates and the integration of new technologies. Competition With Rheinmetall The XM30 program is a head-to-head competition between GDLS and American Rheinmetall Vehicles. Under contracts awarded in 2023, each company is required to build between seven and 11 prototypes. The combined value of the contracts was approximately $1.6 billion. GDLS calls its vehicle the Wolf, while American Rheinmetall Vehicles is offering a design based on the Lynx. Prototype Testing Retired Army Brig. Gen. Geoffrey Norman, now working with GDLS, announced the prototype delivery. Norman spent 30 years in the Army as a tanker and cavalryman. He previously served with the Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross-Functional Team at Detroit Arsenal, where he helped develop requirements for the XM30 and M1E3 Abrams upgrade before joining GDLS. Norman said additional Wolf prototypes will be completed and delivered to the Army. He also credited GDLS teams working at facilities in Sterling Heights and Grand Rapids, Michigan; Lima, Ohio; Scranton, Pennsylvania; Tallahassee, Florida; and London, Ontario. Following initial checks at Aberdeen Proving Ground, the prototypes will be sent to Fort Hood, Texas, where soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, known as the “Ironhorse Brigade,” will conduct operational evaluations. The vehicles could also be evaluated during a National Training Center rotation. Army Selection Planned for 2027 The Army plans to select a single winning design by the end of 2027 for Phase 5 low-rate initial production. The selected manufacturer is planned to produce up to 19 complete vehicles, including hulls and turrets, for production qualification and Initial Operational Test and Evaluation. If the program remains on schedule, the first production XM30 vehicles are expected to be delivered to the first Army unit transitioning to the new vehicle in fiscal year 2029. Meanwhile, GDLS and American Rheinmetall Vehicles will continue delivering their remaining prototypes to support Army testing and soldier evaluations.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-29 13:55:36
U.S
WASHINGTON, — The U.S. Department of Defense has raised the estimated acquisition cost of the F-35 Lightning II program to $536.2 billion, an increase of about $51 billion, or more than 10 percent, from the previous $485.2 billion estimate. The figure covers the aircraft and engines the U.S. government plans to purchase. The latest Modernized Selected Acquisition Report (MSAR) shows that the increase is spread across development and procurement. Research, development, test and evaluation costs have risen by about $19 billion to $106.6 billion, while procurement costs have increased by nearly $32 billion. Higher Cost Estimates for All Three Variants In constant 2012 dollars, the estimated unit recurring flyaway cost—which covers the aircraft and engine—has increased for all three variants: F-35A: $78 million, up 7.3 percent from $72.7 million. F-35C: $93.4 million, up 6.6 percent from $87.65 million. F-35B: $110.3 million, up 10.5 percent from $99.78 million. These are historical-dollar estimates. The F-35 Joint Program Office has said current-year prices for individual variants in the latest production lots are controlled unclassified information and cannot be released. Modernization and Production Costs The increase in development spending is partly linked to a revised estimate for the Power Thermal Management Upgrade, which incorporates updated requirements and assumptions. The program has also revised schedules for Block 4 modernization, the F135 engine core upgrade, and power and thermal-management improvements, adding time and costs. About $900 million of the $19 billion increase in development spending is attributed to refined Block 4 capability estimates. Block 4 is intended to improve the F-35's weapons, sensors and sensor fusion. The program is prioritizing 55 capabilities, including kill-chain improvements for air-superiority and suppression-of-enemy-air-defenses missions and integration of new weapons. The nearly $32 billion increase in procurement costs includes the upcoming APG-85 radar, higher production-support costs, the production requirement for the Power Thermal Management Upgrade, contractors' actual costs and negotiated pricing for Lots 18 and 19. In September 2025, the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin finalized a $24.29 billion contract for 296 F-35s in Lots 18 and 19. Separate engine agreements for those lots were valued at $6.6 billion, giving an implied combined average of about $104.4 million per aircraft and engine across the variants. Inflation and Procurement Changes Inflation and higher material prices are also contributing to the higher estimate. The Pentagon is shifting some planned F-35 purchases into later budget years, exposing those future purchases to additional inflation. The Marine Corps is also changing part of its planned procurement mix by shifting some purchases toward the more expensive F-35C. Lifetime Cost Estimate Falls Despite the higher acquisition estimate, the Pentagon's projected total lifecycle cost for the F-35 program has fallen from about $2.06 trillion to approximately $1.93 trillion. The lifecycle estimate covers the broader costs of operating and sustaining the fleet over its projected service life. The latest assessment therefore shows higher projected costs for developing and purchasing the planned fleet, while the overall projected lifetime cost has moved lower.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-29 13:46:25
U.S
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyoming — The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command has ordered units to stop using the AN/PRM-10 test oscillator set after polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were confirmed in residue found on one unit and potential residue was identified on several others. The AN/PRM-10 is a legacy test device used to examine communications systems supporting the U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) force, including the Minuteman III system. Residue discovered at F.E. Warren The action follows an incident earlier in August at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming. During a routine inspection, an Airman discovered residue on a component of an AN/PRM-10 kit and was exposed to the material. The Airman reported the incident, received medical attention and returned to duty without experiencing adverse effects, according to Air Force Global Strike Command. Laboratory testing of the residue confirmed the presence of PCBs. The Air Force said PCBs were commonly used in electrical devices during the period when equipment was developed to maintain the Minuteman III ICBM system. PCBs are a group of synthetic chemicals that were widely used in electrical and industrial applications because of their durability and other useful properties. U.S. production of PCBs was banned in 1979. Their presence in some older equipment remains a concern because of their known health risks. Inspection finds residue on six systems After the PCB finding was confirmed, the Twentieth Air Force ordered a one-time inspection of all AN/PRM-10 kits across Air Force Global Strike Command. The inspection was completed within three days and covered the command's entire inventory. Officials found potential residue on six of the eight AN/PRM-10 systems. Samples from those systems have been collected and are being sent for additional testing. Before the equipment was removed from service, the Air Force had issued updated safety warnings, handling precautions and requirements for personal protective equipment at locations where the legacy testers remained in use. Following the inspection results, the Twentieth Air Force ordered the immediate suspension of AN/PRM-10 use as a precaution while testing of the additional samples continues. Modern replacements being introduced Units are now transitioning from the AN/PRM-10 to modern, PCB-free replacement testers. Air Force Global Strike Command and Twentieth Air Force are also working with the Minuteman III systems program office to properly dispose of the withdrawn equipment. Officials are also reviewing other pieces of test equipment to determine whether they could contain PCBs. Maj. Gen. Colin Connor, commander of Twentieth Air Force, said the command considers the health and safety of its personnel a priority. The Air Force said the suspension of the AN/PRM-10 has not caused any mission impacts. U.S. ICBM forces continue to operate, with the command stating that the force remains safe, secure and effective in protecting the U.S. homeland. Part of wider missile community safety review The equipment review is part of broader safety efforts that followed the launch of the Air Force's Missile Community Cancer Study in 2023. The study was established to examine potential environmental and occupational factors affecting personnel associated with the U.S. ICBM mission. The Air Force has been reviewing the Minuteman III system and associated equipment as part of these efforts to identify and address potential workplace hazards. Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, said the command would continue to identify issues and take appropriate action. The immediate focus is now on testing the residue samples collected from the additional AN/PRM-10 systems, disposing of the affected equipment and moving personnel to modern replacement testers.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-29 13:31:46
World
KYIV — Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has struck a Russian Tu-95MS strategic missile-carrying bomber at the Engels-2 military airbase in Russia’s Saratov region, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday. The operation was carried out by the SBU’s Alpha special operations unit using long-range drones. The SBU said its drones travelled approximately 800 kilometers to reach the airbase. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the strike, saying the targeted Tu-95MS belongs to the type of aircraft Russia uses to conduct missile strikes against Ukraine. “In the Russian Engels, the soldiers of the SBU "Alpha" hit a TU-95MS missile carrier. These are the planes that strike Ukraine.” Damage to Tu-95MS Satellite imagery and images published by analysts from the AviVector group show significant damage to the bomber’s right wing, with part of the wing structure appearing to have broken away. Analysts tracking the airbase identified the aircraft as a Tu-95MS that had been used for training flights. Analysts cited in Ukrainian media assessed that the aircraft is beyond repair because of the extent of the damage. The assessment is based on available imagery and analysis rather than an independent Russian confirmation. The SBU also said that, according to preliminary information, the strike hit an ammunition depot and a fuel and lubricants storage facility at the airbase in addition to the bomber. Second Tu-95MS Hit at Engels The August 28 operation is the second reported SBU strike against a Tu-95MS at Engels in roughly six weeks. On July 16-17, Ukrainian forces struck another Tu-95MS at the same airbase. Satellite imagery subsequently showed that the aircraft’s tail section had been completely destroyed, leaving the bomber beyond repair. The SBU has described the July operation as the destruction of a Tu-95 used by Russia for missile strikes against Ukraine. Zelensky also confirmed that aircraft was approximately 800 kilometers from Ukraine’s border. Role of Engels-2 The Engels-2 airbase is an important Russian base for long-range strategic aviation. Tu-95MS and Tu-160 bombers operate from the facility, and the Tu-95MS is used as a missile-carrying platform for Russia’s long-range strikes against Ukraine. Ukrainian Defence Intelligence has identified the Kh-101, Kh-555 and Kh-55 as cruise missiles launched by Russian aircraft of this type. The location of the airbase makes it a significant distance from the Ukrainian border. The SBU said its drones covered about 800 kilometers during the latest operation. Other Ukrainian Strikes Reported The Tu-95MS strike was reported alongside other Ukrainian operations against targets inside Russia. Zelensky said Ukrainian forces also struck an oil refinery in Russia’s Yaroslavl region, located about 1,000 kilometers from the front line, and conducted strikes against Russian targets in the Black Sea. The Yaroslavl operation targeted the Slavneft-YANOS refinery, according to Ukraine’s General Staff and Ukrainian media reports. The latest strike at Engels adds another reported loss of a Russian strategic bomber to Ukraine’s long-range drone campaign against Russian military infrastructure. The damage to the August 28 Tu-95MS has been documented in satellite imagery, while the assessment that the aircraft cannot be repaired remains an analyst assessment.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-28 16:36:24
Europe
MADRID, Spain — Spanish technology and defence company Indra has developed an augmented-reality (AR) system that allows crews inside armoured vehicles to effectively see through the vehicle’s armour while remaining protected inside. The system provides a continuous 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings by combining imagery from external cameras with information from the vehicle’s mission systems. The combined information is displayed directly in the crew member’s field of view through AR glasses. Traditionally, armoured vehicle crews have relied on periscopes, optical viewfinders and multiple internal displays to monitor their surroundings. Indra’s system is designed to replace this fragmented approach with an integrated visual interface. The system can present the information as a single panoramic view or across configurable virtual screens. The information can also be adapted to the crew member’s role, including the driver, commander or gunner, and to the stage of an operation. Indra says the technology is designed to improve situational awareness, safety and crew survivability, particularly in complex environments such as urban operations, where threats can come from different directions and conventional viewing systems can leave blind spots. Crew members can look toward areas of interest while remaining inside the protected vehicle. The company also says the system can reduce cognitive workload by presenting relevant visual and tactical information within a single field of view instead of requiring operators to interpret several separate displays. This is intended to support faster decision-making during fatigue, stress or rapidly changing battlefield conditions. The development forms part of Indra’s wider effort to digitalise armoured combat platforms, including technologies intended for Europe’s next generation of main battle tanks and the modernisation of vehicles already in service. Indra is also developing 360-degree vision and situational-awareness technologies for platforms such as the Spanish Army’s 8x8 Dragon, where it is a lead partner through TESS Defence. Related systems incorporate artificial intelligence for threat detection and analysis. The broader objective is to turn armoured vehicles into connected nodes within a “system of systems”, linking sensors, mission systems and other battlefield assets through digital networks.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-28 16:21:09
World
MOSCOW, — Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces conducted a successful training-combat launch of a mobile, solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from the Plesetsk State Testing Cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk region, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. The missile was launched toward the Kura test range on the Kamchatka Peninsula, covering more than 6,700 kilometers (about 4,160 miles). The Defense Ministry said the training warheads reached the designated area and that all assigned tasks were completed. It also reported that the missile maintained its planned trajectory. Before the launch, a mobile launcher battery was deployed to a remote, forested location. Video released by the Defense Ministry showed the missile launching from the site. The ministry did not identify the specific missile model used in the August 28 launch. However, a similar launch in May 2026 involved the RS-24 Yars, a mobile, solid-fuel ICBM, which was launched from Plesetsk toward the Kura range during strategic forces exercises. A separate RS-28 Sarmat test was also conducted from Plesetsk around the same period. The Defense Ministry said the main objective of the latest launch was to confirm the tactical, technical and flight characteristics of the missile system. The launch followed reports of Ukrainian drone activity in the Arkhangelsk region on August 23, including near the Plesetsk area. Russian authorities said drones were intercepted and reported no injuries. On August 24, Russia also conducted a successful Soyuz-2.1b launch from Plesetsk carrying a military satellite into orbit. Plesetsk is used by Russia for both military space launches and intercontinental ballistic missile testing. The latest launch was presented by the Russian Defense Ministry as a routine training activity intended to verify missile-system performance and the readiness of Strategic Missile Forces personnel.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-28 16:13:03
World
GOLCUK, TURKEY — Turkish defence technology company HAVELSAN has unveiled its new self-funded research and development project, AVISTA, at TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland 2026, held from August 20 to 23 at the Golcuk Naval Shipyard Command in Kocaeli. Building on its experience with the SANCAR and RAFNAR unmanned marine vehicles, HAVELSAN is developing AVISTA to provide autonomous underwater capabilities in environments where GNSS signals are unavailable. The project includes precise underwater positioning, three-dimensional mapping, ship hull inspection, protection of critical underwater infrastructure and integrated underwater navigation corridor planning. HAVELSAN started the project in response to the high cost of specialised underwater sensors and customs restrictions that can complicate international procurement. The company is developing cost-effective, readily available sensors and autonomous algorithms to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and establish technologies for future underwater platforms. AVISTA is currently in the research and development phase and is being tested with a remotely operated underwater vehicle capable of six degrees of freedom. Its platform-independent software architecture is designed to allow the algorithms to be adapted to different underwater vehicles. The system is also designed to work with the ADVENT Combat Management System. The technologies developed under AVISTA will form the technical base for HAVELSAN's ÇAKA Submersible Hybrid Unmanned Marine Vehicle (H-UMV). HAVELSAN is developing algorithms for platforms designed to remain underwater for extended periods while maintaining a low acoustic signature. The project is intended to support naval applications including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, mine warfare and seabed warfare through the ADVENT MUREN Combat Management System. Civilian and public-security applications include underwater search and rescue, forensic investigations, inspection of underwater infrastructure and energy facilities, and port security. According to TEKNOFEST Director Kadir Herkiloğlu, the AVISTA unmanned marine vehicle can dive to depths of up to 500 metres and can be used for mapping, mine-hunting tasks and detecting damage on ships. HAVELSAN plans to begin sea trials soon and aims to have its underwater technology products and solutions ready for operational use in 2027. During TEKNOFEST, HAVELSAN also briefed senior leaders and relevant personnel from the Turkish Naval Forces Command on its underwater capabilities. The company also organised an unmanned marine vehicles workshop for children, where participants learned about AVISTA and SANCAR and took part in model unmanned marine vehicle competitions.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-28 16:05:41
U.S
WASHINGTON, — The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded New Mexico-based rocket manufacturer X-Bow Systems a $10,981,581 contract to develop and flight-test a low-cost interceptor for ballistic and hypersonic threats. The Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award is being issued under the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Rapid Response Small Launcher Technology program and supports its Low-Cost Interceptor (LCI) effort. The original solicitation, issued about a year ago, sought modular interceptor designs that could be rapidly demonstrated against ballistic and hypersonic threats. The LCI program targets a unit cost of less than $750,000 per interceptor, significantly below the reported cost of existing Patriot and THAAD interceptors. The $10.98 million figure is the development contract value, not the price of one interceptor. X-Bow will design, develop and demonstrate a high-performance solid rocket motor for the system. The contract runs from July 2026 through July 2028, with a prototype flight demonstration planned for late 2027. X-Bow manufactures solid rocket motors and propellant in-house using additive manufacturing. The company has already conducted a static test of a sub-scale solid rocket motor design related to the program and will use the funding for further motor development and flight testing. Expanding the Solid Rocket Motor Industry The Pentagon said the contract will help address the need to expand the U.S. solid rocket motor (SRM) industrial base, which currently relies on two primary manufacturers, Northrop Grumman and L3Harris’ Aerojet Rocketdyne. The Patriot missile is produced by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, while Japan has previously been the only country licensed to manufacture Patriot missiles outside the United States. X-Bow CEO Jason Hundley said the company's manufacturing technology is intended to provide more affordable interceptors and rocket motors and increase production speed. MDA Director Lt. Gen. Heath Collins, speaking at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama, said the agency is examining propulsion and other expensive interceptor components to identify opportunities to reduce costs. The effort comes as the U.S. and its allies seek larger interceptor stocks following recent conflicts. Estimates cited in reporting put remaining U.S. stocks at fewer than 1,000 Patriot interceptors and about 250 THAAD rounds. A Patriot replacement costs roughly $3.9 million to $4 million, while a THAAD interceptor costs about $12.7 million. Other Low-Cost Interceptor Programs The U.S. Air Force has also sought a counter-air missile costing less than $500,000 that could be produced in the thousands each year. In Europe, Ukraine and nine European countries — Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom — have launched the FREYJA initiative to develop a European anti-ballistic missile capability. Ukrainian company Fire Point is supplying its FP-7.X interceptor and has estimated a cost below €1 million, or about $700,000. The initiative's earliest target for a successful ballistic-missile interception is mid-2027. Lockheed Martin has separately introduced the PAC-3 MSE Adapted Capability Effector (ACE), which the company says will cost about $2.5 million per missile, roughly half the price of the current PAC-3 MSE. Production is not expected to begin until mid-2029. President Donald Trump said in July that Patriot technology would be licensed to Ukraine, but Lockheed Martin and Raytheon have provided limited public information about licensing needed for Ukrainian production. The new systems remain in development. FREYJA's earliest target is mid-2027, while X-Bow's LCI prototype flight demonstration is planned for late 2027. The X-Bow demonstration will be a development test rather than an operational interceptor. It is also important to distinguish the LCI from X-Bow's Buckler interceptor. Buckler is a separate, flight-tested system designed to defeat Group 3 drones at supersonic speeds, with X-Bow stating that it is priced at under $100,000 per interceptor. The Buckler price does not apply to the MDA's LCI program. The LCI program is part of a broader U.S. and allied effort to develop lower-cost missile-defense systems that can be produced in larger quantities while expanding the industrial base for solid rocket motors. .
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-28 15:53:37
World
MOSCOW, — Rostec State Corporation’s RosEl holding has developed and begun production of the SOKOL-08, a mobile radar station designed to detect small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drone swarms. Rostec announced the system on August 28. The SOKOL-08 uses a 2D phased-array antenna operating in the X-band. According to Rostec, the radar is designed to detect low-flying and low-observable targets and can identify objects as small as a small bird or a compact commercial drone. The radar can detect and track up to 100 objects simultaneously. Its machine-learning algorithms classify detected objects and automatically filter out safe targets, with the aim of reducing false alarms. 360-degree and sector scanning The SOKOL-08 can operate in two scanning modes depending on the mission. It can conduct 360-degree circular scanning or 90-degree sector scanning. In surveillance mode, the station can track up to 100 objects at the same time. Rostec also says that its high-speed mode allows operators to track a selected UAV together with an interceptor drone operating against that target. Designed for rapid deployment A key feature of the system is its ability to operate without a specially prepared deployment site. The station weighs less than 28 kg, allowing it to be moved between positions. The SOKOL-08 incorporates a satellite navigation module and an inclinometer. These systems allow the radar to determine its position, identify the north direction and compensate for installation errors caused by horizontal misalignment or tilt. Rostec says these functions support faster deployment and autonomous setup. Power and environmental specifications The radar consumes up to 350 watts of power and can operate from either a 220-volt industrial power network or a 24-volt onboard power network. Its enclosure has an IP66 protection rating against dust and moisture. The station is designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +60°C. Part of a larger anti-drone network Rostec said the SOKOL-08 is being developed as part of its layered anti-drone defense concept, rather than as an isolated radar system. According to the company, Rostec enterprises produce systems covering different layers of counter-drone defense, including detection and suppression equipment, surface-to-air missile systems and interceptor drones. RosEl’s HUB integration buses are intended to connect equipment from different manufacturers to a unified situational control center. Rostec therefore describes the SOKOL-08 as one component of a broader digital air-defense architecture, where radar detection can be integrated with other counter-drone systems. With production now underway, the SOKOL-08 adds a mobile radar component to RosEl’s developing range of systems for detecting small UAVs and managing multiple aerial targets.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-28 15:24:23
India
NEW DELHI, — India has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) with the United States to procure the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route. The initial agreement is valued at an estimated $45.7 million. The package includes 100 FGM-148 Javelin missiles, one additional “fly-to-buy” evaluation missile and 25 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LwCLU). It also covers support equipment, simulation rounds, training materials, technical manuals, spare parts and lifecycle support. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi welcomed the signing, saying the agreement reflects the growing U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership and creates opportunities for greater cooperation between the two countries' defence industries. U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said the agreement demonstrates U.S. support for the Indian Army and creates opportunities for the two defence industries to work together. He also highlighted the potential for cooperation to strengthen the defence industrial bases of both countries. The Javelin, produced by the Javelin Joint Venture between RTX and Lockheed Martin, is a man-portable, medium-range, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile. It uses an imaging infrared seeker and can operate in top-attack and direct-attack modes. The system is designed to engage armoured vehicles and fortified positions. The signing also opens the possibility of future co-production in India. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has previously signed an agreement with the Javelin Joint Venture to explore opportunities for manufacturing the missile system in India. The U.S. State Department had earlier approved a possible sale covering the same core Javelin package and associated equipment. With the LOA now signed, India becomes a customer of the Javelin system, while discussions on broader industrial cooperation can continue.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-28 14:17:22
U.S
REDONDO BEACH, California — Northrop Grumman has received a $7 million contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to advance diamond cooling technology for semiconductors used in military radar and communications systems. The contract covers Phase 2 of DARPA’s Technologies for Heat Removal in Electronics at the Device Scale (THREADS) program, which is focused on reducing the thermal limitations that restrict the performance of high-power radio-frequency (RF) electronics. Diamond Cooling to Address Heat Limits High-power RF systems often have to operate below their maximum output to prevent overheating. This limits signal strength and overall system performance. Northrop Grumman is using diamond as a thermal-management material because it conducts heat about five times faster than copper. The company says it can also remove heat more effectively than materials such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride (GaN), which are widely used in high-power electronics. At its Microelectronics Center, Northrop Grumman is integrating microscopic diamond structures directly into semiconductor devices. In collaboration with Stanford University, engineers developed a method to grow a layer of diamond inside microscopic channels on the back of each device. These channels provide a path for moving heat away from critical hotspots. Phase 1 Results and New Target During Phase 1 of the THREADS program, Northrop Grumman demonstrated a 3.3-fold increase in chip power density. Under Phase 2, the company aims to increase that result by more than three times again. If achieved, the power density would reach roughly 10 times the original baseline established when the program began. DARPA has reported that Phase 1 performers across the broader THREADS program achieved approximately a fivefold increase in RF power density compared with current state-of-the-art devices. DARPA said this level of improvement could roughly double radar range in operational terms. Potential Military Applications Higher power density could allow RF transmitters to deliver greater power while using smaller components. The technology could therefore support military radar, communications and advanced satellite links. Improved thermal management can also help reduce component size and weight while supporting greater reliability and longer operating life. Ben Heying, director of microelectronics at Northrop Grumman’s Space Park Foundry, said temperature has long limited the performance of microelectronics, including GaN devices. He described embedding diamond directly into chips as an enhanced cooling approach that allows higher power operation while reducing the risk of thermal damage. Northrop Grumman's Diamond Research Northrop Grumman has invested in diamond-based microelectronics research since 2019. The company plans to use an open-access business model to make the cooling technology available to other participants in the U.S. semiconductor industry. Northrop Grumman designs, manufactures, assembles, tests and packages millions of microelectronic devices each year for defense and commercial applications. The company says its domestic production supports the U.S. semiconductor supply chain. Its broader diamond research has also included testing diamond-based components capable of handling more than 100 watts in related applications. The Phase 2 THREADS effort will focus on further increasing RF power density and improving heat removal as higher-power semiconductor operation creates greater thermal demands.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-28 14:13:37
World
MOSCOW, — Russian underground resistance group Black Spark (Chornaya Iskra / Чорна іскра) has published documents that it says reveal a classified interceptor UAV program being developed by Russian engineering company LLC NIK (Scientific and Engineering Company). Black Spark said the material came from NIK’s internal database. According to the group, an insider provided access to the files rather than the data being obtained through a cyberattack. The group claimed it acquired hundreds of terabytes of information and later erased the data from NIK’s servers. NIK has not publicly responded to the reported data loss. We've obtained technology about secret Russian UAVs from the database of "NIK" LLC ("НИК" - Научно Исследовательская Компания)This time, we didn't even have to break anything. "Thinking" people within the company understand whose side the truth is on.A few weeks ago, one of… pic.twitter.com/e2B2AYmaE1 — Black Spark (@Black_Spark2) August 27, 2026 UBB-M Interceptor The documents reportedly show that NIK is examining two interceptor UAV designs. The first is a modified version of the company’s UBB-M guided loitering munition. The original UBB-M uses straight folding wings, while the interceptor version has swept wings with reduced span and surface area. Similar changes were made to the empennage to support the interceptor configuration. The UAV is launched from a 160 mm-diameter canister using a mortar-type mechanism. According to the released documents, it has a 15–16 kg launch mass and carries a mission payload of approximately 3 kg, described by Black Spark as likely being a warhead. The modified UBB-M reportedly uses a higher-capacity battery and upgraded electric propulsion system. Its stated specifications are: Speed: 250–300 km/h Range: 20 km Endurance: up to 10 minutes Operating altitude: 20 m to 4.5 km The second interceptor design reportedly has a conventional conical fuselage and four electric motors. No performance specifications for this design have been released. Other Projects in the Leaked Data Black Spark said the database also contains information on other Russian UAV and aviation projects, including the Lancet, Condor, Harpy, Zontik and Orion UAVs, as well as a specialized drone-intercepting aircraft. The group also said it obtained aviation-related files concerning the MiG-29 SMT, Il-103 and Il-96. NIK is a private engineering company based in Zhukovsky, Moscow Region. It was founded in the late 1990s by specialists from the Myasishchev Design Bureau and has worked on structural analysis, composite materials, research and development, aviation and unmanned systems. Publicly available information confirms that NIK had a long-term partnership with Boeing, beginning in 1999 and continuing until 2022. NIK engineers worked on several Boeing civilian aircraft programs, including the 737, 747, 767, 777 and 787. Black Spark has also alleged that NIK was involved in industrial espionage against European defense companies before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The group said it possesses related information, but supporting documents have not been publicly released. Black Spark Black Spark has operated as an underground resistance network inside Russia since at least 2025. Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces have publicly acknowledged cooperation with the group on several operations. The group previously reported obtaining personnel databases from the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, including information connected to a facility assembling Russian Geran drones. The latest NIK release was published in August 27, 2026. The technical specifications of the interceptor and the broader claims about the leaked database are based on material released by Black Spark and have not been independently verified. NIK has not issued a public statement on the reported breach.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-28 14:01:19
U.S
TAMPA, Florida, — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that U.S. forces have cleared Iranian sea mines from the internationally recognized shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, saying the routes are now open to commercial shipping. In a video released Thursday, CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said the mines had been laid months earlier by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the strait’s Traffic Separation Scheme, the established routes used by international commercial vessels. Update from CENTCOM Commander: pic.twitter.com/osPbltjJ1C — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) August 28, 2026 Cooper said the operation was conducted over several months by U.S. Navy divers, Navy SEALs and military aircraft from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. He described the conditions as challenging and dangerous but said the forces had completed the mission. “Today, international shipping lanes are open and momentum is building,” Cooper said. Nearly 1,500 Commercial Vessels Assisted Cooper said U.S. forces have provided coordinated protection to nearly 1,500 commercial vessels transiting the strait in recent months. These vessels transported nearly 750 million barrels of crude oil to global markets. At the same time, about 50,000 U.S. troops operating across the region continue enforcing a naval blockade against Iran while supporting commercial transit through the waterway. According to Cooper, Iran has exported zero oil from its shores since the blockade was resumed in mid-July. He said no vessels have entered or left Iranian ports without U.S. authorization, except for humanitarian reasons. U.S. forces have also turned back about 75 vessels attempting to breach the blockade and disabled three vessels that did not comply with U.S. orders. Commercial Traffic Still Below Prewar Levels Despite CENTCOM's announcement, commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains well below prewar levels. Before the conflict began on February 28, more than 20 million barrels of oil per day passed through the waterway, with roughly 100 to 130 vessels using the route daily. Recent shipping data shows that commodity-vessel traffic remains in the single digits to low teens on some days. The announcement follows earlier statements by President Donald Trump that U.S. forces had removed or detonated mines in international waters in the strait. Cooper's latest video provides CENTCOM's formal operational confirmation that the Traffic Separation Scheme has been cleared. Security Concerns Remain U.S. allies have privately assessed that some mines may not have been cleared. Earlier estimates from the International Maritime Organization and industry groups placed the number of mines in the historic shipping lanes at around 80, with some assessments higher. Allied officials have also warned that sea currents can move mines and that residual risks could remain outside the main monitored lanes. The International Maritime Organization and maritime information centers continue to advise vessels to exercise maximum caution in the area. Shipping companies and insurers are also conducting their own risk assessments. CENTCOM said it will continue its two main missions in the area: enforcing the blockade against Iran while supporting lawful international commercial transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-28 13:46:48Search
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