World
KYIV, Ukraine — Russia is increasingly using jet-powered attack drones against Ukraine, with the drones accounting for as much as two-thirds of some attack waves, according to Col. Yuriy Ihnat, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force. Ihnat gave the assessment to Business Insider on Thursday. Earlier Ukrainian estimates had put the share of jet-powered drones at up to 20%. In 2025, such drones appeared only rarely in Russian attacks. In early June, Ukraine's then-Commander-in-Chief Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi said Russia planned to increase their share to 50% of its attack-drone mix. The jet-powered drones are variants of the Geran series, Russia's version of Iranian-designed Shahed-type one-way attack drones. The standard Geran-2 uses a propeller and flies at about 185 km/h, while newer versions use mini turbojet engines. The Geran-3 typically cruises above 320 km/h. The Geran-4 can reach about 500 km/h, while the larger Geran-5 can reach up to about 600 km/h and has a shape closer to a small cruise missile. Their ranges generally fall between 850 and 1,000 km or more, with warheads ranging from 50 kg to 90 kg. Many of the newer drones use Chinese-made TeleFly turbojet engines. Ukraine says Russia has also sharply increased production and use of these systems. About 1,400 jet-powered Geran drones were reportedly launched during the first months of 2026, compared with 180 recorded during all of 2025. Ukrainian intelligence has also reported production of newer Geran-4 and Geran-5 models reaching about 3,000 units per month, while production of the earlier Geran-3 has reportedly stopped. The higher speed creates additional problems for Ukrainian air defenses. Ukrainian forces have reported interception rates of 92–96% against slower propeller-driven Shahed/Geran drones in some assessments, particularly in deeper rear areas. However, faster jet-powered drones reduce the reaction time available to mobile fire groups and interceptor drones, which can have top speeds of around 300–370 km/h. This can require more capable surface-to-air missiles or other air-defense systems. On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a Russian jet-powered drone struck the locomotive of a passenger train in the Odesa region. The train was carrying 340 people, and the locomotive engineer and his assistant were killed. The same day's overnight attacks involved more than 130 attack drones across 11 Ukrainian regions. Russia continues to combine jet-powered drones with conventional kamikaze drones and decoys, putting additional pressure on Ukraine's air-defense network. Source : businessinsider
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-13 16:00:22
U.S
HOHENFELS, Germany — Ukrainian drone operators outperformed U.S. Army forces during the Combined Resolve exercise in Germany earlier this year, highlighting the difference in battlefield experience between Ukrainian drone units and American troops. The exercise was held in April and May 2026 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels. Around 3,500 U.S. personnel participated, mainly from the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division, which was rotating from Fort Hood, Texas. Their mission was to advance against positions held by the training center's opposition force, which was reinforced by Ukrainian troops from the 412th Regiment of Unmanned Systems Forces, known as Nemesis. U.S. forces used standard electronic warfare and counter-drone systems, while Ukrainian operators used combat experience gained during the war with Russia. Ukrainian reconnaissance drones located U.S. vehicles, with heavy armored vehicles also becoming easier to detect because they raised dust while moving. The reconnaissance drones were followed by systems simulating munition drops and first-person-view (FPV) kamikaze drones. No live ammunition was used. A simulated hit was recorded when a drone flew extremely close to or hovered over a target. The Ukrainian operators eliminated the attacking U.S. armored brigade so quickly that vehicles and troops marked as destroyed had to be returned to the exercise as reinforcements, or "re-spawned," to keep the training going. U.S. drone operators initially had less ability to quickly troubleshoot problems and prepare drones under conditions similar to combat. The scenario was repeated over roughly two weeks, allowing American forces to improve. They dispersed their forces more effectively, improved camouflage and made better use of electronic warfare systems. Midway through the exercise, the Ukrainian operators switched sides and demonstrated how uncrewed systems could support offensive operations. U.S. troops then applied those methods with greater effect. General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said this type of training experience cannot be replicated in the United States and highlighted the significant changes seen after NATO forces train with Ukrainian units. The results were not isolated. In 2023, a U.S. officer involved in training Ukrainian troops recognized that American forces had much to learn about drone warfare and helped develop a program that was later introduced more widely. In May 2025, Ukrainian drone operators defeated a simulated force involving British, Estonian and U.S. troops during exercises in the Baltics. In spring 2026, Ukrainian UAV operators participating in NATO exercises on Gotland also outperformed Swedish troops opposing them. Combined Resolve is a recurring U.S. Army Europe and Africa exercise focused on large-scale ground combat. The participation of Ukrainian forces provides U.S. and NATO troops with practical experience against the smaller front-line drones that have become central to combat in Ukraine. U.S. Army officials have also said that newer Mobile Brigade Combat Teams equipped with more recent equipment and tactics have performed better in similar exercises. The Pentagon has increased investment in drone and counter-drone technology, expanded efforts to study Ukrainian methods and tested Ukrainian drones for possible procurement. The exercise highlighted the practical advantage Ukrainian units have gained through years of continuous combat adaptation, including the rapid repair and modification of drones under pressure. U.S. and NATO forces are using joint exercises with Ukrainian personnel to incorporate these battlefield lessons into their own training. Source : wsj
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-13 15:49:57
Europe
ROME — A fire followed by a powerful explosion occurred Thursday afternoon at the KNDS Ammo Italy ammunition facility in Colleferro, about 50–60 kilometers southeast of Rome. The plant, formerly known as Simmel Difesa, produces medium- and large-caliber ammunition for ground and naval forces, along with solid propellants for missiles and aerospace vehicles. The site covers about 100 hectares and is classified as a high-risk industrial facility under Italy’s Seveso regulations. BREAKING:A large explosion and fire hit a munitions plant in Colleferro, south of Rome, Italy.The blast occurred at the plant owned by the major Italian defense manufacturer KNDS Ammo Italy, which produces medium- and large-caliber ammunition and solid rocket fuels. 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/MM1PuWXEyG — Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) August 13, 2026 According to local reports citing emergency services and authorities, the first alert was received around 2:45 p.m. local time. The fire started in the powder-pressing workshop before the explosion. The blast was heard in nearby towns including Artena, Valmontone, Labico, Paliano and Serrone. Videos and eyewitness reports showed smoke and flames at the site. Firefighters, Carabinieri and other emergency teams responded to the facility near the Quarto Chilometro/Via Ariana area toward Artena. Operations were complicated by the risk of further detonations. The affected area was reported to be limited to part of the production and storage zone. No deaths or injuries were reported. Around 24 workers were at the facility and all were accounted for and safe. The mayor of Colleferro said the explosion involved a mixer used in the production process. The Carabinieri and Velletri prosecutor’s office have opened an investigation. The preliminary focus is on the fire, but the exact cause remains under investigation and will require technical assessments. Second European Ammunition Plant Incident This Week The Colleferro explosion follows a August 10 fire and explosions at an EMCO defense plant near Belitsa, close to Tryavna in central Bulgaria. The facility is involved in ammunition assembly, loading and related activities. Workers were evacuated, with no injuries reported. Secondary fires and unexploded materials required further safety operations. The cause remains under investigation, while EMCO has ruled out human error. KNDS Ammo Italy is part of the Franco-German KNDS defense group. The Colleferro site has more than a century of explosives and ammunition production history, including earlier ownership by Bombrini Parodi Delfino. The company also operates a demilitarization facility in nearby Anagni and supplies medium- and large-caliber ammunition to more than 40 countries. Italian authorities continue to secure and monitor the Colleferro facility as the investigation continues.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-13 15:40:35
Europe
WARSAW, POLAND — Poland is considering sending another batch of missiles for Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, with a final decision expected in the coming days, Deputy Defense Minister Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka said in an interview with RMF FM. She said Poland’s national security remains the main consideration, but the recent Russian missile incident in Polish airspace has influenced the assessment. Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz is currently leaning toward approving another transfer. “Despite all the political fuss there was earlier about whether we were right to hand over the missiles, today he leans toward sending more, because he would rather see a missile like that shot down over Ukrainian territory than have it fly into ours,” Sobkowiak-Czarnecka said. Poland is also discussing the issue with NATO and the United States. Previous Patriot Missile Transfer Poland confirmed in July that it had transferred five PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems to Ukraine several months earlier. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the transfer was made at the request of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and U.S. Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, following consultations among countries operating Patriot systems. Polish officials said the transfer was marginal and did not affect Poland’s air defense capabilities. Warsaw also received assurances that significantly more missiles and systems could be provided within 24 hours if Poland itself faced a threat. Russian Kh-101 Incident The new transfer discussion follows the July 29-30 Russian attack on Ukraine, when a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile entered Polish airspace and crashed near Tarnawa-Kolonia in the Lublin Voivodeship, about 90-95 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The missile crashed in an uninhabited area, leaving a crater about 10 meters wide. There were no casualties or significant damage to buildings. Polish forces detected the object at about 3:40 a.m. and scrambled an F-16 to identify and intercept it. The object later disappeared from radar, while a Mi-24 helicopter located the crash site. Poland tracked multiple aerial targets during the attack. One came within about five kilometers of the Polish border before turning back. Investigators later confirmed that the missile was a Russian Kh-101 manufactured in the second quarter of 2026 at a facility in the Moscow region. Poland subsequently summoned the Russian ambassador and delivered a protest note. Earlier Russian Drone Incursion The incident followed a September 2025 violation in which between 19 and 23 Russian drones entered Polish airspace during a large-scale attack on Ukraine. Polish and NATO aircraft, including Polish F-16s and Dutch F-35s, responded, and some drones were shot down. Poland temporarily closed airspace around several airports, including Warsaw’s main international airports, and invoked Article 4 of the NATO treaty for consultations among allies. Poland currently operates two Patriot batteries and is awaiting additional systems. Warsaw has also provided substantial military assistance to Ukraine since 2022. No final decision on the new Patriot missile transfer has been announced, but Sobkowiak-Czarnecka said the decision is expected within days.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-13 15:31:04
U.S
Washington, U.S. — Lockheed Martin has released new video footage of live-fire testing of its GRIZZLY containerized missile launcher, describing the system as production-ready. The launcher is designed to provide an affordable, reloadable and mobile missile-launch capability for distributed operations. GRIZZLY places a missile launcher inside a standard 10-foot Tricon shipping container, allowing it to be transported by truck, rail or ship using existing logistics equipment. Lockheed Martin developed the system in about six months using internal funding, combining existing launcher and weapon designs, including the fielded M299 launcher. Built fast. Built flexible. Built for the mission.GRIZZLY™ is an affordable, reloadable and production-ready containerized launcher designed to bring mobility and adaptability to the fight.The future of defense is here — and it’s containerized. 📦🚀 pic.twitter.com/HZiboJY3jE — Lockheed Martin (@LockheedMartin) August 12, 2026 Live-Fire Testing In March 2026, Lockheed Martin completed GRIZZLY's first integrated live-fire tests at Yakima Training Center, Washington. A Hellfire missile was launched from the container in both vertical and angled configurations. The tests confirmed the system could load and launch a missile from the containerized setup and meet the required trajectory parameters. GRIZZLY can carry up to eight ready-to-fire missiles and supports toolless reloading. It can operate from ground locations or ships, use internal or external power, and can be remotely operated. The launcher is also designed to work with different command-and-control and sensor systems rather than one dedicated network. JAGM Demonstration Against a Drone In June 2026, Lockheed Martin conducted another major test at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. GRIZZLY fired a Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) to intercept a Group 3 one-way attack drone. The demonstration integrated GRIZZLY with Lockheed Martin's Sanctum counter-unmanned aircraft system battle manager and Fortem R-40 radars. The radars detected and tracked the target, Sanctum processed the engagement data, and GRIZZLY launched the JAGM. Lockheed Martin said the integration and live-fire testing were completed in less than 45 days. JAGM was developed as a successor to the Hellfire and TOW missiles. It uses a dual-mode seeker with laser and millimeter-wave radar guidance, giving it flexibility for different operating conditions. Use of Existing Missiles Lockheed Martin says the use of established missiles such as Hellfire and JAGM allows military units to rely on existing missile stocks, training and logistics rather than introducing a completely new munition. The company is also developing the related Kodiak containerized launcher. In August 2026, Kodiak completed its first integrated live-fire test at Yakima Training Center using a Reduced-Range Practice Rocket associated with GMLRS-family munitions. Kodiak is designed to carry up to 12 GMLRS rockets and provide containerized offensive-fire capability across land, air and maritime platforms. Production Plans Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet said in early August 2026 that the company had pre-funded GRIZZLY production as part of its Sanctum counter-drone architecture and directed teams to prepare for 1,000 units. The company plans to seek U.S. military contracts and potential export sales while continuing work with the U.S. government on further development. The GRIZZLY concept reflects growing interest in containerized launchers that can use existing transportation infrastructure while distributing missile-launch capability across different locations. Its live-fire demonstrations with both Hellfire and JAGM have established the system's ability to launch different missiles from a standard containerized platform.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-13 14:34:01
Satellite Images Reveal Four Russian Warships Damaged in Ukrainian Strike on Novorossiysk Naval Base
World
NOVOROSSIYSK, KRASNODAR KRAI — Ukrainian forces carried out a coordinated overnight strike on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet naval base and port facilities in Novorossiysk, Krasnodar Krai, on August 12, damaging four Russian warships, according to Ukraine’s General Staff. The attack involved drones and missiles and also affected air-defense equipment and infrastructure at the major Black Sea port. Russian regional authorities reported civilian casualties and damage to residential and other facilities. Four Russian Warships Damaged Ukraine’s General Staff said four Russian naval vessels sustained varying degrees of damage during the operation. They were: Admiral Makarov, a Project 11356R frigate Admiral Essen, a Project 11356R frigate A Project 21631 Buyan-M small missile ship Vasily Bykov, a Project 22160 patrol ship The two frigates are equipped to launch Kalibr cruise missiles. The Ukrainian military said the damage to the vessels was being assessed. Satellite imagery released after the attack showed visible damage to at least three of the vessels, including the two frigates and the Vasily Bykov. Open-source analysts identified damage around areas associated with the frigates’ missile-launch systems, although the full extent of the damage and the time required for repairs have not been independently established. The attack is significant for the Black Sea Fleet because Admiral Makarov and Admiral Essen are among its surface ships capable of carrying and launching Kalibr cruise missiles. Both frigates had also previously been reported damaged during Ukrainian attacks on Novorossiysk earlier in 2026. Satellite images don't lie. 📸Ukraine just took out a significant chunk of the Russian Navy in Novorossiysk. 4 warships confirmed hit, including two Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates. 🚢💥Russia is losing the battle for the sea without Ukraine even having a traditional navy. https://t.co/ti1oDfSopy pic.twitter.com/dwEYimSgkh — Ukraine News 🇺🇦 (@Ukrainene) August 13, 2026 Air Defense and Port Infrastructure Hit Ukrainian officials also reported strikes against Russian air-defense and port facilities. The reported targets included a 30N6E radar associated with an S-300 air-defense system, facilities at several naval berths and infrastructure at the Sheskharis oil terminal. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the operation combined drones, missiles and naval unmanned systems. Ukrainian officials described the operation as involving several domestically developed systems working together. The attack also affected civilian port infrastructure. Two major grain terminals in Novorossiysk suspended operations following the strikes, according to Russian and industry sources. Novorossiysk is an important Russian port for grain and other commodity exports. Civilian Damage Reported Russian authorities reported damage across parts of Novorossiysk following the attack. Krasnodar Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said people were killed, including an eight-year-old child, while others were injured. Novorossiysk Mayor Andrei Kravchenko said more than two dozen residential buildings, businesses and other facilities were damaged. The city also temporarily suspended its water supply and declared an emergency. Russian authorities also reported that air defenses engaged Ukrainian drones during the attack. Novorossiysk’s Role in the Black Sea Fleet Novorossiysk has become an important base for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet after repeated Ukrainian attacks on Russian naval assets in and around Crimea. Russia has moved a number of naval vessels to the eastern Black Sea, including Novorossiysk, as Ukraine has expanded its use of long-range drones and other weapons against naval targets. The latest attack therefore targeted Russian naval assets at a port that has increasingly been used to support Black Sea Fleet operations. The strike also came amid continued Ukrainian attacks on Russian military and energy infrastructure in the Black Sea region, while Russia continues to conduct attacks against Ukrainian ports and shipping infrastructure. The precise extent of the damage to the four warships and their operational status remains under assessment. Available satellite imagery confirms visible damage to several vessels, but there is no indication that the four ships were sunk in the August 12 attack.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-13 14:14:45
World
Chongqing, China — Chongqing Jianshe Industry (Group) Co., Ltd., a state-owned Chinese defense company under China South Industries Group Corporation, has filed a patent for a multi-azimuth steel-ball launching structure designed to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The patent, CN121977393A, titled “Structure for multi-azimuth launching steel balls,” was filed on March 30, 2026, and published on May 5, 2026. The company is based in Chongqing’s Banan District. Chongqing Jianshe Industry traces its history to the Hubei Arsenal established in 1889, later known as the Hanyang Arsenal. The company specializes in light weapons and related equipment and manufactures full-caliber firearms, including the QBZ-191 assault rifle family, as well as automotive parts and other products. It holds hundreds of patents and operates multiple production bases. Multi-barrel design The patented system uses several barrel assemblies connected to a common front combustion chamber. Each assembly has a feed tube containing spherical steel projectiles, a storage tube and a launch tube. A spring in the feed tube automatically moves the next steel ball into the storage tube after firing. The combustion chamber has multiple connection points on its front and circumference, allowing several barrels to be installed at different angles for multi-directional firing from a common propellant source. The launch tube has an internal diameter slightly smaller than the steel projectile, allowing gas pressure to force the ball through the barrel. The steel balls and propellant are loaded separately. Firing and loading mechanism When the system fires, propellant gas from the combustion chamber pushes a pusher rod. This moves a locking and gas-blocking component so that its projectile-passing hole becomes misaligned with the storage-tube feed opening, sealing the opening and preventing gas leakage. After chamber pressure falls, a return spring resets the blocking component and realigns the openings. The feed-tube spring then pushes the next steel ball into the storage tube. The blocking component also has a slope that helps move a partially advanced projectile back into the feed tube during the sealing process. A magnet inside the storage tube holds the forwardmost steel ball slightly off-centre to help prevent jamming. Anti-drone purpose The patent states that the design addresses limitations of conventional single-projectile firearms and existing shotguns against small, fast-moving drones. Conventional shotguns can experience projectile collisions inside the barrel, which can increase dispersion at longer distances. By placing steel balls in separate tubes and mounting multiple barrel assemblies at different angles, the patented design aims to create a wider spatial coverage pattern against approaching UAVs. The structure is intended primarily for individual or light anti-drone use. However, the patent remains pending and does not confirm that a completed production weapon has entered service or that the system has been operationally deployed. Images associated with the patent show technical drawings of the multi-barrel arrangement and its internal components.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-13 13:58:50
U.S
LONDON — Saab UK, Aquark Technologies and the Royal Navy’s Disruptive Capabilities and Technologies Office (DCTO) have completed a UK trial demonstrating that a distributed network of Saab Giraffe 1X radars can maintain a coherent air picture without relying on GPS or other satellite-based timing. The trial was conducted in June 2026 and combined Saab’s Giraffe 1X radar with Aquark’s AQlock quantum timing technology. Saab said the demonstration is believed to be a world first for a distributed high-performance military radar network maintaining a coherent operational picture using independent quantum timing sources. QinetiQ and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) also participated in the trial. Trial tested radar operation without GNSS timing Modern distributed radar networks require precise timing to combine tracking information from multiple sensors into a single air picture. Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), including GPS, are commonly used as an external timing reference. However, GNSS signals can be jammed, spoofed or otherwise disrupted, creating a challenge for networked sensors operating in contested environments. During the trial, multiple Giraffe 1X radars tracked live aerial targets while using independent AQlock quantum timing sources. The test team then introduced controlled timing errors to reproduce conditions associated with GNSS spoofing and denial. According to Saab, the radars continued to combine their tracking data into a single coherent air picture without GNSS timing. The network showed predictable performance degradation when timing was deliberately disrupted and recovered rapidly after synchronisation was restored. It also remained operational under representative GNSS-denied and spoofed conditions. AQlock quantum clocks provided independent timing Two AQlock 2.0 cold-atom clocks were deployed at separate locations during the trial. The systems reached an acceptable timing signal from a cold start in less than 30 minutes and provided the sole timing reference for the two operational radar systems. Aquark’s AQlock technology uses a cold-atom approach based on its Super-Molasses Trap method. The company has previously worked with the Royal Navy on trials involving its cold-atom technology. Quantum timing provides a local source of highly accurate time without requiring an external satellite signal. In a distributed radar network, this can allow geographically separated sensors to remain synchronised when satellite-based timing is unavailable or cannot be trusted. Giraffe 1X used in the distributed network The Giraffe 1X is Saab’s compact 3D multi-mission radar. Saab says it can detect, track and classify air targets, including small unmanned aerial vehicles, and can be deployed in mobile or fixed configurations. The radar is also used for applications including ground-based air defence, counter-UAS operations, weapon locating and sea-surface surveillance. Saab UK has been producing Giraffe 1X systems at its Fareham facility. In May 2026, the company announced that it had completed its 100th Giraffe 1X radar in the UK. The June trial extended the radar's use into a distributed configuration in which separate radar locations maintained a combined air picture using independent quantum timing sources. The Royal Navy’s experimental ship XV Patrick Blackett and DSTL also acted as network rebroadcast nodes during the trial, according to information released about the demonstration. Saab highlights potential for GPS-denied operations Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director at Saab UK, said the trial demonstrated a practical capability by combining quantum timing technology with the Giraffe 1X radar. “This trial is a great example of how collaboration can accelerate innovation,” Fraser said. “By combining quantum timing technology with Saab’s advanced Giraffe 1X radar system, we have demonstrated a practical capability that could help customers continue to operate effectively when it matters most.” Matthew Aldous, Timing Lead at Aquark Technologies, described the trial as a milestone for UK sovereign quantum technology and as the first known deployment of a pair of British-built cold-atom systems against a defence requirement. The results were announced by Saab UK on August 12, 2026. The companies said the work forms part of wider efforts to develop radar and timing capabilities for military operations where satellite navigation and timing services may be disrupted or compromised.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-13 13:43:54
U.S
CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea — Soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade conducted training on the deployment of the Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) system at Camp Humphreys, South Korea. According to Eighth Army, personnel from Delta Battery, 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, guided IFPC equipment into position during the exercise. The training was intended to prepare soldiers to employ the system in support of air and missile defense operations. IFPC role in layered air defense The IFPC is a mobile, ground-based air defense system designed to counter subsonic cruise missiles, unmanned aerial systems, rockets, artillery and mortars. It is intended to protect fixed and semi-fixed locations, including forward operating bases and critical infrastructure. The system is designed to fill a defensive gap between short-range air defense systems and longer-range systems such as the Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD). The IFPC Increment 2 configuration uses the Enduring Shield launcher, with interceptor rounds stored in sealed, ready-to-fire magazines. The configuration is designed to support rapid reloading while reducing the exposure of personnel handling munitions. The system also provides 360-degree radar coverage and is integrated with the Army’s Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). IBCS connects sensors and weapons systems across the Army’s air and missile defense network. IFPC deployment in South Korea The 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, based at Osan Air Base, has operated the IFPC in South Korea since at least September 2025. During that month, U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George visited the unit and was photographed in front of an IFPC launcher. The deployment was the system’s first confirmed overseas deployment. In March 2026, the Army again positioned the IFPC at Camp Humphreys during the Freedom Shield exercise. The deployment was used to test the system’s integration into a networked, layered air defense architecture alongside Patriot and Avenger systems. The August 5 training continues the brigade’s work to maintain operational proficiency with the system as part of ongoing air and missile defense operations in South Korea. Production and additional interceptor development The IFPC program has progressed through several Army contracting stages. In November 2024, Dynetics, a Leidos subsidiary based in Huntsville, Alabama, received a $4.1 billion indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity agreement covering low-rate initial production, full-rate production and lifecycle support. The initial order included 18 launchers. In April 2026, Dynetics received a separate $617 million contract for the fiscal year 2026 production buy. The contract covers launchers, magazines, trainers, logistics support and related items, with deliveries scheduled through November 2029. The Army is also pursuing a second interceptor for the IFPC system. In 2025, Boeing and Lockheed Martin were selected to continue development of competing medium-range interceptor designs. The additional interceptor is intended to engage cruise missiles and drones alongside the system’s baseline interceptor, which is currently based on the AIM-9X Sidewinder. The latest training at Camp Humphreys reflects the continued fielding and training of the IFPC system with U.S. Army air and missile defense forces in South Korea.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-13 13:33:24
U.S
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Gen. Michael Guetlein, director of the U.S. military’s Golden Dome missile defense initiative, said the program remains on track to deliver its initial operational capabilities in mid-2028 at a projected cost of $185 billion, while warning that a funding gap in fiscal year 2027 could put the program at serious risk. Guetlein made the remarks during the annual Space & Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama. Guetlein Maintains $185 Billion Cost Estimate Guetlein said the current Golden Dome cost estimate remains $185 billion. The figure was initially set at $175 billion and later increased by $10 billion to accelerate space capabilities that were not part of the original architecture. “I’m on record, and I’m still up here saying the exact same number: $185 billion,” Guetlein said, emphasizing the need to keep the large missile defense effort affordable. The estimate is significantly below a separate Congressional Budget Office assessment released in May 2026. The CBO estimated that a notional national missile defense architecture broadly consistent with the capabilities described for Golden Dome could cost about $1.2 trillion over 20 years. However, the CBO noted that its calculation was based on a notional architecture because the Defense Department had not publicly released enough details about the final system. Guetlein has argued that the CBO estimate does not represent the architecture currently being developed by the Pentagon. He said the assumptions used for the higher estimate involve different technologies and requirements. Contracts and Testing Underway Guetlein said several major elements of Golden Dome are already under contract. These include radars, launchers, space-based interceptors, a hypersonic ballistic tracking system and a space data network. The program has also moved into construction, with the first operational site established and groundwork underway at locations including Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story in Virginia. According to Guetlein, two tests have already been completed successfully, demonstrating elements involving command and control, sensor networks and effectors against current threats. Details of the tests remain classified. One of the major tests conducted in summer 2026 at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, was described as the most complex integrated missile defense test conducted there. The exercise involved the Missile Defense Agency, Space and Missile Defense Command and other organizations. Guetlein said the test met all of its objectives after six months of preparation. A more complex test is planned for 2027. Space-Based Interceptors Remain a Major Element Space-based interceptors are a major part of the publicly described Golden Dome architecture. The Space Force has advanced a competition involving 12 companies for related technology development, with the first of four planned development gates completed. The space component has also been an important factor in the debate over the program’s potential long-term cost. The CBO's May assessment included a large space-based interceptor constellation in its notional architecture, contributing substantially to its $1.2 trillion estimate. FY2027 Funding Creates Risk The immediate concern for Golden Dome is its funding structure. About $22.5 billion has been appropriated for the program so far, with approximately 95 percent committed to specific work and about 90 percent obligated. Much of the funding has been provided through congressional reconciliation rather than the regular defense budget. For fiscal year 2027, the administration has requested approximately $17.5 billion for Golden Dome. Only about $400 million is included in the base budget, with the remaining funding dependent on a proposed reconciliation package. A Congressional Research Service summary similarly reports a $17.5 billion FY2027 Golden Dome request, with the overwhelming majority sought as mandatory funding through reconciliation. Guetlein warned that the program does not have a reliable funding path if the FY2027 reconciliation funding is not approved. “We’ve got to figure out, as a nation, a different way of funding Golden Dome, at least for 2027. Right now, that’s under reconciliation,” he said. “If they don’t figure it out, there is no Golden Dome because there is no funding.” He also said a continuing resolution would not provide the baseline needed to sustain the effort at its planned level. Pentagon Examining Contingency Options Pentagon officials are examining possible contingency measures if Golden Dome funding is delayed or interrupted. One option under consideration involves the Space Force continuing investment in certain shared space capabilities that also support the broader Golden Dome architecture. No final decision has been made on those options. The broader FY2027 defense budget request is approximately $1.5 trillion, including base funding and proposed reconciliation resources. Other major defense modernization programs, including efforts to modernize the U.S. nuclear triad, are also being funded alongside Golden Dome. For now, Guetlein said the program remains focused on its mid-2028 initial operational capability target. The next phase will depend not only on continued testing, contracting and construction, but also on whether Congress provides the funding required for fiscal year 2027. Source : TWZ
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-13 13:09:29
U.S
COCHSTEDT, Germany — Rheinmetall has successfully demonstrated the launch of its FV-014 loitering munition from the company’s Containerized Missile Launcher (CML), a modular multi-launcher designed for loitering munitions and guided missiles. The live-fire demonstration took place in July 2026 at the National Test Centre for Unmanned Aerial Systems operated by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in Cochstedt, Saxony-Anhalt. During a customer demonstration, the FV-014 was launched from a Rheinmetall HX truck in both stationary and moving configurations. The system then carried out simulated operational profiles and attack flights. The FV-014 and CML are both Rheinmetall developments. FV-014 combines reconnaissance and precision strike The FV-014 is designed as a portable reconnaissance and strike system that combines target observation, tracking and precision engagement. Rheinmetall describes the system as bridging the tactical gap between reconnaissance drones and conventional artillery. The drone has a flight endurance of up to 70 minutes and a range of up to 100 kilometres. Its data-link range is up to 60 kilometres. A 360-degree swivelling gimbal in the nose allows the system to observe potential targets over extended periods. Rheinmetall states that the FV-014 has an approximate launch weight of 20 kilograms. The system carries an HEDP (High-Explosive Dual Purpose) warhead with a penetration capability of more than 600 millimetres against armoured targets. The warhead is also intended for use against unarmoured targets and infrastructure. The FV-014 uses an electric propulsion system and an aerodynamic wing design. Rheinmetall says the design is intended to reduce acoustic, radar and infrared signatures. The system is also designed to operate in environments affected by GNSS interference. After being launched from a transport and launch container using a booster, the FV-014 unfolds its wings and transitions into aerodynamic flight. Its endurance provides time for reconnaissance, target selection and an attack decision. Human control and swarm operations The FV-014 is controlled through a ground station with continuous human-in-the-loop oversight. Operators can identify and track targets, conduct an attack or abort the mission if circumstances change. Its software architecture also supports swarm operations. Rheinmetall says multiple FV-014 systems can be controlled simultaneously by a single operator, allowing several targets to be engaged or enabling coordinated attacks against defended areas. The system is designed to operate as part of Rheinmetall’s reconnaissance and strike network. It can also be integrated with other systems, including the LUNA NG reconnaissance drone, to support the flow of information from reconnaissance to engagement. Containerized Missile Launcher The CML is based on a standard 20-foot container and was publicly presented by Rheinmetall for the first time at Eurosatory 2026 in June. The launcher can accommodate up to 18 FV-014 systems. Rheinmetall describes it as a modular, networked system that can operate from different platforms. The container can be deployed as a standalone system or mounted on platforms including trucks, trains and ships. An integrated power supply and communication modules support autonomous operation, while a battery system and sleep mode allow the launcher to remain in standby before being activated. The CML can connect to command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) networks. Rheinmetall says communication can be supported through radio and satellite links, depending on the configuration. The standardized container format is intended to simplify transport and deployment across different platforms. Rheinmetall expands FV-014 programme The July demonstration follows earlier FV-014 testing and demonstrations. In February 2026, Rheinmetall demonstrated the system to a potential NATO customer at the DLR National Test Centre for Unmanned Aerial Systems in Cochstedt. That demonstration involved simulated mission scenarios and attack flights. In April 2026, Rheinmetall announced a framework agreement worth billions of euros with the German Armed Forces for large quantities of FV-014 loitering munitions. The first call-off was valued at approximately €300 million, while deliveries are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027 following qualification. The company says the FV-014 is developed and manufactured entirely within the European Union and is designed for industrial-scale production. The CML demonstration adds a mobile multi-launch capability to the system, allowing the FV-014 to be deployed from containerized launchers on land and maritime platforms. COCHSTEDT, Germany, August 13, 2026 — Rheinmetall has successfully demonstrated the launch of its FV-014 loitering munition from the company’s Containerized Missile Launcher (CML), a modular multi-launcher designed for loitering munitions and guided missiles. The live-fire demonstration took place in July 2026 at the National Test Centre for Unmanned Aerial Systems operated by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in Cochstedt, Saxony-Anhalt. During a customer demonstration, the FV-014 was launched from a Rheinmetall HX truck in both stationary and moving configurations. The system then carried out simulated operational profiles and attack flights. The FV-014 and CML are both Rheinmetall developments. FV-014 combines reconnaissance and precision strike The FV-014 is designed as a portable reconnaissance and strike system that combines target observation, tracking and precision engagement. Rheinmetall describes the system as bridging the tactical gap between reconnaissance drones and conventional artillery. The drone has a flight endurance of up to 70 minutes and a range of up to 100 kilometres. Its data-link range is up to 60 kilometres. A 360-degree swivelling gimbal in the nose allows the system to observe potential targets over extended periods. Rheinmetall states that the FV-014 has an approximate launch weight of 20 kilograms. The system carries an HEDP (High-Explosive Dual Purpose) warhead with a penetration capability of more than 600 millimetres against armoured targets. The warhead is also intended for use against unarmoured targets and infrastructure. The FV-014 uses an electric propulsion system and an aerodynamic wing design. Rheinmetall says the design is intended to reduce acoustic, radar and infrared signatures. The system is also designed to operate in environments affected by GNSS interference. After being launched from a transport and launch container using a booster, the FV-014 unfolds its wings and transitions into aerodynamic flight. Its endurance provides time for reconnaissance, target selection and an attack decision. Human control and swarm operations The FV-014 is controlled through a ground station with continuous human-in-the-loop oversight. Operators can identify and track targets, conduct an attack or abort the mission if circumstances change. Its software architecture also supports swarm operations. Rheinmetall says multiple FV-014 systems can be controlled simultaneously by a single operator, allowing several targets to be engaged or enabling coordinated attacks against defended areas. The system is designed to operate as part of Rheinmetall’s reconnaissance and strike network. It can also be integrated with other systems, including the LUNA NG reconnaissance drone, to support the flow of information from reconnaissance to engagement. Containerized Missile Launcher The CML is based on a standard 20-foot container and was publicly presented by Rheinmetall for the first time at Eurosatory 2026 in June. The launcher can accommodate up to 18 FV-014 systems. Rheinmetall describes it as a modular, networked system that can operate from different platforms. The container can be deployed as a standalone system or mounted on platforms including trucks, trains and ships. An integrated power supply and communication modules support autonomous operation, while a battery system and sleep mode allow the launcher to remain in standby before being activated. The CML can connect to command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) networks. Rheinmetall says communication can be supported through radio and satellite links, depending on the configuration. The standardized container format is intended to simplify transport and deployment across different platforms. Rheinmetall expands FV-014 programme The July demonstration follows earlier FV-014 testing and demonstrations. In February 2026, Rheinmetall demonstrated the system to a potential NATO customer at the DLR National Test Centre for Unmanned Aerial Systems in Cochstedt. That demonstration involved simulated mission scenarios and attack flights. In April 2026, Rheinmetall announced a framework agreement worth billions of euros with the German Armed Forces for large quantities of FV-014 loitering munitions. The first call-off was valued at approximately €300 million, while deliveries are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027 following qualification. The company says the FV-014 is developed and manufactured entirely within the European Union and is designed for industrial-scale production. The CML demonstration adds a mobile multi-launch capability to the system, allowing the FV-014 to be deployed from containerized launchers on land and maritime platforms.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-13 12:51:22
World
KYIV — Ukraine has identified a previously unidentified Shahed-like unmanned aerial vehicle used in long-range strikes as the MICH 2000, a domestically produced strike drone based on the Chinese ZTK-150, also known as the Z150. Details of the system were reported by Ukrainian outlet Oboronka on August 12, following journalists’ visit to a manufacturing facility involved in producing the drone. The report provides details about the MICH 2000’s development, production and operational use by the Security Service of Ukraine’s Special Operations Center “Alpha.” From Chinese Platform to Ukrainian Production The MICH 2000 program began in late 2023, when Ukrainian engineers traveled to China to acquire civilian unmanned systems for military adaptation. The original plan involved importing the Chinese ZTK-150 platform. After China tightened restrictions on the export of civilian drones that could be used for military purposes, Ukrainian specialists moved toward domestic production. According to the report, intermediaries initially offered technology transfer and training, but the factory later refused a direct agreement. Ukrainian specialists documented production processes during pilot training and returned with eight Chinese drones and trained operators. The design was subsequently reverse-engineered and adapted for production in Ukraine. The first test flights took place in summer 2024. Early testing identified several problems, including incorrect weight distribution, propeller separation caused by engine vibration and vulnerability to electronic warfare. The development team subsequently modified the airframe, electronics and construction methods. The first three MICH 2000 drones were used in combat missions in October 2024. One was shot down, while the other two reportedly missed their targets by about 10 meters. Following these initial missions, the SBU Special Operations Center “Alpha” approved serial production. The system has remained in service since autumn 2024 and is operated exclusively by Alpha, according to the report. MICH 2000 Specifications The MICH 2000 has a configuration similar to the Iranian Shahed-136, but its most recognizable feature is a pair of forward canards. Earlier sightings resulted in the drone being identified by observers as the Chinese ZTK-150, Egyptian Jabbar-150 or Turkish Troy T20. The manufacturer says the MICH 2000 has a maximum range of up to 2,000 kilometers and can carry a 25–60 kg warhead. The system is available in eight configurations for medium- and long-range missions. Operators can configure several elements of the drone depending on the mission, including: Communications systems, including radio, digital and Starlink options Fuel-tank capacity Warhead type Terminal guidance systems The basic version is reported to cost approximately $48,000. The manufacturer also states that about 85% of the drone's components are now localized in Ukraine. Domestic production includes the flying-wing airframes, engines, warheads, initiation boards and rocket boosters. Current production is reported at approximately 6,000 drones per year, with the facility working toward an annual output of 10,000 units. Combat Operations According to information provided in the report, Alpha personnel have launched thousands of MICH 2000 drones against Russian military targets in rear areas and in temporarily occupied territories. The manufacturer says the drones have struck hundreds of sites. One of the reported operations involved the Engels-2 strategic aviation base in Russia's Saratov region on the night of July 16, 2026. Satellite imagery reportedly confirmed that a Tu-95MS strategic bomber was hit, with its rear section completely destroyed and the aircraft assessed as beyond repair. On the morning of July 4, 2026, MICH 2000 drones were also used against an optical-mechanical plant in Azov, Rostov region. Another large-scale operation targeted the port of Ust-Luga, where more than 20 MICH 2000 drones reportedly reached their targets simultaneously. Other reported targets include a cargo ship near Novorossiysk and additional military and industrial facilities. MICH+ Variant Under Development The manufacturer is also developing a new variant known as the MICH+. Unlike the MICH 2000, the MICH+ is planned to omit the forward canards. It is designed for medium-range missions and is expected to carry a 70 kg warhead with a range of up to 600 kilometers. The development of the MICH+ indicates that the MICH family is being expanded into different configurations for varying ranges and payload requirements. The MICH 2000 program also shows how Ukraine has moved from attempting to acquire an imported civilian UAV platform toward localized production, with the manufacturer reporting that most of the system's components are now produced domestically. The Oboronka report, prepared in coordination with the manufacturer and the SBU, provides the first detailed public account of the MICH 2000 program and its reported operational use.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-13 12:42:44
World
DA NANG, Vietnam — Vietnam has begun construction of its first indigenously designed multipurpose anti-submarine warfare frigate for the Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN), marking a major step in the country’s effort to expand domestic warship design, construction and combat-system integration capabilities. A steel-cutting ceremony for the new frigate was held on August 10, 2026, at the Song Thu Corporation shipyard in Da Nang. Song Thu Corporation operates under the Ministry of National Defence’s General Department of Defence Industry, while the Vietnam People’s Navy is the project investor. Senior Lieutenant General Pham Hoai Nam, Deputy Minister of National Defence, attended the ceremony along with other officials. Vietnamese state media described the vessel as the country’s largest and most advanced domestically designed and built combat ship to date. Vietnamese engineers have designed the frigate, while a high proportion of its weapons and technical systems are being developed or assembled domestically. Construction is expected to take 36 months. Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group and other defence research and manufacturing organisations will work with the Navy and Song Thu Corporation on weapons, equipment development and systems integration. Pham Hoai Nam instructed the organisations involved to give the programme priority, maintain technical and safety standards and complete construction according to schedule. Design and configuration Vietnam has not yet released a complete official technical specification for the frigate. Available information on its configuration comes from the scale model and digital rendering displayed during the August 10 ceremony, together with assessments of the equipment shown. The ship is estimated to be around 105 metres long, with displacement reported in the 2,500-to-3,000-tonne range. It is therefore slightly larger than Vietnam’s Russian-built Gepard 3.9-class frigates, which have a displacement of about 2,500 tonnes. Earlier reports had described a possible 4,000-tonne vessel based on a heavily modified Russian Project 11356R/Admiral Grigorovich-class design. Those reports do not describe the frigate now under construction, which is a new domestic design. The configuration shown in the model includes a combination of anti-submarine, air-defence, anti-ship and close-in weapon systems. At the bow are two RBU-6000-style anti-submarine rocket launchers, followed by an AK-176-based 76 mm naval gun. The 76 mm gun is already manufactured by Vietnam's Z173 and Z125 factories. The model also shows four chaff launchers, with two positioned toward the forward section and two near the rear hangar. A 12-cell vertical launch system (VLS) is positioned forward of the superstructure in two groups of six cells. The precise missile type for these cells has not been officially disclosed. Earlier assessments have linked the configuration to a possible naval version of Viettel's TLĐK-01 surface-to-air missile, which has been associated with an estimated range of around 70 kilometres. The possibility of using a quad-packed missile configuration remains an assessment rather than a confirmed specification. Two quadruple anti-ship missile launchers are positioned amidships. These are understood to be intended for missiles from Viettel's VCM family, although the exact missile configuration has not been officially confirmed. The bridge structure also shows two twin launchers for man-portable air-defence missiles, associated with systems produced by the Z131 Factory. For close-in defence, the ship has two AK-630M-type 30 mm close-in weapon systems positioned aft of the funnel. These are manufactured by Factory Z173. The frigate is also shown with two trainable twin 533 mm torpedo launchers, providing a further anti-submarine capability. Radar, sonar and aviation facilities The frigate's sensor configuration includes a four-panel phased-array multifunction radar positioned above the bridge superstructure, together with a separate fire-control radar. The radar, combat management system and electronic support measures are expected to involve Viettel, although complete official details of the systems have not been released. As an anti-submarine warfare platform, the frigate is expected to use a hull-mounted sonar. A towed-array sonar has also been discussed in assessments of the ship's configuration, but its installation has not been officially confirmed. At the stern, the frigate has a flight deck and hangar designed to accommodate a medium helicopter such as the Ka-28 operated by the Vietnam People's Navy. The propulsion system uses four engines. The exact engine types and suppliers have not been officially disclosed. The configuration has been assessed as a combined diesel and gas-turbine arrangement, potentially using two diesel engines and two gas turbines. Expanding domestic defence production The new frigate represents a significant expansion of Vietnam's domestic naval shipbuilding programme. Vietnam has traditionally relied heavily on foreign suppliers for major naval platforms, particularly Russia. Its fleet includes four Gepard 3.9-class frigates and six Project 636.1 Kilo-class submarines. The new programme is intended to increase Vietnam's ability to independently research, design, manufacture and integrate major defence systems. Vietnamese officials have linked the project to a broader policy of developing a defence industry that is autonomous, self-reliant, self-strengthening, dual-use and modern. The policy is also connected with Vietnam's wider maritime strategy and its objective of becoming a strong maritime nation. Resolution No. 20 of the 14th Party Central Committee, issued on July 28, 2016, is part of this broader policy framework. At the August 10 ceremony, Pham Hoai Nam described the frigate programme as an important task and called for close coordination between the Navy, shipbuilder, research organisations and defence manufacturers. Song Thu has been instructed to maintain technical quality, construction safety and schedule discipline. Other domestic naval programmes The frigate is part of a wider range of naval construction projects being undertaken in Vietnam. Song Thu Corporation is also nearing completion of a second submarine rescue vessel. The first vessel, Yết Kiêu, was commissioned into the Vietnam People's Navy in 2021. Song Thu has previous experience in constructing military and support vessels for Vietnam's defence sector. The Naval Technical Institute conducted the TN-75 midget-submarine project between 2020 and 2025. The 75-tonne submarine has been reported as capable of operating at depths of 200 to 300 metres, remaining submerged for up to seven days and carrying a six-to-seven-person commando team. A larger TN-300 design has also been mentioned, although details have not been publicly disclosed. Vietnam is also expanding its domestic landing-ship and troop-transport programmes. Ba Son Corporation launched the VDC-01 landing ship in August 2025, while the X55 Factory launched the third ST-294 aluminium troop-transport vessel on July 24, 2026. These vessels are assigned to patrol and transport duties, including operations in the southwestern Mekong Delta. Ba Son is also producing PS500 guided-missile corvettes, a class originally represented by a locally built 850-tonne vessel based on the Russian Pauk-class design. Construction of the second vessel, designated A2, began in October 2025, while work on the third and fourth units, A3 and A4, began in April 2026. The A2 vessel is scheduled for completion in 2027, with subsequent deliveries expected by September 2028. Vietnam is scheduled to host the Vietnam International Defence Expo in Hanoi in December 2026, providing another platform for the country's defence industry to present its growing domestic manufacturing and technology capabilities. The new multipurpose frigate remains Vietnam's most complex domestic naval shipbuilding programme announced so far. Its construction will bring together the Vietnam People's Navy, Song Thu Corporation, Viettel and other defence research and manufacturing organisations as Vietnam seeks greater domestic control over warship design, production and combat-system integration.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-13 12:13:24
U.S
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Lockheed Martin Space has received a $211.4 million contract modification from the U.S. Department of War to manufacture and deliver new Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) launchers for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The contract is being managed by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) in Huntsville, Alabama, under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The latest award will add new launcher hardware to the UAE’s existing THAAD ballistic missile defense capability. The contract modification, identified as P00082 under contract HQ0147-19-C-5001, increases the cumulative value of the original contract to $1.0545 billion. The latest work is funded entirely through UAE FMS funds. The contracting announcement does not disclose the number of launchers included in the order. Production to Continue Through January 2031 Manufacturing will be carried out by Lockheed Martin at its facility in Sunnyvale, California. Production is scheduled to run from August 2026 through January 2031. The new launchers will use the Configuration 3 (C3) standard. The contracting announcement does not provide additional technical details about the specific C3 hardware included in this procurement. The award represents a change from several earlier modifications under the same UAE THAAD contract, which have primarily supported maintenance, logistics, training, repair and sustainment of the UAE's existing systems. UAE's Existing THAAD Capability The UAE operates two THAAD batteries, according to the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. The agency states that both batteries have been procured and delivered and are fully operational. The UAE was THAAD's first international customer. Earlier procurement provided the country with two AN/TPY-2 radars and nine launchers. The UAE's THAAD system became operational before its first combat use in January 2022. The MDA says the UAE successfully used THAAD to intercept ballistic missiles during attacks in January 2022, marking the first operational THAAD intercept in a combat environment by any nation. Lockheed Martin currently lists the UAE as one of THAAD's two international customers, alongside Saudi Arabia. What THAAD Provides THAAD is a land-based ballistic missile defense system designed to intercept ballistic missiles during their terminal phase of flight, both inside and outside the atmosphere. The system uses hit-to-kill technology, destroying the incoming warhead through kinetic impact rather than a conventional explosive warhead. A THAAD battery includes mobile launchers, interceptors, an AN/TPY-2 X-band radar, and fire-control and communications equipment. The MDA states that each launcher can carry up to eight interceptors. The system is designed to engage short-, medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missile threats during their terminal flight phase. New Launcher Capacity for the UAE The $211.4 million contract therefore adds new THAAD launcher production to the UAE's existing missile-defense program. While the U.S. contracting announcement does not identify the quantity of launchers being purchased, it confirms that the equipment will be produced in the modernized Configuration 3 standard. The procurement will be completed through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales framework and will further expand the launcher hardware available to the UAE's existing THAAD force. The latest award comes as the United States and Lockheed Martin continue broader efforts to expand THAAD production capacity. In June 2026, the U.S. government awarded Lockheed Martin a separate seven-year contract of up to $35 billion to increase THAAD interceptor production.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-13 11:59:07
India
New Delhi : The Ministry of Defence has issued a tender worth around Rs 1 lakh crore for the purchase of 60 multirole transport aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force. The move aims to replace the ageing Soviet-era Antonov An-32 cargo fleet and strengthen the IAF’s logistics and airlift capabilities. The tender documents have been given to multiple Indian companies, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Mahindra. Defence officials said Indian companies will play the lead role in the programme. Mahindra Defence has partnered with Brazil’s Embraer to offer the C-390 transport aircraft. Tata has tied up with Lockheed Martin of the United States to offer the C-130, a platform already used by the Indian Air Force for special operations. The IAF currently operates 12 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. Under the programme, about 20 per cent of the aircraft (around 12) will be delivered in fly-away condition. The remaining aircraft will be manufactured in India with more than 60 per cent indigenous content. Production will take place through joint ventures between the Indian companies and the original equipment manufacturer. HAL is also in the race to take on a major role as the prime manufacturing and integration lead for the domestic assembly phase. The Acceptance of Necessity for the Medium Transport Aircraft programme was cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council in March 2026. The new aircraft are intended to replace the ageing An-32 fleet, which has served as a key tactical airlift platform for decades, and to supplement the IAF’s overall logistics network. The MTA is expected to fill the gap between lighter transport aircraft such as the C-295 and heavier platforms like the C-17. The Indian Air Force is already inducting around 70 C-295 transport aircraft in partnership with Airbus, with the majority being manufactured in India. The MTA aircraft may also be configured for roles such as aerial refuelling tankers and rapid transport of troops and equipment. Separately, the IAF has issued a tender for 114 Rafale fighter jets as part of its modernisation plans. It is also looking to induct more than 100 trainer aircraft to replace the Hawk jet trainers and expand pilot training capacity as fighter squadron numbers grow. The tender forms part of ongoing efforts to modernise the IAF’s transport fleet under the Make in India initiative while ensuring greater domestic manufacturing and industrial participation.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-12 16:13:53
U.S
WASHINGTON — The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is continuing research into artificial intelligence, data analytics and modeling tools that can help the U.S. government understand vulnerabilities in complex economic, financial and supply networks. However, publicly available DARPA records do not currently confirm a program called the Intelligent Market Resilience (IMR) or a formal DARPA effort specifically intended to redesign electronic financial markets or develop tools for disrupting them. DARPA's verified programs in this area are focused on resilience, transparency, vulnerability analysis and protection against disruptions. DARPA's focus on economic resilience DARPA's Strategic Technology Office says it is examining commercial, financial and industrial infrastructure to improve the resilience of national systems. Its work includes the Resilient Supply-and-Demand Networks (RSDN) program, which develops analytical tools to map complex supply-and-demand networks, identify vulnerabilities and conduct stress tests. DARPA selected research teams for RSDN in 2023. The program covers areas including metals important to military applications, food and pharmaceuticals. Its tools are designed to identify hidden dependencies and examine how networks could respond to external shocks or changes in participant behavior. DARPA has also described RSDN as using stress-testing methods similar to those used by financial regulators. The objective is to examine how disruptions could propagate through complex networks and identify possible ways to reduce their effects. AI and critical-material markets Another DARPA effort, the Open Price Exploration for National Security (OPEN) program, is focused on improving transparency in markets for critical materials. According to DARPA, OPEN uses time-series forecasting, economic modeling and machine learning to estimate structural prices and forecast supply and demand for materials such as base metals and rare-earth materials. The agency says the program is intended to improve decision-making and strengthen supply-chain resilience. DARPA has specifically stated that OPEN is not intended to predict prices of publicly traded assets. The program instead focuses on critical commodity markets and the information needed to understand their underlying supply, demand and production costs. In April 2024, DARPA announced performers for the program. Exiger and S&P Global Commodity Insights were selected for work on estimating critical-material input costs, while Charles River Analytics, GE Research and S&P Global Commodity Insights were selected for supply-and-demand forecasting. Financial systems have been a longstanding research interest DARPA's interest in financial-system vulnerabilities is not new. Earlier agency research examined how financial markets could be vulnerable to malicious activity and how complex trading systems could be analyzed. The need for better analytical capabilities is illustrated by the May 6, 2010, Flash Crash, when U.S. financial markets experienced a rapid decline followed by a recovery within minutes. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has said the event demonstrated the difficulty of reconstructing activity across highly automated and interconnected markets. The California electricity crisis of 2000–2001 is another example of weaknesses in complex markets. The U.S. Government Accountability Office found that California's market design enabled wholesale electricity suppliers to exercise market power, while the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission later concluded that reduced supplies, inadequate infrastructure and flawed market design contributed to the crisis and subsequent manipulation. DARPA also targets illicit financial activity DARPA has a separate program called Anticipatory and Adaptive Anti-Money Laundering (A3ML). The program seeks to develop algorithms that can analyze financial transaction networks, identify suspicious patterns and learn patterns associated with future illicit activity while preserving privacy. These efforts show that DARPA is applying advanced computing and AI techniques to financial and economic systems as part of broader national-security research. Could these technologies have offensive applications? AI systems capable of mapping complex networks and identifying vulnerabilities can raise dual-use concerns. A system designed to help defenders understand weaknesses could also provide information about where vulnerabilities exist. However, there is currently no verified evidence that DARPA's publicly documented RSDN, OPEN or A3ML programs are being developed to manipulate or disrupt financial markets. DARPA's published descriptions instead emphasize vulnerability identification, forecasting, stress testing, transparency and resilience. RSDN, for example, is explicitly designed to identify systemic weaknesses and evaluate mitigation strategies. Palantir's potential involvement remains unconfirmed Palantir Technologies has significant experience providing data integration and analytical systems to U.S. government customers, including the Department of Defense. However, there is no publicly confirmed evidence that Palantir has been selected for a DARPA program matching the specific IMR description. Palantir and TWG AI do have a recent commercial project involving financial-market monitoring. In March 2026, Polymarket announced a partnership with Palantir and TWG AI to develop a sports-market integrity platform using the Vergence AI engine. The system is intended to support trade monitoring, anomaly detection, prohibited-trader screening and compliance reporting. That work demonstrates Palantir's involvement in AI-based market monitoring, but it does not establish a connection between Palantir and a DARPA financial-market resilience program. No verified IMR solicitation identified As of Aug. 12, 2026, publicly available DARPA program records reviewed for this report do not identify an official program named Intelligent Market Resilience (IMR). DARPA's current public materials instead document programs such as RSDN, OPEN and A3ML that address different aspects of economic, financial and supply-network resilience. Therefore, claims that the Pentagon is developing an AI system specifically to disrupt or manipulate financial markets, or that Palantir has been selected to build such a system, should not be presented as confirmed facts without an official DARPA announcement or other verified government documentation. The verified picture is that DARPA is researching AI and advanced analytical methods to understand complex economic networks, identify vulnerabilities, improve market and supply-chain transparency, and strengthen resilience against disruptions. Source : Geopolitics Prime
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-12 16:09:42
Europe
WARSAW — Poland has warned SpaceX that it could reconsider its annual payments for Starlink services supporting Ukraine after Polish customers were excluded from Starlink’s European roaming region. Polish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski addressed SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on X, saying Poland might reconsider paying about $50 million a year for Starlink services if Polish users continue to face different roaming conditions from customers in other European countries. The dispute follows changes to Starlink’s roaming rules. Starlink’s current guidance lists more than 30 European countries in a common roaming region, while stating that Poland is not included. Accounts registered in Poland are treated as intended for use in Poland. Polish Users Face Different Roaming Conditions Under the updated rules, Polish Starlink customers traveling outside the country face additional requirements and may need to use a more expensive plan for extended international use. The changes were introduced for new customers in July, while existing customers are scheduled to be affected from August 17, 2026. Starlink has separately announced that its Global Roam plan is being discontinued for existing customers from August 17, with customers advised to move to another international plan. Polish officials have sought an explanation from SpaceX and questioned why Poland has been excluded from the European roaming region while other European countries remain included. Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski said Poland expected equal treatment for Polish customers and asked SpaceX to identify any specific regulatory reasons behind the decision. Dispute Linked to Starlink Support for Ukraine The roaming dispute has also brought Poland's financial support for Starlink services in Ukraine back into focus. Poland has funded Starlink terminals and subscriptions for Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion. Polish officials have previously said that the Polish Ministry of Digital Affairs pays about $50 million annually for Starlink services used in Ukraine. Sikorski has previously warned that Poland could look for alternative suppliers if SpaceX proved to be an unreliable provider. The issue has been part of a wider public dispute between Sikorski and Musk over Starlink's role in Ukraine and the costs paid by Poland. The two have exchanged public criticism over Starlink on several occasions. In earlier discussions, Sikorski pointed out that Poland finances the Starlink service used by Ukraine, while Musk disputed the significance of Poland's contribution. SpaceX Has Not Given a Public Explanation As of August 12, SpaceX had not publicly provided a detailed explanation for why Poland was excluded from the European roaming region. The Starlink guidance confirms the exclusion, but does not provide a reason for Poland's separate treatment. The change has therefore prompted questions from Polish officials and users about the basis for the policy. For existing Polish customers, the new arrangements are scheduled to take effect on August 17. Poland is continuing to seek clarification from SpaceX while the dispute remains unresolved.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-12 15:47:42
Space & Technology
HERNDON, Va. — BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) has secured a seven-figure, multi-year international contract to provide high-frequency satellite imagery and AI-enabled analytics to an undisclosed global customer. The agreement expands an earlier pilot program into a full operational subscription. Under the deal, the customer will receive access to BlackSky’s Gen-2 and Gen-3 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations. The contract uses BlackSky’s two subscription services. Its On-Demand service provides global coverage, while the Assured subscription provides priority access to tasking capacity and analytics over designated regional areas. Gen-2 and Gen-3 satellite capabilities BlackSky’s Gen-2 constellation is designed for high-frequency monitoring, including dawn-to-dusk observation. The company’s Gen-3 satellites provide 35-centimeter-class imagery and are being added to the existing constellation. BlackSky has said the two satellite generations are designed to complement each other. Gen-2 provides high-frequency monitoring and time-diverse imagery, while Gen-3 provides higher-resolution imagery for more detailed observation. The company has previously described the combined capability as useful for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) applications. The customer will integrate imagery and analytics from both satellite generations into its existing defense command environments through Spectra, BlackSky’s tasking and analytics platform. The platform provides a centralized workflow for tasking, monitoring and analyzing information from multiple locations. BlackSky’s existing Gen-3 contracts have also demonstrated demand for the higher-resolution imagery and AI-enabled analytics. In its first-quarter 2026 results, the company reported that an international defense customer had expanded from a Gen-3 pilot to a nearly $30 million annual Assured subscription, while another international Ministry of Defense signed a $25 million multi-year subscription. AI-enabled satellite intelligence The combined Gen-2 and Gen-3 system supports automated identification and classification of objects including vehicles, aircraft and maritime vessels. BlackSky has previously said its Gen-3 imagery is used with AI-enabled analytics to provide customers with more detailed information while Gen-2 supports high-frequency monitoring. The company has also continued expanding its Gen-3 constellation during 2026. Its fourth Gen-3 satellite began delivering very-high-resolution imagery within hours of launch and entered commercial operations in less than one week, according to BlackSky. BlackSky CEO Brian O’Toole said the new agreement demonstrates the value of combining the company’s Gen-2 and Gen-3 systems, allowing customers to use high-frequency monitoring together with very-high-resolution imagery through a single workflow. The company has been converting several international pilot programs into longer-term subscriptions. In March 2026, BlackSky announced a seven-figure Assured extension contract with an international customer following an early-access program for Gen-3 imagery and AI-enabled analytics. BlackSky, headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, operates a commercial low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation and the Spectra software platform, providing satellite imagery, monitoring and AI-enabled analytics to government and commercial customers.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-12 15:39:12
World
CANBERRA, Australia — The United Kingdom and Australia are strengthening defence-industry cooperation over the potential adoption of Australian Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar technology for UK frontline forces. A Statement of Intent involving the UK Ministry of Defence, the Australian Department of Defence, British defence company QinetiQ and Canberra-based CEA Technologies was signed at the CEA Technologies facility in Canberra. The signing was attended by UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard and Australian Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy. The agreement builds on commitments made during the Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) in June. At those talks, the two governments announced a Government-to-Government Project Arrangement to advance cooperation on AESA radar capabilities supplied by CEA Technologies, including the possibility of jointly developing and producing CEA systems. QinetiQ to support UK integration and testing Under the new framework, QinetiQ will support the integration, testing and assurance of CEA radar technology across the UK defence enterprise. The company will provide technical expertise as the two countries assess potential opportunities for using the Australian radar technology in UK systems. The statement does not identify specific UK platforms or military branches that would receive the radar. “Today, we are deepening our industrial cooperation with Australia on cutting-edge radar technologies,” Luke Pollard said. He said combining QinetiQ’s expertise with CEA’s radar technology could strengthen the readiness of both countries while supporting their defence industries. QinetiQ Group Chief Executive Officer Steve Wadey said the company’s expertise positioned it as a strategic partner for the UK Ministry of Defence and its allies. He also pointed to the increasing importance of air-defence capabilities in current conflicts. CEA Technologies Chief Executive Officer Alan Clements said the agreement was an important milestone for the company and the Australian and UK defence industries. He said it reflected confidence in CEA’s radar technology and the role of industrial partnerships in strengthening sovereign capability. CEA radar technology CEA Technologies specialises in advanced radar systems, including AESA technology used by the Australian Defence Force. The company’s CEAFAR phased-array radar family is used on Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigates and has also been selected for the Hunter-class frigates. CEA radar technology has additionally been integrated with the Aegis combat system during Australian missile-defence testing. In July 2026, Australian Defence confirmed that CEA Technologies worked with Lockheed Martin on a first-of-type integration between a CEA radar and the Aegis Combat System. AESA radars electronically steer their radar beams rather than relying on mechanical movement of a conventional antenna. This architecture allows radar systems to perform functions such as tracking multiple objects and rapidly changing between different operating tasks. Cooperation linked to AUKUS The radar initiative is part of wider defence and industrial cooperation between Australia and the UK under their broader strategic partnership and AUKUS. At the June AUKMIN meeting, both governments said their cooperation on CEA’s AESA technology could create opportunities for further radar development, including potential co-development and co-production. The two countries had already identified Australian AESA radar technology as an area for closer cooperation earlier in 2026. During the Australia-UK Defence Industry Dialogue in February, ministers agreed to undertake targeted risk-reduction activities to help inform future decisions on the potential use of Australian AESA technology by the UK. The latest Statement of Intent provides a framework for continued cooperation while the two governments and companies examine future opportunities. No specific UK platform, acquisition quantity, delivery schedule or production arrangement has been confirmed under the agreement. Further decisions will depend on subsequent technical and defence-industry work between the participating organisations.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-12 14:32:35
U.S
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana — The U.S. Marine Corps has awarded Vertex Modernization and Sustainment LLC, a subsidiary of V2X, a $19.06 million contract for 10 Tempest mobile counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) vehicles. The $19,062,156 award covers the vehicles along with software management, spare parts, ancillary equipment, training and related services. According to the contract information provided, work will primarily be performed in Indianapolis, Indiana, with completion scheduled for August 10, 2027. The contract is identified as a hybrid firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity award. It was issued on a sole-source basis under 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1). No funds were obligated at the time of award, with funding to be provided through individual task orders. The contracting activity is the Portfolio Acquisition Executive Marine Corps, Program Manager Ground Based Air Defense, based in Quantico, Virginia. The contract number is M67854-26-D-0080. Tempest Mobile Counter-UAS Vehicle V2X first publicly introduced Tempest at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting in October 2025. The company describes it as a rugged, commercially based combat vehicle designed for rapid, limited-exposure missions. V2X says the platform uses dual weapon launchers and a counter-UAS capability intended to detect, engage and defeat Class 2 and Class 3 unmanned aircraft. The company also says the vehicle can withdraw after an engagement to reduce its exposure to enemy counterfire. Earlier demonstrations of Tempest showed the system on a commercially derived 4x4 vehicle. Configurations displayed publicly included dual launchers and counter-UAS sensors. However, the latest Marine Corps contract notice does not publicly specify the exact production configuration that will be delivered. The contract also does not confirm the precise missile or interceptor package, radar configuration, electro-optical sensors, engagement range or software architecture of the 10 Marine Corps vehicles. Marine Corps DASH Requirement The procurement is connected to the Marine Corps' Denied Area Sprinter-Hellfire (DASH) requirement for a highly mobile counter-small-UAS capability. Earlier Marine Corps contracting information identified a requirement for a system at Technology Readiness Level 9, meaning a mature system demonstrated in an operational environment. The earlier requirement also indicated an intention to procure up to 50 systems, although the current contract covers an initial 10 vehicles. V2X has separately confirmed that it received an award to provide counter-UAS capabilities through the Tempest platform. The company describes Tempest as a mobile system developed to detect, engage and defeat unmanned aircraft. Focus on Mobile Counter-Drone Operations Tempest is designed around mobility rather than a fixed defensive position. Its ability to relocate after an engagement is intended to support operations in environments where counter-UAS systems may themselves be exposed to enemy observation and fires. The Marine Corps requirement is aimed at providing a mobile capability that can support maneuvering forces. The system's combination of a compact vehicle, sensors and weapon launchers allows it to be positioned with units and moved as operational requirements change. The contract's inclusion of software management, training and related equipment indicates that the procurement covers more than the vehicles themselves. The total contract value therefore should not be treated as a simple calculation of $19.06 million divided by 10 vehicles. Part of a Broader Counter-UAS Approach Tempest will add another counter-UAS option to the Marine Corps' ground-based air-defense capabilities. It is not described in the available contract information as a replacement for the service's broader Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS). V2X's own description places Tempest in the mobile counter-UAS role, with the system intended to engage Class 2 and Class 3 unmanned aircraft. The effectiveness of such a system also depends on the availability and integration of targeting information. The Marine Corps has not publicly released the complete software and network architecture for the vehicles under this contract, so it is not yet clear how the production Tempest vehicles will be integrated with existing Marine Corps command-and-control and air-defense networks. What Remains Undisclosed The public information currently available does not identify the specific Marine Corps unit that will receive the 10 vehicles. It also does not confirm the final chassis configuration, exact radar and sensor equipment, interceptor type, engagement parameters, reload arrangements or detailed software architecture for the Marine Corps production vehicles. The $19.06 million contract nevertheless establishes an initial procurement of 10 Tempest vehicles and moves the platform from its earlier public demonstrations into a defined Marine Corps acquisition program. V2X has described Tempest as a commercially based mobile combat vehicle intended to provide counter-UAS capability with dual launchers and rapid relocation after engagement. The Marine Corps contract will now support the delivery, training, software management and sustainment elements associated with the initial fleet.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-12 14:22:54Search
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