World
VILNIUS — The Lithuanian Armed Forces have received the first batch of U.S.-made Switchblade 600 loitering munitions, adding a new long-range strike capability to the country’s military arsenal. The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence confirmed the delivery on October 7. The systems are supplied by U.S. defence company AeroVironment and have now reached Lithuanian military warehouses. The exact number of systems in the first batch has not been disclosed. The acquisition agreement, signed with the U.S. government in December 2022, is valued at approximately €45 million. It includes the loitering munitions, launch and control equipment, a technical maintenance package and an operator training simulator. Lithuania was the first country after the United States to order the Switchblade 600. Deliveries had originally been expected in 2024, with later updates pointing to 2025–2026. Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said the system provides the armed forces with a new strike capability against armoured vehicles. He said the Switchblade 600 allows troops to destroy armoured targets from a safe distance and added that such acquisitions strengthen Lithuania’s deterrence and security. Switchblade 600 Capabilities The Switchblade 600 is a tube-launched loitering munition designed mainly to engage heavy armoured targets, including tanks. The munition weighs about 15 kg, while the complete round with its launch tube weighs around 29.5 kg. The launcher tube is approximately 1.5 metres long. It carries an anti-armour warhead based on the Javelin missile design and uses electro-optical and infrared sensors for targeting. The system has an endurance of more than 40 minutes and a baseline range of more than 40 km. With data-link handoff or forward-pass capability, its engagement range can extend beyond 90 km. The Switchblade 600 has a loiter speed of about 113 km/h and a sprint speed of up to 185 km/h. It can be retargeted during flight, while setup and launch typically take less than 10 minutes from its self-contained tube. The system can be operated from ground positions, vehicles or other platforms. Ukrainian forces have also used the Switchblade 600 in combat, including against Russian air-defence systems such as the Buk. AeroVironment introduced the Switchblade 600 Block 2 in October 2025. The upgraded version offers about 20% greater endurance, exceeding 50 minutes, and a control range of more than 100 km with forward-pass capability. The systems delivered to Lithuania under the 2022 contract are from the original configuration, not Block 2. Lithuania has purchased approximately €2 billion worth of U.S. weapons and military equipment over the past three years, making it the largest U.S. military equipment buyer among the Baltic states. Its other U.S. acquisitions include Javelin anti-tank systems, JLTV armoured vehicles, Black Hawk helicopters, HIMARS rocket artillery and AMRAAM missiles for NASAMS air-defence systems.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-07 16:22:19
World
Perth, Australia — Thales Australia and Newcastle-based 3ME Technology have unveiled BladeHAUL, a new extra-large uncrewed ground vehicle (XL-UGV), at the Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition in Perth. Built around key features of the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle (PMV), BladeHAUL is a self-propelled, hybrid, heavy-duty, off-road vehicle designed for logistics, mobile power and other defence missions. It is manufactured in Bendigo, Victoria, using the Bushmaster production line, and at 3ME Technology facilities in Newcastle, New South Wales. 10-Tonne Payload and Logistics BladeHAUL can operate under remote control or autonomously and carry a 20-foot container and up to 10 tonnes of payload. The companies say this exceeds the capacity of any existing or planned Australian UGV. Its flatbed has shipping-container locks for containerised payloads. The vehicle is intended for resupply, casualty evacuation and other frontline logistics missions, allowing personnel to operate it remotely. Mobile Power and Mission Roles BladeHAUL can function as a hybrid mobile power source, supplying power remotely to field hospitals, communications systems and other equipment, or operating as a standalone generator. It can carry sensors and effectors for reconnaissance and surveillance, with planned roles including C-UAS, radar, coastal and littoral defence, air defence, maritime strike support and mine clearance. Mine-clearance configurations can use front-mounted mine rollers or a dozer-style blade. Power, Range and Autonomy Technical details displayed at Land Forces 2026 include a 3ME 660-volt power system, 110 kWh battery capacity and a range of more than 600 kilometres. BladeHAUL can be transported by A400M, C-17 and C-130 aircraft and can also be configured as a fully electric vehicle. Its autonomous system supports independent navigation to a designated location and follow-the-leader mode. Further autonomy development is planned through a memorandum of understanding with Deakin University. 3ME Technology BladeHAUL incorporates 3ME's BladeVOLT energy-storage systems, BladeDRIVE hybrid-electric propulsion and BladeNET vehicle-control architecture. BladeVOLT includes Gen 2 batteries previously proven in underground mining. Development also draws on the Stealthmaster hybrid Bushmaster demonstrator and EdgeVOLT deployable power systems. 3ME CEO Justin Bain said these technologies represent more than eight years of development and were brought together for BladeHAUL during the past six months. Australian Army Trials Andrew Downes, Thales Vice President for Land and Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance, said the vehicle draws on lessons from the extensive use of uncrewed systems in Ukraine and is intended for resupply, casualty evacuation and frontline logistics while keeping personnel at a safer distance. Australian Army trials are expected in the new year, with BladeHAUL planned to participate in the next Exercise Talisman Sabre. Thales-3ME Partnership Jeff Connolly, CEO of Thales Australia and New Zealand, said: “BladeHAUL is a clear example of Australian innovation delivering Australian capability. By leveraging the trusted Bushmaster platform and integrating advanced autonomous and power systems developed locally, together we are delivering a highly capable uncrewed ground vehicle to meet the diverse and evolving needs of our Defence Force.” Bain said the partnership combines 3ME's systems engineering and platform-development capabilities with the Bushmaster's proven performance and established manufacturing base. He also described BladeHAUL as an important milestone bringing together BladeVOLT, BladeDRIVE and BladeNET in one platform. Bushmaster and Australian Industry The Bushmaster is in service with nine countries, including Australia and Ukraine. In April 2026, the Australian government committed $750 million to Thales Australia for 268 next-generation Bushmaster PMVs. Thales employs around 4,500 people across 35 sites in Australia and supports more than 2,000 additional jobs through its supply chain. BladeHAUL combines the established Bushmaster mobility platform with Australian-developed hybrid power, propulsion, vehicle control and autonomous systems for logistics, power generation and other defence applications.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-07 16:18:42
India
Kochi, — Kerala-based marine robotics and AI deep-tech company EyeROV has delivered two EyeROV TROUT military-grade underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) systems to the Indian Navy. The delivery is part of the Navy’s order for five systems and marks the first supply of a military-standard underwater robotic platform designed, developed, manufactured and qualified in India for naval use. The ₹47 crore order for five TROUT systems was announced in September 2025 under the iDEX DISC 7 SPRINT Challenge, which supports the development of strategically important indigenous technologies for the Indian Armed Forces. The delivery of the first two systems moves the platform from development and qualification into operational supply. The TROUT is a rugged underwater robotic platform designed for naval and subsea tasks, including underwater inspection, surveillance and reconnaissance, search and recovery, detection and robotic intervention. It has a 300-metre depth rating and is designed to operate in deep water, poor visibility, strong currents and areas with limited accessibility. The systems underwent extensive field trials and system-level validation covering manoeuvrability, deep-dive capability, performance in strong underwater currents, detection, navigation, endurance and operator control. TROUT has also passed the quality assurance framework of the Directorate of Quality Assurance (Naval), or DQA(N), and meets Environmental Stress Screening requirements under DGQAN policies along with applicable military standards for environmental and operational resilience. Johns T. Mathai, CEO and Co-Founder of EyeROV, said the programme had developed into a mission-ready underwater robotic platform for the Indian Navy and demonstrated India’s ability to develop advanced marine robotic technologies domestically. EyeROV, registered as IROV Technologies Private Limited, is based at Maker Village in the Kerala Technology Innovation Zone, Kalamassery. Founded by IIT alumni Johns T. Mathai and Kannappa Palaniappan P., the company has completed more than 100 underwater deployments and supplied systems to organisations including the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The remaining three TROUT systems under the Indian Navy’s five-unit order are expected to follow.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-07 16:08:10
India
NEW DELHI — The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is preparing to flight-test its indigenous Long Range Detection and Tracking System (LRDTS), an airborne infrared search and track (IRST) system developed by the Instruments Research and Development Establishment (IRDE), Dehradun. IRDE has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for flying test-bed services to evaluate two LRDTS hardware prototypes, designated SB1 and SB2. The trials will use a modified British Aerospace BAE 125-800A, also known as the Hawker 800 series, as the primary test aircraft. The campaign requires approximately 45 flight hours on the Hawker, with an Aero L-39 Albatros serving as the target aircraft for about 30 hours. The LRDTS will include a nose-mounted Sensor Head Unit (SHU) weighing approximately 25 kg and requiring around 350 watts of power. Its separate Processing Unit (PU) weighs about 14 kg and requires approximately 250 watts. The system will interface with the aircraft's test systems to collect tracking data. Planned connections include two ARINC 818 Fibre Channel links for video transmission, along with MIL-STD-1553B and Ethernet links. A Mission Computer Simulator will also be installed in the aircraft cabin. Flight trials will cover altitudes from approximately 5,000 to 29,000 feet and will include land, maritime and industrial backgrounds, as well as day and night sorties. These conditions will allow the LRDTS to be evaluated against airborne targets under different environmental and lighting conditions. Unlike active radar, an IRST system detects and tracks targets through their infrared signatures without transmitting radar signals. The planned trials will therefore focus on the performance of the indigenous system in detecting and tracking the L-39 target under the specified test conditions. The overall programme is planned for 45 months, with the flight-test campaign based in Bengaluru. The RFP seeks services to support the airborne evaluation of the two LRDTS prototypes. IRDE is a DRDO laboratory under the Electronics and Communication Systems cluster and specialises in electronic, electro-optical and laser-based sensors and systems for defence applications.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-07 15:58:08
U.S
LOS ANGELES, — Defense technology startup Furientis has secured its first funded government contract and raised $25 million in seed funding to accelerate development of a new interceptor system. 100-Mile Interceptor Contract Furientis received a prototyping Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) from the Department of War to develop and demonstrate a 100-mile-range interceptor vehicle intended for homeland defense. Under the agreement, the company will demonstrate the vehicle's performance against Department requirements. The contract value was not disclosed, while Furientis said the prototyping effort will run for roughly six months. $25 Million Seed Funding At the same time, Furientis closed a $25 million seed round led by Benchmark Capital. Benchmark General Partner Chetan Puttagunta is joining the company's board. The round follows Furientis' $5 million pre-seed announced in May 2026. According to a person familiar with the financing, the seed round valued the company at about $125 million. The investment is Benchmark's first pure defense investment. Focus on High-Rate Production Furientis was founded in May 2025 by Brody Franzen, co-founder and CEO, and Aris Simsarian, co-founder and head of propulsion. Franzen previously served as deputy chief engineer at Virgin Galactic and later worked at Castelion. Simsarian previously led rocket engine testing at Virgin Orbit and has experience building solid rocket motors. Based in the Los Angeles area, Furientis is developing defensive munitions designed for high-volume, low-cost production. Its manufacturing targets include producing 1,000 vehicles per factory per year and completing final assembly of each vehicle in less than one hour. The company uses commercial off-the-shelf components where they meet requirements and manufactures solid rocket motors and seekers in-house. Testing and Manufacturing Furientis said it has conducted 21 vehicle tests over roughly 10 months, including 13 flight tests and eight static fires. The company follows a biweekly prototype testing schedule and has an operational first propellant manufacturing facility supporting solid rocket motor production and testing. Its test activities include launches at White Sands, New Mexico. Furientis CEO Brody Franzen said the company was established to address a shortage of defensive munitions and described the challenge as fundamentally a production and manufacturing problem. Benchmark General Partner Chetan Puttagunta said Furientis is developing technology designed to scale rapidly while keeping costs low, while highlighting the capabilities of its propulsion, hardware and software engineering team. U.S. Defense Programs Furientis has also been selected as a finalist in the U.S. Army's xTech|Apex Intercept competition, which focuses on low-cost interceptors that could operate alongside Patriot systems. The company previously advanced as one of five finalists in a tactical missile challenge conducted by the Naval Postgraduate School and Office of Naval Research. The new funding and government contract will support expanded manufacturing and testing capabilities, hiring and continued interceptor development. Furientis is currently hiring across engineering and other disciplines.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-07 15:41:02
World
KYIV, Ukraine — German defence technology company HENSOLDT has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence to expand cooperation on air-defence surveillance and radar capabilities. The agreement was signed by HENSOLDT CEO Oliver Dörre during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to Ukraine. It covers plans for further large-scale deliveries of radar systems and continued development of Ukraine’s air-defence capabilities. TRL-4D LR Radar Cooperation Under the memorandum, HENSOLDT and Ukraine will evaluate options for the deployment and joint operation of the company’s TRL-4D LR long-range radar. The agreement also expands the existing cooperation into ballistic missile defence. HENSOLDT said its sensor technology is intended to support the operational readiness of Ukraine’s armed forces and help protect civilians and critical infrastructure, including bridges. Dörre said high-performance radars are needed to help protect infrastructure as winter approaches, describing the memorandum as a practical step toward reliable and long-term support. HENSOLDT Radars Already in Ukrainian Service Ukraine has operated HENSOLDT radar equipment since 2022. The company’s TRML-4D radar is used by the Ukrainian armed forces and serves as the primary sensor for the IRIS-T SLM ground-based air-defence system. According to HENSOLDT, the TRML-4D has an instrumented detection range of up to 250 kilometres and can operate at altitudes of up to 40 kilometres. Its stated practical detection range is around 120 kilometres for fighter aircraft and 60 kilometres for supersonic missiles. The TRL-4D LR is a longer-range radar system, with its naval version reported to have a range of more than 400 kilometres against air targets. Details of New Deliveries Not Disclosed Some Ukrainian defence reporting has linked the expanded cooperation to the FREYJA anti-ballistic system, involving HENSOLDT and Ukrainian company Fire Point. However, HENSOLDT has not specified the system as part of the new memorandum. The company has not disclosed the exact number of radars, financial terms or delivery schedules under the October 5 agreement. During the same visit, Chancellor Merz announced a €1 billion military aid package for Ukraine. HENSOLDT, based in Germany, specialises in sensor and radar technology for air and missile defence.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-07 15:30:06
U.S
WASHINGTON, D.C. — General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) will display a version of the Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) Increment 4 system mounted on a Ford Ranger pickup truck at the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) annual meeting and exposition in Washington, D.C., from October 12 to 14, 2026. The display represents a lighter and more modular approach than the Stryker-based M-SHORAD Increment 1, known as SGT Stout. General Dynamics has not disclosed the specific weapons or sensors fitted to the Ranger and has not stated whether the displayed configuration has been formally submitted for the Army's Increment 4 program. Modular SLED System The system is based on the Self-Loading Equipment Dock (SLED), a self-contained pallet designed to be loaded onto different vehicles. GDLS describes SLED as a platform-agnostic system available in light, medium and heavy configurations. The pallet carries weapons and sensors on remote weapon stations, allowing crews to operate them from inside the vehicle or remotely. A March 2026 Army request for information requires the SLED to remain operational after being removed from its host vehicle, while the host vehicle must immediately return to normal use after the pallet is unloaded. M-SHORAD Increment 4 is intended to provide defensive fires for the Army's Mobile Brigade Combat Team and counter Group 1-3 unmanned aircraft systems, fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters supporting enemy ground forces. It is designed for both vehicle-mounted and dismounted operations and to use a modular open systems architecture integrating multiple kinetic and non-kinetic effectors and sensors. The system can also operate independently or connect with Army command-and-control networks. Army's Increment 4 Requirements In May 2024, the Army issued a request for information for an air-defense capability for dismounted troops. Requirements included transportation by C-130 aircraft, parachute-drop capability and the ability to be sling-loaded under a helicopter. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George approved the Increment 4 capabilities development document in October 2025. At AUSA 2025, Col. Marc Pelini, then the Army's air and missile defense requirements officer, said the sled concept was intended to move away from a fully integrated air-defense vehicle. The pallet could be placed on an Infantry Squad Vehicle, Humvee, Joint Light Tactical Vehicle or civilian-style pickup truck. Funding and Development The Army plans to achieve initial operational capability by late fiscal year 2029. According to the Congressional Research Service, the service requested $108.1 million in fiscal year 2027 research, development, test and evaluation funding for Increment 4 supporting Joint Forcible Entry and Mobile Brigade Combat Team forces. Total M-SHORAD research and development funding requested for FY2027 is $460.9 million. GDLS is the prime contractor and integrator for M-SHORAD Increment 1, which uses a Stryker chassis with Stinger missiles, Hellfire missiles and a 30 mm cannon. Increment 2, which was planned to use a laser-equipped Stryker, was canceled. Increment 3 is planned as an upgrade to the Stryker-based system, adding the Next Generation Short Range Interceptor and XM1223 30 mm cannon. The Ford Ranger-based M-SHORAD Increment 4 concept will be displayed at GDLS booth 703 at AUSA 2026, alongside other systems including the Wolf XM30 infantry fighting vehicle model and an upgraded PERCH loitering munition kit.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-07 14:43:51
World
Australia — The U.S. Air Force, in cooperation with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), has conducted the first flight test release of the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) over a designated test range in Australia. An Air Force spokesperson confirmed that a HACM flight-test unit was released by the RAAF to collect data under realistic flight conditions. The test is part of the Southern Cross Integrated Flight Research Experiment (SCIFiRE), a U.S.-Australia cooperative effort focused on developing high-precision hypersonic weapons using air-breathing propulsion. The test was first reported by The War Zone on October 5, 2026. Details of First Flight Test Remain Classified The Air Force has not disclosed the exact date of the test or several important details about the flight. Information that has not been released includes the aircraft used to release the test missile, whether the missile's scramjet engine successfully ignited after release, flight duration, speed, range and the total distance covered. Some reports have identified the Woomera Test Range in South Australia as a likely location for the test, although the specific location of the release has not been officially confirmed in the information provided. The Air Force also has not released performance results from the flight. HACM Uses Rocket Booster and Scramjet Propulsion HACM is an air-launched, air-breathing hypersonic cruise missile being developed with RTX, formerly Raytheon, as the prime contractor and Northrop Grumman responsible for the scramjet engine. The weapon is designed to operate at speeds above Mach 5. Its propulsion system uses a solid rocket booster to accelerate the missile to the speed required for the scramjet engine to operate. After the booster phase, the scramjet is intended to sustain hypersonic flight. The program builds on earlier U.S. hypersonic research, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC). HACM is smaller than the Air Force's AGM-183 Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) and is intended to be compatible with tactical aircraft rather than requiring a heavy bomber for launch. The F-15E Strike Eagle has been identified as a U.S. launch platform for HACM, while the Australian side is using F/A-18F Super Hornets for testing. U.S.-Australia SCIFiRE Cooperation The flight test was conducted under the SCIFiRE program, which reflects more than 15 years of cooperation between the United States and Australia in advanced defense technology. The two countries are working together on the development and testing of high-precision hypersonic weapons powered by ramjet or scramjet propulsion. The recent release represents an important transition for HACM from earlier development activities to actual flight testing. However, the available information does not establish whether all planned flight objectives were achieved during the test. Program Schedule Moves Toward 2027 HACM flight testing was originally expected to begin in 2024, but the schedule was delayed and subsequently moved into 2026 following design reviews and other program changes. To support a rapid-fielding decision in fiscal year 2027, the Air Force reduced the planned rapid-prototyping flight-test program from seven flights to five. A July 2026 assessment by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that the program had essentially no remaining schedule margin. The Air Force has requested about $1.2 billion in its fiscal year 2027 budget for HACM maturation and initial procurement. This includes approximately $404 million for the first operational production lot. Full-rate production is planned for fiscal year 2029. Around 13 missiles are being produced in the current phase for testing, spares and potential early capability. The latest flight test is therefore a key step in the remaining HACM test program. Further flight tests are expected as the United States and Australia continue evaluating the missile ahead of the planned rapid-fielding decision.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-07 14:35:28
World
BUENOS AIRES — Argentina’s Armed Forces have begun receiving Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) ARAD 5 and ARAD 7 rifles under a government-to-government agreement with Israel. The deal was facilitated by SIBAT, the International Defense Cooperation Directorate of Israel’s Ministry of Defense, as part of Argentina’s programme to modernise its individual weapons. First Batch of 250 Rifles The first batch includes 250 rifles: 50 ARAD 7 rifles for the Army and 200 ARAD 5 rifles, with 100 allocated to the Air Force and 100 to the Navy’s Marine Corps. Acceptance testing was completed at the Guarnición Militar de Campo de Mayo before the rifles were formally presented. The initial delivery is part of a larger order of around 1,600 rifles. A second batch is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027, while IWI will begin operator and maintenance training for personnel from all three services in October 2026. Selection and Evaluation Argentina’s selection followed a technical and operational evaluation that began in 2024 and was conducted by the Joint Staff in 2025, involving the Army, Navy and Air Force. A total of eight companies from Argentina, Israel, Europe and the United States were evaluated. The implementation agreement between the Argentine and Israeli defence ministries was signed in June 2026. ARAD 5 and ARAD 7 Rifles The ARAD 5 uses an AR-15-type architecture and fires 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition, while the ARAD 7 uses an AR-10-type architecture and fires 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition. Both rifles use a short-stroke gas-piston operating system, fully ambidextrous controls and a free-floating, cold hammer-forged barrel. They also feature an integrated Picatinny rail and M-LOK handguard for mounting optics and other accessories. IWI states that the major components are designed for a minimum service life of 20,000 rounds. Meprolight M5 Optics The rifles are equipped with Meprolight M5 red-dot sights. The LED-based sights can operate for thousands of hours in day mode using a single AA battery and include adjustable brightness settings. They can also be integrated with night-vision devices. Replacing Older Rifles The ARAD rifles are replacing FN FAL rifles used by Argentine Army infantry and defence and security personnel in the Air Force and Navy, as well as M-16 rifles used by the Marine Infantry. Argentina is also evaluating the possibility of local assembly or production of the ARAD rifles. However, no domestic manufacturing partner or timeline has been finalised. Ronen Hamudot, vice chairman of SK Group, IWI’s parent company, said the company was proud that Argentina selected the ARAD 5 and ARAD 7. He described the ARAD family as combining durability, precision and adaptability, based on IWI’s experience working with field operators. IWI says its small arms are supplied to military, law-enforcement and special-operations organisations in more than 60 countries and that it is a major supplier to the Israeli Defense Forces and Israeli Police.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-07 14:26:48
U.S
PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. — U.S. Special Operations Command North (SOCNORTH) has brought its special operations activities in Greenland under a unified framework called Operation Apex Indigo. Conducted with the Kingdom of Denmark and the Government of Greenland, the operation focuses on cold-weather survival, mobility across remote terrain and joint operations with NATO Arctic allies. The first mission under Operation Apex Indigo was conducted in August 2026, following several years of U.S. special operations training in Greenland. The new framework will provide a structure for recurring bilateral and multinational exercises in the Arctic. Earlier Arctic Training SOCNORTH's activities in Greenland developed through a series of exercises, including Arctic Edge 23, Arctic Edge 24 and Arctic Edge 26. Arctic Edge 24 involved Danish, Norwegian and British forces, while Arctic Edge 26 continued joint Arctic training before the launch of Operation Apex Indigo. “Our relationship with the Kingdom of Denmark is both enduring and essential to Arctic security,” said U.S. Army Col. Matthew Tucker, SOCNORTH commander. “Operation Apex Indigo strengthens our ability to work alongside Danish and Greenlandic partners, improve readiness in one of the world’s most demanding environments, and support collective deterrence across the Arctic.” August Mission in Greenland During the first Apex Indigo mission, Green Berets from the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) trained with Danish Special Operations Forces from the SIRIUS unit around Camp Raven on the Greenland ice sheet. The training included skiing across the ice, basic survival training, search and rescue, a simulated medical evacuation and communications activities. The teams also practiced high-frequency radio operations from peaks near Kangerlussuaq. The training was designed to improve the ability of small teams to move, communicate and operate in remote Arctic conditions. LC-130H Aircraft Support The operation was supported by LC-130H “Skibird” aircraft operated by the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing. The ski-equipped aircraft can land on snow and ice, allowing personnel and equipment to be transported to and recovered from remote areas without conventional runways. Focus on Arctic Interoperability SOCNORTH relies on small, specialized teams trained for austere polar environments. Their work with Danish and Greenlandic partners focuses on operational readiness, mobility and interoperability. “Operating in Greenland alongside our Danish and Greenlandic partners demands more than simply enduring the environment,” Tucker said. “It requires specialized skills, disciplined preparation, and the interoperability needed to operate effectively in austere Arctic conditions.” A Green Beret detachment commander from the 10th Special Forces Group also highlighted the Arctic experience of Danish Special Operations Forces, saying it is important to combined training and interoperability. Low-Impact Operations SOCNORTH is also taking into account Greenland's sensitive environment and remote civilian communities. The command says its operations favor small teams with a deliberate, low-impact footprint. “Greenland’s vast distances and demanding conditions favor small, specialized teams that can operate with a deliberate, low-impact footprint,” Tucker said. SOCNORTH coordinates with its partners to limit disruption to local communities and the environment while maintaining operational readiness. Recurring Training Under Apex Indigo Operation Apex Indigo will provide a permanent framework for recurring bilateral and multinational training with Danish, Greenlandic and other NATO Arctic partners. The effort is intended to improve readiness, mobility, interoperability and collective deterrence while helping special operations teams operate effectively in extreme Arctic conditions. The official announcement of the new framework was released by U.S. Northern Command on October 2, 2026.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-07 14:16:19
GE Aerospace Ships Four More F404-IN20 Engines to HAL in September, Total Reaches 14 for Tejas Mk-1A
India
New Delhi, — GE Aerospace has delivered four more F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas Mk-1A programme in September 2026, taking the total number of engines delivered under the programme to 14. The latest shipment follows the delivery of three engines in August. GE Aerospace confirmed the September shipment and said it remains focused on supplying the engines required for India’s Tejas fighter jets while continuing its partnership with HAL and the Indian Air Force. The engines are part of a 2021 contract for 99 F404-IN20 engines, valued at ₹5,375 crore. The first engine under the order was delivered on March 25, 2025. The Indian Air Force has ordered 180 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft under two contracts, including the initial 83-aircraft order and a follow-on order for 97 aircraft. Engine availability has been a major constraint on Mk-1A production and aircraft deliveries. GE Aerospace had earlier committed to supplying 20 engines between June and December 2026, with four engines planned for each of October, November and December. The latest delivery supports HAL’s efforts to continue integration, testing and completion of Tejas Mk-1A aircraft. The F404-IN20 is the engine selected to power the Tejas Mk-1A and is a variant of GE Aerospace’s F404 engine family
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-07 14:09:38
World
ANKARA, Türkiye — Turkish defense company ASELSAN has signed new contracts worth €2.46 billion (approximately $2.75 billion) with Türkiye’s Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) for the procurement of hybrid air defense systems. ASELSAN announced the agreements through Türkiye’s Public Disclosure Platform (KAP), stating that the business relationship formally began on October 5, 2026. The company has not disclosed the exact systems, quantities or delivery schedules covered by the contracts. Hybrid Air Defense Systems ASELSAN has not identified the specific systems included in the new contracts. Its existing portfolio includes the GÜRZ hybrid air defense system, which combines a 35 mm automatic cannon, short- and very-short-range air defense missiles, radar, electro-optical sensors and electronic countermeasures on a single platform. GÜRZ is designed to engage different aerial threats, including drones, helicopters, aircraft and cruise missiles. However, ASELSAN has not confirmed whether GÜRZ is included in the €2.46 billion contracts. Contribution to Steel Dome The contracts are linked to Türkiye’s continuing development of the Steel Dome (Çelik Kubbe) layered air defense architecture. The system brings together radars, command-and-control capabilities and different air defense assets. ASELSAN’s systems associated with the architecture include KORKUT, GÜRZ, GÖKBERK, electronic countermeasures, HİSAR and SİPER. The HERİKKS Command System is used for command and coordination of air defense assets. ASELSAN CEO Ahmet Akyol said the company’s ongoing serial production will contribute to strengthening the Steel Dome and protecting Türkiye’s airspace. He also highlighted efforts to develop an independent domestic defense industry. Previous Steel Dome Contract The new agreement follows an earlier ASELSAN contract announced in June 2026, worth approximately $900 million, for equipment related to the Steel Dome project. Deliveries under that agreement are scheduled to take place between 2028 and 2032. The SSB remains a major customer for ASELSAN, accounting for nearly one-third of the company’s net sales in recent financial disclosures.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-07 13:59:52
U.S
BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. — President Donald J. Trump announced Arsenal-2, a new software-defined shipyard that Anduril Industries will build at Tradepoint Atlantic in Baltimore County, Maryland, as part of a $6.6 billion public-private investment to expand the U.S. submarine industrial base. Anduril will invest $3.7 billion in private capital, while the U.S. Navy has awarded the company a contract worth up to $2.9 billion. Payments under the contract are tied to demonstrated production results, with the arrangement designed to place execution risk primarily on the company. Arsenal-2 will manufacture critical components and large-scale assemblies for the Navy’s Virginia-class attack submarines. The submarines are currently built by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding. Components produced at Arsenal-2 will be transported to those shipyards for final integration, adding manufacturing capacity to support U.S. fleet requirements and AUKUS commitments. 187-Acre Facility at Sparrows Point The facility will be built on a 187-acre site within the historic Sparrows Point complex and will cover more than 2 million square feet, roughly the size of 40 football fields. It will include a 1,200-foot graving dock, high-bay assembly halls, fabrication and testing areas, and road, rail and maritime access. Its layout is designed to reduce the distance between fabrication, assembly, testing and integration areas. Production will be managed through Anduril’s ArsenalOS industrial software platform, which will connect workflows, outfitting sequences, material movement and inspection processes while providing digital work instructions, real-time visibility and embedded quality controls. The Sparrows Point site also has a long maritime history. Baltimore shipyards produced the first Liberty Ship during World War II, while Sparrows Point was previously known as the “Patriarch of U.S. Tanker Builders.” Jobs and Production Timeline Arsenal-2 is expected to create 3,100 direct, permanent jobs and support more than 11,000 indirect jobs. The facility is projected to generate $2 billion in annual economic output, including an estimated $312 million in annual wages. Permitting and site preparation are beginning immediately, with construction starting after final approvals. Initial operations are targeted for 2030, followed by a gradual production increase as the workforce and infrastructure expand. California Facility to Prepare Production Anduril is also establishing a 160,000-square-foot facility in Orange County, California. It will provide a two-year operational head start to validate manufacturing methods, train workers and begin SUBSAFE-qualified production of maritime components, including torpedo tubes. The California facility will continue supporting broader maritime manufacturing after Arsenal-2 becomes operational. The phased approach follows the strategy used for Arsenal-1 in Ohio. Arsenal-2 will ultimately join Anduril’s distributed production network, which includes the Columbus, Ohio facility; a maritime factory at Quonset Point, Rhode Island; a Ghost Shark factory in Sydney, Australia; a rocket motor facility in McHenry, Mississippi; and more than 15 additional production sites. The project is intended to provide an additional manufacturing source for Virginia-class submarine components and assemblies while increasing capacity across the U.S. submarine industrial base.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-07 13:50:36
Europe
PARIS — French defense technology startup Harmattan AI has unveiled IRIFI, an autonomous long-range loitering one-way attack drone designed to strike targets up to 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) away. The company says IRIFI is intended to attack targets such as logistics hubs, airfields, command posts, factories and depots, marking Harmattan AI’s entry into the long-range deep-strike weapons category. Autonomous Navigation and Strike According to Harmattan AI, IRIFI operates without human control after launch and does not rely on satellite navigation systems such as GPS. The drone uses an onboard navigation system, while a camera-based guidance system takes over during the final approach to identify the target. Harmattan AI says this enables meter-level accuracy and allows IRIFI to fly close to the ground to reduce radar detection. The system is designed to operate in environments affected by GPS jamming and spoofing. Mobile Launch and AI-Assisted Mission Planning IRIFI is launched from a mobile canister launcher designed for rapid deployment and large-scale production. Before launch, commanders select and confirm targets and establish mission parameters. An AI-assisted management system processes large volumes of satellite imagery to support this planning. Once launched, IRIFI operates within the predefined mission parameters. Harmattan AI says a single commander can coordinate dozens of simultaneous strikes. The company has not disclosed the drone’s unit cost, payload capacity, speed, development or testing status, or initial customers. Harmattan AI CEO and co-founder Mouad M’Ghari said the system is intended to combine the scalability associated with the Shahed with the precision and survivability of more expensive missiles such as the Tomahawk and Storm Shadow. Rapid Expansion of Harmattan AI Founded in Paris in 2024, Harmattan AI raised $200 million in Series B funding in January 2026 in a round led by Dassault Aviation, valuing the company at $1.4 billion. The two companies are collaborating on AI and autonomy technologies for Dassault’s future combat aircraft and uncrewed systems. In July 2026, they completed a collaborative flight test involving a Rafale fighter and Harmattan AI’s NAMIB electronic warfare payload. Harmattan AI has also secured major defense programs in Europe. The UK Ministry of Defence ordered 3,000 unmanned systems in 2025, while the company reported in June 2026 that its orders from the French military had increased fivefold over the previous year. Existing Unmanned Systems Before IRIFI, Harmattan AI focused on tactical systems including the Gobi short-range air-defense interceptor, Sahara surveillance drone and Barkhan tactical strike system. Its Sonora tactical quadcopter weighs 1.8 kilograms (approximately 4 pounds) and has a reported 40-minute flight time. It is used by French forces for reconnaissance, training and operational readiness and has also been referred to as DELCO in company and official statements. France ordered 1,000 Sonora systems in 2025, followed by another 5,000 units announced in June 2026, with deliveries of the additional batch due by early 2027. Morocco to Pursue IRIFI Cooperation On October 7, 2026, during the opening of the Marrakech Air Show, Morocco’s National Defence Administration and Harmattan AI Morocco signed letters of intent covering the purchase, development and production of IRIFI systems in Morocco. The agreement follows a broader partnership announced in June 2026 with Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces covering local manufacturing, an AI research and development center, and cooperation with Moroccan universities and research institutions. Specific details on the number of Moroccan IRIFI systems, costs and production timelines have not been disclosed. IRIFI expands Harmattan AI’s portfolio from tactical unmanned systems into long-range autonomous strike capabilities, with the company positioning the system for operations in contested electromagnetic environments.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-07 13:36:24
Space & Technology
Almería, Spain — European space teams have completed a full-scale field rehearsal for operating the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Rosalind Franklin Mars rover from Earth. The eight-day driving exercise took place in Spain’s Tabernas desert, where an Airbus-built prototype named Charlie was remotely operated by scientists and engineers based about 1,200 kilometres away at the Rover Operations Control Centre (ROCC) in Turin, Italy. The exercise formed part of a broader 20-day field campaign involving around 100 scientists and engineers from across Europe. The Tabernas desert was selected because its dry and rocky terrain provides conditions resembling parts of the Martian surface. Autonomous Rover Driving Charlie used the same guidance, navigation and control software planned for the Rosalind Franklin flight rover. During the eighth-day driving period, the prototype travelled a total of 220 metres. On the sixth day, operators allowed Charlie to drive autonomously. It travelled more than 60 metres without an operator at the controls, recording a navigation error of less than 1%. The exercise was designed to test how teams will operate the rover when real-time control is not possible because of the communication delay between Earth and Mars. Teams prepared and uploaded driving plans before periods of autonomous operation, then used the returned data to prepare the next set of instructions. Testing Scientific Operations The field campaign also tested the scientific procedures planned for the Mars mission. Teams in Turin analysed daily data from the rover before deciding where it should travel and which instruments should be used. Charlie carried prototype versions of several Rosalind Franklin instruments, including the PanCam panoramic cameras, CLUPI close-up camera, WISDOM ground-penetrating radar and Enfys infrared spectrometer. The instruments were used to examine the terrain, study minerals and identify locations that could preserve evidence of ancient microbial life, which is a primary objective of the Rosalind Franklin mission. One test highlighted the importance of combining different sources of terrain information. Data initially made a slope appear dangerously steep to the operators in Italy, prompting a conservative approach. After the team generated a digital elevation map, it confirmed that the slope was actually gentle and the rover could proceed safely. Preparing for Mars The desert exercise was organised in Spain by Airbus UK, while The Open University managed activities at the Turin control centre. Thales Alenia Space is the industrial lead for the overall rover mission, with Airbus responsible for the rover vehicle, landing platform and navigation software. ALTEC hosts and operates the Turin control centre. The Rosalind Franklin rover is scheduled for launch in late 2028 and targeted to land at Oxia Planum on Mars in 2030. Once on Mars, the rover will use a drill capable of reaching up to two metres below the surface. The deeper samples will provide access to material protected from surface radiation and conditions, which will then be analysed by the rover’s onboard laboratory for potential biosignatures. ESA plans further field testing in 2027, with future exercises expected to introduce additional operational challenges, including simulated communication delays involving a Mars orbiter. The results from the 2026 campaign will be used to refine the rover’s hardware operations and procedures ahead of the planned 2030 Mars mission.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-07 13:27:07
U.S
Huntsville, Alabama — Boeing has received an undefinitized contract action worth approximately $14.7 billion from Lockheed Martin to expand production and delivery of PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) seekers. The agreement will allow Boeing to triple its current PAC-3 MSE seeker production capacity under a previously established seven-year framework agreement with the U.S. Department of War. Expansion of Huntsville Production Boeing has already begun expanding production at its PAC-3 seeker facility in Huntsville, Alabama. The company has invested more than $200 million since 2024 to increase manufacturing capacity. The expansion includes a 35,000-square-foot facility, manufacturing-process modernization, equipment upgrades and improvements to the supplier network. The measures are intended to increase production capacity, first-time quality, affordability and supply-chain resilience. Production ramp-up and related hiring began earlier in 2026 following the framework agreement. The expansion is expected to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs in the Huntsville area. PAC-3 MSE Seeker Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for the PAC-3 MSE interceptor, while Boeing manufactures its seeker, which is installed in the missile’s nose. The Boeing-built seeker uses an active Ka-band radar to identify, track and engage advanced threats. It provides range, range-rate and angle data to the interceptor's guidance system. The PAC-3 MSE is designed to counter threats including hostile aircraft, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons. The interceptor combines the seeker with a Guidance Processor Unit (GPU), Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and Multi-band Radio Frequency Data Link (MRFDL). It uses a hit-to-kill method, destroying targets through direct kinetic impact rather than an explosive warhead. PAC-3 Production Expansion The Boeing contract supports a wider U.S. effort to increase PAC-3 MSE production. In January 2026, Lockheed Martin reached a seven-year framework agreement with the Department of War to increase annual PAC-3 MSE interceptor production from about 600 to approximately 2,000 units. In July 2026, Lockheed Martin received a seven-year contract action valued at up to $53.86 billion for the interceptors. Combined with an earlier award, the total multiyear contract potential is approximately $58.6 billion. Lockheed Martin reported delivering more than 600 interceptors in 2025. The PAC-3 MSE achieved initial operational capability in August 2016 and entered full-rate production in 2018. Demand has increased due to its use in ongoing conflicts, including support for Ukraine and operations in the Middle East. The seeker has been identified as a production bottleneck, making increased seeker output important to the planned growth in complete PAC-3 MSE interceptor production. U.S. Defense Manufacturing Strategy The $14.7 billion agreement supports the U.S. Department of War’s Acquisition Transformation Strategy, which focuses on accelerating delivery of critical defense systems and expanding domestic defense manufacturing capacity under the “Arsenal of Freedom” initiative. Boeing Defense, Space & Security President and CEO Steve Parker said early investment and a focus on quality and execution have positioned the company to increase seeker deliveries and support U.S. and allied defense requirements. Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial aircraft, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under BA, while Lockheed Martin trades under LMT.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-07 13:23:28
World
Misgav, Israel — Semi Conductor Devices (SCD) has secured three new contracts worth approximately $40 million for its Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) solutions. The contracts cover airborne, space and homeland security applications, with initial deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027. SCD, based at the Leshem Industrial Park near Misgav, is an independent joint venture owned by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems. The company develops and manufactures cooled and uncooled infrared detectors for military and commercial applications. Growing Demand for MWIR The contracts reflect demand for advanced infrared sensors for drone detection, border protection, tactical operations and long-range surveillance. Customers are seeking high-definition imaging, longer detection and identification ranges, and lower Size, Weight, Power and Cost (SWaP-C). SCD addresses these requirements through its High Operating Temperature (HOT) MWIR technology and established high-volume manufacturing capabilities. SCD CEO Kobi Zaushnizer said MWIR is moving from a specialized capability used mainly on high-end platforms toward a broader operational requirement. He said the industry needs to deliver HD MWIR with suitable SWaP-C, reliability and production capacity in the quantities and timeframes required by customers. SCD’s MWIR Product Family The new contracts will draw on SCD’s established MWIR detector portfolio. Sparrow is a compact, low-SWaP-C MWIR detector for multi-domain tactical applications. Since its launch in 2020, SCD has recorded more than 8,000 sales and orders. It has been integrated into UAVs, loitering munitions, remote weapon stations and perimeter security systems. Sparrow-HD features a 5-micrometer pixel pitch, providing more pixels on the target while maintaining a compact design for tactical platforms. The Mini Blackbird 1280 HFM is a high-definition MWIR system for airborne and tactical payloads, combining long-range imaging with low power consumption and a design suited to demanding operational environments. The Crane is a 5-megapixel, 5-micrometer MWIR detector designed for high-resolution and extended-range tracking, including airborne missile warning and high-altitude threat detection systems. Manufacturing and Applications SCD has more than four decades of experience in infrared detector development and manufacturing. Its technologies include InSb, XBn, InGaAs, T2SL and VOx across the infrared spectrum. The company supplies defense, homeland security, space and industrial customers and maintains integrated manufacturing capabilities for higher-volume production. The three contracts expand SCD’s MWIR applications across airborne, space and security platforms, ranging from compact tactical sensors to higher-performance long-range systems. Initial deliveries are expected to begin in 2027.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-07 12:32:04
Europe
Fareham, UK — Kraken Technology Group and Saab UK have integrated Saab’s Giraffe 1X 3D radar onto Kraken’s K3 Scout unmanned surface vessel (USV) and completed sea trials of the prototype. The system is designed to operate as an autonomous “drone seeker”, providing early warning of airborne threats, including small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), to shipping, ports, offshore energy assets and critical national infrastructure. Giraffe 1X Radar Integration The Giraffe 1X is installed in the K3 Scout’s modular payload bay. The radar weighs less than 150 kg and refreshes its full search volume every second. It is designed to detect and track airborne targets in real time, including low, slow and small drones, helicopters, missiles and rockets, as well as artillery and mortar projectiles. Saab has stated that the radar can detect a UAV lighter than a milk carton at about 4 km. Its instrumented range is typically around 75 km, while a naval variant is listed at approximately 100 km, depending on configuration and target size. The radar can pass detected target information to other platforms for further action. The integrated system remains at the experimental stage. Development and Sea Trials Kraken Technology Group and Saab UK moved the system from the initial concept to a working prototype in less than seven months. The development included a series of sea trials to assess the radar’s performance in maritime conditions. Both companies are based in Fareham, where the K3 Scout and Giraffe 1X are manufactured. Kraken Technology Group founder and CEO Mal Crease said the prototype demonstrates the K3 Scout’s ability to integrate mission-relevant payloads and operate in austere maritime environments. Saab UK Managing Director Andy Fraser described it as a UK-manufactured deployable capability developed in less than seven months. K3 Scout Specifications The K3 Scout is an 8.4-metre composite-hulled USV with a 1.93-metre beam, 0.8-metre draught and maximum displacement of 2,500 kg. It can carry a modular payload of up to 600 kg and is powered by an inboard diesel engine with stern drive. The vessel has a top speed of 55 knots and a range of 650 nautical miles (about 1,200 km) at 25 knots. Its endurance is listed at up to 30 days, depending on the mission. The vessel can operate fully autonomously or under remote control, either independently or alongside conventional ships. Royal Navy Procurement and Production The Royal Navy has ordered 20 K3 Scout vessels under Project Beehive for the Coastal Forces Squadron and 47 Commando Royal Marines. The platform has also been demonstrated in airdrop trials from an A400M aircraft. Kraken is expanding production at a new 35,000-square-foot facility, with the company targeting production of up to 1,000 vessels per year. The expansion follows a $175 million Series B funding round, which valued the company at $1 billion. Hybrid Navy Role The Giraffe 1X-equipped K3 Scout is intended to support the concept of a hybrid navy, in which uncrewed vessels operate alongside conventional surface ships. By combining the autonomous K3 Scout with the Giraffe 1X radar, the prototype provides a mobile maritime sensing platform intended to extend early-warning and surveillance coverage while keeping crewed vessels away from the initial sensing role. The system remains experimental following the completed sea trials.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-06 16:05:55
World
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea supplied more than 176,000 tonnes of fuel, mostly diesel, to Russia’s Far East in July and August, according to an Guardian analysis of port records and ship-tracking data. Seven tankers made 14 voyages from South Korean ports to Russia, including vessels under UK and EU sanctions. Sanctioned Tankers and Routes The largest carrier was the sanctioned tanker Layla, which made two voyages from Ulsan to Vladivostok on 19 July and 10 August, carrying a combined 57,000 tonnes of diesel. It declared Vladivostok as its destination on the first voyage, while on the second it declared Niigata, Japan, before sailing to Vladivostok. The Russian-flagged Astoria, which is also under Australian sanctions, loaded nearly 11,000 tonnes of fuel at Ulsan on 1 August. It declared Japan as its destination before sailing to Vladivostok. The third sanctioned tanker, Chongchon, did not berth at a South Korean port. Instead, it received about 26,000 tonnes of fuel from the unsanctioned tanker Celeste I through a ship-to-ship transfer off Yeosu in early August. Chongchon then sailed to Vladivostok after declaring Singapore as its destination. Ship-to-ship transfers can make the origin of cargo more difficult to establish and allow vessels to avoid port terminals. Russian Buyers and Import Surge South Korean port records do not identify who owned or sold the fuel. The tanker owners and managers also did not respond to requests for comment. Kpler data showed that buyers included Rosneft, Russia’s state-controlled oil company, which is sanctioned by the UK, US, EU and Australia. Another buyer was NNK, whose owner Eduard Khudainatov and NNK-Oil are under UK sanctions. Russia imported 368,000 tonnes of oil products by sea in August, more than seven times the previous month and the highest monthly total since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to Kpler data analysed by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). South Korea supplied 112,000 tonnes, or 31%, making it Russia’s second-largest supplier after India. Russian Refinery Disruptions The increase in imports came as Russian refining capacity was disrupted by Ukrainian drone strikes. The International Energy Agency said Russian refinery throughput fell in June to its lowest level in more than 20 years, while diesel output was nearly 30% lower than a year earlier. South Korea’s Support for Ukraine The increase in fuel shipments coincided with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s pledge of $100 million for Ukraine’s reconstruction at a NATO summit in Turkey. South Korea has provided humanitarian aid and non-lethal military supplies, including helmets, body armour and demining vehicles. It had previously pledged $2.3 billion in support, mostly through loans, and has ruled out sending lethal weapons. CREA analyst Isaac Levi said the loading of EU-sanctioned tankers at South Korean ports and their voyages to Russia undermined the sanctions regime and South Korea’s support for Ukraine. South Korean Legal Position The fuel shipments do not appear to breach South Korean law. Seoul’s measures against Russia mainly concern exports of industrial machinery, electronics and vehicles. South Korea’s foreign ministry did not specifically address the shipments or the sanctioned tankers. It said the government supports international efforts to end the war and is strictly enforcing expanded export controls covering 1,402 non-strategic items considered to have a high potential for diversion to military use. In March, amid conflict involving Iran and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, South Korea capped exports of certain fuels and imported Russian naphtha under a US sanctions waiver. On 1 October, the UK temporarily exempted South Korea’s existing gas contracts from a ban on maritime services for Russian LNG, which is scheduled to take effect in January 2027.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-06 16:00:31
Europe
Plymouth, UK — ACUA Ocean and Forssea Robotics have completed a three-week integration and testing campaign off Plymouth, demonstrating a fully remote subsea inspection system combining an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) with a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV). The trials were conducted under a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) and combined ACUA Ocean’s Pioneer USV with Forssea Robotics’ 170-kg ARGOS ROV. More Than 40 Remote Deployments The campaign included six days of operations at sea, during which the partners completed more than 40 launch, dive and recovery cycles. All operations were controlled remotely from shore, with the system completing eight launch-and-recovery cycles in a single day. ARGOS operated at depths exceeding 20 metres, with up to 35 metres of tether deployed. Testing in Different Sea Conditions The system was tested in waves of around one metre, with average winds of 18 knots and gusts of 20 to 30 knots. Additional trials south of the Plymouth breakwater were conducted in waves of up to two metres. The companies reported that the conditions did not affect the ROV's operations. Pioneer provided subsea positioning support through a Sonardyne Mini-Ranger 2 ultra-short baseline (USBL) system, which tracked a WSM6+ transponder fitted to ARGOS. Pioneer used both manual control and dynamic-positioning station-keeping to maintain the required position for the ROV. Remote Control From the UK and France The integrated system was controlled from ACUA Ocean’s Remote Operations Centre at Turnchapel Wharf in Plymouth. Forssea Robotics personnel simultaneously supervised the operations from the company’s headquarters in Sète, France. Subsea Inspection Tasks The trials included inspection of the Poulmic wreck, a seabed feature and a concrete target block in Cawsand Bay. ARGOS successfully located and filmed the targets. The campaign focused on inspection activities, and no underwater repair or other light-intervention work was completed during the trials. The Poulmic was a former French vessel that was sunk by a mine in 1940 near Plymouth. Its remains are scattered across the seabed and form a known local dive site. Commercial Applications ARGOS is a compact, fully web-controllable ROV equipped with a plug-and-play integration kit for USV operations. It is designed for inspection, survey and light-intervention applications. Following the successful trials, ACUA Ocean and Forssea Robotics said the integrated system is now available for commercial marine campaigns, including offshore inspection, repair and maintenance, survey work and subsea infrastructure monitoring. ACUA Ocean CEO Neil Tinmouth said the system can provide a wider weather window for inspection campaigns while reducing the need for support vessels and offshore personnel. Forssea Robotics CEO Gautier Dreyfus praised Pioneer’s sea-state capabilities and the successful ROV integration and repeated launch-and-recovery operations.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-06 15:53:40Search
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