World
Moscow – The Russian Ministry of Defence has released the first official footage showing a Dan-T jet-powered cruise missile launched from a Mi-28NM “Night Hunter” attack helicopter during combat operations in Ukraine. According to the ministry, the helicopter crew received coordinates of a Ukrainian Armed Forces UAV control post and drone operator positions before takeoff. The target was located in the area of responsibility of Russia’s “West” grouping of forces. The crew launched the Dan-T against the designated coordinates. Russian reconnaissance later reported that the target had been hit. The helicopter subsequently returned to its base airfield. The footage shows the Mi-28NM taking off with two missiles mounted on its side pylons. It captures one missile separating from the left pylon, followed by activation of its jet engine. Dan-T Missile Specifications and Capabilities The Dan-T is a jet-powered munition developed from the earlier Dan-M aerial target drone. It is designed for one-way strike missions against fixed or pre-designated targets. According to specifications released by Russian defence exporter Rosoboronexport, the missile has a launch weight of approximately 268 kg, carries a warhead weighing up to 130 kg, and reaches a maximum speed of around 500 km/h. Its reported range is up to 450 km, although some assessments place it near 500 km. The missile uses a combination of inertial navigation and satellite navigation (INS/GNSS) to follow predetermined flight routes. It can also operate at low altitudes. The related S8000 Banderol munition carries a smaller warhead of approximately 50 kg. Reports indicate that the Dan-T is around 35% cheaper than the Banderol. Mi-28NM Integration Expands Launch Options The Dan-T and Banderol were previously associated with ground-based launch systems and fixed-wing aircraft. Reported compatible platforms include the Su-25SM3, Su-30SM, Su-34 and Su-57, alongside the Mi-28 helicopter. The Mi-28NM is a modernized version of the Mi-28 attack helicopter, featuring upgraded radar, avionics and engines. It is designed to improve all-weather and night-fighting capabilities. The latest footage provides the first official visual confirmation of the Dan-T's launch from the Mi-28NM. Its integration gives Russian army aviation another option for deploying long-range guided munitions from rotary-wing aircraft. The development also reflects Russia's wider effort to expand production and use of relatively low-cost strike weapons alongside its existing long-range missile systems.
Read More → Posted on 2026-11-06 16:30:00
Space & Technology
Washington, – The U.S. Space Force is facing a major technical challenge in its planned military satellite network. Satellites operated by different defence agencies cannot directly exchange data through their laser communication systems. Resolving the problem could require 12–13 additional satellites and approximately $1 billion in extra funding, according to Breaking Defense. The issue affects the Space Data Network (SDN) Backbone, a $2.29 billion contract awarded to SpaceX in May 2026 by Space Systems Command. The network is designed to provide high-speed, secure data transmission between military satellites, sensors and command systems using optical communications terminals (OCTs). SpaceX uses its proprietary laser terminals, known as Plasers, which are incompatible with the optical communication systems used by the Space Development Agency (SDA) and Space Systems Command (SSC). The SDA and SSC terminals are also incompatible with each other because they were developed using different technical standards for different orbital requirements. Space Force Considers Additional Satellites To overcome the problem, the Space Force is considering 12 to 13 Space Exchange Point (SEP) satellites, also called translator satellites. These spacecraft would carry compatible terminals and software to receive, convert and relay data between otherwise incompatible satellite networks. Industry and former government sources estimate each satellite could cost $12 million to $14 million, with the wider solution potentially requiring around $1 billion. The Space Force has not confirmed this estimate. In August 2026, Space Systems Command awarded $12 million each to five companies: Amazon LEO for Government, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Rocket Lab and York Space Systems. The contracts support multi-vendor connectivity demonstrations and development of orbital router satellite prototypes. General Atomics and CACI are also developing related Enterprise Space Terminal hardware. Impact on Golden Dome Missile Defence The compatibility issue is important for Golden Dome, the planned U.S. missile defence architecture. It requires rapid data transmission between space-based sensors, command centres and interceptors to support missile detection, tracking and interception. The SDN Backbone is intended to connect government and commercial satellites across different orbital layers. SpaceX must deliver an operational prototype by the end of 2027, supporting the wider Golden Dome timeline of 2028. The mismatch partly reflects different development approaches. SDA developed its optical communication standard for low Earth orbit (LEO) operations, while SSC developed Enterprise Space Terminals for beyond-low-Earth-orbit missions. A 2025 decision to shift the SDN Backbone role towards SpaceX's constellation also contributed to the integration challenge. The Space Force is examining a possible future version of the SDA optical standard that could support communication between low Earth orbit and medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites. However, this standard has not yet been contracted for current satellite batches. Demonstrations of the SEP prototypes are planned for 2027. The challenge highlights the difficulty of integrating commercial and military satellite networks into a single system. Resolving the issue is essential to establishing the SDN as a reliable communications backbone for U.S. missile warning, tracking and defence operations.
Read More → Posted on 2026-11-06 16:21:45
World
Paris, France – Turkish defence manufacturer Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi (MKE) has unveiled the naval version of its TOLGA twin 20mm revolver cannon system at Euronaval 2026, held in Paris from November 3 to 6. The remotely operated system is designed to protect warships against close-range threats, including drones and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). Before its international debut, the naval TOLGA was tested aboard the Turkish Navy’s TCG Beykoz corvette during the TURNAs-2026 naval exercise in late October. According to MKE, the system successfully engaged aerial and surface targets during live-fire trials. Twin Cannons and High Rate of Fire The system features two 20mm gas-operated revolver cannons, each capable of firing up to 1,600 rounds per minute, giving the twin configuration a combined rate of 3,200 rounds per minute. The firing rate of each gun is adjustable, and both cannons can operate independently or together. It uses 20×102mm ammunition, including conventional high-explosive (HE) rounds and MKE-developed fragmentation ammunition for counter-drone operations. The fragmentation rounds use predetermined detonation settings instead of programmable fuzes. A dual-feed system allows operators to switch between ammunition types. The mount carries 600 rounds, stored in two 300-round containers. Operators can use short bursts of around 20 rounds to engage targets while conserving ammunition. Independent Target Tracking and Stabilisation A key feature is its four-axis configuration, comprising azimuth, elevation and two independent boresight axes. This allows the cannons to move separately from the electro-optical sensors. The sensors can maintain target tracking while the guns aim towards a predicted interception point. The mount provides 360-degree coverage, an elevation range of +70 to -30 degrees and a maximum traverse speed of approximately 60 degrees per second. Its stabilisation system allows firing while the ship is moving. The targeting suite includes daylight and thermal cameras and a laser rangefinder. Its fire-control system performs automatic ballistic calculations and supports day and night operations. The system can also integrate with a ship's combat management system, external radars and electronic warfare equipment. Designed for Naval and Civilian Vessels The naval TOLGA has a reported effective range of 2,000 metres with conventional ammunition and 1,000 metres with fragmentation rounds. The approximately 850 kg mount is driven by servo motors and can use its own inertial navigation system or connect to the ship's systems. MKE is also offering the system for commercial vessels operating in higher-risk maritime areas, including deepwater drilling ships, seismic survey vessels, cable-laying ships and floating power plants. The naval variant builds on earlier land-based TOLGA configurations. Its presentation at Euronaval 2026 follows the shipboard trials and expands the system's applications to naval platforms.
Read More → Posted on 2026-11-06 16:17:41
Europe
North Atlantic, United Kingdom – The Royal Navy has successfully launched Nyan One-Way Effector (OWE) strike drones from HMS Queen Elizabeth for the first time, marking progress towards its planned hybrid fleet of crewed and uncrewed aircraft. The trials took place in mid-October during Exercise Neptune Reach B. Four Nyan drones, developed and manufactured in Wiltshire by BAE Systems’ Callen-Lenz, were rail-launched from the aircraft carrier. All four successfully reached their designated strike points. The exercise tested how autonomous strike drones could operate safely from a large carrier and potentially work alongside F-35B stealth fighters and other uncrewed systems during future carrier strike operations. Nyan Drone Capabilities The Nyan is a compact, jet-powered uncrewed aircraft with a 2.9-metre wingspan and a reported cruise speed of 220 km/h. It uses a gas-turbine engine and is designed for precision strikes. Its features include a low radar cross-section and the ability to operate in environments where GPS and other navigation signals are denied. It can be launched using a rail or pneumatic catapult. Previous Trials and Project Vantage The latest trials follow Nyan's first seaborne launch from the Royal Navy's experimental vessel XV Patrick Blackett during Exercise Neptune Reach A in June 2026. The British Army has also tested the drone in Estonia during Exercise Spring Storm in May. In February, the UK Ministry of Defence awarded Callen-Lenz a £5 million contract to supply Nyan systems for British forces deployed on Operation Cabrit. The trials are part of Project Vantage, a joint initiative involving the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force to accelerate the testing and introduction of maritime strike drones. Royal Navy Capability Sponsor Lieutenant Commander David Burton said the exercise would provide operational experience and help determine how maritime one-way effectors could support future carrier strike operations. He added that the findings would contribute to Maritime Aviation Transformation and the Navy's hybrid fleet plans. Matt Foster, CEO of BAE Systems' Callen-Lenz, said the successful carrier launches demonstrated Nyan's potential to support future force development through affordable and scalable combat capabilities. BAE Systems is continuing to develop autonomous systems through its FalconWorks advanced research and technology hub, drawing on more than 25 years of experience in uncrewed and autonomous technologies. The trials provide practical experience in operating strike drones from an aircraft carrier and will help the Royal Navy assess their future integration into carrier strike groups.
Read More → Posted on 2026-11-06 16:08:44
Space & Technology
Midland, Texas – AST SpaceMobile has secured a role in a new U.S. Space Force technology-development effort, expanding the potential military applications of its commercial satellite technology. Announced on November 5, 2026, the work will see the company support STR, the prime contractor, in advancing space-based sensing capabilities. The project aims to evaluate how commercially developed satellite technologies can support national security requirements beyond conventional communications. AST SpaceMobile will use its BlueBird satellite platform, originally developed to provide broadband connectivity directly to standard, unmodified smartphones. BlueBird Satellites for Defence Applications The next-generation BlueBird satellites feature large phased-array antennas, advanced onboard processing and a multi-frequency architecture. Their phased-array technology allows antenna beams to be electronically directed without physically moving the antenna. According to Chris Ivory, CEO of AST SpaceMobile Defense, the platform combines proprietary design with the largest phased array ever deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO). He said the technology could support millions of users and dozens of applications across airborne, maritime and ground domains. The company's technology portfolio is supported by more than 3,900 patent and patent-pending claims. AST SpaceMobile has also gained experience from previous satellite deployments and earlier collaboration with STR on related orbital technology projects. U.S. Manufacturing and Satellite Development AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird satellites are assembled, integrated and tested at its facilities in Midland, Texas. The company operates more than 500,000 square feet of manufacturing and operational facilities worldwide and employs over 2,250 people. Its next-generation platform combines connectivity, onboard processing and a scalable architecture designed to support both commercial and government applications. The new Space Force effort represents another step in applying commercial satellite technology to defence requirements, particularly in space-based sensing. AST SpaceMobile has not disclosed the contract value, its specific share of the work or the project timeline. The announcement also does not provide details about the sensing technologies being developed or their planned operational deployment.
Read More → Posted on 2026-11-06 16:04:25
World
Moscow – Russian defence conglomerate Rostec has unveiled a mobile version of its ZAK-30 Tsitadel anti-aircraft system, mounting its gun turret, radar and optical sensors on a military truck. Announced on November 6, 2026, the new configuration is designed to provide flexible air defence against drones and other aerial threats. Previously developed as a stationary system for protecting fixed facilities, Tsitadel can now be relocated between important sites. The system is mounted on a Ural-63706 (Tornado-U) 6x6 armoured truck, equipped with a 440-horsepower diesel engine and a maximum highway speed of 100 km/h. Hydraulic outriggers stabilise the vehicle during firing. 30mm Cannon and Airburst Ammunition The ZAK-30 Tsitadel features a remotely operated turret with 30mm automatic cannons and a 300-round ammunition capacity. It uses programmable airburst shells that detonate at a calculated point in front of a target, releasing fragments without requiring a direct hit. According to Rostec, the system can engage fixed-wing drones at distances of up to 1 kilometre and small quadcopters at approximately 800 metres. Some reports mention engagement ranges of up to 1,200 metres against small manoeuvring aerial targets. Its detection equipment combines radar and electro-optical sensors, including thermal imaging cameras for day-and-night operations. The automated fire-control system handles target tracking, aiming and shell detonation timing. Multiple firing units can also operate through a single command post located up to 1 kilometre away. The stationary version previously required a five-person crew. Designed to Counter Long-Range Drone Attacks The mobile system is intended to protect refineries, airfields and other important facilities against long-range drone attacks without using expensive surface-to-air missiles for every engagement. Rostec claims the programmable ammunition allows Tsitadel to use several times fewer rounds per target than conventional anti-aircraft guns. A company representative also claimed that the stationary system has intercepted drones and cruise missiles. In October, Russian media reported that it destroyed a Ukrainian Flamingo missile using two 30mm shells. These combat claims have not been independently verified. Tsitadel was first publicly displayed at a security forum near Moscow in May 2026. In September, Rostec presented it internationally for the first time at the El Alamein International Airshow in Egypt, targeting potential foreign buyers. The company is also reportedly evaluating further versions, including possible integration onto naval warships. The truck-mounted configuration provides another deployment option, allowing Russian forces to move air defence protection between locations.
Read More → Posted on 2026-11-06 15:49:45
U.S
Rock Island, Illinois, USA – The U.S. Army has selected 11 defence contractors, including MSM North America, a subsidiary of the Czechoslovak Group (CSG), for a $4.171 billion framework contract to modernize seven government-owned ammunition plants across the United States. Administered by Army Contracting Command–Rock Island, the five-year contract runs until November 4, 2031. The selected companies will compete for individual task orders covering new facility construction, production-line automation, commissioning and maintenance of existing industrial systems. The programme covers seven facilities: Holston Army Ammunition Plant in Tennessee (military explosives), Radford Army Ammunition Plant in Virginia (propellants), Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Missouri (small-calibre ammunition), Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, Scranton Army Ammunition Plant in Pennsylvania, Milan Army Ammunition Plant in Tennessee and the Quad City Cartridge Case Facility in Illinois. MSM North America Expands Its U.S. Army Partnership MSM North America is already constructing the Future Artillery Complex at Iowa Army Ammunition Plant under a separate contract worth up to $635 million. Construction began in July 2026, and the facility is expected to become operational in 2029. The facility is designed to load up to 36,000 rounds of 155 mm artillery ammunition per month. MSM North America says the project remains on schedule and within budget. The company plans to use the same technical expertise and management team when competing for additional work under the new framework. MSM North America CEO Jason Gaines said the selection strengthens the company's long-term partnership with the U.S. Army. He highlighted its experience working with the Army and technology partners on the Future Artillery Complex. Jan Marinov, CEO of CSG's Defence Systems division, highlighted the group's ammunition manufacturing experience and vertically integrated production capabilities, covering the process from energetic materials to finished ammunition. The Army received 11 bids and selected all 11 companies for the contractor pool. Individual task orders will determine the specific projects, locations and funding. The programme is part of the U.S. Army's wider effort to modernize its ammunition industrial base, expand domestic production capacity and strengthen military ammunition supply chains.
Read More → Posted on 2026-11-06 15:40:50
India
Bengaluru, – Indian defence technology company Tonbo Imaging India Limited has proposed establishing a High-Power Microwave (HPM) manufacturing facility in Bengaluru and a dedicated 130-acre testing centre in Vijayapura district, Karnataka. The expansion aims to strengthen the company's capabilities in directed-energy weapons and advanced counter-drone technologies. The company has sought five acres of land in Bengaluru's Information Technology Investment Region (ITIR) Phase 2 for research, development and manufacturing of HPM systems. It has also requested 130 acres at Mulwada Industrial Area in Vijayapura for testing, evaluation, field trials and demonstrations of its defence technologies. The proposed Vijayapura centre will support testing of next-generation directed-energy technologies, particularly systems designed to counter individual drones and drone swarms. It will provide facilities for field trials and demonstrations before the systems are delivered to customers. Focus on WaveStrike High-Power Microwave Technology Tonbo Imaging has been expanding its work in directed-energy weapons. Its product portfolio includes WaveStrike, a third-generation High-Power Microwave system that uses Multi-Beam Klystron (MBK) technology. The system is designed to use concentrated microwave energy to disable electronic components in drones and disrupt enemy radars and other electronic systems. It is also designed to counter autonomous drones that operate without GPS. HPM technology offers a non-kinetic approach to counter-drone operations. Instead of destroying targets with conventional ammunition, it uses electromagnetic energy to disrupt or damage their electronic systems. Tonbo Imaging has also secured an Indian Navy contract under the ADITI 3.0 initiative to integrate and commission an HPM system for naval platforms. The programme is supported by the Ministry of Defence's iDEX initiative and Defence Innovation Organisation. Production units are planned following successful development, validation and acceptance. Karnataka Government Support The proposals were discussed during a meeting between Tonbo Imaging representatives and Karnataka Industries Minister M.B. Patil. The minister assured the company of government support and coordination with the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) and other departments, subject to applicable regulations. The company has not announced a specific investment amount for the two proposed facilities. Both projects are awaiting land-allocation procedures and necessary administrative approvals. The expansion is part of Karnataka's broader effort to attract defence and aerospace manufacturing investments beyond Bengaluru. On the same day, UK-based Martin-Baker announced a proposed ₹380 crore investment for an aircraft ejection seat manufacturing facility in Karnataka. Overall, the proposed facilities would expand Tonbo Imaging's domestic capabilities in HPM weapons, electronic warfare and counter-drone technologies, while adding dedicated infrastructure for manufacturing and testing in Karnataka.
Read More → Posted on 2026-11-06 15:05:16
Europe
Paris Nord Villepinte, France – French defence technology company HGH has secured an order for three SPYNEL-F panoramic infrared cameras from the French Navy, marking the second phase of an ongoing programme to evaluate advanced thermal surveillance technology for maritime operations. Announced on November 5, 2026, the procurement was facilitated through the innovation office of the Navy General Staff. HGH will work with the French Maritime Gendarmerie to test the systems across different vessels and operational conditions before any potential wider deployment. The order follows successful trials conducted in January 2026 aboard a French Maritime Gendarmerie patrol vessel. Following the evaluation, SPYNEL-F received the PERSEUS label, a recognition awarded through a joint initiative of the French Navy and the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA). The award ceremony took place on November 4 during Euronaval 2026. SPYNEL-F Thermal Camera Capabilities The SPYNEL-F belongs to HGH's family of panoramic infrared surveillance systems. It is designed for continuous maritime monitoring and weighs approximately 3 kg, making it suitable for installation on both large warships and smaller vessels, including unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). The system uses an uncooled Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) sensor to produce 1.5-megapixel thermal images at a 30 Hz frame rate. It provides a 180-degree horizontal field of view and a 45-degree vertical field of view, supported by integrated digital image stabilization. The camera is fully passive and emits no electromagnetic radiation, making it difficult to detect through electronic emissions. Its design also eliminates the need for a mechanical gyrostabilization platform. Combined with HGH's CYCLOPE software and GAIA artificial intelligence, SPYNEL-F can automatically detect, track and classify air and surface targets. According to HGH's specifications, detection ranges reach 400 metres for humans and 900 metres for vehicles and rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs). French Navy to Conduct Further Operational Trials The three newly ordered cameras will be evaluated across different operational profiles, including search and rescue (SAR) missions. Their ability to detect objects and people in complete darkness and challenging weather conditions, including rain, heat and cold, will be assessed. Following the initial patrol vessel trial, HGH also plans to test SPYNEL-F on four different vessel types to examine its interoperability across maritime platforms. The system is intended to support navigation, improve situational awareness and help detect people who have fallen overboard. HGH CEO Vincent Leboucher said the second phase of experimentation reflects the company's commitment to developing compact infrared surveillance systems that meet the operational requirements of security and defence forces. The announcement coincides with Euronaval 2026, taking place from November 3 to 6 at Paris Nord Villepinte. HGH is displaying its SPYNEL-F and other infrared surveillance technologies at Booth C87, Hall 6.
Read More → Posted on 2026-11-06 15:01:53
World
Seoul, South Korea – South Korea has selected Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky S-92A+ for its next-generation presidential helicopter fleet under the Presidential Helicopter II (Command Helicopter-II) programme. The decision was announced on November 6, 2026, following approval by the 179th Defense Projects Promotion Committee. The programme has a total budget of approximately 873 billion won and covers the acquisition of four helicopters. The new aircraft are expected to enter service from 2031, replacing the three S-92 helicopters that the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) has operated for presidential transport since 2007. Domestic Integration and Technology Upgrades South Korea’s Korea Aviation Engineering & Maintenance Service (KAEMS), a subsidiary of Korea Aerospace Industries, will carry out mission equipment installation in South Korea for three of the four helicopters. The agreement also includes specialised mission equipment, spare parts, on-site technical support and long-term maintenance services. The S-92A+ is an upgraded version of the existing S-92. It features improved General Electric engines designed to deliver better performance in high-temperature and high-altitude conditions, along with a new Phase IV main gearbox. The upgraded gearbox includes an auxiliary lubrication system that provides additional protection if the primary lubrication system fails, giving the crew more time to reach a safe landing location. These improvements, combined with structural upgrades, increase the helicopter's maximum gross weight and provide approximately 1,200 pounds of additional useful load compared with earlier configurations. This allows operators to carry more fuel or a heavier payload, depending on mission requirements. S-92 Global Operations and Production The S-92 platform has accumulated more than 2.6 million flight hours across its global fleet, with an average lifetime availability rate above 90%. More than 300 aircraft have been delivered to operators in 28 countries. The platform also serves as the basis for the US Marine Corps' VH-92A Patriot, which performs presidential transport missions. In South Korea, S-92 helicopters are also used by the Korea Coast Guard for search-and-rescue operations and by the National Fire Agency for firefighting and emergency response. Sikorsky is expanding S-92A+ production at its facilities in Stratford, Connecticut, and Owego, New York, with an annual production capacity of up to 12 helicopters. Wonik Lee, Lockheed Martin's South Korea country executive, welcomed the selection, saying the S-92A+ would build on the South Korean Air Force's long experience with the platform and continue supporting presidential transport with safety and reliability. The selection also extends the defence partnership between South Korea and Lockheed Martin, which spans more than 70 years and includes Black Hawk, Seahawk and S-92 helicopter programmes. Other candidates considered during the selection process included the Airbus H225M, Leonardo AW101 and Bell 525.
Read More → Posted on 2026-11-06 14:57:29
Europe
Stockholm, Sweden – Swedish defence company Saab has signed a SEK 2 billion contract with France’s Naval Group to supply and integrate weapon control systems, sensors and weapons for Sweden’s four new FDI frigates, which will form the Luleå class. Deliveries to Naval Group are scheduled between 2027 and 2034. Saab will also be responsible for integrating the equipment into the frigates during their construction. Weapons and Sensors for Four Frigates Under the agreement, Saab will supply its Weapon Control System, Ceros fire control director and EOS 500 electro-optical tracking system. The frigates will also receive several weapons, including the RBS15 anti-ship missile, Saab Lightweight Torpedo and Trackfire Remote Weapon Station. For surveillance and target tracking, Saab will provide its Sea Giraffe 1X, a lightweight, multi-mission 3D radar. Together, these systems will strengthen the frigates' ability to detect and engage surface and underwater threats. Saab's Naval business area head, Mats Wicksell, said the contract would equip Swedish ships with advanced domestic defence technology. He added that the integrated systems would help the Swedish Navy detect, deter and respond to threats above and below the surface, including evolving asymmetric threats. Sweden's Four New FDI Frigates The four ships will be named HSwMS Luleå, HSwMS Norrköping, HSwMS Trelleborg and HSwMS Halmstad. Sweden selected Naval Group's FDI design in 2026 to accelerate the modernisation of its surface fleet. The main procurement contract between the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and Naval Group was signed on August 31, 2026, with the programme valued at approximately €4.3 billion. Construction of the first frigate, FDI Luleå, began with a steel-cutting ceremony at Naval Group's Lorient shipyard on October 1, 2026. The first ship is scheduled for delivery in 2030, with the remaining three to follow by 2034. The FDI design is already being produced for the French and Greek navies. Sweden's programme will combine the French-built ship platform and combat architecture with selected Swedish weapons, sensors and control systems supplied by Saab. The contract strengthens Saab's role in Sweden's naval modernisation programme while ensuring that the four new frigates receive domestically developed weapons and sensor technologies.
Read More → Posted on 2026-11-06 14:51:21
Europe
Paris, France – ArianeGroup has presented a naval version of its B-STRIKE 1000 ballistic missile at Euronaval 2026, proposing a potential long-range anti-ship capability for European navies. The concept is based on the land-based B-STRIKE programme, developed with Thales and Soframe to strengthen Europe's long-range strike capabilities. The B-STRIKE family was first unveiled at Eurosatory 2026. It includes proposed variants with ranges from several hundred kilometres to approximately 2,500 km. The B-STRIKE 1000 is a single-stage missile with an expected apogee of around 120 km and a flight time of less than 10 minutes. 1,000 km Range and Manoeuvrable Warhead The naval variant retains an estimated 1,000 km range and uses a Maneuverable Reentry Vehicle (MaRV). It is designed to make trajectory corrections during flight, complicating interception by ship-based air defence systems. Its stated terminal accuracy is less than 10 metres, with terminal speeds exceeding Mach 5. The guidance system is designed to resist GNSS jamming. Satellite-based maritime tracking data would support mid-course targeting, while an onboard seeker would provide terminal guidance. The concept references space-based radio-frequency detection technology similar to that used by French company Unseenlabs, which tracks ships, including vessels without active AIS transmissions. The missile would also retain land-attack capabilities against infrastructure and hardened targets. Its proposed multi-function warhead supports airburst and delayed-detonation modes. Naval Launch Options and Chinese Comparison ArianeGroup has proposed launching the missile from future 25-inch vertical launch system (VLS) cells or deck-mounted launchers derived from its land-based version. The latter could potentially replace existing Exocet anti-ship missile launchers. Another option involves integration with hydrofoil unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for discreet and rapid deployment in coastal waters. ArianeGroup has indicated potential interest in this concept from Nordic countries. The proposed missile draws comparisons with China's YJ-20 anti-ship ballistic missile, publicly displayed during Beijing's military parade on September 3, 2025. It is reported to equip the Chinese Navy's Type 052D destroyers and Type 055 cruisers. At Euronaval 2026, MBDA is also presenting naval applications for its deep-strike weapons, including the DELUGE one-way effector, Naval Cruise Missile (NCM) and STRATUS-RS supersonic cruise missile. Together, these systems could provide complementary strike capabilities against heavily defended targets, alongside Europe's broader response to Chinese anti-ship weapons such as the YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19 and YJ-20. Development Depends on French Defence Funding The B-STRIKE programme has so far been self-funded by its industrial partners. ArianeGroup is ready to develop a demonstrator and begin flight testing once it receives a contract from France's Directorate General of Armaments (DGA). France's military programming plans include studies and funding for a conventional land-attack ballistic missile with a range of approximately 2,500 km, targeting initial operational capability in the mid-2030s. However, development of the B-STRIKE family, including its naval variant, will depend on government contracts and available defence funding. The Euronaval presentation represents a proposed capability, not an operational anti-ship ballistic missile.
Read More → Posted on 2026-11-05 16:51:04
Space & Technology
Lincoln, UK – British defence startup Shield Space is developing autonomous satellite swarms to protect Western satellites from potential threats in orbit. Founded in 2025 by Graeme Ritchie and Dan Molland, the company plans to deploy groups of up to 100 microwave-sized CubeSats from larger orbital carriers. These small spacecraft would operate with limited ground control and remain functional even if communication with Earth is disrupted. The project responds to growing concerns about close approaches by foreign satellites. In May 2026, four Russian military satellites reportedly approached ICEYE-X36, a commercial radar satellite supporting Ukraine. In October, another Russian satellite passed within approximately 500 metres of the same spacecraft. Such encounters raise concerns about possible jamming, laser interference and other threats to critical satellites. Autonomous Satellite Defence System Shield Space is exploring defensive countermeasures, including lasers, microwaves and kinetic standoff techniques. CEO Graeme Ritchie estimates that deploying 100 defensive CubeSats could cost less than £100 million (approximately $134 million), roughly the price of a single traditional satellite. The company's first orbital demonstration, Project Broadsword, is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2027 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 on the Transporter-21 rideshare mission. Satellite manufacturer EnduroSat will build the 8U CubeSat, equipped with chemical propulsion and imaging capabilities. It will approach a smaller 3U target spacecraft, demonstrating rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO). The test aims to bring the two spacecraft from approximately 100 kilometres apart to within 100 metres. The mission will test four stages of autonomy, progressing from human-in-the-loop supervision towards nearly fully autonomous operation. Shield Space has completed the mission's critical design review and aims to offer customers an integrated satellite, launch, software and operations package within nine months of contract signing. Future Plans and Technical Challenges Following Broadsword, the company plans to develop larger 16U CubeSats, followed by carriers capable of deploying 10 satellites. Its longer-term vision involves multiple carriers operating across different orbits, creating what Ritchie calls a space-based carrier strike capability. Shield Space raised £2 million in early 2026, led by the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II through Mercia Ventures, with participation from other investors. The funding supports recruitment, facilities and the first orbital demonstration. The company has also launched the UK Space Superiority Coalition with other British space firms to advance autonomy, propulsion, space-domain awareness and defensive technologies. However, significant technical challenges remain. CubeSats face strict size, weight and power limitations, restricting their propulsion, sensors and onboard computing. Developing reliable AI autonomy also requires large amounts of operational data, which is difficult to reproduce through laboratory simulations alone. Bleddyn Bowen, an astropolitics professor at Durham University, compared the concept with the Cold War-era Brilliant Pebbles interceptor programme. He also highlighted the need for careful development to prevent hazardous orbital debris and secure long-term financial commitments from defence customers. If Project Broadsword succeeds, Shield Space could advance the development of smaller, lower-cost autonomous systems for protecting military and commercial satellites in contested orbits.
Read More → Posted on 2026-11-05 16:43:56
General Atomics Secures Contract to Supply Key Components for U.S. Army and Navy Hypersonic Missiles
U.S
San Diego, – General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has secured a multiyear subcontract from Leidos to manufacture critical components for the U.S. Army and Navy's Common-Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB). The agreement covers production work through 2031. Under the contract, GA-EMS will manufacture precision-machined metal parts, structural subassemblies and electrical cable assemblies, including cables for the Elevon Control Module, which operates the glide body's flight-control surfaces. The company will use specialised machining equipment, skilled technicians and inspection processes to meet required design and quality standards. The work supports the joint U.S. Army and Navy hypersonic weapons programme. Leidos' wider $2.7 billion contract, announced in May 2026, combines the C-HGB and Thermal Protection System (TPS) programmes under a single framework to streamline development and support the transition towards production. Supporting Dark Eagle and Conventional Prompt Strike The shared C-HGB is designed for the Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), known as Dark Eagle, and the Navy's Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) programme. After acceleration by a rocket booster, the glide body separates and travels towards its target at speeds above Mach 5, while manoeuvring during flight. The Army's Dark Eagle has an estimated operational range of more than 2,775 kilometres. The two programmes are intended to provide long-range conventional strike capabilities from land-based launchers, ships and submarines. Previous Experience and Production Work GA-EMS previously manufactured prototype glide-body subassemblies and supplied hardware and cables for the programme's successful 2020 flight test. The new agreement extends this experience into component production. GA-EMS President Scott Forney said the contract builds on the company's prototype manufacturing and flight-test experience. Vice President of Weapons Programs Mike Rucker highlighted its expertise in precision-machined parts, structural components and cable assemblies, providing continuity in electrical and mechanical manufacturing. The company will use its existing workforce and manufacturing resources within the U.S. defence industrial base to complete the work. The financial value of the GA-EMS subcontract and specific delivery quantities have not been disclosed. The agreement supports the continued development and production of hypersonic weapon components for both the U.S. Army and Navy.
Read More → Posted on 2026-11-05 16:38:39
India
New Delhi, – Pune-based Artemon Aerospace & Infra Pvt. Ltd. has showcased its long-range delta-wing UAV to the Indian Navy at Swavlamban 2026, held in New Delhi on October 26–27. The platform is designed for strategic surveillance and precision strike missions, with an operational range of up to 1,000 km. Listed as VAJRASTRA, the one-way attack unmanned aerial system uses a flying-wing configuration. It supports rocket-assisted take-off (RATO) and catapult launches, allowing deployment without conventional runways. Its navigation system is designed to operate in GNSS-denied environments using optical and inertial navigation. The company also highlighted beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) control and secure communication capabilities. Artemon displayed other systems, including precision loitering munitions with ranges of up to 100 km, tactical payloads and multi-barrel launchers designed for land and aerial operations. Senior defence officials, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General N. S. Raja Subramani, Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth, visited the company's exhibition stall. Discussions covered technical design, system integration and deployment options. The company's development activities have received support through the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) programme and the Indian Navy's Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC). Artemon has also demonstrated canister-launched loitering munitions under iDEX Open Challenge 6. Several of its platforms are currently undergoing trials and testing. The exhibition highlighted Artemon's efforts to develop indigenous unmanned systems for India's defence requirements, particularly long-range surveillance and strike capabilities.
Read More → Posted on 2026-11-05 16:36:02
U.S
WASHINGTON – The Pentagon has delivered more than 25,000 unmanned and counter-drone systems to U.S. forces in the Middle East this year under a $782 million initiative, as the United States expands its autonomous warfare capabilities. The deployment includes more than 1,300 one-way attack drones, over 100 unmanned surface and underwater vessels, and more than 24,000 counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) designed to protect deployed forces against hostile drones. The deliveries are managed by the Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Unmanned Systems (DRPM-UxS), established in July to accelerate drone development and procurement. It coordinates with Joint Interagency Task Force 401, the War Department Innovation Unit and the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group. Joint Interagency Task Force 401 is responsible for fielding counter-drone systems. DRPM-UxS Director Owen West said the initiative focuses on providing affordable systems that meet current battlefield requirements. The Pentagon plans to expand similar deployments to the Indo-Pacific and Europe. Project Agincourt to Establish Autonomous Warfare Command In September, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth expanded the office's mission through Project Agincourt. Led by Owen West and Navy SEAL Senior Chief Max Strasiser, the initiative is preparing to establish the Autonomous Warfare Command (Autowarcom). The proposed four-star functional combatant command will oversee unmanned and autonomous warfare across the U.S. joint force. An open letter to industry partners set October 1, 2027, as the target date for becoming operational. Its objective is to connect technology development directly with military operations for faster adaptation to battlefield requirements. Pentagon Invests Over $6 Billion in Drone Production Over the past year, the Department of War has invested more than $6 billion in unmanned systems across air, land and maritime domains. A four-stage procurement programme aims to encourage U.S. manufacturers to produce approximately 300,000 low-cost drones. The programme includes: Phase One: Completed in July, with 12 vendors producing 30,000 drones at a target price of $5,000 each, worth $150 million. Phase Two: Scheduled to finish in January 2027, involving 10 vendors and approximately 60,000 drones at the same target price. Phase Four: Planned for January 2028, targeting an increase in cumulative orders from 30,000 to 150,000 drones while reducing the target unit price to $2,300. The strategy aims to provide manufacturers with predictable demand so they can expand production capacity and reduce costs. Separately, the Pentagon's Office of Strategic Capital announced a $450 million conditional loan commitment to California-based Neros Technologies. The funding will support vertically integrated drone manufacturing, with the company targeting production capacity of one million drones annually. The combined initiatives reflect the Pentagon's growing focus on affordable, mass-produced autonomous systems and faster procurement across the U.S. military.
Read More → Posted on 2026-11-05 16:23:52
Europe
Upinniemi, Finland – The Finnish Navy and defence company Patria demonstrated coordinated autonomous systems operating across sea and air domains on November 5, 2026. The event also included the announcement of a new Unmanned Systems Company within the Navy’s Coastal Brigade, scheduled to be established in early 2027. The demonstration featured Patria’s mission management system, which connects different unmanned platforms into a coordinated multi-domain swarm. The systems successfully completed an assigned mission while being remotely controlled from two separate locations in Finland. The swarm included an unmanned surface vessel (USV), a lightweight fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a Patria ONE quadcopter. The surface vessel was equipped with Patria’s modular autonomy kit, designed for installation on sufficiently modern vessels. The Patria ONE quadcopter was launched directly from the aft deck of a Finnish Navy Jehu-class combat vessel. These platforms are designed for surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance. They can also operate in a one-way configuration, carrying warheads for direct strikes. New Unmanned Systems Company in 2027 The new company will operate under the Coastal Brigade and train conscripts, military personnel and reservists to operate different unmanned systems. Conscription training will begin gradually throughout 2027. According to Coastal Brigade Commander Commodore Henri Lavi, the unit will participate in naval operations and cooperate with other military branches, defence industries and international partners. Its systems will cover operations on the surface, underwater, in the air and on land, including the challenging conditions of the northern Baltic Sea, from open waters to coastal and archipelago areas. Finnish Navy Commander Rear Admiral Tuomas Tiilikainen said the Navy plans to integrate unmanned systems into dedicated units or existing operational formations, including combat vessels and intelligence units. Patria's Autonomous Systems Development Patria has worked with the Finnish Defence Forces for several years to develop unmanned and autonomous capabilities. Mikko Leino, Executive Vice President of Patria’s Defence and Weapon Systems business area, described these technologies as an important part of the company's strategic partnership with the military. He also confirmed that Patria will continue investing in autonomous systems to strengthen its position in the European market. The demonstration and the formation of the new company are part of Finland's wider effort to integrate autonomous systems into naval defence and improve coordinated operations across multiple domains.
Read More → Posted on 2026-11-05 16:15:26
U.S
Sierra Nevada, California – A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter has recovered a stranded U.S. Navy MH-60S Seahawk from a remote mountainside in California’s Sierra Nevada. The operation took place in late September 2026 and involved lifting the nearly 16,000-pound helicopter from an elevation of approximately 10,000 feet. The MH-60S, assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 31 (VX-31), had made a hard landing but sustained no damage. However, the steep slope prevented it from taking off again. The remote location also made it difficult to bring ground crews and equipment to drain fuel and reduce the aircraft's weight. Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX-1) conducted the recovery using the CH-53K, which was considered the only aircraft capable of handling the required lift in the restrictive terrain. The Seahawk was transported to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake using a 70-foot external long-line. Special Lifting Arrangement Engineers from the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Cargo Lab and Structures Lab developed a specialised rigging configuration to prevent further damage. Instead of attaching a sling to the main rotor head, they used the MH-60S's built-in lifting points and designed hoisting sling. Only the main and tail rotor blades were removed for protection. Major Lee Henderson, the CH-53K pilot and mission planner, said the main challenge was performing the lift safely. The team combined established MH-60S crane-lifting procedures with the 70-foot long-line to ensure proper load distribution and obstacle clearance. Because the line was longer than standard military slings, it required additional testing. The Structures Lab tested a commercially available line up to 20,000 pounds using a crane at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. Testing and flight clearances were completed in less than two weeks. The operation also certified the CH-53K for using the longer line. The H-60 Fleet Support Team at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point provided technical guidance. CH-53K Operated Near Performance Limits The Seahawk's weight, 10,000-foot altitude, flight distance and weather conditions pushed the CH-53K close to its performance limits for power and fuel consumption. Aerospace engineer Michele Hoefer highlighted these challenges. Henderson credited the helicopter's fly-by-wire flight controls and onboard systems, which calculate available power in real time based on engine performance and environmental conditions, for providing the precision needed. The recovery was completed without further incident. The MH-60S was delivered to China Lake and is expected to return to flight operations without extensive maintenance. Previous CH-53K Recovery Mission VMX-1 conducted a similar recovery in September 2021, when two CH-53K helicopters lifted another Navy MH-60S from a 12,000-foot ridge on Mount Hogue in California's White Mountains. Built by Sikorsky, the CH-53K King Stallion is the largest helicopter in the U.S. military inventory. It is replacing the older CH-53E Super Stallion in Marine Corps heavy-lift squadrons. The aircraft has also undergone further external-load testing, including a July evaluation in which one CH-53K lifted another to prepare for helicopter recovery operations.
Read More → Posted on 2026-11-05 16:10:38
World
Pyongyang, North Korea – North Korea tested a newly developed surface-to-air missile (SAM) system on November 4, 2026, potentially providing clues about unidentified launchers displayed during its 2020 military parade. The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported the test on November 5. The DPRK Missile Administration conducted the test to verify the missile's technical specifications, material reliability and intelligent multi-mode guidance system. Engineers also evaluated its ability to detect, identify and track airborne targets, including the performance of its radar and detection-information processing equipment. Kim Jong-sik, a member of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Military Commission, supervised the test alongside missile administration and defence science officials. Kim Jong-un did not attend. North Korea has not disclosed the missile's designation or operational range. However, analysts examining released images have identified similarities between its guidance section and Russia's S-400 air defence system. The system was reportedly first publicly displayed in November 2025. Possible Connection to 2020 Missile Launchers The tested system's launcher shares design features with vehicles displayed during North Korea's military parade on October 10, 2020. Those wheeled vehicles carried four long transport-and-launch canisters. At the time, South Korean and US intelligence agencies examined the equipment. Analysts at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) noted that the canisters appeared more consistent with ground-launched cruise missiles than conventional air-defence weapons. The latest test suggests the 2020 vehicles may have been an earlier variant of a self-propelled surface-to-air missile system, although this connection remains unconfirmed. Cruise Missile Strike Drill on the Same Day South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff detected multiple missile launches from Sondok, South Hamgyong Province, towards the East Sea on November 4. The missiles travelled less than 300 kilometres. Initial assessments suggested that different missile types may have been involved, with further analysis continuing. Separately, a North Korean long-range strategic cruise missile unit conducted a strike drill against a simulated airport. KCNA reported that a missile hit the virtual target, while released images showed cluster munitions striking a simulated runway. These activities form part of North Korea's wider weapons development programme, which has recently included intermediate-range hypersonic missiles, precision-guided torpedoes, attack drones and cluster munitions. North Korea has also displayed a 22-tube launcher mounted on a three-axle chassis, which analysts believe could carry smaller surface-to-air or anti-tank missiles. The November 4 activities mark North Korea's fourth reported weapons-related launch within approximately one month, as the country continues efforts to improve its missile capabilities and ground-based air-defence network.
Read More → Posted on 2026-11-05 16:03:53
U.S
Washington, – The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $100 million military sale to Jordan covering up to 1,500 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) guided rockets and related equipment. The deal aims to strengthen Jordan’s air defence capabilities and protect U.S. military assets stationed in the country. The notification, Transmittal 26-95, was issued on November 2, 2026. Jordan has requested up to 1,500 WGU-59A/B or B/B Single Variant Block Upgrade guidance systems, which can be supplied as complete rounds or guidance sections. They can be configured for air-to-air, ground-to-air and air-to-ground missions. APKWS II Weapon and Equipment Package Developed by BAE Systems, the APKWS II converts standard unguided 2.75-inch (70 mm) Hydra rockets into laser-guided precision weapons. Its guidance section fits between the warhead and rocket motor, allowing engagement of moving and stationary targets. The proposed package includes Mk-152 high-explosive warheads, MK66 rocket motors, proximity fuzes, launchers, WTU-1/B practice warheads and inert MK66 motors. It also covers support equipment, technical documentation, transportation, engineering, training and logistical services. Jordan was the first international customer for APKWS. In 2015, the U.S. Navy and BAE Systems delivered 110 units for integration with Jordan's AC-235 light gunships. The latest request represents an additional acquisition. Strengthening Jordan's Air Defence The State Department said the sale supports U.S. security objectives by strengthening Jordan, a Major Non-NATO Ally and an important regional security partner. The additional weapons will support the Middle East Air Defense pillar of the Regional Security Construct, improving Jordan's ability to defend its airspace against current and future threats. They will also provide greater protection for U.S. military personnel and assets in Jordan while potentially reducing the need for sustained direct U.S. military support. The U.S. assessment states that Jordan can integrate the systems into its armed forces without difficulty. The sale is not expected to change the regional military balance or affect U.S. defence readiness. BAE Systems to Lead Production BAE Systems, Inc., based in Nashua, New Hampshire, will be the principal contractor. The U.S. Government is not aware of any proposed offset agreement. Any such arrangement would be decided through negotiations between Jordan and the company. The implementation will not require additional permanent U.S. personnel or contractor representatives in Jordan. Periodic visits will support programme reviews, maintenance, technical assistance and training. The proposed $100 million sale remains subject to congressional review and subsequent negotiations. It is not yet a completed purchase.
Read More → Posted on 2026-11-05 15:53:24Search
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