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 13:46:48
Europe
HELSINKI, — Sweden’s Saab has signed a contract with the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command for the delivery of its RBS 70 NG short-range air defence system. The initial order is valued at SEK 1.2 billion. The agreement also allows Finland to place additional orders in the future for more RBS 70 NG systems, as well as training, spare parts and maintenance equipment. Finland has operated an earlier version of the RBS 70 since 2008, designated ITO05 and ITO05M by the Finnish Defence Forces. The RBS 70 NG retains the system’s unjammable laser-guided missile and adds an automatic target tracker and built-in night capability. These improvements are intended to increase hit probability and allow operations in a wider range of conditions. The RBS 70 NG is designed for short-range ground-based air defence and can engage aircraft, helicopters, drones and other aerial threats at ranges of up to nine kilometres. Finland’s Ministry of Defence had earlier indicated that the procurement was worth approximately €108 million excluding taxes. The package is expected to include firing units, missiles, training equipment and a maintenance system, with full operational capability planned before the end of the 2020s. Training for regular personnel, conscripts and reservists is planned mainly at the Salpausselkä Air Defence Battalion of the Karelia Brigade. Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s Dynamics business area, said: “We are proud to continue supporting Finland’s Defence Forces and contributing to keeping the nation’s skies safe. With RBS 70 NG, Finland will receive a state-of-the-art short-range air defence capability to effectively meet evolving aerial threats.” The contract continues the long-standing cooperation between Saab and the Finnish Defence Forces involving the RBS 70 family and supports Finland’s efforts to strengthen its ground-based air defence network.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-28 13:29:41
Europe
WARSAW, — Poland does not plan to host nuclear warheads on its territory, Deputy Defence Minister Paweł Zalewski said Thursday during a briefing at NATO headquarters in Brussels. “I would like to say this very clearly and openly. Poland does not want to have nuclear warheads on its territory,” Zalewski said. His comments came in response to questions about whether a future permanent U.S. military presence in Poland could include nuclear capabilities. Zalewski said that even if the U.S. military presence is expanded, the deployment of nuclear warheads on Polish territory is not being considered. At the same time, Poland wants to remain an active participant in NATO’s nuclear deterrence system. Zalewski said participation does not require nuclear warheads to be physically stationed in Poland. Poland Seeks Greater NATO Role Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has also said Poland remains interested in NATO’s Nuclear Sharing programme and is involved in discussions about a broader European nuclear protection framework. Under NATO’s Nuclear Sharing arrangements, the United States maintains nuclear weapons in several European allied countries, including Belgium, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. The arrangements allow participating non-nuclear allies to contribute to NATO’s nuclear deterrence mission while the United States retains control of its nuclear weapons. Poland’s position comes after several years of domestic debate about whether the country should seek a more direct role in nuclear deterrence. Earlier Calls for Nuclear Protection In April 2025, then-President Andrzej Duda said Poland should seek protection under France’s nuclear deterrence and also called for U.S. nuclear weapons to be stationed in Poland. He said the two approaches were not contradictory. In September 2025, the French Air and Space Force deployed Rafale fighter jets to Poland. The aircraft are capable of carrying ASMP missiles that can be fitted with nuclear warheads. The deployment was part of NATO efforts to strengthen air defences on the eastern flank following Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace. In February 2026, current President Karol Nawrocki went further, saying Poland should consider developing its own nuclear weapons. He described himself as a strong supporter of Poland joining a nuclear project while stressing that any such steps would have to comply with international regulations. Domestic Opposition Zalewski’s position has faced criticism from opposition figures and officials close to President Nawrocki. Marcin Przydacz, head of the president’s International Policy Bureau, called Zalewski’s remarks “strange” and “absurd” and said they were contrary to Poland’s previous policy. He argued that genuine participation in Nuclear Sharing requires hosting nuclear weapons. Former Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak also argued that Poland should seek full inclusion in the programme to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank. Retired Brigadier General Stanisław Koziej described the government’s position as a strategic mistake and argued that the presence of allied nuclear assets would strengthen deterrence against Russia. Zalewski defended the government’s approach, saying that deterrence comes from real domestic and allied capabilities rather than intentions. U.S. Military Presence Also Discussed During his visit to Brussels, Zalewski met U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby. Their talks included the implementation of NATO 3.0, under which European countries would take greater responsibility for the continent’s security. Zalewski said Poland supports the approach and wants to play an active role in strengthening NATO. The two sides also discussed a possible permanent U.S. military presence in Poland. Zalewski said several locations are being considered for American bases and that a U.S. administration representative is expected to visit Poland to review Warsaw’s proposals. He said the United States has important interests in Poland and wants a permanent presence there. The discussions also concern capabilities that Poland does not yet fully possess. Zalewski said Poland would prefer decisions on the U.S. presence to come around the conclusion of Washington’s review of its military presence in Europe, although he stressed that finding practical solutions is more important than meeting a fixed deadline. Poland remains a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-28 13:24:48
World
TEHRAN, — The war involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which began with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, has placed additional pressure on an Iranian economy that was already struggling with high inflation, currency depreciation, sanctions, weak job creation and shortages of water and energy. The conflict has disrupted trade, damaged infrastructure, complicated imports and exports, and weakened household purchasing power. The effects are increasingly visible in the prices of food, medicines, household goods and other daily necessities, while businesses and workers are also facing declining demand and fewer employment opportunities. The World Bank says economic activity has been severely disrupted by the conflict, sanctions and social unrest, with import disruptions adding inflationary pressure and increasing food-security risks. Importantly, the war did not create all of Iran's economic problems. Many of the pressures were already present before February 28 because of long-running sanctions, inflation, currency weakness, structural economic problems and energy shortages. The conflict has amplified those existing problems. Food prices have risen sharply Food has become one of the most visible areas of pressure on Iranian households. According to Iran's Statistical Center, year-on-year food inflation reached about 128% in July 2026. Within major food categories, prices of oils and fats were about 261% higher, milk, cheese and eggs about 147% higher, and meat and poultry about 145% higher than a year earlier. A comparison of prices immediately before the war with prices in August shows how much purchasing power has been lost. An Al Jazeera comparison found that tomato prices had risen 71%, chicken 74% and cooking oil 177% compared with the period before the war. The result is not simply higher grocery bills. Families are changing what they buy. Some households have reduced or eliminated meat, chicken and other higher-cost foods as their incomes fail to keep pace with prices. Bread and other staples Bread remains subject to government controls and subsidies, but prices have also increased. In Tehran, regulated bread prices were nearly doubled in an official adjustment earlier this year. The cost of staple foods had already been rising before the war. The Center for Strategic and International Studies reported that wheat-flour prices had increased substantially even before the conflict, while subsidized bread shortages and long queues were already appearing in some areas. Household goods and everyday products The fall of the rial has made imported products and goods dependent on imported components significantly more expensive. The Iranian rial reached a record low of more than 2 million rials per U.S. dollar on the free market on August 26, increasing the local-currency cost of imported products and materials. This affects a wide range of everyday products, including: Smartphones and computers Refrigerators and washing machines Air conditioners and electrical appliances Spare parts and repair services Personal-care products Cleaning products Clothing and footwear Imported components used by Iranian manufacturers The problem extends beyond the original price of imported goods. Businesses also face higher costs for raw materials, transportation, replacement parts and financing. Those costs eventually reach consumers. For retailers, however, simply raising prices is not always possible because customers themselves have less purchasing power. Iranian businesses have therefore faced the difficult combination of higher operating costs and weaker consumer demand. A Tehran retailer interviewed by Al Jazeera reported that his sales had fallen by about 40% compared with the previous year. Jobs and unemployment The economic impact is also appearing in the labor market. Iran's overall unemployment rate was 9.1% in spring 2026, according to the Statistical Center of Iran, while youth unemployment reached 23.4%, 3.7 percentage points higher than a year earlier. Labor-force participation was only about 40%, meaning a large proportion of working-age people were outside the official labor force. The conflict has affected employment through several channels. Businesses dependent on imports face difficulties obtaining supplies. Manufacturers face energy and transportation disruptions. Retailers are dealing with lower sales. Tourism and other service businesses have also been affected by the wider security and economic environment. Some workers are responding by accepting longer working hours or jobs outside their professional qualifications. Reports from Tehran describe employers offering low salaries, long working hours and, in some cases, jobs without insurance. The result is a growing gap between income and the cost of basic living. Iran's minimum wage for the current Iranian year was raised by 60%, but inflation has rapidly eroded the value of that increase. The government-approved minimum wage is about 166 million rials per month, with benefits taking the total for eligible workers to less than 220 million rials. Banking and financial disruptions Iran's banking system is facing pressure from both longstanding international financial restrictions and new wartime disruptions. U.S. sanctions have restricted Iran's access to international banking and payment systems for years. Even products such as medicines, which can be exempt from sanctions under humanitarian rules, can become difficult to purchase because banks and international suppliers may be unwilling or unable to process transactions. The conflict has added another layer of disruption. Reports in 2026 have described banking disruptions following major cyberattacks, including attacks that disrupted services at several Iranian banks. Businesses have also faced difficulties obtaining credit and dealing with payment delays. The disruption makes it harder for companies to import raw materials, pay suppliers and maintain normal operations. The weakness of the rial creates another problem. When the currency loses value rapidly, businesses must pay more rials for imported goods and components, while households see their savings and salaries lose purchasing power. Medical care and medicine Healthcare is another area where the economic crisis is directly affecting ordinary people. Iran's pharmaceutical system already faced problems before the war because of sanctions, currency instability, banking restrictions and difficulties obtaining imported raw materials and medical equipment. The conflict has added transportation and supply-chain problems and has damaged parts of the health infrastructure. The price increases reported in August illustrate the scale of the problem. Compared with the period immediately before the war, Al Jazeera found that the price of insulin had increased by about 642%, paracetamol by about 93%, and baby formula by about 95%. Higher prices are only part of the problem. Hospitals and pharmacies also need reliable supplies of medicines, medical equipment and imported production materials. Restrictions on international payments can delay procurement even when the products themselves are not formally prohibited. A recent analysis published in the International Journal for Equity in Health found that sanctions and financial restrictions have affected procurement, healthcare financing, medical technology, workforce capacity and continuity of care. The 2026 conflict has increased those vulnerabilities. Humanitarian assessments reported damage to healthcare facilities and additional pressure on medical services during the fighting. Energy and transportation Iran is also dealing with electricity and energy shortages. Power disruptions existed before the current conflict, but damage to energy infrastructure and industrial facilities has made the situation more difficult. The House of Commons Library reports continuing rolling electricity blackouts and difficulties meeting domestic petrol demand. Energy shortages affect much more than household electricity bills. Factories need electricity to operate, businesses need reliable power to provide services, and interruptions can reduce production and employment. Transportation has also become more difficult because of disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for Iranian trade. Higher shipping, insurance and transportation costs increase the cost of imported goods and can also make exports more difficult. Housing and household budgets Housing costs have also added to the pressure. Reports from Iran indicate significant increases in rents, with some households negotiating with landlords simply to limit the size of annual increases. At the same time, utilities, transportation, food and healthcare are consuming a larger share of household income. This creates a wider cost-of-living problem: even when a household continues to have employment, its real purchasing power can fall rapidly. A worker may receive a nominal salary increase, but if food, rent, medicine and transportation rise faster, the worker can still afford less than before. What has changed for ordinary Iranians? The economic impact can be summarized across several areas: Area Effect on ordinary people Food Very large increases in food prices; families reducing meat and other expensive foods Household goods Imported products and equipment becoming substantially more expensive Medicine Sharp increases in prices of some medicines and greater supply difficulties Employment Higher unemployment, particularly among young people Wages Nominal wage increases losing value rapidly because of inflation Banking Payment, credit and international transaction difficulties Healthcare Higher costs, procurement problems and pressure on medical facilities Electricity Continuing power shortages and disruptions Transport Higher costs and disruption to trade routes Businesses Higher raw-material costs combined with weaker consumer demand Currency Rial depreciation dramatically reducing purchasing power Poverty Greater risk as food inflation and import shortages reduce real incomes The conflict is worsening an existing economic crisis Iran's current economic situation therefore cannot be attributed entirely to the war. Before February 28, Iran was already dealing with international sanctions, a weak rial, high inflation, low job creation, energy shortages and structural economic problems. The conflict has added damage to infrastructure, trade disruptions, restrictions on shipping and additional pressure on imports and exports. The World Bank expects high inflation and falling real incomes to suppress domestic demand, while disruptions to imports create additional food-security risks. It also estimates that Iran's economy contracted by 2.7% in the Iranian year ending March 20, 2026, with the conflict and trade disruptions contributing to the deterioration. The IMF's July 2026 projection was for Iran's economy to contract 5.4% in 2026, assuming the conflict eventually ends, according to the House of Commons Library. For ordinary Iranians, the most immediate consequence is therefore not simply a change in one commodity's price. It is the combined deterioration in purchasing power, employment, access to healthcare, business activity and the ability to afford basic household necessities. The Iranian economy has not completely collapsed, and shops in major cities can still have supplies. But the combination of very high inflation, currency depreciation, disrupted trade and declining real incomes means that having goods available does not necessarily mean that ordinary households can afford them.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-28 13:08:38
U.S
Several weapons and unmanned systems being developed or used today have design concepts that can be traced back to military research conducted during the final years of the Cold War, according to an analysis by firearms and military analyst Gatnerd on X. The analysis points to systems involving uncrewed ground vehicles, loitering munitions, ground-launched cruise missiles, fiber-optic weapons, stealth bombers and unmanned surface vessels. Gatnerd's broader point is that several ideas now receiving renewed attention were already being explored in the 1980s and 1990s. The comparison does not mean that modern systems are unchanged versions of older weapons. Current systems use newer electronics, software, sensors, materials, communications and manufacturing methods. In several cases, the relationship is better described as a revival of an earlier concept rather than a direct technical continuation. FireAnt and Sandia's 1980s Fire Ant One of the examples highlighted by Gatnerd is the FireAnt uncrewed ground vehicle developed by Swarmbotics AI. Swarmbotics describes FireAnt as an attritable, swarming, man-portable UGV that can support missions including counter-drone operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, electronic warfare and other modular payload applications. The company's ANTS, or Attritable Networked Tactical Swarm, family combines the robotic platforms with software for coordinated swarm operations. The U.S. Army has also been testing FireAnt systems. Recent footage showed an M2A4 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle carrying five FireAnt UGVs during the Pegasus Charge 3 test exercise. The testing is examining how small robotic systems can be carried and employed with conventional Army formations. Gatnerd noted that the name and basic concept recall a different Fire Ant system tested by Sandia National Laboratories in 1987 and 1988. The Sandia Fire Ant was a small remotely operated ground vehicle based on a Honda 125 four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. It carried a shaped-charge-type warhead and an onboard video camera, allowing an operator to control the vehicle toward a target. Later versions were also described with automatic target-recognition capabilities. The earlier project illustrates that the idea of using small unmanned ground vehicles to approach armored targets was being explored decades before today's autonomous and swarm-enabled UGV programs. Shahed-136 and the Dornier DAR Comparison Gatnerd also pointed to similarities between the Iranian Shahed-136 one-way attack drone and the West German Dornier Drohne Anti-Radar, or DAR, project from the 1980s. Dornier developed DAR as an unmanned system intended to locate and attack enemy radar installations. The aircraft used a delta-wing configuration and was designed for launch from a ground vehicle. The project was developed during the Cold War and was eventually terminated; it did not enter German service. The Shahed-136 has a broadly similar cropped-delta configuration, which has led to repeated comparisons with DAR. However, the available evidence does not establish a confirmed direct technical lineage between the two systems. Some accounts have proposed a connection through Israel's Harpy loitering munition, while other assessments treat the similarity as primarily visual and conceptual. Therefore, the DAR example is better described as a case of similar design and mission concepts rather than a confirmed direct development line from the 1980s German project to the Shahed-136. B-21 Raider and the B-2 Spirit The B-21 Raider provides a clearer example of design continuity within the U.S. bomber program. The B-2 Spirit first flew in 1989 and established the flying-wing configuration that remains associated with Northrop Grumman's low-observable bomber designs. The U.S. Air Force says the B-2's low observability comes from a combination of its flying-wing design, composite materials, coatings and other technologies. The B-21 uses the same broad flying-wing approach but incorporates substantially newer technologies and systems. Its development therefore illustrates how an aerodynamic and stealth concept originating during the Cold War can continue into a new generation of aircraft. Typhon Brings Ground-Launched Tomahawk Capability Back Another example is the U.S. Army's Mid-Range Capability, commonly known as Typhon. The Army's system uses a ground-based launcher capable of firing the Navy's Standard Missile-6 and Tomahawk Land Attack Missile. The U.S. Army successfully demonstrated a Tomahawk launch from the prototype system in June 2023, and the MRC subsequently became an operational Army capability. The concept has a Cold War predecessor in the BGM-109G Gryphon ground-launched cruise missile. The Gryphon was a ground-launched version of the Tomahawk family that entered service in Europe during the 1980s before being eliminated under the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. Typhon is not a reintroduction of the Gryphon itself. Instead, it represents the return of a ground-based launch concept using modern launch equipment and existing naval missiles. Fiber-Optic Weapons Predated Today's FPV Drones Fiber-optic FPV drones have become increasingly important because their physical communication links are difficult to disrupt through conventional radio-frequency electronic warfare. The underlying idea is much older. The U.S. Army's Fiber Optic Guided Missile and Enhanced Fiber Optic Guided Missile programs were developed during the 1980s and 1990s. The EFOG-M used a fiber-optic cable connecting the missile to the launch vehicle. A camera in the missile transmitted imagery to the operator, who could use that information to select and engage targets. U.S. government documentation described a range of up to 15 kilometers. A 1987 U.S. Naval Institute account also described the earlier FOG-M concept, in which video from a missile's nose camera was transmitted to the operator through a fiber-optic cable. Today's fiber-optic FPV drones apply the same fundamental principle in a much smaller and generally less expensive form. Their use demonstrates how an older military technology can become practical on a much wider scale when combined with modern commercial electronics and unmanned platforms. OWL MK II and Early Unmanned Surface Vessels The same pattern can be seen at sea. Howard Hornsby's OWL MK II was an unmanned surface vessel developed around the late 1980s and tested extensively during the 1990s. A U.S. Marine Corps photograph from 1998 identifies the OWL MK II as a remotely controlled unmanned surface vessel developed by Navtec and Howard Hornsby for the Office of Naval Research. The platform was tested for missions including marine reconnaissance, harbor protection, minehunting and littoral anti-submarine operations. According to accounts of the program, an OWL MK II operated with U.S. Navy Detachment 1 in Bahrain from 1995 to 1997. The system did not become a major formal Navy program, but its development demonstrated that unmanned surface vessels were being considered for operational naval missions decades before the current expansion of maritime drones. Cold War Research and the Post-Cold War Period Gatnerd's comparison focuses on a broader change in military priorities. During the Cold War, the United States and its allies invested heavily in technologies intended for a potential conflict with a technologically capable peer adversary. These programs included precision weapons, stealth aircraft, unmanned systems, advanced guidance technologies and weapons designed to operate against armored formations and air-defense networks. After the Cold War ended, many major defense programs were reduced, canceled or delayed. Military operations in the following decades also placed greater emphasis on counterinsurgency and other missions rather than large-scale conventional warfare against a peer military. The renewed focus on high-intensity conventional warfare has brought some of those earlier concepts back into attention. The current systems, however, are not simply 1980s weapons reproduced with new names. Modern computing, sensors, communications, autonomy, materials and manufacturing have changed what can be achieved with many of the same basic ideas. The examples highlighted by Gatnerd therefore show more than simple technological repetition. They demonstrate that several concepts considered advanced during the final years of the Cold War remained relevant, even after the original programs were canceled or left development. As military requirements have changed again, some of those concepts are being developed with technologies that were not available when the original systems were tested.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-28 12:39:59
U.S
WASHINGTON, — The U.S. Army has awarded Heaviside Industries Inc. a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract worth up to $99 million for the procurement, fielding, upgrades and sustainment of the company’s MOTH spectrum analyzer. The contract was announced in the Department of War’s contracts listing on August 27. The contract is scheduled to run through August 27, 2031. Heaviside Industries, based in Marina del Rey, California, received the award after the Army solicited bids online and received 99 proposals. Work locations and funding will be determined through individual orders. The contracting activity is the Army Contracting Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. The MOTH is a compact, ruggedized tactical spectrum analyzer designed to provide soldiers with awareness of radio-frequency signals. It covers frequencies from 5 MHz to 6 GHz, allowing operators to detect radio-frequency activity associated with drones, radios and other communications equipment. The device weighs 0.99 pounds with its battery installed and measures 5.78 by 3.3 by 1.8 inches. It can be used as a handheld device or carried on a soldier’s vest. The MOTH has a 2.79-inch LCD display with 240 by 320 pixel resolution, built-in GPS, vibration notifications and a direction-finding mode. It also provides a real-time signal oscillation display. The MOTH can scan its frequency range five times per second and has a listed battery life of up to 12 hours from its 25.2 Wh battery. The device is rated IP67 for protection against dust and water and is specified to operate between 14 and 131 degrees Fahrenheit. The analyzer also supports integration with the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK), a digital situational-awareness system used by U.S. military personnel. The MOTH has a stated Technology Readiness Level of 9 and is NDAA compliant. Heaviside says the device is designed and manufactured in the United States. The MOTH is intended to support soldiers operating in environments where identifying radio-frequency activity is important. Soldier Systems Daily reported in July that the device can be used by Cyber Electromagnetic Activities personnel for identifying signals and obtaining line-of-bearing information, including in counter-drone applications. The publication also noted that the system is designed to be simple enough for use by personnel who may not have specialized electronic-warfare training. The MOTH is also commercially available. Lumenier lists the unit at $4,950 and says the package includes the spectrum analyzer, two lithium batteries, a USB-C charger, a custom vest pouch, a protective Pelican case, and low- and high-band antennas. The Army contract covers more than the initial purchase of the equipment. It also includes fielding, upgrades and sustainment, allowing the service to procure additional MOTH systems and receive support over the contract period through 2031. The award gives the Army a procurement mechanism for deploying the compact spectrum analyzer through individual orders rather than specifying a single quantity of systems in the initial contract announcement. The Department of War did not disclose the number of MOTH units that will ultimately be purchased under the $99 million contract ceiling.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-28 11:53:03
U.S
INDIANAPOLIS — Rolls-Royce has completed a decade-long, $1 billion modernization of its manufacturing, assembly and engine-test operations in Indiana. It is the company’s largest single investment in the United States and expands its capacity to support major U.S. military aviation programs. About $600 million was spent modernizing manufacturing operations at the Indianapolis campus, with that work completed in 2021. Another $400 million funded new engine-testing infrastructure, including expanded test cells in Indianapolis and high-altitude, hybrid-electric and hypersonics testing capabilities at the Purdue Aerospace District in West Lafayette. Company leaders and state officials marked the completion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 27, 2026, at the Rolls-Royce Performance Building on South Tibbs Avenue in Indianapolis. “This billion-dollar investment is about more than buildings and test cells — it is about delivering for the American warfighter, on time and at the standard our customers expect. We made this investment because it was the right thing to do for U.S. national security and for the future of Rolls-Royce,” said Adam Riddle, president of Defense and chief executive of Rolls-Royce North America. Supporting U.S. Military Programs The Indiana operations will support future engines for the U.S. Air Force’s B-52 strategic bomber and the U.S. Army’s MV-75 Cheyenne, also known as the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft. The Indianapolis site also builds and tests engines for the V-22 Osprey, MQ-25A Stingray and C-130J. Rolls-Royce has produced more than 14,000 engines at the campus since 2001, with roughly half from the AE engine family used on aircraft including the C-130J and V-22. The company also has a contract to supply 650 F130 engines for the B-52 fleet. Rolls-Royce said Indianapolis produces more of its defense products than any other company site worldwide. Jobs and Research The Indianapolis operation employs about 3,500 people, including workers represented by the United Auto Workers, and supports thousands of additional supply-chain jobs in Indiana. About 80 percent of Rolls-Royce’s U.S. defense workforce is based in the state, while more than 700 Indianapolis employees are Purdue University graduates. The company plans to hire about 100 additional engineers as work expands on the F130 and AE 1107 engines. “The engines built in Indianapolis power the aircraft our warfighters depend on, and this investment strengthens the American defense industrial base at a moment when we need it most,” said Indiana Senator Jim Banks. Rolls-Royce said it has invested more than $1.5 billion in U.S. facilities and nearly $2.5 billion in research and development over the past decade. Its U.S. operations contributed $6.2 billion to the national economy in 2024 and supported more than 30,000 jobs across 26 states, including research spillover. The company estimates that every dollar invested by the U.S. government in Rolls-Royce generates about $4 in economic returns. The Indianapolis campus also houses LibertyWorks, Rolls-Royce’s advanced propulsion research organization. It is supported by a $75 million, 10-year alliance with Purdue University covering gas turbine technology, electrical and digital systems and related research, primarily at Purdue’s Zucrow Laboratories. The modernization replaced aging infrastructure, including some facilities dating to World War II, with newer equipment and processes while production continued. The Indianapolis campus footprint was reduced from about 3 million square feet to 1.5 million square feet. The expanded test facilities provide a wider range of engine-testing capabilities at lower cost and risk, including support for sustainable aviation fuels. Rolls-Royce said the completed investment positions its Indiana operations to support growth in existing programs and future contracts.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-28 11:22:50
U.S
FOREST, Miss., — Raytheon, an RTX business, has completed a $50 million expansion of its manufacturing facility in Forest, Mississippi. The project adds 17,000 square feet of manufacturing space and increases the site's capacity to produce electronic warfare and radar systems. The investment is expected to create 100 high-skilled jobs by 2028. Facility Expands to 445,000 Square Feet The expansion brings the Forest facility to 445,000 square feet of manufacturing space, making it one of the largest defense manufacturing locations in Mississippi. Raytheon has invested $280 million across three expansions at the facility over the past decade. Previous projects included: A 20,000-square-foot expansion completed in 2013. A 50,000-square-foot radar production and testing center completed in 2020. The latest 17,000-square-foot expansion, supported by a $50 million investment. Supporting Next Generation Jammer Production The newly expanded space will support the production, testing and integration of Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) pods. NGJ-MB is an electronic attack system developed for the U.S. Navy and Australian government. The system is designed to deny, disrupt and degrade enemy technology, including communications and air-defense systems. Raytheon's Forest facility began low-rate initial production of NGJ-MB in 2021. The pods are used on the EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft. The expanded facility will also support other airborne radar programs as Raytheon increases manufacturing capacity. Other Defense Programs The Forest Consolidated Manufacturing Center supports several radar and electronic warfare programs. Its work includes: Airborne radars for the F/A-18 and F-15. NGJ pods for the EA-18G Growler. Advanced Airborne Sensor systems for the P-8 Poseidon. Digital radar warning receivers. Sentinel ground-based radars. Other radar and electronic warfare systems. The site also includes testing ranges and calibration capabilities supporting its manufacturing and testing activities. Raytheon Expands Mississippi Workforce “Completing this expansion underscores our long-term commitment to Forest and the state of Mississippi,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. She said the company is working with state and local partners to develop the workforce, infrastructure and capabilities needed to increase production in support of national defense programs. U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, also highlighted the expansion and the expected addition of 100 jobs. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves described the project as an economic development benefit for Scott County and an investment in U.S. national security. 40 Years of Operations in Forest Raytheon has operated in the Forest community for 40 years. The company says its continued capital investment in the area also supports workforce development, education and local support networks. The latest expansion increases the manufacturing footprint of the Forest site while providing additional capacity for radar and electronic warfare programs.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 16:40:01
Europe
ROME — Italy is preparing its 13th military aid package for Ukraine, with a major focus on strengthening the country's air and missile defenses, according to a report published by La Repubblica on August 26. The reported package includes four SAMP/T NG air defense systems, Aster 30 interceptor missiles and seven long-range radars. Six radars would be manufactured by France's Thales and one by Italy's Leonardo. The program is estimated to cost nearly €3 billion and would be financed through European Union loans under the Ukraine Support Loan for 2026 and 2027. The new SAMP/T NG systems and related equipment are expected to be fully delivered by 2027. Italy also plans to transfer Aster 30 missiles from its existing stocks, with some deliveries expected as early as October 2026. A key part of the reported plan is the licensed production of Aster 30 B1NT missiles in Ukraine. France and Italy have agreed to allow Ukraine to manufacture the missiles locally, with the relevant agreements expected to be signed in September. Ukraine already has a contract for additional Aster 30 missiles. The B1NT variant has an engagement range exceeding 150 kilometers, according to the information reported. France is separately expected to provide one SAMP/T system and additional air-defense radars to Ukraine this autumn. It remains unclear whether these deliveries are included in the reported Italian package or are additional assistance. The plans build on a July 2026 joint declaration between France and Ukraine, under which Ukraine ordered four Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG systems. France agreed to temporarily provide two existing SAMP/T batteries until the new systems are delivered. The agreement also covered accelerated Aster 30 deliveries by October 2026 and authorization for licensed Aster 30 production in Ukraine before the end of 2026. Planned radar deliveries included Thales GM400, Ground Fire 300 and a Kronos radar. However, Italy's reported 13th package has not yet been formally approved. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said on August 26 that no Italian military aid package had been formalised during 2026 and that a reported 13th package did not exist as a formal government act at that time. He said Italian assistance is provided in response to specific Ukrainian requests. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the Defence Ministry was preparing another package that would be submitted to the parliamentary security oversight committee COPASIR before any delivery. The package is reportedly expected to be presented in September. If formally approved, the reported package would combine new SAMP/T NG systems, Aster 30 missile transfers, radar equipment and Ukrainian licensed missile production.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 16:29:13
Space & Technology
XIONGAN, CHINA, — China’s commercial space sector has begun operating what Chinese authorities describe as the country’s first assembly-line-style automated satellite mass-production facility in Xiongan New Area, Hebei Province. The production line, operated by Beijing LandSpace Hongqing Technology, is designed to move satellite manufacturing from largely individual production toward higher-volume manufacturing. The facility uses robotic systems and automated stations for satellite assembly. More than 70 percent of its workstations are automated, according to Xiongan authorities. The company says the production cycle for a satellite has been reduced from about seven days using traditional methods to approximately 30 hours on the new line. The production line is designed to support the manufacture of more than 100 flat-panel communications satellites annually. The approach is intended to improve manufacturing efficiency and support the production requirements of commercial satellite communications and constellation deployments. — August 27, 2026 First Satellite Produced on the Line The first satellite manufactured on the production line is Hongqing Technology’s Honghu-03, also known as Xiongan-1. The satellite was completed and rolled off the production line on October 22, 2025. Xiongan-1 is a 541-kilogram flat-panel satellite measuring 3 meters in length, 2 meters in width and 0.4 meters in thickness. It was independently developed by Beijing LandSpace Hongqing Technology. The satellite incorporates the company’s self-developed propulsion, power and electronic systems. The satellite includes an argon-propellant electric propulsion system and is being used to conduct in-orbit verification of several technologies. These include the electric propulsion system and commercial-grade gallium nitride power devices designed for space applications. Chinese authorities said the satellite is conducting verification of more than 10 technologies described as domestic firsts. Xiongan-1 Reaches Orbit Xiongan-1 was launched on August 19, 2026, aboard the Zhuque-3 Y2 reusable rocket from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in Jiuquan, Gansu Province. The launch took place at 7:35 a.m. Beijing time. About 10 minutes later, the satellite separated from the rocket and entered its planned orbit. Its solar arrays deployed successfully, and telemetry data returned from the spacecraft was reported as normal. The satellite is operating at an altitude of about 500 kilometers and is carrying out its planned in-orbit technology verification activities. The launch also formed part of a major test for Zhuque-3. During the mission, the rocket’s first stage successfully completed a controlled landing and recovery on land, according to Chinese and international reports. From Satellite Manufacturing to Mass Production The automated production line applies an assembly-line manufacturing approach to satellite production. According to Hongqing Technology, the line can complete satellite assembly with substantially less manual intervention, while the overall production cycle has been reduced by about 80 percent. The company says six to eight workers can support production capacity of more than 100 flat-panel communications satellites per year. The production line occupies about 500 square meters. The facility is intended to support higher-volume manufacturing of satellites for applications including communications and satellite internet. The shift toward standardized and automated production is aimed at making it possible to manufacture satellites in larger numbers rather than treating each spacecraft primarily as an individual production project. Xiongan’s Growing Space Industry The satellite production facility is part of Xiongan New Area’s developing aerospace information and satellite internet industry. As of August 2026, the area had 69 companies connected to the aerospace information and satellite internet sector, along with nine innovation platforms. China Satellite Network Group has established its headquarters in Xiongan, while companies involved in satellite research, manufacturing, components, testing and applications have also established operations in the area. Xiongan is also developing shared satellite manufacturing and testing facilities. These facilities are intended to provide additional infrastructure for companies involved in commercial space activities and help create a production chain covering satellite development, manufacturing, testing and operation. The launch of Xiongan-1 therefore marks both the first flight of a satellite manufactured on the automated production line and the beginning of in-orbit verification for its technologies. At the manufacturing level, the facility provides Xiongan with a production system designed specifically for higher-volume satellite manufacturing, with a stated capacity of more than 100 flat-panel satellites per year.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 16:22:47
Europe
JONAVA, LITHUANIA — Lithuania Defense Services (LDS) has completed repairs on battle-damaged Ukrainian tanks and is preparing to return them to Ukraine. The vehicles include at least one German-made Leopard 2 and one Swedish Strv 122. The refurbished tanks were presented during a handover ceremony in Jonava. LDS sales and marketing director Vilius Semeška said the exact number of tanks being returned is classified. Images released by the company show at least two refurbished vehicles ready for delivery. Ukrainian Ambassador to Lithuania Olha Nikitchenko attended the ceremony and stressed the importance of returning the tanks quickly. “It is very important to us that the tanks return to the battlefield as soon as possible, because despite the era of drones, armored vehicles remain particularly important and necessary when retaking occupied territories during operations that involve these very same drones.” German Ambassador to Lithuania Cornelius Zimmermann said Germany is Ukraine’s largest bilateral partner in Europe and that Germany and Lithuania are fully funding the LDS project and the modernization of Ukrainian tanks. LDS Repair Operations LDS, a joint venture of Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland, was established in March 2022 to support Lithuanian and NATO forces and their equipment in the Baltic region. The Jonava facility began repairing battle-damaged Ukrainian Leopard tanks in October 2023. The first pair of refurbished Ukrainian Leopard 2 tanks was presented on December 15, 2023. LDS has also repaired PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers and other armored vehicles. In January 2024, LDS signed a contract with Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense to improve spare-parts logistics for German armored vehicles operating in Ukraine. The facility supports several NATO-standard platforms, including Boxer Vilkas infantry fighting vehicles, PzH 2000 howitzers, the Leopard tank family and tactical transport vehicles. LDS has also signed agreements with Rafael and Rolls-Royce as it expands its range of services. Ukraine’s Leopard 2 Fleet Ukraine has received more than 100 Leopard 2 tanks in A4 to A6 variants from Western stocks and industry since 2023. According to open-source tracking by Oryx, as of August 27, 2026, 52 Leopard 2 losses have been visually confirmed, with additional vehicles recorded as damaged, abandoned or captured. The latest refurbished vehicles will add to Ukraine’s available armored fleet, although LDS has not disclosed how many tanks are included in the current handover. Lithuania Builds Leopard 2A8 Capability Lithuania has ordered 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks and is expanding its domestic infrastructure for their assembly and maintenance. A new production and maintenance complex is being built in the Kaunas Free Economic Zone. Finnish company YIT Lietuva is constructing the approximately 13,000-square-metre facility on a nearly 10-hectare site under a contract worth about €29 million. Construction began in August 2026 and is scheduled for completion in November 2027. The first tank assembled at the facility is expected in late 2028. LDS plans to invest around €50 million in the project and create about 100 jobs. The company will handle assembly, long-term maintenance, repair and readiness support for Lithuanian and potentially other NATO forces. The expansion will give Lithuania additional local capacity for heavy armored equipment while the Jonava facility continues supporting Lithuanian, NATO and Ukrainian systems.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 16:15:00Search
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