U.S
GRAHAM, Kentucky — Tampa, Florida-based defense contractor Nitradyn LLC has been awarded a $581 million Department of War contract to design, construct and commission a new domestic production facility for Insensitive Munition Explosive-104 (IMX-104) in Graham, Kentucky. The facility is expected to produce approximately 8 million pounds of IMX-104 annually once fully operational. Commissioning is planned before the end of 2030, with the contract listing an estimated completion date of August 9, 2030. The firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract is managed by Army Contracting Command at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. The new plant will be built at the same Graham site where the U.S. Army is constructing a TNT production facility. Together, the two projects will form an explosives manufacturing campus capable of producing multiple energetic formulations. IMX-104 is a melt-castable explosive made from RDX, NTO and DNAN. It is used as an explosive fill in 155 mm artillery shells and mortar rounds. The formulation was developed as an insensitive munition designed to provide greater resistance to accidental detonation from hazards such as fire, fragments and impact compared with traditional TNT fills. Nitradyn plans to manufacture all three IMX-104 components—RDX, NTO and DNAN—at the Graham site. The facility will also produce HMX and will include additional capacity for other energetic materials in the future. The project comes as the U.S. Army works to expand domestic ammunition production and address constraints in the supply of explosive fillers needed for increased 155 mm artillery shell production. The United States has also relied on allied countries, including Australia, India and Poland, to help offset domestic shortages of energetic materials. Nitradyn President Braden Lusk said the contract represents an investment in U.S. capacity to produce critical munitions. He said combining the IMX-104 facility with the TNT project will create an advanced explosives manufacturing campus capable of producing a diverse range of formulations. Lusk also said the facility will strengthen the domestic industrial base, create American jobs and increase U.S. capacity to meet future defense requirements. Founded in 2025, Nitradyn LLC is headquartered in Tampa, Florida, and was established as a joint venture between Dyno Nobel Limited and Paligen Chemical LLC, part of the Paligen Technologies group. The company manufactures and supplies explosives, propellants and energetic materials for defense and commercial customers. The Graham IMX-104 project will add another major domestic explosives production capability alongside the planned TNT facility, expanding U.S. capacity for several key military energetic materials at one location.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 15:42:31
U.S
WASHINGTON — Senior White House officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have privately warned President Donald Trump that the U.S. conflict with Iran could continue through the end of his current term in January 2029, according to reporting by The Wall Street Journal. The private assessment contrasts with Trump's recent public statements. On September 10, Trump said he expected the conflict to end after the November midterm elections and argued that Iran was under severe pressure. Advisers See Possibility of a Long Conflict According to the reported discussions, senior U.S. officials believe Iran could continue resisting American military and economic pressure, including the naval blockade and sanctions. The assessment indicates that there is no clear near-term path to a comprehensive ceasefire or a full restoration of normal commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in late February and has now continued for more than six months. Fighting has included periods of intense military activity, retaliatory strikes and disruptions to shipping. Recent fighting has centered increasingly on maritime routes. On September 9, Iran said it had attacked 10 ships after the U.S. military sank five Iranian oil tankers following attacks on U.S. naval forces. The escalation sharply reduced shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel. U.S. Military Deployments Extended The possibility of a prolonged conflict is also reflected in U.S. military planning. According to The Wall Street Journal, some American military deployments in the Middle East have been extended into 2027, while some air-defense units are expected to remain in the region without a fixed withdrawal date. The continued deployments indicate that Washington is preparing for the possibility that military operations and regional security requirements will continue beyond the immediate period surrounding the November elections. Iran Continues to Resist Pressure Iran has continued to signal that it intends to resist the U.S. campaign despite the economic costs. Reuters reported that the U.S.-led blockade and sanctions have placed significant pressure on Iran's economy, while Iranian officials and analysts have continued to consider ways to maintain resistance. The conflict has also included renewed attacks involving Iranian forces, U.S. military assets and commercial shipping. The latest escalation has increased concerns that the fighting could remain at a lower but sustained level even if the intensity of major operations declines. Fighting Expands Around Red Sea The conflict has also widened beyond the Strait of Hormuz. Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen recently seized the port of Mocha and advanced toward areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another important maritime route. Reuters reported that the development has increased concerns over shipping and Saudi oil exports. The situation around both Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has added further pressure to regional energy transportation. Shipping through Hormuz remains significantly below pre-war levels, while attacks and security concerns in the Red Sea are affecting another major route. Oil Prices Rise Above $100 The continuing disruption has also affected global energy markets. On September 10, Brent crude settled at $107.63 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) reached $102.48, according to Reuters. Both benchmarks moved above $100 as tanker attacks increased concerns about supply disruptions. Reuters also reported on September 11 that oil prices remained on track for a weekly gain of more than 8% despite falling during the day's trading. The market continues to respond to uncertainty surrounding oil shipments through Hormuz and the Red Sea. The latest developments leave Washington facing the possibility of a much longer confrontation than the timeline publicly suggested by Trump. While the president continues to expect the conflict to end after the November midterms, private assessments by senior officials indicate that the U.S.-Iran confrontation could potentially continue through the remainder of Trump's term in January 2029.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 15:34:27
Europe
BERLIN/DÜSSELDORF — German defense technology startup Ground A has secured €9.1 million in pre-seed funding to advance its GA 1000 laser-based counter-drone system toward market launch and industrial production in Germany. The financing round closed in June 2026 and was announced publicly in September. Ground A, founded in January 2026, has completed the prototype phase of the GA 1000 and is now conducting testing and validation. The company plans to begin modular series production in Germany in 2027, with another funding round planned to expand production capacity. The round was led by Vsquared Ventures, with Quantum Systems participating as a corporate investor. Other investors include GRIF, Robin Capital, ABACON, Leblon Capital and OVNI Capital. Experienced investors and entrepreneurs from the European defense and software sectors also joined, including Florian Seibel and Sven Kruck of Quantum Systems, Andreas Nauerz of J14 Capital, Marlon Braumann, and Stefan Roebel, Managing Director of Arx Robotics. Ground A is based in Düsseldorf and has a branch in Berlin. Its workforce has grown to 25 employees by September 2026. GA 1000 Combines Radar, AI and Laser The GA 1000 combines radar, multi-sensor fusion, computer vision, proprietary artificial intelligence and a high-energy laser effector to automatically detect, classify and track small drones. A human operator retains the decision to engage the target. According to Ground A, the system operates in the single-digit-kilowatt laser range and is designed as a "last-mile" counter-drone system against fast-flying Group 1 to 3 drones, including explosive-laden FPVs. The company says identifying a drone, locking on and starting engagement takes about three seconds, followed by roughly one second of laser exposure per drone. The complete system weighs less than 200 kilograms and fits within the footprint of a standard Euro pallet. It can be transported by four people. Its self-contained, swappable energy modules allow operation without fixed electrical infrastructure, while battery power supports about one hour of laser operation. Ground A says the GA 1000 provides 360-degree detection and target acquisition at ranges of several kilometres. The company also reports an engagement cost below €0.10 per use, with energy as the primary consumable. The system is designed to integrate with existing air-defense and command-and-control systems and can be mounted on land, sea and air platforms, including tanks and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). It is intended for military applications as well as protection of critical infrastructure such as energy facilities, airports and other sensitive sites. Production Planned for 2027 Ground A says the GA 1000 is now approaching market launch after completing its prototype phase. CEO and co-founder Dr. Tobias Brune said the company focused on product development and results before expanding its public communication. Brune co-founded Ground A with Daniel Hariri and Roland Spiegelhalder. The company demonstrated the system in Berlin in September 2026. The €9.1 million will support testing, market readiness, industrialisation and team expansion. Ground A has not yet commercially sold the system, and it has not disclosed specific production volumes or confirmed customer contracts. The company plans to establish modular series production in Germany in 2027 and use its planned subsequent funding round to increase manufacturing capacity. Ground A also intends to integrate the GA 1000 with compatible systems from companies such as Quantum Systems and Arx Robotics, while targeting governments and critical-infrastructure operators. Ground A describes the GA 1000 as the first element of a broader counter-drone and air-defense product platform.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 15:15:05
World
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan — Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer presented the first C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft for the Uzbekistan Air Force on September 10, 2026, making Uzbekistan the first Central Asian operator of the aircraft. Embraer confirmed the presentation in a social media post but did not provide details on the handover timeline. The aircraft carries the tail number UK 39010 and features a grey livery with “UZ AIR FORCE” markings, the Uzbek flag and Air Force insignia. Embraer had kept the customer confidential for more than a year. The company signed the contract for two C-390 aircraft on December 27, 2024, listing the customer as undisclosed. Uzbekistan was identified as the buyer at the Singapore Airshow on February 3, 2026. “We officially welcome the Republic of Uzbekistan to the group of C-390 operators as the Uzbekistan Air Force modernizes its transport capabilities,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, when the order was disclosed. The C-390 Millennium can carry up to 26 tonnes of payload and cruise at speeds of up to 470 knots (870 km/h or 541 mph). It can perform cargo and troop transport, airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian missions. The aircraft can also operate from unpaved or short runways. The KC-390 tanker version adds aerial refueling capability. The C-390 adds a medium-sized transport capability to Uzbekistan’s fleet, alongside four Airbus C295 light transports and older Ilyushin Il-76 heavy airlifters. Uzbekistan also operates older Antonov An-12 and An-26 aircraft. The country has been adding Western equipment, including Airbus H125 and H215 helicopters, as it diversifies a fleet historically based on Soviet-era aircraft. Uzbekistan becomes the eleventh country to operate or order the C-390, joining Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia and Lithuania. The aircraft was designed for interoperability with NATO systems, although most customers so far have been NATO members or close partners. Uzbekistan has also expanded its aviation cooperation with China. In August 2026, state television confirmed the delivery of Chengdu J-10CE fighter jets, making Uzbekistan the second foreign operator of the type after Pakistan. Reports said Uzbekistan had agreed to buy around 24 aircraft for approximately $1 billion, although the government has not confirmed the total number delivered or the final contract value.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 15:10:46
World
AMMAN, Jordan — Newly released satellite imagery and official accounts show damage at Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, also known as Al-Azraq Air Base, following an Iranian ballistic missile attack during the night of September 8-9. The base hosts U.S. military aircraft and personnel and serves as a U.S. military operating hub in the region. The attack followed U.S. strikes on five Iranian crude oil tankers on September 8. Those strikes came after Iranian forces targeted a U.S. Navy warship with ballistic missiles in preceding days. The warship successfully evaded the attacks and no casualties were reported. Satellite imagery shows multiple impact areas Open-source analysis of Sentinel-2 L2A imagery dated September 10 shows several apparent impact points inside the base. The main reported strike area is around 31.8314, 36.7914, near support and aircraft-shelter infrastructure. 🔴🇮🇷🇺🇸UPDATE: Newly-released satellite imagery shows at least 4 clear impact points on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan.A taxiway and two aircraft shelter suffered direct hits.Source: Sentinel-2 L2A 09-10-2026 https://t.co/nSdjubcqz3 pic.twitter.com/GBrsLXhupn — BeamTracker | Military OSINT (@BeamTracker_) September 10, 2026 Extensive damage spotted TODAY at US Jordan Muwaffaq al-Salti AB 👇Several aircraft clamshell hangars destroyed at once POSS by Iran ballistic missile cluster ammo at31.8314, 36.7914 red dotted circleNo visible damage at apron US aircraft used to stay (not imaged). pic.twitter.com/mVRQbHnYqK — Tom Bike (@tom_bike) September 10, 2026 The imagery indicates damage to a taxiway and two aircraft shelters, while several clamshell-style aircraft hangars appear to have been destroyed or damaged. Separate analysis of imagery from September 8 and 10 also identified an apparent hit on a fighter hangar, impact marks along a taxiway or runway area and changes around two unmanned aerial vehicle hangars. The publicly available imagery does not show clear widespread structural damage across the main aircraft apron where some U.S. aircraft are normally positioned. Nine U.S. aircraft affected U.S. sources confirmed that multiple American aircraft were damaged. One A-10 Thunderbolt II was struck and reportedly lost a wing, while approximately eight F-15/F-15E Strike Eagle fighters suffered light damage. The F-15 aircraft were inspected and underwent minor repairs before being returned to service. U.S. officials said no American personnel were killed and described the overall equipment damage as limited or minimal. Videos circulating online also appear to show damaged UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters being transported on flatbed trucks. However, the U.S. military has not confirmed the cause or location of that helicopter damage. Jordan reports 18 missile interceptions Jordan’s armed forces said approximately 20 Iranian ballistic missiles were fired toward Jordanian territory. Jordan reported that its air-defense systems intercepted and destroyed 18 missiles, while the remaining two fell in unpopulated areas. No casualties were reported by Jordanian authorities. U.S. forces at the base fired more than 30 Patriot interceptor missiles during the defense, according to U.S. officials. Some reports have put the number of U.S. interceptors higher, at around 60. Iran claims responsibility Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attack. It said its Aerospace Force used solid- and liquid-fuel ballistic missiles against the base and targeted maintenance, preparation and deployment sites associated with F-35, F-16 and F-15 aircraft, as well as aircraft shelters. Iranian statements also referred to the use of cluster munitions in some accounts. Open-source analysts have examined the satellite imagery for evidence of the reported strike effects, although the imagery alone does not establish the exact warhead used in each impact. The base remains operational while damage to affected taxiway, hangar and shelter areas is assessed and repaired. Further high-resolution commercial satellite imagery is being reviewed to provide a more detailed battle-damage assessment.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 14:31:06
World
SANA'A, Yemen — Yemen’s Houthi movement has seized control of Perim Island (Mayyun) in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait after Yemeni government forces withdrew from the island a day earlier. Four Yemeni government sources told Reuters that Houthi fighters reached the island on Friday, while a local official told AFP that the group had effectively taken control of the strait area. Perim sits at the narrowest point of the Bab el-Mandeb, dividing the waterway into two shipping channels, and has an airstrip. Government forces also lost Dhubab, a mainland town directly opposite the island. Witnesses said armed Houthi fighters were patrolling the shoreline in military vehicles after boats carrying fighters arrived. The takeover is part of a week-long Houthi offensive along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. The group captured the port city of Mocha and the Hanish islands on Thursday and also reportedly seized Zuqar Island. The Houthis already controlled about one-third of Yemen before the latest advance and have conducted missile and drone attacks against commercial ships using the Bab el-Mandeb for years. The developments come as the Strait of Hormuz has remained effectively closed during the U.S.-Israeli air campaign against Iran, which began about six months ago. With Houthi forces now holding positions around Bab el-Mandeb, Iran-aligned forces are positioned near both major maritime corridors. Together, the routes historically handle more than a quarter of global seaborne crude oil and petroleum trade, while the Red Sea carries close to a third of global container traffic. The disruption is already affecting Saudi oil supplies. The International Energy Agency said Saudi crude supply fell by 2.3 million barrels per day in August to 6 million barrels per day, the lowest level in more than three decades. The IEA attributed part of the decline to Houthi-linked attacks on shipping and energy facilities. Global oil prices remained above $100 a barrel, with Brent trading in the mid-$100s on Friday. Smoke Reported Near Saudi Oil Pipeline Satellite imagery verified by Reuters showed smoke on Thursday near Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline, also known as Petroline. NASA and NOAA-20 satellite data indicated a smoke plume stretching about 100 kilometers, along with sustained thermal hotspots southeast of Medina. Fire data showed heat signatures exceeding 70 megawatts that continued for hours, which analysts said was significantly larger than routine gas flaring. Preliminary assessments identified six to eight possible impact points, raising the possibility of pipeline damage or rupture. Saudi authorities and Saudi Aramco have not confirmed that the pipeline was attacked or damaged. The East-West Pipeline has a capacity of about 7 million barrels per day and carries substantial Saudi crude volumes to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, providing an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. The pipeline was previously hit by an Iranian drone strike in April, reducing flows by 700,000 barrels per day for four days. Iran, Saudi Arabia and U.S. Response Reuters reported, citing Yemeni government, Iranian and regional sources, that the latest Houthi advance received direct guidance from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The sources said Tehran urged the Houthis last week to increase attacks on Saudi Arabia and promised additional funding, weapons and senior officers. Iran denies directing the Houthis and describes them as an ally rather than a proxy. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly spoke twice with U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday and requested U.S. strikes against the Houthis, according to Axios, citing two U.S. officials. Trump rejected the request. U.S. officials said Washington does not currently plan direct military action against the Houthis but is increasing support for Saudi Arabia, including intelligence sharing. About 200 U.S. military personnel are already in Saudi Arabia providing non-kinetic assistance. The Financial Times also reported that Gulf and Iranian foreign ministers are scheduled to meet Monday in Salalah, Oman, to discuss a temporary arrangement for restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. In Yemen, government forces said they are preparing a counteroffensive and will deploy weapons and aircraft to retake captured territory, including the road toward Mocha. Authorities warned civilians to avoid travelling between Taiz and Mocha. Saudi forces also carried out airstrikes on positions in Mocha on Friday, according to Houthi media. A senior Houthi official said navigation through the Bab el-Mandeb remained safe for international shipping except for Saudi vessels, describing the group’s current actions as defensive. The developments leave Saudi Arabia facing pressure on both of its major oil export routes while fighting continues around Yemen’s Red Sea coast and diplomatic efforts seek to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 14:12:31
Europe
PARIS, — France’s Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has selected MBDA and Safran Electronics & Defense to provide the French Army with THUNDART, a new sovereign long-range land-strike system designed to replace the country’s aging Unitary Rocket Launcher (LRU) fleet. The system is being developed for tactical deep-strike missions in high-intensity conflicts and contested environments. Designed, developed and produced in France, THUNDART is intended to give the French Armed Forces full autonomy of use by 2030. 150 km Range and Eight-Rocket Launcher THUNDART will provide a precision strike range of up to 150 kilometers, roughly twice the 70-80 km range of France’s current LRU systems. The LRU fleet consists of modernized American M270 launchers, some of which have been transferred to Ukraine, while the remaining systems are approaching the end of their service lives. The THUNDART launcher is based on an armored, off-road-capable 8x8 Scania truck chassis. It features an integrated two-axis turret and fire-control system carrying two munition pods, each with four guided rockets, for a total of eight rockets. The rockets carry a 100-kilogram-class warhead and are designed to travel at high-supersonic speed. The launcher also has autonomous loading and unloading capabilities to support rapid firing and relocation. Designed to Operate Without GNSS One of THUNDART’s main features is its ability to operate when GNSS signals are jammed or denied. Safran Electronics & Defense is providing guidance and navigation technology derived from its AASM Hammer precision munition. The system combines inertial navigation with laser and infrared capabilities to maintain metric precision when satellite navigation is unavailable. THUNDART will also be natively integrated with the French Army’s ATLAS fire management system. Its rocket propulsion is supplied by Roxel, an MBDA subsidiary. The system is designed to be fully ITAR-free, supporting France’s objective of maintaining sovereign control over the capability without reliance on U.S. export-controlled components. Development and Joint Venture The DGA launched the Frappe Longue Portée Terrestre (FLP-T) programme in 2023 to develop a sovereign replacement for the LRU. Exclusive negotiations with the MBDA-Safran team began in June 2026. An initial development phase culminated in a successful demonstration firing on 14 April 2026 at the DGA’s Île du Levant test range. MBDA and Safran will establish a 50/50 joint venture in the Paris region, expected to be created in early 2027. The company will manage THUNDART’s development, production and in-service support, as well as future upgrades, adaptations for other environments and potential allied export versions. Safran Electronics & Defense Defense Global Business Unit Head Alexandre Ziegler said the programme combines the companies’ expertise, particularly Safran’s capabilities in inertial navigation and optronics for operations in GNSS-denied environments. MBDA France Executive Vice President Programmes and Managing Director Stéphane Reb said the programme uses mature subsystems and an industrial ramp-up already underway to respond to the French Army’s requirements. Planned Fleet and French Industrial Work Under France’s 2024-2030 Military Programming Law (LPM), planning calls for at least 13 THUNDART systems by 2030. Longer-term projections refer to up to 26 systems and around 300 munitions by 2035. The contract value and exact quantities of launchers and munitions have not been disclosed. The programme already involves several dozen engineers and is expected to support engineering and production activity across France. Work will involve MBDA, Safran and subcontractors in Aquitaine, Brittany, Centre-Val de Loire, Île-de-France, Pays de la Loire and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Safran is developing the launcher with industrial partners including Scania France, CMAR and Essonne. Future options include extended-range variants and potential air-launched or naval adaptations. THUNDART is being developed as a French and European long-range strike system focused on precision, sovereign production and operation in contested environments.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 13:58:10
World
VOLGOGRAD — Ukrainian forces struck the Volgogradpromproekt specialty chemicals plant in Volgograd, Russia, during the early hours of September 11 using domestically produced FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles, according to Ukrainian defense company Fire Point, which manufactures the weapon. Fire Point said direct hits were recorded and that a fire broke out at the facility. Governor Confirms Missile Attack Volgograd Region Governor Andrei Bocharov confirmed that the city came under missile attack. He said missile debris fell on the grounds of an industrial facility in southern Volgograd, while emergency services were deployed to deal with the consequences. Bocharov also reported that an apartment building in the city's Krasnoarmeysky district was damaged. Two men, aged 55 and 42, were hospitalized. Chemical Plant's Defense Industry Role Volgogradpromproekt is located in Volgograd's Kirovsky district and specializes in low-tonnage chemicals, including organophosphorus compounds, flame retardants, resins and other specialty chemicals. Monitoring sources, including the OSINT project Exilenova+, have linked the company's products to polymer and composite materials used in Russia's aviation, shipbuilding and defense industries. One of its key products is OSF, an organosilicon ferrocene derivative containing about 10 percent iron, according to a Russian patent. It is used as a catalyst and combustion-rate modifier for composite solid rocket propellants, helping regulate the burn rate of rocket fuel. The company's defense links are also documented in court records. In 2018, Volgogradpromproekt signed three contracts with the Perm Powder Plant to supply 15 tonnes of OSF for 97.836 million rubles, approximately $1.1 million, excluding VAT. Court documents state that the supplies were made under Russia's state defense procurement program. The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned Volgogradpromproekt in December 2023, citing its production of ferrocene-containing combustion catalysts. FP-5 Flamingo Missile The FP-5 Flamingo is a ground-launched cruise missile developed and produced by Fire Point and introduced in 2025. It has a reported range of up to 3,000 kilometers and carries a warhead of approximately 1,150 kilograms. Fire Point has described the system as designed for long-range operations, including in environments with active electronic warfare. The missile system uses ground launchers and restored aviation engines, allowing a relatively simple and scalable production approach. Other Strikes Reported The Volgograd strike occurred during a wider series of reported Ukrainian attacks on September 11. Residents in southern Volgograd reported explosions and drone activity near the Volgograd Oil Refinery. However, there was no independent confirmation of damage to the refinery immediately after the reports. In neighboring Saratov, Ukrainian FP-1 long-range drones struck an Ozon logistics and warehouse complex covering about 85,000 square meters, according to Fire Point and local reports. Fire Point said its drones carried out the attack and that significant fires were reported at the site. The full extent of damage at Volgogradpromproekt was not immediately released, while emergency services continued responding to the attack on September 11. Source : militarnyi
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 13:26:51
U.S
LAKE KICKAPOO, Texas — The U.S. Space Force has selected Lake Kickapoo, Texas, as the preferred location for the third and final site of the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) network. The decision was announced on September 9, 2026, and remains subject to final planning approvals and the award of a construction contract. The Texas site will complete a three-site network being developed by the United States, United Kingdom and Australia under a 22-year trilateral memorandum of understanding. The U.S. Space Force is the overall lead, while Northrop Grumman is building the radars. DARC Deep-Space Radar Network Once completed, DARC is designed to provide continuous, all-weather, day-and-night surveillance of geostationary orbit, about 22,000 miles (35,000 kilometers) above Earth. The system is intended to identify, track and characterize objects and activity in deep space, including smaller objects, with greater sensitivity, accuracy, capacity and tracking agility than existing ground-based optical systems. “Selecting Texas as the preferred location for the final DARC site keeps us on track to deliver a truly global deep-space sensing network with our closest allies,” said Chief of Space Operations Gen. Douglas Schiess. He said the capability will improve visibility in the contested space domain and strengthen the allies' ability to protect space systems. Three-Site Allied Network The first DARC site, on the Exmouth Peninsula in Western Australia, was completed in December 2024 and entered early-use operations in 2025. U.S. Space Force Guardians from Mission Delta 2 and the 20th Space Surveillance Squadron, headquartered at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, currently operate the Australian sensor under an early-use agreement. The UK DARC site at Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire, Wales, remains the preferred location and is awaiting planning approval. Construction at the UK site is also expected to begin in 2027. Statements From U.S. Space Force Officials “DARC is a strong example of how we are translating operational requirements into fielded capability through deliberate acquisition and close collaboration with our allies,” said Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration Dr. Erich “HB” Hernandez-Baquero. He said completing the Texas site will improve network resilience and provide sustained sensing for long-term space domain awareness. Col. Barry Croker, commander of Mission Delta 2, said the completed network will give operators a more persistent and responsive ability to detect and track activity in deep space and support protection of space-enabled services used by U.S. forces and allies. Lake Kickapoo Site Lake Kickapoo is located in Archer County, north Texas, roughly 120 miles northwest of Fort Worth and about 150 miles northwest of Dallas, near Archer City and Wichita Falls. The location previously hosted the main transmitter site for the AN/FPS-133 Space Fence, an older continuous-wave radar network that operated for decades before being decommissioned in 2013. Construction and Operational Timeline Construction at the Texas site is expected to begin in 2027 after required approvals and contract award. 2027: Construction expected to begin 2029: Civil construction projected to finish After 2029: Technical testing and evaluation 2030: Operational acceptance planned This is earlier than previous projections that had pointed toward full operations closer to 2032. Funding and Final Capability The fiscal 2027 budget request includes $442 million for the DARC program, with additional funding planned through fiscal 2031 to support remaining work across the sites. When complete, the three-site DARC network will provide the United States, United Kingdom and Australia with a shared deep-space surveillance capability to support space domain awareness and protect critical space-enabled military and civilian infrastructure.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 13:06:20
World
Moscow — Russia’s Scientific and Production Center Ushkuynik has presented the “Paseka” (Apiary) anti-drone system, a short-range counter-UAV complex that uses nylon nets instead of explosives to intercept approaching drones. The system was presented in connection with the International Technology Congress 2026. Paseka is designed around a fixed, semi-circular mount carrying 12 small mortars. Each mortar launches a 4-by-4-meter nylon net toward an approaching unmanned aerial vehicle. The stated engagement range is 10 to 30 meters, with the net intended to entangle the drone’s propellers and prevent it from continuing its flight. Russia’s Ushkuynik center unveils “Paseka” (Apiary) anti-drone system.12 small mortars fire 4×4 m nylon nets up to 30 m. AI computer vision detects & classifies drones, then triggers launch. No explosives. Can mount on vehicles, robots or trucks. pic.twitter.com/4yfglywOJ9 — The Defense News (@TheDefenseNews) September 11, 2026 AI-Based Drone Detection The system uses a computer-vision system based on a neural-network model to detect and classify objects in its surrounding area. According to information provided about the system, the software is designed to identify drones and issue the command to fire a net. Paseka can operate using 5-volt batteries, which are sufficient to power between two and four cameras. For operation at night, the system requires connection to a thermal imaging camera. The mortar cartridges can also be changed quickly, allowing the system to be prepared for another engagement after firing. Designed for Military and Civilian Platforms According to Alexey Chadayev, head of the Ushkuynik center, Paseka does not use explosives in its net cartridges. The developers are therefore considering applications beyond military vehicles. Potential platforms mentioned by the developers include military combat vehicles, ground-based robotic systems and freight trucks operating on public roads. The proposal to use the system on trucks is intended to provide protection against drones while the vehicles are moving along roads. The developers also point to the cost of the ammunition as an advantage. Chadayev said the net charges cost significantly less than interceptor drones or missiles, potentially making the approach more accessible for wider deployment. Mobile Operation Still Not Demonstrated While Ushkuynik has discussed installing Paseka on moving vehicles, publicly available demonstrations have shown the system operating from a stationary position. Its performance when mounted on moving platforms has not been publicly demonstrated in the available material. Paseka is one of several counter-drone technologies displayed by Ushkuynik at the International Technology Congress 2026. The center, based in Veliky Novgorod, has also developed other unmanned and counter-UAV systems. The system represents a short-range approach to countering small drones by physically entangling them with a net rather than using an explosive interceptor. Its proposed use on military vehicles, ground robots and civilian freight trucks broadens the range of platforms for which Ushkuynik is considering the technology.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 12:51:22
World
Tekirdag, Turkiye — Turkiye’s Baykar-developed Bayraktar AKINCI unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) has successfully conducted a live firing test of ROKETSAN’s UAV-300 Long-Range Strike Weapon. The test was conducted over the Black Sea, with the missile striking a sea target located more than 250 kilometres away. The AKINCI took off from the Corlu Flight Training and Test Centre in Tekirdag and flew to the designated test area near Sinop before launching the missile. After the successful engagement, the aircraft returned to Corlu along its planned route. #AKINCI ✈️🐳🚀✅ UAV-300 & UAV-122 Munitions Firing Test◾️ The target at a range of 250+ kilometers was successfully hit with the UAV-300 supersonic ballistic missile.🎯 Bull's Eye#Baykar 🤝 @Roketsan#NationalTechnologyInitiative 🌍🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/YCB92fAqjH — BAYKAR (@BaykarTech) September 11, 2026 The 300 ER is the longest-range member of ROKETSAN’s air-launched ballistic missile family, which began with the UAV-122 and UAV-230. ROKETSAN first publicly presented the missile as the 300-ER at IDEF 2025 in Istanbul. The finalized missile features design changes from the earlier display configuration, including tail control surfaces instead of nose fins and a more slender, curved nose section. The missile is approximately 5 metres long, has a 370 mm diameter and weighs around 900 kilograms. It can carry a warhead weighing more than 150 kilograms, with different warhead configurations available for different target types. The 300 ER has a stated range of more than 500 kilometres, depending on the altitude and speed of the launch platform. Higher release altitudes can increase the achievable distance. The missile uses a solid-propellant rocket motor for its flight. For guidance, the missile combines GNSS and inertial navigation during the mid-course phase with a television camera seeker during the terminal phase. It is intended for precision attacks against targets such as radars, armoured vehicles, air-defence systems and command centres. The weapon is designed for both fighter aircraft and unmanned combat aircraft, including the Bayraktar AKINCI and jet-powered Kızılelma. An F-16 is expected to carry two missiles, while the AKINCI can carry one on a suitable hardpoint. The system has also been discussed for potential integration with the KAAN fighter. Earlier members of the family have already been tested with the AKINCI. The UAV-230, derived from the TRG-230, has demonstrated ranges above 150 kilometres, while the UAV-122 has also completed successful firing tests. ROKETSAN had indicated earlier in 2026 that initial 300 ER test firings and delivery to the Turkish Armed Forces were planned within the year. The successful September 2026 trial confirms the missile’s integration with AKINCI and its ability to engage a surface target at a distance of more than 250 kilometres during the reported test.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 12:02:58
Europe
Marignane, France — France has ordered eight Airbus U050 Capa-X uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) for the French Navy and Army under the country’s Light Tactical Drone System (SDTL) evaluation programme. The French Aeronautical Maintenance Directorate (DMAé) placed the follow-on order with Airbus Helicopters. It covers four complete systems, with each system including two drones. Two systems will go to the French Navy and two to the French Army, with deliveries scheduled for 2027. The order follows the evaluation of an initial U050 Capa-X system acquired at the end of 2025. It completed a land and maritime evaluation campaign involving several French forces during 2025 and early 2026. During the trials, the Capa-X met SDTL requirements, demonstrating seven hours of endurance while carrying two payloads, an operational range of 100 kilometres and a compact logistical footprint. A complete system can be transported using two pickup trucks. U050 Capa-X Specifications The U050 Capa-X has a maximum takeoff weight of 120 kilograms, a payload capacity of up to 20 kilograms and a maximum endurance of more than 10 hours. It operates through a direct data link at distances of up to 100 kilometres from its ground station. The aircraft can use conventional or vertical take-off and landing configurations and is available with short- and long-wing options. The short-wing version has a maximum speed of 150 km/h. The system has a maximum ceiling of 3,000 metres and can be deployed in less than 20 minutes. The long-wing configuration has a 6-metre wingspan, while the aircraft is 4 metres long. For its initial French military configuration, the drone carries an optronic pod for imagery intelligence (IMINT) and a signals intelligence (SIGINT) capability for surveillance, reconnaissance, imagery exploitation and operational analysis. The platform's modular design allows multiple payloads to be carried simultaneously and enables configurations to be changed for different missions. It is also designed to receive additional capabilities as French operational requirements develop. Victor Gerin-Roze, head of uncrewed aerial systems at Airbus Helicopters, said the order marks the programme's entry into its operational phase and highlighted the platform's modularity as its main advantage. DMAé, a joint-service organisation reporting to the Chief of the Defence Staff, will oversee the drones' through-life support and fleet availability. The U050 Capa-X was developed by Survey Copter, an Airbus subsidiary, and is part of Airbus Helicopters' tactical uncrewed aerial systems portfolio. The contract value has not been disclosed.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 11:20:50
U.S
CRANE, Ind. — General Dynamics Mission Systems has received a $184.25 million U.S. Navy contract to manufacture Next Generation Electronic Attack Units (NGEAUs) for the EA-18G Growler. The contract also includes sustainment support for the NGEAU and future sustainment support for the aircraft’s Advanced Capability Mission Computer. The firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract was awarded on a sole-source basis under 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1) because only one responsible source could meet the requirements. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity. Work will be performed in Bloomington, Minnesota, and is expected to continue through September 2032. The contract number is N0016426DWS86. About $40.06 million in funding was obligated at the time of the award. This includes $29.69 million from fiscal 2026 Aircraft Procurement, Navy funds and $10.37 million from fiscal 2025 Aircraft Procurement, Navy funds. The public award announcement does not specify the delivery quantities or the full contract ceiling. NGEAU Supports Growler Block II The NGEAU is a major part of the Growler Block II modernization program. The system is designed to process, identify and counter increasingly complex radar and electromagnetic threats. A key capability is Reactive Electronic Attack Measures (REAM), which uses machine-learning-enabled processing to support rapid responses against adaptive and unfamiliar emitters in dense electromagnetic environments. The new hardware and processors are intended to expand frequency coverage, increase electronic-attack bandwidth and enable autonomous processing and response to unknown signals. The system also addresses diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages affecting the previous Electronic Attack Unit. Growler Block II uses a more modular, open architecture based on Open Mission Systems, along with Multi-Level Security and Multi-Tier Resource Management. Integration With Other Growler Upgrades The NGEAU and REAM form the focus of Phase 1 of Growler Block II. The modernization is also being developed alongside other capabilities, including the Next Generation Jammer–Low Band (NGJ-LB) and Mid-Band pods. A later Block II effort, known as Phase 2 or Beowulf, is planned to add further sensor enhancements. The EA-18G Growler is a specialized variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet and serves as the Navy’s carrier-based airborne electronic attack aircraft. Production of new Growlers has ended, making sustainment and modernization important for maintaining the existing fleet into the 2040s. The new General Dynamics award enables full-rate production of NGEAU units and provides sustainment support as the Navy continues upgrading the Growler’s electronic warfare capabilities.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 11:02:43
World
JERUSALEM, — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it destroyed a major Hezbollah underground complex beneath the Ali al-Taher Ridge in southern Lebanon on Thursday evening, September 10, using more than 1,100 tons of explosives. The ridge is located about 15 kilometers (10 miles) north of the Israeli border near Nabatieh and has long been a contested area. The IDF said the tunnel network served as the nerve center of Hezbollah’s Badr regional division, which operates in southern Lebanon north of the Litani River. The main underground infrastructure stretched for more than 2 kilometers and was part of a wider system of eight tunnels in the Ali al-Taher and Beaufort Castle area, with a combined length of 5.4 kilometers. According to the IDF, the complex was built over roughly two decades with Iranian funding and planning. The facility included command centers, weapons storage rooms, generators, living quarters, showers and a kitchen, allowing fighters to remain underground for extended periods. Israeli troops said they recovered dozens of Iranian-made rockets, missiles and drones, as well as firearms, anti-tank missiles, hundreds of mines and other explosive devices. The operation followed a weeks-long Israeli siege. Forces from the IDF’s 36th Division surrounded the area, carried out localized ground clearing and conducted intelligence-driven airstrikes. By early September, the military said it had cleared the tunnels of Hezbollah operatives, with some killed and others fleeing. Reports during the siege said more than 100 Hezbollah fighters and IRGC advisers were trapped inside, while Hezbollah attempts to resupply them by drone were unsuccessful. Lebanon’s state news agency NNA reported a powerful blast at the ridge, with tremors and the explosion heard across Nabatieh and surrounding areas. Monitoring reports recorded a 4.1-magnitude tremor associated with the blast. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the operation completed the consolidation of a security zone in the area. They said Israeli forces now have operational control of the ridge both above and below ground. According to the Israeli government, the site had been intended as a staging base for operations toward the Galilee and provided observation and fire-control capabilities over communities including Metula and Kiryat Shmona. Israeli forces will remain in the area to prevent Hezbollah from returning or rebuilding its capabilities. The IDF described the facility as strategic infrastructure used to support Hezbollah’s planning and attacks and said its destruction completed the neutralization of the tunnel network.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 10:40:41
Trump Declines Saudi Crown Prince's Request for Direct US Strikes on Houthis Amid Red Sea Escalation
World
WASHINGTON / YEMEN — U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s request for direct U.S. airstrikes against Houthi forces in Yemen, as the Iran-aligned group advances along the country’s Red Sea coast. According to Axios, citing two U.S. officials, Mohammed bin Salman called Trump twice on Thursday. During the first call, he briefed Trump on the worsening military situation as Houthi forces advanced on the strategic coastal city of Mokha (Mocha). Several hours later, the Saudi crown prince called again and urged Trump to order direct U.S. strikes. Trump declined, with U.S. officials saying Washington does not currently plan to take direct military action against the Houthis. The United States is nevertheless increasing support for Saudi Arabia. The Trump administration has agreed to provide intelligence and targeting data on Houthi positions. About 200 U.S. military personnel are also in Saudi Arabia providing non-kinetic support. Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, traveled to Saudi Arabia on Thursday for military coordination talks. The Houthi capture of Mokha has increased concerns over shipping security because the city is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and carries a significant share of global trade. The development comes as Iran has already disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about pressure on two major regional maritime chokepoints. Houthi forces have also advanced toward Dhubab, opposite Perim Island near the entrance to Bab el-Mandeb. Saudi-backed Yemeni forces have withdrawn from some positions to regroup. The escalation follows a major Houthi attack in southern Saudi Arabia that injured 73 people. Saudi Arabia responded with around 40 airstrikes across several Yemeni governorates, including Taiz, Hodeida, Al-Jawf and Marib. A senior Trump administration official said Washington wants to keep the Red Sea open while allowing regional partners to lead the broader military response. U.S. officials have also told Saudi counterparts that American forces should remain focused on Iran and safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz rather than opening another military front. The White House and Saudi Embassy in Washington declined to comment on the Axios report, while Reuters said it could not immediately verify all of the reported details.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 10:27:15
World
SAN FRANCISCO, — Anthropic has released a 154-page threat intelligence report detailing multiple cases in which its Claude AI models were used by state-linked groups and other actors for military, intelligence, surveillance, influence and weapons-related activities. The report, "Anthropic's September 2026 threat intelligence " released on September 10, covers activity that Anthropic said it disrupted between December 2025 and August 2026. The company said the accounts involved were banned, safeguards were strengthened based on the findings, and information was shared with government and industry partners where appropriate. Anthropic described the cases as notable examples of AI misuse rather than typical everyday use. Among the cases highlighted were Iran-linked operations involving naval targeting and domestic surveillance, Iranian state-aligned influence campaigns, and a weapons-development cell in northern Yemen assessed by Anthropic as highly likely to be linked to the Houthis. Iran-Linked Group Used Claude for U.S. Naval Targeting Anthropic identified an Iran-nexus threat actor that used Claude to collect and analyze publicly available information for developing targeting recommendations against U.S. naval forces in the region. According to the report, the operators built an automated Python pipeline with Claude's assistance. The system brought together information including publicly available ship and aircraft transponder identifiers, names of U.S. personnel taken from captions on military photographs, scripts for querying commercial satellite imagery and websites that track naval movements. The same account also used Claude to research potential vulnerabilities in shipboard systems. The research included known vulnerabilities affecting maritime VSAT terminals, Cisco communications equipment and industrial control products. Claude Used in Iranian Domestic Surveillance Anthropic also identified Claude use connected to domestic surveillance activities in Iran. The company said it banned 16 Claude accounts linked to two units assessed with high confidence as being associated with Iranian paramilitary and domestic security agencies. One unit, described in the report as being based in Qom, used Claude as an engineering resource for surveillance-related systems. Operators reported having an identity-record database containing information on Iranian nationals and said they had surveilled and profiled 6,388 Iranians during a single year. Claude was also used to analyze more than 155,000 social media posts and help identify 39 opposition and diaspora accounts for monitoring. In another case, Iranian actors used Claude to develop and deploy a malicious Firefox browser extension disguised as a prayer-times utility. The extension was designed to collect user identities from social networks. The information was then used in a broader profiling system. Anthropic said its safeguards blocked many direct requests involving profiling, although some software-tooling requests were not refused. Iranian Influence Operations Used Multiple Languages The report also describes three Iranian state-aligned accounts connected to institutions including the Islamic Culture and Communications Organization, the Islamic Propaganda Office of Khorasan Razavi and the Bina Cultural Observatory. According to Anthropic, the accounts were involved in "soft war" and "cognitive warfare" activities. Operators used Claude to create fake personas, develop target databases and campaign plans, and produce social-media material in multiple languages. The planning documents referenced Iran's state doctrine of "Jihad al-Tabyin," or explanatory jihad. Anthropic said the network distributed material across Iranian platforms including Eitaa, Bale and Rubika, as well as X, Instagram, Telegram, TikTok and YouTube and through cultural-attaché networks. The report also identified instances in which false claims were attributed to Western research institutions, including CSIS, Brookings and RAND, during the 2026 U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict period. Funeral and Succession Planning One account linked to the Islamic Culture and Communications Organization uploaded detailed organizational plans concerning the funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader and succession arrangements. The report states that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died in a U.S.-Israeli strike on February 28, 2026, and was buried at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad on July 9 following a multi-day state funeral. He was succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei. Anthropic said operators also used Claude features to prepare succession-related narratives and, in related work, generate messaging in the official voice of an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson. Yemen Weapons Cell Used Claude for Weapons Software A separate case involved a weapons engineering cell operating in northern Yemen that Anthropic assessed as highly likely to be Houthi-linked, although Anthropic did not publicly identify the group by name. The cell used Claude Code as a substitute for human software engineers across three weapons-development programs between December 2025 and August 2026. The programs involved a tactical guided rocket using a commodity phone-class flight computer and terminal guidance, a multi-stage ballistic missile with a stated range goal of more than 2,000 kilometers, and a group of variants known as "R2000," including a hypersonic glide vehicle variant. The operators used Claude to work on guidance, navigation and control software. The report says they integrated an open-source autopilot onto a phone-class flight computer, developed control and position-estimation software, conducted flight simulations and tuned flight-control algorithms. The operators also ran several Claude instances in parallel. One was used for coding, another for research and another for reviewing the work. The resulting tools were compiled into a standalone offline executable, allowing the group to continue using the software without further access to Claude. The group subsequently conducted a test launch of a guided rocket in Yemen. Anthropic said the test appeared to have failed. Within hours, the operators returned to Claude to analyze telemetry data and troubleshoot the test failure. Anthropic said there is no evidence that an operational weapon was successfully deployed, although the offline software toolkit remained available. Operators Attempted to Bypass Claude Safeguards Anthropic said its automated safety systems blocked numerous requests connected with the activities described in the report. The Yemen-based operators attempted to avoid detection by concealing the military purpose of their work and dividing activities among multiple Claude sessions. This allowed individual sessions to handle coding, research or review without necessarily exposing the complete purpose of the project. Anthropic said the linked accounts were subsequently banned and that relevant threat indicators were shared with international security agencies. The company has previously described threat intelligence as an important part of its approach to detecting malicious use of Claude and said findings from real-world misuse investigations are used to improve its safeguards. Part of a Broader AI Misuse Report The Yemen case was one of six conventional-weapons cases identified in the September report. Anthropic said three were linked to China, two to Russia and one to Yemen. The wider report also covers cyber operations, surveillance systems, influence campaigns, biological research misuse, scams and fraud, and attempts to illicitly extract capabilities from Claude through model distillation. Anthropic said it disrupted all of the operations described in the report and used the findings to strengthen its safeguards. The company also said that, where appropriate, it shared information with authorities and other companies. The cases involving Iran and Yemen illustrate how AI models can be used not only for general information or software development but also as components in larger intelligence, surveillance, influence and weapons-development workflows. Anthropic said it will continue refining its safeguards as model capabilities advance.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 10:13:50
World
TEHRAN, Iran — On September 10, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has claimed that it struck a U.S. unmanned surface vessel near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, identifying the vessel as a Saildrone Explorer with hull number 5838. The claim was reported by Iranian media on September 10 and comes amid heightened maritime tensions between Iran and the United States around the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC Navy said the vessel was carrying out what it described as a hostile or aggressive mission when it was targeted. Iranian media also published footage that it said showed the unmanned vessel. Reports said the vessel had earlier been seen by a local fisherman, with footage subsequently appearing on Iranian social media. Iran’s IRGC released a video it says shows the moment its navy destroyed a U.S. Navy Saildrone USV, hull number 5838, in the Strait of Hormuz.The IRGC said the waterway is under its control and warned that any “hostile presence” in the strategic strait would be targeted. pic.twitter.com/lXqUb4fbZj — Egypt's Intel Observer (@EGYOSINT) September 10, 2026 The IRGC Navy did not publicly provide details about the weapon used, the exact circumstances of the strike or the extent of damage to the vessel. The U.S. military had not immediately confirmed the Iranian claim. Saildrone Explorer identified as hull 5838 The vessel identified by Iran is a Saildrone Explorer, an approximately seven-meter-long autonomous surface vessel. The platform uses wind propulsion and carries solar-powered electronics, including cameras, communications equipment and sensors for maritime surveillance and maritime domain awareness. Saildrone vessels have been used by the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet and Task Force 59 in the Middle East. Task Force 59 is based in Bahrain and focuses on integrating unmanned systems and artificial intelligence into naval operations. Iranian reports said the Saildrone was being operated from the region near Oman’s Musandam Peninsula after U.S. naval facilities in Bahrain were reportedly taken out of service during the ongoing conflict. These claims were made by Iranian sources and have not been independently confirmed. IRGC warning over Strait of Hormuz IRGC Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri was quoted as saying that the U.S. unmanned vessel with hull number 5838 had been struck in the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC Navy also said that the Strait of Hormuz was closed and under its intelligence surveillance and control, warning that hostile activity or a hostile presence would be targeted. The claim comes as maritime traffic through the strait remains heavily reduced. Reuters reported that only seven vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz on September 10, compared with a 10-day average of 15. The U.S. Central Command has also reported that 96 commercial vessels had been rerouted to comply with restrictions since the naval blockade on Iran resumed on July 14. Follows earlier U.S. underwater drone incident The reported Saildrone incident follows another confrontation involving a U.S. unmanned system near the Strait of Hormuz. On September 8, the IRGC said it had captured a U.S. unmanned underwater vehicle at the entrance to the strait. U.S. officials said the underwater drone had suffered a technical malfunction while surveying regional waters and described it as an older system without sensitive or classified equipment. The latest claim therefore adds another reported confrontation involving U.S. unmanned maritime systems in the Strait of Hormuz. However, the status of Saildrone hull 5838 has not been independently confirmed by the U.S. military as of September 11. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and remains a major focus of the ongoing confrontation between Iran and the United States. The latest incident highlights the increasing use of unmanned surface and underwater systems for surveillance and maritime operations in the region.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 09:55:12
Space & Technology
MAHENDRAGIRI, Tamil Nadu — The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted a flight acceptance hot test of the CE20 cryogenic engine at an uprated thrust level of 220 kN (22 tonnes) on September 9, 2026. The test was carried out at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The engine is earmarked for the C32 upper stage of an upcoming LVM3 mission. During the same test, ISRO also successfully demonstrated the LOX Tank Pressurization Module (LTPM) intended for the C32 stages of future Gaganyaan missions. The LTPM maintains the required pressure inside the liquid oxygen tank during flight to support the proper flow of propellant to the engine. ISRO announced the test through its official X account on September 10. CE20 and LVM3 upgrade The CE20 is an indigenously developed cryogenic engine that powers the upper stage of the LVM3, India's heavy-lift launch vehicle. It uses liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2) and operates on a gas-generator cycle. The engine is qualified to operate across a thrust range of 19 to 22 tonnes. ISRO is preparing future LVM3 missions with an uprated C32 stage, using the CE20 at the 22-tonne thrust level. The upgraded C32 also carries a higher propellant load than the earlier configuration. These changes are intended to increase the LVM3's payload capability. The latest test follows earlier CE20 testing at Mahendragiri. In March 2026, ISRO conducted a 165-second sea-level hot test of the CE20 at the 22-tonne thrust level using a Nozzle Protection System and multi-element igniter. Another flight acceptance hot test was conducted in July 2026 on an engine designated for the LVM3-M7 mission. According to reports based on ISRO information, the engine tested on September 9 will be refurbished and assembled into the C32 flight stage for the LVM3-M7 mission, planned for the fourth quarter of 2026. The CE20 has already flown successfully on multiple LVM3 missions and has completed the human-rating requirements for use in the Gaganyaan programme. The latest 220 kN flight acceptance test is part of ISRO's ongoing effort to qualify the uprated CE20 and C32 configuration for future LVM3 missions.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 16:34:44
India
Bengaluru — The Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) presented updated design details of its indigenous High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) at the International Conference on Autonomous Aerial Vehicles (ICAAV) 2026, held in Bengaluru on August 20–21. The conference was jointly organised by ADE-DRDO and the Design Division of the Aeronautical Society of India and focused on autonomous aerial vehicle technologies and applications. The aircraft is a 6-ton-class turboprop-powered platform designed mainly for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, with provisions for strike operations. ADE has completed system analysis and feasibility studies, while an Expression of Interest (EoI) was issued in late 2025 to identify an Indian Development-cum-Production Partner. The current design uses a single turboprop engine in a pusher configuration, an approximately 25-metre wingspan and a predominantly composite airframe. Earlier studies examined Y-tail and single-engine twin-boom configurations, with earlier all-up weight estimates of 4,800–5,700 kg. The current design has an AUW of about 5,500–6,000 kg. The HALE RPA is designed to operate at around 40,000 feet, with the service ceiling indicated above 35,000 feet. It is expected to cruise at around 390 km/h, have an endurance of more than 25 hours, and a range exceeding 1,000 km. The aircraft is designed to carry approximately 2,000 kg of payload, with six underwing hardpoints for precision-guided bombs and missiles. Its ISTAR payload options include EO/IR sensors, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), ELINT, SIGINT and COMINT systems. Communication links are specified at approximately 300 km for Line-of-Sight (LOS) and 1,000 km for Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) operations. A key feature is its Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capability. Command software will allow the aircraft to be controlled from fixed Ground Control Stations as well as manned airborne platforms, including fighter aircraft and naval multi-role helicopters. The architecture is designed to support coordinated operations involving fighters, helicopters and ships. It also includes multi-sensor data fusion and autonomous take-off and landing. The propulsion options are centred on engines in the 900–1,500 shaft-horsepower class, including the Honeywell TPE331-10, which is in the approximately 940-horsepower class. ADE also has longer-term plans for an indigenous propulsion solution. The development phase is planned to include five HALE RPAs and two complete ground systems, subject to Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) clearance and subsequent certification by CEMILAC and DGAQA. DRDO will retain the design and intellectual property rights, while an industrial partner will undertake manufacturing, integration and testing. ADE has also pursued modular contracts covering the aircraft's digital mock-up, propulsion supply and production partnership. General Atomics has been associated with the programme in a technical consultancy role on selected technologies. Separate efforts are also underway on jet-powered and stealth-oriented HALE concepts, while the turboprop configuration remains the main endurance-focused ISTAR-strike design. The programme is intended to support India's indigenous development of HALE-class unmanned aircraft and establish an industrial base for such systems. Further progress will depend on formal project approval and finalisation of the industry partnership.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 16:29:02
World
ROSH HA’AYIN, Israel — Israeli defense technology company Elbit Systems has introduced FUSE, a new unit focused on AI-driven autonomous combat systems and large-scale coordination of uncrewed aerial and ground platforms. FUSE unveiled its One2Many operational concept, which allows a small number of operators to coordinate large numbers of autonomous drones and unmanned ground vehicles in real time. The system is designed to move beyond the traditional one-operator-to-one-drone model and manage autonomous formations as a coordinated force. Dominion-X AI Operating System At the center of One2Many is Dominion-X, an AI-powered unified operating system designed to operate in GNSS-denied environments, including situations where satellite navigation signals are unavailable or jammed. Dominion-X uses automatic target recognition (ATR) and autonomous homing capabilities. It also creates a shared mission network that allows different platforms to exchange mission data in real time and conduct distributed operations. FUSE is designed for manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), allowing autonomous systems to operate alongside existing maneuver forces, crewed vehicles and other tactical assets. FUSE Autonomous Systems Portfolio The FUSE portfolio includes several types of systems: Unmanned Tactical Force for reconnaissance and strike missions conducted at scale. PIRANI-X tactical seek-and-strike swarm drones for maneuvering forces. Urban Lethality Systems, including UGVs and one-way attack drones for urban operations against indoor and fortified threats. Armored Wingman Systems, using airborne and ground unmanned platforms alongside or deployed from manned armored vehicles. Border Defense Systems, using mobile, deployed and fixed unmanned ground and airborne systems with limited operator involvement. Multi-Mission Group 1 and 2 UAS, including the X-intra, THOR and Magni-X families of backpack-portable, rapidly deployable multi-rotor VTOL drones for reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, communications relay, electronic warfare support and resupply. Ground Autonomy Kits, which use AI-powered hardware and software to provide autonomous operation, teleoperation and enhanced visual positioning for vehicles in contested environments. More Than 1 Million Flight Hours Elbit Systems said technologies within the FUSE portfolio have accumulated more than 1 million operational flight hours and more than 100,000 hours of autonomous ground operations. Thousands of drones and hundreds of unmanned ground platforms have already been delivered to customers. The systems are currently in service with military customers in Israel, the United States and Europe. FUSE has about 160 employees, with most working as engineers. Company officials said its products receive continuous updates, with one drone model receiving four updates during the past three years. The company's autonomous ground capabilities were also expanded through its May 2026 acquisition of Bluewhite, an Israeli company specializing in AI-powered off-road autonomy kits and fleet-management software. Human Remains in the Decision Loop FUSE officials said humans remain in the decision loop for targeting to reduce the risk of collateral damage. The technology can support both defensive missions, where fewer personnel may be needed to oversee autonomous systems, and offensive operations. Eyal Dahan, CEO of FUSE, said military forces are entering an operational era in which combat effectiveness will increasingly depend on the ability to integrate and coordinate large numbers of autonomous systems with existing maneuver forces in real time. FUSE has received contracts valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars, including THOR drone systems for the U.S. military through Mistral Inc. and contracts in Europe. The company is also developing capabilities for maritime swarm operations, expanding its focus beyond its current air and ground systems. The announcement follows a statement by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir that the Israeli military plans to establish a new branch focused on robots, drones and AI-enabled forces by Hanukkah in December. Separately, Elbit Systems reported $2.287 billion in revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2026, with an order backlog of $32 billion as of that date.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 16:20:29Search
Top Trending in 24 Hours
-
Satellite Imagery Reveals Damage at Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Including Direct Hits on Two Aircraft Shelters, After Iranian Missile Strike
-
Anthropic Report Details Iran-Linked Use of Claude for Naval Targeting, Surveillance and Propaganda, Alongside Yemen Weapons Work
-
Houthis Seize Strategic Perim Island Amid Suspected Strike on Saudi's East-West Oil Pipeline
-
Trump Declines Saudi Crown Prince's Request for Direct US Strikes on Houthis Amid Red Sea Escalation
-
Iran’s IRGC Claims Strike on and Capture of U.S. Saildrone Unmanned Vessel in Strait of Hormuz
-
Russia Unveils “Paseka” Anti-Drone System With 12 Mortars and AI-Based Detection to Fire Nets at UAVs
-
U.S. Space Force Selects Texas as Final Site for Global Deep-Space Radar Network
-
General Dynamics Wins $184 Million Navy Contract to Upgrade EA-18G Growler Electronic Warfare Systems
Top Trending in 4 Days
-
Iran’s IRGC Claims Capture of U.S. Dive-LD Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Near Strait of Hormuz
-
IRGC Claims Significant Damage to Two U.S. Destroyers in Missile Attack; CENTCOM Denies Hits
-
Iranian Missiles Strike U.S. Base in Jordan as Reports Emerge of Injured American Personnel
-
Iran Launches Massive Ballistic Missile Attack with Cluster Munitions on U.S.-Used Air Base in Jordan, Some Missiles Confirmed to Have Hit Base
-
Iranian Missile Strike Damaged U.S. A-10 and Eight F-15s at Jordan Air Base, CBS Reports
-
U.S. Patriot Missile Stockpiles Fall to About One-Third as Iran Conflict Strains Arsenal, Batteries Seen Out of Interceptors in Jordan
-
U.S. Military Relocates Damaged Black Hawk Helicopters from Jordanian Base Following Missile Strikes
-
Houthi Forces Capture Strategic Red Sea Port City of Mocha Following Government Withdrawal
