U.S
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rocket One Inc. has introduced Swarm Stage AI, a large-scale drone-swarm threat-emulation platform designed to help U.S. military and defense organizations train, test and evaluate counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) against coordinated drone attacks. The platform is not a new counter-drone weapon. Instead, Rocket One describes Swarm Stage AI as a training and evaluation system that can create realistic and scalable drone-swarm scenarios for organizations developing and operating counter-UAS capabilities. Commercial Swarm Technology Adapted for Defense Swarm Stage AI is based on swarm-coordination technology and intellectual property acquired by Rocket One from SkyStage, a commercial drone-swarm company. According to Rocket One, the underlying technology has been used to coordinate thousands of aircraft in synchronized operations. The platform includes more than 2,500 field-tested formations and flight assets, which can be used as a starting point for creating customized swarm scenarios. Rocket One says the technology has been adapted for defense applications and is designed, built and operated in the United States. AI-Based Threat Generation and Mission Preview One of the main features of Swarm Stage AI is its AI Threat Builder. It allows operators to define a threat scenario and generate coordinated behaviors for multiple drones. The platform also includes a 3D Mission Preview that allows users to visualize and review a planned swarm mission before conducting a flight. Rocket One says operators can examine approach paths, timing and deconfliction during the planning stage. The system also supports customized threat scenarios rather than limiting users to the formations already included in its library. Training Against Coordinated Drone Threats Rocket One is positioning the platform around the growing requirement for counter-UAS systems to deal with groups of drones rather than individual aircraft. Potential applications include testing radar and other sensors, evaluating drone detection and tracking systems, assessing command-and-control capabilities, and training personnel to respond to coordinated drone incursions. The company's platform is intended to provide a repeatable environment in which C-UAS technologies can be evaluated against large-scale simulated drone threats. Robb Knie, Chief Executive Officer of Rocket One, said that mass drone attacks are creating a new challenge for military defense systems and that systems designed to detect or defeat individual drones increasingly need to be prepared for coordinated groups arriving simultaneously. Knie said Swarm Stage AI is intended to provide the realistic training and testing environment needed to develop and evaluate counter-drone technologies. Availability for U.S. Defense Organizations Rocket One is offering capabilities briefings, demonstrations, testing and evaluation opportunities for U.S. military organizations, government agencies, defense contractors, C-UAS developers and authorized test and training facilities. The company says interested organizations can request a capabilities briefing through SwarmStage.ai. Rocket One has also made clear that the availability of Swarm Stage AI does not represent a contract, procurement commitment, endorsement, certification or selection by the U.S. Department of Defense, any U.S. military service or another government agency. Swarm Stage AI is operated as a Rocket One company focused on drone-swarm threat emulation and counter-UAS training. The platform's stated purpose is to provide defense organizations with a scalable environment for preparing against coordinated drone-swarm threats and evaluating the technologies intended to detect, track and respond to them.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-19 16:07:39
World
DAMASCUS, Syria — Tensions between Israel and Turkey have increased following Israeli airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhur military airbase in Syria’s Idlib province. The strikes, carried out on August 18, damaged the runway and storage facilities at the base and came shortly after a Turkish military delegation visited the site to assess rehabilitation work. The incident has raised concerns in Washington over the possibility of an unintended confrontation involving Israel, Turkey and Syria. The United States is now working to improve communication between the three countries and revive a mechanism designed to prevent military incidents in Syrian airspace. Israeli Strikes on Abu al-Duhur Syrian state media reported that Israel carried out eight airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhur airbase in northwestern Syria. The attacks damaged the runway and storage facilities, while Syrian military sources and local residents reported no casualties. The airbase is located about 70 kilometers from the Turkish border. It had been largely inactive since the Syrian civil war, although the facility has been undergoing rehabilitation as Syria works to rebuild parts of its military infrastructure. A Turkish delegation visited the base on August 17 to review rehabilitation plans. The Israeli strikes took place hours after the delegation left, according to Syrian officials and other reports. Israel later acknowledged responsibility for the operation. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said Syria was close to violating an existing security status quo with Israel by allowing Turkish troops to deploy at the base near Aleppo. Israel said it had repeatedly warned Syria that such a deployment would pose a security threat and demanded a return to the previous arrangement. Turkey Rejects Israel’s Claims Turkey strongly condemned the Israeli strikes and rejected Israel’s explanation for the operation. The Turkish presidency described Israel’s claims as untenable and accused the Israeli government of using them to justify attacks against Syrian sovereignty. Ankara also said it would continue cooperating with Damascus. A Turkish source cited by Axios said there was no Turkish military presence at the base at the time of the strike. Turkey has become an important supporter of Syria’s new government following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in 2024. Ankara has supported efforts to rebuild Syrian state institutions and military capabilities, increasing concerns in Israel over Turkey’s expanding role in Syria. U.S. Warns of Possible Military Miscalculation The United States has expressed concern over the potential consequences of the Israeli operation. Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria, described the strike as an “unnecessary escalation.” He said the incident created a real risk of a rapid escalation involving Israel, Turkey and Syria. Barrack said Turkish forces were not aware that Israeli aircraft were heading toward the Syrian base or what their intended target was. He warned that Turkish forces could potentially have interpreted the aircraft movement as an attack against them and responded accordingly. He also said the United States was relieved that no one was killed and that the situation did not develop into a larger confrontation. U.S. Pushes for Deconfliction Mechanism Washington is now working to establish a more reliable communication mechanism involving Israel, Syria and potentially Turkey. Barrack said the United States is involved in quiet discussions aimed at relaunching a deconfliction cell between Israel and Syria, with Turkey potentially participating directly or indirectly. The proposed arrangement would provide a permanent communication channel intended to reduce the risk of misunderstandings between military forces operating in the region. The United States has previously supported discussions between the Syrian government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Israeli officials over border security and reducing tensions. Barrack said Syria has presented itself as a stable sovereign neighbor and that the Syrian government has indicated it does not seek conflict with Israel. Turkish Radar Adds to Israeli Concerns Another issue in the wider dispute is Turkey’s role in rebuilding Syria’s aviation and security infrastructure. In January 2026, Turkey supplied Syria with the ASELSAN HTRS-100 air traffic control radar system for Damascus International Airport. Turkish and Syrian officials have described the system as part of efforts to improve civilian aviation safety and air traffic management. The HTRS-100 combines primary and secondary surveillance radar functions and is designed to detect and track airborne targets around airports. Its primary surveillance component operates in the S-band, while the secondary system supports aircraft identification functions. Israeli concerns over the system have been reported because of its potential effect on Israel’s freedom of military operations in Syrian airspace. The Jerusalem Post reported in January that the Turkish radar deployment had raised concerns in Israel. However, Syrian aviation authorities have said the system is intended for civilian air traffic control and that it operates under the authority of Syria’s civil aviation administration. U.S. officials have similarly argued that Syria’s requirement for functioning civilian radar does not necessarily represent a security threat to Israel and that the issue can be addressed through further discussions. Growing Competition Over Syria The Abu al-Duhur strikes have brought the competing positions of Israel and Turkey in Syria into sharper focus. Israel has continued to conduct military operations in Syria to address threats it identifies to its security and wants to preserve its ability to operate in Syrian airspace. Turkey, meanwhile, has expanded its cooperation with Damascus and is supporting efforts to rebuild Syrian institutions and infrastructure. The United States is attempting to prevent these competing interests from producing a direct military incident between Israel and Turkey. The immediate focus is therefore on restoring reliable communication channels and preventing further miscalculations. The latest dispute also adds another complication to U.S.-supported efforts to reduce tensions between Israel and Syria. Washington has emphasized that continued communication among the parties is necessary to prevent an incident in Syria from developing into a wider regional confrontation.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-19 16:00:28
World
TOKYO — Japan’s Ministry of Defense plans to request funding in its fiscal 2027 budget to begin developing a hypersonic missile designed for submarine launch, according to Kyodo News and other Japanese media citing government sources. The program is part of Japan’s broader effort to strengthen its long-range and counterstrike capabilities. The official budget request has not yet been released, but the submarine-launched hypersonic missile is reportedly among more than 150 “item requests” that do not yet have specific funding amounts. The Defense Ministry’s overall request is expected to reach about ¥8.9 trillion ($56–60 billion). Because many programs remain unpriced, the final defense budget could rise to around ¥10 trillion when the budget is finalized later this year. Submarine Vertical Launch System Japan is also developing a Vertical Launch System (VLS) for future conventionally powered diesel-electric submarines. The VLS development program is scheduled for 2026–2029, with an estimated research cost of ¥3.9 billion ($24.8 million). Official renderings show each launch module with seven to eight cells, while a submarine could carry two or three modules, giving it 14–24 launch cells. The system is being designed to launch several types of long-range weapons, including a naval version of Japan’s Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP), cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons. Japan has been developing hypersonic weapons since around 2019. After positive interim research results beginning in 2023, the Defense Ministry moved ahead with production before the originally planned completion of certain development programs around fiscal 2031. In December 2025, Japan announced the start of mass production of new hypersonic guided missiles. The land-based HVGP, designated Type 25, entered service in March 2026. The boost-glide weapon uses a rocket to reach high altitude before its warhead separates and glides toward its target at hypersonic speed. A naval version is being considered for submarine deployment. Type 12 Long-Range Missiles The submarine VLS program will also complement Japan’s extended-range Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile program. In October 2025, the Ministry of Defense awarded contracts to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for mass production of extended-range Type 12 missiles, known as 12SSM-ER or related variants. Depending on the variant, reported ranges are in the 1,000–1,500-kilometer class, with the ship-launched version expected to enter service around fiscal 2027. Separate development is also underway for submarine-launched cruise missiles that can be fired through the torpedo tubes of existing Soryu- and Taigei-class submarines. Future Japanese submarines, including concepts shown by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, are expected to incorporate the new VLS to provide greater flexibility for launching long-range weapons from underwater. Wider Defense Expansion The fiscal 2027 request also includes research into unmanned submarines capable of launching long-range missiles and development of low-cost attack drones using commercial components for faster and larger-scale production. The plans reflect Japan’s wider focus on artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, long-range weapons and sustained operational capabilities as it modernizes the Self-Defense Forces and strengthens its defense industrial base. Japan’s fiscal 2027 budget request is due to be submitted to the Finance Ministry by the end of August, with the final budget expected to be decided later this year.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-19 15:53:46
U.S
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The U.S. Space Force has activated the 1st Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron (1 EWS) at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, on August 3 under Mission Delta 3. Combat Forces Command announced the activation in an August 14 release. The 1 EWS is the Space Force's first electromagnetic warfare unit equipped with two different systems. Its personnel will operate the Meadowlands and Bounty Hunter systems and will be distributed across five operating locations. Meadowlands and Bounty Hunter Meadowlands, manufactured by L3Harris Technologies, is a mobile, ground-based space electronic warfare system designed to temporarily detect, identify, deny, disrupt and degrade adversary satellite communications and radars. Combat Forces Command accepted Meadowlands for operational combat missions in June 2026. Space Force officials described Meadowlands as a critical upgrade to the legacy Counter Communications System, with a smaller physical footprint and greater mobility. The Bounty Hunter system provides a deployable tactical defensive electronic warfare capability and acts as a listening post. It monitors, detects, characterizes, geolocates and reports electromagnetic interference and signal jamming directed at U.S. and allied satellite networks. Bounty Hunter has existed in various forms since the early 2010s. It was deployed to U.S. Pacific Command in 2018 and U.S. Central Command in 2019, reaching initial operational capability in 2020. Officials also said the system received additional upgrades last year. Retired Space Force Col. Charles Galbreath, director of space studies at the Mitchell Institute's Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence, said combining the two functions and systems within a single squadron creates cohesive combat power and can support better execution of both missions. Former Air National Guard Personnel The 1 EWS is also primarily staffed by former Air National Guardsmen who transitioned to full-time active-duty roles. Last October, the missions of nine space-focused Air National Guard units, located from Hawaii to Alaska, were transferred to the Space Force. Five of those units were electromagnetic warfare squadrons. The Space Force selected 99 Guardsmen from the nine units to transfer into full-time roles, while additional personnel could follow in part-time positions. Lt. Col. Danielle Ryan, commander of the 1 EWS, said the squadron combines decades of electromagnetic warfare experience with newer tactics and personnel. The transition was enabled by the Space Force Personnel Management Act, included in the fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. The legislation created a unified personnel management system allowing Guardians to move between full-time and part-time status without the older procedures that could delay such transfers in other military services. Galbreath said the use of former Guardsmen reflects the expertise that existed in the Guard and Reserve and allows trained personnel to continue working in their specialties under a new status. Expanding Space Electromagnetic Warfare The 1 EWS is part of the Space Force's broader effort to maintain control of the electromagnetic spectrum, which is used for satellite command and control and the transmission of information from satellites. The Space Force is planning five Space Electromagnetic Warfare Tactical Operations Centers (SEWTOCs). Mission Delta 3 opened the first SEWTOC in Colorado Springs last September. The Space Force also released information showing that Guardians from the 16th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron conducted training on the Bounty Hunter system at Peterson Space Force Base in April 2026. The activation of the 1 EWS brings Meadowlands and Bounty Hunter together within a single electromagnetic warfare squadron while adding experienced personnel transferred from the Air National Guard.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-19 15:33:14
U.S
HAWTHORNE, Calif. — The U.S. Army has awarded ThinKom Solutions Inc. an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) prototype agreement with a ceiling of $49 million to deliver and evaluate a mobile high-power microwave (HPM) system designed to counter unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The agreement was issued through the Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Fires’ Program Manager for Advanced Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System Effects (PM ACE). Initial funding covers the first of four requested prototypes of ThinKom’s Alecto™ HPM effector, with field testing planned for 2027. Under the agreement, ThinKom will integrate Alecto with government-supplied sensors, fire-control systems and a mobile tactical platform. The Army will evaluate the system as a non-kinetic directed-energy option for maneuvering forces, particularly against coordinated drone swarms. Alecto Counter-UAS System ThinKom first announced Alecto on April 30, 2026, as a self-funded mobile HPM system. The company entered the HPM directed-energy market in August 2025. Alecto uses short, high-power radio-frequency (RF) pulses to disrupt or disable the electronics of targeted drones. It is designed for fire-on-the-move operations against Group 1 and Group 2 UAS. The system combines ThinKom’s patented Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub (VICTS) phased-array antenna with vacuum electronics. ThinKom says the combination produces peak power densities orders of magnitude higher than gallium-nitride-based active electronically scanned arrays. The company says Alecto's compact, low-profile design reduces size, weight and power (SWaP) requirements compared with traditional HPM systems. It is intended for smaller platforms including the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). ThinKom also lists horizon-to-horizon coverage, high precision with low sidelobes, a tablet interface, compatibility with key command-and-control networks, and compliance with U.S. military HERO, HERP and HERF electromagnetic radiation safety standards among the system's features. Previous Army Demonstration In March 2026, a ThinKom HPM system was demonstrated during the U.S. Army's Cross Domain Fires Concept Focused Warfighting Experiment. Mounted on a pickup truck and cued by Echodyne's EchoShield radar, it participated in sensor-to-shooter and counter-drone evaluations at Fort Sill, Yuma Proving Ground and White Sands Missile Range. ThinKom originally developed the VICTS antenna technology for satellite communications and says it has demonstrated the technology's ability to handle gigawatt-level power. Prototype Testing The first prototype will undergo government-led integration, testing and evaluation, with results from the 2027 field tests expected to inform future Army procurement decisions for directed-energy capabilities. The OTA agreement is strictly for prototyping and evaluation. It does not represent a final production decision or commit the Army to procure a specific number of systems. PAE Fires, headquartered at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, manages the Army's integrated portfolio of offensive, defensive and integrated fires capabilities. Dan Roman, ThinKom's vice president for electronic warfare and high-power microwave programs, said Alecto is intended to provide soldiers with a high-capacity, low-cost-per-engagement counter-UAS option capable of operating while moving against Group 1 and Group 2 drone threats.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-19 14:25:24
U.S
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — The U.S. Air Force has completed its first round of prototype evaluations for the Portable Command and Control Enclave (C2E), a portable system designed to allow ground operators to control Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) from remote and austere locations. The evaluations were conducted at Springfield Air National Guard Base and hosted by the Ohio Air National Guard’s 178th Wing. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Agile Development Office said the tests are an early step toward selecting a vendor to integrate the final C2E system. The results were announced on Aug. 13. Prototype Testing Multiple industry vendors brought prototypes for evaluation. The Air Force assessed the systems in two main areas: mobility and footprint, followed by software and connectivity. Evaluators first examined how easily the equipment could be transported and deployed in simulated austere conditions. Vendors then demonstrated software flexibility, agility and network connectivity under operational conditions. The 178th Wing provided facilities, personnel and logistical support for the tests. “The 178th Wing’s foundational support was key to the success of this phase, allowing our evaluators and industry partners to focus entirely on technical performance,” said Lt. Col. Gregory Bieler, Materiel Leader for CCA Software, Autonomy and Teaming. Ground Control for CCA CCA aircraft are semi-autonomous drones being developed to operate alongside crewed fighters and increase combat capacity at a lower cost than manned aircraft. They are expected to receive direction from human pilots, while control can also be provided from platforms such as the E-7 Wedgetail. The C2E program is focused specifically on ground-based control from rapidly deployable locations. Col. Timothy Helfrich, the Air Force’s portfolio acquisition executive for fighters and advanced aircraft, first publicly discussed the system in June. A service spokesperson described C2E as an application suite operating across different networks that allows the appropriate operator, with the required permissions, to operate a CCA. It is separate from the software used by pilots in the cockpit. For the first CCA increment, the Air Force selected Anduril Industries and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, which are developing the FQ-44 and FQ-42, respectively. The first increment is planned to enter service by 2029 and will focus on air-to-air missions. Later versions may support air-to-ground strikes, reconnaissance and electronic warfare. The Air Force did not identify the companies that participated in the Springfield C2E evaluations. Separately, Anduril has demonstrated its Menace-T portable ground system using two portable cases and a rugged laptop. The company has shown it being used to upload mission plans, initiate autonomous taxiing and takeoff, task the aircraft during flight and handle post-flight data. Next Phase Data from the Ohio evaluations will help shape the Air Force’s acquisition strategy. A second C2E prototype phase is planned soon, with vendors expected to refine their systems and demonstrate cloud capabilities. After a final system integrator is selected, the equipment is expected to be provided to the Experimental Operations Unit, which is already testing CCAs. The system will support Agile Combat Employment operations before being integrated with production CCA aircraft. “Getting prototypes into the hands of our operational and acquisitions warfighters for a swift, combined evaluation is a direct embodiment of acquisition transformation,” said Col. Eric Reagan, director of the Agile Development Office. “This partnership allows us to accelerate the fielding of the best-value capabilities to the Department of War.” The first evaluation phase gives the Air Force test data for the next stage of the C2E program as it works toward a portable ground-control system for its future CCA fleet.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-19 14:08:43
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy’s Rapid Capability Office, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and PAE Aviation are investing $50 million to expand unmanned, runway-independent maritime strike capabilities centered on Shield AI’s X-BAT aircraft. The funding was announced in mid-August 2026. The investment comes under the Runway Independent Maritime Expeditionary Strike (RIMES) program, launched by the Navy and DIU in February 2026. RIMES aims to develop a long-range strike drone that can operate from surface combatants without the flight decks, catapults or arrested-landing systems required by conventional fixed-wing aircraft. The Navy’s roughly 74 to 75 active Arleigh Burke-class destroyers can operate helicopters but cannot launch or recover conventional fixed-wing strike aircraft. RIMES is intended to close this gap by enabling vertical takeoff and landing operations from ships with limited deck space. The $50 million award builds on earlier risk-reduction work by the PAE Aviation Rapid Capability Cell and Shield AI. The award uses the Middle Tier of Acquisition Rapid Prototype approach and an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract. X-BAT Capabilities Shield AI first unveiled X-BAT in October 2025. It is a jet-powered, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft designed for air-to-air and air-to-surface strikes, electronic warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The aircraft has a 39-foot (11.9-meter) wingspan, a range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles (about 3,700 kilometers) with a full mission payload, and a service ceiling above 50,000 feet (15,240 meters). X-BAT will initially use GE Aerospace’s F110-GE-129 engine fitted with an Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN). In July 2026, Shield AI and GE Aerospace completed integration and engine light-off testing of the system, supporting development of the aircraft’s vertical-flight capability. Shield AI says X-BAT can carry weapons in the 2,000-pound class in internal bays comparable in size to those on the F-35, along with external hardpoints. The aircraft is also designed to generate about 80 kilowatts of electrical power for sensors and electronic warfare systems. X-BAT uses Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software, which is designed to allow autonomous operations in environments where GPS and communications are denied, degraded or jammed, without requiring direct human input to execute complex missions. Building on V-BAT Experience X-BAT builds on technology developed for Shield AI’s smaller V-BAT unmanned aircraft, which is already supplied to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and allied services. The V-BAT has flown more than 170 sorties in Ukraine and currently supports a nearly $200 million U.S. Coast Guard contract for contractor-owned ISR services. X-BAT is also at least the second long-range VTOL concept to receive Navy support under RIMES. In June 2026, the program awarded a contract of undisclosed value to a Mach Industries and Whisper Aero team for the smaller Atlas aircraft, described as a roughly 6,000-pound platform with a 1,000-pound payload and hybrid-electric propulsion. Development Timeline Shield AI is targeting the first flight of X-BAT for later in 2026 and has projected full manufacturing and production capabilities by 2029. The Navy has not disclosed how many X-BAT aircraft it may ultimately procure or provided a specific timeline for deployment aboard destroyers. The $50 million investment is intended to accelerate development of an unmanned maritime strike capability that can operate without conventional runways.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-19 13:58:56
U.S
The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier carrying about 5,000 sailors and Marines, has been deployed for more than 260 days after leaving Naval Base San Diego on November 21, 2025. The carrier was later redirected to the Middle East to support U.S. military operations against Iran. It has spent more than 200 consecutive days at sea without a port visit, setting a modern record for the Navy. Reports from Navy Times, Stars and Stripes, MS NOW and crew families have raised concerns about shortages of food and basic hygiene supplies, including soap and toothpaste, along with water and plumbing problems, limited mail delivery and mental-health concerns. Some reports described sailors attempting or threatening to go overboard. The Navy has said it has not seen an increase in suicidal ideation or attempts and confirmed that one sailor went overboard in early August, was recovered, treated and transferred off the ship. The Navy has also said the carrier has clean water, functioning air conditioning and healthy meals. Officials said meal plans were adjusted when fresh resupply was limited, but no meals were missed. Bahrain Attack Disrupted Supply Routes The supply difficulties have been linked to Iranian missile and drone attacks on Naval Support Activity Bahrain, a key logistics hub for the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet. The base suffered significant damage to command facilities, warehouses and other structures, disrupting established regional supply operations. The Navy subsequently shifted logistics to Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The longer supply route has made resupply more difficult for carrier forces operating around the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. The Navy has described the situation as a "highly contested environment" in which traditional Middle Eastern supply hubs were disrupted by combat actions, with food prioritized ahead of hygiene supplies and mail. Dispute Over Hegseth's Handling of the Damage MS NOW journalist David Rohde has argued that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not fully disclose the extent of the Bahrain damage in public briefings, contributing to inadequate alternative supply arrangements. However, claims that Hegseth deliberately concealed the damage have not been established by documented evidence of a cover-up. Hegseth has rejected reports about deteriorating conditions aboard the Lincoln, calling them "completely misrepresented." He has defended the Navy's support for the crew and said he wants sailors rotated and the carrier brought home as soon as possible. President Donald Trump has also dismissed some concerns, saying the deployment was "not nearly long enough" and indicating that the ship would soon be relieved. Lawmakers Demand Answers Senator Richard Blumenthal and other Democratic lawmakers have called for answers about the deployment extension, supply shortages, water and plumbing problems, mental-health support, deck safety and mail disruptions. Families of Lincoln crew members have also raised concerns directly with Navy leaders. The situation has also prompted criticism from former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who described the reported conditions as inexcusable. USS George Washington to Relieve Lincoln The U.S. Navy is moving the USS George Washington from the western Pacific toward the Middle East to relieve the Lincoln as part of a planned carrier rotation. The George Washington recently operated in the western Pacific and visited Vietnam before beginning its movement toward the region. Officials have limited details about the exact timeline for operational-security reasons. The Lincoln has continued combat operations during its extended deployment, including operations involving a blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. Its carrier strike group has conducted thousands of aircraft flights and expended significant quantities of ordnance. The extended deployment has highlighted the logistical and personnel demands of sustaining carrier operations when a major regional supply hub is disrupted. The Navy is now preparing for the Lincoln's relief while congressional inquiries into the crew's conditions and deployment continue.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-19 13:37:33
U.S
WASHINGTON — Raytheon’s SPY-6(V)3 radar has completed acceptance trials aboard the future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), the U.S. Navy’s second Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The milestone follows a four-day underway evaluation off the Atlantic Coast from August 12 to 15. The successful trials move the 100,000-ton carrier closer to preliminary acceptance and allow the Navy to begin further underway testing of its combat and aviation systems. SPY-6(V)3 Radar Capabilities The SPY-6(V)3, also known as the fixed variant of the Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar (EASR), provides continuous 360-degree situational awareness. It supports aircraft carrier flight-deck operations and air traffic control while also providing ship self-defense against cruise missiles, hostile aircraft, anti-surface and anti-ship threats, and challenging electronic warfare environments. The radar uses three fixed array faces, each containing nine standardized Radar Modular Assemblies (RMAs). According to Raytheon, this architecture provides greater detection range, higher sensitivity and more accurate target discrimination than legacy radar systems. It also provides targeting data for Navy weapons, including Standard Missile variants. The wider SPY-6 family is designed to simultaneously track and support defense against ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles, hostile aircraft and surface threats. First Ford-Class Carrier With SPY-6(V)3 John F. Kennedy is the first Ford-class carrier to receive the SPY-6(V)3. Unlike lead ship USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), which uses the SPY-3 and SPY-4 Dual Band Radar arrangement, CVN 79 combines the S-band SPY-6(V)3 with the X-band AN/SPQ-9B surface-search radar. The SPY-6 family uses common hardware and software based on standardized RMAs. Raytheon says this modular design allows different variants to be used across seven classes of Navy ships while simplifying maintenance and future upgrades. The Navy is integrating SPY-6 variants on Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers, Constellation-class frigates, aircraft carriers and amphibious warships. Variants are also being backfitted onto existing Flight IIA destroyers and some legacy aircraft carriers. The SPY-6(V)1 is used on Flight III destroyers, the rotating SPY-6(V)2 on amphibious ships and Nimitz-class carriers, the fixed SPY-6(V)3 on Ford-class carriers and frigates, and the SPY-6(V)4 is intended for Flight IIA destroyer upgrades. The SPY-6 family is expected to equip more than 50 U.S. Navy ships over the next decade. CVN 79 Moves Toward Delivery Acceptance trials are crew-led evaluations intended to demonstrate to the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey that a ship meets contract specifications and can safely operate at sea. Capt. Mark Johnson, Program Manager for Aircraft Carrier New Construction, praised the CVN 79 crew following the recent testing. With acceptance trials complete, the carrier will move toward preliminary acceptance. This phase will allow the crew to build operational proficiency and conduct further evaluations while prime contractor Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) completes the remaining advanced weapons elevators. CVN 79 completed its builder’s sea trials in February 2026 and is currently about 98 percent complete. The carrier is also being built to support full F-35C Lightning II operations upon commissioning. Final delivery of USS John F. Kennedy to the U.S. Navy is scheduled for spring 2027.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-19 13:19:08
World
LONDON — British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s full support for Ukraine after Russia warned of consequences over reports that British-made drones have been used in Ukrainian long-range strikes against targets inside Russia. Speaking to reporters during a visit to Wolverhampton bus station, Burnham said the UK would continue to support Ukraine “100%” and would remain committed to helping Kyiv defend itself against Russia’s invasion. “We are not fair-weather friends. We will be there in Ukraine’s hour of need, and that won’t change,” Burnham said. The Russian Embassy in London issued its warning after reports that drones produced by two British companies had been used in Ukrainian strikes over the past six months. The reported targets included oil refineries and logistics facilities in Russia. One of the drones was identified as the Nyan, a jet-powered system developed by Callen-Lenz, a subsidiary of BAE Systems. The system has a reported range of more than 150 miles and has been tested by the Royal Navy. The manufacturer of the second drone was not identified for security reasons; it reportedly has a range of more than 600 miles and is launched by catapult. Russia accused London of deliberately increasing its involvement in the conflict and warned that deeper British support for Ukraine would bring consequences. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov separately said Moscow could regard direct British involvement in strikes on Russian territory as participation in the war. The UK Ministry of Defence has not confirmed that British-made drones were used in the specific reported strikes. However, the ministry said Britain remained committed to providing Ukraine with equipment needed for its defence and that Russia should have no doubt about the UK government’s position against Russian aggression. Britain has also committed to providing Ukraine with 150,000 drones by the end of 2026 as part of a £752 million funding package. The UK government said the package also includes more than 350 air-defence missiles and radars. The latest exchange adds to growing tensions between London and Moscow over Britain’s military support for Ukraine, while Burnham’s statement indicates that the UK intends to maintain its existing policy of supporting Kyiv.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-19 13:04:00
Europe
WARSAW, Poland — Poland’s Ministry of National Defence said on Wednesday, August 19, that the Polish Armed Forces maintain air and missile defence capabilities to protect designated targets, including cities, following public criticism that Polish urban areas lack adequate protection. The ministry said Poland does not permanently deploy missile batteries around every major city. Instead, its air-defence system is integrated, with assets deployed and used according to the current situation, threat assessment and defence priorities. Air-defence operations are currently particularly intensive in eastern and central Poland, involving several Polish systems and allied forces. Protection can cover key administrative and economic centres, critical infrastructure and concentrations of Polish armed forces. The military can also increase readiness levels or reposition assets depending on the nature and severity of a threat. Current deployment locations, readiness levels and operational plans were not disclosed. Patriot and Narew systems Poland’s main medium-range air-defence capability is provided through the Wisła programme, which uses the U.S.-made Patriot system integrated with NATO’s Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). The first Patriot battery, operated by the 37th Air Defense Missile Squadron of the 3rd Warsaw Air Defense Missile Brigade in Sochaczew, achieved initial operational capability in December 2024 and full operational capability in December 2025. Poland plans to field eight Patriot batteries under the Wisła programme, with further deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2029. The shorter-range Narew system provides another layer of defence against drones, aircraft, helicopters and other low-altitude threats around military bases, troop concentrations and critical sites. Interim Mała Narew units using CAMM missiles are already in service, while the full Narew configuration using CAMM-ER missiles, with a stated range of up to about 45 kilometres and planned IBCS integration, is expected to expand to 23 batteries. Poland’s layered network also includes very-short-range systems such as Pilica+. Dispute over Patriot missiles sent to Ukraine The ministry’s statement follows weeks of political debate over Poland’s transfer of Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine. On 7 July 2026, Poland published a full list of military donations to Ukraine since 2022, confirming the Patriot transfer for the first time. Prime Minister Donald Tusk later said that five PAC-3 missiles were transferred to Ukraine in spring 2026 as part of a broader effort coordinated with NATO and the United States. Former Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak accused the government of putting Polish skies, cities and families at risk by transferring missiles that Poland could need for its own defence. Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk rejected the criticism, arguing that intercepting threats over Ukraine can also contribute to Poland’s security because threats approaching Poland from the east would typically first pass through Ukrainian airspace. Poland has distinguished the transfer of individual interceptor missiles from the relocation of complete Patriot batteries. In March 2026, Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz rejected a U.S. request to redeploy a Polish Patriot battery and PAC-3 missiles in connection with operations related to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. He said Poland’s Patriot batteries are intended to protect Polish skies and NATO’s eastern flank. The Defence Ministry’s latest statement did not identify the sources of the criticism or disclose the current positions and readiness of individual air-defence units, but reaffirmed that Poland can adjust its air-defence deployment according to the threat and the country’s defence priorities.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-19 12:18:16
Europe
Ulm, Germany — Rheinmetall Air Defence and HENSOLDT have successfully demonstrated the integration of HENSOLDT’s Twinvis passive radar with Rheinmetall’s Skymaster command and weapon engagement system during the German Air Force’s Timber Express 2026 exercise. During the exercise, the air picture generated by Twinvis was connected to Skymaster, which then used the data to direct a deployed Skynex air defence battery against exercise targets. The demonstration was conducted under realistic NATO networking conditions. Sensor data from the systems was fused and correlated through NATO’s Link 16 network to create a common air picture. HENSOLDT reported that Twinvis successfully detected and tracked airborne targets during the exercise. Passive Radar and EMCON Twinvis is a passive radar system that uses existing signals from radio and television transmitters rather than transmitting its own radar signals. This allows it to detect and track airborne targets without producing a distinctive active radar emission. The passive approach supports emissions-control (EMCON) operations and can provide an additional sensor source for distributed air defence networks. Twinvis is designed for wide-area military airspace surveillance and can also be used for civil air traffic control applications. Sensor Fusion Through Skymaster The exercise demonstrated Skymaster’s ability to combine information from different sensors. The system merged data from active radars, passive sensors and electro-optical systems into a single air picture. Rheinmetall and HENSOLDT said this sensor fusion improves situational awareness and supports the surveillance and protection of high-value infrastructure, critical facilities and mobile military units. Passive sensors can also extend existing air defence architectures by providing additional tracking information without active radar emissions. Future Air Defence Applications The companies said the results provide a basis for integrating passive sensor technology into different future air defence configurations. The same networked approach could be applied to stationary Skynex systems, mobile Skyranger solutions and counter-UAS configurations such as Skyspotter. The demonstration involved German Air Force organisations, the Timber Express exercise management team and specialist teams from Rheinmetall Air Defence and HENSOLDT. The companies said the NATO-compatible integration showed that distributed active and passive sensors can be combined within modern air defence networks while maintaining an open architecture for future systems. Timber Express is an annual German Air Force exercise focused on testing real-time tactical data exchange between participating units and weapon systems. The 2026 exercise also included live-virtual-constructive elements, with synthetic aircraft and threats integrated into the training environment alongside real participants. HENSOLDT has also worked on civil applications of Twinvis, including studies with Germany’s air navigation service provider DFS for possible certification for air traffic control use. The system uses digital receiver technology and algorithms to process signals from multiple transmitters simultaneously and generate real-time tracks. The successful Timber Express 2026 demonstration provides a basis for combining Twinvis passive radar data with existing command-and-control and air defence systems in a networked architecture.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-19 11:45:27
World
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea has approved two major defense programs aimed at improving its naval strike and armored warfare capabilities: the domestically developed Ship-to-Ship Missile-II (SSM-II) and a large-scale performance improvement program for the K2 main battle tank. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) approved the basic program strategies for both projects during the 177th Defense Acquisition Program Promotion Committee meeting held on August 11 at the Ministry of National Defense in Seoul. SSM-II to Provide Longer-Range Anti-Ship Capability The SSM-II program is intended to develop a new domestic anti-ship missile with greater range and improved target detection and tracking compared with the Republic of Korea Navy’s existing SSM-700K Haeseong-I. The current Haeseong-I has a range of about 150 kilometers, while the SSM-II is planned to have roughly twice the range. DAPA said the new missile is being developed to provide improved long-range precision strike capability against surface targets. The program will be carried out through domestic research and development, with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) leading the system development work. A total of approximately 1.63 trillion won is planned for development and production from 2028 through 2039. System development is planned from 2028 to 2033, followed by mass production from 2034. The development period will include integration with naval combat systems as well as testing and evaluation. The missile is planned to use a turbofan engine instead of the turbojet engine used on the existing Haeseong-I. It will also incorporate a stealth-shaped design. The supplied program details also identify network-enabled engagement capabilities, including the Link-K datalink, as part of the missile's planned capabilities. The SSM-II is expected to be deployed on South Korea's next-generation KDDX destroyers. DAPA has also indicated that the missile could eventually be offered together with South Korean-built warships as part of future export packages. The program is also referred to as the Haeseong-II project in some reporting. Its development is intended to provide South Korea with a longer-range domestic anti-ship weapon while improving detection and tracking performance. K2 Tank Upgrade Program DAPA also approved the performance improvement program for South Korea's K2 main battle tanks. The program is planned to run from 2028 through 2046, with approximately 3.448 trillion won allocated to the project. System development is scheduled to be completed by 2032, with upgraded tanks expected to begin entering service sequentially from 2033. The modernization will add an active protection system (APS) designed to detect and intercept incoming threats. The upgraded K2s will also receive jammers for drones and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and a remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS). The changes are intended to improve the K2's ability to respond to threats such as anti-tank weapons and drones. Two Long-Term Defense Programs The SSM-II and K2 modernization programs will be developed over different timelines but both are based on domestic development and upgrades to existing South Korean military capabilities. The SSM-II will focus on extending the range and improving the detection and tracking capabilities of South Korea's ship-to-ship missile force, while the K2 program will add systems intended to improve the tank's protection and response against newer battlefield threats. Further technical specifications for the SSM-II are expected to become available as the formal development phase begins in 2028.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-19 11:26:23
Space & Technology
BEIJING, China — China’s private aerospace company LandSpace successfully launched its Zhuque-3 Y2 rocket and recovered its first-stage booster on land on Wednesday, marking China’s first successful land-based recovery of an orbital-class rocket booster using deployable landing legs. The 66.1-meter-tall rocket lifted off at 7:35 a.m. Beijing Time from the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone in northwest China, part of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. About 137 seconds after liftoff, the first and second stages separated. The second stage successfully placed the Honghu-03 commercial internet satellite, developed by LandSpace affiliate Hongqing Technology, into its designated orbit. The first stage then carried out its planned return sequence, including high-altitude attitude adjustment, powered deceleration during re-entry, aerodynamic glide control using grid fins, a final landing burn and deployment of landing legs. The booster traveled about 390 kilometers downrange before making a vertical landing at the designated Zhuque-3 recovery site in Minqin County, Gansu Province, at around 7:41–7:43 a.m. Beijing Time. LandSpace confirmed the launch and recovery mission was a complete success. The achievement also marks the first time a Chinese launch vehicle has completed this type of vertical landing after an orbital mission. pic.twitter.com/ws1OLj1TpJ — Mao Ning 毛宁 (@SpoxCHN_MaoNing) August 19, 2026 Reusable Rocket Design Zhuque-3 is a two-stage, stainless-steel rocket with a diameter of about 4.5 meters. It uses liquid oxygen and methane propellants, while its first stage is powered by nine Tianque-12A engines. The rocket is designed for low-cost, high-frequency commercial launches, with the first stage intended to be reused up to around 20 times. LandSpace has indicated that it plans to inspect and potentially reuse a recovered booster within about six months. Second Zhuque-3 Flight The mission was the second flight of Zhuque-3. During its December 2025 maiden flight, the rocket successfully reached orbit, but the first-stage recovery attempt ended with an anomaly during the final landing burn. For the Y2 mission, engineers applied improvements based on the earlier flight, including refinements to the landing propulsion approach and enhancements to the onboard autonomous flight safety system. The successful recovery provides flight-verified data on the booster’s complete return process, from high-speed flight and re-entry to controlled landing. China’s Two Booster Recovery Methods The Zhuque-3 recovery follows the July 10, 2026 sea-based recovery of a Long March-10B first stage by state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), which used a net-capture system on a recovery vessel. China has now demonstrated controlled recovery of orbital rocket stages through both sea-based net capture and land-based vertical landing methods. LandSpace is also in the inquiry phase for an IPO on the Shanghai Stock Exchange’s STAR Market, aiming to raise 7.5 billion yuan with a profitability target for 2029. The Zhuque-3 mission moves LandSpace closer to its planned reusable commercial launch operations and supports China’s broader development of reusable launch technology aimed at reducing satellite launch costs and enabling more frequent launches.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-19 11:12:51
World
BUSAN, South Korea — South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) delivered the first PKX-B Batch-II fast patrol craft, also known as the Geomdoksuri-B or Patrol Killer Medium Rocket (PKMR), to the Republic of Korea Navy on August 14, 2026. The handover ceremony was held at HJ Shipbuilding & Construction’s Yeongdo Shipyard in Busan. The PKX-B program is designed to replace the Navy’s aging Chamsuri-class Patrol Killer Medium (PKM) boats. DAPA completed the Batch-I program between 2017 and 2022, delivering 16 vessels, while the Batch-II program began in 2022. The first four Batch-II vessels were launched together on December 8, 2025, and named Chamsuri-231, Chamsuri-232, Chamsuri-233 and Chamsuri-235. After completing sea trials, the lead vessel was handed over on August 14. The first Batch-II craft will complete the Navy’s operational deployment process before being assigned to the Northern Limit Line (NLL) area for territorial waters protection and coastal surveillance. DAPA plans to deliver the remaining three vessels from the initial group by the end of 2026, while the overall Batch-II program is planned to add up to 18 PKMR vessels. Upgrades in Batch-II Compared with Batch-I, the new vessels include several improvements based on operational experience. The control and firing functions of the 130 mm Biryong guided rocket system and 12.7 mm remote-controlled weapon system are now integrated into the ship’s combat system. The vessels also have improved anti-jamming capability for operations in electronic warfare environments. The electro-optical tracking system (EOTS) has received a major winter-operability improvement, with heater output increased from 200 watts to 600 watts. The change is intended to prevent snow, ice and freezing seawater from affecting sensor availability during winter operations. The search radar has also been modified to allow finer frequency-spacing adjustments to reduce interference between onboard systems. Other changes include a raised helm station to improve the helmsman’s forward visibility while seated and a fire damper in the ventilation duct of the 76 mm gun ammunition magazine to limit the spread of flames into the magazine during a nearby fire. Weapons and performance The PKX-B Batch-II craft measures approximately 44 meters in length and 7 meters in beam, with a displacement of about 230 tons. It uses waterjet propulsion with a combined diesel and gas (CODAG) configuration and can reach around 40 knots. The crew consists of approximately 20 to 23 personnel. Its armament includes a 76 mm Hyundai WIA naval gun, a 12-cell 130 mm Biryong guided rocket launcher, and remotely controlled 12.7 mm weapon stations. Sensors include an upgraded search radar, such as the SPS-560K, and the improved EOTS. Choi Sang-deok, head of DAPA’s Naval Ship Program Department, said the first Batch-II vessel has strong on-scene response capabilities that will help deter provocations. He also said construction and delivery of the remaining vessels will continue using proven domestic technologies to support coastal defense along the NLL. The PKX-B fleet will operate alongside the Yoon Young-ha-class PKX-A/PKG vessels and existing Batch-I PKMRs as South Korea continues to modernize its coastal patrol forces.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-19 11:00:59
U.S
FORT WORTH, Texas — Lockheed Martin has completed the final assembly of Germany’s first F-35A Lightning II, marking another step in Germany’s plan to introduce the fifth-generation fighter into Luftwaffe service. The aircraft, designated MG-01, has moved from final assembly into the Aircraft Final Finishes stage at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth, Texas, facility. During this phase, the aircraft will receive its final exterior finish, including its specialized low-observable coating. The official rollout is scheduled for September 18, 2026. The Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engine was installed on MG-01 in June, completing another major stage of the aircraft’s production. Lockheed Martin previously said the aircraft would receive its paint and final finishes, including its stealth coating, before first flight and the official rollout. Lockheed Martin also highlighted the milestone in a social media statement, saying: “Another milestone for Germany’s first F-35. Following final assembly, the aircraft moved to Aircraft Final Finishes, bringing it one step closer to supporting the Luftwaffe and Germany’s next generation of air power.” Eight Aircraft Form the Initial Batch Germany has ordered 35 F-35A Lightning II fighters. Seven additional German aircraft are currently moving through production at the Fort Worth facility, making MG-01 part of the first eight aircraft being produced for Germany. The first eight German F-35As are scheduled to remain in the United States initially for training. They will be delivered to Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where German pilots and maintenance personnel will receive F-35 training. Germany has already established a dedicated F-35 training presence in the United States. The Bundeswehr says German personnel at Ebbing are involved in F-35A pilot training, while technical and logistical personnel also receive training in the United States. German personnel will train alongside personnel from other F-35 partner countries using the Arkansas training facility. Production of Germany’s F-35A Fleet Germany formally approved the purchase of 35 F-35As through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales process in December 2022. The German government signed the Letter of Acceptance for the aircraft on December 14, 2022. Production of the first German F-35 began with major assembly work at Lockheed Martin’s Marietta, Georgia, facility in December 2024 before the aircraft moved through the production process at Fort Worth. MG-01 entered final assembly in March 2026. The German Defense Ministry currently plans to receive the first F-35As at Büchel Air Base beginning in 2027, while the Tornado fleet is scheduled to be retired by 2030. The current program schedule calls for deliveries to continue through 2029, with initial operating capability planned for 2029 and full operating capability planned for 2030. Büchel Base Being Upgraded Büchel Air Base is undergoing extensive infrastructure work to prepare for the F-35A. The Bundeswehr is constructing an F-35 campus that includes facilities for aircraft maintenance, washing, hangaring, spare-parts storage and flight operations. The first groundbreaking for the F-35 infrastructure project took place on October 23, 2024, and the Bundeswehr says the campus is planned to be ready by November 2026. The infrastructure upgrades are required because Büchel was previously configured for the Panavia Tornado. The new facilities are being developed to support the F-35A and its operational and maintenance requirements. Replacing the Tornado in Germany’s NATO Role The F-35A is being introduced as the replacement for Germany’s Panavia Tornado IDS fleet. One of the major reasons for the acquisition is Germany’s continued participation in NATO’s nuclear sharing arrangement. Germany’s F-35A fleet is intended to take over the Tornado’s role in this mission. The aircraft will be configured to carry and employ U.S.-supplied B61 nuclear bombs for Germany’s NATO nuclear-sharing mission. The F-35A will also introduce fifth-generation capabilities to the Luftwaffe, including reduced radar detectability, sensor information fusion and networking with other aircraft. The Bundeswehr says these capabilities will improve the aircraft’s ability to operate within multinational NATO formations. With MG-01 now moving beyond final assembly, Germany’s first F-35A is approaching its planned rollout in September. The aircraft will then remain in the United States for the initial training phase before the first German F-35As are transferred to Büchel from 2027.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-18 16:12:56
World
Sofia — Bulgaria’s second batch of eight F-16 Block 70 fighter jets is now expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2030, about two and a half years later than the original late-2027 target. The revised timeline was discussed on August 14 during a meeting between Bulgarian Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov and representatives of Lockheed Martin. The company cited production difficulties at its F-16 assembly facility in Greenville, South Carolina, as the main reason for the delay. Lockheed Martin said the second-quarter 2030 date is not final and that it will take steps to accelerate production and deliver the aircraft earlier if possible. The schedule had already been revised once, with the expected delivery previously moved to around 2029. Stoyanov said Bulgaria expects the delay to be minimized and must not create any additional financial burden for the country. He also requested assurances that the final price of the second contract will not increase because of the delayed production, along with concrete measures to reduce the delay. Bulgaria ordered 16 F-16 Block 70 aircraft in two contracts. The first contract, signed in 2019, covered eight aircraft. All eight were delivered by December 2025 and formally presented at Graf Ignatievo Air Base. The second contract covers the remaining eight aircraft. The overall programme is valued at more than $2.5 billion. Bulgaria is now preparing the first eight aircraft for combat duty, with Stoyanov setting a goal of having them operational in 2027. He stressed the need for sufficient spare parts, maintenance components and support equipment, as well as more training opportunities for Bulgarian pilots at F-16 training centres. The delay has also increased Bulgaria’s need for an interim fighter capability. The country has already submitted a request to the United States for second-hand F-16s, and Stoyanov said the request has become more important because of the latest production delay. The F-16 programme is central to Bulgaria’s effort to replace its ageing Soviet-era MiG-29 fleet and improve interoperability with NATO forces. Bulgarian officials are continuing discussions with Lockheed Martin over the first batch while monitoring production of the second batch.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-18 16:05:06
World
MOSCOW, Russia — Russian engineers have completed research and development of an autonomous navigation system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that allows drones to determine their position using onboard cameras instead of satellite navigation or radio signals. The system was developed by Ploshchad, a resident of the Center for Unmanned Systems and Technologies (CBST), and Russian developers have already begun equipping drones with the technology, according to reporting by Izvestia published on August 17, 2026. How the Visual Navigation System Works The technology uses visual odometry, machine vision and a neural network to determine the drone's position. During flight, cameras mounted on the drone continuously observe the terrain below. The onboard neural network processes the video in real time and compares visible terrain features with a digital map stored in the drone before the flight. The reference map can be based on satellite imagery or aerial photography. By matching the terrain seen by the cameras with the stored imagery, the system calculates and continuously updates the drone's position. The approach also addresses the gradual accumulation of errors associated with conventional inertial navigation. According to the developers, continuous comparison with the terrain allows the system to correct such deviations during flight. The neural network can also identify a designated object by comparing what it sees with a predefined digital template. Why It Is Called "Martian" Navigation The approach is sometimes referred to as "Martian" technology because of its similarity to the navigation principle used by NASA's Ingenuity helicopter on Mars. Ingenuity operated without access to GPS. Its downward-facing cameras observed the Martian surface and used changes in visible terrain features to estimate movement. Communication with Earth also involved significant delays, making direct real-time control impractical. After the Ingenuity mission ended in 2024, related designs and code were made publicly available, contributing to wider interest in visual-odometry methods for terrestrial autonomous systems. The Russian system applies the same general principle to drones operating on Earth, but uses a pre-loaded digital map to match the terrain observed by the aircraft. Resistance to Electronic Warfare One of the main advantages of the system is that it does not require GPS or GLONASS signals, a radio link or continuous operator control for navigation. Military expert Yuri Lyamin told Izvestia that this makes the system resistant to electronic-warfare methods that interfere with satellite-navigation signals. Satellite navigation can be jammed or spoofed in areas where electronic warfare is active, while a navigation system based on onboard optical processing does not depend on those external signals. The system can also operate without antennas required for satellite-navigation reception or radio-based control, according to the reporting. The use of standard optical cameras is another factor highlighted by the developers. The technology does not require expensive specialized optical sensors, which can reduce the cost of adapting drones for visual navigation. Development Challenges Visual navigation is not a new concept. According to Dmitry Kuzyakin, chief designer of the Center for Integrated Unmanned Solutions, the basic approach has been known for more than a decade. The difficulty has been developing recognition algorithms capable of reliably processing terrain and objects during longer flights. Simpler optical-flow systems can track movement but have limitations in altitude and range, according to Kuzyakin. Izvestia reported that U.S. company Skydio had previously made significant progress with similar visual-odometry technology, including applications involving military drones. Russian developers now say they have demonstrated the technological capability to apply the approach to longer-range UAVs. Kuzyakin said the next important step is moving from development and demonstrated systems to mass production and delivery to operational units. Weather and Nighttime Limitations The system remains dependent on the ability of its cameras to obtain useful visual information. Its performance can decrease in dense cloud cover, heavy fog and precipitation. Night operations can also create difficulties because reduced visibility and contrast make it harder for optical systems to identify and match terrain features. These limitations mean that visual navigation does not eliminate the need to consider environmental conditions when operating autonomous drones. Potential Civilian Applications The technology is not limited to military UAVs. Optical navigation can also be used in commercial drone logistics, courier delivery and agricultural applications. These sectors can benefit from autonomous positioning systems that do not depend entirely on continuous satellite-navigation coverage. The ability to identify locations and objects through onboard cameras and machine-learning algorithms could also support autonomous operations in areas where satellite or communications signals are unavailable or unreliable. Part of Russia's Wider UAV Development The introduction of the visual-navigation system comes as Russia continues developing autonomous unmanned systems and other robotic technologies. The Russian Ministry of Defense has recently showcased various robotic complexes, drones and electronic-warfare equipment. These developments have included the AI-equipped "Skvorets-Intercessor" interceptor drone, reported to have a maximum speed of up to 350 km/h, an upgraded "Fir Tree" UAV equipped with a warhead, and new ammunition designed for Molniya-2 drones. The camera-based navigation system represents another effort to increase the autonomy of UAVs by reducing their dependence on satellite navigation, radio communications and continuous operator control. The information on the navigation system is primarily based on Izvestia's August 17, 2026 report, with the technical details provided in related Russian reporting on the development.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-18 15:56:43
Red Cat’s Blue Ops and Havoc Partner to Integrate Collaborative Autonomy on Uncrewed Surface Vessels
World
SALT LAKE CITY — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) and Havoc have announced a strategic partnership through Red Cat’s maritime division, Blue Ops, to integrate Havoc’s collaborative autonomy software and command-and-control capabilities into Blue Ops’ uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). The partnership will focus on the Variant 7 (V7) and other Blue Ops platforms as they are introduced. The companies aim to enable coordinated multi-vessel operations and expand autonomous capabilities for U.S. and allied defense customers. Open Architecture and Autonomy The integration will use Blue Ops’ Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), which is designed to support the rapid integration of autonomy systems, sensors, communications, mission payloads and other technologies as requirements change. Havoc’s collaborative autonomy technology has already been deployed on behalf of the U.S. Department of War in multiple operational settings. “This partnership is exactly what our open-architecture strategy was built for,” said Barry Hinckley, President of Blue Ops. “Our goal is to build the best small USVs in the world while making it easy to integrate leading technologies from across the U.S. and our allies.” Variant 7 USV The Variant 7 is a roughly 7.8-meter mission-adaptable USV designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, force protection, harbor and coastal security, and other payload-configurable missions. The V7 is currently ramping into full-rate production and is designed, built and assembled in the United States. It features a Steyr engine and a hybrid jet/inboard drive system, with a range of up to 800 nautical miles, more than 60 hours of continuous unmanned endurance, and payload capacity of up to 650 kg (1,433 lb). The vessel can reach speeds of more than 39 knots in its maximum combat configuration and supports the launch and recovery of integrated UAVs, connecting it with Red Cat’s existing ISR drone capabilities. Joint Testing and Market Expansion Blue Ops and Havoc plan to establish joint operational fleets at their headquarters in Florida and Rhode Island. The sites will support live demonstrations, testing, training and operational evaluation for U.S. and allied defense customers, including both single-vessel autonomy and coordinated multi-vessel operations. “Havoc’s primary strategy is to pair our leading-edge collaborative autonomy software with platform manufacturers who have already proven innovation, excellence, and scale,” said Paul Lwin, CEO and Co-Founder of Havoc. He said Blue Ops’ open and flexible maritime systems align with Havoc’s approach to deploying collaborative autonomy. Red Cat and Blue Ops plan to introduce Havoc’s autonomy and command-and-control capabilities to their government and commercial customers, while Havoc plans to market Blue Ops’ USV family to its own customer base. Red Cat develops robotic systems for military, government and public safety applications across air, land, sea and space. Blue Ops was launched in 2025 and focuses on modular USVs built in the United States. Havoc was founded in 2024 and is headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, developing software that enables autonomous systems across sea, air and land to operate together, including during communications disruptions. No financial terms or contract value were disclosed. The partnership establishes a framework for continued technical integration, demonstrations and joint customer engagement as the companies develop autonomous maritime systems for defense and national security customers.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-18 15:49:27
U.S
Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Army is seeking industry proposals for a major increase in Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) production, with a requirement for 133,014 rockets from FY2028 through FY2034. The Army Contracting Command–Redstone Arsenal published the Sources Sought notice on August 17, 2026, under Notice ID PANRSA-25-P-7693. Companies have until September 1, 2026, at 4 p.m. CDT to submit capability statements. The Army is seeking an annual production rate of 19,002 GMLRS rockets in each fiscal year from FY2028 through FY2034. The first deliveries are scheduled to begin in February 2030. The requirement covers GMLRS unitary, alternative warhead (AW) and extended-range (ER) variants, as well as production tooling, engineering change proposals and other supporting activities. GMLRS Production Requirement GMLRS provides U.S. Army field artillery units with precision surface-to-surface fires against point and area targets. The rockets are launched from the M270-series Multiple Launch Rocket System and M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). The GMLRS Unitary uses a 200-pound-class payload and is available in two primary configurations. The unitary warhead is intended for precision strikes with minimal collateral damage, while the alternative warhead uses pre-formed penetrators to provide area effects in accordance with current cluster-munition policies. The Extended-Range GMLRS (ER-GMLRS) increases the system's maximum range while carrying either the unitary or alternative warhead payload. Army Requests Detailed Industrial Plans The Army is asking companies to submit white papers explaining their capability, previous experience and technical approach for producing 19,002 rockets per year. Companies must explain how they would achieve the required production rate in the most efficient and cost-effective way. They are also asked to identify the risks and benefits of different production approaches and recommend contracting strategies that provide value to the government while reducing contractor cost risk. The capability statements must also address previous experience with similar work, technical skills, subcontractor management, facility and safeguarding requirements, and proposed facilities and supply-chain partners capable of supporting production beginning in FY2028. Companies must provide a tier-one schedule in Microsoft Project format showing the activities from contract award through delivery of the first GMLRS munitions to the Army. Seven-Year Production Target The Army's maximum production quantities are: Fiscal Year GMLRS Rockets FY2028 19,002 FY2029 19,002 FY2030 19,002 FY2031 19,002 FY2032 19,002 FY2033 19,002 FY2034 19,002 Total 133,014 Respondents must also provide a development and qualification plan for the system and its subcomponents to meet the Army's technical data package, specifications and drawing requirements. The government may provide integrator-level technical data packages and drawings, subject to the required security approval. Companies would be responsible for developing or obtaining technical data packages at the subsystem level and below. Broader Manufacturing Support The planned effort extends beyond recurring rocket production. The Army lists obsolescence management, engineering changes, systems engineering, program management, integrated logistics support, training data, support equipment and production tooling among the additional activities that may be required. Companies must also demonstrate that they can meet applicable facility and safeguarding requirements and identify qualified supply-chain partners with available capacity. The Army is conducting the notice as market research, not as a contract solicitation. The Sources Sought notice is not a Request for Proposal, Invitation for Bid or Request for Quote, and the government is not obligated to award a contract based on the responses. All responses must be unclassified. The Army said corporate or proprietary information properly identified by respondents will be protected from release outside the U.S. government. The deadline for submissions is September 1, 2026, at 4 p.m. CDT. Responses are to be sent to Army Contract Specialist Kyle Teegarden and Contracting Officer Mόnica Clemons.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-18 15:33:08Search
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Ukraine Uses British-Made Nyan Drones in Deep Strikes Against Russian Targets
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U.S. Navy Reviews Ford-Class Carrier Redesign as $275 Billion Trump-Class Battleship Program Advances
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U.S. Air Force to Buy Chinese DJI Drones for Counter-Drone Training at Nuclear Missile Base
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Iran May Be Using Data From Fitness Apps to Track U.S. Military Personnel in the Middle East
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Satellite Images Show Ukrainian Drone Strike Hits Russian Rocket Fuel Plant and Air Defense Systems in Rostov Region
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Ukraine Begins Procurement of Vyrivniuvach Guided Aerial Bomb
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Thermopylae Aerospace Unveils SPART Tube-Launched Drone Interceptor for Group 2-3 and Turbojet UAS Threats
