World
Moscow, Russia — Russia demonstrated its Shturm heavy assault robotic system during the Center-2026 strategic command-and-staff exercises on October 2 at the Chebarkul training range in the Chelyabinsk region. Developed by Uralvagonzavod on the T-72B3M main battle tank chassis, the system is designed to provide fire support to assault units using remotely controlled heavy armored vehicles equipped with tank turrets and BMPT-style combat modules. Footage released by Uralvagonzavod showed the vehicles operating during the exercises, and Russian President Vladimir Putin was shown the system. However, reports highlighted communication failures and mobility problems during the demonstration. Development and Design The Shturm project began around 2018 at the request of the Russian Defense Ministry. Former Uralvagonzavod CEO Alexander Potapov announced the development of a robotic vehicle based on the T-72. One requirement was all-around protection sufficient to withstand 10–15 hits from handheld anti-tank grenade launchers or the detonation of an anti-tank mine. Engineers added remote-control equipment without fundamentally changing the tank's internal crew compartment, allowing a conventional crew to operate the vehicle manually when required. The vehicle also features a bulldozer blade for clearing obstacles and a roof-mounted multi-camera unit to provide operators with surrounding views. Four combat configurations were planned: 125 mm gun: A shortened 125 mm D-414 gun with an approximately 4,000 mm barrel and a 22-round autoloader for close-range urban operations. A 152 mm gun variant was also considered. Flamethrower configuration: RPO-2 Shmel rocket-propelled flamethrowers and a 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun. Automatic cannon configuration: Twin 30 mm 2A42 cannons with up to 1,000 rounds, a 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun and an RPO-2 Shmel launcher. Thermobaric rocket configuration: Unguided 220 mm MO.1.01.04M thermobaric rockets similar to those used by the TOS-1A heavy flamethrower system. The planned vehicle mass was up to 50 tonnes, with a reported remote-control speed of approximately 40 km/h. Remote Control and Communication Problems Shturm operates with a dedicated control vehicle based on a T-72-family or T-90-family chassis. Operators use joysticks, FPV headsets and tablets through a multi-channel communication link. The planned control radius is approximately three kilometres, with each station designed to manage a platoon of robotic vehicles. The control vehicle was also intended to have all-around shaped-charge anti-tank protection. However, reports citing Russian sources stated that the Shturm repeatedly lost its radio connection with the control station during Center-2026. Tank history researcher Andriy Tarasenko criticised the system's reliance on direct radio communication, noting that technology developed for remotely controlled mine-clearing vehicles does not necessarily translate well to combat vehicles. He said terrain can block the direct line of sight between the vehicle and its operator and suggested satellite communication, including Russia's Rassvet system, as a possible solution. The available reports do not confirm that satellite communication has been integrated into the demonstrated configuration. Manual Operation, Mud and Drone Vulnerability Concerns about remote-control failures reportedly led organisers to use a human driver during the demonstration for President Vladimir Putin. Despite manual operation, photographs from the exercises showed the vehicle stuck in a muddy ditch beside an unpaved road. The demonstrated configuration also reportedly lacked sufficient additional anti-drone protection. Critics identified the turret roof and engine-transmission compartment as vulnerable areas against attacks from above, including first-person-view (FPV) drones. The full extent of the vehicle's protection package and any planned improvements have not been established. Center-2026 Exercises and Programme Status The Center-2026 exercises ran from September 28 to October 3, 2026, involving more than 47,000 personnel overall. The Chebarkul phase included approximately 6,000 personnel, around 700 pieces of equipment, more than 600 unmanned aerial vehicles and over 60 robotic systems. Other equipment displayed included T-14 Armata tanks and ground robots for support tasks. The Shturm demonstration showed Russia's effort to develop remotely controlled heavy armor for assault support. However, reported communication failures, difficulties moving through muddy terrain and concerns about protection against drones highlight continuing technical challenges. The system remains under development, and its demonstration during the exercises does not establish that it has entered operational service.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-04 15:37:10
U.S
Cincinnati, United States — GE Aerospace has increased production of its F110 fighter engine by 50% year over year since the second quarter of 2025, supported by manufacturing investments, supply chain improvements, and artificial intelligence (AI). The company also reported a 15% increase in overall defense engine output during the first half of 2026. The F110 powers F-16 fighter aircraft and the F-15EX. The production increase is intended to help meet demand from the U.S. Air Force and allied customers. Manufacturing Investments and Supply Chain Expansion Since 2023, GE Aerospace has invested more than $600 million in its defense manufacturing facilities and committed over $100 million to external suppliers for tooling and equipment. Over the past two years, the company has deployed engineering and quality personnel to supplier facilities to address bottlenecks, improve demand forecasting, and prevent component shortages from delaying deliveries. To address an industry-wide shortage of specialized castings, GE Aerospace announced a definitive agreement to acquire Consolidated Precision Products (CPP) in a transaction valued at $11.75 billion. The acquisition is intended to strengthen access to critical components, although external suppliers will remain important to meeting production demand. AI Integration and Manufacturing Improvements GE Aerospace has introduced AI tools on its F110 and F404 production lines to identify supply chain risks, material shortages, and scheduling conflicts before they disrupt manufacturing. According to the company, these tools have improved material flow, supplier readiness, and production coordination. Through an expanded partnership with Palantir Technologies, GE Aerospace is also deploying agentic AI to support production decisions, predictive maintenance, and long-term aircraft sustainment. Shawn Warren, vice president and general manager of combat and trainer engines at GE Aerospace, said AI helps teams identify problems before they cause delays while maintaining the reliability required by military customers. The company is also applying its FLIGHT DECK lean manufacturing model to reduce waste and improve production efficiency. During a recent weeklong improvement effort, engineers reduced the production lead time for the F110's high-pressure compressor forward shaft by approximately 60%. They achieved this by consolidating manufacturing processes and reducing the distances operators travel inside the facility. Further production-line improvements are planned. Four Decades of F110 Engine Development The F110 has accumulated more than 11 million flight hours over approximately 40 years of service. GE Aerospace reports that 90% of the engine's parts have been upgraded over its service life through new materials, advanced coatings, and improved manufacturing and inspection processes. The production line also uses additive manufacturing, or metal 3D printing. In 2021, the U.S. Air Force certified an F110 sump cover produced using this technology. GE Aerospace describes it as the first metal 3D-printed engine component to receive airworthiness approval from a U.S. Department of Defense entity. Warren said continued investment has helped modernize the F110 and that improvements in AI and manufacturing are intended to deliver engines faster and keep military aircraft flying longer. GE Aerospace detailed these production improvements in a release published on October 1, 2026.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-04 14:15:35
India
NEW DELHI, — The Indian Navy’s INS Khanderi is scheduled to become the first Kalvari-class submarine equipped with an indigenous Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Installation is targeted for completion by December 2026, followed by sea trials in July–August 2027 and a return to operational service in early to mid-2028. The system has been developed by DRDO’s Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) and uses phosphoric acid fuel-cell technology. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is the principal industry partner for manufacturing and integration of the energy module, while Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is responsible for the AIP plug and submarine integration. France’s Naval Group, the original designer of the Scorpène class, is also involved in the integration effort. How the Indigenous AIP System Works The AIP system generates electricity underwater through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing water as a by-product. It generates hydrogen on demand, avoiding the need to store hydrogen gas onboard, while oxygen is carried in liquid form. Conventional diesel-electric submarines must periodically use a snorkel or surface to operate diesel generators and recharge their batteries. The indigenous AIP system is expected to extend INS Khanderi’s submerged endurance to around 13–15 days, with some projections indicating up to 21 days depending on operating conditions. This would reduce the need to approach the surface and help the submarine maintain a lower-detection profile. Why INS Khanderi Was Selected The Navy initially planned to install the first AIP system on INS Kalvari, the lead submarine of the class. However, the technology was not ready during Kalvari’s scheduled refit window, prompting the Navy to select INS Khanderi for the first installation. The integration requires an additional hull section, known as an AIP plug, to accommodate the energy module. In December 2024, the Ministry of Defence awarded MDL a contract worth approximately ₹1,990 crore for construction of the plug and its integration into Kalvari-class submarines. The submarine’s pressure hull will be opened during refit to insert the module before being sealed and tested. The refit is scheduled to begin around mid-2026, with integration targeted for completion by December. Harbour and sea trials are planned for July–August 2027, followed by further testing and validation before the submarine returns to service. Development Progress and Future Plans The land-based AIP prototype completed endurance and maximum-power trials in 2021. In April 2026, INOXCVA flagged off a simulated liquid oxygen (LOX) storage module for factory acceptance testing. The component forms part of the energy module being assembled by L&T, while AIP plug fabrication is progressing through coordination between L&T and MDL. INS Khanderi (pennant number S22) was commissioned on 28 September 2019. Built by MDL under Project 75 in collaboration with Naval Group, it is a diesel-electric attack submarine based on the Scorpène design. The Kalvari class comprises six submarines. INS Khanderi displaces approximately 1,615 tonnes on the surface and 1,775 tonnes submerged, measures 67.5 metres in length and carries around 43 personnel. Its armament includes six 533 mm torpedo tubes capable of launching torpedoes or SM-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles. The Indian Navy plans to install the indigenous AIP system on all six Kalvari-class submarines during their respective mid-life refits. The technology is also intended to support future conventional submarine programmes. Successful installation and sea trials aboard INS Khanderi will be an important step towards introducing India’s domestically developed fuel-cell AIP capability into operational service.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-04 14:00:51
India
NEW DELHI, — The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for developing an indigenous Microwave Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) transceiver chip, known as Omnilight PIC, under the Technology Development Fund (TDF). The project aims to support radar systems used by the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. The proposed technology will replace conventional radio-frequency (RF) copper connections with Radio Frequency over Fiber (RFoF) technology, which converts electrical radar signals into optical signals for transmission through optical fibre. This approach can reduce cabling weight and improve resistance to electromagnetic interference. Eight-Channel Design and Frequency Coverage The Omnilight PIC is planned as an eight-channel Photonic Transceiver (PTR) chip integrating electrical-to-optical (E/O) and optical-to-electrical (O/E) converters, optical multiplexers and demultiplexers (MUX/DeMUX), and digital links into a compact unit. The chip is designed to operate across 0.5 GHz to 40 GHz, covering the X, Ku, K and Ka frequency bands used in radar applications. This wide frequency range is intended to support integration into different radar architectures. Electronic Warfare Resistance and Remote Connectivity The proposed design specifies channel isolation greater than 40 dB to limit unwanted signal coupling between channels. Optical fibre transmission is inherently resistant to electromagnetic interference, although overall radar resistance to electronic warfare also depends on other system components. The transceiver is intended to connect remote radar antenna arrays to central processors over fibre links spanning several kilometres. This arrangement could allow processing equipment and operator stations to be located separately from antennas, offering greater flexibility in distributed radar installations. The architecture may also support multi-beam tracking and simultaneous transmission and reception, subject to system design and validation. Supporting Indigenous Defence Development The project aligns with India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative to strengthen domestic defence technology. DRDO's Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), based in Bengaluru, has been involved in radar research and photonic technology development. Related microwave photonics work includes signal generation, distribution networks and receivers that have progressed through laboratory demonstrations and site acceptance testing in recent years. The RFI invites industry participants and research partners to provide inputs for indigenous development. Responses can be submitted through the TDF portal according to the published requirements and timelines. If successfully developed and qualified, the Omnilight PIC could support future airborne, naval and ground-based radar systems. Its potential benefits include reduced cabling weight, improved resistance to electromagnetic interference along optical links and more flexible connections between antenna arrays and processing equipment. Actual applications will depend on development, testing and integration into specific radar platforms.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-04 13:43:42
U.S
SAN FRANCISCO — The U.S. Air Force has added $12.1 million to its contract with Scale AI to develop artificial intelligence agents for the E-4C Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC), the planned replacement for the E-4B Nightwatch airborne command aircraft. According to a Department of War announcement, the modification increases the contract’s total value from approximately $32.2 million to $44.3 million. The work will take place in San Francisco and is scheduled for completion by November 5, 2027. The Air Force obligated $5 million in fiscal 2026 research, development, test and evaluation funds at the time of the award. The original contract was awarded earlier in 2026 through the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Information Directorate in Rome, New York. The latest modification was issued by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts. AI Agents for Airborne Command Operations Agentic AI systems can plan and perform multi-step tasks, gather and organize information, and manage workflows under human supervision. However, the Air Force has not disclosed the specific tasks these systems will perform for the E-4C, whether they will operate aboard the aircraft or on supporting ground systems, or the level of human control required. The E-4C is intended to replace the four E-4B Nightwatch aircraft, heavily modified Boeing 747-200s that entered service in the 1970s. The E-4B serves as the National Airborne Operations Center, enabling the president, secretary of defense and senior military commanders to direct U.S. forces, including nuclear forces, if ground-based command centers become unavailable. The aircraft are designed to withstand nuclear blast effects and can be refueled in flight. E-4C Development and Testing Sierra Nevada Corporation received an approximately $13 billion contract in April 2024 to develop and produce the replacement system. The company acquired used Boeing 747-8I airliners from Korean Air and is converting them in Dayton, Ohio. The modifications include radiation and electromagnetic pulse protection, new communications antennas, computers and mission systems. The first E-4C test aircraft flew on August 7, 2025, with flight and ground testing continuing through 2026 to establish a technical design baseline before full mission equipment installation. Deliveries are planned to be completed by July 2036. Scale AI’s Expanding Defense Role Scale AI, a San Francisco-based company initially known for data-labeling services used to train AI models, has expanded into military AI applications. In March 2025, the company received work under the Defense Innovation Unit’s Thunderforge project, collaborating with Anduril and Microsoft to integrate AI agents into military planning and operations. The project aims to support information synthesis, campaign development and wargaming under human oversight, initially focusing on U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and U.S. European Command. Earlier in 2026, the Pentagon’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office increased the ceiling of a separate Scale AI agreement from $100 million to $500 million. Meta holds a minority stake in the company. The additional $12.1 million supports Scale AI’s work on AI capabilities for the E-4C program as the replacement aircraft progresses through development and testing. The specific operational functions of the AI agents have not yet been publicly detailed.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-04 13:38:33
U.S
WHITTIER, Alaska, — The U.S. Navy commissioned its newest Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128), during a ceremony in Whittier, Alaska, on Saturday. Built by Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) at its Ingalls Shipbuilding division in Pascagoula, Mississippi, the destroyer was delivered to the Navy in December 2025 and is the second Flight III destroyer to enter active service. The ceremony took place at the Holland America Princess terminal after a fire damaged a newer dock in Whittier. The event highlighted the Navy's partnership with Alaska and marked the first Navy ship commissioning in the state since the USS Anchorage in 2013. The Tlingit phrase “Woosh-Jee-een,” meaning “working together” or “pulling together,” represented cooperation between the Navy, the Stevens family, the crew and the local community. Advanced Radar and Weapons Systems The USS Ted Stevens is equipped with the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and the Aegis Baseline 10 combat system. These systems support simultaneous anti-air warfare and ballistic missile defense operations. Improved electrical power distribution and cooling capacity support its advanced combat systems and operations alongside joint and coalition forces. The destroyer measures approximately 510 feet long, has a 66-foot beam and a full-load displacement of around 9,200 tons. Four General Electric LM2500 gas turbines produce a combined 100,000 shaft horsepower, allowing speeds exceeding 30 knots. Its crew comprises approximately 340 to 380 personnel. Its armament includes a 5-inch naval gun, a Phalanx close-in weapon system and a Mk 41 vertical launch system with 96 cells. The ship can also accommodate two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. Honoring Senator Ted Stevens The ship is named after the late Ted Stevens, who represented Alaska in the U.S. Senate from 1968 to 2009. During World War II, he served as a U.S. Army Air Forces pilot, flying transport missions over “The Hump” in the China-Burma-India theater in support of the 14th Air Force. He received two Distinguished Flying Crosses and two Air Medals. After the war, Stevens helped secure Alaska's statehood in 1959. During his Senate career, he focused on national security and military modernization and served as President Pro Tempore and later President Pro Tempore Emeritus. The destroyer's motto is “Lead with Courage.” Navy Officials and Ship Sponsors Attend Ceremony Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao attended the ceremony and highlighted the ship's readiness to serve. “Today, USS Ted Stevens is no longer preparing to join the fleet. Today, Ted Stevens is the fleet. Today, USS Ted Stevens stands ready to defend the homeland, deter aggression, and when called upon, fight and win,” Cao said. The ship's sponsors—Senator Stevens' widow, Catherine Ann Stevens, and his daughters, Susan Stevens Covich and Lily Stevens Becker—gave the traditional command, “Man our ship and bring her to life!” The crew then boarded, manned the rails, established the first watch and brought the combat systems online. Lily Stevens Becker said the family trusted the crew to care for the ship, look after one another and uphold the nation's peace and safety. Capt. Mary Katey Hayes, the ship's commanding officer, praised the crew's efforts in preparing the destroyer for service. “We are ready to answer our nation's call,” Hayes said, adding that the crew was prepared to defend freedom along Alaska's rugged coast or in other parts of the world. Destroyer to Homeport in Norfolk Whittier, a deep-water port that served as a military facility during World War II, hosted community celebrations and public tours ahead of the commissioning. The ship's arrival was described as a historic milestone for the city, where officials noted that 80 years had passed since a Navy destroyer last visited. Following its time in Alaska, the USS Ted Stevens will travel to its permanent homeport in Norfolk, Virginia, to prepare for future global deployments. Its commissioning adds a Flight III destroyer equipped with advanced radar and upgraded combat systems to the U.S. Navy's active fleet.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-04 13:23:29
U.S
MOJAVE, Calif., — Northrop Grumman’s YFQ-48A Talon Blue has completed its first fully autonomous flight at Mojave Air and Space Port in California. During the October 3 test, the uncrewed aircraft independently performed taxiing, takeoff, in-flight maneuvers and landing without pilot input. Flight-tracking data indicated that the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 9,875 feet to just over 10,000 feet and speeds ranging from around 190 to 233 knots before returning to land. Aircraft Design and Capabilities Built by Northrop Grumman subsidiary Scaled Composites, the aircraft is also known as the Model 444 and is registered as N444LX. It is a single-engine uncrewed combat aircraft designed to operate alongside crewed fighter jets. Talon Blue features a high dorsal air intake, swept lambda-style wings, a wide wheelbase, a long slender fuselage, canted twin tails and an internal weapons bay. It is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PW500-family turbofan adapted from commercial use for military applications. Some reports identify the engine as the PW545 variant. Northrop Grumman used modular manufacturing and design changes to reduce production costs, manufacturing time, weight and part count. Some programme descriptions cite a part-count reduction of approximately 50 percent and a weight reduction of roughly 1,000 pounds. These changes are intended to support affordable production at scale without sacrificing mission capability. Project Talon and Collaborative Combat Aircraft Talon Blue is the centrepiece of Northrop Grumman’s internally funded Project Talon, which focuses on developing autonomous airpower capabilities. The aircraft was developed using company funding after Northrop Grumman was not selected for the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Increment 1 competition. The Increment 1 contracts went to General Atomics for the YFQ-42A and Anduril for the YFQ-44A. Talon Blue could position Northrop Grumman to compete for future CCA requirements, including potential subsequent increments, although no future selection is guaranteed. The aircraft is intended to serve as an autonomous wingman supporting crewed fighters. The U.S. Air Force assigned it the YFQ-48A designation in December 2025, following its unveiling in late 2025. Autonomous taxi tests were completed in May 2026. “Our customers made it clear they need autonomous systems that can be fielded faster and more affordably without sacrificing mission effectiveness,” said Craig Woolston, Northrop Grumman’s vice president and general manager for research and advanced design. “Talon Blue’s first flight is one step toward a new generation of autonomous capabilities,” Woolston added, noting that each flight provides lessons for the company’s broader autonomy development work. Northrop Grumman said the programme draws on more than 500,000 autonomous flight hours accumulated across previous platforms, including the RQ-4 Global Hawk and MQ-4C Triton, as well as the company’s wider experience in autonomous aviation. Talon IQ and Autonomy Software Project Talon also includes Talon IQ, an autonomous software testbed operating on the crewed Scaled Composites Model 437 Vanguard aircraft. It uses Northrop Grumman’s Prism Mission Autonomy software, which provides a government reference architecture intended to accelerate autonomous software development. Testing autonomy software on a crewed aircraft allows the company to develop and evaluate mission capabilities before integrating them into uncrewed platforms. The system also supports testing software integration and, in some demonstrations, mid-flight software changes involving partner systems. Together, Talon IQ and Talon Blue support software development, flight testing and the integration of autonomous capabilities into aircraft designed to address changing operational requirements and emerging threats. The October 3 flight marks the start of Talon Blue’s flight-test phase.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-04 13:10:55
Space & Technology
HOUSTON — NASA’s 16-member Dexterous Robotics Team at the Johnson Space Center in Houston is developing humanoid robots to support astronauts during future Moon and Mars missions. The robots are designed to perform human-like tasks, assist with maintenance and reduce risks to crews during long-duration space exploration. The team is part of NASA’s Robotic Systems Technology Branch, which also develops unmanned planetary rovers. Its work builds on earlier projects, including Robonaut 2, which conducted technology demonstrations aboard the International Space Station for seven years, and Valkyrie, NASA’s first bipedal humanoid robot. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing approximately 300 pounds (136 kilograms), Valkyrie remains a key part of the programme. “It’s really about the human elements — either working in environments designed for humans or working alongside humans. That’s our niche,” said Shaun Azimi, lead of the Dexterous Robotics Team. Robots to Support Astronauts NASA aims to make human exploration safer and more sustainable, rather than replace astronauts with robots. Humanoid systems could assist with logistics, maintenance, equipment inspections and scientific activities, including hazardous tasks such as inspecting equipment outside spacecraft and cleaning solar panels. The team's near-term focus is developing technologies for a sustained human presence on the lunar surface, including future lunar base plans. These technologies could also support crewed missions to Mars. Testing at NASA’s iMETRO Facility NASA tests robotic systems at the Integrated Mobile Evaluation Testbed for Robotics Operations (iMETRO) at Johnson Space Center. The facility is available to NASA programmes and external partners and includes open-source software, simulation tools, spacecraft and habitat mockups, different robots and an outdoor rock yard. Engineers can test complete robots or individual hardware and software components. According to Azimi, the facility helps developers understand actual operational requirements and connects robotics engineers with teams designing lunar habitats and rovers. The collaboration can identify design improvements, such as larger handles and better lighting, that help robots and astronauts interact with equipment. In one demonstration, a team from PickNik Inc. tested software that enabled a robotic arm to recognise a spacecraft hatch, turn its latch, grasp the handle, open the door and transfer cargo bags. A NASA intern also developed software using a commercial robotic arm and camera to inspect and maintain a cold stowage freezer similar to those used on the International Space Station. Valkyrie has also been used in demonstrations involving remote handling of objects, including a packed duffel bag. Partnerships With Industry NASA is working with companies to evaluate robotic technologies in challenging environments on Earth before considering their use in space. The agency has partnered with Australian energy company Woodside to explore using Valkyrie for hazardous tasks in the oil and gas industry. These activities provide engineers with information about robot performance in demanding and unpredictable conditions. NASA is also collaborating with Texas-based robotics company Apptronik to study its commercially developed Apollo humanoid robot. The work aims to identify capability gaps and determine where additional research and investment are needed to adapt robotic systems for space. The Dexterous Robotics Team combines research and practical engineering, with members experienced in electronics, mechanics, software, simulations and analysis. Its work is organised mainly into mechatronics and software groups, with substantial collaboration between them. Preparing for Future Exploration NASA is also collaborating with other agency organisations on an upcoming challenge inviting public ideas for technology solutions related to Mars exploration. Humanoid robots could eventually help astronauts move cargo, maintain equipment and perform other tasks in lunar habitats. By developing machines that can operate in environments designed for humans, NASA hopes to reduce operational risks and support longer-duration missions. The programme builds on NASA’s previous humanoid robotics research and contributes to the development of technologies for sustained lunar exploration and potential future crewed missions to Mars.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-03 15:56:04
World
TAIPEI, — Taiwan’s first domestically built submarine, Hai Kun (SS-711), also known as Narwhal, completed its 23rd sea trial and 17th submersible test on October 2 near Kaohsiung. Shipbuilder CSBC Corporation, Taiwan, is accelerating testing as it works toward handing over the submarine to the Republic of China (ROC) Navy by the end of 2026. Military expert Chi Tung-yun, chair of the Taiwan Association for Security and Development, said sea trials are expected to continue on a near-weekly basis to complete the remaining acceptance requirements. Navy officials have not announced a firm delivery date, emphasizing that safety and quality standards take priority over the schedule. Submarine Design and Testing Construction of Hai Kun began in November 2021 at CSBC’s Kaohsiung facility, and the submarine was launched in September 2023. The diesel-electric attack submarine has an estimated submerged displacement of 2,500 to 3,000 tons and incorporates lithium-ion battery technology and a Lockheed Martin combat system. The submarine is designed to carry U.S.-made Mk 48 heavyweight torpedoes and Harpoon anti-ship missiles. Sea trials began with surface operations in mid-2025, followed by the first submerged test on January 29, 2026. Subsequent tests have covered propulsion, sonar, hull integrity and combat systems. In May 2026, Hai Kun successfully launched training torpedoes, testing functions associated with target detection, fire-control calculations, launch and guidance. CSBC continues equipment calibration and adjustments based on trial data. Weather and technical requirements have occasionally delayed individual tests, while the program has progressed through surface, shallow-water and deeper submerged phases. Delivery Delays and Financial Penalties CSBC missed the original contractual delivery deadline in November 2025 and has been paying daily penalties of approximately NT$190,000 (about US$6,200). The company has maintained that safety and quality take priority over meeting the original deadline. Although handover is planned by the end of 2026, delivery will not mean immediate operational service. After receiving the submarine, the ROC Navy must complete further certification, systems integration and operational testing before declaring it combat-ready. Chi estimated that post-delivery evaluation could take at least six months and potentially more than a year, depending on the submarine’s performance during advanced testing and tactical assessments. Role in Taiwan’s Submarine Fleet Taiwan currently operates two aging Chien Lung-class submarines acquired from the Netherlands in the 1980s. Hai Kun is the prototype of the Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) program, which aims to expand Taiwan’s undersea capabilities through domestic submarine construction. Funding for follow-on submarines remains contingent on the successful completion of the prototype’s trials and related legislative reporting. The remaining sea trials and acceptance procedures will determine when Hai Kun can be transferred to the Navy, with additional evaluations required before it enters operational service.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-03 15:47:35
Europe
GERMANY, — Diehl Defence and Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) have signed a contract to adapt the IRIS-T SLM air defence system for the German Navy’s four F125 Baden-Württemberg-class frigates. The agreement follows approval of the project by the German Bundestag’s Budget Committee on September 23, 2026. Under the contract, Diehl Defence will build prototypes and conduct test firings to develop a mission-capable naval version of the system that integrates with the frigates’ existing architecture. The upgrade is intended to expand the ships’ air defence coverage. The F125 frigates currently rely primarily on RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM), with 42 missiles reported per ship. The IRIS-T SLM has a reported range of approximately 40 kilometres and can engage targets at altitudes of up to 20 kilometres. According to earlier industry reporting, each frigate could receive two vertical launchers, each carrying 16 IRIS-T SLM missiles, for a potential total of 32 missiles per ship. However, the final configuration has not been officially confirmed. Successful Naval Trials in 2025 The adaptation programme builds on trials conducted during the German Navy’s Maritime Firing Exercise 2025, held off Andøya, Norway, from October 13 to 24, 2025. Diehl Defence installed a temporary, palletized Anti-Air Warfare (AAW) module on the C-deck of the frigate Baden-Württemberg. Developed from concept to live firing in less than ten months, the demonstrator fired three missiles as planned, including during night operations. The system met all established evaluation objectives and achieved a reported high hit rate, demonstrating the feasibility of connecting the ship’s sensors with the IRIS-T SLM weapon system. The IRIS-T SLM has also seen combat use in Ukraine as a ground-based air defence system. Its naval adaptation aims to provide the German Navy with additional capability against modern airborne threats. Diehl Defence and BAAINBw have not disclosed the contract value or a complete operational introduction schedule. The timeline for equipping all four frigates has not been officially confirmed.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-03 15:37:13
U.S
NAVAL AIR STATION LEMOORE, California — A U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 41 (VFA-41), known as the “Black Aces,” has reportedly returned from Operation Epic Fury with a submarine silhouette labeled “Sub Buster” beneath its cockpit. The aircraft, identified as “Dealer 102” and Bureau Number 168491, landed at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, on October 1, 2026, after operating from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). The marking resembles an Iranian Project 877EKM Kilo-class submarine, reportedly the IRIS Taregh, which U.S. forces destroyed while it was docked at an Iranian naval port. Iran acquired three Kilo-class submarines from Russia in the 1990s: Taregh, Noor and Yunes. Maintenance problems had affected their operational readiness. The specific weapon used in the reported strike by VFA-41 has not been publicly identified. Strikes on Iran's Smaller Submarines Iran also operates Fateh-class coastal submarines and smaller Ghadir-class midget submarines. During Operation Epic Fury, reports indicated that the lead Fateh-class submarine was sunk, while footage showed damage to other vessels. Reported attacks included AGM-114 Hellfire missiles launched from MQ-9 Reaper uncrewed aircraft and GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs. ATACMS ballistic missiles and uncrewed surface vessels were also reportedly used against Iranian submarine assets. Impact of Operation Epic Fury Launched on February 28, 2026, Operation Epic Fury targeted Iranian military infrastructure, including naval forces and missile production facilities. U.S. Central Command reported on April 6 that more than 13,000 targets had been struck and more than 155 Iranian vessels had been damaged or destroyed. VFA-41 used large quantities of precision-guided weapons during the campaign, including GBU-38 JDAMs, laser-guided bombs and Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOWs), as well as air-to-air missiles. The reported submarine losses could reduce Iran's ability to conduct underwater attacks and threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. However, the specific attribution of the Kilo-class submarine strike to this Super Hornet has not been independently verified.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-03 15:21:39
World
MOSCOW, Russia — Russia has revealed jet-powered versions of its Harpy (Garpiya) attack drone and a new mobile launch system in footage broadcast by state television channel NTV in early October 2026. The footage was subsequently analyzed by the Telegram channel Colonel of the General Staff. Two Jet-Powered Variants The footage showed two configurations. The first uses a jet engine fitted into the existing piston-engine airframe, similar to Russia's Geran-3. The second features a redesigned airframe built specifically for jet propulsion. Production reportedly remains limited, and official performance specifications have not been released. According to the footage analysis, the new drones use inertial navigation systems (INS) and satellite navigation systems. They reportedly lack advanced optical cameras and mesh modems, while some configurations feature a laser sensor designed to trigger an aerial detonation. Harpy-A1 Specifications The original piston-powered Harpy-A1 is manufactured by Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant (IEMZ) Kupol, part of the Almaz-Antey concern. Its flying-wing design resembles the Iranian Shahed-136 and Russian Geran-2. According to assessments attributed to Ukrainian military intelligence, the Harpy-A1 has a takeoff weight of approximately 300 kilograms, a maximum speed of around 185 km/h, a range of up to 1,500 kilometres and a payload capacity of up to 150 kilograms. These specifications apply to the piston-powered model, not the new jet variants. Mobile Launch System The NTV report also showed a launcher mounted on a KamAZ-5350 military truck chassis. It is designed to transport and launch multiple Geran or Harpy drones, allowing deployment from dispersed locations without relying exclusively on fixed bases or airfields. Export Plans and Production Russia is promoting the piston-powered Harpy-A1E export model through Rosoboronexport, which began international marketing in August 2026. Its advertised specifications include a range of up to 1,000 kilometres, a warhead exceeding 50 kilograms, a speed of at least 170 km/h, endurance of at least six hours and an operating altitude of 50 to 2,500 metres. The manufacturer says it can fulfil domestic and export orders simultaneously and is prepared to discuss establishing production facilities in partner countries. The export model is scheduled for display at defence exhibitions in Vietnam and China. Harpy-A1 production began under a Russian Defence Ministry contract in 2023. Open-source reporting and European intelligence assessments have indicated that more than 2,500 units were produced between mid-2023 and mid-2024. Kupol manufactures the Harpy family, while Alabuga handles higher-volume Geran production. Further details about the new jet-powered Harpy variants, including their range, speed and production numbers, have not been disclosed.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-03 15:14:02
World
SEOUL, — North Korea announced on Saturday that it had test-fired an intermediate-range strategic missile equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technology, claiming it can change its flight trajectory at low altitudes. Leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the firing drill, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). North Korea said the missile demonstrated a “wave-like trajectory mode” designed to make tracking and interception more difficult. Its Missile Administration reportedly informed Kim that the missile could use at least four different flight trajectory modes depending on its mission and target. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported detecting the launch from the Wonsan area on North Korea’s east coast. The missile travelled more than 700 kilometres before landing in the sea. Japan’s Defense Ministry reported a flight distance of approximately 680 kilometres and said it fell outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone. Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un’s sister and a senior ruling-party official, claimed that South Korean and Japanese tracking systems failed to follow the missile after it began performing evasive manoeuvres. She also argued that the two countries should acknowledge its speed. North Korea claimed that the technology would be difficult for adversaries to counter, while Kim Jong Un reportedly said comparable technology would remain unavailable to other countries for several years. These claims have not been independently verified. Experts Question Missile Capabilities Hong Sung-pyo, a senior researcher at the Seoul-based Korea Institute for Military Affairs, cautioned against accepting Pyongyang’s claims at face value. He noted that missiles capable of manoeuvring during their terminal flight phase can be difficult to intercept, but such manoeuvres do not guarantee perfect accuracy. Some defence analysts have suggested that Russian military support could be contributing to North Korea’s missile development, potentially linked to North Korean troop deployments supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. However, the specific role of Russian assistance in this missile’s development remains unconfirmed. The U.S. military’s Pacific Command said it was consulting closely with regional allies and that the launch posed no immediate threat to U.S. personnel, territory or allies. It also reaffirmed its defence commitments. Test Follows Rising Border Tensions The missile test came amid worsening relations between North and South Korea following landmine explosions in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on September 21 that seriously injured South Korean soldiers. South Korea and the U.S.-led United Nations Command attributed the blasts to newly planted North Korean mines, which they said violated the 1950–53 armistice agreement. North Korea denied responsibility. Seoul demanded an apology and called on Pyongyang to stop strengthening its border defences, including installing anti-tank barriers and additional landmines. On Friday, Kim Yo Jong dismissed South Korea’s demands as “utterly pathetic” and warned of retaliation if South Korean forces fired on North Korean troops working near the border. The tensions follow Kim Jong Un’s decision earlier this year to abandon the long-standing goal of reconciliation and designate South Korea as a permanent adversary. North Korea has conducted missile tests on more than 10 occasions so far in 2026, according to the supplied reports. South Korea, the United States and Japan continue to share information and maintain their defence readiness. South Korea’s military had not immediately commented on North Korea’s specific claims about the missile’s AI capabilities. The missile’s actual manoeuvring performance, tracking resistance and potential impact on existing missile-defence systems remain to be independently established.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-03 14:33:50
U.S
PHILADELPHIA, — Boeing has received its first full-rate production contract for four MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters for the U.S. Air Force, marking progress in the replacement of the service’s aging UH-1N Huey fleet. The contract was awarded on September 25 and is valued at approximately $85 million, including some sustainment work, according to Defense News. Boeing announced the award in late September and early October 2026. The order follows the Air Force’s declaration of initial operating capability (IOC) for the program on August 10, announced by Air Force Global Strike Command on August 31. The latest order brings the total number of MH-139A helicopters under contract to 42. Boeing has delivered 27 aircraft, including 20 built during the low-rate initial production phase. The four newly ordered helicopters are expected to be delivered in 2028 or 2029. Kathleen Jolivette, vice president and general manager of Vertical Lift Programs at Boeing Defense, Space & Security, said the milestone validates the Grey Wolf’s readiness and supports the Air Force’s plans to secure strategic missile fields and modernize its helicopter fleet. Replacing the UH-1N Huey The MH-139A is based on Leonardo Helicopters’ commercial AW139 platform. Leonardo manufactures the base helicopter at its Philadelphia facility, while Boeing, the prime contractor, integrates military equipment at its nearby Ridley Park site. The U.S. Air Force selected the Boeing-Leonardo team in 2018. The Grey Wolf will support security operations at the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile fields associated with Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, and F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming. Compared with the UH-1N, the MH-139A is nearly 50 percent faster, can carry twice as many troops, and features enhanced defensive systems and command-and-control capabilities. Its missions include patrol, security, missile convoy escort, search and rescue, troop and cargo transport, firefighting, and other utility operations. In January 2026, the 40th Helicopter Squadron at Malmstrom completed its first operational Minuteman III convoy escort using the MH-139A. The mission covered more than 100 miles over approximately six hours without refueling. Initial operational test and evaluation flights had begun in 2025. Production and Fleet Expansion The Air Force’s original plans called for approximately 80 to 84 helicopters, but budget decisions reduced the planned fleet. The program temporarily had a target of 42 aircraft, while current budget documents set an objective of 56. Earlier contracts included seven helicopters in 2024, eight in October 2025, and four in January 2026, bringing the contracted total to 38 before the latest award. The Air Force plans to have 34 MH-139A helicopters in operation by fiscal year 2027 and requested funding for four additional aircraft for that fiscal year. Congressional versions of the defense policy bill have considered higher quantities, but final legislation remains pending. The program experienced delays related to certification and other issues in earlier years. The achievement of initial operating capability and the first full-rate production award mark progress toward wider deployment of the Grey Wolf to support nuclear security operations and replace the UH-1N fleet.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-03 14:28:19
U.S
KITSAP-BANGOR, Wash. — The U.S. Navy has completed a planned homeport exchange between two Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) and USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735). The move supports preparations for the introduction of the next-generation Columbia-class fleet while maintaining the United States’ sea-based nuclear deterrence mission. USS Wyoming arrived at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor in Washington on October 1, 2026, while USS Pennsylvania relocated to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia. Official reports also noted the submarines reaching their new bases around October 2. The exchange is part of the Navy’s long-term plan to position ballistic missile submarines at Bangor ahead of the Columbia-class introduction, while minimizing disruption to sailors and their families. Ohio-class submarines serve as concealed platforms for launching submarine-launched ballistic missiles and conduct extended deterrent patrols. Rear Adm. Todd Figanbaum, commander of Submarine Group 9, said, “A hallmark of ballistic missile submarine operations is that we are on station 24/7/365.” He added that Pacific Fleet ballistic missile submarines would remain ready to deter threats as the Navy transitions to the Columbia class. Crews Remain at Their Original Bases Unlike a conventional homeport change, the exchange involved moving the submarines without relocating their crews and families. This arrangement avoided cross-country moves for most assigned sailors and helped maintain stability for personnel and surrounding communities. The Navy assigns two alternating crews, known as Blue and Gold, to each ballistic missile submarine. This system increases operational availability and reduces the number of submarines needed to meet national defense requirements. USS Wyoming, commissioned in 1996, is the fourth U.S. Navy vessel named in honor of Wyoming. It received U.S. Strategic Command’s Omaha Trophy in 2015, recognizing it as the fleet’s highest-performing strategic platform that year. USS Pennsylvania had been based at Bangor since October 2002, following earlier service at Kings Bay. The exchange returns it to the Georgia base. Preparing for the Columbia-Class Fleet The Navy plans to homeport up to eight Columbia-class submarines at Bangor by the early 2030s. The new submarines will replace Ohio-class boats on a one-for-one basis, take over the sea-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad and operate longer without mid-life nuclear refueling. Facility upgrades at Bangor are scheduled to begin in 2027, with the first Columbia-class submarine expected to arrive around 2032. Described as a first-of-its-kind exchange for Ohio-class submarines, the Wyoming-Pennsylvania swap allows the Navy to adjust fleet positioning for the next generation while maintaining continuity in its existing strategic deterrence operations.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-03 14:20:25
U.S
ORLANDO, Fla. — Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control has received a $244.96 million contract modification from the U.S. Navy to produce 48 Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Block II systems for Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft. The U.S. Department of Defense announced the award on September 29, 2026, with production scheduled for completion by the end of February 2031. The contract covers the second full-rate production lot, including 45 infrared sensor systems for the U.S. Navy and three for the Royal Australian Air Force. The package also includes 74 processors, 27 inertial measurement units for the Navy, test equipment, spare parts, maintenance equipment and production materials. Funding was fully obligated at the time of the award. The breakdown includes $232.5 million in fiscal year 2026 Navy aircraft procurement funds, $1.6 million in Navy working capital funds and $10.8 million from Australia through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme. Work will be performed primarily in Orlando, Florida, accounting for 79.42% of production. Additional work will take place in Santa Barbara, California (11.70%); Ocala, Florida (5.70%); and Archbald, Pennsylvania (3.18%). The modification, designated P00004 under contract N0001925C0009, was not competitively procured. Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. IRST Block II Provides Passive Target Tracking The system is built around Lockheed Martin's IRST21 long-wave infrared sensor, which detects and tracks airborne targets by sensing their infrared signatures without transmitting radar signals. It complements the Super Hornet's AN/APG-79 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and provides an additional method of detecting and tracking aircraft at extended ranges. Unlike conventional radar, IRST operates passively, allowing the aircraft to search for targets without revealing its position through sensor emissions. This capability is useful in contested airspace where electronic warfare and electromagnetic jamming can limit radar operations. The system can operate independently or alongside other sensors, providing tracking and targeting data that support beyond-visual-range missile engagements. The sensor can also help detect and track low-observable aircraft, including fifth-generation fighters. However, detection performance depends on factors such as atmospheric conditions, target characteristics and the operational environment. Upgrades and Aircraft Integration The IRST sensor is installed in the forward section of a modified external centerline fuel tank carried beneath the Super Hornet's fuselage. This arrangement provides a wide field of view without occupying a dedicated weapon station, although the modified tank has less fuel capacity than a standard centerline tank. The Block II configuration introduces a modified electro-optical sensor head, a new central processor and updated software algorithms designed to improve target detection and tracking performance over earlier versions. The U.S. Navy declared initial operational capability for IRST Block II on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in February 2025, and the programme has advanced to full-rate production. The latest contract continues production for U.S. Navy and Australian Super Hornet fleets, providing their crews with an additional passive sensor capability to support airborne target detection, tracking and situational awareness in contested electromagnetic environments.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-03 14:05:32
U.S
MAYPORT, Florida — A U.S. Navy MQ-4C Triton surveillance drone has been photographed beyond the paved surface of Runway 5 at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, near the St. Johns River. The circumstances of the incident remain unclear, and the U.S. Navy has not issued a public statement. The open-source intelligence account TheIntelFrog shared the image on X on October 3, showing the unmanned aircraft beyond the runway. The account joked that the drone had “got stuck trying to take a drink” from the river. The exact date and time of the incident, whether the aircraft was taking off or landing, the cause of the event and the extent of any damage remain unknown. As the MQ-4C operates without an onboard crew, no personnel were aboard the aircraft. MQ-4C Triton Specifications and Capabilities Manufactured by Northrop Grumman, the MQ-4C Triton is a high-altitude, long-endurance maritime surveillance aircraft developed from the U.S. Air Force's RQ-4 Global Hawk. It is equipped with maritime radar, electro-optical and infrared cameras, and electronic support measures. Structural strengthening, de-icing capabilities and lightning protection support operations in demanding maritime weather conditions. The aircraft operates alongside the Navy's crewed P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft as part of the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force. Its key specifications include: Wingspan: Approximately 130.9 feet Length: Approximately 47.6 feet Maximum takeoff weight: About 32,250 pounds Endurance: More than 24 hours Operating altitude: Above 50,000 feet Range: Approximately 7,400 nautical miles Engine: One Rolls-Royce AE3007H turbofan Mayport's Role in Triton Operations The Navy selected Naval Station Mayport as an operating location for the Triton fleet and its maintenance personnel in 2017. The first aircraft assigned to the base arrived in December 2021 after a deployment that included operations from Guam. Mission crews and sensor operators control the aircraft remotely from Naval Air Station Jacksonville under the Navy's remote-split operations concept. The aircraft are operated by Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19), known as “Big Red,” the Navy's first squadron dedicated entirely to unmanned aviation. The squadron has also operated Tritons from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam and Naval Air Station Sigonella in Italy. Mayport-based Tritons have conducted surveillance missions in the Caribbean. Public flight-tracking data previously reported by The Defence Blog showed one aircraft completing an approximately nine-hour flight over the Caribbean, north of Venezuela, after departing Mayport in January. Previous Triton Incidents The MQ-4C programme has experienced earlier operational setbacks. In September 2018, a Triton undergoing operational testing at Naval Base Ventura County, California, experienced an in-flight problem. Its engine was shut down, and the landing gear failed to extend, resulting in a belly landing on the runway. No personnel were injured, and VUP-19 temporarily suspended operations during the investigation. Further reported serious mishaps occurred in December 2025 during maintenance and in April 2026. As of October 3, 2026, the Navy has not released further details about the Mayport incident, including the cause, damage assessment or recovery efforts. It remains unclear when the aircraft will be inspected or whether it can return to service. Main Source : Defence-blog
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-03 13:41:01
World
CHEBARKUL, Chelyabinsk Region, Russia — Russia has demonstrated a new ground-based launcher, designated Izdeliye 347 or Product 347, firing a modified LMUR light multipurpose guided missile during the Tsentr-2026 strategic military exercise. According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, the system struck simulated enemy artillery positions at the Chebarkul training range in the Chelyabinsk region. Aerial reconnaissance first identified the targets and provided their coordinates. The ministry reported on October 2 that the truck-mounted launcher could engage stationary and moving targets at ranges of up to 20 kilometres. Tsentr-2026 ran from September 28 to October 3, 2026, involving more than 47,000 personnel across multiple training areas and the Caspian Sea. Truck-Mounted Launcher Configuration Video footage shows the system installed on an armoured Ural 6x6 truck, with some Russian reports identifying the chassis as the Ural-63706. The rear section carries two missiles, while a mast-mounted antenna supports the data link with the missile in flight. During one recorded demonstration, a missile was launched at a distance of 13.9 kilometres and landed several metres from the designated target in an open field. The Defense Ministry has not confirmed the exact truck model, the manufacturer of the complete launcher, its full missile capacity or a timeline for entry into service. LMUR Missile Specifications and Guidance The LMUR, also known as Izdeliye 305 or Kh-39, was developed by the KBM design bureau in Kolomna, part of Rostec’s High Precision Systems holding. Originally designed for helicopter launch, it is used by Russian Mi-28NM and Ka-52M attack helicopters and specialised Mi-8 variants. The missile weighs approximately 105 kilograms, carries a 25-kilogram high-explosive fragmentation warhead, measures 1.945 metres in length and has a diameter of 200 millimetres. It uses a solid-fuel motor, reaches speeds of up to approximately 230 metres per second and typically flies at altitudes of 100–600 metres. The standard variant has a stated range of 14.5 kilometres, while longer-range versions have reportedly exceeded 25 kilometres. The modified ground-launched version demonstrated during Tsentr-2026 has a reported range of up to 20 kilometres. Its guidance system combines inertial navigation and satellite corrections during mid-course flight. A thermal-imaging seeker and two-way data link provide the operator with video from the missile’s perspective, allowing adjustments to the aim point during the final phase. The launching platform does not need a direct line of sight to the target when firing. Ground-Based Role and Earlier Development Mounting the LMUR on a truck gives Russian ground forces a mobile precision-strike option without requiring an attack helicopter to carry out each engagement. The concept is comparable in some respects to Israel’s Spike NLOS missile system, which can engage targets beyond the launcher’s direct line of sight. Russia previously explored a ground-launched LMUR under the Baikal project, reportedly based on an armoured tracked vehicle similar in concept to the Khrizantema-S anti-tank system. That proposal was also intended to engage slow-moving, low-flying aircraft, but its outcome remains undisclosed. Izdeliye 347 instead uses a wheeled truck platform. Although its demonstration confirms the use of a ground-based LMUR launcher during the exercise, Russia has not publicly confirmed its formal acceptance into service, serial production plans or future deployment schedule.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-03 13:29:46
India
New Delhi, — Indian defence technology company IG Defence has successfully test-fired two solid rocket motors for its JWALA micro-missile programme. Conducted at approximately 04:00 hours, the tests mark progress in developing an indigenous, cost-effective hard-kill Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) to neutralise hostile drones. JWALA is described by the company as India’s first privately developed micro-missile programme. It aims to provide affordable interceptors that can be manufactured and deployed in large numbers to complement existing air defence systems against the growing use of low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The JWALA MK1 is a short-range surface-to-air interceptor designed to engage UAVs at ranges of 2–5 kilometres and altitudes of 50–5,000 metres. It features a dual-pulse solid rocket motor and aerodynamic fin control for rapid response and precision interception. The programme aims to address the need for scalable counter-drone solutions, particularly against attacks involving multiple drones. Wing Commander Anoop Sharma (Retd.), Associate Vice President at IG Defence, said the successful propulsion test was an important milestone towards developing an indigenous hard-kill capability. He highlighted the growing need for affordable interceptors that can be produced and deployed in meaningful numbers. Integration with AI-Powered GRID System JWALA is being developed as part of IG Defence’s GRID ecosystem, rather than as a standalone missile. Its GRID Defend battle management system uses artificial intelligence (AI) to connect sensors, command units and effectors through a sensor-to-shooter architecture. The system is designed to detect, identify and track threats, process information from multiple sensors, build a common operational picture and coordinate authorised engagements. In this architecture, JWALA provides the physical interception capability, while GRID manages intelligence and mission coordination. IG Defence Founder and CEO Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya said the company aims to integrate sensors, AI, command systems and effectors to support authorised Counter-UAS missions from detection to engagement. Further Testing and Development IG Defence said further development would focus on system maturity, reliability, manufacturability and readiness for large-scale production. Additional testing and system-level integration will be required as the programme progresses. Earlier in 2026, the company showcased the JWALA MK1 airframe to Indian Air Force officials during Dronathon 2026. IG Defence has also showcased its KAL long-range loitering munition as part of its wider portfolio of indigenous defence technologies. The successful solid rocket motor tests mark a step forward in the JWALA programme, which is being developed to strengthen India's domestic counter-drone and defence technology capabilities.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-03 13:16:44
U.S
CALIFORNIA, United States — California-based defense technology company Epirus has integrated its Leonidas high-power microwave (HPM) weapon system into a U.S. Army command-and-control (C2) network during Operation Jailbreak Falcon Fury. The integration demonstrates how the system's sensors and microwave weapon can work with a broader military network to help operators select responses to different drone threats. The Army has not disclosed the exact date or location of the demonstration, the specific command network used, or the number of drones involved. Leonidas uses high-power microwave energy to disrupt or overload drone electronics, potentially disabling multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with a single burst. The integration supports the Army's wider effort to connect sensors, weapons and software from different manufacturers through an open-architecture approach. Operation Jailbreak Advances Open-Architecture Systems Operation Jailbreak is a U.S. Army initiative focused on establishing a “Right to Integrate” ecosystem, allowing equipment from different manufacturers to exchange data and operate together. A related hackathon at Fort Carson, Colorado, earlier in 2026 brought together more than 600 participants and over 50 defense companies. The effort includes encouraging vendors to open their application programming interfaces (APIs), reducing dependence on closed, single-vendor systems. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has linked the initiative to the rapid deployment of integrated interceptors required for operations such as Epic Fury. The broader objective is to reduce the need for soldiers to manually cross-reference information across multiple disconnected screens in tactical operations centers. Leonidas GV to Debut at AUSA 2026 Epirus plans to present the Leonidas GV, a mobile variant developed in partnership with General Dynamics Land Systems, at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) annual meeting in Washington, D.C., from October 12–14, 2026. Technical specifications for the GV have not been publicly released. Previous Leonidas platform integrations include a Stryker armored vehicle, a General Dynamics Land Systems TRX tracked robotic vehicle, and a Leonidas Autonomous Ground Vehicle based on a Ford F-600 truck equipped with Kodiak Robotics artificial intelligence technology. Tests Demonstrate Counter-Drone Capability During a live-fire demonstration at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, Epirus reported that Leonidas neutralized all 61 target drones across five engagement scenarios. In one test, a single microwave burst disabled a swarm of 49 drones. The results illustrate the system's potential to engage multiple drones simultaneously without requiring a separate physical interceptor for each target. Actual performance can vary depending on the targets and engagement conditions. U.S. Army Contracts Support Development The U.S. Department of Defense has supported Leonidas development through several contracts: 2023: Epirus received a $66.1 million contract to deliver four Indirect Fire Protection Capability–High Power Microwave (IFPC-HPM) prototypes. The company delivered all four by March 2024. October 2024: Nearly $17 million was awarded for advanced sensors and closed-loop fire-control systems. July 2025: The Army awarded $43.5 million for two second-generation system sets. The latest network integration demonstrates Epirus's work to connect its microwave weapon with broader Army command systems. Further details about the Falcon Fury demonstration and the Leonidas GV's technical capabilities remain undisclosed.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-03 12:58:35Search
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