World
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Florida, — BAE Systems and SURVICE Engineering have successfully demonstrated a counter-drone capability using a modified TRV-150 uncrewed aircraft, which intercepted multiple one-way attack drones during US military trials in late September at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Conducted during the US Office of the Under Secretary for Research and Engineering's Mission Capabilities Joint Readiness Experimentation exercise, the trial used a production-ready three-pod launcher to fire 70 mm laser-guided Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) rockets at successive aerial targets in a single flight without landing or reloading. The demonstration showed how a cargo drone could be adapted into a potentially cost-effective counter-drone platform. TRV-150 and APKWS Integration The TRV-150 is a modified version of the British-built T-150, developed by BAE Systems subsidiary Malloy Aeronautics. Maryland-based SURVICE Engineering adapted the aircraft to meet US Army requirements, while BAE Systems' FalconWorks division developed and integrated the APKWS modification kit. The multi-rotor, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has a payload capacity of up to 150 pounds (68 kilograms). APKWS converts standard unguided 70 mm rockets into precision-guided munitions using a laser-guidance kit. The system is already used on platforms including the F-16 and F-18 fighter aircraft and the Apache helicopter, providing a lower-cost option for engaging selected aerial and ground targets compared with higher-end munitions. Previous Tests and Company Statements The latest trial builds on a July 2025 test at the US Army's Dugway Proving Ground in Utah, where an adapted T-150 fired a precision munition and engaged air and ground targets with no misses. That demonstration marked the first air-to-air engagement of an APKWS guidance kit from an uncrewed air system. In May 2026, a further test at Fort Rucker, Alabama, evaluated the three-shot launcher and the aircraft's flight-control response during firing. Thomas Lancashire, head of UAS Business Development at BAE Systems' FalconWorks division, said the companies had moved quickly from concept to a system capable of engaging multiple targets in one mission. He added that delivering effective military capabilities quickly was as important as the technology itself. Gregory Thompson, president of SURVICE Engineering, said supporting military personnel had been central to the company's mission for more than 45 years. He described integrating APKWS onto the TRV-150 as an example of its focus on precise and cost-effective military solutions. Future Maritime Applications The TRV-150 is already used for tactical logistics and resupply by UK armed forces, the US Marine Corps and the US Army. In 2025, it transported supplies between ships during the Royal Navy Carrier Strike Group's eight-month Indo-Pacific deployment. Following the successful trials, BAE Systems and SURVICE Engineering plan to extend the aircraft's counter-drone capability to maritime environments, with the aim of helping protect naval assets and other customers against similar aerial threats at sea.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-21 16:06:23
World
KALININGRAD, Russia, — A Russian Su-30SM fighter jet crashed during a scheduled training flight in the Kaliningrad region on Wednesday, October 21, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. Both pilots ejected before impact and survived the incident. The aircraft crashed in an uninhabited area of the Chernyakhovsk district, between the settlements of Timofeevka and Zeleny Bor, near a local cemetery. The Ministry confirmed that the aircraft was not carrying any ammunition or weapons. A ground search-and-rescue team located and evacuated the two crew members. Although the Ministry stated that there was no threat to their lives, Russian media reports indicated that both pilots sustained injuries and were taken to a military hospital, where they were reported to be in moderate condition. Videos circulated by online monitoring channels showed a fire and thick smoke at the crash site. No civilian casualties were reported, and authorities have not announced the cause of the crash. The Su-30SM is a twin-engine, two-seat multirole fighter used by the Russian military for air-to-air combat and air-to-ground missions. Further details about the incident and the investigation have not yet been released.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-21 15:59:40
Space & Technology
HOUSTON, — Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is preparing to send its Spaceborne Computer-4 to the Moon in late 2026 to test high-performance computing and artificial intelligence (AI) directly on the lunar surface. The system will travel aboard Astrolab's FLIP (FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform) robotic rover, which is scheduled to reach the lunar south pole as part of Astrobotic's Griffin-1 mission under NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. The mission will test whether a compact computer can process images, analyse terrain and support autonomous navigation on the Moon without relying on Earth-based data centres for every calculation. HPE and Astrolab confirmed the integration of the computing module with the rover earlier in 2026. Onboard Computing for Lunar Exploration Communication between Earth and the Moon involves a round-trip delay of up to approximately five seconds. This can limit real-time remote control, particularly when a rover needs to respond quickly to obstacles or changes in terrain. With Spaceborne Computer-4 processing data onboard, the rover could analyse imagery, compare its surroundings with stored maps and identify hazards such as craters without waiting for instructions from Earth. This approach, known as edge computing, allows data to be processed close to where it is collected. The system will also support mapping, terrain analysis and navigation through AI workloads, including vision inference and LiDAR data processing. Compact Computer Designed for Space Spaceborne Computer-4 is a compact, lightweight and fanless computing module housed in an aluminium chassis measuring approximately 249 mm × 132 mm × 26 mm. It includes a low-power 64-bit central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU) and two mirrored 1TB KIOXIA solid-state drives. The system will draw power from the rover's batteries and solar cells and use the rover's thermal management system, including radiators, for cooling. Its design is intended to support operation in the vacuum of space and withstand the Moon's temperature variations and higher radiation levels compared with low Earth orbit. The lunar environment presents significant challenges, including radiation exposure and nights lasting approximately 14 Earth days, when surface temperatures can fall to around -200°C. HPE uses a technique known as software hardening, in which the system checks its calculations to help identify errors caused by radiation. This approach prioritises data reliability, potentially at the cost of some processing speed. AI Experiments and Cybersecurity Tests Spaceborne Computer-4 will conduct high-performance computing benchmarks on the lunar surface, including High Performance LINPACK (HPL) and High Performance Conjugate Gradients (HPCG). The mission will also run several AI and cybersecurity experiments. NASA's FLUID experiment: The federated learning project will coordinate AI models trained using data from Earth, the Moon and the International Space Station (ISS), without requiring all data to be centralised in one location. Onboard AI assistant: A specialised large language model (LLM) will help search and interpret technical documents directly on the rover. The system will also support retrieval-augmented generation, which helps AI responses draw on relevant documents. Deloitte's Silent Shield: The cybersecurity system will monitor activity for anomalies and potential network intrusions in near-real time. These experiments will test how AI processing, distributed learning and cybersecurity systems perform beyond Earth. FLIP Rover and Griffin-1 Mission Astrolab's FLIP rover, weighing approximately 480 kilograms, is designed to carry multiple payloads and operate across lunar terrain. It features specialised wheels and is designed to function through periods of lunar night. Astrobotic's Griffin-1 lander will deliver the rover and other payloads to the lunar south polar region under NASA's CLPS program. Voyager Technologies has also been associated with the mission in published descriptions. On Earth, HPE will support Astrolab's mission control centre in Hawthorne, California, using its private cloud software to manage returning data and computing workloads. Importance for Future Lunar Missions Spaceborne Computer-4 will be the first system in HPE's Spaceborne Computer series to operate on a planetary surface. Earlier versions were deployed aboard the International Space Station. The mission will assess whether advanced computing systems can reliably perform demanding workloads in the lunar environment while reducing dependence on continuous communication with Earth. Its results could help guide the development of computing infrastructure for future lunar bases, robotic exploration and commercial space operations.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-21 15:55:35
Space & Technology
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, — NASA has outlined updated development milestones for SpaceX and Blue Origin as the agency prepares for the return of astronauts to the Moon under its Artemis program. The revised timeline targets an uncrewed lunar landing by SpaceX in late 2027 and by Blue Origin in early 2028, ahead of a planned crewed lunar landing on Artemis IV in early 2028. The details were presented by Steve Creech, acting manager of NASA's Human Landing System Program, at the International Astronautical Congress in Antalya, Türkiye, on October 5, 2026. Both companies are developing lunar landers that must complete technical demonstrations and meet NASA's safety requirements before carrying astronauts to the lunar surface. Artemis III to Test Lunar Landers in Earth Orbit Under the revised schedule, Artemis III is planned for the third quarter of 2027 and will focus on testing rendezvous and docking between NASA's Orion spacecraft and lander test vehicles from SpaceX and Blue Origin in low Earth orbit. The mission will not include a lunar landing. Four astronauts will travel aboard Orion, launched by NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The crew listed for the mission comprises Commander Randy Bresnik, Pilot Luca Parmitano, and Mission Specialists Frank Rubio and Andre Douglas. The roughly two-week flight will test whether Orion can safely rendezvous and dock with the two companies' test vehicles. The results will help NASA assess the landers' readiness and determine which system is suitable for a crewed lunar landing. SpaceX Targets Starship Lunar Landing by Late 2027 SpaceX is targeting an uncrewed Starship lunar landing in the fourth quarter of 2027. Before proceeding, the company must demonstrate orbital propellant transfer between Starships, a key requirement for refuelling the Starship Human Landing System in Earth orbit. NASA's current planning targets this demonstration for the first quarter of 2027. SpaceX plans to launch a lunar landing-version Starship in late third quarter or early fourth quarter of 2027, with the landing attempt planned by the end of the year. For the Artemis III orbital test, the company will use a modified Starship Version 3 upper stage fitted with a docking system. This test vehicle will not have a complete crew cabin, and astronauts will not transfer into it. Blue Origin Advances Blue Moon Mark 2 Development Blue Origin is targeting an uncrewed lunar landing of its Blue Moon Mark 2 lander in the first quarter of 2028. The approximately 16-metre-tall vehicle is powered by three BE-7 engines. For the Artemis III demonstration, Blue Origin plans to test a more complete vehicle featuring a crew cabin, elements of its life-support systems and flight software. An uncrewed Mark 2 demonstration vehicle is targeted for launch in the fourth quarter of 2027, ahead of its planned lunar landing attempt. Blue Origin is also developing the smaller Blue Moon Mark 1 cargo lander, scheduled to launch to the Moon in the first quarter of 2027 under NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. Additional Mark 1 missions are planned, including flights to deliver NASA's VIPER rover and a lunar terrain vehicle. NASA Yet to Select the First Crewed Lunar Lander NASA has not yet decided whether SpaceX's Starship or Blue Origin's Blue Moon Mark 2 will carry the first Artemis astronauts to the lunar surface. The decision will depend on development progress, the results of the required demonstrations and completion of safety reviews. The agency is also conducting ground studies of rocket plume interactions with the lunar surface and testing docking systems to reduce risks before crewed operations. The Artemis IV mission is targeted for early 2028 and is expected to carry astronauts to the Moon's surface, marking the first American crewed lunar landing since Apollo 17 in December 1972. A possible second crewed landing under Artemis V is also being considered for later in 2028. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and other program leaders are scheduled to discuss the Artemis timeline and commercial lunar lander progress during a live press briefing at Kennedy Space Center on Friday, October 23, 2026. The programme's progress will depend on both companies meeting their development milestones and demonstrating that their vehicles are ready for crewed lunar missions.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-21 15:48:02
Europe
BERLIN, — Germany is exploring the development of remotely controlled self-propelled artillery systems that could operate without a crew inside the vehicle, including in high-threat areas. According to the defence publication Hartpunkt, the German Army and Defence Ministry are examining options based on existing artillery automation technology, with the tracked version of the RCH 155, known as LORAS, emerging as the preferred configuration. Germany already has the wheeled RCH 155 self-propelled howitzer, which uses an automated Artillery Gun Module (AGM) to handle loading, gun positioning and firing. Mounted on a Boxer 8×8 chassis, the standard system carries a two-person crew consisting of a driver and a turret operator, both protected inside the vehicle. Tracked LORAS Offers a Potential Basis The RCH 155 LORAS combines the automated AGM with the tracked Boxer Tracked chassis and a longer 155 mm/L58 gun developed by KNDS France. The system was publicly displayed by defence manufacturer KNDS at the Eurosatory exhibition in June 2026. According to KNDS, the LORAS can reach targets at distances exceeding 60 kilometres with standard ammunition and up to approximately 100 kilometres with specialised rounds. The preference for a tracked chassis reflects the need for improved cross-country mobility in environments where unmanned artillery systems may be required to operate. The Boxer Tracked platform was designed to support future remote-control capabilities when fitted with the necessary equipment. Remote Operation and Drone Integration In early 2026, the German branch of KNDS demonstrated a remote-control kit called UxV CS, designed for wheeled and tracked vehicles in the Boxer family. The technology could provide a starting point for developing remotely operated artillery vehicles. The proposed concept involves a team of up to five operators working remotely. They would control the vehicle's movement, operate the howitzer and manage aerial drones that provide targeting information and support artillery fire. Although technical solutions already exist for remotely driving and manoeuvring the vehicle, a complete system for remotely controlling the firing process has not yet been developed. Coordinating the vehicle, gun and drones through a single remote-control arrangement remains a significant technical challenge. Procurement and Development Status The German Army has ordered 84 wheeled RCH 155 systems under a framework agreement covering up to 500 units. Deliveries of series-production vehicles are planned to begin in 2028. The proposed unmanned configuration remains at an early discussion stage. The complete remote-control system has not undergone field testing, and further development and trials will be needed to assess its reliability and effectiveness under operational conditions. Germany is therefore examining whether the automation already available in the RCH 155 and the tracked LORAS configuration can be extended to fully unmanned artillery operations. No procurement decision for an unmanned version has been confirmed.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-21 15:42:19
World
KALININGRAD, Russia, — Russia is constructing a large over-the-horizon (OTH) radar facility in its Kaliningrad exclave that could detect aircraft and missiles at distances of up to approximately 3,000 kilometres, according to satellite imagery analysed by Finnish synthetic aperture radar company ICEYE. The potential detection range covers much of northern and western Europe, including Germany, France and the United Kingdom. The facility is located near Gvardeysk, approximately 20–37 kilometres from the Polish border and around 40 miles from Lithuania. Satellite images taken in late August 2026 show three antenna arrays, each more than 500 metres long, arranged in a star-like pattern and protected by a double fence. Construction appears to have begun around March 2023. The German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung and The Times reported on the findings on October 19, 2026. Radar Capabilities and Technical Details Analysts believe the installation belongs to Russia's 29B6 Container radar family, which uses high-frequency radio waves that interact with the ionosphere to detect targets beyond the line of sight of conventional radar. Depending on its final specifications, the facility could monitor aircraft, missiles and ships at distances of approximately 900–3,000 kilometres. Russian defence claims state that a fully operational Container radar can track up to 10,000 aerial objects simultaneously. The technology may contribute to detecting stealth aircraft, including the F-35, but its ability to detect a target does not necessarily mean it can provide the precise tracking required for a weapon engagement. The new facility's operational status and actual capabilities remain unconfirmed. Wider Russian Military Expansion in the Baltic ICEYE's analysis identified more than 20 new or expanding signals-intelligence and electronic-warfare sites across Kaliningrad, including a large circular antenna complex near Chernyakhovsk. Lithuania's intelligence assessment, released in March 2026, also highlighted the multi-site radar development. Lithuanian reporting indicates that GPS-spoofing antennas in Kaliningrad have increased from a handful in early 2025 to at least 36 additional installations more recently. GPS spoofing involves transmitting misleading positioning signals to cause receivers to calculate incorrect locations. Satellite imagery has also revealed new or restored barracks, storage and training facilities in Karelia and the Leningrad military district, including an equipment depot north of Petrozavodsk. At a mobile S-400 air-defence site near Baltiysk, launchers were observed raised into firing position, indicating readiness at the time of observation. Strategic Importance Kaliningrad is a strategically positioned Russian territory on the Baltic Sea, bordered by NATO members Poland and Lithuania. It already hosts elements of Russia's Baltic Fleet, air-defence systems and missile units. Russia currently has one fully operational Container radar system, which was reportedly targeted by Ukrainian drone strikes in April 2024. A second facility in Kaliningrad could provide additional surveillance coverage and redundancy while improving monitoring of military movements and maritime and aerial traffic across northern Europe. ICEYE's synthetic aperture radar satellites can image the ground during the day and night and through cloud cover. Although the imagery confirms substantial construction at the Gvardeysk site, it does not establish that the facility is operational or verify its final technical specifications.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-21 15:37:17
U.S
CAMDEN, Arkansas, — L3Harris Technologies has opened its new Arsenal of Freedom solid rocket motor production facility in Camden, Arkansas, to double its current production capacity for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rocket motors and meet growing demand for tactical missile systems. The 60,000-square-foot plant, located in Highland Industrial Park in East Camden, consolidates GMLRS motor manufacturing operations previously spread across three buildings, reducing the distance motors travel during production by approximately 80 percent. The facility uses advanced automation, robotics and digital manufacturing and can produce one GMLRS solid rocket motor every nine minutes, according to company officials. Production is expected to begin shortly. The project is part of a $216 million cooperative agreement signed in 2023 with the US Department of War under the Defense Production Act Title III programme. The agreement also supports new facilities in Orange County, Virginia, and equipment and digital upgrades at existing facilities in Huntsville, Alabama. The investment is intended to strengthen domestic production and supply chains for GMLRS, Javelin and Stinger missile systems. Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment, said the facility strengthens rocket motor production capacity and supports a resilient, secure supply chain for US forces and allied nations. Ken Bedingfield, president of Missile Solutions at L3Harris, said the plant combines advanced manufacturing technology with skilled workers to increase output while maintaining quality and reliability. Camden Expansion Supports PAC-3 Production L3Harris’ Camden site covers approximately 2,000 acres and already produces more than 100,000 solid rocket motors annually in different sizes. The company is also developing the Arkansas Advanced Propulsion Facilities campus, where construction began in November 2025. The planned campus will cover approximately 110 acres and include more than 20 buildings. Once completed, it is expected to increase large solid rocket motor production capacity sixfold, with the first buildings targeted for handover to production teams in mid-2027. Two additional facilities are also planned to support PAC-3 interceptor propulsion production. One, measuring approximately 75,000 square feet, will handle casting, curing and final assembly, while another, measuring approximately 70,000 square feet, will support rocket motor case preparation. In October 2026, L3Harris received a $250 million follow-on award from Lockheed Martin for standard-range GMLRS propulsion units, covering the highest quantity in the programme’s history. The motors will be manufactured at the new Arsenal of Freedom facility. An earlier contract covered up to $200 million for GMLRS Insensitive Munition propulsion units. Multibillion-Dollar Manufacturing Investment The new plant is part of L3Harris’ wider multibillion-dollar expansion programme involving approximately 60 facilities, equipment projects and manufacturing upgrades across Arkansas, California, Virginia and Alabama. The company aims to double, triple or quadruple propulsion production rates across key programmes. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders attended the opening and described Camden as an important defence industry centre. She confirmed that production at the new plant would begin shortly. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton, Representative Bruce Westerman and Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald also welcomed the investment, citing its importance for defence manufacturing and jobs in southern Arkansas. L3Harris has not disclosed a specific annual output target or a detailed timeline for reaching the new facility’s planned capacity. The expansion is intended to increase rocket motor production, strengthen the US defence industrial base and support demand for precision-guided weapons.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-21 15:29:30
U.S
WASHINGTON, — Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Army have successfully completed a three-day live-fire demonstration of the Spike Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) missile system launched from an Infantry Squad Vehicle – Utility variant (ISV-U) at Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah. The test marked the first time the missile was fired from this mobile tactical platform. The demonstration involved 17 precision missile engagements against simulated operational targets at different combat ranges. U.S. Army infantry soldiers conducted most of the launches, testing the system's performance in a ground-based tactical environment. Rapid Training and Infantry Operations According to Lockheed Martin, soldiers completed their initial system training and conducted the live-fire missions within the same week. Units participating in the Army's Transformation-in-Contact (TIC) initiative were among the first to operate the system and provided feedback to help refine the programme's requirements. “This demonstration represents a critical milestone for Spike NLOS, showing that our infantry partners can confidently employ a long-range precision missile,” said Casey Walsh, program director for Lockheed Martin Multi-Domain Missile Systems. He added that live-fire data and soldiers' feedback would help shape final system requirements and accelerate field deployment. Spike NLOS Missile and Mobile Strike Capability The Spike NLOS is a precision-guided missile developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and offered in the United States by Lockheed Martin. It uses an electro-optical/infrared seeker and a wireless datalink that provides operators with video during flight and allows them to adjust or abort an engagement. Its ground-launched range is approximately 32 kilometres. The ISV-U is a light, air-droppable utility vehicle designed to transport infantry squads. Integrating Spike NLOS onto the vehicle is intended to give the Army's Mobile Brigade Combat Teams a mobile, long-range precision-strike capability against targets beyond direct line of sight, including armoured vehicles, artillery positions and command posts. The effort supports the Army's Mobile-Long-Range Precision-Strike Missile (M-LRPSM) directed requirement, which aims to improve the ability of mobile infantry units to engage high-value targets at extended ranges. The missile is also qualified for use on the U.S. Army's AH-64E Apache helicopter under the Long Range Precision Munitions directed requirement. Previous Trials and Next Steps Lockheed Martin was selected for Phase 1 of the M-LRPSM competition in August 2025 after a demonstration at Dugway Proving Grounds in which three Spike NLOS missiles hit their targets, including two targets without a direct line of sight. In October 2025, the company received a $30 million Phase 2 award for hardware supporting safety confirmation testing and integration of the missile onto a utility vehicle. Further validation testing with infantry units is planned over the next year. After this phase, the programme is expected to advance to Phase 3, which would begin initial operational production and lead to delivery of final system prototypes to the U.S. Army.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-21 15:19:18
Space & Technology
LONE PINE, Calif., — California-based space startup Reflect Orbital has conducted a ground-based lighting test near Mount Whitney to demonstrate how future satellites equipped with large mirrors could redirect sunlight to Earth after sunset. The October 10 exercise took place along Horseshoe Meadows Road near Lone Pine, using powerful spotlights to simulate illumination from space. The company worked with China Lake Mountain Rescue Group, a volunteer search-and-rescue organisation from Kern County, and other rescue volunteers. The test provided artificial lighting from 7 p.m. to midnight, illuminating roughly three miles of terrain in every direction at a brightness slightly higher than a full moon. Search-and-Rescue Teams Test Artificial Illumination Reflect Orbital positioned generator-powered, high-wattage spotlights on elevated terrain, directing the beams downward across the desert landscape. Teams first practised using headlamps in darkness before conducting grid-pattern ground searches, equipment rigging and stretcher carries under the artificial lighting. Phillip Cash, operations leader for China Lake Mountain Rescue, said the illumination made navigating the rugged terrain easier. However, he noted that the technology could be more useful in mass-casualty incidents and large-scale disaster rescue operations than during routine missions. Company spokesman Christopher Buscombe said the setup was designed to recreate the expected light spot from an orbital reflector, allowing rescue teams to evaluate the concept under practical conditions. The bright beams also attracted attention from local residents in Lone Pine. Some people initially suspected that a vehicle had left the road and drove towards the light source to investigate. Eärendil-1: Technical Details of the Planned Space Mirror Reflect Orbital plans to use satellites fitted with motorised, steerable thin-film reflectors to capture sunlight and direct it towards selected locations on Earth after sunset. The proposed system could support emergency response operations, disaster relief and solar farms seeking to extend electricity generation during evening demand. The company has also received inquiries about lighting for construction, public events and military operations. In July 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorised Reflect Orbital's Eärendil-1 demonstration satellite to deploy and operate in low Earth orbit. The spacecraft is expected to launch later in 2026 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare mission. The planned satellite has the following technical specifications: Reflector size: 18 × 18 metres (approximately 59 × 59 feet). Spacecraft mass: Approximately 142 kilograms. Operating altitude: Approximately 625 kilometres (388 miles). Illuminated area: A ground spot approximately 5 kilometres (3 miles) wide. Illumination duration: Several minutes during a satellite pass, according to the proposed mission design. The reflector is designed to direct sunlight onto a targeted area with brightness comparable to or slightly greater than a full moon. Eärendil-1 will test whether the concept can work from orbit. The FCC authorisation covers a single demonstration mission, not the deployment of a larger constellation. Expansion Plans and Astronomical Concerns Founded in 2021, Reflect Orbital has raised more than $35 million and has outlined a long-term plan to deploy up to 50,000 reflector satellites by 2035. Achieving this target would require further technological development, funding and regulatory approvals. The proposal has drawn opposition from the American Astronomical Society (AAS) and other scientific organisations. Their concerns include light pollution, disruption to optical astronomy and potential effects on the natural nighttime environment. The FCC's approval of the demonstration satellite does not amount to approval for the proposed larger constellation. The October 10 exercise tested the practical use of directed artificial lighting for search-and-rescue operations, but it did not involve an orbital mirror. Eärendil-1 has yet to demonstrate the proposed sunlight-reflection capability in space. Its future tests will need to establish whether the technology can provide useful nighttime illumination while addressing concerns about its environmental and astronomical effects.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-21 15:13:14
World
ERBIL, — Iran has accused Ukraine of deploying thousands of micro-drones in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region and establishing covert drone networks in countries surrounding Iran. Ukraine has rejected the allegations, describing them as unfounded and deliberate disinformation. The allegations were reported by Iran’s Tasnim News Agency on October 20, citing an unnamed security source. Tasnim is closely affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to the source, Ukrainian personnel operating specialised drone units have established a regional network for deploying small unmanned aerial vehicles. The source claimed that thousands of micro-drones had been deployed in Iraqi Kurdistan but declined to identify the other countries allegedly hosting Ukrainian personnel and equipment. The source said the names would be disclosed at an appropriate time. Iran reportedly views the alleged deployment as part of broader hostile activities by Ukraine, Europe and NATO. The source described the operation as a “failed attempt” and a “scandal,” adding that Tehran was aware of the alleged activities and was considering an appropriate response. The source also referred to an alleged Ukrainian attack on an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea, claiming that Iran had exercised restraint following the incident but would not allow Ukraine or European countries to expand operations against it. Ukraine Rejects the Allegations On October 21, the Embassy of Ukraine in Iraq issued a statement rejecting the Iranian claims. It said Ukraine had not deployed drones, drone units or related personnel in the Kurdistan Region or anywhere else in Iraq. The embassy described the allegations as “entirely unfounded” and “deliberate disinformation.” It also reaffirmed Ukraine’s respect for Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, highlighting its relations with both the Iraqi federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government. The embassy urged media organisations to verify information and avoid circulating unconfirmed claims. Earlier Arrests in Sulaymaniyah The allegations follow an incident in the summer of 2025, when police in Sulaymaniyah, a city in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, arrested three Ukrainian nationals suspected of overseeing training in the operation of small drones. According to the earlier account published by Tasnim, the training was allegedly connected to planned assassination operations funded and supervised by a group operating in northern Iraq. However, that incident does not independently establish that Ukraine has deployed thousands of micro-drones in the region. As of October 21, 2026, the alleged large-scale drone deployment remains independently unverified. The current claim originates from an unnamed Iranian security source, while Ukraine has formally denied it. No official response from the Iraqi federal government or the Kurdistan Regional Government was available in the reports reviewed.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-21 15:02:41
World
STOCKHOLM, — BAE Systems has secured a contract from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to supply four Bofors 57Mk3 naval gun systems and advanced 57mm 3P programmable ammunition. Deliveries are scheduled for 2028 and 2029 as Sweden strengthens its naval capabilities. The new guns are intended for Sweden’s future Luleå-class frigates. The Swedish Navy already operates the Bofors 57Mk3 aboard its Visby-class stealth corvettes, giving the service existing experience with the system. Bofors 57Mk3 Naval Gun Capabilities The Bofors 57Mk3 is a fully automatic, multirole naval gun designed for air defence, anti-surface warfare and naval fire support. It has a maximum firing rate of 220 rounds per minute, a muzzle velocity of approximately 1,035 metres per second and an effective maximum range of up to 17 kilometres. Its automated loading system allows operators to switch between different ammunition types, supporting engagements against different threats. 57mm 3P Programmable Ammunition The contract also includes Bofors 57mm 3P ammunition, which stands for Pre-fragmented, Programmable, Proximity-fused. The ammunition offers six programmable fuze modes, including gated proximity, time-fuzed airburst, impact and armour-piercing settings. Combined with the gun’s high firing rate, the ammunition is designed to engage a range of targets, including drones, loitering munitions, aircraft, incoming missiles and fast attack surface craft. BAE Systems Confirms Swedish Defence Partnership Stefan Löfström, Marketing & Sales Director at BAE Systems Bofors, said the contract reinforces the company’s long-standing relationship with the Swedish Armed Forces and FMV. “This contract reinforces our long-standing role as a trusted partner to the Swedish Armed Forces and FMV, and our commitment to supporting the Swedish Navy with world-class capability,” he said. He added that the agreement demonstrates Sweden’s confidence in the Bofors 57Mk3 and its advanced 3P ammunition as important capabilities for maritime defence.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-21 14:53:49
World
HAIFA, Israel / VANCOUVER AREA, Canada, — Israeli defence company Elbit Systems Ltd. has completed its acquisition of International Submarine Engineering Ltd. (ISE), a Canadian developer of autonomous underwater vehicles and remotely operated systems. The purchase price was described by Elbit Systems as not material to the company. The acquisition was announced on October 20, 2026. Headquartered in the Vancouver area, ISE has more than 50 years of experience in subsea robotics and has delivered over 250 underwater vehicles to customers in more than 20 countries. Its products include autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), computer control systems and robotics. The acquisition is intended to expand Elbit Systems’ capabilities in underwater intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), mine countermeasures (MCM) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW), strengthening its existing naval technology portfolio. ISE’s Underwater Technology ISE’s product range includes the Explorer series of modular autonomous underwater vehicles, available in configurations rated for depths of 1,000 metres, 3,000 metres and 6,000 metres. These vehicles support mine countermeasures, hydrographic surveys, pipeline and cable inspections, environmental monitoring and research. Their modular payloads can accommodate equipment such as side-scan sonar, multibeam echosounders and cameras. ISE also develops ROVs, semi-submersibles, specialised systems and related electronics and tooling for naval, scientific, environmental and offshore applications. Expanding Elbit’s Naval Capabilities Elbit Systems’ existing maritime portfolio includes unmanned surface vessels, underwater systems, integrated command-and-control (C2) suites, electro-optical and sonar systems, communications and electronic warfare technologies. Its solutions support missions ranging from coastal security to blue-water operations. The acquisition adds ISE’s autonomous underwater technologies to Elbit’s existing capabilities in naval electronic warfare, autonomous systems, naval precision munitions and maritime mission systems. Elbit also offers the Seagull unmanned surface vessel, designed for anti-surface warfare and related maritime missions. Elbit Systems President and CEO Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis said the acquisition marks another milestone in the company’s strategy to expand its naval offerings. He added that combining ISE’s underwater technologies with Elbit’s existing systems would strengthen its position as a global provider of integrated maritime solutions. The acquisition expands Elbit Systems’ range of unmanned maritime technologies, adding underwater platforms to its existing surface capabilities and supporting its efforts to provide integrated systems for a wider range of naval missions.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-21 14:43:57
World
SYDNEY, — Australia has unveiled the weapons and payload capabilities of its Ghost Shark extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle (XL-AUV), developed by Anduril Industries in partnership with Australia's Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG). The unmanned submarine is entering production with capabilities for mine warfare, drone deployment, reconnaissance and covert logistics. During a visit to Anduril's Sydney manufacturing facility on October 19, Australia's Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, confirmed the vehicle's expanded capabilities, stating that the submarine “has teeth now.” The Australian Government and the Royal Australian Navy revealed three primary payload capabilities: Mine warfare: A single Ghost Shark can carry and deploy up to 12 naval sea mines per mission. Air-launched effects: The submarine can launch swarms of ALTIUS-series drones, including reconnaissance models and kamikaze variants equipped with 4 kg explosive warheads. These support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and precision-strike missions. Covert logistics: The vehicle can deposit supply caches on the seabed to support special operations forces operating in high-risk or hostile coastal environments. "Ghost Shark has teeth now." - @PatConroy1, Australia's Minister for Defence Industry. The @ausgov and @Australian_Navy confirmed the payloads that our Ghost Shark extra-large autonomous submarine carries: sea mines, logistics caches, and air-launched effects for ISR and strike. Ghost Sharks are rolling off the production line. Payload testing is active. — Anduril Industries (@anduriltech) October 21, 2026 Modular Design and Payload Testing The Ghost Shark features a modular design with independent, standardised bow and stern sections and a replaceable central payload bay. This allows the same vehicle to accommodate different mission-specific systems, including mines, drones and underwater logistics payloads. Payload testing is underway, and the Ghost Shark and its newly revealed systems are scheduled to participate in the “Maritime Big Play Pacific” military exercises in San Diego. The exercises will test interoperability under the AUKUS Pillar II technology-sharing agreement, which promotes cooperation among Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States on advanced defence technologies. $1.7 Billion Investment Supports Production The programme is advancing following a $1.7 billion government investment announced in late 2025 to acquire a fleet of dozens of Ghost Shark autonomous underwater vehicles. The submarines are now rolling off the production line for delivery to the Royal Australian Navy, although payload testing remains active. Conroy described Ghost Shark as a flagship Australian defence industry success, highlighting the importance of domestic technological development and investment in sovereign capability. “Ghost Shark is a flagship Australian success story that showcases the ingenuity of our defence industry and the value of investing in sovereign capability,” Conroy said. He added that Ghost Sharks designed to conduct complex missions far from Australian shores were now rolling off the production line and entering the hands of the Australian Navy.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-21 14:40:35
Europe
STOCKHOLM, — Sweden has awarded contracts to Raytheon UK for its Landshield and Landshield Plus GPS anti-jamming systems to protect military navigation signals against electronic warfare threats. The contracts were awarded by the Commercial Affairs Division of the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). The systems will strengthen Sweden’s assured positioning, navigation and timing (APNT) capabilities in contested environments where adversaries attempt to disrupt GPS signals. The contract value, number of systems and delivery schedules have not been disclosed, and Raytheon UK has not identified the Swedish military platforms that will receive the equipment. Landshield Systems and Capabilities The Landshield family features a compact design for integration across land, maritime and air platforms, including autonomous ground vehicles and unmanned aerial systems. The standard Landshield system uses a four-element controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA) and can counter up to three jammers simultaneously across GPS L1 and L2 frequencies. The more advanced Landshield Plus uses a seven-element CRPA and combines its antenna and anti-jam processor in a single 18-watt unit. It can process up to seven dual-frequency channels and counter up to six jammers simultaneously. Both systems protect against different types of interference, including narrowband, broadband, continuous-wave, pulsed, swept and spectrally matched signals. They also provide real-time information about interference sources, including their direction, type and characteristics, and can interface with standalone or integrated GPS receivers. Their compact designs are intended to limit size, weight and power requirements. “Electronic warfare threats are evolving, and forces across NATO need navigation systems they can depend on,” said Alex Rose-Parfitt, engineering director at Raytheon UK. He added that Sweden’s selection would help protect critical GPS signals across multiple platforms and maintain mission effectiveness in contested environments. UK Production and Allied Demand Raytheon UK designs and manufactures the systems at dedicated facilities in the United Kingdom. The company has more than 25 years of experience in GPS protection technology and says it has delivered over 15,000 anti-jamming units supporting more than 20 allied nations worldwide. The contracts reflect growing demand across NATO and allied countries for anti-jamming equipment that meets different operational requirements and supports interoperability across military platforms. Raytheon UK, part of RTX’s Raytheon business, employs more than 2,000 people and is a major supplier and systems integrator for the UK Ministry of Defence.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-21 14:33:34
U.S
WASHINGTON, — The US Department of Defense has signed a framework agreement with BAE Systems to purchase up to 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guidance kits annually for seven years, as the US military increases its focus on affordable precision weapons, particularly for counter-drone operations. Announced on October 19, 2026, the agreement also provides an option to increase annual production to 35,000 kits to support exports to US allies through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The framework requires formal congressional authorization and funding before the planned purchases can take full effect. The total financial value has not been disclosed, and the Pentagon and BAE Systems are expected to negotiate a finalized multiyear procurement contract. APKWS Supports Counter-Drone Operations The APKWS converts standard unguided 2.75-inch (70 mm) Hydra rockets into precision laser-guided munitions. The guidance kit is compatible with existing rocket motors, warheads and fuzes, allowing operators to add precision guidance without replacing the entire rocket. The system is used by all four US military services: the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Its missions include counter-drone operations, air-to-surface, surface-to-surface, surface-to-air and air-to-air engagements. APKWS provides a lower-cost alternative to larger guided missiles when engaging certain aerial threats, including drones. Using expensive air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM against relatively inexpensive targets can increase the cost of sustained air defence. APKWS offers another option for engaging suitable threats with precision-guided rockets. Production Expansion and Supply Chain BAE Systems manufactures APKWS guidance kits at facilities in Hudson, New Hampshire, and Austin, Texas. The company reported delivering its 100,000th APKWS kit in February 2026 and has maintained full-rate production for more than a decade. Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, said the agreement would help maintain production capacity and provide military forces with a steady supply of interceptors. BAE Systems President and CEO Tom Arseneault described the kits as a proven and affordable precision capability for countering evolving threats. The long-term arrangement is intended to give the manufacturer greater certainty about future demand. This can support advance purchases of components, workforce expansion and investment in manufacturing facilities and supply chains, while helping the company respond to increases in demand. Previous Contract and Allied Demand The new framework builds on an earlier agreement awarded by the US Navy in August 2025, a separate five-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract valued at up to $1.74 billion. That contract covers up to 55,000 APKWS kits for US forces and foreign customers, with work expected to continue through 2031. Under the new framework, annual production could rise from 25,000 to 35,000 kits to accommodate additional allied demand through formal Foreign Military Sales requests. The APKWS program provides the US military and partner nations with a precision-guided option for multiple missions while retaining compatibility with existing rocket components and requiring limited additional training and maintenance.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 16:35:59
Europe
BERLIN, — Germany’s Ministry of Defence has dropped plans for a fast-track purchase of Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat collaborative combat aircraft, opting for a competitive evaluation in 2027. The decision delays Germany’s plans to field uncrewed combat aircraft, with operational deployment now expected in the early 2030s. According to Die Welt, Germany had considered purchasing at least 12 drones for more than €800 million, targeting deployment by 2029. However, an assessment concluded that no available system fully meets the Luftwaffe’s operational requirements. Germany has informed Boeing that the direct purchase will not proceed. MQ-28 Requirements and Alternatives Developed by Boeing Defence Australia for the Royal Australian Air Force, the MQ-28 is designed to operate alongside crewed fighters such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, supporting strike, reconnaissance and electronic warfare missions. It has completed more than 150 flights and demonstrated the ability to fire AIM-120 air-to-air missiles. German officials reportedly identified the need to modify the MQ-28 for ground-attack missions and questioned whether the changes could be completed by 2029. German and European alternatives were also considered insufficiently mature at that stage. The 2027 competition is expected to include three main contenders: Boeing and Rheinmetall, working on German integration of the MQ-28; Airbus and Kratos, offering the U740 Valkyrie, based on the XQ-58; and German defence AI company Helsing, with its CA-1 Europa drone concept. General Atomics has also expressed interest. Rheinmetall partnered with Boeing earlier in 2026 to support local integration, including adaptation of sensors, weapons and mission software. German companies such as Diehl Defence were also expected to contribute to software integration and support. Deployment Delayed to the Early 2030s Flight testing under the new evaluation process is expected to begin in 2027, while operational deployment is now anticipated in the early 2030s. Germany continues to target the broader NATO requirement for collaborative combat aircraft by 2035. Boeing confirmed that Germany had notified the company of the change and said it “stands ready to support” further steps with its German customer. The German Ministry of Defence declined to comment on specific procurement projects, citing contracting rules and parliamentary review requirements. Germany had previously considered buying the Ghost Bat as an interim capability while running a parallel competition. The competition-first approach gives European manufacturers more time to develop alternatives and offers Germany greater control over sensitive mission software. The decision comes as Germany introduces F-35 fighter aircraft and develops manned-unmanned teaming capabilities. With the Tornado fleet retiring and the Franco-German Future Combat Air System (FCAS) not expected until the mid-2030s, collaborative combat aircraft are intended to help bridge the capability gap. The 2027 evaluation will determine which platform, if any, advances toward production and operational service.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 16:20:09
Space & Technology
HOUSTON, — Four volunteers participating in NASA’s second Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) mission have completed 365 days living in isolation inside a simulated Mars habitat at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The crew entered the 1,700-square-foot, 3D-printed Mars Dune Alpha habitat on October 19, 2025. Their 378-day mission is scheduled to conclude on October 31, 2026, when they will leave the facility. The crew consists of Ross Elder, mission commander; Ellen Ellis, medical officer; Matthew Montgomery, science officer; and James Spicer, flight engineer. Life Inside the Simulated Mars Habitat During the mission, the volunteers have carried out activities designed to replicate the challenges of living and working on Mars. These include growing crops, conducting scientific research, operating robots, maintaining the habitat, exercising and managing limited resources. The crew has also conducted simulated Marswalks in spacesuits on a red-sand surface area outside their living quarters. The simulation includes restricted supplies, occasional simulated equipment failures and communication delays to reproduce some of the conditions expected during future missions. The volunteers have not met their families or friends in person since entering the habitat. Instead, they have relied on delayed email communications to simulate the time lag experienced when signals travel between Earth and Mars, which can reach tens of minutes in one direction. Studying Human Health and Performance NASA established the CHAPEA program to examine how prolonged isolation, confinement and limited resources affect human health, cognitive performance and decision-making. The findings are intended to help researchers prepare astronauts for long-duration missions in which crews must operate with greater independence from Earth. The research will support planning for future human exploration of the Moon and Mars, including the design of habitats, vehicles and support systems needed for missions beyond low Earth orbit. This is the second year-long CHAPEA mission conducted in Mars Dune Alpha. The first crew completed its mission on July 6, 2024. Mission Ends on October 31 The current crew is scheduled to leave the habitat on October 31, 2026, completing the 378-day experiment. Following their exit, the volunteers are expected to undergo approximately two weeks of post-mission evaluations and debriefings with NASA researchers before reconnecting with their families in person. NASA will analyse the data collected throughout the mission to improve preparations and operational procedures for future human expeditions to Mars.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 16:11:31
Space & Technology
TANEGASHIMA, Japan, — Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has successfully launched its Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft aboard an H3 rocket from Tanegashima Space Center at 4:41:03 a.m. Japan Standard Time. Approximately 71 minutes after liftoff, the spacecraft separated successfully and established communication with ground controllers. The mission aims to study Mars’ two moons, Phobos and Deimos, and return at least 10 grams of samples from Phobos to Earth. Scientists hope the findings will help determine whether the moons are captured asteroids or formed from debris following an impact on Mars. MMX is expected to reach Mars in August 2027 and spend approximately three years studying its moons. In early 2029, it is scheduled to deploy IDEFIX, a 25-kilogram rover developed jointly by France’s CNES and Germany’s DLR, to examine Phobos’ surface and help identify suitable sampling locations. The spacecraft plans one or two landings on Phobos in 2029 or 2030. It will also conduct flybys of Deimos before departing the Martian system around 2030. A return capsule carrying the collected samples is scheduled to land in Woomera, South Australia, in 2031. The international mission is led by JAXA, with contributions from NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), CNES and DLR. If successful, MMX will become the first mission to return samples from a moon of Mars, building on Japan’s previous Hayabusa and Hayabusa2 asteroid sample-return missions.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 15:51:09
Europe
GILCHING, Germany, — German drone manufacturer Quantum Systems has reported that its experimental battery-powered aircraft, the Apex Recordhunter, reached a speed of 777 km/h (483 mph) during a recent speed record attempt. Martin Karkour, the company’s chief revenue officer, confirmed the achievement, stating that the fixed-wing aircraft travelled at more than 200 metres per second. However, the result is not yet an officially recognised record because the required return flight in the opposite direction, which helps account for wind effects, remains pending. Previous Speed Test and Technology The latest attempt builds on a flight conducted on June 26, 2026, when the same aircraft reached 699 km/h (434 mph) in straight and level flight. Quantum Systems described that earlier result as an unofficial world best for a battery-electric flying object at the time. Developed over approximately a year by N3XT, Quantum Systems’ experimental development team, the Apex Recordhunter serves as a technology demonstrator for propulsion, energy management, aerodynamics and high-speed flight control. The lightweight aircraft uses composite materials and specialised high-discharge battery cells supplied by V4Smart, a subsidiary of Porsche, to meet the energy demands of high-speed flight. High-Speed Interceptor Drone Development Although the Apex Recordhunter is not a weapon, data gathered during its flights is contributing to the development of high-speed interceptor drones. Quantum Systems Co-CEO Sven Kruck linked the research to the growing challenge posed by Russia’s jet-powered Geran drones, which he said can fly at speeds of approximately 500 to 600 km/h. Such speeds present challenges for smaller interceptor drones designed to engage slower aerial targets. Electric interceptor drones are attracting interest as a potentially lower-cost alternative to traditional missile defence systems, offering defence forces another option for countering incoming aerial threats. Order for 15,000 Strila Interceptor Drones Quantum Systems has secured an order for 15,000 Strila interceptor drones, produced by Kyiv-based WIY Drones through their joint venture, Quantum WIY Industries. The interceptors are intended for Ukraine’s National Guard and are designed to engage fast and manoeuvring aerial targets. The development comes as Ukraine increases its use of interceptor drones against Russian aerial attacks. Available figures indicate that Russia launched more than 3,000 jet-powered drones at Ukraine in September alone, while Ukrainian manufacturers have introduced faster interceptor designs in response. Quantum Systems Expands Defence Operations Headquartered in Gilching near Munich, Quantum Systems is known for its Vector reconnaissance drone, which has been widely used by Ukraine’s military. In July 2026, the company announced a $1.2 billion Series D funding round, valuing it at approximately $8 billion. The round was co-led by Blackstone, Noteus, Airbus and Advent International to support the company’s aerospace and defence operations. The Apex Recordhunter’s latest flight represents the company’s continued work on high-speed electric aircraft technology. However, its reported speed of 777 km/h will require the completion of the return leg and formal certification before it can be recognised as an official record.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 15:40:44
World
TEHRAN, — Russia has reportedly offered to deploy a squadron of Sukhoi Su-35 multirole fighters and an S-400 long-range air defence system to protect Iran’s capital, Tehran, following losses to Iranian air defence assets during the 2025 and 2026 conflicts. According to defence analyst Babak Taghvaee, who cited sources within the Iranian Air Force in a post on X, the proposal was discussed on October 19 during meetings in Tehran involving a Russian government delegation led by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Neither the Russian nor Iranian government has officially confirmed the reported offer. Su-35 Fighters and S-400 System Proposed According to Taghvaee’s sources, the proposed deployment would include a squadron of Russian Aerospace Forces Su-35 fighters and one S-400 air defence system to strengthen the protection of Tehran’s airspace. The proposal follows the reported destruction of Iranian assets previously assigned to defend the capital. These included MiG-29B interceptors belonging to the Iranian Air Force’s 11th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Mehrabad International Airport and two S-300PMU-2 air defence batteries positioned south and west of Tehran. The losses reportedly occurred during Israeli and US attacks in 2025 and 2026. Russian Warships and Submarines Also Discussed The same sources said the discussions also covered the possible deployment of Russian warships and submarines to Iran’s 1st Naval Base at Bandar Abbas, in southern Iran. The reported proposal comes after extensive losses weakened the Iranian Navy’s ability to defend the country’s waters. However, no details have been officially confirmed regarding the number or types of Russian naval vessels that could be deployed. Lavrov’s Visit and Russia-Iran Relations Lavrov visited Tehran on October 19 and held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and President Masoud Pezeshkian. Official statements said the discussions covered bilateral cooperation, economic and energy projects, and the regional crisis following US and Israeli military action against Iran that began on February 28, 2026. At a joint press conference, Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s willingness to help find a diplomatic solution to the crisis and said Moscow would honour its economic agreements with Tehran. Araghchi also emphasised the importance of closer cooperation between the two countries. The Russia-Iran Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty provides a framework for closer cooperation and addressing shared threats, but it does not establish a mutual defence obligation requiring either country to defend the other militarily. For now, the reported deployments remain unconfirmed. Official statements from the two governments have focused on strategic cooperation and diplomatic efforts rather than confirming the specific proposed transfers or deployments of Russian military assets.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 15:31:35Search
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