Science
NANJING, CHINA — Researchers from Nanjing University, in collaboration with the National University of Singapore, have developed LightTok, an ultra-low-power vision sensor chip that converts light directly into AI-ready tokens inside the sensor. The findings were published this week in the journal Nature Sensors. Direct AI Tokenization at the Sensor Conventional vision systems capture light, convert analog signals into digital data, buffer and transfer the data, and then divide images into patches and embed them before producing tokens for Transformer models. These steps involve moving large amounts of often redundant data and consume significant energy, particularly in power-constrained edge devices. LightTok performs this process directly in the physical domain. Its photosensitive memory array uses single-layer molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) floating-gate phototransistors along with peripheral addressing circuits. Each pixel can sense light, store information as non-volatile charge and perform analog computing. Peripheral circuits select regions of the array and divide the image into blocks. Voltage sequences then allow the stored optical information to perform multiply-add operations in the analog domain, with the resulting current becoming the output token. These tokens can be sent directly to a Transformer encoder for image recognition. Liang Shijun, a professor at Nanjing University, described the approach as eliminating data movement that contributes significantly to energy consumption, with light entering the sensor and tokens being produced directly. 14.3-Fold Energy Reduction In tests, LightTok achieved 87.3 percent accuracy on image-recognition tasks, close to conventional software baselines. The research reported that energy efficiency during tokenization improved by more than 10 times compared with traditional digital methods. In a standard Vision Transformer pipeline using the CIFAR-10 dataset, the physical tokenizer achieved a 14.3-fold reduction in energy use compared with a digital tokenizer. 32 × 32-Pixel Prototype The current prototype has a 32 × 32-pixel resolution, providing 1,024 photosensitive pixels. This is smaller than sensors used in smartphones and industrial cameras. Miao Feng, director of Nanjing University's Institute of Brain-Inspired Intelligence and a co-leader of the research, said the technology is compatible with standard CMOS manufacturing processes and can be scaled. The researchers said wafer-level growth of molybdenum disulfide could eventually allow LightTok to reach resolutions comparable to existing imaging devices. The design is inspired by the human retina, which performs early visual processing before sending information to the brain. Potential Applications The researchers identified potential uses in drones, autonomous satellites for remote sensing, and small embodied-AI systems that require continuous visual processing under tight power constraints. By generating AI-ready tokens directly at the sensing stage, LightTok is intended to reduce the energy required to acquire and tokenize visual information for edge AI and physical AI systems.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-22 15:21:28
Space & Technology
Pingtung County, Taiwan — Taiwan’s first domestically developed satellite launch vehicle failed during its maiden flight test on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, after veering off course shortly after liftoff. The solid-fuel rocket, developed by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), was launched from the Jiupeng Base in Pingtung County at around 6:00 a.m. local time. NCSIST said the rocket developed a trajectory anomaly during the initial stage of flight. Ground telemetry detected abnormal rotation and a deviation from the planned flight path, prompting operators to activate the vehicle’s pre-planned self-destruct system. The rocket and debris fell in an uninhabited mountainous area within the designated safety control zone. No injuries or property damage were reported. Before the launch, authorities had established a safety exclusion zone covering a radius of 20 nautical miles (about 37 km) and extending to an altitude of 100,000 feet (about 30.48 km). NCSIST had also issued notices for sea and air firing activities at Jiupeng from August 19 to 21, 2026, including artillery and uncrewed aircraft system operations. Residents near the base reported seeing the rocket briefly climb before turning away from the sea toward the mountains. Some initially believed they were seeing a missile. Videos shared online showed the vehicle changing direction before falling, with smoke rising from the hillside. The Pingtung County Government called for further launch tests to be suspended and asked NCSIST to conduct a thorough review of its procedures. It also requested that future flight paths avoid Indigenous villages and other residential areas. NCSIST has sent personnel to the county government and the Mudan and Manzhou township offices to explain the safety measures and hear local concerns. NCSIST said engineers will analyse the telemetry collected during the brief flight to determine the cause of the failure and make necessary design changes. Possible areas under investigation include the propulsion or gyroscope systems and weight distribution, although the exact cause has not yet been confirmed. The project is a scientific research effort to develop a solid-fuel rocket capable of placing satellites into low Earth orbit. Project lead Lai Yu-hsuan said the work builds on NCSIST’s solid-rocket technology and has no other purpose. The program is separate from TASA’s liquid-fuel rocket program. No satellite was carried during the test. The objective was to collect flight data and validate the vehicle’s systems. This was the first flight test of Taiwan’s domestically developed launch vehicle. Taiwan has previously relied on foreign launch services for its satellites. Separately, the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) is working toward domestic orbital launch capability, including plans for a rocket capable of carrying a 200-kilogram satellite into orbit by around 2034 and the establishment of a dedicated launch facility in Pingtung. NCSIST said it will use the data from the August 19, 2026 flight to refine the vehicle before any further tests.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-22 14:55:51
World
Kyiv, Ukraine — North Korea has deployed a new contingent of military personnel to Russia, including around 400 drone operators, according to Major General Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy head of Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence (HUR). The deployment is part of the expanding military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. Skibitskyi said around 8,500 North Korean personnel are currently deployed in Russia, mainly in the Kursk region. The contingent includes approximately 1,000 engineers and deminers and at least 400 UAV operators. According to Ukrainian intelligence, the drone operators are expected to conduct both reconnaissance and strike missions against targets in Ukraine. The North Korean troops are not expected to fight directly inside Ukrainian territory. Instead, they are being used to reinforce Russian rear positions and border areas, potentially allowing Russian forces to be used for operations inside Ukraine. The latest deployment follows the arrival of the first major North Korean contingent in Russia’s Kursk region in October 2024, when North Korean forces were sent to support Russian operations against Ukraine’s cross-border offensive. North Korea publicly confirmed its soldiers’ participation in the conflict in April 2025. Ukraine first reported North Korean forces using attack drones against its territory in October 2025. Ukrainian intelligence estimates that around 25,000 North Korean personnel have been deployed or rotated through Russian forces since the cooperation began. Ballistic Missile Support North Korea has also supplied Russia with ballistic missiles. Skibitskyi said that by August 2025, Pyongyang had delivered at least 150 KN-23 and KN-24 ballistic missiles. Another 120 missiles were reportedly promised, with around 40 already delivered by early August 2026. Ukrainian officials linked two of the newly delivered missiles to a strike near Kryvyi Rih on July 30, 2026, which killed several civilians, including children from one family. A separate North Korean missile unit of around 90 personnel has reportedly begun deploying to Russia’s Voronezh region under the 112th Missile Brigade. Plans reportedly include up to six launchers and 120 ballistic missiles, including KN-23, KN-24 and upgraded KN-30 variants. Ukrainian intelligence says these systems could reach targets in the Sumy, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Poltava, Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. Possible Further Deployment Russia and North Korea signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with mutual defence provisions in 2024. Skibitskyi said Russian President Vladimir Putin could request up to 50,000 additional North Korean troops when he meets North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in September 2026. North Korean officials have rejected claims about a large additional deployment, with Kim Yo Jong recently describing such reports as unfounded. North Korea has also provided artillery shells and workers for Russian drone-production facilities, while Russian technical support has reportedly contributed to North Korean drone development and missile improvements. The reported deployment of 400 drone operators represents another expansion of the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, which now involves personnel, drones, missiles, artillery ammunition and technical assistance.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-22 14:33:16
Europe
BERLIN — Germany plans to spend almost €12 billion to build a new long-range weapons arsenal aimed at strengthening deterrence against Russia, according to internal Defence Ministry documents seen by POLITICO. The planned weapons would allow German forces to strike targets hundreds or thousands of kilometres behind enemy lines, including command centres, airfields, missile launchers and supply hubs. The programme is described as a priority for Germany and NATO and is intended to provide conventional strike capabilities below the nuclear threshold. The funding has not yet been approved. The costs have been included in the government’s budget planning process, but the measures remain subject to approval by the German Bundestag. The Defence Ministry has said it can comment further only after parliament considers the proposals. Four-Part Long-Range Strike Plan Low-Cost Missiles From 2027 The first part of the plan is a cost-efficient, mass-producible cruise missile that Germany wants to begin fielding in 2027. The approach draws on lessons from the war in Ukraine, where missiles and drones have been used against targets deep behind the front line and mass attacks can place pressure on air-defence systems. Three candidates are identified: Anthem, produced by U.S.-Israeli startup Covenant Industries; BARS, developed by a Ukrainian company; and the FP-5 Flamingo, developed by Ukrainian company Fire Point. The Flamingo has a reported range of about 3,000 kilometres and an estimated cost of around $500,000 per missile, roughly one-fifth the reported cost of a Tomahawk. Germany is in contract talks with two suppliers and aims to receive missiles for qualification next year, with framework contracts for later mass production also being prepared. U.S. Tomahawk and Typhon Systems The second part involves U.S. systems. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in July that Germany had reached an agreement with the United States to acquire Tomahawk cruise missiles and Typhon launchers. German planning calls for an initial capability using Typhon launchers armed with Tomahawks by the end of the decade. The U.S. systems are intended to fill Germany’s long-range strike capability gap while European alternatives are developed. Advanced German-British Weapons The final two parts involve Germany-UK cooperation under the Trinity House Agreement. The two countries are developing a next-generation stealth cruise missile and a hypersonic glide weapon, with planned ranges exceeding 2,000 kilometres. Initial capability is targeted for the middle of the next decade. These systems represent the longer-term European element of Germany’s deep-strike plans. Nearly €12 Billion Programme Internal planning documents allocate nearly €9 billion for development and procurement of the advanced systems, plus €182 million for keeping them in service. Another €1.8 billion is allocated for cruise-missile development and procurement, with €97 million for maintenance. These figures total around €11 billion, while separate Defence Ministry planning material puts the overall requirement at almost €12 billion. The programme reflects Germany’s shift toward a layered long-range strike capability, combining cheaper mass-producible weapons available sooner, U.S. systems for the interim period and more advanced European weapons for the longer term. The urgency is linked to the changing security situation in Europe, including Russia’s deployment of Iskander missile systems in Kaliningrad and medium-range weapons in Belarus, which have reduced warning times for European countries.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-22 13:33:57
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy is seeking industry concepts for a potential new version of the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) as NATO partners look to develop a Next Significant Variant (NSV) with improved capabilities against evolving aerial threats. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) issued a sources-sought notice on August 20, 2026, seeking companies able to design, build and support the NSV. Responses are due October 19, 2026. The notice is for market research only, carries no funding commitment and does not guarantee a future contract or prototype award. The ESSM is used by a 12-nation NATO consortium comprising Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Türkiye and the United States. The NATO SEASPARROW Project Office manages the program and is transitioning from Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems 12.0 to Program Acquisition Executive Munitions NSPO. 10-Inch Missile and Mk 41 Compatibility The Navy wants the NSV to retain the current 10-inch diameter of ESSM Block 2. This is important because the missile can be quad-packed in Mk 41 Vertical Launching System cells, allowing four interceptors to be carried in one cell. The existing ESSM Block 2 uses the larger 10-inch body compared with the 8-inch Block 1, providing space for its dual-mode X-band radar seeker. The Navy wants the new variant to retain this physical limit so existing ship launcher and magazine arrangements do not require redesign. ESSM Block 2 has a stated range of about 50 kilometers (31 miles) and a speed exceeding Mach 4. Its dual-mode seeker can use the missile's onboard radar or rely on a launching ship's illumination radar. Wider Threat Requirements NAVSEA wants the NSV to handle targets with different speeds, altitudes and maneuverability, including low-speed to high-speed, sea-skimming to high-diving and non-maneuvering to high-G targets. The missile must also be able to track and discriminate between closely spaced targets and operate in contested environments involving radar, electro-optical and infrared countermeasures, as well as enemy jamming and decoys. Companies can submit complete missile designs or proposals for individual components such as seekers, propulsion systems, guidance electronics or warheads. Open Architecture and Technology Rights The proposed missile must use a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), allowing adaptable and interoperable systems based on severable, standards-based components. The U.S. government is seeking at least Government Purpose Rights to technical data, source code and design documentation. The requirement is intended to provide the consortium with greater flexibility to support, upgrade or manufacture the missile without being dependent on a single supplier. All proposed technologies and data must be legally releasable to all 12 consortium members. Companies must also explain compliance with U.S. export controls, including ITAR, and domestic sourcing requirements such as the Buy American Act. Firms requesting detailed ESSM requirements must sign a non-disclosure agreement. Current ESSM Production and NSV Development Raytheon, an RTX business, is the prime contractor and design agent for ESSM Block 2. The company delivered its 500th Block 2 missile to the U.S. Navy in October 2025 and has increased production to more than 350 missiles annually, with plans to roughly double production again by mid-2026. The NATO SEASPARROW Project Office held an NSV industry day in January 2026 and previously sought industry information on a releasable seeker assembly for the same 10-inch missile body. Official program material identifies a goal of reaching Milestone B by September 2029, with modeling and simulation, model-based systems engineering and other studies continuing. The ESSM program has been a multinational NATO weapons effort for more than five decades. NAVSEA has not yet announced a formal follow-on solicitation timeline, estimated program cost, or whether the NSV will replace ESSM Block 2 or operate alongside it. The current notice may or may not lead to a future Federal Acquisition Regulation-based contract or prototype award under Other Transaction authority.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-22 13:23:56
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of State has approved a possible $364 million Foreign Military Sale to Italy for the air-to-air variant of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II (APKWS-II). The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced the approval on August 21, 2026, under Transmittal No. 26-92. Italy has requested 5,031 WGU-59B/B Single Variant Air-to-Air Guidance Sections, along with associated launchers, warheads, rocket motors, proximity fuzes, training equipment and support services. Package Details The proposed package includes: 5,031 WGU-59B/B APKWS-II guidance sections LAU-131 A/A 7-round rocket launchers Mk-152 high-explosive warheads MK66 solid-fuel rocket motors and inert training motors Proximity fuzes WTU-1/B practice warheads Other support equipment Publications and technical documentation Transportation U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support BAE Systems of Nashua, New Hampshire, is the principal contractor. The U.S. government said it is not currently aware of any proposed offset agreement. Any such agreement would be negotiated between Italy and the contractor. APKWS-II Air-to-Air System APKWS-II is a laser-guidance kit that converts standard 70mm (2.75-inch) Hydra 70 unguided rockets into precision-guided weapons. The guidance section is installed between the warhead and rocket motor. In the air-to-air configuration, laser receivers are positioned on the leading edges of the deployable wings, while proximity fuzes and optimized software support engagements against drones and other slow-moving aerial targets. The system can also be carried in multi-round launcher pods, allowing several guided rockets to be carried on a single launcher. Strengthening Italy's Air Defense The U.S. State Department said the proposed sale would strengthen Italy's homeland defense, improve its ability to address current and future threats, and enhance its contribution to NATO integrated air and missile defense. It would also support the protection of Italy and allied land forces. The U.S. government said Italy can absorb the equipment and services into its armed forces, while the sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region. Implementation would not require additional U.S. Government or contractor personnel to be assigned to Italy, and the proposed sale would have no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness. The approval is for a potential sale, not a completed contract. Final quantities, configuration and costs would be determined through negotiations and contracting if Italy proceeds with the purchase.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-22 13:06:18
Europe
Vidsel, Norrbotten, Sweden — The Swedish Air Force has conducted the first launch of a Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missile from a Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft, marking a new stage in Sweden’s integration of the long-range weapon. The test was conducted on August 21, 2026, at the Vidsel Test Range in Norrbotten, northern Sweden. The Swedish Air Force, known as Flygvapnet, announced the launch the same day, stating that a Taurus KEPD 350 had been launched from a Swedish JAS 39 Gripen for the first time. The service described Taurus as a long-range cruise missile that introduces a new deep-strike capability. Images and video released with the announcement and credited to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) show a Gripen C releasing the missile. The Taurus used during the test had a yellow marking associated with a live round. A second Taurus was also visible under the aircraft. No further details about the specific test profile, target or results have been released by Swedish authorities. Taurus KEPD 350 Capabilities The Taurus KEPD 350 is an air-launched stand-off cruise missile developed by Taurus Systems GmbH, a German-Swedish joint venture involving MBDA Deutschland and Saab. According to MBDA, the missile has a range of more than 500 kilometres, a mass of about 1,400 kilograms and a length of approximately five metres. It carries a roughly 480-kilogram MEPHISTO warhead designed for precision strikes against hardened and high-value targets. The missile uses a navigation system combining inertial navigation with GPS, terrain-reference navigation and image-based navigation. MBDA says Taurus is designed for very-low-level terrain-following flight and for operations against hardened and deeply buried targets. The MEPHISTO warhead uses a dual-stage design intended to provide penetration capability against hardened targets as well as effects against area targets. Its programmable fuze can determine the detonation point within a target structure. Sweden’s Gripen Integration Sweden announced in February 2025 that it would acquire and integrate the Taurus KEPD 350 with its Gripen fleet. The initial integration is focused on the Gripen C/D, with the Gripen E planned for a later stage. Public plans have pointed to operational introduction around 2028. The August 21 launch therefore represents an important flight-test milestone for Sweden’s Taurus integration programme. The test demonstrates that the weapon has progressed from integration work to an actual launch from a Swedish Gripen C. Sweden is also upgrading part of its Gripen C/D fleet. FMV plans have included upgrades for 60 Gripen C/D aircraft, with the aircraft continuing to operate alongside the newer Gripen E/F fleet. The Taurus capability is associated with the upgraded Gripen C/D configuration. Vidsel Test Range The launch was conducted at the Vidsel Test Range in Norrbotten. The facility is operated by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration and provides a large restricted area for weapons and military system testing. The location has previously been used for Taurus development and flight testing. Saab records show that Taurus KEPD 350 test flights were conducted at Vidsel during the missile’s development programme. The latest launch is part of Sweden’s continuing work to introduce the Taurus KEPD 350 as a long-range stand-off weapon for the Gripen fleet. The Taurus KEPD 350 is already operated by the armed forces of Germany, Spain and South Korea. Its integration with the Swedish Gripen adds another national operator while expanding the range of air-launched strike capabilities available to the Swedish Air Force.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-22 12:53:36
Europe
Trollhättan, Sweden — GKN Aerospace has unveiled its new uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) demonstrator less than a year after beginning a collaborative programme with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). The full-scale UAV mock-up and its newly developed dedicated turbojet engine were displayed on August 21 at Malmen Air Base in Linköping during The Armed Forces Air Venture 2026, held as part of celebrations for the Swedish Air Force’s centenary. The programme began in November 2025, when FMV awarded GKN Aerospace a contract worth approximately 150 million Swedish kronor (around £12 million). The 18-month programme covers the development of a clean-sheet UAV demonstrator, including its airframe, onboard systems and dedicated turbojet engine. The project is designed to explore rapid capability development, scalable production and future uncrewed aviation technologies. The UAV will serve as a flexible technology and process demonstrator, allowing the end customer to determine final capability priorities as the programme develops. The programme brings together GKN Aerospace teams in Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK. Programme leadership and engine development are based mainly at GKN Aerospace’s Trollhättan site in Sweden, while airframe development is centred in the Netherlands, with systems-integration support from the UK. GKN Aerospace is also examining additive manufacturing, or industrial 3D printing, for different parts of the system, including engine components. The dedicated turbojet is a clean-sheet design and has reached a startup milestone, with most of its development carried out in Trollhättan. Joakim Andersson, President Engines at GKN Aerospace, said the unveiling represents the first tangible result of work that began as an idea and ambition about a year ago. He credited the close cooperation between FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces and GKN Aerospace teams. Sara Eklöf, Senior Vice President Government Solutions at GKN Aerospace, said the milestone demonstrates what can be achieved through cooperation between engineering, manufacturing and customer teams, adding that the experience gained will be valuable for the programme’s next phase. The initiative builds on GKN Aerospace’s long-standing relationship with FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces. The company is the licensed original equipment manufacturer for the RM12 engine used by Saab Gripen aircraft and has extensive military-engine experience in Sweden. The programme is now moving toward further ground testing of the fuselage and onboard systems, along with preparations for flight testing. The planned 18-month programme is intended to culminate in flying demonstrations to validate overall system performance. The UAV is currently a technology and process demonstrator rather than a finished operational system. The programme is also expected to provide experience relevant to future Swedish fighter-system development and faster methods of developing military capabilities.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-22 12:47:43
World
China — A research team from the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre (CARDC) has developed an aerodynamic model for a large flying-wing passenger aircraft designed to carry more than 800 passengers. The concept is part of China’s broader research into large commercial aircraft and alternative airliner configurations. Technical details of the design were published in the Chinese-language Journal of Aerospace Power in June. Flying-Wing Design Unlike conventional passenger aircraft, which have a separate fuselage, wings and tail, the flying-wing configuration combines much of the aircraft into a single lifting structure. The proposed aircraft has a wingspan of 85 metres (280 feet) and a length of 43 metres. It has a reference wing area of about 1,395 square metres (15,015 square feet), with a 37-degree leading-edge sweep and a 28-degree trailing-edge sweep. The target cruise speed is Mach 0.8, while the planned passenger capacity is more than 800. The wingspan would be approximately 1.6 times that of the U.S. B-2 Spirit, another aircraft that uses a flying-wing configuration. However, unlike the B-2, the Chinese design is intended for civil aviation. For comparison, the Airbus A380, currently the largest passenger aircraft in commercial service, typically accommodates about 555 passengers. Development by CARDC The project was developed by CARDC, a national aerodynamics research institute that has contributed to major Chinese aviation programmes, including the C919 narrowbody passenger aircraft and the Y-20 military transport aircraft. The research team, led by aerodynamics researcher Li Yonghong, described the high-aspect-ratio flying-wing configuration as having aerodynamic advantages, including a high lift-to-drag ratio and low induced drag. These characteristics are being studied for their potential to reduce energy consumption and support longer-range operations. The design was initially developed as a 250-seat aircraft comparable in capacity to aircraft such as the Airbus A330 and Boeing 767. It was later expanded into the 800-passenger class as part of research connected with China's efforts to develop large twin-aisle widebody aircraft. Wind Tunnel Testing A full-scale aircraft has not been built. The research has so far focused on a 1:52 stainless-steel scale model. The model measures approximately 0.8 metres in length and has a wingspan of 1.6 metres. It was tested in CARDC’s 2.4-metre transonic wind tunnel at speeds between Mach 0.4 and Mach 0.8. Researchers examined the model’s aerodynamic performance, boundary-layer transition, measurement accuracy, lateral and longitudinal stability, and structural deformation. The team reported a maximum lift-to-drag ratio of about 20 at speeds below Mach 0.7. At Mach 0.8, the lift-to-drag ratio was reported at 17.6. According to the researchers, the test results demonstrated strong aerodynamic performance and allowed the model to serve as a benchmark for research into large, slender flying-wing configurations. The data will also support further research into flow mechanisms, aeroelasticity and wind-tunnel testing methods. Part of China's Wider Commercial Aviation Programme The flying-wing project is being developed alongside other Chinese commercial aviation programmes. China’s C919 narrowbody passenger aircraft is already in commercial service, while development of the C929 long-range widebody aircraft is continuing. The C929 is designed for around 280 passengers and is targeted for a first flight around 2030. China is also studying the C949 supersonic passenger aircraft concept. The flying-wing passenger aircraft remains at the research and testing stage and does not yet have a public name. No full-scale prototype has been built. The current work is focused on aerodynamic research and testing, providing data for further studies of the configuration rather than representing a completed commercial aircraft. China’s R&D Investment The project is also part of a wider increase in Chinese investment in research and development. OECD data show that China spent about $1.028 trillion on R&D in 2024, compared with $1.009 trillion by the United States, giving China a reported $19 billion lead in total R&D spending that year. For the flying-wing project, however, the immediate focus remains aerodynamic research. The wind-tunnel results are expected to provide a technical basis for continued studies of the aircraft configuration and its aerodynamic and structural characteristics. The proposed 800-plus-passenger aircraft therefore remains a research concept rather than an aircraft ready for commercial operation.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-22 12:10:38
U.S
QUANTICO, Va. — The U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) has completed technical acceptance of its first Ancillary Surface Craft (ASC) prototype, moving the approximately 150-foot vessel into limited technical assessments at Quantico, Virginia. The ASC is a roll-on/roll-off landing craft designed to transport personnel, equipment and fuel directly to unimproved shorelines, providing what the Marine Corps calls the “last tactical mile” of logistics support. It can carry up to 46 tons of cargo and 40 combat-loaded Marines. The shallow-draft craft is designed to operate in Sea State 5 and survive conditions up to Sea State 7. It has forward-looking sonar for navigating uncharted shallow waters, detecting submerged obstacles and assessing beach gradients before landing. It also has a fuel delivery and transfer system for vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore operations. Birdon describes the vessel, also known as the Ancillary Surface Craft-Medium, as approximately 150 feet long, 30 feet wide and with a draft of about 4.9 feet. Earlier company material listed cargo capacity of up to 54 tons, while Marine Corps technical acceptance validated 46 tons. Supporting Distributed Marine Operations The ASC is intended to support the Marine Corps' Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) concept, which calls for small, mobile forces to operate from temporary positions in contested maritime areas without relying on fixed ports, piers or causeways. The craft is intended to complement the larger Medium Landing Ship (LSM) being developed by the Navy and Marine Corps. With the LSM program facing delays, the Marine Corps has described the ASC and similar smaller surface craft as a bridging capability for sustaining distributed forces in the Pacific. The ASC is optimized for moving medium and light tactical vehicles and other supplies between shorelines that larger vessels may not be able to reach. “This prototype allows MCWL to immediately execute hands-on experimentation, test tactical concepts, and put real hardware in the hands of Marines,” said Col. Kenny Jones, Science and Technology Division Director at MCWL. He said testing the ASC's traditional bow-first beaching approach alongside other experimental platforms will help reduce programmatic risk and refine requirements for future naval forces. Prototype Construction and Testing The Marine Corps awarded Birdon America, the U.S. subsidiary of Australian maritime company Birdon, a contract for two ASC prototypes in 2024. Birdon partnered with C&C Marine and Repair in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, where construction began in 2025. The companies used automation-driven production methods intended to shorten construction time. The first ASC will initially operate with a hybrid crew of Marines and contracted mariners, with Birdon America craft masters and engineers and Australian Army crewing support working under MCWL oversight. The arrangement will also support Marine training for independent operation of small surface craft. Upcoming testing will examine the vessel's force-protection and self-defense configurations, while its primary mission remains logistics and maneuver. A Distinguished Visitor Day involving the ASC was held in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, on August 12, 2026, where Marine Corps personnel, industry partners and others observed the vessel. With technical acceptance complete, MCWL will now conduct hands-on testing to assess the ASC's performance and support the development of future requirements for small surface craft.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-22 11:52:48
World
ANKARA, Türkiye — Türkiye’s MARLIN unmanned surface vessel (USV) has successfully completed mine-laying trials using the domestically developed MALAMAN smart bottom mine, adding a new mine-warfare capability to the Turkish Navy’s first operational unmanned naval platform. The trials, reported by Türkiye’s state-owned Anadolu Agency on August 17, 2026, involved deploying MALAMAN mines in both remotely controlled and fully autonomous modes. The work included the design and production of a dedicated mine carriage and release mechanism, along with mission-planning interfaces and algorithms for autonomous mine-laying. Validation and testing were conducted at Sefine Shipyard using training versions of the MALAMAN mine. MARLIN USV MARLIN was developed by Sefine Shipyard and ASELSAN under the coordination of Türkiye’s Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB). It entered Turkish Naval Forces service in January 2024 as Türkiye’s first USV in the naval inventory. The 15-metre platform has a beam of about 3.85 metres, a displacement of around 21 tonnes and a payload capacity of at least four tonnes. It can reach speeds of at least 35 knots and has an endurance of up to 72 hours. Its modular architecture allows different sensors, weapons and electronic-warfare equipment to be integrated. MARLIN has previously been tested and configured for anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare and electronic warfare missions, and has also conducted missile-firing trials. MALAMAN Smart Mine MALAMAN is a Turkish-developed smart sea-bottom mine intended for deployment from surface vessels, submarines, aircraft and unmanned platforms. Its development involved KoçSavunma, MKE and TÜBİTAK SAGE. The mine uses pressure, magnetic and acoustic data for target detection and classification. It is designed for water depths of 5 to 100 metres and uses a pressure-resistant composite casing designed to blend with the seabed. MALAMAN has a diameter of 533 mm, making it compatible with submarine torpedo tubes. It is approximately 1.8 metres long and weighs about 600 kg, including around 400 kg of insensitive underwater explosive. The system entered Turkish Naval Forces inventory in 2026, while earlier work included fit checks with Türkiye’s REIS-class submarines and integration work for use from Turkish Navy landing ships. New Unmanned Mine-Laying Capability The integration gives MALAMAN another deployment option while allowing mine-laying missions to be conducted without exposing a crewed vessel. The successful remote-controlled and autonomous trials demonstrate different levels of operator involvement. The demonstration also expands MARLIN’s mission set into mine warfare alongside its existing surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, electronic-warfare and other tested roles. It represents the first reported pairing of MARLIN with the MALAMAN smart bottom mine.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-22 11:45:40
U.S
Washington, D.C., — The United States is advancing bipartisan legislation that would require the Netherlands and other key allies to further restrict ASML’s semiconductor manufacturing equipment sales and services to China. The Multilateral Alignment of Technology Controls on Hardware (MATCH) Act, introduced in April 2026, would give allied countries 150 days to align their export controls with U.S. rules. If they fail to do so, Washington could expand use of the Foreign Direct Product Rule (FDPR) to restrict foreign-made equipment containing U.S. technology, software or components. Targeting DUV Equipment and Services The legislation mainly targets deep ultraviolet (DUV) immersion lithography machines that ASML can still sell to China under current Dutch regulations. The Netherlands and the United States have already restricted China’s access to ASML’s most advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) systems and certain higher-end DUV equipment. The MATCH Act would also restrict installation, maintenance, spare parts, remote software updates and technical support for covered machines already operating in China. Major Chinese companies named for tighter restrictions include SMIC, Huawei, Hua Hong, CXMT and YMTC. U.S. lawmakers argue that existing gaps allow Chinese chipmakers to use older lithography equipment and multi-patterning techniques to produce advanced semiconductors, including chips used for artificial intelligence. ASML and Dutch Concerns China accounted for about 33% of ASML’s sales in 2025, making it the company's largest market that year. ASML has projected that China's share could fall to around 20% in 2026 as existing restrictions take greater effect. ASML is Europe’s most valuable listed company and depends on U.S. suppliers for important technology and components, including light sources produced by its U.S. subsidiary Cymer. This gives Washington significant leverage over the Dutch company. The proposed legislation has created friction between Washington and The Hague. Dutch Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma has described forced cooperation as “undesirable” and has traveled to Washington to meet U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and members of Congress. The Dutch government has argued that export-control decisions affecting Dutch companies should remain under Dutch control and has opposed the bill’s extraterritorial provisions. Legislative Status The MATCH Act has bipartisan support and lawmakers have sought to attach it to the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The broader NDAA temporarily stalled in the Senate on July 14, 2026, amid unrelated political disagreements over military funding connected to Iran. As of mid-August 2026, the MATCH Act remained under consideration and had not become law. Its proposed restrictions would expand existing U.S.-led controls by targeting remaining DUV equipment sales to China as well as servicing and technical support for machines already installed there.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-22 11:38:10
U.S
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of State has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Norway for 21 UH-60M Black Hawk multirole helicopters and related equipment, with a maximum estimated value of $2.3 billion. The approval was announced on August 21, 2026, but does not represent a final Norwegian order. The deal remains subject to an intergovernmental Letter of Offer and Acceptance. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), Norway has requested 21 UH-60M helicopters, 46 T700-GE-701D engines, 25 AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems, 25 Common Infrared Countermeasure systems, 25 AN/APR-39E(V)2 Radar Warning Receivers, 50 EAGLE-M+429 Embedded GPS/Inertial Navigation Systems, 100 AN/ARC-231A RT-1987 VHF/UHF/line-of-sight satellite communication radios and 18 M240H machine guns. The package also includes laser warning systems, identification-friend-or-foe transponders and cryptographic equipment, navigation and radio systems, radar altimeters, electro-optical/infrared sensors with laser designators, ballistic armor, internal auxiliary fuel tanks, fast-rope insertion and extraction systems, rescue hoists, dual patient litter systems, external stores support and weather radar. It also covers training devices, spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools, technical data, publications, personnel training, and U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support. Four of the 46 engines are identified as spare engines. If the agreement proceeds, Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky unit, based in Stratford, Connecticut, would be the principal contractor. Around 15 U.S. government and 15 contractor representatives would travel to Norway for equipment fielding, system checkout, training and support. Part of Norway's Helicopter Modernization The proposed UH-60M acquisition follows Norway's decision in June 2026 to suspend a project for up to nine HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopters, which had initially been valued at $2.6 billion. Norway said further decisions on helicopter fleet modernization would follow, but it has not officially confirmed a connection between the suspended HH-60W project and the UH-60M request. The Black Hawk proposal could also provide an option for replacing Norway's Bell 412 helicopters, which support Army and Special Operations Forces missions. Some of the existing Bell 412s have undergone or are undergoing upgrades to extend their service life. If completed, the purchase would expand the UH-60M's European customer base. Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania and Austria already operate the Black Hawk, while Greece has also ordered the helicopter, with deliveries expected to begin soon. Norway has separately ordered six MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters, with deliveries expected to begin within the next several months and all six anticipated by 2027. They are intended primarily for maritime and coast guard roles, replacing previously operated NH90 helicopters. The U.S. State Department said the proposed sale would strengthen Norway's ability to address current and future threats, improve interoperability with U.S. and allied forces, and provide the Norwegian Army and Special Operations Forces with a common rotary-wing platform. The U.S. assessment states that Norway should have no difficulty absorbing the equipment and services, while the sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region or adversely affect U.S. defense readiness. No offset agreement has been identified at this stage, with any such arrangement to be determined during negotiations. The U.S. Congress has been notified of the proposed sale. As a NATO ally, Norway is subject to a 15-day congressional review period.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-22 11:30:50
U.S
BRUSSELS — Lockheed Martin is advancing its Vectis collaborative combat aircraft (CCA), an uncrewed platform designed to operate independently or alongside crewed fighters such as the F-35 and future next-generation aircraft. Developed by the company’s Skunk Works division, Vectis was unveiled in September 2025 as a Group 5 survivable and lethal unmanned aircraft for U.S. and allied militaries. Lockheed Martin says the platform is designed around crewed-uncrewed teaming, survivability, autonomy and an adaptable open architecture. Vectis is designed for precision strikes, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) targeting, electronic warfare, and offensive and defensive counter-air missions. It can perform these missions independently or in coordination with crewed aircraft, with endurance intended for operations in the Indo-Pacific, Europe and U.S. Central Command areas. The aircraft uses a tailless lambda-wing design, top-mounted air intake, shovel-like nose and conformal antennas, reflecting its low-observable design approach. Its exact dimensions remain undisclosed, but Lockheed Martin officials have described it as smaller than an F-16 and larger than the company’s Common Multi-Mission Truck platforms. The current design is runway-dependent. F-35 Integration and Open Architecture Lockheed Martin has conducted classified simulated operational analyses involving Vectis with the F-35 and F-22. The company says pilots in crewed aircraft will be able to control the drones through wide-area touchscreen displays. The aircraft incorporates the Multi-Domain Combat System (MDCX) for autonomous control and multi-domain connectivity. Its development also uses Skunk Works’ Agile Drone Framework, emphasizing modularity, open mission systems and government reference architectures. Lockheed Martin says this approach is intended to prevent vendor lock-in and allow payloads and software to be upgraded as requirements change. Development and Engine Skunk Works is internally funding the program, with components already ordered and a development team working on the aircraft. Lockheed Martin initially set a goal of designing, building and flying Vectis within two years of its September 2025 unveiling, targeting a first flight in 2027. The prototype will use a Williams International FJ44-4 turbofan, which produces more than 3,600 pounds of thrust and features a compact twin-spool design. Company officials have said operational analysis does not indicate a requirement for supersonic speed. Lockheed Martin is using digital engineering and advanced manufacturing methods to pursue an accelerated development schedule and a CCA-level price point. European Interest Lockheed Martin displayed a scale model of Vectis at the Brussels European Defence Exhibition (BEDEX) from March 12 to 14, 2026. The company promoted the aircraft to European customers, including the Belgian Air Component, as a potential “loyal wingman” capability. The company is also discussing the platform with other European countries interested in collaborative combat aircraft. Vectis is intended to complement crewed fifth-generation fighters while retaining the ability to conduct independent missions. Lockheed Martin Vice President and Skunk Works General Manager O.J. Sanchez said the Vectis concept is based on a highly capable, customizable and affordable agile drone framework designed for the future battlespace.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-21 16:10:38
Europe
KIEL, Germany — German defence technology company STARK has delivered the first Seetaube autonomous unmanned surface vessel (USV) to the German Armed Forces’ Cyber and Information Domain Service (Kommando CIR). The six-metre vessel is based on STARK’s Vanta-6 platform and was acquired through an innovation initiative of the Cyber Innovation Hub of the Bundeswehr, in cooperation with the Centre for Digitalisation of the Bundeswehr. The Seetaube was formally christened during a ceremony in Kiel in August 2026. Maritime Reconnaissance and Signal Detection Seetaube is equipped with cameras, sensors and radar for maritime reconnaissance. It can follow pre-programmed routes autonomously while operating within defined parameters. An operator monitors the mission remotely and can take manual control at any time. Data collected by the vessel is transmitted securely in real time to the operator terminal. The USV is designed to provide a second mobile observation point at sea. When operating alongside a manned naval vessel, it can provide an additional bearing point for locating radio signals through cross-bearing measurements. This can help identify suspicious activity and improve the speed and precision of maritime reconnaissance. Sven Weizenegger, head of the Bundeswehr’s Cyber Innovation Hub, said the system increases force effectiveness without requiring another large manned platform. STARK CTO Johannes Schaback said the system provides sensors, range and endurance in the operational area without requiring additional personnel on manned ships. Vanta-6 Specifications and Previous Tests The Vanta-6 can reach more than 45 knots, carry a payload of up to 500 kilograms, and has a range of approximately 1,685 kilometres. It weighs about 2,100 kilograms and can operate in Sea State 4. The Vanta family was developed for reconnaissance and coastal-water operations, as well as the protection of ports and critical maritime infrastructure. Vanta systems participated in the NATO exercises REPMUS and Dynamic Messenger in Portugal in September 2025. During the exercises, the vessels conducted missions including high-value-target escort, harbour-control tasks, over-the-horizon reconnaissance and night-time ISR patrols. The Vanta platform has also been successfully used to launch Cascade loitering munitions from containerised launchers, demonstrating its potential for roles beyond reconnaissance. The Bundeswehr will now conduct further sea trials and operator training over the coming months before the Seetaube is formally taken into service.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-21 15:57:04
World
ISTANBUL — Turkey has begun the process of seeking Interpol Red Notices for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Afek Moskovitch in connection with a criminal case over the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying humanitarian aid toward Gaza. Turkish Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced on August 21 that the Justice Ministry had asked the Interior Ministry to seek Red Notices for Netanyahu and Moskovitch. The relevant documents were also sent to the Foreign Ministry. Arrest Warrants Issued in July The case is being handled by Istanbul’s 11th High Criminal Court under file number 2026/108 and involves 35 defendants, including Netanyahu and Moskovitch. According to Gürlek, arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Moskovitch were issued on July 14, 2026, on a genocide charge. The subsequent request for Interpol Red Notices is intended to seek their international location and provisional arrest in accordance with applicable legal procedures. Turkish authorities say the case concerns the alleged armed interception of civilians traveling by sea with humanitarian aid for Gaza in international waters and the subsequent detention of activists. The charges cited by Turkish authorities include crimes against humanity, genocide, aggravated deprivation of liberty, intentional injury, torture, property damage, aggravated robbery and hijacking of transportation vehicles. Gürlek said Turkey would continue using national and international legal mechanisms in the case. Global Sumud Flotilla The legal proceedings concern the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international civilian initiative that sailed toward Gaza in 2025. The flotilla included more than 40 vessels and roughly 500 participants from more than 40 countries, according to contemporary reporting. Its stated objective was to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel’s naval blockade. Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters in early October 2025. The final vessel was intercepted on October 3, with Reuters reporting that Israeli forces had detained around 450 activists from the flotilla. Israel said the detained participants would be taken to its Ashdod port and subsequently deported. The incident became a major point of dispute between Israel and Turkey. Turkish authorities have described the interception as an unlawful action against civilians, while Israel has maintained that its naval blockade and actions to prevent the flotilla from reaching Gaza were lawful. What an Interpol Red Notice Means An Interpol Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant. According to Interpol, it is a request to law-enforcement authorities worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender or similar legal action. Each member country decides what legal action it can take under its own laws. Interpol also states that individuals subject to Red Notices are wanted by the requesting country or an international tribunal, rather than by Interpol itself. Interpol does not have the authority to compel a member country to make an arrest. There is currently no indication that Interpol has issued Red Notices for Netanyahu or Moskovitch. Turkey has requested that the notices be pursued following the arrest warrants issued by the Turkish court. Israel-Turkey Tensions The latest legal move comes as relations between Turkey and Israel remain highly strained. The two countries have sharply disagreed over Israel’s military operations in Gaza, the blockade and developments involving Syria. Israel rejects allegations of genocide and has defended its actions concerning Gaza and the flotilla. Recent tensions have also increased over Israeli military action in Syria and Turkey’s involvement there. Reuters reported that Israeli and Turkish concerns over Turkish military deployments in Syria have become part of the broader dispute between the two countries. Turkey’s request for Interpol action now adds an international legal dimension to the dispute, while the underlying case against the 35 defendants continues before the Istanbul court.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-21 15:44:12
World
LIMA — Peru has selected L3Harris Technologies’ Viper Shield electronic warfare (EW) system for its new F-16 Block 70 fighter fleet, adding an advanced electronic protection capability to the country’s ongoing air force modernization program. L3Harris announced the selection on August 18, 2026. The AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield is an all-digital, software-defined EW suite developed by L3Harris in partnership with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force. The system is designed to provide a virtual electronic shield around the aircraft and help pilots detect, counter and disrupt radar and other electronic threats. Viper Shield Capabilities Viper Shield combines digital threat warning and electronic countermeasure functions in an internally mounted system for the F-16 Block 70/72. Its digital radar warning receiver is designed to work with the F-16’s AN/APG-83 AESA radar, providing pilots with additional awareness of radar threats. The system also uses digital radio-frequency memory technology for electronic jamming and countermeasures. Its software-defined architecture is designed to support future upgrades as threat environments change. L3Harris says Viper Shield can be installed internally on new Block 70/72 aircraft. The company also offers the system for earlier F-16 variants through retrofit and podded configurations. The internal and podded versions use the same physical component hardware, according to the company. Peru’s F-16 Modernization Program The Viper Shield selection is part of Peru’s acquisition of F-16 Block 70 fighters. The U.S. government previously approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Peru involving F-16 aircraft and related logistics and support, with an estimated value of $3.42 billion. The approval was announced in September 2025. Peru’s broader modernization plan calls for 24 F-16 Block 70 fighters. The initial acquisition involves 12 aircraft, while the Peruvian government has been working toward securing a second batch of 12 aircraft. Peruvian Defense Minister Rafael Belaúnde Llosa said on August 14, 2026, that the government was working to obtain the second batch. The minister said the air force requires 24 fighters to maintain its minimum deterrence capability. Earlier proposals for the F-16 acquisition had placed the value of 12 aircraft at about $3.42 billion. Following changes to the proposal, reports indicated that the planned 24-aircraft acquisition could be valued at approximately $3.5 billion. Viper Shield Production L3Harris said Peru is the eighth country to select Viper Shield. The company is increasing production toward a planned full-rate production level of 233 systems. Christopher Aebli, president of L3Harris’ Communications & Spectrum Dominance segment, said the company is providing Peru with an EW solution supported by an active production line, flight-test program and established supply chain. Viper Shield has already undergone flight testing. L3Harris completed the system’s first flight on a Block 70 F-16 at Edwards Air Force Base in February 2025, and the company has continued flight and environmental testing as the system moves toward wider production. The selection gives Peru an F-16 Block 70 configuration that includes an integrated digital electronic warfare system intended to improve threat warning and electronic protection. It also provides common EW capabilities with other countries operating the F-16 Block 70, supporting interoperability among users of the aircraft.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-21 15:24:40
Europe
STOCKHOLM, Sweden — Swedish defence company Saab has released the first public footage of a new unmanned Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) concept marked “A3-01.” Published on August 21, 2026, the video shows an unmanned fighter designed to operate alongside crewed combat aircraft. The aircraft features a delta wing, a single jet engine and two air intakes on either side of the fuselage. Its airframe also uses low-observable shaping. Saab has not confirmed its speed, but German defence outlet Hartpunkt noted that the aerodynamic configuration could support supersonic flight. Saab has not disclosed technical specifications, a formal programme name, customer, funding level or detailed development schedule. It also remains unclear whether A3-01 is an early design study, a planned flight demonstrator or an early representation of a wider programme. pic.twitter.com/47aSxhOxzT — Ovidiu Muca 🇪🇺 (@OvidiuMuca) August 21, 2026 Multi-Domain Unmanned Fighter Saab described the concept as part of a future “system of systems” approach to air combat. “The future of air combat is not just about a single aircraft, it’s about a seamless system of systems,” the company said. Saab said the aircraft is designed to operate with manned aircraft and support multi-domain operations across air, land, maritime, space and cyber domains. CCA aircraft are generally intended to work with crewed fighters and can carry sensors, weapons or electronic warfare equipment while receiving direction from a crewed aircraft or ground controller. Similar programmes are being pursued by countries including the United States and Australia. Possible Link to Sweden's Future Fighter Programme The A3-01 concept comes as Sweden continues studies for its future combat-aircraft capability. In October 2025, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) awarded Saab a contract worth approximately SEK 2.6–2.7 billion for continued studies of future fighter systems. The work covers manned and unmanned solutions from a system-of-systems perspective, technology development and demonstrator activities, with partners including GKN Aerospace. Concept and technology development was scheduled to continue until the third quarter of 2026, while demonstrator activities continue through 2027, including first flights. Swedish public broadcaster Sveriges Radio reported that the new aircraft is planned to enter operational service in about ten years. Earlier this year, Saab executives also said the company planned the first flight of a fighter-sized unmanned demonstrator in 2027. The demonstrator is expected to use Saab's “split core” software architecture, already used on the Gripen E. The architecture separates flight-critical software from tactical mission systems, allowing mission capabilities to be updated without recertifying the basic flight systems. However, neither Saab nor FMV has confirmed that A3-01 is directly connected to the October 2025 contract. Full-Scale Model, Not Confirmed as Flying Aircraft Polish defence publication MILMAG assessed that the aircraft shown in the video appears to be a full-scale model for aerodynamic testing or exhibition rather than a flying prototype. The model also features a sawtooth-shaped exhaust nozzle, consistent with low-observable design practices. Saab has not released further programme details specific to A3-01, while FMV has not issued a public statement on the video. Sweden's wider future fighter studies are intended to provide technical information for a government decision expected by 2030 on how to replace or augment the country's current Gripen fleet. Options under consideration include developing a new system independently, working with international partners or acquiring foreign aircraft. For now, Saab has confirmed only the concept's unmanned, collaborative and multi-domain focus, while its final configuration, performance, mission roles and development status remain undisclosed.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-21 14:41:24
U.S
SAN DIEGO — General Atomics has received a $42.87 million U.S. Navy order to supply spare parts for the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) installed on in-service Ford-class aircraft carriers. The firm-fixed-price order is valued at $42,871,948 and was issued by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) at Patuxent River, Maryland, under an existing basic ordering agreement. The contract was not competed. The order covers insurance spares and rotable pool spares for both systems. Insurance spares are kept in reserve for unexpected failures, while rotable pool components can be removed, repaired and returned to service. Work will be performed in Tupelo, Mississippi (61%), San Diego, California (38%), Boston, Massachusetts (0.5%), and Lakehurst, New Jersey (0.5%). The Navy expects the work to be completed by April 2034, using Fiscal Year 2026 other procurement funds. The Navy has not disclosed the number of carrier shipsets covered by the order or which specific carriers will receive the parts. Supporting Ford-Class Carriers EMALS uses a linear induction motor to launch aircraft from the carrier deck, replacing the steam catapults used on Nimitz-class carriers. AAG provides the aircraft recovery function using an electromagnetic-based system. General Atomics designed and built both systems and has operated a related manufacturing facility in Tupelo since 2005. The lead Ford-class carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), entered service with EMALS in 2017. After early development and reliability challenges, the system has accumulated significant operational use. Pentagon documents cited by Reuters showed that the carrier had completed 36,863 EMALS launches by March 2026. The carrier returned to Naval Station Norfolk on May 16, 2026, after a 326-day deployment. During that deployment, Carrier Air Wing 8 recorded more than 5,760 flight hours and 12,200 aircraft launches. Separate From Doris Miller Decision The spare-parts order is separate from a recent decision involving future Ford-class carriers. On August 13, 2026, President Donald Trump signed a national security memorandum directing the Navy to remove EMALS and Advanced Weapons Elevators from the future USS Doris Miller (CVN-81) and develop a plan to use steam catapults and hydraulic elevators on that ship and subsequent carriers. The directive does not affect USS Gerald R. Ford, USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), or USS Enterprise (CVN-80), which will retain EMALS and AAG as built. General Atomics said the change on Doris Miller warrants reconsideration, noting that nearly 50% of production for that shipset was already complete. The company and naval analysts have said changing the design could create significant cost, schedule and integration risks because the Ford-class ships were designed around an all-electric architecture. The new $42.9 million order applies only to EMALS and AAG already installed on carriers in the fleet and is separate from decisions concerning launch and recovery systems on future ships.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-21 14:25:35
World
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s Defence Forces have added Alexa Spatium, the country’s first domestically developed jet-powered drone interceptor, to their arsenal, the Ministry of Defence announced. Developed by Ukrainian engineers, the high-speed unmanned aircraft is designed to detect and destroy small aerial, ground and surface targets in combat conditions. Its main purpose is to intercept Russian one-way attack drones, including the Geran-3, Geran-4, Geran-5 and Shahed-131. It can also engage reconnaissance drones, helicopters and other individual targets. Alexa Spatium is powered by a turbojet engine, unlike conventional propeller-driven drones. According to the ministry, the engine provides a substantial combat radius, rapid altitude gain and a flight envelope covering low to medium flight levels. During testing, the interceptor met the tactical and technical specifications stated by its manufacturer. The aircraft measures approximately 1.5 metres by 1.7 metres and has a lightweight, durable composite airframe designed to provide manoeuvrability for sharp turns while maintaining controllability. It combines a high maximum speed with a low minimum speed to allow fuel conservation when required. For target detection, Alexa Spatium uses television and infrared search-and-sighting systems. It can fly to pre-programmed coordinates or operate under direct real-time guidance and has secure control and video-transmission systems. The interceptor can carry different warheads, including high-explosive fragmentation, shaped-charge and thermobaric warheads, allowing it to be configured for different targets. The system is launched from a mobile catapult and can be prepared and launched within several minutes with minimal site preparation. Preparation and launch can be conducted remotely, reducing personnel requirements at the operating position. Its modular and highly automated design allows all components to be transported in a standard pickup truck. If the interceptor does not complete its mission or engage a target, it is designed to return to the launch site for reuse. The Ministry of Defence said Alexa Spatium was developed for rapid response, fast deployment and swift mission execution. The announcement comes as Ukraine expands domestic unmanned-aircraft production. Since the beginning of 2026, the ministry has codified and authorised 413 unmanned aircraft systems for use by the Defence Forces, with almost all manufactured domestically. The manufacturer of Alexa Spatium has not been disclosed.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-21 14:14:16Search
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