Europe
OXFORDSHIRE, UK — British engineering company MGI Engineering is preparing to make its TigerShark autonomous one-way strike system available from October 2026, following flight testing under the UK Ministry of Defence’s Project Brakestop. Based in Witney, Oxfordshire, MGI Engineering was founded by Mike Gascoyne, who has held senior technical positions with Formula 1 teams including McLaren, Renault and Toyota. The company developed TigerShark as a high-speed, long-range one-way effector for deep-strike missions. A one-way effector is designed to reach its target and deliver its payload without being recovered. MGI positions TigerShark as a lower-cost alternative to traditional long-range strike weapons, including systems such as Storm Shadow and Tomahawk. TigerShark specifications MGI states that TigerShark has a maximum speed of 750 km/h (466 mph) and a cruise speed of about 650 km/h. Its stated range is 900 km (559 miles) with a full payload, while the company has also reported flight testing at ranges exceeding 1,000 km under certain conditions. The system has a 300 kg modular payload bay, which can be configured for high-explosive or electronic-warfare payloads. Its empty mass is 170 kg, while its maximum take-off weight is 800 kg. TigerShark uses composite construction and includes a 3D-printed nose section containing the avionics bay. Propulsion is provided by two Argive A1100 turbojet engines. The system is launched from a land-based vehicle using rocket-assisted take-off, after which the turbojets provide sustained flight. The launcher is designed to support coordinated launches of multiple systems. MGI has stated a unit cost of approximately $549,000. Under Project Brakestop, the UK Ministry of Defence has set a target cost of around £400,000 excluding the warhead for systems developed under the programme. Autonomous operation in GPS-denied environments TigerShark is designed to operate without relying on GPS or GNSS signals. Its navigation system combines inertial navigation with GPS-free terrain mapping. The inertial navigation system tracks the aircraft's movement from a known starting point, while terrain mapping uses onboard sensor information and pre-loaded maps to help correct its position during flight. The autonomy system was developed with Auterion, which provides its open software-defined autonomy architecture, including the Skynode system. The open architecture is intended to allow third-party payloads, sensors and software upgrades to be integrated without requiring a complete redesign of the platform. Development and Project Brakestop MGI first publicly displayed TigerShark at the DSEI defence exhibition in London in September 2025. The system completed its first flight tests in April 2026. Auterion described the trials as the first successful European test of a system in this weight and range class in more than a decade. TigerShark is being developed under Project Brakestop, a UK Ministry of Defence programme focused on accelerating long-range autonomous strike systems. The programme requires participating systems to have a range of at least 500 km, a payload capacity of at least 225 kg, a speed above 600 km/h and production capacity of at least 20 units per month following an order. MGI received a development contract under the programme and displayed TigerShark at a Project Brakestop industry event in June 2026. The company is competing against MBDA UK's Crossbow and Rotron Aerospace's SkyLance. All three systems have completed flight trials at the UK's Hebrides Range. Production plans MGI plans to increase TigerShark production during the fourth quarter of 2026 and into 2027. The company says the system is manufactured entirely in the United Kingdom and is cleared for export licensing to allied nations. MGI is presenting TigerShark as a British-designed and manufactured option for long-range autonomous strike missions, with an emphasis on modularity, autonomous navigation and production at a lower unit cost than traditional cruise-missile programmes. The company has announced that TigerShark will become available from October 2026.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 16:36:14
India
BENGALURU — Larsen & Toubro’s Precision Engineering and Systems (PES) division unveiled two indigenous unmanned systems technologies, the VEDH Mk1 remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) and the CHANAKYA collaborative mission autonomy framework, during its Manthan: Drone Demo Day in Bengaluru on August 7. Organised under the L&T Innovation Fund, the event brought together 21 drone and uncrewed systems startups working on technologies for defence, infrastructure, logistics and public services. L&T said its focus is on developing and manufacturing components and related technologies and working with emerging companies rather than independently manufacturing complete drone platforms. VEDH Mk1 designed for high-altitude operations The VEDH Mk1 is a hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) RPAS designed to operate without a conventional runway. Its configuration allows deployment from confined or unprepared locations, including forward areas, high-altitude terrain and temporary operating bases. The aircraft is equipped with an electro-optical and infrared payload and a laser range finder for day-and-night intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. It can also support artillery observation and fire correction. L&T is offering the system with a containerised ground control station, command and data links, and transport and maintenance infrastructure. Its stated specifications include: Endurance: 6 hours or more Launch altitude: More than 4,000 metres above mean sea level Ceiling altitude: Up to 5,000 metres above mean sea level CHANAKYA enables coordinated unmanned operations L&T also introduced CHANAKYA, a decentralised collaborative mission autonomy framework designed to coordinate heterogeneous unmanned platforms, including aerial, ground, surface and underwater systems. The framework uses onboard intelligence to support coordinated missions without relying entirely on a central control system. Its functions include flocking, mission-level autonomy, inter-agent collision avoidance and coordinated area surveillance. CHANAKYA can allocate and reassign tasks between platforms during missions. Its video analytics capabilities can also combine target detection and tracking information from multiple platforms into a common operational picture. L&T has previously demonstrated the framework using multiple fixed-wing UAVs. During the trials, the aircraft took off, synchronised in flight, followed waypoints and operated as a coordinated group. The company said CHANAKYA has progressed beyond hardware-in-the-loop simulations and is now undergoing field validation in complex operational scenarios. L&T signs MoUs with technology startups The event also saw L&T sign several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with startups and technology partners working in areas including drone autonomy, AI-enabled navigation, propulsion, geospatial intelligence and energy systems. The partnerships are aimed at identifying deployment-ready technologies and supporting their integration across L&T’s businesses. Arun T. Ramchandani, Senior Vice President and Head of Precision Engineering & Systems at L&T, said the division is targeting approximately threefold revenue growth over the next five years. PES currently contributes around 3 per cent of L&T’s overall revenue. L&T reported revenue from operations of ₹2.86 trillion for the year ended March 31, 2026. The company is increasing its focus on high-value electronics, autonomous systems and advanced engineering solutions, with increased capital expenditure directed mainly toward new electronics manufacturing facilities. L&T also stated that production of 100 Teer drones for the Indian Air Force is underway. The company said the Manthan initiative is part of its broader effort to strengthen indigenous capabilities in unmanned systems by working with startups and technology developers.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 16:24:51
World
SURABAYA, Indonesia — Indonesia has begun physical construction of its first domestically built Scorpène Evolved submarine after PT PAL Indonesia cut the first steel plate at its Surabaya shipyard on August 7. The ceremony marked the start of construction of the lead submarine under the Scorpène Republik Indonesia (SRI) programme, which covers two Scorpène Evolved submarines equipped with full lithium-ion battery systems. The first submarine is scheduled for delivery in 2032, followed by the second in 2033. Construction of each boat is expected to take about 96 months. Programme Progress Overall programme completion has reached about 20.5 percent. This figure includes infrastructure preparation, technical qualification, workforce training and supply-chain arrangements completed before the steel-cutting ceremony. Indonesia selected Naval Group and PT PAL for the programme in March 2024, and the contract entered into force on July 23, 2025. The programme is valued at approximately €2.16 billion, or about US$2.49 billion. PT PAL President Director Kaharuddin Djenod said the programme is progressing according to plan and is intended to establish long-term Indonesian submarine construction expertise through technology transfer. Scorpène Evolved Specifications The Scorpène Evolved is a conventional diesel-electric attack submarine using a full lithium-ion battery configuration. The Indonesian variant is approximately 72 metres long and has a surfaced displacement of 1,600 to 2,000 tonnes. It has a submerged speed of more than 20 knots and a diving depth exceeding 300 metres. The submarine has more than 12 days of submerged autonomy and more than 78 days of overall autonomy on an 80-day mission. It is designed for a crew of 31 and has six weapon tubes with a total payload of 18 weapons. The submarine will use the SUBTICS combat management system. Construction and Technology Transfer Both submarines will be built entirely in Indonesia. PT PAL is responsible for hull construction, equipment integration, final assembly, testing and delivery. Naval Group is providing the design, specialised components and engineering support. Its permanent team in Surabaya is expected to reach around 50 experts. More than 400 Indonesian engineers are being trained in France in submarine construction, integration, certification and maintenance. Indonesian welders have also completed specialised training and qualification activities in France. An Indonesian Navy task force is training in France with the French Navy and Naval Group. The programme includes crew training, maintenance preparation, operational doctrine and command integration. Specialised support for the programme comes from Naval Group facilities in France. Cherbourg provides submarine hull and platform expertise, while Lorient and Nantes-Indret contribute propulsion and battery expertise. The SUBTICS combat management system is associated with Naval Group's centre in Ollioules. Industrial Development The programme represents a more demanding construction task for PT PAL than its previous Type 209-class submarine work. It requires qualified welding processes, submarine hull construction expertise and strict requirements for acoustic management and system integration. PT PAL's facilities are being developed to support construction and future maintenance, repair and overhaul activities for Scorpène submarines. The programme is expected to create around 2,250 jobs across construction, support and long-term maintenance. It forms Phase II of Indonesia's National Submarine Technology Mastery Programme. Indonesia aims to develop greater domestic capability for major submarine overhauls by around 2030, while its longer-term objective is to develop the ability to design, build and potentially export its own submarines between 2042 and 2050. Any future sale of the submarines or related services to third countries would require additional agreements and is not automatically covered by the current contract. The August 7 steel-cutting ceremony moves the SRI programme from preparation and qualification activities into physical submarine construction, with hull fabrication, equipment integration, testing and further workforce development now forming the next stages before delivery of the first boat in 2032.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 16:20:26
U.S
ARLINGTON, Virginia — The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking industry concepts for a new generation of hypersonic cruise missile designed to combine speeds above Mach 5 with lower development and production costs. DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office issued a Request for Information (RFI) on August 7 for the Next Generation Hypersonic Cruise Missile (NGHCM). The agency is looking for an air-breathing weapon that can fly faster than Mach 5 and can be produced efficiently at scale. Responses are due by October 6. DARPA also plans to hold an industry day in September in Arlington, Virginia, to provide additional technical information and discuss the program with interested organizations. An RFI does not award a contract or guarantee funding. It allows the government to collect industry input while developing potential technical requirements and acquisition plans. Focus on Air-Breathing Hypersonic Technology The NGHCM is planned as an air-breathing hypersonic cruise missile rather than a boost-glide weapon. The concept would use oxygen from the atmosphere during flight instead of carrying an oxidizer. DARPA is seeking concepts based on scramjet propulsion. Scramjets compress incoming air at supersonic speeds and use it to support combustion of fuel. The agency is also asking industry to consider different missile sizes and launch methods. Concepts could include weapons small enough for fighter aircraft weapons bays, as well as larger versions for bombers, naval ships or ground launchers. The primary objective is to develop a weapon capable of operating against advanced integrated air defense systems (IADS), which combine radars, surface-to-air missiles and fighter aircraft. Building on the HAWC Program The NGHCM effort builds on DARPA's previous Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) program, conducted with the U.S. Air Force. HAWC focused on technologies for air-breathing hypersonic flight, including scramjet propulsion, vehicle design and thermal management. In January 2023, a Lockheed Martin-built HAWC vehicle completed its final flight test. DARPA reported that it exceeded Mach 5, reached an altitude above 60,000 feet and traveled more than 300 nautical miles. The work later continued through More Opportunities with HAWC (MoHAWC), which involved further development and flight testing of technologies from Raytheon and Northrop Grumman. HAWC technology also contributed to the Air Force's Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) program led by Raytheon. Cost and Production Challenges DARPA's new effort places strong emphasis on manufacturing from the beginning of development. The agency wants companies to apply Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) principles so that future weapons can be produced more efficiently instead of relying on expensive prototypes that are difficult to manufacture in larger numbers. The RFI asks industry to explore new propulsion technologies, heat-resistant materials and testing methods that could reduce development time and production costs. DARPA is also encouraging partnerships between major defense contractors and smaller or non-traditional companies, including universities and government laboratories. The approach reflects challenges faced by existing U.S. hypersonic programs, including HACM. A July 2026 Government Accountability Office report said HACM's flight-testing plan had been reduced from seven tests to five, while its initial operational capability target had moved to fiscal year 2029. The report also said development costs were approaching $2 billion. The Air Force has also provided funding for the earlier AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) as another path while hypersonic development continues. Next Steps DARPA will use responses to the RFI to assess available technologies and help shape potential technical requirements and acquisition plans. The September industry day in Arlington will provide additional information to interested organizations, while responses to the RFI are due October 6. The NGHCM remains at the information-gathering and technology-development stage. DARPA has not awarded a production contract through the RFI. The program is focused on finding an air-breathing hypersonic cruise missile approach that can achieve Mach 5-plus speeds while addressing development time, manufacturing efficiency and production cost.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 16:13:49
Europe
ÖRNSKÖLDSVIK, Sweden — BAE Systems is expanding production capacity at its Hägglunds facility in northern Sweden to meet rising European demand for its CV90 infantry fighting vehicles and BvS10 all-terrain vehicles. Tom Arseneault, President and CEO of BAE Systems Inc., outlined the production outlook during the company’s first-half 2026 earnings call. He said both vehicle programmes are contributing to the company’s growing order backlog in Sweden and its Platforms & Services business. “Our CV90 and BvS10 combat vehicles are in high demand across a number of European customers,” Arseneault said. Production capacity expanding Hägglunds expects to produce almost 300 combat vehicles in 2026 and more than 400 in 2027. The planned expansion represents an increase of about 400% in production capacity compared with previous levels. BAE Systems has invested more than $300 million at the Örnsköldsvik facility over several years, with additional investment planned. The expansion includes new assembly and welding lines, increased testing and verification capacity, a logistics centre, an integration and inspection facility, and additional office space. The workforce has also expanded significantly, from about 750–800 employees several years ago to approximately 2,600. Growing European orders The production increase is supported by orders from several European customers. Hägglunds is producing CV90 vehicles for countries including Sweden, Denmark, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, while BvS10 programmes involve Sweden, Germany and the United Kingdom. BAE Systems rolled out the first Slovak CV9035 MkIV at Hägglunds in February 2026. Slovakia has ordered 152 CV90 vehicles. The company is also working with European industrial partners on production and assembly activities for its vehicle programmes. Five-country CV90 programme The planned production figures for 2027 do not include a separate multinational CV90 procurement programme that remains under negotiation. The current initiative involves Sweden, Finland, Norway, Lithuania and the Netherlands. Estonia was previously part of the six-country technical agreement but withdrew from the planned new CV90 procurement in April 2026. The programme is based on the CV90 MkIV and could involve more than 400 additional vehicles. BAE Systems submitted its best and final offer in June 2026, with contract negotiations continuing and contract completion expected during 2026. Deliveries are planned to begin in 2028, subject to the procurement being finalised. BAE Systems Hägglunds has already carried out preparatory work to support production if the order is confirmed. Contribution to BAE Systems' European business Hägglunds and Bofors are also contributing to stronger results in BAE Systems’ Platforms & Services business. Chief Financial Officer Brad Greve said Platforms & Services sales increased 12% in the first half of 2026, while sales from Hägglunds and Bofors increased by nearly 30%, driven by European demand. BAE Systems Chief Executive Charles Woodburn has identified Hägglunds, Bofors, MBDA and Eurofighter among the businesses supporting the company’s growth in Europe. The combination of increased production, existing CV90 and BvS10 programmes and the potential five-country CV90 order gives Hägglunds further production opportunities. Arseneault described the Swedish business as having “some really good, strong growth potential” beyond its current performance.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 15:50:14
World
HSINCHU, Taiwan — The Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) deployed its Antelope short-range air defense system at Hsinchu Air Base during the Han Kuang 42 military exercises, as Taiwanese forces practiced maintaining air operations after a simulated People’s Liberation Army (PLA) missile strike. The drill combined emergency runway repair, short-range air defense and rapid rearmament of Mirage 2000-5 fighter aircraft. Antelope Provides Local Air Defense The Antelope system, developed by Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), was deployed to protect personnel repairing the simulated runway damage. The mobile system is mounted on a 4x4 tactical vehicle and carries four Tien Chien I (Sky Sword I) infrared-guided surface-to-air missiles. It uses a short-range search and tracking radar together with electro-optical and infrared sensors. The missiles have an effective engagement range of approximately 9 kilometers. The system can be operated from the vehicle or through a remote control console positioned up to 70 meters away. Developed from the Tien Chien I missile program in the 1990s, the Antelope has been in service for more than 20 years and is used to provide short-range protection for air bases and other important installations. Emergency Runway Repair After the simulated missile strike, engineering personnel practiced restoring the damaged runway. An excavator created a mock crater before a dump truck filled it with gravel. A grader then leveled the material, followed by a bulldozer placing fiberglass expeditionary runway matting over the repaired section. Engineers also used drones and heavy equipment to assess the simulated damage. The ROCAF's requirement is for the complete process, from crater mapping and damage assessment to runway restoration, to be completed within four hours. The exercise tested the ability to continue operating from an air base after a runway has been damaged by an attack. Mirage 2000-5 Rapid Rearmament While the runway repair was underway, Mirage 2000-5 fighters from the 2nd Tactical Fighter Wing conducted rapid rearmament and emergency takeoff drills. Ground crews worked in four-person teams to install R.550 Magic air-to-air missiles on the fighters, while loaders were used to equip the aircraft with MICA missiles. Two Mirage 2000 fighters configured for air defense carried two MICA missiles, two R.550 Magic missiles and two external fuel tanks. After receiving an order from the Joint Air Operations Center, the aircraft became airborne within approximately five to six minutes. Han Kuang 42 Exercise The activities at Hsinchu were part of Taiwan’s annual Han Kuang 42 military exercises, which began on August 5 and are scheduled to run for 10 days and nine nights. The Hsinchu scenario linked runway damage assessment and repair with local air defense and the rapid return of armed fighter aircraft to the air. The exercise was intended to practice the sequence from a simulated enemy strike through runway restoration and the launch of fighters. The deployment of the Antelope system provided protection for the personnel carrying out the emergency repairs while the base worked to restore its ability to support air operations.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 14:46:40
World
MOSCOW, Russia — Russia is expanding its Rassvet low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications constellation, developed by Bureau 1440, with 32 production satellites now launched in two batches. The network is intended to provide broadband communications for civilian users, but Russian officials have also linked the project to future military communications and the control of unmanned systems. Bureau 1440 says Rassvet is being developed to provide broadband connectivity for aircraft, ships, ground vehicles and other users. The company is targeting data rates of up to 1 Gbit/s per user terminal and latency of less than 70 milliseconds. The military relevance of the network has increased as Russia seeks an independent satellite communications capability for operations involving drones and other systems operating beyond direct line of sight. Rassvet Moves Into Production Bureau 1440 began the Rassvet program with three experimental satellites launched in 2023. Three additional Rassvet-2 spacecraft were launched in 2024 to test technologies for the future production constellation. The company also demonstrated satellite communications using its own user terminal and tested laser communications between spacecraft. The transition to production began on March 23, 2026, when a Soyuz-2.1b rocket launched 16 Rassvet satellites from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. Bureau 1440 subsequently launched another 16 satellites on July 19, with the company confirming on July 20 that the second group had been placed into orbit. The first production group has not yet provided continuous coverage. Orbital analysis cited in the supplied data indicates that it provides at least two stable communication windows over Ukraine each day, with individual windows lasting more than an hour. The planned constellation is considerably larger. Russian plans call for commercial operations from 2027, with the network expanding toward several hundred satellites before eventually reaching more than 900 spacecraft. Earlier targets included about 156 satellites by the end of 2026. Bureau 1440's project has also received substantial Russian state backing. The supplied project figures include about 102.8 billion rubles from the federal budget under the Data Economy program, while Bureau 1440 has planned additional investment of around 329 billion rubles through 2030. Military Use Is Part of the Project's Plans Although Rassvet is officially presented as a civilian broadband network, Russian political and military officials have discussed military applications. In June 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin linked the Bureau 1440 project with the future operation of heavy drones. Russian planning also calls for expanding the country's drone fleet and moving the satellite communications system toward commercial operation in 2027. For military users, the important feature is the ability to maintain communications beyond the range of conventional line-of-sight links. The network could support the transmission of video and telemetry, communication with unmanned aircraft and changes to mission information while a platform is operating away from its control station. The extent to which these capabilities will be integrated into Russian operational systems will depend on the number of satellites, availability of terminals and the development of supporting ground infrastructure. Bureau 1440's user terminals are reported to measure up to 60 cm on each side, weigh less than 15 kg and support bandwidth of up to 1 Gbit/s. They are designed to operate between –40°C and +40°C. Ukraine's Experience Shows the Importance of Satellite Links Ukraine's use of Starlink has demonstrated how satellite communications can support drone operations over distances beyond conventional radio links. Ukrainian unmanned systems have used satellite communications for missions against Russian logistics, air-defense systems, radar installations, electronic warfare equipment and other targets. Between January and July 2026, Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces reported striking 236 Russian anti-aircraft systems, radar stations and related assets, with the value of the equipment claimed at more than $5.4 billion. These figures are Ukrainian military claims and have not been independently verified. Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces commander Robert Brovdi also reported that Russian military cargo traffic along the R-280 route toward Crimea fell by 71 percent over a two-week period following Ukrainian drone strikes. The claim was reported by Ukrinform and other outlets. These operations illustrate the military value of maintaining a reliable communications link between a drone and its operator. A Russian satellite network capable of providing similar connectivity could therefore become an important component of future Russian unmanned operations. Electronic Warfare Creates a New Problem The expansion of Rassvet also creates a new electronic warfare challenge. Russia is already using systems designed to interfere with satellite communications. One example is the Volna Kupol Garant, which Ukrainian officials say is being used against Starlink. According to Ukrainian officials cited by Reuters, the system can disrupt Starlink communications over an area of about 20 square kilometers. Reuters reported in July that Ukrainian drone units had identified Russian use of the system against Starlink-supported drone operations. Ukrainian officials have described Volna Kupol Garant as a system that directs powerful interference toward satellites rather than simply jamming a receiver on the ground. Interfax reported that the system operates around the 14–14.5 GHz range and can affect a satellite passing over an area of up to 20 square kilometers. This experience is relevant to Rassvet because the Russian constellation also uses Ku- and Ka-band frequencies. Official frequency allocations cited in the supplied data include 14–14.495 GHz in the Ku band and 29.5–30 GHz in the Ka band for mobile satellite service terminals. Why Rassvet Would Be Difficult to Jam Jamming a LEO satellite network is different from suppressing a conventional terrestrial radio system. Rassvet satellites operate hundreds of kilometers above Earth and move rapidly across the sky. A ground-based jammer therefore cannot simply create a stationary interference zone and expect it to affect the same satellite continuously. Effective interference against a particular satellite requires accurate tracking and a sufficiently concentrated radio beam. As the satellite moves, the antenna must continue following it. The problem becomes more complicated as the number of satellites increases. A larger constellation means that several spacecraft can be visible from the same area at different points in their orbits. An electronic warfare system attempting to interfere with the network would therefore require accurate satellite tracking and the ability to move from one spacecraft to another. The Ka-band frequencies planned for Rassvet also create additional engineering challenges. At around 30 GHz, free-space propagation losses are higher than at 14 GHz, while rain and atmospheric moisture can have a greater effect on the signal. High-power amplifiers and precise antenna pointing are therefore important considerations for systems operating in this range. Frequency Overlap With Starlink Adds Another Complication Another issue is that portions of the Rassvet frequency allocation overlap with frequencies used by Starlink. The Rassvet Ku-band uplink allocation of 14–14.495 GHz overlaps the 14–14.5 GHz range used by Starlink uplinks. The Rassvet Ka-band allocation also overlaps portions of the Ka-band spectrum used by satellite communications systems. This means that broad-spectrum interference could potentially affect both networks. For Ukraine, which relies heavily on Starlink for military communications, a counter-Rassvet system would therefore have to distinguish between different satellites and transmissions rather than simply transmitting interference across a large portion of the spectrum. The exact Rassvet signal structure is not publicly available in sufficient detail to determine all of its channel bandwidths, modulation, coding, polarization and frequency-management techniques. That makes it difficult to design a system specifically optimized to interfere with individual Rassvet communication channels. A Narrow Development Window As of August 2026, Rassvet remains much smaller than Starlink and does not provide continuous coverage over Ukraine. However, the network has moved beyond the experimental stage and entered regular production launches. The first 16 production satellites were launched in March, followed by another 16 in July. Bureau 1440's own timeline confirms both launches as major steps in the deployment of its communications constellation. The second group is still moving toward its operational orbits, while further launches are expected as Russia works toward its larger constellation targets. For Ukraine, this creates a period in which the network remains relatively small but its technical architecture can already be studied. Developing countermeasures would require monitoring the satellites, analyzing their signals, developing suitable Ku- and Ka-band equipment and improving systems capable of tracking fast-moving LEO spacecraft. The challenge will become greater if Rassvet eventually reaches hundreds of operational satellites and Russian forces deploy large numbers of compatible terminals on drones and other platforms. For now, Rassvet is still in the early stages of deployment. Its first production satellites have established limited communication coverage, while Russia continues building the infrastructure needed for a much larger constellation. The eventual military significance of the system will depend on how quickly the satellite network expands and how extensively Russian forces integrate it with unmanned systems. Source : militarnyi
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 14:37:28
Europe
GIJÓN, Spain — General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) and Santa Bárbara Sistemas have unveiled the ASCOD 42 demonstrator fitted with Valhalla Turrets’ MANGART 30 remote-controlled turret at the FIDMA 2026 international trade fair in Gijón, Spain. The vehicle was displayed in cooperation with the Asturias Military Museum. The configuration combines the tracked ASCOD infantry fighting vehicle platform with a 30 mm turret designed for multiple missions, including counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) operations. MANGART 30 turret The MANGART 30 is a remotely operated turret that allows the crew to control the weapon system from inside the protected hull. The turret is armed with a Northrop Grumman MK44S Bushmaster 30 mm automatic cannon capable of firing standard 30×173 mm ammunition and air-burst rounds. It also carries a coaxial FN MAG 7.62 mm machine gun. Valhalla Turrets has designed the system with an open architecture, allowing different sensors, effectors and mission equipment to be integrated according to operational requirements. The turret incorporates a computer-based fire-control system, automatic target tracking, day and thermal imaging sensors and a laser rangefinder. Its elevation range extends from -10 to +70 degrees, while the turret provides 360-degree traverse. The combination of automatic tracking, electro-optical sensors and air-burst ammunition gives the MANGART 30 capabilities relevant to engaging a range of ground and aerial targets, including unmanned aircraft. ASCOD 42 configuration The ASCOD 42 belongs to GDELS' ASCOD family of tracked armored vehicles. The platform has been supplied in different configurations to several armed forces. Spain operates the ASCOD-based Pizarro infantry fighting vehicle, while the United Kingdom uses a heavily modified ASCOD variant for its Ajax reconnaissance vehicle programme. The demonstrator displayed at FIDMA uses composite rubber tracks instead of conventional steel tracks. The lighter track solution is intended to reduce noise, vibration and wear on paved surfaces while maintaining traction for off-road operations. Safran PASEO Master sight The ASCOD 42 is also equipped with Safran's PASEO Master commander’s sight. The panoramic sight provides the commander with an independent observation capability and a 360-degree view around the vehicle. The PASEO family is used on armored vehicles for day-and-night observation and targeting. Safran has stated that more than 2,500 systems from the family have been sold worldwide. The independent commander’s sight allows the commander to search for and identify targets separately from the gunner's line of sight. Valhalla's counter-drone focus Valhalla Turrets, founded in 2019 and based in Komenda, Slovenia, develops remotely controlled weapon systems with a particular focus on air-defense and counter-drone applications. The company previously developed the MANGART 25, a smaller turret that combines a 25 mm automatic cannon with radar and electro-optical/infrared sensors. The MANGART 30 represents a larger turret configuration intended for integration on both wheeled and tracked armored vehicles. Valhalla has emphasized the importance of an open architecture for adapting the turret to changing battlefield requirements, including C-UAS missions. The company has also demonstrated the MANGART family on wheeled platforms. Earlier in 2026, the MANGART 25 was tested on a Pandur 6×6 vehicle during live-fire activities in Slovenia involving Valhalla, GDELS-Steyr and the Slovenian Armed Forces. Relevance to future vehicle requirements The ASCOD 42 demonstration brings together GDELS' tracked vehicle platform and a Slovenian-developed remote-controlled turret in a single configuration. It gives potential customers an option combining a tracked armored vehicle, a 30 mm automatic cannon, independent panoramic observation and capabilities aimed at modern aerial and ground threats. The display does not confirm a Slovenian procurement decision for the ASCOD 42. No official contract for such a purchase has been announced in the information provided. The presentation at FIDMA 2026 instead demonstrates the integration of the MANGART 30 with the ASCOD platform and highlights the companies' approach of combining modular vehicle and turret systems for changing battlefield requirements.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 14:15:51
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army has placed an additional order worth more than $50 million for HERO 120 loitering munition systems and supporting equipment from Mistral Inc. and Uvision Inc. under the Army’s Lethal Unmanned Systems (LUS) program. The new order expands the number of HERO 120 systems being delivered to U.S. Army soldiers and supports training, readiness and operational requirements. The award follows the successful completion of the first Lot Acceptance Tests (LAT) for the system on August 4, 2026. Mistral and Uvision announced the additional order on August 5. The companies said the production systems completed the required acceptance-test missions and met the Army’s performance standards during the LAT process. The systems are manufactured domestically in the United States. Additional Order Under $982 Million Army Contract The latest order is part of an existing multi-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract valued at $982 million. The Army awarded the contract to Mistral and Uvision in October 2025 for the procurement, fielding, training and sustainment of the HERO 120 under the LUS program. Mistral serves as the prime contractor for system integration and program management, while Uvision is the original designer and design authority for the HERO 120. The exact number of HERO 120 systems covered by the latest order has not been disclosed. The order includes additional systems and ancillary equipment for Army soldiers. Yoav Banai, senior vice president at Mistral, said the award increases the number of HERO 120 systems and supporting equipment available to soldiers, allowing them to train, build confidence and prepare for missions. Jarmin Blanton, vice president of business development, sales and marketing at Uvision, said the company remains committed to supporting the Army’s LUS program and its precision-strike requirements. HERO 120 Capabilities The HERO 120 is a mid-range loitering munition designed for target observation, identification, tracking and engagement. According to Uvision, the system is intended for precision engagement of armored and other high-value targets. The system weighs approximately 24 kilograms (53 pounds) and carries a 4.5-kilogram (9.9-pound) warhead. It has an operational range of up to 60 kilometers (37 miles) and can remain airborne for up to 60 minutes. The HERO 120 is controlled by an operator through a datalink terminal and handheld fire-control unit. Its loitering capability allows the munition to remain in the target area while the operator observes and tracks targets before deciding whether to conduct an engagement. The system also has a mission-abort capability. If an attack is cancelled, the HERO 120 can return to loitering, search for another target or recover using its parachute, according to the information provided by Uvision. Production Moves Into Acceptance and Fielding The completion of the first Lot Acceptance Tests marks a production-quality milestone for the HERO 120. The tests are used to verify that production systems meet the Army's required acceptance criteria before fielding. The latest order comes shortly after this testing milestone, expanding deliveries under the Army's existing multi-year contract. Initial deliveries under the $982 million contract were scheduled to begin in early 2026. The broader agreement covers not only the systems themselves but also training and lifecycle sustainment. The Army's latest order therefore adds to an existing procurement effort rather than representing a separate HERO 120 acquisition program. U.S. Manufacturing Mistral and Uvision are producing the HERO 120 systems domestically in the United States for the Army program. Mistral is responsible for integration and program management, while Uvision provides the original HERO 120 design and technical authority. The two companies have previously received U.S. government contracts for the HERO 120 family. In 2024, Uvision and Mistral announced a $73 million contract for HERO-120SF systems for U.S. Special Operations Command. The latest order increases the number of HERO 120 systems and related equipment available to Army units while supporting the program's training and readiness requirements.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 13:12:37
World
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine is developing a new anti-ballistic missile system under the FREYJA project, built around the FP-7.x interceptor developed by Ukrainian defense company Fire Point. The project combines a Ukrainian missile with European radar, guidance and command-and-control technologies and is intended to provide an additional European capability against ballistic missile threats. The project was formally backed on July 13, 2026, when Ukraine and nine European countries — Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom — announced the creation of the Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition in Paris. The coalition described the initiative as a purely defensive effort to develop a shared European anti-ballistic missile capability. At the center of the project is the FP-7.x, which draws on technology associated with the Soviet-era S-300 missile family. Fire Point is using an established missile-production base rather than developing an entirely new interceptor from the beginning. From S-300 technology to FP-7.x The history of the project goes back to the Soviet development of the 5B55 missile family for the S-300P air-defense system. The 5B55 was designed primarily to engage aircraft and other aerodynamic targets. The broader S-300 missile family later developed into the heavier 48N6 series, which provided greater performance and was also designed to engage ballistic targets during their terminal flight phase. Fire Point's current FP-7.x is associated with this later S-300 missile heritage. Defense publications have reported that the interceptor is based on the 48N6 family rather than being a completely new missile design. This heritage is important because Ukraine already has experience with the production of S-300-family missiles. The Soviet-era Vizar plant near Zhytomyr was involved in production of S-300 missiles, providing an existing industrial background for the current Ukrainian effort. The FP-7.x is a large interceptor. Fire Point has stated a length of 7.25 meters, while its fuselage diameter has been reported at approximately 0.53 meters. Its reported speed is in the 1,500–2,000 meters-per-second range. Designed for the terminal phase of ballistic missile defense The main challenge for FP-7.x is different from that faced by a conventional surface-to-air missile. A ballistic missile's warhead can approach its target at very high speed during the final stage of flight. An interceptor therefore has to detect, track and engage the target within a short period. Fire Point has developed the FP-7.x specifically for this role. According to company statements reported by Janes, the current development is aimed at interception at approximately 20–25 kilometers altitude. Fire Point has also discussed an eventual maximum speed of about 2,200 m/s, while earlier testing reportedly reached about 1,800 m/s. Earlier published specifications for the missile gave a speed of 1,500–2,000 m/s, a length of 7.25 meters and a 150-kilogram combat load. The project is therefore focused on the lower layer of ballistic missile defense rather than attempting the type of high-altitude or exo-atmospheric interception associated with systems such as THAAD or SM-3. Infrared seeker is a major part of the upgrade One of the most important changes is the missile's guidance system. Fire Point's FP-7.x is being developed with an imaging infrared seeker, with German defense company Diehl Defence involved in the technology partnership. Earlier descriptions of the Freya architecture identified an infrared imaging seeker as one of the key components of the interceptor. The use of an infrared seeker is intended to provide the interceptor with terminal guidance against the target after the wider air-defense network has detected and tracked it. The exact final configuration of the seeker and its integration into the complete Freya system remains part of the development process. Current interceptor uses a fragmentation warhead The first FP-7.x configuration is not based on a pure kinetic hit-to-kill approach. Fire Point CEO Iryna Terekh told Janes that the current version uses a blast-fragmentation warhead, while the company is considering development of a future hit-to-kill interceptor. The distinction is important. A hit-to-kill interceptor attempts to destroy the incoming target through a direct physical collision. The current FP-7.x instead uses an explosive warhead to damage or destroy the target. Fire Point has said that moving toward a hit-to-kill configuration is part of the longer-term development path. The company therefore sees the present missile as an initial configuration rather than the final form of the interceptor. Mass production is central to the concept The Freya project is also being developed around a different economic model from high-cost ballistic missile interceptors. Fire Point has cited a target cost of approximately $700,000 per interceptor, compared with around $3.8 million for a Patriot PAC-3 interceptor in figures reported by the Financial Times. The $700,000 figure is a developer estimate rather than a confirmed production price. Early production is expected to be more expensive, particularly because the final cost depends on imported components. Fire Point has also stated a production objective of approximately 2,000 interceptors per year for Freya, with the possibility of increasing production depending on requirements. The idea is for a lower-cost interceptor to supplement existing systems rather than replace them. More expensive interceptors could remain available for targets requiring the highest level of interception capability, while a larger number of lower-cost missiles could provide additional defensive coverage. Freya will combine Ukrainian and European systems Fire Point is not developing the entire missile-defense system alone. The company is responsible for the FP-7.x interceptor and serves as a central industrial participant in the Freya concept, while European partners are expected to provide other elements of the system. One confirmed part of the architecture is the use of European radar technology. Hensoldt's TRML-4D has been identified in connection with the project, while Diehl Defence is associated with the missile's infrared seeker technology. The broader Freya concept is based on an open architecture, allowing different European sensors, command systems and communications equipment to be integrated rather than relying on one closed system. The project has also been described as intended for integration with NATO-standard communications, including Link 16. Other European defense companies have been discussed in connection with the wider coalition and system architecture, but not all reported companies have been formally confirmed as suppliers of specific Freya components. Ten-country coalition established in Paris The political framework for the project was established on July 13, 2026, in Paris. The founding members of the Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition are: Denmark France Germany Italy Netherlands Norway Spain Sweden Ukraine United Kingdom The coalition's joint declaration calls for common operational requirements, technical working groups, governance arrangements and a roadmap toward initial operational capabilities. It also supports joint research and development and greater information exchange among participating countries. The Ukrainian presidency said the coalition remains open to additional countries that share its objectives. Testing and development timeline The FP-7.x has already undergone flight testing. Fire Point said in June that the missile had completed testing of its flight characteristics, while the first flight test had earlier been described as successful by company officials. However, a flight test of the interceptor is different from a successful interception of a ballistic target. According to Janes, Fire Point CEO Iryna Terekh said the first ballistic interception test for Project Freyja is expected around July 2027. This makes the schedule more cautious than earlier political statements about rapidly creating an integrated system. The project still has to complete interceptor development, seeker integration, radar and command-system integration and ballistic interception testing. A new European layer, not a replacement for every existing system The Freya project represents an attempt to combine Ukraine's experience with missile development and production with European radar, electronics and defense-industry capabilities. Its approach is based on using the FP-7.x as a relatively large, mass-produced interceptor while incorporating modern European components around it. The system is intended to add another layer to Europe's ballistic missile defenses rather than replace every existing system. For now, the most important milestones remain the integration of the European components and the first demonstrated interception of a ballistic target. Until those tests are completed, the final performance of the FP-7.x and the complete FREYJA system remains to be demonstrated. Source : topwar
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 12:55:37
U.S
BELGRADE — Ukraine has reached an agreement with the United States for monthly deliveries of Patriot air defense interceptor missiles, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday. However, he said the agreed quantities are not sufficient to meet Ukraine’s air defense requirements. Zelenskyy made the comments during a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in Belgrade. “Who has the anti-missiles and systems? Primarily the manufacturer – the United States of America,” Zelenskyy said. “Can they help? We are working on it. Will they supply us with missiles every month? Yes, we have agreements. Are these missiles enough? No.” 2026 Deliveries Below Previous Levels Zelenskyy said the volume of Patriot interceptors expected in 2026 is significantly lower than the amount Ukraine received in 2025. He did not provide exact figures for the monthly deliveries. The shortage comes as Ukraine continues to face Russian missile and drone attacks. Zelenskyy said earlier this week that allied deliveries of air defense missiles during the first half of 2026 were about one-third of the level recorded in 2025. Patriot systems are particularly important to Ukraine's air defense because they are used against ballistic missile threats. Ukraine Seeks Additional European Support With US deliveries falling short of Ukraine's requirements, Kyiv is continuing negotiations with European and other international partners for additional interceptors. Zelenskyy identified Germany and Poland as countries that could provide significant assistance. He also said the Netherlands and Scandinavian countries were contributing smaller quantities from their available stocks. Ukraine has also explored possible assistance from Japan and South Korea. However, Zelenskyy said legal restrictions in those countries prevent them from directly supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine. An option to purchase equipment from Israel was also considered, but Zelenskyy said that arrangement is currently unavailable. Patriot Production Talks Face Delays Ukraine is also seeking a longer-term solution through joint or domestic production of Patriot interceptors. US officials have said that advanced PAC-3 interceptors remain under strict export controls and that American manufacturers are currently the only companies permitted to produce the missiles. US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said earlier in August that Washington would not enter into a long-term agreement for joint Patriot production with Ukraine before winter. The position followed earlier comments by US President Donald Trump in July suggesting that Ukraine could potentially receive a license to manufacture Patriot missiles. Trump later expressed concerns about transferring sensitive defense technology. According to Reuters, discussions over possible production arrangements have continued, including a proposal under which Ukraine could manufacture some Patriot missile components while final assembly would take place in Germany. US Production Expansion The United States is also working to increase Patriot interceptor production. Existing production capacity, however, cannot immediately eliminate the shortage faced by Ukraine. For Kyiv, the immediate priority remains obtaining additional interceptors from US and allied stocks while longer-term production plans are considered. Zelenskyy's latest comments underline Ukraine's continued effort to secure sufficient air defense missiles ahead of the coming winter, when Kyiv expects Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure to remain a major concern.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 12:15:47
Space & Technology
DULLES, Va., — Northrop Grumman is developing three Lunar Infrastructure Demo (LID) missions to help NASA establish the power, communications and other basic systems needed for sustained operations near the lunar South Pole. The missions, designated LID-1, LID-2 and LID-3, are intended to demonstrate technologies that can support both robotic systems and future astronauts on the lunar surface. The company said the demonstrations will focus on surface power, data systems, thermal management, autonomy, communications and hosted payload services. The effort is part of NASA’s broader plan to develop a Moon Base through a phased approach. NASA’s first phase, covering the period through 2029, focuses on robotic missions, technology demonstrations and preparation for surface operations at the lunar South Pole. Testing Infrastructure for the Lunar Night One of the main objectives of the LID missions is to determine whether critical surface equipment can remain powered, protected and connected during the lunar night and in permanently or temporarily shadowed areas. The lunar environment presents major challenges for surface equipment. At the lunar South Pole, temperatures can range from about -334 degrees Fahrenheit to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, while long periods without sunlight create additional difficulties for power and electronic systems. Northrop Grumman's demonstrations are intended to provide operational data on how infrastructure performs under these conditions. The company said the missions will help develop systems capable of supporting longer-duration activities by robotic explorers and, eventually, human crews. NASA's Moon Base plan also identifies reliable power and communications as key capabilities for the early stages of lunar surface development. The agency plans to progressively expand these systems as the program moves toward longer-duration operations. Reusing HALO Technology To reduce development work and accelerate deployment, Northrop Grumman is adapting hardware and technologies originally developed for NASA's Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO). HALO is being developed by Northrop Grumman for NASA's Gateway lunar space station. For the LID missions, the company is adapting HALO-related power distribution, data handling and mechanical interface systems for use on the lunar surface. The approach is intended to allow NASA and Northrop Grumman to obtain performance information from actual lunar surface operations without developing an entirely new set of systems for the demonstrations. The company said the reuse of existing HALO technology can reduce development risk and allow the power and data infrastructure to be deployed more quickly. Supporting NASA's Moon Base Plans The three LID missions are designed to demonstrate infrastructure capabilities first and then provide information that can be used to scale those systems for future lunar operations. Data collected directly from the lunar surface is expected to support NASA's planning for future Artemis surface campaigns and longer-duration robotic and human missions. NASA's current Moon Base plan divides development into three phases. Phase One, running through 2029, focuses on experimentation and learning. Phase Two, from 2029 to 2032, is planned to establish early infrastructure and habitation capabilities. Phase Three, beginning in 2032, is intended to support a sustained human presence on the lunar surface. NASA has already outlined plans for early power and communications demonstrations during Phase One. The agency's Moon Base systems plan includes technologies for power generation and survival during extended periods of darkness, as well as communications systems to connect lunar surface assets with other systems and Earth. Northrop Grumman said the LID missions will contribute to this development by testing the infrastructure required to keep lunar surface assets powered, protected and connected. “As America embarks on the next chapter in human space exploration, our Lunar Infrastructure Demos will help turn the Moon into a place where astronauts can stay, work and make discoveries that benefit humanity,” said David Schiller, vice president of civil space and sciences at Northrop Grumman. “Our ready-to-fly, reliable HALO technologies allow NASA to move faster, putting in place robust infrastructure that can endure the lunar night and establish a strong blueprint for a future Moon Base.” The company has not announced specific launch dates for LID-1, LID-2 or LID-3, and cost figures for converting the HALO hardware have not been released. The missions are planned as part of the first phase of NASA's Moon Base development. Overall, the LID program is intended to provide NASA with direct operational experience with lunar surface infrastructure before larger systems are deployed to support extended human and robotic activity near the lunar South Pole.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 12:07:06
India
NEW DELHI — India has begun concerted efforts to join the French-led Future Combat Air System (FCAS) sixth-generation fighter aircraft programme, according to the Ministry of Defence's response cited by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence. The committee presented its report in Parliament on August 7, 2026, and asked the government to provide a detailed status report, roadmap and tentative timeline for India's plans to develop or acquire sixth-generation combat aircraft. The Ministry of Defence told the panel that it has “initiated efforts in a concerted manner to co-join” the sixth-generation fighter aircraft development programme, identified as FCAS and spearheaded by the French government. India Exploring International Sixth-Generation Programme The committee was informed that two international groupings are developing sixth-generation combat aircraft. One involves the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan, while the other involves France and Germany. The Indian Air Force has indicated that it would seek to join one of these groupings and consider a sixth-generation fighter at the earliest. The committee said advance planning is required as the role of air power continues to grow in modern warfare. The report does not provide details of any final agreement, participation terms, work-share arrangement, funding commitment or acquisition contract between India and the FCAS programme. FCAS and AMCA to Progress in Parallel India's efforts to explore participation in FCAS will continue alongside the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. The committee noted that the AMCA design has been developed and discussions on its production are under way. It asked the Ministry of Defence to provide an update on the programme's development and production in its next action-taken statement. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-II programme is also in the design and development stage. The committee noted that efforts to strengthen self-reliance in defence manufacturing include the LCA programme and the Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme. The panel also identified technical upgrades to the existing Indian Air Force fleet as a top priority for maintaining its combat capability. Air Force Funding and Near-Space Operations The committee recommended adequate financial resources and support for the Indian Air Force's near-space operations, citing the growing importance of space-related military capabilities. Ministry of Defence data showed that the Air Force's share of the Defence Services Estimates (DSE) increased from 8.83 per cent in 2021-22 to 10.80 per cent in 2026-27. The committee recommended a further increase, citing the geopolitical environment and growing importance of air power. It also called for future defence budgets to prioritise state-of-the-art weapon systems and the infrastructure needed to support them. The panel recommended continued investment in defence preparedness and said defence spending should keep pace with neighbouring countries. The committee also commended the Army's role in safeguarding national security during Operation Sindoor and called for an adequate capital budget for the Army. Naval Modernisation The report also outlined major naval modernisation programmes, including the procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighter aircraft, follow-on support for MH-60R helicopters, and heavyweight torpedoes for the Navy's submarine fleet. The Navy has been allocated Rs 47,748.31 crore for committed liabilities and Rs 17,146.28 crore for new schemes. India's sixth-generation fighter planning is therefore being pursued alongside ongoing domestic fighter development and broader military modernisation. The parliamentary committee has asked the government to provide further details on the sixth-generation fighter roadmap and the development and production status of AMCA in its next action-taken statement.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 11:58:08
U.S
WASHINGTON — RTX’s Raytheon business has received a noncompetitive production contract valued at up to $745.4 million to manufacture and assemble Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA ballistic missile interceptors for the United States and Japan. The contract was announced Aug. 7 by the U.S. Department of War, acting through the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). It covers requirements for the U.S. government and Japan’s Ministry of Defense through Foreign Military Sales arrangements. The initial obligations total about $553.2 million, including $275.6 million in U.S. fiscal 2026 procurement funds and approximately $277.6 million in funding from Japan’s Ministry of Defense. Work under the initial funding is scheduled to continue through February 2031. Manufacturing and related engineering work will be performed at RTX facilities in Tucson, Arizona, and Huntsville, Alabama, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2031. SM-3 Block IIA The SM-3 Block IIA is a ballistic missile interceptor jointly developed by the United States and Japan. It is designed to engage ballistic missile threats outside the Earth's atmosphere during the midcourse phase of flight. The interceptor uses a three-stage solid-fuel rocket propulsion system and a kinetic warhead. Rather than using an explosive charge, the interceptor destroys its target through direct physical impact. Japan has been closely involved in the development of the Block IIA, including work on the missile's third-stage rocket motor and nose cone. The interceptor is launched from Mk 41 vertical launch systems installed aboard Aegis-equipped U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force warships, as well as at certain Aegis Ashore land-based missile-defense sites. Recent Operational Use The SM-3 family was used operationally during the April 2024 Iranian missile and drone attack on Israel. U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Arleigh Burke and USS Carney, operating in the eastern Mediterranean, launched SM-3 interceptors during the operation. Defense officials reported that at least six Iranian ballistic missiles were intercepted. Some accounts identified the Block IIA variant specifically, although public reporting has not provided complete variant information for every interceptor used. The SM-3 family has also been associated with later U.S. ballistic missile interceptions involving operations near Israel and the eastern Mediterranean in 2026. However, the U.S. military has not publicly confirmed the specific SM-3 variant involved in every engagement. Continued U.S.-Japan Production The latest award supports continued production of SM-3 Block IIA interceptors for both countries. It adds to previous U.S. procurement efforts aimed at maintaining ballistic missile defense capacity and supporting the jointly developed interceptor program.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 11:38:45
World
Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia used about 86% of its 2,800 Patriot PAC-3 interceptor missiles during the first 38 days of combat with Iran, leaving roughly 400 missiles, according to Reuters. The depletion highlights the pressure that sustained missile attacks have placed on air-defense inventories across the United States and Gulf region. The U.S. Patriot system is a mobile surface-to-air missile defense system capable of engaging aircraft, tactical ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. The PAC-3 family uses hit-to-kill technology, with the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) produced by Lockheed Martin. U.S. inventories have also fallen significantly. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimates that around 65% of U.S. Patriot interceptors were expended between February and July, reducing the stock from about 2,330 before the Iran war to fewer than 850. CSIS also estimated that U.S. THAAD interceptor stocks had fallen to about 250. To replenish Gulf inventories, the United States has approved the sale of 5,250 Patriot interceptors to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The U.S. Army has also awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth up to $58.6 billion for Patriot interceptor production. Reuters reported that the agreement is intended to expand production as the United States and its allies work to rebuild depleted missile stocks. The production challenge is significant because Patriot interceptors are being demanded by multiple countries at the same time. CSIS has warned that rebuilding U.S. missile inventories will take several years, while the Pentagon has sought additional funding to accelerate ammunition production.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 11:30:51
U.S
BETHESDA, Md. — Lockheed Martin is positioning the F-35 Lightning II as an airborne tracking and targeting node within a broader integrated missile defense architecture that connects aircraft, space-based warning systems, command-and-control networks and missile interceptors. The approach is designed to allow information collected by different sensors to be shared across the defense network, helping reduce the time between detecting a missile threat and responding to it. F-35 Adds an Airborne Sensor Layer According to Lockheed Martin, the process can begin with space-based infrared systems detecting the launch of a missile. The information can then be combined with data collected by F-35 aircraft operating closer to the threat. The F-35 is designed to function as a mobile intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform. Its Distributed Aperture System (DAS), Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) and sensor-fusion software allow it to combine information from different sources with its own sensor detections. Lockheed Martin has also highlighted passive infrared capabilities such as IRST21, which can provide infrared tracking without actively transmitting signals. The company describes these capabilities as part of the F-35's role as an airborne sensor within networked defense operations. The company has previously demonstrated the F-35's ability to provide sensor information to ground-based air and missile defense systems. In a 2019 demonstration, F-35 track data was sent to the U.S. Army's Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS), allowing the aircraft to operate as an elevated sensor. A 2020 test also demonstrated F-35 integration with IBCS during a live-fire event. C2BMC Connects the Defense Network A key part of the architecture is Lockheed Martin's Command and Control, Battle Management and Communications (C2BMC) system. C2BMC serves as an integrating element of the U.S. Missile Defense System, connecting sensors, weapons and command elements to provide commanders with a coordinated view of missile threats. Lockheed Martin says the system has operated continuously since 2004 and is deployed across multiple locations and time zones. The company has also worked with the Missile Defense Agency to integrate additional sensors and missile-defense systems into C2BMC. These efforts include the integration of the Ballistic Missile Defense Overhead Persistent Infrared Architecture and other capabilities. In the architecture described by Lockheed Martin, F-35-generated tracking and targeting information can therefore become part of a wider operational picture rather than remaining limited to the aircraft itself. THAAD and NGI Form Part of the Intercept Layer The architecture also connects the sensor and command layers with missile interceptors. The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system provides a terminal-phase ballistic missile defense capability. The Missile Defense Agency describes THAAD as a land-based system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles inside or just outside the atmosphere during the terminal phase of flight. Its AN/TPY-2 radar provides tracking and discrimination information to support engagements. The Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) is being developed for the U.S. Ground-based Midcourse Defense system to strengthen homeland defense against long-range ballistic missile threats. Lockheed Martin says NGI is designed to work with ground-based radars and command-and-control systems as part of a layered defense architecture. This creates a multi-layered chain in which space-based systems provide early warning, airborne platforms such as the F-35 can contribute additional tracking information, command-and-control systems distribute the information, and appropriate interceptors can be used against the threat. Moving From Individual Systems to an Integrated Network Lockheed Martin's approach focuses on connecting systems that are already operational or being delivered rather than creating an entirely new missile-defense architecture from the beginning. The company's integrated air and missile defense portfolio combines sensors, satellites, command-and-control systems and interceptors across different parts of the defense network. Lockheed Martin describes C2BMC as a key element for coordinating these systems across domains. The company has emphasized that such architectures need to remain connected, maintainable and scalable as additional capabilities are introduced. For the F-35, this means its role can extend beyond traditional air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The aircraft can contribute information gathered by its sensors to other elements of the force, allowing its data to become part of a wider missile-defense picture. Lockheed Martin's 2026 material specifically describes the F-35 as a "flying sensor" that can combine space-based information with its own onboard detections. The company presents this integration as part of a broader effort to connect space, air, land and command-and-control capabilities into a unified defense architecture. The concept therefore places the F-35 within the sensor and information-sharing layer of an integrated missile-defense network, complementing space-based warning systems, C2BMC and ground-based interceptor systems such as THAAD and NGI.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 11:20:27
U.S
ST. CHARLES, Missouri — Boeing has received approval to begin initial serial production of the JDAM-LR (Joint Direct Attack Munition Long Range), designated GBU-75, following the award of a $75 million undefinitized contract action from the U.S. Air Force for BSU-111/B Payload Delivery Units intended for the U.S. Navy. The production approval follows a series of successful U.S. Navy flight tests conducted in April 2026, marking an important step toward fielding a long-range precision-guided weapon designed to increase the strike range of carrier-based aircraft while using existing JDAM technology. Initial Production Approved Following Successful Flight Tests The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing the initial production contract for the BSU-111/B Payload Delivery Units, which form the core of the JDAM-LR system for U.S. Navy use. The approval came after successful flight demonstrations conducted by the U.S. Navy on April 1 and April 3, 2026, over the Point Mugu Sea Range off the California coast. During both tests, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft released inert JDAM-LR weapons. Each test covered approximately 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers). During the first flight, the weapon remained in powered flight for about 34 minutes before landing within meters of its planned target. The second test included altitude changes and maneuvering while maintaining guidance throughout the mission. According to the reported test results, the demonstrations confirmed safe separation from the aircraft, compatibility with existing aircraft interfaces, powered free flight, and navigation using military-code GPS. Powered Upgrade to the JDAM Family The JDAM-LR is the newest member of Boeing's Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) family. Unlike the standard JDAM, which converts unguided bombs into precision-guided glide weapons, the JDAM-LR adds a compact propulsion system that allows sustained powered flight. The system combines: A GPS-aided inertial navigation system (INS) derived from the existing JDAM family. Aircraft interface systems. A BSU-111/B deployable wing payload delivery unit. A Kratos TDI-J85 turbojet engine producing 200 pounds of thrust. The kit is designed to be fitted to a 500-pound-class (approximately 230-kilogram) bomb body, typically a Mk-82, effectively converting a conventional gravity bomb into a powered long-range precision weapon. According to Boeing, the JDAM-LR is capable of striking land and maritime targets at ranges exceeding 300 nautical miles (more than 555 kilometers). Boeing Highlights Program Milestone Commenting on the production award, Bob Ciesla, Vice President of Boeing Precision Engagement Systems, said: "This first production contract is a major milestone for the JDAM LR program, demonstrating our ability to deliver long-range precision-strike capability at a significantly lower cost." The company said the contract represents the transition of the program from successful development and testing into production. Comparison With Existing JDAM Variants The JDAM-LR expands Boeing's existing family of precision-guidance kits, each designed for different operational requirements. The standard JDAM uses GPS-aided inertial navigation and typically provides a launch range of 15 to 28 kilometers. The JDAM-ER (Extended Range) adds folding wings that increase range to approximately 70 to 80 kilometers, while some official figures describe the range as about 40 nautical miles, depending on configuration. The Laser JDAM (LJDAM) adds a laser seeker, allowing engagement of moving targets. The new JDAM-LR (GBU-75) retains the JDAM guidance system while adding deployable wings and a compact turbojet engine to extend its range beyond 300 nautical miles (555 kilometers). Designed for Existing Aircraft One of the key features of the JDAM-LR is its compatibility with aircraft already cleared to carry standard JDAM weapons. According to Boeing, the weapon is designed to integrate without requiring aircraft modifications. Platforms identified for compatibility include the U.S. Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the U.S. Air Force's B-52. Qualification work and aircraft integration activities are continuing as production begins. Manufacturing and Program Development Boeing said it invested nearly $100 million of its own funding in the JDAM-LR program before receiving the production award. Manufacturing preparations are underway at the company's St. Charles, Missouri facility, where production of the initial units has now started following the contract announced in early August 2026. Cost and Operational Role Boeing has not disclosed the unit cost of the JDAM-LR. Standard JDAM guidance kits are generally reported to cost between $20,000 and $30,000. Boeing has stated that the powered JDAM-LR is intended to provide a lower-cost long-range precision-strike capability compared with traditional cruise missiles by using existing bomb bodies and established JDAM architecture. The weapon is expected to support land strike, naval strike, and maritime aerial-mining missions. Further qualification efforts will focus on shipboard integration for carrier operations. Because the system is designed around the existing JDAM family and is compatible with aircraft already qualified to carry JDAM weapons, it could also be adopted in the future by other U.S. military services and international operators that already use JDAM weapons.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-07 16:43:32
World
CALGARY, Alberta — European defence and industrial group Czechoslovak Group (CSG) has become a strategic investor in North Vector Dynamics (NVD), a Calgary-based Canadian defence technology company developing advanced air defence systems, precision-guided missiles, counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), and next-generation hypersonic technologies. The companies did not disclose the financial value of the equity investment. However, the transaction values North Vector Dynamics at more than USD 90 million. The investment forms part of CSG's long-term strategy to strengthen its portfolio in advanced defence technologies. The group said NVD's expertise complements its existing capabilities in radar systems, air defence, air traffic management, autonomous systems, missile and unmanned aerial vehicle propulsion, and other defence technologies. Focus on Expanding Defence Technologies CSG said the partnership goes beyond financial investment. The company plans to support NVD by providing access to its industrial capabilities, manufacturing capacity, systems integration opportunities, and international commercial network. The cooperation is intended to accelerate the development, production, commercialisation, and operational deployment of NVD's technologies, particularly among NATO member states. CSG also plans to use its established commercial network across Ukraine, NATO countries, and other partner nations to support the wider adoption of NVD's systems. Michal Strnad, Chairman of the Board and CEO of CSG, said the nature of modern warfare is changing rapidly, making autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, precision guidance, and affordable air defence increasingly important. He said North Vector Dynamics is developing a family of interceptor systems with the potential to play an important role in future defence capabilities, adding that CSG intends to become a long-term strategic partner by contributing industrial expertise, manufacturing resources, and market access in addition to investment. North Vector Dynamics Expanding Advanced Defence Portfolio Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, North Vector Dynamics develops advanced defence technologies for modern military requirements. The company is currently under contract with Canada's Department of National Defence to support the advancement of hypersonic technologies. It also previously received a CAD 4.2 million contract from Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) for high-speed and hypersonic aeropropulsion research, in addition to earlier support through the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) programme. NVD was established by former aerospace engineering professors and researchers with applied research experience at NASA and other leading institutions. Its leadership team is also supported by General (Ret.) Tom Lawson, former senior military commander of the Canadian Armed Forces and former Deputy Commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), who serves as Strategic Advisor. CM-70 Counter-Drone Missile One of North Vector Dynamics' primary products is the CM-70 counter-unmanned aerial system missile, designed as a lower-cost interceptor for defeating drone threats compared with conventional guided missile interceptors. According to published specifications, the precision-guided interceptor weighs approximately 3 kilograms, measures 0.9 metres in length, has an operational range of about 3.5 kilometres, and can reach speeds of around 900 km/h. The missile uses semi-active laser guidance, features a forward-firing fragmentation warhead, and is designed to engage Group I, II, and III unmanned aerial systems. The system has an open architecture compatible with existing NATO command-and-control networks, allowing integration into layered air defence systems. The company also describes the CM-70 as ITAR-free. Beyond the CM-70, NVD is developing additional strike and interception systems covering multiple speed, range, and payload categories using different sensing and propulsion technologies. Canada Selected for Long-Term Partnership Stanislav Kuba, Investment Director at CSG, said the investment reflects the company's approach to supporting technological innovation through long-term partnerships rather than short-term financial investments. He said CSG aims to help North Vector Dynamics accelerate development, increase production capacity, and expand access to allied defence markets where its technologies could contribute to modern defence capabilities. Kuba also cited Canada's stability, transparency, and highly qualified workforce as important reasons for selecting the country for investment. Partnership to Accelerate Operational Deployment Dr. Paul Ziadé, Co-Founder and CEO of North Vector Dynamics, said the partnership will provide more than financial support by bringing industrial expertise, knowledge of defence markets, and a strong international presence. He said both companies share the objective of rapidly developing modern defence capabilities for Canada, NATO members, and other allied nations, adding that the cooperation is expected to accelerate both the company's growth and the operational deployment of its technologies. CSG Continues Defence Technology Expansion The investment represents another step in CSG's broader expansion across the defence sector. The European industrial group has recently strengthened its capabilities in autonomous systems, radar technologies, missile propulsion, air defence, and air traffic management. The company also announced the appointment of defence industry veteran Ben Hudson in August 2026 as part of its continuing expansion strategy. CSG is listed on Euronext Amsterdam, employs more than 14,000 people, operates manufacturing facilities in several countries, and exports defence products to more than 70 nations. In recent years, the group has expanded through acquisitions and strategic investments across land systems, ammunition, military vehicles, and related defence technologies. The investment in North Vector Dynamics also strengthens CSG's presence in the North American defence market while supporting technological and industrial cooperation between Canada and European defence industries.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-07 16:38:00
Space & Technology
BENGALURU — Bengaluru-based space startup Astrobase Space Technologies has unveiled EVEREST, India's first fully integrated 80-tonne-class (800 kN) Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) rocket engine, marking a significant milestone for the country's private space industry. Designed, manufactured, and integrated entirely in India, EVEREST is powered by liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid methane (methalox). According to the company, the engine is intended to power future medium-lift launch vehicles and is designed with reusability in mind. EVEREST uses the Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) cycle, in which both the fuel and oxidiser pass through separate pre-burners before driving the turbopumps and entering the main combustion chamber. This propulsion architecture is designed to improve efficiency and support repeated engine use. The company said the engine produces 800 kN of vacuum thrust, has a specific impulse of around 340 seconds, and offers a throttle range of 50% to 110%. Founded in 2024 by former ISRO propulsion scientist Devakumar Thammisetty and former CoinDCX co-founder Neeraj Khandelwal, Astrobase has established a 46,000-square-foot assembly and integration facility in Bengaluru, equipped with India's largest industrial metal 3D printer for manufacturing key engine components. The company also operates a 21.5-acre propulsion test facility near Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, where the full-engine hot-fire test is planned. Astrobase previously completed a sub-scale hot-fire test in September 2025 and high-speed turbopump testing in January 2026. The company said the next major milestone will be the full-engine hot-fire test, followed by vehicle integration and preparations for its targeted 2029 orbital flight. The company plans to manufacture up to 50 engines annually, conduct about one hot-fire test each week, and test around 20 engines before its first orbital mission. The EVEREST engine programme is supported by the IN-SPACe Technology Adoption Fund. Astrobase said the long-term goal is to develop launch-on-demand capability while expanding India's indigenous launch vehicle and reusable rocket technology. The unveiling of EVEREST comes weeks after Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 mission, highlighting continued progress in India's commercial space sector.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-07 16:13:37
World
TEHRAN — Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force has released photographs and video showing what it says is the wreckage of several U.S. and Israeli military aircraft and drones recovered during recent operations. The material was displayed at an underground exhibition inside an IRGC facility and was also broadcast by Iranian state media, including Mehr News Agency and IRIB. The display includes wreckage identified by Iranian authorities as belonging to a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones, and an Israeli Elbit Hermes 900 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Iranian officials said the MQ-9 Reaper and Hermes 900 were recovered in a largely intact condition after being intercepted by Iran's air defense systems, including the recently introduced Arashe Kamangir system. Iranian media also showed an Israeli Hermes 900 UAV bearing serial number 923. According to Iranian sources, the drone was brought down through electronic warfare and recovered largely intact. The exhibition further includes wreckage from approximately 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones that Iranian authorities say have been downed since the start of related operations, along with cockpit remnants described as belonging to a U.S. fighter aircraft. Military records indicate that a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle from the 494th Fighter Squadron was lost over western Iran earlier this year, with an ejection seat previously reported near the crash site. The newly released footage includes wreckage that Iranian authorities identify as belonging to that aircraft. Iranian officials said engineers from the IRGC Aerospace Force will examine the recovered systems to study their sensors, datalinks, optics, flight systems, and other components. They stated that the technical analysis is intended to support the development of advanced indigenous Iranian drone technology through reverse engineering. The MQ-9 Reaper is a long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft used by the United States for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions. The Hermes 900, produced by Elbit Systems, is a medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike operations. Iranian state media presented the exhibition as evidence of the country's air-defense capabilities and the recovery of foreign military equipment. However, U.S. and Israeli authorities have not publicly verified every Iranian claim regarding the condition, recovery circumstances, or identification of all aircraft and drone wreckage shown in the exhibition.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-07 15:35:29Search
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