World
TOKYO — Boeing plans to offer its MQ-28 Ghost Bat unmanned combat aircraft to Japan’s Ministry of Defense as Tokyo develops a new coastal defense strategy centered on unmanned systems, according to a report by Nikkei. Steve Parker, president of Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security division, told Nikkei that Boeing will propose the MQ-28. The aircraft is designed to operate alongside crewed fighter jets, share sensor data through networks and extend the operational reach of manned aircraft without putting additional pilots at risk. Airbus is also considering entering Japan’s unmanned aircraft market, while U.S., European and Japanese defense companies are competing for opportunities connected to Tokyo’s coastal defense plans. MQ-28 Ghost Bat The MQ-28 is a stealthy collaborative combat aircraft (CCA), also known as a loyal wingman. It measures approximately 11.7 to 12 meters in length and was developed by Boeing Australia in partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The aircraft has a reported range of more than 2,000 nautical miles (about 3,700 kilometers), can reach speeds of up to Mach 0.9 and operate above 40,000 feet. Its modular nose can accommodate different mission equipment, including sensors, electronic warfare and communications systems. Australia had operated eight Block 1 aircraft by late 2024. They completed more than 100 flight-test hours and conducted live weapons drops. In December 2025, an MQ-28 successfully conducted an air-to-air engagement using an AIM-120 AMRAAM while operating with an E-7A Wedgetail and F/A-18F Super Hornet. Boeing is now producing nine Block 2 aircraft, while a more capable Block 3 is planned. The upgraded version is expected to feature a larger wing for greater fuel and payload capacity, an internal weapons bay, beyond-line-of-sight communications and increased takeoff weight. International Testing Boeing has partnered with Rheinmetall to offer the MQ-28 to Germany as a collaborative combat aircraft, with potential introduction targeted around 2029. Rheinmetall would handle system integration for German requirements. In 2026, the Ghost Bat participated in Exercise Valiant Shield from the Northern Mariana Islands, operating alongside U.S. and allied aircraft, including F-35 variants and F-15EX, as well as battle-management and support platforms. The aircraft also completed operational flight testing at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, California, in 2026. These were its first flights outside Australia, with some configurations using an infrared search and track (IRST) sensor in the nose. Japan’s Existing MQ-28 Cooperation Japan already has experience working with Boeing on manned-unmanned teaming. In 2025, Japan’s Ministry of Defense awarded Boeing a contract worth about ¥155 million (approximately $997,000) for manned-unmanned teaming simulations linked to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), Japan’s next-generation fighter program with the United Kingdom and Italy. Tokyo has also joined aspects of the U.S. Collaborative Combat Aircraft effort. In April 2026, Australia and Japan signed an implementing arrangement for collaborative combat aircraft activities involving the MQ-28, including research and training in Australia during Japan’s fiscal 2026. Japan’s SHIELD Coastal Defense Concept Japan’s coastal defense effort is being developed under the Synchronized, Hybrid, Integrated and Enhanced Littoral Defense (SHIELD) concept. The Ministry of Defense allocated approximately ¥100.1 billion (around $640 million) in the fiscal 2026 budget to establish a network of unmanned air, surface and subsurface systems connected with existing sensors and long-range effectors. Tokyo aims to field the architecture during fiscal 2027. The MQ-28’s range, modular design and ability to operate alongside crewed fighters such as the F-35 or future GCAP aircraft make it a candidate for Japan’s planned unmanned defense network, including operations around the country’s southwestern approaches. However, Japan has not finalized procurement of the MQ-28, and details of the competition and acquisition process remain undecided.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 16:24:20
Europe
STOCKHOLM — Sweden has authorized the Swedish Armed Forces to procure the U.S.-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) from Lockheed Martin in a deal worth around SEK 7 billion ($729 million). Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027. The procurement covers about 10 HIMARS launchers and ammunition. It will be funded through the Swedish Armed Forces’ regular investment plan as an “opportune purchase” under the Total Defence Bill 2025–2030. HIMARS will provide Swedish forces with a long-range precision-strike capability, allowing units to operate over larger areas and engage targets at greater distances than current systems. It will complement existing artillery, including the Archer system and grenade launchers, while being compatible with equipment used by allied forces. Sweden and Finland Expand Cooperation Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson and Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen also signed a joint declaration covering cooperation on rocket artillery. Finland already operates the tracked Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), which uses the same munitions and many of the same components as HIMARS. The cooperation will include joint training, education, maintenance, capability development, security of supply and production cooperation. Jonson said the introduction of rocket artillery demonstrates Sweden’s responsibility for European security. He said the agreement with Finland aims to strengthen capacity-building, maintenance and security of supply while developing capabilities for NATO’s collective defence. Sweden said the cooperation will strengthen defence capabilities in northern Europe. Saab and Lockheed Martin Explore Industrial Cooperation Separately, Saab and Lockheed Martin are signing a joint declaration on possible industrial cooperation linked to the HIMARS programme. The companies will examine the integration of Saab’s Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) with HIMARS. They will also discuss production of ammunition for HIMARS and other systems, including the Patriot air-defence system. Sweden said the cooperation will improve the security of ammunition supply. The Swedish government described rocket artillery as an important capability for long-range and precision engagements and said rapidly available systems are needed to complement conventional artillery in the current security environment. The deal follows U.S. approval in March 2026 for a potential package of up to 20 HIMARS systems and associated munitions. The procurement now authorized by Sweden covers the initial batch of about 10 systems.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 16:19:22
Europe
HERning, Denmark — Swedish defense company Saab has unveiled its MCMV 24 mine countermeasures vessel concept at DALO Industry Days in Herning, Denmark. The 66-meter vessel is designed for operations in the Baltic Sea and similar littoral environments, where mine threats can extend from hostile coastlines across open waters and into friendly ports. The MCMV 24 is designed to operate directly inside mine-threat areas rather than relying entirely on standoff distances. Saab's design considers conventional mines, air-dropped mines and potential future mine deployments by unmanned surface vessels (USVs). The vessel uses a composite glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) hull, a technology developed by Saab's Kockums shipyard, along with other signature-reduction features. Unlike Sweden's current Koster-class vessels, originally built as the Landsort-class in the 1980s, the MCMV 24 uses traditional propellers instead of Voith Schneider propulsors. This reduces some maneuverability and signature-reduction advantages but allows a higher top speed of 22 knots. Sensors and Armament The MCMV 24 is equipped with the Saab Giraffe 1X radar and CEROS fire-control and electro-optical system. Armament options include a Bofors 40 mm deck gun, Saab Lightweight Torpedoes, known as TP 47 in Swedish service, and Saab Nimbrix C-UAS missiles. Nimbrix is a lightweight, fire-and-forget hard-kill interceptor designed to counter drones at ranges of 2 to 5 kilometers. The missile weighs 2.5–3 kg, is less than one meter long, and uses an active seeker and air-burst warhead. Saab has developed it as a lower-cost layer between gun systems and longer-range very-short-range air-defense missiles, with first deliveries planned for 2026. Unmanned Mine-Warfare Systems The vessel includes a dedicated bow door for launching and recovering remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), including Saab's Double Eagle family. The aft deck provides space for containerized mission payloads and additional unmanned systems, including unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). A large stern ramp is also designed to deploy a medium mine-warfare USV. The Double Eagle family includes systems for mine disposal, reconnaissance and multi-shot neutralization, with variants operating at depths of up to several hundred meters. Potential Replacement for Koster-Class Saab is offering the MCMV 24 in dedicated mine-countermeasure, offshore patrol and coast guard configurations. The common-hull approach could allow navies to use one basic platform for different missions while reducing maintenance, training and operational requirements. The design is being considered as a potential replacement for Sweden's Koster-class and could also meet requirements in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which have long focused on Baltic mine clearance while facing growing offshore patrol requirements. Saab has confirmed that early discussions are underway with Denmark and Germany regarding the new platform. DALO Industry Days 2026 was held in Herning, Denmark, on August 19–20. The MCMV 24 combines a low-signature hull and mine-warfare systems with higher speed, modern sensors, self-defense weapons and facilities for unmanned systems, giving the concept both mine-countermeasure and multi-mission capabilities. Source : navalnews
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 16:12:12
World
JAN MAYEN, Norway — British, U.S. and Norwegian forces have completed Operation Atlantic City, a trilateral NATO deployment on the remote Norwegian island of Jan Mayen in the High North. The exercise ran from August 26 to September 4, 2026, as part of NATO’s wider Operation Arctic Sentry. The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed the deployment on September 6. The exercise involved Royal Marine Commandos and the Royal Air Force’s LXX (70) Squadron, alongside the Royal Norwegian Navy, Norwegian Home Guard and U.S. Marine Corps. U.S. participation also included elements from Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, II Marine Expeditionary Force, 10th Marine Regiment and Marine Air Support Squadron 1. A HIMARS platoon from the New Hampshire Army National Guard’s 3-197th Field Artillery Regiment also participated, with support from U.S. Navy Sixth Fleet and Task Force 68. Air mobility support included U.S. Air Force MC-130 and C-130 aircraft, as well as RAF A400M Atlas aircraft. A400M lands on Jan Mayen On August 29, an RAF A400M Atlas from LXX Squadron at RAF Brize Norton landed on Jan Mayen’s unpaved dirt runway. It transported Royal Marines, U.S. Marines and two Joint Light Tactical Vehicles. The island’s runway is approximately 1,500 to 1,585 metres long and is used only a limited number of times each year by Norwegian transport aircraft. During the operation, the allied forces trained in naval operations, reconnaissance, survival in extreme Arctic conditions, and the integration of sensors and communications systems. They also worked on connecting sensors, command-and-control nodes and precision fires. A KONGSBERG StrikeMaster anti-ship missile launch vehicle was deployed to the island with Norwegian Home Guard personnel. Jan Mayen's strategic location Jan Mayen is located in the Norwegian Sea, about 1,000 kilometres from mainland Norway and north of the Greenland-Iceland-United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. The volcanic island has no permanent civilian population, while a rotating Norwegian military and scientific team maintains a meteorological and communications station. Its location makes Jan Mayen an important area for the defence of northern Europe and the wider Euro-Atlantic region. Operation Atlantic City was conducted alongside naval manoeuvres under Operation Northern Viking 26, allowing participating forces to use overlapping maritime and sensing resources. The activity formed part of Arctic Sentry, launched in February 2026 under NATO Joint Force Command Norfolk to improve coordination, situational awareness and deterrence in the High North. The name Operation Atlantic City refers to a U.S. military base established on Jan Mayen during the Second World War for weather observations and support to Allied control of the North Atlantic. Similar training was conducted around the island in September 2025. UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the operation demonstrated the UK's partnership with Norway and the United States and the ability of allied forces to operate together in demanding Arctic conditions. The UK Ministry of Defence said the deployment demonstrates Britain's commitment to NATO collective security and its ability to operate in an environment characterized by extreme weather, distance, limited infrastructure and rapidly changing conditions. The deployment comes as the UK Ministry of Defence faces funding pressures. Britain has suspended some collective training exercises involving 90 or more military personnel, with units not preparing for deployments or specific operational roles instructed to reduce non-essential group training for the remainder of the year. NATO-linked exercises and deployments continue.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 16:04:34
India
NEW DELHI — India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved capital acquisition proposals worth about ₹1.10 lakh crore for the Indian Armed Forces. The DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), which provides in-principle administrative approval and is an important step in India’s defence procurement process. According to the Ministry of Defence, approximately 98 per cent of the procurements covered by these approvals will be sourced from Indian industry, reinforcing the government’s focus on domestic defence manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. Indian Army to Receive New Mobility and Combat Support Systems For the Indian Army, the DAC approved the procurement of Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Recce Vehicles, High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs), Self-Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers (MML), Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs), Trawl Tanks and the Sarvatra Bridge System. The CBRN Recce Vehicles will be used to detect, identify, monitor and mark areas contaminated by CBRN agents. The High Mobility Vehicles are intended to improve the Army’s operational capabilities, logistics support and mobility in challenging terrain. The Self-Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers will provide the Army with a fast and responsive mine-laying capability in difficult terrain. The approved Advanced Light Helicopters will be used by both the Indian Army and Indian Air Force for complex missions across different terrains and operational situations. The Trawl Tanks and Sarvatra Bridge System will provide composite crossing capabilities to fighting formations during operations across varied terrain. Navy to Get Arudhra Radars and Indigenous Marine Gas Turbines For the Indian Navy, the DAC approved the procurement of Arudhra Radars and the design, development and subsequent procurement of Marine Gas Turbines (MGTs). The Arudhra Radars will replace the existing Air Route Surveillance Radars at various Naval Air Stations. The Marine Gas Turbines are intended for warship propulsion. Their design and development in India, followed by procurement, is aimed at reducing the Navy’s dependence on foreign vendors for this capability. Air Force Approvals Focus on Electronic Warfare and Security The DAC also approved proposals aimed at enhancing the war-fighting capabilities of the Indian Air Force’s fighters, transport aircraft and helicopters. Among the specific approvals was the Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammer (GBMPJ). The system will provide effective jamming against adversary radars. The council also cleared the installation of the Defence Forces Secure Access Card (DEFSAC) system. DEFSAC will replace existing paper-based identity cards, passes and permits with an interoperable Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based smart card system for access to defence facilities. The Ministry of Defence announced the decisions through an official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau on September 7, 2026. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also highlighted the approvals on his official X account, pointing to the focus on strengthening India’s domestic defence industrial base. Chaired the meeting of Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) today. The DAC accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to various acquisition proposals of the Defence Forces at an estimated cost of about Rs 1,10,000 crore.Of the total AoNs accorded, approximately 98% of procurements… — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 7, 2026 With about ₹1.10 lakh crore in capital acquisition proposals receiving AoN and approximately 98 per cent of the procurements expected to be sourced from Indian industry, the latest approvals cover mobility, surveillance, propulsion, electronic warfare, aviation and military access-security capabilities across the three services.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 15:54:10
World
PYONGYANG — North Korea has officially commissioned its newest 5,000-ton Choe Hyon-class guided-missile destroyer, Kang Kon, during a ceremony at the eastern port city of Wonsan on Sunday, September 6. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended the ceremony with his wife Ri Sol-ju, daughter Kim Ju Ae, and senior government and military officials. The Kang Kon, hull number 52, has been assigned to the Korean People’s Navy’s East Sea Fleet. During his address, Kim described the destroyer as an offensive warship and part of North Korea’s nuclear counteraction system. He said the vessel would be responsible for defending the country’s maritime sovereignty and delivering retaliatory strikes against its enemies. Kim also said North Korea is implementing a major plan to strengthen its naval forces, with the next phase expected to be presented within eight months. Second Choe Hyon-Class Destroyer The Kang Kon is the second ship of the Choe Hyon class, following the Choe Hyon (51), which entered service on June 23, 2026, and was assigned to the West Sea Fleet. Two additional ships of the class are under construction. The class represents North Korea’s largest and most heavily armed surface warships. Each vessel displaces about 5,000 tons and measures approximately 145 meters in length. The Kang Kon was constructed at the Hambuk Shipyard in Chongjin. On May 21, 2025, it partially capsized during its initial launch attempt and suffered major hull damage. After recovery and repairs, it was successfully relaunched on June 12, 2025. The ship later underwent navigation and weapons testing. In July 2026, Kim observed tests involving a strategic cruise missile, naval artillery, automatic guns and the ship’s electronic warfare systems. He subsequently ordered the trials to be completed and the vessel placed into active service within two months. Missile and Defensive Systems The Choe Hyon-class is equipped with a large vertical launch system (VLS) containing 88 cells, including 64 cells aft of the superstructure and 24 forward. The ships also feature eight inclined missile launchers and can carry different types of missiles, including weapons described by North Korean state media as nuclear-capable cruise missiles. Other weapons include a 127mm automated naval gun, a short-range air-defense system resembling the Russian Pantsir-M, two six-barrel 30mm close-in weapon systems, twin 533mm torpedo tubes, decoy launchers and additional machine guns. The destroyers are fitted with four fixed-panel phased-array radar panels, an electronic warfare suite and countermeasure systems. Their stated missions include anti-ship, anti-aircraft, anti-submarine and other operations. Further Naval Expansion The commissioning of the Kang Kon is part of North Korea’s broader effort to expand its naval forces beyond coastal defense. Kim has previously outlined plans for larger warships, including 10,000-ton guided-missile cruisers. North Korea is also developing new naval bases along its eastern coastline to accommodate larger warships and support newly established naval units. Satellite imagery has confirmed that additional Choe Hyon-class vessels are under construction. The Kang Kon’s entry into service gives North Korea a second destroyer of the class as Pyongyang continues its stated effort to expand and modernize its surface fleet for operations on both coasts.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 15:42:44
World
RIYADH — Yemen’s Houthi movement has released a video claiming to show a missile strike on Saudi-linked trucks carrying military equipment near the Al-Wadiah camp, while Saudi Aramco facilities in Jizan were hit in a separate attack on Monday. The developments come as fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces continues and raise questions over how the recently signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan could be applied if attacks on Saudi territory continue. Houthis release video of Al-Wadiah strike Houthi military media released footage on or around September 6-7 that it said shows Houthi forces using locally manufactured ballistic missiles against trucks carrying military equipment from Saudi Arabia near the Al-Wadiah camp. pic.twitter.com/EjRhy8BCdJ September 7, 2026 According to the Houthi account, the missiles struck and burned the vehicles at the site. The group described the weapons as domestically manufactured ballistic missiles. The video appears to show several vehicles being hit, but the exact location, extent of damage and any casualties have not been independently confirmed. Saudi authorities, the internationally recognized Yemeni government and other independent sources have not publicly confirmed the Houthi claims. The release comes amid renewed fighting between Houthi forces and Saudi-backed Yemeni government troops. In recent weeks, the Houthis have also claimed missile and drone attacks against positions in areas including Marib and Hadramawt and against targets close to the Saudi border. Jizan Aramco facilities hit again Separately, Saudi Aramco’s oil facilities in Jizan were struck on Monday, September 7, according to a Financial Times report citing two people familiar with the matter. The extent of the damage was still being assessed. One source described the latest incident as similar in scale to an earlier attack about a month ago. NOAA-20 satellite imagery shows large plumes of black smoke rising from Aramco’s Jazan oil refinery in southwestern Saudi Arabia after it was struck by the Houthis today. 🛰🇸🇦 NOAA-20 satellite imagery shows large plumes of black smoke rising from Aramco’s Jazan oil refinery in southwestern Saudi Arabia after it was struck today by the Houthis. https://t.co/cdhFe7I274 pic.twitter.com/bkOUWlDoYS — Egypt's Intel Observer (@EGYOSINT) September 7, 2026 Jizan, located close to the Yemeni border, is home to a Saudi Aramco refinery with a processing capacity of 400,000 barrels of crude oil per day, along with associated energy infrastructure. Aramco had not immediately issued a public comment on the latest incident. Previous Houthi-claimed attacks targeted Aramco facilities in Jizan and Yanbu during July and August. In one August incident, Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry confirmed a fire at the Jizan refinery that was later extinguished, with no injuries reported. The Houthis said a drone was used in that attack. Aramco CEO Amin Nasser had previously said that earlier attacks caused some production interruptions but did not have a material operational or financial impact. Oil prices also moved higher following reports of the latest attack, with Brent crude rising by about 1.2 percent. Makkah defence agreement faces a new test The latest attacks come one month after Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in Makkah on August 7. The agreement states that an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against all three. It also calls for stronger defence cooperation and collective deterrence. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said the agreement is not directed against Iran or any particular country. He has also indicated that assistance under the agreement would depend on the circumstances and could include areas such as intelligence, logistics, ammunition or other forms of support. The three countries have also begun work on implementing the agreement, including discussions on defence cooperation and coordination. No confirmed Turkish or Pakistani combat involvement As of September 7, there has been no official announcement from Türkiye or Pakistan confirming direct military participation in operations against the Houthis. The agreement's collective-defence provision does not by itself establish that Turkish or Pakistani forces will immediately conduct combat operations in Yemen. The exact response would depend on decisions by the member governments and the circumstances surrounding any attack. Possible assistance could include intelligence, logistics, defensive capabilities and other forms of military cooperation, but there has been no public confirmation that either country is preparing to deploy combat forces against the Houthis. The Houthi video and the reported attack on Jizan therefore come at an important point for the new Saudi-Türkiye-Pakistan defence arrangement. However, the extent of any future response from Ankara or Islamabad remains unclear. The situation remains fluid, and damage assessments for the Jizan incident are continuing. Claims made in the Houthi video about the Al-Wadiah strike have also not been independently verified.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 15:21:51
Space & Technology
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force has awarded $50 million to Space Kinetic Corp. to develop Whirlwind, a space maneuverability and deployment system designed to release small spacecraft from a larger host vehicle at high velocity without using a thruster for the initial boost. Space Kinetic announced the award on August 13, 2026, describing it as the largest award in the company's history. The agreement was made through an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) mechanism. Using centrifugal acceleration to deploy satellites Whirlwind takes a different approach from conventional satellite deployment. The system uses an electromechanical mechanism on a host spacecraft to spin and accelerate ruggedized microsatellites before releasing them on independent trajectories. The company describes the concept as a "space-based David sling." Rather than using chemical propulsion to provide the initial change in velocity, Whirlwind uses centrifugal acceleration to provide most of that initial Delta-V. After deployment, the individual microsatellites can use their own limited propulsion and communications systems for further adjustments. The approach is intended to shift much of the initial propulsion requirement from each individual payload to the host spacecraft. Space Kinetic says this could reduce the mass, cost and complexity of individual micro-payloads. One host spacecraft, multiple missions Space Kinetic refers to Whirlwind as a "one-to-many" architecture, in which one host spacecraft can deploy multiple mission-specific micro-payloads. The company is targeting several potential dual-use applications, including: Space domain awareness sensors Electro-optical imaging Rapid-response communications nodes Space debris characterization Scientific research probes Inspection missions Elements of asymmetric space-based missile-defense concepts The system is designed to support different payload types and orbital regimes, according to Space Kinetic. Applying "drone economics" to space A central part of Space Kinetic's concept is reducing the cost of individual spacecraft enough to enable missions that would not require a satellite to operate for years. CEO and co-founder Ryan Sullivan has described the idea as bringing "drone economics" to orbit. Under this concept, some small spacecraft could be designed for short-duration missions rather than long-term operation. Sullivan has discussed scenarios in which a payload could have a useful life measured in 30 minutes if its cost were low enough. The company says this could allow a host spacecraft to distribute different capabilities when and where they are required. Space Kinetic expands its government work The $50 million Space Force award follows a $12 million seed funding round in 2025, led by Balerion Space Ventures, with participation from Industrious Ventures, Marque Ventures and CerraCap Ventures. Space Kinetic also received a multi-million-dollar DARPA contract related to an asymmetric space-based missile-defense architecture and was selected for the SpaceWERX Adaptive and Intelligent Space Challenge in July 2026. The company currently has about 50 employees. It operates a prototyping laboratory in Albuquerque, New Mexico, maintains a multi-year partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory, and is expanding its presence in El Segundo, California. The company is also hiring as it works to expand its team. No in-orbit test date announced Space Kinetic has not announced a firm date for an in-orbit demonstration of Whirlwind. The company is currently focused on technology maturation and discussions with government and other partners about system integration. The Space Force award gives the company funding to advance a deployment architecture that could allow a single host spacecraft to release multiple small payloads without requiring each payload to provide the full initial propulsion needed for its mission.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 15:01:25
U.S
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — Sierra Space has signed contracts with undisclosed national security and commercial customers to fly payloads on the first orbital mission of its Dream Chaser spaceplane. The company announced the agreements on September 2, adding new payloads to a debut mission that has faced years of delays. The reusable, uncrewed spacecraft, named Tenacity, is scheduled to launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket. The mission will conduct multiday operations in low Earth orbit before Tenacity returns to Earth and lands on a runway at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Unlike traditional cargo spacecraft that use parachutes or splash down in the ocean, Dream Chaser is designed to land on a runway. If successful, the mission will mark the first orbital flight of a winged spacecraft since NASA retired the Space Shuttle fleet in 2011. From ISS Mission to Free-Flyer Demonstration Dream Chaser was originally selected by NASA in 2016 under the Commercial Resupply Services-2 (CRS-2) program to deliver cargo to the International Space Station. The contract called for at least seven resupply missions. However, technical delays, including issues involving the spacecraft's propulsion system and launch vehicle readiness, repeatedly pushed the program back. In September 2025, NASA and Sierra Space revised the agreement. The seven-mission guarantee was dropped, and Tenacity's first flight was changed from an ISS docking mission into an independent free-flyer demonstration in low Earth orbit. The multiday mission will demonstrate Dream Chaser's capabilities before NASA considers future station resupply orders. One Spacecraft, Multiple Customers Sierra Space said the mission will be the first to combine national security, commercial and civil payloads, including NASA cargo under the Cargo Resupply Services program, on a single spacecraft. The company has not disclosed the national security or commercial customers or the specific payloads. Sierra Space is still finalizing the full manifest and has not set a firm launch date. The flight is targeted for later in 2026. The schedule will also depend on the readiness of ULA's Vulcan Centaur, which experienced a solid rocket booster anomaly during a mission in early 2026. Dream Chaser Capabilities Dream Chaser is designed for high reusability and mission flexibility. Its wings fold inside a standard rocket payload fairing during launch and deploy once in orbit. Sierra Space says the spacecraft is designed to be reused up to 15 times. The vehicle can carry payloads with partial space certification rather than full environmental qualification, which Sierra Space says can reduce development costs and speed deployment. It can also use a detachable cargo module for different pressurized and unpressurized configurations. Dream Chaser is designed for autonomous reentry and a runway landing with forces below 1.5 g, helping protect sensitive payloads and equipment. Sierra Space said it has completed environmental testing, command and telemetry validation, and runway recovery rehearsals for Tenacity. Sierra Space CEO Dan Jablonsky said Dream Chaser has evolved into a strategic capability serving national security, civil and commercial customers on the same platform. Dan Polis, senior vice president of engineering and Dream Chaser at Sierra Space, highlighted the development of the spacecraft's deployable wings, hypersonic flight control, autonomous reentry and low-force runway landing. Tenacity is now being prepared for its first orbital flight while Sierra Space completes the mixed payload manifest.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 14:17:19
World
KYIV — Ukraine lost approximately $1.2 billion in 2024 to fraud, waste and mismanagement in military procurement, according to more than 700 pages of confidential government audits reviewed by The New York Times. The audits, conducted by Ukraine’s State Audit Service and an internal Defense Ministry auditing unit, examined contracts from 2024 and 2025. The audits found that seven of Ukraine’s 10 largest military contractors received new contracts despite criminal investigations, previous delivery failures or executives being arrested on corruption charges. Auditors also identified 18 companies that received new contracts after defaulting on earlier agreements. Six had failed to fulfill even one previous military contract. In one case, a company that failed to deliver any of 600 specialized drones later received an order for 1,950 more. Defective Mortar Shells A major case involved the state-owned Pavlohrad Chemical Plant, which supplied the military with about 233,000 unusable mortar rounds in 2024. Court records said many had defective fuses or faulty propellant charges. The plant’s director, Leonid Shyman, was facing embezzlement and fraud investigations. Despite the ammunition problems, the Defense Procurement Agency continued awarding contracts to the plant. One was a $280 million contract awarded while Shyman was out on bail on corruption charges. The plant also received an order to supply nearly all of Ukraine’s 122-mm artillery shells for 2025. Shyman was later sentenced to five years in prison in a separate case involving inflated prices for explosives. Higher-Priced Weapons Contracts The audits found approximately $126 million in losses from bypassing lower bids and purchasing weapons at higher prices. Some contracts were also awarded without a clear legal basis. In one 2024 case involving Turkish-made artillery rockets, three companies offered prices of approximately $4,200, $4,600 and $5,100 per rocket, all produced at the same Turkish plant. The lowest bidder, Arca Defense, offered to sell directly to Ukraine, but the contract went to a subsidiary of the Czech holding Czechoslovak Group at the highest price. The decision increased the overall cost by about $130 million. The audits also identified disputes over at least $100 million in advance payments for a contract that ultimately failed. They found that many purchases were made through arms intermediaries rather than directly from manufacturers, with intermediaries typically adding markups of at least 3 percent. Former Defense Procurement Agency adviser Tamerlan Vahabov said such practices leave the military with fewer resources to purchase weapons while ammunition shortages continue. The audits describe repeated problems involving companies that could not demonstrate they could deliver weapons, lacked required licenses, or faced few consequences for failed deliveries and overcharging. The Defense Procurement Agency declined to comment, and it remains unclear what specific action it took in response to the findings.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 13:56:21
World
TEL AVIV — Israeli technology company Sodyo Ltd. has introduced RangeMark, a visual identification system designed for drones and autonomous systems to detect and identify passive printed markers from distances of up to 1 kilometer (0.62 miles). Sodyo presented the technology publicly at Commercial UAV Expo 2026, held September 1–3 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. The company exhibited RangeMark at Booth #1005. Sodyo announced the launch on August 5, 2026. Works Without GPS, RF or Network Connectivity RangeMark is designed to work using only a standard camera and a printed, battery-free marker. The system does not require GPS, cellular service, radio-frequency (RF) signals or a network connection. The marker itself requires no power source and does not transmit or emit signals. This allows the system to provide a visual identification method in offline or disconnected environments. Sodyo distinguishes RangeMark from conventional AI-based object recognition. While AI vision systems can classify objects such as vehicles, buildings or people, RangeMark is designed to identify a specific marked asset or location and provide a deterministic machine-readable identity. The company said this can include identifying designated landing zones, drop points, infrastructure and friendly personnel. Sodyo's platform describes its recognition process as resolving a visual marker into a verified identity through its computer-vision technology. Flight Testing Demonstrates Long-Range Detection According to Sodyo, RangeMark has been tested in real flight conditions. During flight testing, drones detected a 100 cm (39-inch) marker at distances of up to 500 meters (1,640 feet) and a 50 cm (20-inch) marker at up to 250 meters (820 feet). The tests covered an area of approximately 20 hectares (49 acres) and included hover, transit and search-pattern operations. Flight speeds reached 20 meters per second, or 72 km/h (45 mph). Sodyo also reported broader Sodyo Labs testing in which a 120 cm marker was recognized at the maximum 1,000-meter range, while a 12 cm marker was detected at 100 meters. Two Marker Formats RangeMark currently supports two physical marker formats. Color Code is a high-density format designed for standard visible-light conditions, while Carbon Code uses a two-tone design intended for more challenging visibility environments. Sodyo said additional formats covering other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are under development. The company says the technology is based on more than a decade of patented development and has more than 35 global patents, with priority dating to 2012. Sodyo Targets Drone and Autonomous Systems Market Sodyo CEO Alon Raz said RangeMark is intended to give autonomous systems a reliable visual reference for identifying marked locations and assets. “RangeMark turns a marked point anywhere in the physical world into a point of certainty… with nothing but a camera and a printed marker, something no existing visual technology can deliver at that range,” Raz said. He added that the technology took more than a decade of patented work to reach its current form, saying, “When a machine can be certain, it can be trusted to act on its own.” Sodyo plans to use a partner-led licensing model, targeting drone manufacturers, autonomy-platform developers, camera suppliers and system integrators. The company said potential applications include defense, infrastructure inspection, emergency response and industrial automation. RangeMark represents Sodyo's expansion of its visual identification technology into the drone and autonomous-systems market, with the company focusing on machine-readable identification of physical locations and assets without requiring an active communications connection.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 13:46:30
World
SANA'A — Yemen’s Houthi movement has released drone footage that it says shows a ballistic missile striking a meeting of senior commanders from Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces in an open desert area. The footage appears to show three armoured vehicles arriving at a gathering point while a reconnaissance drone observes from above. After another vehicle arrives, the video shows a missile launch followed by an explosion that engulfs the vehicles. Houthi media claimed everyone at the meeting was killed, but the casualty figures and identities of those killed have not been independently verified. pic.twitter.com/DSnhsygC7C September 6, 2026 Reports circulating about the incident put the death toll at nine people, including claims that two Pakistan Army officers were among those killed. However, there is currently no public confirmation from Pakistani, Saudi or Yemeni authorities that Pakistani military officers died in this particular strike. The reported Pakistani connection has drawn attention because Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on August 7, 2026. The agreement states that an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against all three and calls for expanded defence cooperation. However, the agreement does not by itself establish that Pakistani forces are deployed inside Yemen. There are no confirmed public reports from Pakistani authorities that Pakistan Army officers were assisting Yemeni government forces inside Yemen in connection with the strike. Fighting intensifies in western Yemen The footage was released as fighting has intensified across parts of western Taiz and southern Hodeidah, with Houthi forces advancing toward areas around Mokha and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Recent clashes have caused significant casualties on both sides, although competing battlefield claims remain difficult to independently verify. The Houthis have previously used ballistic missiles and drones against positions held by Saudi-backed government forces. Earlier attacks in Marib and Hadramout also caused significant casualties among government-aligned troops. The latest footage provides the Houthis' account of a targeted missile strike, but independent verification of the location, casualty total and identities of those killed remains unavailable.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 13:38:20
U.S
SAN DIEGO — Shield AI has licensed its Tracker Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (Tracker C-UAS) software to L3Harris Technologies for integration with the VAMPIRE counter-drone system. The integration combines Shield AI’s artificial intelligence-based detection and tracking software with VAMPIRE’s existing electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors and precision engagement capabilities. Tracker C-UAS is part of Shield AI’s Vision Systems product line. The software uses artificial intelligence and computer vision to analyze EO/IR video, allowing it to detect, discriminate and track aerial threats. It operates passively and does not require radar or radio-frequency emissions to identify and track targets. This gives operators an additional way to detect approaching unmanned aerial systems without transmitting signals that could reveal their position. The integration builds on testing conducted by the two companies in 2025. During a U.S. Department of Defense Technology Readiness Experimentation event, Tracker C-UAS was paired with L3Harris WESCAM MX-Series EO/IR sensors. The demonstration showed the software detecting multiple classes of unmanned aerial systems at extended ranges, including targets that were partially obscured. VAMPIRE System VAMPIRE, short for Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletised ISR Rocket Equipment, is a self-contained system designed for installation on vehicles, vessels or fixed positions. The system uses a WESCAM MX-series electro-optical sensor, commonly the MX-10, with thermal imaging and television cameras for target detection and tracking. The sensor can also provide laser designation for guided munitions. VAMPIRE is equipped with a four-round launcher for 70 mm guided rockets. Its primary munition is BAE Systems’ Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), while the system can also fire the Thales FZ275 laser-guided rocket. According to L3Harris, VAMPIRE systems have accumulated more than 350,000 operational hours since 2023 and have destroyed hundreds of hostile drones, primarily in support of European operations that include use by Ukraine’s Defense Forces. Focus on Passive Drone Detection The addition of Tracker C-UAS is intended to strengthen the detection and tracking portion of the VAMPIRE system. The software can process imagery from existing cameras rather than requiring a separate radar-based detection system. RAND Corporation analyst Michael Bohnert has noted that combining Tracker C-UAS with VAMPIRE could improve detection and interception of more complex aerial targets, including high-speed, jet-powered drones. L3Harris President of Targeting & Sensor Systems and Communications & Spectrum Dominance Tony Calderon said the integration enhances threat detection, target tracking and counter-UAS engagement while improving force survivability. Christian Gutierrez, senior vice president of Hivemind at Shield AI, said combining passive AI-based sensing with VAMPIRE gives operators the ability to detect threats early and respond more quickly. Shield AI is also making Tracker C-UAS available for licensing on other platforms already used by operators. The companies did not disclose the value of the licensing agreement, the number of VAMPIRE systems to receive the software or a delivery schedule.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 12:54:26
World
ISLAMABAD, — Pakistan has added Turkish-made Baykar K2 kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to its military inventory, with the Pakistan Army releasing video showing the system. Pakistan is reportedly the first known export customer for the K2. Türk üretimi kamikaze İHA, Pakistan ordusu envanterine girdi.Pakistan ordusunun resmi hesabından paylaşılan videoda, çok sayıda BAYKAR üretimi K2 kamikaze İHA'yı envanterine kattığı görüldü.200 kg harp başlığı taşıyabilen K2'nin menzili 2000+ km. https://t.co/GDDqrQxkvz pic.twitter.com/JPptaQADjQ — Conflict (@ConflictTR) September 6, 2026 Developed by Baykar and unveiled in March 2026, the K2 has an 800 kg maximum take-off weight, 200 kg warhead capacity, range exceeding 2,000 km and endurance of more than 13 hours. It is 5.1 metres long with a 10-metre wingspan and uses a 100-horsepower internal combustion engine with a pusher propeller. The UAV features AI-powered, vision-based navigation, an electro-optical/infrared camera and both line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight communications. Baykar has also demonstrated autonomous swarm operations involving multiple K2 aircraft. Pakistan has not disclosed the number of K2 UAVs acquired, contract value, delivery schedule or operational basing. In a related development, Pakistan has also showcased the Turkish ASELSAN KORKUT 35mm air-defense system. The system appeared in the Pakistan Air Force's “Fizaon K Pasbaan” promotional film released around Defence Day. KORKUT uses twin 35mm cannons, radar and electro-optical tracking, along with ATOM programmable airburst ammunition. It has an effective range of approximately 4 km and a combined firing rate of up to 1,100 rounds per minute. The two systems add new Turkish-made strike and short-range air-defense capabilities to Pakistan's military inventory, expanding defense cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 12:42:04
U.S
CLIFTON, N.J., — L3Harris Technologies has completed production of the first 35 Viper Shield electronic warfare and countermeasure systems for the global F-16 fleet, marking the transition toward full-rate production of the system. Officially designated AN/ALQ-254(V)1, Viper Shield is designed to detect, identify and counter electronic threats. The system can provide protection against radar-based threats by detecting hostile radar signals and using electronic countermeasures to disrupt or confuse them. L3Harris describes the capability as a form of “digital armor” around the aircraft. Designed for F-16 Block 70/72 L3Harris developed Viper Shield in partnership with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force. The system was selected in 2021 for the F-16 Block 70/72, the latest production version of the F-16. It is designed to operate with the aircraft's APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and is also compatible with earlier F-16 blocks. Viper Shield uses an all-digital, software-defined architecture based on commercial off-the-shelf technology. According to L3Harris, this design provides a smaller form factor and reduced weight while making future software upgrades easier compared with older electronic warfare systems. The system combines a digital radar warning receiver with electronic jamming capabilities, including digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) technology. This allows the system to respond to detected radar signals as part of its electronic countermeasure function. 233 Systems Ordered by Eight Nations L3Harris said eight allied nations have ordered a total of 233 Viper Shield systems and that the company is increasing production to meet the existing orders. Confirmed customers include Bahrain, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Morocco, Taiwan, Poland and Peru. The eighth customer has not been publicly identified by the company. Peru selected Viper Shield in August 2026 for its F-16 Block 70 program. The country plans to acquire 12 F-16 Block 70 aircraft, which are intended to replace its older Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 fighters. Poland is also using Viper Shield for its existing F-16 fleet, while the system is available for both new-build Block 70/72 aircraft and upgrades to earlier F-16 variants. Internal System and External Pod Viper Shield can be installed directly inside the aircraft or carried as an external pod. L3Harris has completed the first external pod using its production systems, in addition to the first 35 internal systems. The company says the two configurations use the same core hardware. The external option provides an installation alternative for F-16 aircraft that are not configured for an internal Viper Shield installation. International Investment Has Funded Development According to L3Harris, the participating countries have made a shared investment of about $1 billion in the program. The funding has covered development, laboratory testing, flight testing and the beginning of production. Chris Aebli, president of Communications & Spectrum Dominance at L3Harris, said the investment could provide an opportunity for the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard to join the program without bearing the initial development and testing costs. L3Harris is also discussing potential additional orders with other countries. The company has said these discussions could generate approximately $1.5 billion in additional demand. Flight Testing Completed Ahead of Production Ramp-Up Viper Shield has undergone flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base, California, including testing involving F-16C and F-16D aircraft. In August 2026, L3Harris reported two-ship flight testing to evaluate the system's ability to detect, identify and counter electromagnetic threats while operating with the aircraft's avionics. With the first 35 systems now completed and the first production-standard external pod assembled, L3Harris is ramping up manufacturing to meet the current 233-system backlog. The company says the existing production line, quality processes and supply chain are positioned to support additional international customers. Production of Viper Shield is being carried out at L3Harris facilities in Clifton, New Jersey.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 12:05:27
World
KUWAIT CITY — New high-resolution satellite imagery released by Soar Atlas clearly shows the destruction of two U.S. personnel housing buildings at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. According to Soar Atlas, satellite imagery from August 25 to September 3 shows that both buildings were completely destroyed during that period. One building can be clearly seen reduced to rubble, while debris from the second building has been partially cleared. 🚨Soar Atlas has made available new high-res imagery to explore, showing the destruction of two housing accommodations used by U.S. soldiers at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait.Explore and Compare:👉 https://t.co/RGRB7rCmctThe damage follows Iranian claims of recent attacks. pic.twitter.com/eebnwyhN2O — Soar (@SoarAtlas) September 7, 2026 The imagery matches claims made by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on September 2 that it had carried out a combined missile-and-drone strike targeting U.S. housing and command facilities at the base. The IRGC also claimed that the attack killed U.S. personnel, damaged a drone hangar and deployment ramp, and destroyed several drones. The IRGC said the strike was carried out in retaliation for a U.S. airstrike the previous day on a residential house in Sirik, southern Iran, which it said killed four people, including a child, and injured nearly 70 others. It also said the Kuwait attack occurred alongside strikes on U.S. facilities in Jordan, Bahrain and Erbil, Iraq. Ali Al Salem Air Base hosts U.S. forces, including elements of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, and serves as a logistics and tactical airlift hub for U.S. and coalition operations in the region. Iranian state media, including Mehr News Agency, reported on September 7 that the new Soar Atlas imagery shows the destruction of the two U.S. personnel housing buildings. The satellite imagery provides visual confirmation that the two buildings were destroyed, but U.S. and Kuwaiti authorities have not independently confirmed the reported casualties or the full extent of damage from the September 2 incident. The base has also been the subject of several IRGC claims of attacks earlier in 2026 involving drones, missiles, shelters, hangars and other facilities.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 11:50:16
World
KUWAIT — Low-resolution satellite imagery released by open-source intelligence group MizarVision indicates possible Iranian missile impacts at two U.S.-linked air bases in Kuwait, challenging claims that all incoming missiles were intercepted. The assessment, dated September 6, 2026, identifies possible impact points at Ali Al Salem Air Base and Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base following Iran's September 3 missile and drone strikes. Three Suspected Impacts at Ali Al Salem At Ali Al Salem Air Base, a facility building in the troop billeting area appears to show three impact points, which are clearly visible in the satellite image released by MizarVision. The three locations appear as dark marks on the roof of the large facility and are highlighted by MizarVision in its damage assessment. Three More Impacts Reported at Ahmad al-Jaber Separate satellite imagery reportedly shows three impacts in the aircraft and fighter-jet parking area at Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base. The latest imagery provides visual evidence of possible impacts at both bases, although the low resolution means the imagery alone does not establish the exact cause or extent of the apparent damage. Iran had previously claimed that its forces targeted satellite communication systems, equipment depots and fighter-jet hangars during the September 3 attack. Conflicting Claims Over the Attack Iran's Army said on September 3 that it carried out missile and drone strikes against U.S.-linked military facilities in Kuwait. Iranian authorities claimed successful hits on several targets, including satellite communications systems, equipment warehouses and fighter-jet hangars. Kuwait's Armed Forces, meanwhile, said its air-defense systems were engaging incoming missiles and drones. Kuwaiti authorities also told residents that explosions heard during the attack were associated with successful interceptions. Kuwait's Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes as a violation of the country's sovereignty and a threat to its security and stability. The conflicting statements have left uncertainty over the number of incoming weapons intercepted and whether some missiles reached facilities inside the bases. Satellite Imagery Provides Additional Evidence MizarVision's latest assessment adds satellite imagery to the available information about the September 3 attack. The image specifically identifies three suspected impact points at Ali Al Salem and reports three additional impacts at Ahmad al-Jaber. However, the imagery does not independently confirm that all six locations were caused by Iranian missiles, nor does it establish the extent of damage to military equipment or infrastructure. The latest assessment therefore provides evidence of possible impacts at both U.S.-linked bases, while the precise cause and damage remain subject to further verification.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 11:35:41
U.S
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump sparked widespread online reaction on Sunday, September 6, after posting a series of space and science-fiction-themed images, including a message declaring “The Moon Is Ours,” a proposed U.S. Space Force uniform and an AI-generated video showing him as DC Comics superhero Green Lantern. ‘The Moon Is Ours’ Trump posted an image on Truth Social showing a close-up view of the Moon with Earth in the background and an American flag. The image included the words “The Moon Is Ours.” The post did not include a formal legal claim or policy announcement. Under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which the United States and more than 100 other countries have signed, outer space and celestial bodies such as the Moon cannot be claimed as national territory through sovereignty, use or occupation. The post comes as the Trump administration promotes an expanded U.S. role in lunar activities. An executive order signed in December 2025 directed a crewed lunar landing by 2028, an initial permanent lunar outpost by 2030 and work toward deploying nuclear reactors on the lunar surface. Space Force uniform sparks Starship Troopers comparisons Minutes earlier, Trump shared images of what appeared to be a proposed U.S. Space Force service dress uniform. The concept uses space grey, midnight black, silver grey and satin black colours. It features a charcoal-coloured collared jacket and matching trousers, black belt and boots, and a matching peaked cap. The Space Force Delta symbol appears on the collar, sleeve patch, belt buckle and cap. The graphic described the design as “Inspired by the discipline and functionality of the Starship Trooper uniform. Modernized for the Guardians of the Space Domain.” The reference drew criticism and jokes on X because Starship Troopers, the 1997 science-fiction film directed by Paul Verhoeven, depicts a militarised future government and uses visual elements influenced by fascist imagery. Users compared the proposed uniform with fictional forces from Star Wars, Spaceballs and other science-fiction films. Some conservative commentators also acknowledged the resemblance while supporting the Space Force. Others questioned whether the administration understood the satirical meaning of Starship Troopers. The current official Space Force dress uniform has a different design, featuring a larger tunic that closes diagonally with six buttons, representing the Space Force's status as the sixth branch of the U.S. military. It remains unclear whether Trump's images represent an official plan to change Space Force uniforms or only a concept shared on social media. White House releases Green Lantern AI video Separately, the official White House X account posted an AI-generated video portraying Trump as Green Lantern. The video shows him wearing a glowing green power ring, with the effects creating a barrier in a desert landscape, an industrial area labelled “American Manufacturing,” and images of U.S. military ships and aircraft. The post included the Green Lantern Corps oath: “In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil’s might beware my power… Green Lantern’s light!” The video also drew reactions from X users, with some questioning the use of superhero imagery by an official government account. Others supported its references to American manufacturing and border security. The video was posted Sunday evening, shortly before HBO aired the fourth episode of its live-action DC series Lanterns. Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Studios had not publicly commented on the use of the character's imagery. Trump's posts were part of broader Truth Social activity that day, including other AI-generated images and comments involving geographic names. The administration has also been advancing space-related initiatives, including lunar goals under the Artemis programme and plans linked to a National Space Academy. The White House and Department of Defense had not formally confirmed whether the proposed Space Force uniform would be adopted. Source : hindustantimes
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 11:23:56
U.S
LONG BEACH, Calif. — Aevum Aerospace’s RAVN X autonomous space-launch aircraft has been identified after the unusual black, cockpitless airframe was photographed outside a hangar at Long Beach Airport on September 3, 2026. The aircraft was spotted by Ricky Schol, a plumber and aviation photographer who has photographed aircraft at Long Beach Airport for 16 years. Schol said he noticed a bright light coming from a hangar that had not been open for a long time while driving past the airport. At first, he thought the aircraft might be an F-117 Nighthawk. After turning around and stopping about 100 feet away, he saw an aircraft without a cockpit and began taking photographs. “I was blown away when I pulled over and saw the future in front of my eyes. I had no clue what I was looking at,” Schol said. Schol watched as ground crews moved the aircraft out of the hangar, positioned it on the runway and later returned it inside. He reported hearing no engine noise or seeing exhaust during the activity. Aircraft identified as RAVN X Photographs taken by Schol and other aviation photographers, including Matthew Dawson, showed the aircraft carrying the FAA registration N567RX. The registration has been reserved by Aevum to an address at Long Beach Airport, helping identify the aircraft as the RAVN X, developed by Aevum Aerospace. Aevum has described the RAVN X as an autonomous first stage of a two-stage space-launch system. The aircraft is intended to carry a rocket-powered second stage to altitude before releasing it to continue the flight into orbit. The RAVN X was designed to be about 80 feet long, with a 60-foot wingspan and a reported gross weight of approximately 55,000 pounds. Aevum's concept called for the aircraft to operate at high subsonic speeds and reach an altitude of about 60,000 feet. Program has been largely out of public view Aevum publicly presented the full-scale RAVN X in December 2020 at Cecil Spaceport in Jacksonville, Florida. Company CEO Jay Skylus described the aircraft as the “mothership” for a two-stage launch system intended to place small payloads into low Earth orbit. At the time, Aevum planned to conduct vehicle-level testing, obtain the required airworthiness certification and begin orbital launch tests from Cecil Spaceport by late 2021. Those publicly announced milestones did not take place. The company later provided little public information about the program, while Gunter’s Space Page reported that activity appeared to have stopped by August 2024 and questioned whether operational flight hardware had been produced. The RAVN X was also associated with the ASLON-45 mission, a planned small-satellite launch involving the U.S. Space Force. The mission did not proceed to an orbital launch using the RAVN X. Long Beach appearance raises questions about the airframe The recent appearance provides evidence that the RAVN X airframe is still present and being handled at Long Beach Airport. However, it does not establish that the aircraft is ready for flight. Images examined by The War Zone and The Aviationist show landing gear that appears fixed and suited to ground handling. The lack of engine noise or exhaust during the observed movement has also raised questions about whether the aircraft is a flight-capable prototype or a modified version of the earlier RAVN X mockup. The Aviationist reported that the RAVN X's recent appearance involved what it described as autonomous taxi testing, while also noting that it was not immediately clear whether the airframe was the same one displayed by Aevum in 2020. Aevum has not publicly explained the purpose of the September 3 activity in the available reports. As of September 2026, the RAVN X has not conducted an orbital launch. Its appearance at Long Beach Airport therefore represents a rare public sighting of a program that had largely disappeared from view, but it remains unclear what stage of development the aircraft has reached.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 11:00:22
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy is accelerating production of Tomahawk cruise missile warhead housings by modifying an existing 2019 contract originally established for the Stand-Off Land Attack Missile–Expanded Response (SLAM-ER). A September 2 contract notice said the Navy is tasking General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) to manufacture and deliver a redacted number of warhead housings within nine months. The components will support the warhead sections of the U/RGM-109E Tactical Tomahawk (TACTOM). The notice said the accelerated schedule is driven by an “immediate demand for increased missile production” resulting from the current international conflict. First article inspections must begin no later than the first quarter of 2027 to support the required delivery schedule. Existing Contract Shortens Timeline GD-OTS already manufactures warhead casings for both SLAM-ER and Tactical Tomahawk missiles. Using the existing contract allows the Navy to avoid the longer process of awarding a new contract or qualifying another supplier. The Navy said GD-OTS has the manufacturing capability, technical experience and required technical data to meet the accelerated schedule. The company is based in Anniston, Alabama. The underlying contract is N6893619C0039. The September 2 notice identifies the work as a firm-fixed-price modification awarded on an other-than-full-and-open basis, with an award date of August 20, 2026. The new warhead housings will support both newly produced and recertified Block IV and Block V Tomahawk missiles. Tomahawk Production Expansion The move comes as Raytheon, an RTX business, expands overall Tomahawk production. On August 17, Raytheon announced a $22.9 billion, seven-year contract to increase annual Tomahawk production to more than 1,000 missiles, formalizing an earlier framework agreement reached in February. Raytheon said the contract will support increased production capacity and investment in its workforce, facilities, technology and supply chain. The company also reported delivering three times more Tomahawk missiles during the first half of 2026 than in the same period of 2025. The expansion follows increased use of precision-guided weapons and efforts to replenish U.S. inventories. Reuters reported that the new Tomahawk contract is part of a wider effort to rebuild stocks of high-end munitions. Separately, an August GD-OTS modification valued at $41.57 million covered 559 WDU-36/B warhead cases and 559 fuzewells for Tactical Tomahawk missiles. The work is centered in Anniston, Alabama, and is scheduled for completion in April 2028. The latest modification adds another step to the Navy's effort to increase Tomahawk availability while avoiding the longer timeline associated with a new contract and supplier qualification.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-06 18:12:19Search
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