India
BENGALURU, — Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has showcased its X-Band Battery Multi-Function Radar (X-BMFR) to a visiting Japanese delegation, highlighting a key component of India’s Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) air-defence system. The X-BMFR is an X-band AESA radar with four fixed panels, each covering 90 degrees to provide continuous 360-degree coverage without mechanical rotation. BEL states that the radar has an 80-kilometre tracking range and uses Quad Transmit/Receive Modules (QTRMs). It also integrates an electro-optical tracking system for target identification and tracking. Mounted on an 8x8 high-mobility truck, the radar can conduct surveillance, target acquisition, tracking and threat prioritisation while moving. It also supports mid-course missile guidance through a two-way data link, along with Radio Communication on the Move (ROTM) and Satellite Communication on the Move (SOTM). Within the QRSAM system, the X-BMFR works with the C-band Battery Surveillance Radar (BSR), which has a stated detection range of 120 kilometres. Both radars provide 360-degree coverage, use QTRMs and incorporate Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) capability. The system is designed to engage multiple aerial targets, including aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. QRSAM was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with BEL and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). A combat group combines a BMFR with a missile launcher carrying six canisterised missiles. The QRSAM missile has a stated range of approximately 25–30 kilometres and can engage targets at altitudes of up to about 10 kilometres. Its guidance system combines inertial navigation, two-way data-link updates and an active radar seeker for terminal guidance. The system supports search-on-the-move, track-on-the-move and fire-on-short-halt operations. Its components are designed for road, rail and air transport and for all-weather operation in plains, semi-desert and desert terrain, with electronic counter-countermeasures features. The demonstration to Japanese officials highlights BEL’s indigenous radar technology and its integration into a mobile air-defence system intended to protect armoured formations. The Ministry of Defence’s Defence Acquisition Council approved the procurement of three QRSAM regiments in July 2025, while BEL has also been preparing additional production capacity for the system.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-20 17:11:46
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army has awarded Skyeton, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Ukrainian drone manufacturer Skyeton, a $10.64 million firm-fixed-price contract to provide Raybird unmanned aerial systems hardware and related services. The Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, issued the contract following an online solicitation. Skyeton, based in North Las Vegas, Nevada, was the only company to submit a bid. The contract is expected to be completed by December 15, 2026. The number of systems to be delivered was not disclosed, while work locations and funding will be determined with each order. Raybird UAS The Raybird, also known as ACS-3, is a fixed-wing tactical unmanned aircraft designed mainly for long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and target-acquisition missions. Ukrainian armed forces have operated the Raybird since 2018, and Skyeton reports that the platform has accumulated more than 350,000 combat flight hours. The internal-combustion-engine version has a flight endurance of more than 28 hours, a maximum range of more than 2,500 kilometers, an operating ceiling of up to 5,500 meters and a communications range of more than 220 kilometers, or unlimited range when using satellite communications. The aircraft uses a four-stroke, fuel-injected gasoline engine, can operate from -35°C to +55°C, and can be deployed in up to 25 minutes. It supports interchangeable payloads including multisensor EO/IR stabilized gimbals, synthetic-aperture radar and radio-frequency intelligence systems. Satellite communications were integrated into the platform in early 2026 to support longer-range data links. Skyeton has also tested a hydrogen-powered hybrid variant under combat conditions in Ukraine. U.S. Production Expansion The Army contract comes as Skyeton expands its U.S. manufacturing presence. In July 2026, the company announced an investment of more than $3.1 million to establish its first U.S. production plant in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Skyeton is converting a 28,500-square-foot former Black+Decker facility near Fayetteville Regional Airport. The facility is expected to create 162 jobs, with an average annual salary of $70,759. The project received a $500,000 performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund, while the City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County are providing about $243,000 in combined job-creation incentives. Skyeton CEO Rigoberto “Quito” Sáez said the facility is intended to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and create American jobs while bringing production closer to end users. International Operations Skyeton opened a production facility in Slovakia in July 2024. In July 2025, the company and British defense firm Prevail Partners established a joint venture, Skyeton Prevail Solutions, to manufacture and integrate Raybird systems for the UK and NATO markets. The $10.64 million contract represents a significant U.S. procurement of the Raybird platform as Skyeton expands its production and support operations in the United States and other international markets.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-20 16:59:53
World
MOKHA, YEMEN — Experts from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have visited Houthi-held areas near the Bab al-Mandab Strait to discuss radar installations and oversee tunnel excavation, according to two Houthi military sources cited by Agence France-Presse (AFP) on September 19. The Iranian experts, who arrived from Hodeidah, made separate visits on Thursday and Friday. They inspected the Bab al-Mandab area, the port and airport of Mokha, and the Jabal Al-Nar military camp east of the city. According to the sources, the experts oversaw excavation work in the mountainous hills overlooking Mokha and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. They also discussed the installation of radar systems near Mokha and on Zuqar Island in the southern Red Sea. Separate Yemeni military sources reported that the Houthis have begun installing radar systems on mountain ridges overlooking the southern Red Sea and establishing positions on those ridges and Zuqar Island. The sources also said that four IRGC experts visited the port and airport of Mokha and the Bab al-Mandab area and met Houthi commanders from the missile force. The reported activities come after the Houthis captured key areas along Yemen’s western coast, including Mokha and positions near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is an important international shipping route. The developments are also taking place as fighting continues around the Kahbub mountain area overlooking Bab al-Mandab. Yemeni government sources told AFP that clashes between Houthi forces and government forces have intensified in the area. Other reporting has also documented fighting around the Kahbub mountain range in recent days. The reported radar and tunnel work would add to the military infrastructure being established around positions overlooking the southern Red Sea. However, the details of the reported installations and their operational status have not been independently confirmed. The reports come amid a broader escalation in Yemen that has intensified since July, according to AFP, against the backdrop of the wider conflict involving Iran and the United States.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-20 16:52:25
U.S
CAIRO — The United States has delivered the first new Boeing CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopter to Egypt, beginning deliveries under a contract for 12 aircraft for the Egyptian Air Force. The U.S. Embassy in Cairo announced the delivery on September 17, describing it as another development in the expanding commercial and defense partnership between the United States and Egypt. The embassy congratulated Boeing, the U.S. Army and the Egyptian Ministry of Defense on the delivery. “Congratulations to Boeing, the U.S. Army and the Egyptian Ministry of Defense on the delivery of the new CH-47F Chinook helicopter—another concrete example of the expanding commercial and defense partnership between the United States and Egypt,” the embassy said. The first helicopter was publicly presented to the Egyptian Air Force during the El Alamein International Airshow, held from September 8 to 10, 2026, at El Alamein International Airport on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. The U.S. Embassy did not provide details on the delivery schedule for the remaining aircraft or specific operational plans for the new helicopter. $426 million contract for 12 helicopters The current acquisition comes from a $426 million Foreign Military Sales contract awarded to Boeing by the U.S. Army in January 2023 to produce 12 new CH-47F Chinooks for Egypt. Boeing said at the time that deliveries were expected to begin in 2026 and that the aircraft would replace Egypt’s existing CH-47D fleet. The contract followed a May 2022 U.S. approval of a potential larger sale of 23 CH-47F helicopters and related equipment to Egypt. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency estimated the value of that possible package at $2.6 billion. The proposed package included engines, navigation systems, missile-warning equipment, machine guns, aircraft survivability equipment, training, spare parts and other support. The signed 2023 contract, however, covers 12 aircraft. Modernization of Egypt's Chinook fleet The CH-47F is the modern production version of Boeing's twin-rotor Chinook heavy-lift helicopter. It is designed for missions involving the transportation of troops, equipment and heavy cargo. Boeing says the CH-47F incorporates a fully integrated digital cockpit management system, the Common Avionics Architecture System and advanced cargo-handling capabilities. Egypt has operated Chinook helicopters for decades. Its existing fleet includes CH-47D aircraft, which are being replaced by the newer F-model under the current procurement. Boeing says Egypt currently operates 18 CH-47D Chinooks supporting its armed forces and disaster-relief efforts. The arrival of the first CH-47F therefore marks the beginning of Egypt's transition to the newer Chinook model. Once the remaining aircraft under the 12-helicopter contract are delivered, Egypt will have an expanded fleet of newer heavy-lift helicopters for missions including troop and cargo transport, humanitarian relief and emergency operations. The delivery also continues a long-standing Boeing-Egypt defense relationship. Boeing said the CH-47F contract continues more than four decades of cooperation with the Egyptian Air Force.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-20 16:38:39
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force is seeking industry designs for highly maneuverable satellites that can be rapidly launched and used to approach, inspect and interact with objects in orbit. Space Systems Command (SSC) issued a Request for Information (RFI) on September 18 under the VICTUS program, which focuses on rapidly deploying satellites into orbit. The current effort is for market research and does not establish a budget or guarantee a follow-on contract. The Space Force is targeting the first satellites for launch in fiscal year 2029, subject to a broader acquisition strategy. Rapid-launch capability Under the baseline requirement, a mission-ready satellite would remain in storage at a contractor facility for up to two years and launch within 14 days of receiving a call-up order. The Space Force is also examining faster response options, including 36-hour and 12-hour launch windows for more demanding scenarios. These are currently stretch goals rather than firm requirements. Close-range orbital operations Once deployed, the spacecraft would need to approach a target to zero meters of separation for inspection or interaction. Potential targets include orbital debris and cooperative satellites. After completing an operation, the spacecraft must be able to move to another orbit and repeat the process. It would need enough fuel for more than a dozen major maneuvers across low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and highly elliptical transfer paths toward geostationary orbit. Open architecture The Space Force wants the spacecraft to support sensors and payloads from different suppliers rather than being tied to one company's hardware. The RFI identifies Handle 2.0 as the open architecture standard for this purpose. The framework builds on earlier work by The Aerospace Corporation and is being matured under a contract awarded to Falcon ExoDynamics. RFI follows space-control weapons disclosure The RFI was issued three days after Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said at the Air, Space & Cyber Conference on September 15 that the United States has "on-orbit space-control weapons" capable of defending the Joint Force against hostile adversaries. Meink did not provide details about the weapons' design, number or launch dates. The September 18 RFI does not establish a connection between those weapons and the proposed rendezvous satellite program. Meink also said a prototype satellite designed to track moving targets was scheduled to launch in September and that space-based interceptors associated with the Golden Dome missile-defense effort were flight-ready. Builds on VICTUS HAZE The new effort follows the earlier VICTUS HAZE demonstration, which involved Rocket Lab's Puma satellite and True Anomaly's Jackal spacecraft. Rocket Lab launched its spacecraft after receiving about 17 hours' notice. The spacecraft then conducted rendezvous and proximity operations, including approaching and imaging the target. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory provided an optical payload for tracking and imaging. Industry requirements Companies responding to the RFI do not need to submit formal proposals. SSC is seeking information about their security clearances, manufacturing facilities and flight heritage. Companies must demonstrate that they have had at least two satellites operating in LEO or one satellite operating in geostationary orbit since January 2021, with the required experience deadline extending to January 2027. Responses are due October 19 and must be limited to either a 15-page white paper or a 20-slide presentation. Submissions must also include a rough cost estimate covering engineering, hardware, software, testing and support. The Space Force said incomplete submissions will not be reviewed. The RFI is for market research only and does not represent a commitment to award a contract. Main Source : defence-blog
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-20 16:32:42
India
BENGALURU, INDIA — Bengaluru-based xTerra Robotics, an IIT Kanpur-incubated deep-tech startup, has launched DHAV-Hy, a lightweight wheeled-legged quadruped robot designed for security, surveillance, industrial inspection and autonomous field operations. The robot has been designed, engineered and built in India. DHAV-Hy is the wheeled variant of the company's DHAV industrial quadruped platform, combining wheels for faster movement on open ground with legs for rough terrain, slopes, stairs and other areas where wheels may not be suitable. According to the company, DHAV-Hy has a maximum speed of 5 meters per second and can carry a 10 kg payload across all terrains. The wheeled variant has been under research and development for the past three months and is currently being piloted with industrial users for inspection applications. Introducing DHAV-Hy, our lightweight wheeled-legged quadruped platform.Built for speed, agility and terrain access across open ground, rough terrain, slopes and stairs.Built for security, surveillance and inspection.#DHAVHy #xTerraRobotics #FieldRobotics #MadeInIndia pic.twitter.com/j6MORBWXHK — xTerra Robotics (@xTerraRobotics) September 19, 2026 Robot capabilities Field demonstrations have shown DHAV-Hy performing high-speed runs, navigating rough natural terrain, climbing and descending slopes and stairs, handling hard-terrain transitions and recovering from sudden physical disturbances. The robot uses xTerra Robotics' in-house compact quasi-direct-drive (QDD) actuators. The DHAV architecture uses 12 actuators, three on each leg, for movement at the hip and knee joints. For perception and navigation, the platform integrates 360-degree environmental sensing using 3D LiDAR, stereo depth sensors and an RGB camera. Its onboard computing system includes an NVIDIA Jetson AI compute module and a quad-core Cortex-A76 locomotion computer. The robot uses a swappable lithium-ion battery pack with a smart battery management system. It supports ROS2 and provides Python and C++ APIs for software integration and custom development. Expanding India’s quadruped robotics Founded in 2023, xTerra Robotics was established by IIT Kanpur-linked co-founders including Aditya Rajawat, Amritanshu Manu, Avinash Bhashkar, Nimesh Khandelwal and Professor Shakti S. Gupta. The company previously introduced the SVAN M2 quadruped and has delivered units for research and industrial use. Its DHAV platform is aimed at security, surveillance, construction and industrial inspection. With DHAV-Hy, xTerra Robotics is expanding the DHAV platform with a hybrid mobility system intended to combine the speed of wheels with the terrain-handling capability of legs. Pre-sales conversations are open for both DHAV and DHAV-Hy.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-20 12:56:02
World
SEOUL — North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea, from its eastern coast on Sunday, according to Japanese and South Korean authorities. The launch took place at around 3:00 p.m. local time, with South Korean authorities identifying the Wonsan area as the launch location. Japan’s estimates indicated that the missile reached a maximum altitude of about 60 kilometers and traveled approximately 440 kilometers before falling into the Sea of Japan outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) separately assessed the flight distance at about 450 kilometers. South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities tracked the launch from its initial stage and shared information with Japan. Japan’s Prime Minister’s Office instructed authorities to gather and analyze information, ensure the safety of aircraft and vessels, and maintain readiness for possible contingencies. South Korea also convened a security meeting following the launch. Seoul condemned North Korea’s ballistic missile activity and called for an immediate halt to launches that violate United Nations Security Council resolutions. Japan also lodged a protest against North Korea. Japanese authorities said the missile fell outside Japan’s EEZ, and there were no confirmed reports of damage to aircraft or vessels. Second Projectile Launched Several hours after the first launch, North Korea fired another projectile from its eastern coast toward the East Sea. South Korea’s military detected the second launch but initially said detailed flight information was not available. Japan assessed that the second projectile also fell outside its EEZ. Later reporting indicated that South Korean authorities assessed the second launch as another ballistic missile, with the projectile traveling more than 600 kilometers. Launches Follow Recent Trilateral Exercise The launches came shortly after the conclusion of Freedom Edge 26, a trilateral military exercise involving South Korea, the United States and Japan. The exercise ended on September 11. North Korea had also launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area on September 12, one day after the exercise concluded. During the September 12 launches, South Korea said the missiles flew about 250 kilometers toward the East Sea. North Korean state media later reported that its military had conducted a coordinated firepower exercise involving missile and artillery units. North Korea has also carried out other missile-related activities in recent months. Japanese authorities have repeatedly assessed previous North Korean ballistic missile launches as falling outside Japan’s EEZ, while coordinating information with South Korea and the United States. Ballistic missile launches by North Korea are prohibited under multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions. South Korea said it would maintain strengthened surveillance and continue coordination with the United States and Japan following the latest launches.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-20 12:24:50
U.S
WASHINGTON — The United States seized the domain almasirah.net, a news website operated by Yemen’s Houthi movement, in June 2021 as part of a wider U.S. law enforcement action against Iran-linked media and other websites. At the time, visitors to the domain were shown a federal seizure notice stating that the website had been seized by the U.S. government under a seizure warrant. The notice said the action was carried out by the Bureau of Industry and Security’s Office of Export Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Reuters also reported the seizure and identified Al-Masirah among the Houthi-linked websites affected. Al-Masirah, also known as Al-Masirah TV, is a media network affiliated with the Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah. Its website regularly carried reports on Houthi military activities, damage to people and property from attacks, the group's conflict with Saudi Arabia, and its positions on U.S. and Israeli military actions involving Iran. The seizure was part of a broader U.S. action announced by the Justice Department on June 22, 2021. The department said it had seized 33 websites used by the Iranian Islamic Radio and Television Union (IRTVU) and three websites operated by Kata’ib Hizballah, saying the domains were being operated in violation of U.S. sanctions. The Justice Department said the seizures were carried out pursuant to court orders. According to the Justice Department, IRTVU had been designated by the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in October 2020. The department said the 33 IRTVU domains were owned by a U.S. company and that the organization had not obtained an OFAC license before using the domains. The investigation involved the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security, its Office of Export Enforcement and the FBI. Reuters reported that several of the affected websites returned online through alternative domain names after the seizures. In the case of Al-Masirah, the network began using almasirah.com after the seizure of the .net domain. The 2021 operation also affected other Iran-linked media websites, including Press TV and Al-Alam. The U.S. Justice Department's official announcement, however, specifically described the 36 domains as those used by IRTVU and Kata’ib Hizballah; it did not list Almasirah.net individually in the release. Reuters separately reported the seizure notice displayed on the Al-Masirah domain. Al-Masirah's online presence continued through other domains and platforms after the seizure. Recent online material associated with the network also shows activity through other addresses, including masirahtv.net and almasirah.net.ye. The Almasirah.net seizure therefore dates to June 2021, rather than being a newly announced U.S. government action in September 2026. No new U.S. Justice Department announcement confirming a separate 2026 seizure of the same domain was found in the official records reviewed for this report.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-20 12:06:38
U.S
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced on September 18 that the United States has reached a new security agreement with Denmark and Greenland that would give Washington permanent control over Greenland’s security and allow a larger U.S. military presence on the Arctic island. The agreement does not transfer sovereignty over Greenland to the United States. Greenland remains a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the planned agreement recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the Greenlandic people’s right to self-determination. The full text of the agreement has not yet been publicly released. Denmark and Greenland said the three governments are expected to sign it during the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week, after which it will require the necessary parliamentary procedures before entering into force. What the United States would gain According to Trump’s announcement and reporting on the agreement, the United States would gain a much stronger and more permanent security position in Greenland. The reported provisions include: Permanent U.S. security authority: Trump said Washington would have permanent control over Greenland’s security and “all other needs” related to it. Expanded military presence: Trump said the United States would immediately begin developing a larger military presence in appropriate parts of Greenland. Military access: The arrangement is intended to secure long-term U.S. military access, including basing and overflight rights. Additional installations: U.S. officials have indicated that the United States would be able to establish additional military facilities without Denmark or Greenland having the same approval authority over those installations, although the exact legal provisions remain unpublished. Exclusion of adversaries: Trump said U.S. adversaries would not be allowed to establish bases, maintain military forces or make sensitive investments in Greenland without U.S. approval. Protection of strategic infrastructure: The reported restrictions cover sensitive areas such as telecommunications, undersea cables, ports and critical infrastructure. Long-term continuity: Trump described the agreement as having no end date and said it would remain applicable even if Greenland eventually became independent. The United States already operates Pituffik Space Base in northern Greenland under the existing U.S.-Denmark defense relationship. The new arrangement would expand and make the American security role more permanent. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the agreement as permanently securing U.S. interests in the Arctic and said Greenland would remain part of the strategic defense area of North America. Does the United States control Greenland? No, not in the sense of owning or governing Greenland. The agreement announced so far does not give the United States sovereignty over Greenland. Denmark retains sovereignty, while Greenland retains its existing self-government arrangements and its people’s right to self-determination. Denmark's prime minister specifically emphasized these points. However, the announced arrangement would give Washington an unusually extensive role in Greenland's security and military affairs. That distinction is important: territorial sovereignty and security control are not the same thing. The United States would not become Greenland's government or acquire ownership of the territory under the terms publicly described so far. The exact limits of U.S. authority cannot yet be established because the complete agreement has not been released. Who would control Greenland's minerals? The agreement does not currently establish that the United States will own Greenland's underground minerals. Greenland has significant mineral resources and has previously highlighted the importance of its critical minerals, but the publicly available descriptions of the new security agreement focus on preventing adversarial countries from making sensitive investments. They do not establish U.S. ownership of Greenland's mineral deposits. Therefore, it would be incorrect to say that the United States has acquired Greenland's rare-earth minerals or received ownership of the resources beneath the island. The agreement reportedly gives Washington a role in preventing certain adversaries from making sensitive investments in critical sectors, but who owns, develops and receives revenue from individual mineral projects will depend on Greenlandic and Danish law and the eventual investment arrangements. The final treaty text is needed to determine whether it contains additional provisions. What does Denmark give up? Denmark does not give up sovereignty over Greenland under the publicly announced framework. However, Denmark and Greenland would accept a substantially expanded U.S. security role. The reported arrangement would reduce their ability to prevent or block certain U.S. military activities and would place restrictions on potentially sensitive investments by countries regarded as U.S. adversaries. At the same time, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the agreement strengthens security in the Arctic and North Atlantic while recognizing Danish sovereignty and Greenlandic self-determination. What did Trump say? Trump used particularly strong language when announcing the agreement. He said the United States would “FOREVER” have the ability to do what is necessary to secure and defend Greenland and the United States. He also said no U.S. adversary could “EVER” establish a base, maintain a military presence or make sensitive investments in Greenland without U.S. approval. Trump called the arrangement an “Infinite Life” Agreement, saying that it has no end. He also said there would be “NO COST” to the United States and announced plans to develop a large U.S. military presence on the island. Trump also said the agreement finally addressed what he described as longstanding U.S. concerns about Greenland's strategic importance. Is this similar to U.S. control of Venezuela? The publicly announced Greenland agreement is not the same type of arrangement as taking political control of another country. There is no announced transfer of Greenland's sovereignty to Washington, and the Danish government continues to describe the arrangement as recognizing the Kingdom of Denmark's sovereignty and Greenland's right to self-determination. The significance of the agreement is instead the extent of the proposed U.S. security and military role. If the final treaty contains the powers described by the Trump administration, Washington would have a permanent security role and substantial military access while Denmark retains sovereignty. Because the treaty's complete text has not yet been released or ratified, the precise legal limits of U.S. authority remain uncertain. Existing U.S. presence The new agreement builds on a defense relationship that already allows the United States to operate in Greenland. The most important existing American facility is Pituffik Space Base in northern Greenland. A 1951 defense agreement, subsequently updated, already provides Washington with extensive military rights on the island. The new agreement would therefore represent an expansion and permanentization of the U.S. security role rather than the beginning of an American military presence from zero. The three governments are expected to sign the agreement during the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. It will then face the required parliamentary procedures in Denmark and Greenland before it can enter into force.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-19 16:33:43
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. military’s involvement in the conflict with Iran has cost approximately $43.6 billion through September 3, 2026, according to a new estimate from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) provided to congressional national security committees. The conflict began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran. The latest CENTCOM estimate is higher than the $38 billion cost estimated by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) through August 1. Munitions Account for Most of the Cost CENTCOM estimates that $28.1 billion of the total has been spent replacing bombs, missiles and other munitions used during the conflict. A significant portion has gone toward air-defense interceptors fired by the Army’s Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems. The munitions bill increased by more than $6 billion in roughly one month from the CBO’s earlier estimate of $21.7 billion through August 1. The heavy use of interceptors has put pressure on U.S. and allied stockpiles. U.S. and NATO officials have reported severe shortages in Europe, while Saudi Arabia has also been facing reduced interceptor inventories. Operational and Equipment Costs The CENTCOM estimate includes about $11.2 billion in incremental operational costs and $4.3 billion to replace damaged or destroyed equipment, including combat aircraft and other military equipment. By service, the Air Force has incurred about $6.6 billion, mainly for fighter and bomber operations, airlift, transportation and base support. The Navy has spent about $2.2 billion on operations involving aircraft carriers and more than 20 warships. The Army has incurred about $1.6 billion for operational readiness and deployed personnel. More than 50,000 U.S. troops have been assigned to the mission in the region, according to CENTCOM. Base Damage Not Included The $43.6 billion figure does not include the cost of repairing or rebuilding U.S. military facilities damaged or destroyed by Iranian missile and drone attacks. Facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman and Jordan have been affected. When additional logistical expenses such as fuel are included, some updated Defense Department estimates put the overall financial burden at approximately $45.1 billion. CBO Projects Further Costs The CBO previously estimated that the conflict would cost about $2 billion to $3 billion per month, depending on the intensity of fighting. It also said rebuilding depleted U.S. munitions stockpiles could take at least five years. Earlier estimates were lower. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Congress in July that the cost was about $37.5 billion, while a Pentagon inspector general assessment covering an earlier period put the figure at $33.4 billion, excluding base-repair costs. Independent analyses earlier in the year had estimated the total cost at roughly $34 billion to $42 billion, depending on which additional expenses were included. U.S. Casualties and Stockpile Pressure The financial cost has been accompanied by military casualties. Public Defense Casualty Analysis System figures list 18 U.S. service members killed and more than 830 wounded since the conflict began. The fighting has also drawn munitions from U.S. stockpiles intended for other regions, including Europe and the Indo-Pacific, adding to the need for replenishment. The latest CENTCOM estimate was provided to Congress amid discussions over additional funding for military operations and the replacement of weapons used during the conflict.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-19 15:22:54
India
BENGALURU — Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has showcased a new-generation Head-Up Display (HUD) for fighter aircraft, offering a glimpse of the cockpit display technology being developed for future Indian combat aircraft. The specific unit displayed has not been officially identified as the HUD for the Tejas Mk2, but its capabilities are relevant to the aircraft's ongoing cockpit development. The displayed system uses a transparent optical combiner positioned in front of the pilot. The HUD projects flight and mission information into the pilot's forward field of view, allowing information to be viewed without requiring the pilot to look down at cockpit displays. BEL describes its HUD technology as providing collimated information superimposed on the outside view. BEL already supplies HUD technology for Indian light combat aircraft. Its listed HUD features include a 25-degree field of view, automatic brightness control, high reliability, compact size, built-in testing and readability in high ambient light conditions. BEL also lists a camera with automatic iris adjustment for different brightness levels. CSIR-CSIO Developing HUD Mk2 The connection with the Tejas Mk2 is possible because CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR-CSIO) has a separate programme for the development and supply of HUD Mk2 units for the LCA Air Force Mk2 and TEDBF. CSIO's project records specifically identify this work as an ongoing development programme. CSIO's HUD Mk2 development involves technologies including a digital light-engine display, waveguide optical collimation, a wider field of view, electronic harmonisation, automatic dimming and a digital interface. The system is also designed to generate flight symbols internally, providing greater independence in displaying flight information. This development is separate from BEL's public confirmation of its own HUD products. Therefore, the specific BEL unit recently showcased cannot yet be identified as the production HUD for the Tejas Mk2. HUD Integration Part of Tejas Mk2 Development The Tejas Mk2 is being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) serving as the design and production partner. The aircraft is planned as a more advanced development of the Tejas family, with upgraded avionics and other new systems. ADA has also been progressing work on the Mk2 cockpit. According to the information provided, contracts issued in 2026 cover the aircraft's primary instrument panel and HUD mounting assembly, indicating that physical integration of the HUD remains part of the ongoing cockpit development. The Mk2 cockpit is expected to use a more modern digital architecture, with large-area displays and other updated human-machine interfaces. The HUD will provide the pilot with flight information while maintaining a forward view of the external environment. BEL's involvement in aircraft avionics is already established. In 2021, the company received an order from HAL for multiple airborne electronic systems for the LCA Tejas Mk1A programme, including equipment related to the Head-Up Display. BEL also reported in March 2026 that it had received additional orders covering several defence products, including head-up displays, although the announcement did not identify the aircraft or programme associated with the HUD order. For now, BEL has not officially confirmed that the newly showcased HUD is the production or qualification unit intended for the Tejas Mk2. The aircraft's final HUD configuration will depend on the ongoing development and integration process. The separate CSIR-CSIO HUD Mk2 programme, however, confirms that an advanced HUD capability is being developed specifically for the LCA Air Force Mk2 and TEDBF.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-19 15:05:24
U.S. Approves Potential $2.68 Billion Air Defense Package for Ukraine Including S-300 Clone Missiles
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $2.68 billion Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Ukraine for air defense upgrades, equipment and support services. The congressional notification was issued on September 18, 2026. The package includes S-300 Clone missiles, GAM-67 missiles, Range-Extended Air Defense Laser Guided Rocket missile systems, Improvised Transporter Erector Launcher 1.5 (I-TEL 1.5) systems, mobile launching system modification kits, RPS-202 counter-Unmanned Aircraft System radars and erectable mast trailers. It also covers major modifications and maintenance support, spare parts, consumables, accessories, repair and return support, software, publications, transportation, and U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support. The State Department classified the items as non-major defense equipment. Principal contractors will be selected through competitive U.S. government procurements, and the proposed sale remains subject to standard congressional review. Funding for the Package If concluded, Ukraine will finance the purchase through a combination of European contributions and U.S. Foreign Military Financing (FMF) funds appropriated during the previous administration. The FMF funds used for the purchase will be counted as a U.S. capital contribution to the Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund on a 1:1 reimbursement basis. The fund was established under the U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement. The State Department said the sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening Ukraine's ability to address current and future threats. It also assessed that Ukraine can absorb the equipment and services into its armed forces. The sale would not require additional U.S. personnel in Ukraine, affect U.S. defense readiness or alter the basic military balance in the region. S-300 Clone Missile Development Public information about the S-300 Clone missile remains limited. Defense Express reported that it is a new missile intended for use with S-300 systems already operated by Ukraine. It is reportedly not a direct copy of the Soviet 5V55 missile, but a new design with improved performance and a more modern guidance system. The GAM-67 has also been described as a new development intended for medium-range air defense systems, including some Soviet-designed platforms. Work on replacements for Soviet-era weapons dates back to September 2024, when then-U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that the United States, together with several European defense companies, was working with Ukraine to develop and manufacture replacements for the S-300 surface-to-air missile system and R-27 air-to-air missile. In August 2026, retired U.S. Army Colonel Robert Hamilton, president of the Delphi Global Research Center, said a joint U.S.-Ukrainian effort was underway to upgrade existing S-300 interceptor missiles or develop a newer variant with improved capabilities. He said the project was expected to become operational near the end of 2026, with potential production of 100 to a couple of hundred missiles per year. Replacing Depleted Soviet-Era Missiles Before Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine had approximately 25 to 30 S-300PT/PS battalions in varying states of operational readiness. Depending on the variant and missile, these systems were designed to engage aircraft and cruise missiles at altitudes from about 25 meters to 27 kilometers and ranges of up to roughly 100 kilometers. Ukraine has since lost some launchers and radars in combat, while stocks of compatible Soviet-era missiles have been depleted. On April 8, 2022, then-Slovak Prime Minister Eduard Heger announced that Slovakia had provided Ukraine with an S-300PMU system that had been in Slovak service. Other partners, including Norway, have also allocated funds to help Ukraine obtain compatible missiles from third countries, but shortages have continued. The newly approved package is intended to address these gaps by providing new or upgraded missiles and equipment that can support Ukraine's existing S-300-based air defense infrastructure.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-19 14:26:58
U.S
WASHINGTON — The United States has warned Japan, Germany and other allies that deliveries of some key missile and air-defense systems could face delays of up to five years as Washington works to rebuild its depleted munitions stockpiles, according to a Bloomberg report published September 18. The delays are linked to heavy U.S. weapons use during the ongoing war with Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, in operations involving the United States and Israel. U.S. Missile Stocks Under Pressure U.S. estimates indicate that the military has used more than half of some advanced Patriot missile variants, about one-third of its Tomahawk missiles, and nearly half of its precision-strike missiles and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors during the conflict. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the United States may have used as much as two-thirds of its missile-defense interceptor inventory since June 2025. A recent Pentagon inspector general report also identified strategic inventory shortfalls and production bottlenecks caused by the high rate of munitions use. U.S. officials are working to stockpile critical components, increase production and reduce manufacturing lead times. Japan and Germany Face Delivery Delays Japan is among the allies affected by the shortages. In April, Washington informed Tokyo that deliveries of about 400 Tomahawk missiles, originally scheduled through March 2028, could face delays of up to two years. Germany has requested faster deliveries of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles and the ground-based Typhon launcher system. However, officials familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that Raytheon, an RTX company, is unlikely to fulfill Germany's Tomahawk order within the next five years because of depleted U.S. stocks. Some Eastern European countries have also experienced delays in deliveries of U.S.-made weapons systems. Ukraine's Patriot Requirements The shortages are also affecting Ukraine, which is seeking additional Patriot interceptors ahead of the winter. The Pentagon's need to replenish U.S. inventories is making rapid deliveries more difficult. European leaders are expected to press the U.S. administration for additional Patriot support for Ukraine during United Nations meetings in New York next week. U.S. President Donald Trump has previously discussed providing Ukraine with a less advanced version of the Patriot system or allowing European countries to manufacture the weapons under license. U.S. Industry Expands Production The U.S. defense industry is increasing production to rebuild inventories. Lockheed Martin plans to increase annual production capacity for PAC-3 MSE Patriot interceptors from about 600 to 2,000 units. RTX is also increasing Tomahawk production. However, the timing of deliveries to allies will depend on production capacity, existing orders and the Pentagon's priorities for rebuilding U.S. stockpiles. Saudi Arabia Seeks Additional Support Saudi Arabia has also asked allies, including the United States, for additional military support to counter Houthi attacks in Yemen. Washington has not confirmed whether it will provide additional assistance. Despite the shortages, the United States continues to supply Ukraine with weapons purchased by European allies through NATO and European Union mechanisms. The combination of heavy wartime weapons use, depleted inventories and limited production capacity is creating longer delivery timelines for several U.S.-made missile and air-defense systems.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-19 14:08:36
World
Moscow, — Russian flag carrier Aeroflot has signed a contract for the supply and long-term technical support of 90 domestically produced MC-21-310 medium-haul passenger aircraft. The agreement, signed in Moscow on Friday, is described as the largest contract in Russian civil aviation history for the supply and after-sales support of Russian-built passenger aircraft. The contract was signed by Aeroflot and three companies of the state-owned Rostec Corporation — the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), United Engine Corporation (UEC) and leasing company Aviakapital-Service. Russian President Vladimir Putin took part in the ceremony via video link from Sheremetyevo Airport. Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov and Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin also attended. Under the agreement, the 90 MC-21-310 aircraft will be delivered between 2029 and 2032. Aeroflot is scheduled to receive 14 aircraft in 2029, 18 in 2030, 24 in 2031 and 34 in 2032. The order is in addition to an earlier 2023 contract for 18 MC-21 aircraft. Those aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028, with the first eight expected in the fourth quarter of 2027 and the remaining 10 in 2028. Together, the two contracts cover 108 MC-21 aircraft. The comprehensive agreement includes the aircraft, flight and procedural simulators, training for pilots, flight attendants and technical personnel, maintenance software and 22 years of full after-sales technical support for all 108 aircraft from their respective delivery dates. MC-21-310 Aircraft The MC-21-310 is a narrow-body, medium-haul passenger aircraft with a maximum capacity of 211 passengers in a single-class configuration. In a typical two-class layout with around 175 seats, its stated maximum range is 3,830 km. The aircraft features a wider cabin and aisle, larger windows and increased overhead-bin space. The MC-21-310 is powered by the Russian-made PD-14 turbofan engine and uses domestically produced composite materials for its wing and tail. The fully localized version is expected to receive certification in 2027. Seventeen aircraft intended for Aeroflot are already at different stages of assembly at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, according to the information provided. Aeroflot to Become Launch Operator Aeroflot will serve as the launch operator of the MC-21-310. The airline plans to begin training pilots, flight attendants and engineers for the aircraft. Aeroflot CEO Sergey Alexandrovsky said the airline is ready to train personnel for the new aircraft and welcomed Aeroflot's role as its launch operator. The first aircraft are planned for short domestic routes, including Moscow–St. Petersburg and Moscow–Nizhny Novgorod, where technical support can be provided. Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov said production of each aircraft takes between 1.5 and two years and that the long-term order provides a clear production workload for moving toward steady serial production. UAC CEO Vadim Badekha said UAC plans a strategic partnership with Aeroflot for the introduction of the aircraft into service. UAC will also handle maintenance of the MC-21 fleet delivered to Aeroflot. The contract is part of Russia's broader programme to develop domestic civil aviation and reduce reliance on foreign-built passenger aircraft. The MC-21-310 is intended to become a core aircraft type for Aeroflot's medium-haul fleet in the coming years.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-19 13:57:18
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin Space a $76.56 million contract modification for continued design and development of the Trident II D5 Life Extension 2 (D5LE2) program. The $76,562,774 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification, designated P00032 under existing contract N0003024C0100, was announced on September 18, 2026. The work is being managed by the Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) and is scheduled to continue through September 30, 2030. Lockheed Martin’s Titusville, Florida, facility is the primary contractor. About 51 percent of the work will be performed in Denver, Colorado, with additional work in Elkton, Maryland (9 percent), Montville, New Jersey (7 percent), Greeneville, Tennessee (6 percent), and Cape Canaveral, Florida (5 percent). The remaining work will be carried out at locations including Pittsfield, Massachusetts; Sunnyvale, California; Titusville, Florida; Mason, Ohio; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Kings Bay, Georgia; Louisville, Kentucky, and other sites. The Navy is obligating the full $76.56 million from fiscal year 2026 weapons procurement funds. The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis under 10 U.S. Code 2304(a)(1), with Lockheed Martin being the only company to submit a proposal. SSP in Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. D5LE2 to Support Future Submarines The Trident II D5 is the submarine-launched ballistic missile component of the U.S. nuclear triad. It entered service in 1990, while its first major life-extension program, D5LE, was completed in 2017. The D5LE2 program is intended to address aging components and keep the missile system viable through approximately 2084. The existing missile weighs about 130,000 pounds (59,000 kg), has a range of roughly 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 km) and reaches speeds reported to exceed Mach 20. It can carry different payload configurations, including W76 and W88 nuclear warheads. The missile currently operates aboard U.S. Ohio-class and UK Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines. The D5LE2 is being developed for the replacement Columbia-class submarines of the U.S. Navy and the future Dreadnought-class submarines of the Royal Navy, making it a joint U.S.-UK modernization effort under the Polaris Sales Agreement. Earlier Contracts and Infrastructure The latest award follows a $383 million modification in January 2025 to begin D5LE2 design and development, followed by an $850 million modification announced in April 2026. Additional smaller contract modifications have also supported the program. Lockheed Martin is constructing an approximately 225,000-square-foot production facility in Titusville, which is expected to open in 2027. The Navy is also building a 130,000-square-foot Engineering Test Facility at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Groundbreaking took place in February 2026, with completion scheduled for January 2028. The approximately $166 million project was awarded to Walsh Federal and will support prototyping, testing and development of support equipment and flight hardware. Meanwhile, the Navy continues testing the existing Trident II D5LE system. Between September 17 and 21, 2025, four unarmed D5LE test flights were conducted from an Ohio-class submarine off Florida. The tests brought the total number of successful Trident II D5 flight tests to 197. Navy officials described the launches as scheduled tests that confirmed the continued reliability of the existing sea-based deterrent while D5LE2 development continues.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-19 13:44:05
U.S
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is investigating the disappearance of sensitive F-35 Lightning II components after a shipment traveling from Australia to the United States for repairs was diverted to Hong Kong this summer. The incident was first reported by POLITICO on September 18. The shipment was being transported by a commercial intermediary on behalf of Lockheed Martin, which manufactures the F-35 and manages its global spare-parts pool. The Pentagon has confirmed that some of the components are missing, while the reason for the diversion and the current location of the equipment remain unclear. There is currently no public evidence that China obtained or inspected the missing parts. F-35 Canopy Among Missing Components One of the components was an F-35 cockpit canopy, according to people familiar with the shipment. The canopy includes a thin transparent radar-absorbent layer that contributes to the aircraft's low-observable characteristics. Australia operates F-35s but does not currently have the capability to repair these canopies. As a result, unserviceable canopies are sent to the United States for repair through the F-35 program's multinational logistics network. The program uses commercial shipping providers to transport components between participating countries. Spare parts are held in a shared global pool owned by the U.S. Defense Department until they are installed on aircraft. Pentagon and Lockheed Martin Response The F-35 Joint Program Office said it is “aware of a shipment issue of unserviceable F-35 Lightning II components.” It said officials are working with U.S. authorities and industry partners to recover the equipment, investigate the incident and establish safeguards against similar problems. Lockheed Martin declined to discuss the specific shipment for security reasons. The company said it follows U.S. regulations for shipping aircraft components and maintains safeguards to protect the F-35 program and allied partners. The incident has also led to closed-door congressional briefings. Pentagon and State Department officials briefed congressional national-security staff beginning in June, with additional briefings expected. Earlier F-35 Spare-Parts Concerns The case has renewed attention on F-35 spare-parts accountability. A 2023 Government Accountability Office report found that more than 1 million F-35 spare parts, valued at more than $85 million, had been reported missing or lost over a five-year period. The GAO also found that the F-35 Joint Program Office did not independently track many of these parts, with contractors maintaining the records. Those earlier losses have not been linked to the Hong Kong incident. F-35 Costs The incident comes amid continued attention to F-35 program costs. Average flyaway prices for the latest production lots are approximately $92 million for the F-35A, $121.4 million for the F-35B and $110.8 million for the F-35C, according to F-35 Joint Program Office figures. Investigators are now seeking to establish why the shipment was diverted, who handled the components after they reached Hong Kong, where the missing parts are located and whether any sensitive technology was compromised. The F-35 Joint Program Office continues its recovery and investigation efforts.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-19 13:34:26
World
ROME, ITALY — Turkish land systems manufacturer Otokar and Italian defence group Leonardo have completed the integration and live-firing tests of the TULPAR medium tank equipped with Leonardo’s HITFACT MkII 120mm turret. The trials were conducted at Italy’s UTTAT Nettuno test range near Rome. The integration combines the firepower of a 120mm main battle tank gun with TULPAR’s tracked mobility, protection and modular architecture. Integration and Live-Fire Tests Before the firing trials, engineering teams from Otokar and Leonardo completed an integration programme covering the mechanical, electrical, electronic and software interfaces between the TULPAR platform and HITFACT MkII turret. The teams conducted functional checks, safety inspections and system validation to verify the performance, reliability and interoperability of the integrated system. The platform then underwent live-fire trials under both static and dynamic conditions. The tests covered different operational scenarios and assessed the weapon system, fire control system, weapon stabilisation and overall functionality. According to the two companies, the integrated weapon system met all planned test objectives. Otokar and Leonardo Statements Sedef Vehbi, Military Cluster Head at Otokar, said the programme demonstrates the TULPAR’s ability to integrate advanced large-calibre turret systems while providing the mobility, survivability and firepower required by modern armed forces. Vehbi also highlighted TULPAR’s modular architecture, which allows different mission-specific weapon systems to be integrated onto the platform. Luca Perazzo, Deputy Managing Director of Leonardo’s Defence Systems Business Area, said the successful trials demonstrate the technological capabilities and modularity of the HITFACT MkII turret. According to Perazzo, the HITFACT MkII is currently the only system featuring a 120mm smoothbore gun that provides main battle tank-level firepower while being suitable for integration on light and medium platforms. The turret can also use Vulcano 120 guided ammunition for precision engagements. Leonardo also offers the HITFIST family of medium-calibre turrets, including configurations equipped with the company’s 30mm X-GUN technology. HITFACT MkII Turret The HITFACT MkII is a lightweight, modular and fully digitalised turret equipped with panoramic electro-optical systems for the commander and gunner. It can be configured with either a 105/52mm rifled gun or a 120/45mm low-recoil smoothbore gun. The 120mm version can fire NATO-standard 120mm ammunition under STANAG 4385. Leonardo says the turret is qualified, in production and in operational service. It is designed to integrate a high-pressure main battle tank gun onto both wheeled and light tracked vehicles. For counter-unmanned aerial system missions, the turret can also be fitted with a HITROLE CUAS remote weapon station equipped with Leonardo’s Blaze 30×113 gun. The HITFACT MkII is already used on the Centauro II wheeled combat vehicle. TULPAR Medium Tank The TULPAR is Otokar’s next-generation modular tracked armoured combat vehicle. Its scalable architecture supports a gross vehicle weight range of 28 to 45 tonnes. The common platform can be configured for several roles, including medium tank, infantry fighting vehicle, fire support, air defence, mortar, recovery and medical evacuation. Otokar says the vehicle has been tested in demanding climatic and terrain conditions and provides high levels of ballistic and mine protection. Depending on configuration, TULPAR uses a 700–1,100 hp turbocharged diesel engine, with a maximum road speed of around 70 km/h and a range of approximately 500–600 km. International Market Interest Otokar and Leonardo first displayed the TULPAR equipped with the HITFACT MkII turret at the World Defense Show in Riyadh in 2024. The integrated TULPAR-HITFACT MkII configuration is also one of four finalists shortlisted by the Brazilian Army in its programme to replace its ageing Leopard 1A5 tank fleet. With the completion of the 2026 integration and live-fire trials, Otokar and Leonardo said they will continue exploring further cooperation in land combat systems and integrated solutions for potential customers worldwide.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-18 15:40:31
Europe
ROME — Italy is preparing to deploy naval forces to protect the passage of Italian commercial vessels through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, as security conditions around the key Red Sea shipping route deteriorate following advances by Yemen’s Ansarallah movement, also known as the Houthis. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said Rome would not wait for a broader European Union decision before taking steps to protect Italian merchant shipping. He said Italy has the naval capabilities needed to support the safe passage of its vessels and that delays could further affect the country’s economy. Crosetto said the Italian government would assess what action is required together with the government and Parliament. He stressed that any deployment would be intended to protect merchant vessels and restore commercial shipping through the strait. Bab al-Mandeb Shipping Route The Bab al-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and provides a major maritime route between Europe and Asia. The narrow waterway is about 30 kilometers wide at its narrowest point and is a southern gateway to the Suez Canal. Historically, around 12% to 15% of global trade has passed through the area. The security situation has changed significantly following recent advances by Ansarallah along Yemen’s western Red Sea coast. The group has captured areas including the port of Mocha and strategically located islands, including Perim, also known as Mayyun, in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. These territorial gains have increased its ability to influence maritime traffic in the area. The Italian Navy has already conducted an escort operation in the region. The frigate Carlo Bergamini, operating as part of the EU’s Operation Aspides, escorted the Italian merchant vessel Jolly Oro, owned by Ignazio Messina & C., during its northbound passage through Bab al-Mandeb. The Italian Navy said the operation was part of Aspides’ assigned tasks. Italian officials have indicated that the focus is on protecting commercial vessels rather than conducting offensive operations. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the Italian ships involved would operate within the defensive framework of Operation Aspides. Saudi Oil Supply Disruptions The shipping concerns come as Saudi Arabia faces disruption to another important route for exporting crude oil to the Red Sea. Saudi Aramco has informed at least two European refining customers that they will receive no Saudi crude deliveries next month, according to a Bloomberg report cited by Reuters. The decision follows attacks that damaged the kingdom’s East-West Pipeline, which connects oil-producing areas in eastern Saudi Arabia with the Red Sea port of Yanbu. The approximately 1,200-kilometer pipeline is an important alternative route for moving Saudi crude toward the Red Sea without using the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi authorities shut the pipeline after drone attacks damaged several pumping stations. Saudi Arabia has been working to restore the pipeline. Reports indicate that part of its capacity could return within days, while restoring full operations could take several weeks. European refiners affected by the disruption have begun looking for alternative crude supplies. Italy's Economic Concerns The developments in Bab al-Mandeb are particularly important for Italy because a significant share of its trade uses the Suez Canal route. Reuters reported that about 40% of Italy’s trade passes through the canal. Italy’s planned naval response therefore focuses on maintaining access for its commercial vessels while the security situation around the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb remains uncertain. The government has not yet specified the final number of warships that would be deployed.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-18 15:35:49
World
ROME, — An Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon F-2000 was damaged during an overnight attack on King Fahd Air Base in Ta’if, Saudi Arabia, the Italian Defence Ministry said Friday. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto confirmed that the aircraft was parked in a decentralized area of the base when it was hit. No Italian military personnel were involved or injured, and no other vehicles or infrastructure used by Italian forces were damaged. Crosetto said he followed the situation overnight in contact with General Luciano Portolano, Chief of the Defence Staff. He also requested further assessments from Portolano, Lieutenant General Giovanni Maria Iannucci, commander of the Joint Operational Command, and General Antonio Conserva, Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force. The assessment will examine the security situation, the condition of Italian personnel and possible operational options. The Italian Defence Ministry has not disclosed the extent of damage to the F-2000 or whether the aircraft remains operational. Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia The attack took place as Ta’if and other areas of Saudi Arabia have faced repeated alerts and attacks. Reports on the recent attacks have attributed the strikes to Houthi forces. The Saudi-led coalition has also reported Houthi launches involving ballistic missiles and drones targeting Ta’if, Abha and Khamis Mushait. The Italian F-2000 was hit while inside the King Fahd base during the overnight attack. Italy’s Task Force Air-Arabia Italy has maintained Task Force Air-Arabia at King Fahd Air Base as part of its regional deployment. The Italian Defence Ministry says the task force is involved in air defence and airspace surveillance in support of partner countries in the Gulf. An official Italian Defence Ministry update in September confirmed that the force operates from King Fahd Air Base. According to Italian Defence Ministry information, the national contingent includes about 400 Air Force personnel deployed across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain. Its Saudi Arabian component includes several specialized task groups. The Task Group Typhoon operates four Eurofighter F-2000A aircraft for assigned airspace defence. The Task Group Argo operates an E-550A CAEW aircraft for early warning, aerial surveillance and command-and-control functions. The Task Group Medal uses C-130J/KC-130J aircraft for tactical transport, operational support and possible medical evacuation missions. Previous damage to Italian aircraft in Kuwait The incident follows an earlier attack involving Italian aircraft at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. Italian Eurofighter F-2000A aircraft have been deployed at Ali Al Salem as part of Task Force Air Kuwait, supporting surveillance and reconnaissance missions under Operation Prima Parthica/Inherent Resolve. The Italian Defence Ministry confirms the presence of Eurofighters and MQ-9A aircraft at the base. According to the information provided for the March 2026 incident, an Iranian missile and drone attack damaged Italian Eurofighters and destroyed an Italian MQ-9A Reaper. The aircraft damage was caused by fragments, while the MQ-9A was destroyed during the attack. The extent of damage to the Eurofighters and their subsequent operational status has not been fully detailed in the public information available. The latest incident in Saudi Arabia adds another case of Italian military aircraft being damaged while deployed at a fixed base in the Middle East. For the F-2000 at King Fahd Air Base, Italian authorities are still assessing the damage and possible operational measures.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-18 15:22:20
India
Bengaluru, September 18, 2026: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the Navratna defence public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, has signed an export purchase order agreement with Israel-based Elbit Systems Electro-Optics ELOP Ltd for the production and supply of sub-assemblies for Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) systems. The agreement was signed on September 16, 2026, in Bengaluru by Rajnish Sharma, Director (Bengaluru Complex), BEL, and Shai Cohen, Senior Vice President, Elbit Systems. Senior officials from both companies were also present, including Anoop Kumar Rai, Director (Marketing), BEL; Giriraja N, Executive Director (Electronic Warfare & Avionics), BEL; Srinivasa Rao H P, General Manager, International Marketing Division, BEL; and Bnaya Ziv, Head of DIRCM Systems, Elbit Systems ELOP. BEL to Supply DIRCM Sub-Assemblies Under the agreement, BEL will manufacture and supply DIRCM system sub-assemblies to Elbit Systems ELOP. DIRCM is a laser-based infrared countermeasure system designed to protect aircraft against heat-seeking missiles, including man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS). The system uses directed laser energy to interfere with the infrared seeker of an incoming missile. BEL lists DIRCM among its electronic warfare and defence products. The system is intended to provide protection to aerial platforms during flight phases including take-off, cruising and landing. The new export agreement adds to BEL's existing cooperation with Elbit Systems and expands its role in the supply of specialised defence electronics for international customers. BEL Secures Additional Orders Worth ₹648 Crore Separately, BEL announced that it has secured additional orders worth ₹648 crore since its previous disclosure on August 26, 2026. BEL published the order announcement on September 18. The new orders cover a range of defence electronics and related products and services. Major items include: Laser-based IR jammers Communication equipment Cybersecurity solutions Thermal imagers Transducers AI-based software solutions Transmit/Receive (TR) modules System upgrades Spares Related services BEL has not disclosed a customer-wise or individual order-value breakup for these contracts. The latest ₹648-crore order announcement follows BEL's earlier order disclosures during 2026, including ₹730 crore announced on August 26, ₹541 crore announced in August, and ₹847 crore announced on July 31. BEL's latest order inflow includes technologies spanning electronic warfare, communications, thermal imaging, cybersecurity and software, alongside upgrades, spares and services. The company is a major Indian defence electronics manufacturer supplying systems and equipment to the country's armed forces while also developing export business.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-18 15:14:17Search
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