World
ULSAN, South Korea, — South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) launched the BRP Rajah Humabon, the third of six 2,400-ton offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) ordered by the Philippine Navy, at its Ulsan shipyard on October 13, 2026. The launch marks the company's first export naval vessel launch of 2026 and continues a decade of defense cooperation between South Korea and the Philippines. The ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy; Bernadette Therese Fernandez, Philippine Ambassador to South Korea; Lieutenant General Rommel P. Roldan, Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; and Won-ho Joo, President and Head of HD HHI’s Naval & Medium Size Ships Business Unit. Vessel Specifications and Capabilities Bearing hull number PS-22, the BRP Rajah Humabon is named after the 16th-century ruler of Cebu, a significant figure in early Philippine history. Delivery to the Philippine Navy is scheduled for February 2027. The vessel measures 94 meters in length and 14 meters in beam. It has a cruising speed of 15 knots (approximately 28 km/h) and an operational range of 5,500 nautical miles (about 10,186 km). Designed for coastal defense, maritime surveillance and extended patrols across the Philippine archipelago, it is equipped with a 76 mm main naval gun, a 30 mm secondary gun, decoy launching systems, surveillance radar and electro-optical tracking equipment. The class design includes spaces for mission modules and provisions for additional weapons, such as point-defense missiles and close-in weapon systems, which are not necessarily installed. Some vessels in the class are also expected to receive modular towed-array sonar systems for anti-submarine warfare. Six-Vessel Contract and Delivery Schedule The Philippine Department of National Defense ordered six OPVs from HD HHI in June 2022 under a contract valued at approximately $573 million. The lead vessel, BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20), was launched in June 2025 and delivered in February 2026, several months ahead of schedule. The second vessel, BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS-21), entered service in June 2026. The remaining three vessels will be named BRP Sultan Kudarat, BRP Datu Marikudo and BRP Datu Sikatuna, with deliveries scheduled sequentially through 2028. Expanding Naval Cooperation HD HHI’s naval partnership with the Philippines began in 2016 with a frigate contract. Since then, the company has secured orders for 12 naval vessels: four frigates, two corvettes and six OPVs. Six vessels have been delivered, according to the supplied program figures. In November 2022, HD HHI opened a Logistics Support Center at Subic Naval Base in the Philippines. The facility provides technical training and spare-parts storage to support the operational readiness of delivered vessels. Won-ho Joo said the company had established itself as a partner in modernizing the Philippine Navy by delivering vessels on time or ahead of schedule. He also reaffirmed HD HHI’s commitment to maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) support. The company is expanding its international naval business through its “Pan-Pacific Belt” strategy, which focuses on regional partnerships, technology transfer and localized construction in markets including Peru, Saudi Arabia and the United States. In a related development, HD HHI recently launched Chimbote, a landing support ship for the Peruvian Navy, at the SIMA shipyard in Peru.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-14 13:52:42
World
JERUSALEM, — The Israeli government has approved approximately 1.03 billion shekels (NIS) to finance the purchase of 12 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States, with most of the funding diverted from a multi-year development plan for Israel’s Arab communities. Ministers approved the allocation through a telephone vote on Wednesday, about two weeks before national elections. A legal opinion accompanying the proposal warned that the decision could restrict the next government’s options by creating major financial commitments and raised concerns about political considerations taking priority over public interests. Funding Breakdown According to the Finance Ministry, NIS 964 million will be cut from a five-year development plan, originally approved in 2021 and valued at approximately NIS 30 billion. The plan aims to improve infrastructure, housing, economic opportunities and public services in Arab communities. The cuts will total NIS 169 million in 2027, NIS 342 million in 2028 and NIS 453 million in 2029. The remaining NIS 68 million will come from the 2026 state budget, from funds originally allocated for government fees and interest payments. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said he opposed the helicopter purchase, arguing that advanced drones and artificial intelligence systems could provide some of the same capabilities at a lower cost. He also said the current government had not formally committed to the entire Arab development plan and that its future funding remained subject to budget decisions. Delays in Helicopter Procurement The helicopter purchase, valued at approximately $1 billion, faced repeated delays because the Finance and Defense ministries disagreed over how to finance around $288 million of the cost. Israel missed several U.S. ordering deadlines despite extensions, with the latest deadline expiring earlier in October. Defense Minister Israel Katz sought another extension, and U.S. officials indicated that the arrangement needed to be finalized by Wednesday. Defense officials described the helicopters as an urgent security priority and said the budget transfer would allow the procurement process to advance. In January, the United States approved a potential sale of up to 30 Apache helicopters and related equipment to Israel worth approximately $3.8 billion. The current order covers 12 aircraft. The government had previously approved the purchase in August under a different payment schedule. Wider Defense Spending The decision comes amid a broader increase in Israeli military spending. The government approved approximately NIS 3.5 billion for urgent defense procurement and broader cuts of about NIS 2.6 billion across ministries to support additional defense requirements in the 2026 budget. The 2026 state budget allocates a record NIS 143 billion to the Defense Ministry, roughly 17 percent of total government spending. Defense officials have cited an estimated NIS 40 billion funding gap for 2026 and continuing military requirements following the October 7, 2023, attack and subsequent operations. The Knesset is expected to consider a separate NIS 17.5 billion transfer to the defense establishment the following week. The Apache order still requires final authorization from the ministerial committee responsible for defense purchases. Officials have indicated that the timing of other future defense contracts may be adjusted to manage remaining payments. The decision provides a funding route for the helicopter acquisition but reduces planned resources for Arab community development as Israel approaches national elections.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-14 13:44:51
World
MOSCOW, — Russia is reportedly developing a new jet-powered strike unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), designated the Geran-6, with planned warhead capacities of 300 kg (661 lb) and 600 kg (1,323 lb). According to Ukrainian monitoring sources, including the Telegram channel Operative Inform, the project remains in an early development stage. The drone is reportedly designed to approach targets from high altitude before descending along a steep, ballistic-like trajectory. Its intended operational range could allow it to reach targets across Ukraine, including remote western regions. However, its actual range, dimensions, engine type, guidance systems and payload capacity have not been confirmed. Geran-6 Compared With Existing Russian Drones If the reported specifications are accurate, the Geran-6 would carry a significantly heavier warhead than existing Geran-family drones. According to Ukrainian military intelligence, the jet-powered Geran-5 carries a warhead of approximately 90 kg (198 lb), has a maximum takeoff weight of around 850 kg, cruises at 450–600 km/h and has an estimated range of up to 950 km. It uses a Chinese Telefly turbojet engine. Earlier propeller-driven Geran models typically carried warheads weighing 50–90 kg. Ukrainian military observers suggest that the Geran-6's reported 600 kg payload, jet propulsion and extended range could give it destructive capabilities comparable to operational-tactical missiles. This assessment has not been confirmed through verified performance data. Russia Continues Upgrading Geran Drones Ukrainian sources report that Russia is also modernising its existing jet-powered Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones. Reported Geran-4 upgrades include the Susannin optoelectronic navigation system, which uses terrain imagery for guidance, and specialised warheads designed for particular infrastructure targets. Similar technologies have reportedly appeared on newer Geran-5 variants. Ukrainian estimates place combined production of the jet-powered Geran-4 and Geran-5 at approximately 2,000–3,000 units per month, alongside Russian stockpiles of conventional piston-engine drones. These production figures have not been independently verified. The Geran family originated from Iranian Shahed drone designs that Russia adapted and progressively modified from 2022 onward, incorporating changes to components, propulsion, guidance systems and warheads based on operational experience. Prototype and Production Timeline According to Ukrainian monitoring groups, the first Geran-6 prototypes could appear as early as June 2027, with serial production tentatively planned for around mid-2028 if testing is successful. It remains unclear whether prototypes have already been built or how far development has progressed. The reported specifications and timeline have not been independently verified, and Russian authorities have not officially confirmed the Geran-6 project. Its actual capabilities and development status therefore remain uncertain.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-14 13:35:03
U.S
NORFOLK, Va., — Two Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II stealth fighters completed landing and takeoff trials aboard the future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) in the Western Atlantic on October 13, 2026. The tests marked the first time the F-35C operated from a Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier, according to the U.S. Navy announcement. F-35C Tests Evaluate Carrier Launch and Recovery Systems The aircraft belonged to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23), known as the “Salty Dogs,” based at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft compatibility tests evaluated launches using the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and arrested landings using the Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG). Unlike older Nimitz-class carriers, which use steam catapults and traditional arresting equipment, Ford-class carriers use these newer systems to launch and recover aircraft. The trials will help the Navy assess the F-35C’s compatibility with the carrier’s equipment and support certification for future flight operations. USS John F. Kennedy Moves Toward Delivery The John F. Kennedy, the second Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier, departed Newport News Shipbuilding on September 29, 2026, after receiving preliminary technical acceptance from the Navy. It arrived at Naval Station Norfolk on October 2 to begin further testing. Preliminary acceptance allows the crew to conduct at-sea testing and gain operating experience while the shipbuilder completes remaining work. The carrier is approximately 99 percent complete, with major systems finished. Final testing continues on the remaining Advanced Weapons Elevators. Formal delivery to the Navy is planned for spring 2027. Carrier Designed for F-35C Operations The John F. Kennedy was designed to support sustained F-35C operations. A 2020 contract change incorporated requirements for jet-blast deflectors, flight-deck coatings, maintenance spaces and other support facilities. The lead ship, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), entered service in 2017. Its operational deployments have used air wings equipped with Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters. The carrier entered service without the complete set of facilities required for sustained F-35C operations. F-35C Specifications and Procurement Plans The F-35C is the carrier-based variant of the Lightning II family. It has a wingspan of 13.1 metres, a wing area of 62.1 square metres, reinforced landing gear, an arresting hook and folding wingtips. These features support catapult launches, arrested landings and storage aboard aircraft carriers. U.S. procurement plans call for 413 F-35C aircraft, including 273 for the Navy and 140 for the Marine Corps. Aircraft already delivered have participated in combat operations, including recent operations in the Middle East against Iran. The October 13 trials are part of the preparations required before the John F. Kennedy can support F-35C operations. Data collected by VX-23 will help the Navy evaluate and certify the carrier’s flight deck, while further compatibility tests and system checks continue ahead of the ship’s planned delivery in spring 2027.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-14 13:23:31
U.S
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., — The U.S. Air Force has awarded Raytheon an $8 billion maximum-ceiling, 10-year contract to modernize Strategic Communications Terminals supporting the United States’ Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) architecture. According to the U.S. Department of War’s October 13, 2026, contracts announcement, the cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract covers terminal development and modernization, production restart services, and technical studies. Work will be performed primarily in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and Largo, Florida, with completion expected by October 12, 2036. The sole-source award carries contract number FA2293-27-D-B001. The Air Force obligated $800,000 in fiscal year 2026 research, development, test and evaluation funds at the time of the award. The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity. Modernizing the Nuclear Communications Network The AFNWC manages secure, survivable and jam-resistant communications connecting nuclear command authorities, command centers and operational forces. These systems are designed to maintain critical communications during electronic jamming, severe disruptions and high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) events associated with nuclear explosions. The AFNWC Integration Directorate oversees the Air Force’s contribution to the NC3 architecture through the AN/USQ-225 weapon system. Its terminal portfolio supports ground-based, mobile, airborne and satellite communications, including links to the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite constellation and the legacy Milstar network. Global ASNT and FAB-T Terminals The Global Aircrew Strategic Network Terminal (Global ASNT), managed by the AFNWC Nuclear Networks Division, distributes emergency action messages and alerts to strategic bomber crews, missile-related personnel and supporting aircraft crews. The program includes 90 terminals—45 fixed and 45 transportable—and uses extremely high frequency (EHF) waveforms. Its Equipment Control Unit supports simultaneous encryption and decryption. The system is being developed in three increments: Increment 1: Compatibility with Milstar and AEHF satellites. Increment 2: High-frequency (HF) communications and local message distribution through pagers, radios and base klaxons. Increment 3: Redundant message reception using very low frequency (VLF) waveforms. The Family of Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals (FAB-T) provides protected, high-bandwidth satellite communications for airborne command posts and strategic aircraft. It interfaces with the AEHF constellation and supports extended data rate (XDR) signals of up to 8.192 Mbps. Associated platforms include the B-2 Spirit, B-52 Stratofortress, RC-135, E-4B National Airborne Operations Center and E-6B Mercury. Raytheon became FAB-T’s primary contractor in 2014. In 2023, the Air Force awarded the company a $625 million contract for Force Element Terminals, the airborne variant used on platforms such as the B-52 and RC-135. In March 2026, the service increased the ceiling of a separate Raytheon contract for AEHF terminals by $2 billion, bringing its total ceiling to nearly $3 billion. Additional NC3 Communication Systems The broader portfolio includes three additional systems that provide alternative communication pathways: SMART-T (Secure Mobile Anti-jam Reliable Tactical-Terminal): A transportable satellite communications system supporting tactical and strategic forces in contested environments. SCAMP (Single-Channel Antijam Man-Portable Terminal): A portable EHF terminal providing secure communications for personnel in remote locations. Common Very Low Frequency Receiver (CVR): Hardened receiving equipment designed to capture low-data-rate strategic instructions when conventional communications are severely disrupted. Together, these systems support emergency action messages, attack warnings, presidential voice conferences and other critical nuclear command-and-control communications across ground, mobile and airborne platforms. The new contract covers modernization, production restart services and technical studies over the next decade. Its $8 billion figure represents the maximum contract ceiling, not funding already awarded in full; the initial funding obligation is $800,000.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-14 13:11:30
U.S
MELBOURNE, Fla. — L3Harris Technologies has delivered the first batch of VAMPIRE counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) to the U.S. Army, less than two months after the Army placed a contract worth up to $106 million in June 2026. The systems are intended to strengthen protection for military personnel and critical assets against hostile drones. VAMPIRE, short for Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment, is a self-contained weapons platform that combines reconnaissance and precision-strike capabilities. It uses the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), which converts unguided 70mm Hydra-70 rockets into laser-guided munitions. An advanced proximity fuze allows the rockets to detonate near small, fast-moving aerial targets without requiring a direct hit. The system has a reported engagement range of up to six kilometres against aerial threats. The modular system can be installed on the cargo bed of a suitable tactical or civilian vehicle with a flat surface in approximately two hours by a two-person team. Its design provides a mobile and relatively low-cost alternative to relying exclusively on expensive interceptor missiles. “From day one, our team has worked side-by-side with the Army to rapidly field VAMPIRE systems,” said Chris Aebli, president of Communications & Spectrum Dominance at L3Harris. “U.S. armed forces are now equipped to reliably defend personnel and vital assets against drone threats.” Developed for Combat Operations in Ukraine L3Harris initially developed and privately funded VAMPIRE at the beginning of the war in Ukraine to provide a cost-effective method of countering Russian drones. According to the company, military forces have accumulated more than 350,000 operational hours with the technology since 2023. VAMPIRE systems were also included in earlier U.S. security assistance packages for Ukraine. In 2025, L3Harris expanded the VAMPIRE family to include specialised variants for land, maritime, air and electronic warfare applications, with integration work also involving platforms such as GM Defense’s Infantry Squad Vehicle. High-Volume Production in Alabama L3Harris began high-volume VAMPIRE production at a dedicated facility in Huntsville, Alabama, in March 2026, ahead of the Army contract. Located in Cummings Research Park, the approximately 379,000-square-foot facility combines assembly, testing and installation operations for integrating the system onto ground vehicles and containerised weapon platforms. The flexible production line is designed to increase output according to military demand. Industry data cited in the supplied information indicates a production capacity of up to 40 systems per month. L3Harris has not disclosed the exact number of systems delivered to the Army or the timeline for completing the contract. The initial deliveries follow the system’s operational use in Europe and the expansion of its production capacity to meet demand from the United States and allied forces.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-14 13:04:44
U.S
WASHINGTON, — General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) is displaying a one-eighth-scale model of its XM30 Wolf infantry fighting vehicle at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2026 exhibition in Washington, D.C., as full-size prototypes undergo testing with the U.S. Army. The vehicle is being developed to replace the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle and M3 cavalry fighting vehicle. The Army selected GDLS and American Rheinmetall as finalists for the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle program in June 2023. GDLS is offering the Wolf, while American Rheinmetall is competing with a version of its Lynx vehicle. The combined design and prototype phase is valued at approximately $1.6 billion. GDLS delivered its first functional Wolf prototype to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, on August 21, 2026. The company has reported additional prototype deliveries to Fort Hood, Texas, along with a ballistic hull and turret at Aberdeen and another vehicle for software integration. GDLS plans to deliver all eight prototypes by the end of November. “This on-time delivery will allow Soldiers to start putting the Wolf through its paces, with the ultimate goal of getting it fielded into armored brigades as quickly as possible,” said Geoffrey Norman, GDLS director of strategy. Soldier evaluations are expected to begin in late November or December, supporting the Army’s planned selection decision in 2027. Warning: There has been a Wolf sighting at AUSA 2026! The Wolf XM30 mechanized infantry combat vehicle is purpose-built as a leap-ahead replacement for the Bradley fighting vehicle, with improved survivability, lethality, mobility and fightability. Shown at AUSA as a one-eighth-scale model, the Wolf XM30 implements the Army’s imperative for a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) to software and hardware architectures from inception. With a born-digital design, the Wolf XM30 carries a digital thread beyond engineering and into verification, production, support and sustainment. Its mission is to deliver Soldiers to a point of positional advantage and provide decisive lethality in support of Infantry squads and Cavalry scouts. #AUSA2026 #ThePowerToWin #ArmyModernization — General Dynamics Land Systems (@GD_LandSystems) October 12, 2026 XM30 Wolf Features and Capabilities The Wolf is designed to carry a two-person crew and up to six fully equipped soldiers in its rear troop compartment. It features a lower-profile, uncrewed turret armed with a 50 mm XM913 cannon developed by Northrop Grumman. The weapon fires 50×228 mm ammunition, including programmable high-explosive air-bursting rounds, and has a dual-feed capability. Other features include roof-mounted electro-optical equipment, smoke-grenade launchers and an all-round observation system. The vehicle uses hybrid-electric propulsion designed to retain power reserves for future upgrades. Its total power output has not been disclosed. The design builds on GDLS’s Griffin III demonstrator, unveiled at AUSA in 2018 and based on a modified European ASCOD 2 platform. The Wolf retains a broadly similar chassis arrangement but incorporates updated running gear, lighter composite tracks, side armor and additional observation and protection features. GDLS has applied the U.S. Army’s Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) to the vehicle’s hardware and software from the beginning. Its born-digital design maintains a digital thread across engineering, verification, production, support and sustainment, with the aim of simplifying future technology integration and upgrades. The company identifies improved survivability, lethality, mobility and fightability as key design objectives. Army Evaluation and Production Plans The Army plans to evaluate both competing designs through soldier feedback, unit-level experimentation and operational assessments. The 1st Cavalry Division is expected to play a central role, with testing planned at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California. The Bradley has been in service since 1981, making its replacement a major Army modernization priority. The fiscal year 2027 budget request includes $547 million for 19 additional XM30 prototypes, while program plans include purchasing 108 vehicles by fiscal year 2031. The Army is expected to select between the GDLS Wolf and American Rheinmetall’s Lynx XM30 in 2027, based on testing results, performance and operational assessments. The AUSA exhibition runs from October 12 to 14, 2026, with GDLS presenting the scale model while full-size prototypes continue through the evaluation process.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-13 16:58:34
World
WASHINGTON, D.C., — Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has unveiled HawkGuard, a new active protection system designed to detect, track and intercept hostile drones through direct physical impact. Also designated ELI-5035, the system adds a kinetic interception layer to IAI’s multi-layered Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) architecture. Presented at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting & Exposition, running October 12–14 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, HawkGuard is being showcased at IAI’s booth in Hall C, Booth #3525. Radar-Guided Kinetic Interception HawkGuard combines radar and electro-optical sensors with artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled command-and-control software to detect, classify and track aerial threats. It deploys interceptor drones that destroy targets through direct kinetic impact without explosive warheads. This approach avoids blast and secondary effects associated with conventional explosive interceptors, helping reduce collateral damage risks near friendly forces, populated areas and critical infrastructure. The complete system includes the StormGuard (ELM-2135) X-band active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an electro-optical sensor, a drone launch system and a mission computer. It is compatible with ELTA Systems’ M3S2 (ELI-3312) Multi-Mission Multi-Sensor Suite, allowing existing users to add HawkGuard’s interceptors and mission software. According to IAI, HawkGuard provides automatic 360-degree coverage and can engage aerial threats at distances of up to 1,000 meters. It can operate fully autonomously or with a human operator involved, both while moving and at fixed sites. Other capabilities include operation in GPS-denied environments, early warning, situational awareness and integration with third-party systems. The system is designed to counter unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), drones and loitering munitions. Mobile and Fixed-Site Protection HawkGuard’s compact, modular design supports installation on armored vehicles and other mobile platforms to protect maneuvering ground forces. It can also defend fixed installations and strategic infrastructure, including power plants, airports and offshore assets. The system expands IAI’s layered C-UAS architecture, which combines detection, identification, command and control, electronic warfare and interception capabilities. Operators can coordinate different sensors and countermeasures according to mission requirements and the aerial threat. IAI confirmed that HawkGuard recently completed a series of successful tests demonstrating its ability to detect, track and neutralize various drone threats. However, the company has not disclosed detailed test results, specific test targets, customer information or an operational deployment timeline. Guy Bar Lev, President and CEO of IAI, said HawkGuard adds a kinetic interception capability to address the growing challenge posed by drones and supports the company’s vision of adaptable, layered force protection. Dror Bar, CEO of ELTA Systems and Executive Vice President at IAI, described HawkGuard as a flexible and cost-effective additional option for countering drones and other localized aerial threats. IAI is also presenting its POINT@AIR aerostat-based radar at AUSA 2026, which runs through October 14 in Washington, D.C.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-13 16:52:36
Space & Technology
ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled new technical details and a scale model of its MBR Explorer spacecraft and autonomous lander for the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA). The mission is scheduled to launch in March 2028 from Japan’s Tanegashima Space Center aboard an H3 rocket, beginning a journey of approximately 5 billion kilometres to study seven asteroids and attempt a landing on 269 Justitia in 2036. Named after Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the 2.8-tonne MBR Explorer is the UAE’s second major interplanetary mission after the Hope Mars orbiter, which has operated at Mars since 2021. It is also the country’s first interplanetary spacecraft designed, engineered, assembled and tested entirely within the UAE. The launch window will last three weeks, and missing it would prevent the planned trajectory from following the same sequence of targets. Journey to Seven Asteroids The spacecraft will use solar electric propulsion and gravity assists from Venus in mid-2028, Earth in spring 2029 and Mars later in the journey to reach the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. During its journey, it will fly past six asteroids: 10253 Westerwald, 623 Chimaera, 13294 Rockox, 88055 Ghaf, 23871 Ousha and 59980 Moza. Its four primary science instruments include high-resolution and thermal infrared cameras, along with mid-wavelength and infrared spectrometers, to examine surface composition, geology and physical properties, including estimates of interior density. The spacecraft is expected to reach its main target, 269 Justitia, around 2035–2036. Justitia and the Autonomous Lander Justitia measures approximately 50–58 kilometres across and has an unusually red surface spectrum resembling that of some objects in the Kuiper Belt beyond Neptune. Scientists believe it may have formed in the outer solar system before migrating inward. Studying the asteroid could provide insights into the early solar system and the distribution of water and organic materials. The MBR Explorer is expected to orbit Justitia for about seven months, gradually moving closer to map its surface and measure its gravitational field before deploying a UAE-built lander weighing approximately 10 kilograms. Developed by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi, the lander has no propulsion system. It will separate during a low-altitude pass and follow a ballistic descent lasting two to three hours, with an expected impact speed of 15–27 metres per second. Engineers do not expect it to survive the impact. The planned hard landing is intended to expose material beneath the asteroid’s surface. Images transmitted during descent could help researchers investigate subsurface material, complex organic compounds and water-rich minerals. Because communication delays prevent real-time control, the lander will operate autonomously using onboard systems, including artificial intelligence, to select, rank and transmit the most useful images without waiting for commands from Earth. Development and Testing The lander was designed, built and tested in Abu Dhabi by TII’s Propulsion and Space Research Center, in collaboration with the UAE Space Agency, HEX20, Khalifa University and the National Space Science and Technology Center at UAE University. It reached flight readiness in less than two years. The probe has completed vibration testing and is undergoing thermal testing. It is scheduled to travel to the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder for integration with the main spacecraft. More than 150 engineers and scientists are involved in the national mission team, with approximately half of the project work allocated to UAE-based private-sector companies. The mission aims to improve understanding of asteroid composition, water-rich materials and organic compounds while strengthening the UAE’s capabilities in spacecraft engineering, autonomous systems and deep-space exploration. If the planned surface encounter succeeds, Justitia will become one of a small number of asteroids reached by a spacecraft at the surface.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-13 16:45:06
World
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN, — The Taliban have completed an underground facility near Aino Mina township in Kandahar, according to reports based on satellite imagery and local sources. Construction reportedly began in 2025 following Pakistani attacks, with the tunnels believed to be intended as shelters for Taliban forces in the event of further clashes with Pakistan. The Pamir Watch project released a satellite image of one of the tunnels in October 2026. The facility is located near a guest residence associated with Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, who has largely directed Afghanistan’s affairs from Kandahar since the group returned to power in 2021. According to a representative of Taliban security forces, civilian access to the area has been completely restricted, and local Taliban police have also been barred from approaching the site. The Taliban administration has not officially disclosed the facility’s purpose. Secret Tunnels and Military Facilities In August 2025, Amu TV reported secret excavation work in the mountainous areas of District 11 in Kandahar. Local sources said Taliban intelligence units and special operatives were leading the construction. Two sources familiar with the project believed the tunnels were intended to store weapons, ammunition and large sums of cash. The excavation was taking place near an area where a powerful explosion had been reported in April 2025, and Taliban police were reportedly not permitted to monitor the sites. Separate reporting from August 2025 said Akhundzada had ordered the construction of a specialized military base in the same mountainous district. The planned facility was described as serving strategic and security purposes, with accommodation for senior commanders and specialized military equipment. Reports from mid-2026 also indicated that heavy military equipment had been moved into the Aino Mina tunnel complex daily over the preceding year. Loud, blast-like sounds were frequently heard, reportedly indicating continued excavation and expansion. One reported site was located at approximately 31.67311° N, 65.74017° E. Kandahar has become the Taliban’s principal power center, with many important decisions originating there rather than in Kabul. Akhundzada is rarely seen in public and is believed to reside in the city. Open-source investigations have identified several fortified compounds around Kandahar, including locations in Aino Mina associated with the Taliban leadership network. The use of tunnels is not new in Afghanistan. During the earlier conflict involving U.S. forces, the Taliban and other armed groups used underground networks for protection against airstrikes, fighter movement and weapons storage. Sources describe the current construction around Kandahar as larger in scale and more directly connected to the Taliban leadership. Tunnel Construction Along Pakistan’s Border Separate reports from October 2026 said the Taliban had also begun constructing tunnels in border areas of Spin Boldak in Kandahar, as well as in Paktia, Paktika, Zabul and Helmand provinces. Sources said these facilities were intended to shelter Taliban forces during possible clashes with Pakistan. Unemployed workers were reportedly moved to the areas to carry out the work. The reported expansion highlights the administration’s focus on military preparedness and leadership security amid tensions with Pakistan. However, the Taliban have not officially confirmed the purpose, cost or operational details of the Aino Mina facility or the related tunnel projects. Questions Over Public Investment The construction has also raised questions about the Taliban administration’s spending priorities as ordinary Afghans continue to face economic stagnation, limited employment opportunities, aging infrastructure and recurring drought. Weak agricultural productivity and difficulties in maintaining essential public services remain significant challenges, while healthcare and broader economic development require sustained investment. Although the reported underground facilities are intended to address security concerns, the available information does not establish their construction costs or how their funding compares with public spending on healthcare, jobs and infrastructure. The completion of the Aino Mina facility therefore highlights a contrast between the reported expansion of secure military infrastructure and the continuing economic and public-service difficulties faced by Afghanistan’s population.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-13 16:24:25
World
KYIV, — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that Ukraine received no advance warning from Western partners before a Russian ballistic missile attack struck Kyiv overnight, raising concerns about intelligence sharing amid reported U.S. pressure on Ukraine to stop attacking Russian oil refineries. Zelenskyy said five ballistic missiles struck civilian infrastructure before air raid alerts sounded. In a post on X, he described the attack as particularly vile and stressed that early warnings about ballistic missile launches help save lives. Preliminary reports indicated that Russia fired five or possibly six ballistic missiles, identified in some accounts as Iskander-M or S-400 types, reportedly from the Bryansk region. The Ukrainian Air Force said it had not received advance surveillance information about the launches and detected the targets during the attack. The cause of the missed warning remains under investigation. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said at the Warsaw Security Forum that military intelligence sharing with the United States remained intact, attributing the delayed warning to the specific weapons used. Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat has acknowledged that intelligence from partners does not always arrive and that technical problems have occurred previously. Russian Attacks Cause Civilian Casualties The wider Russian assault involved more than 100 weapons, including jet-powered drones, loitering munitions and ballistic missiles. In Kharkiv, a strike destroyed a residential apartment building, killing four people and injuring 41, according to Zelenskyy. In the Kyiv region, one person was killed and others injured in the Fastiv district, while a woman was wounded in Kyiv's Darnytskyi district. A drone strike on an educational institution in Rivne injured 14 people, and a residential building near Lviv was also hit, causing injuries. The Russian Defence Ministry said its forces targeted Ukrainian military-industrial facilities, logistics centres, railway and port infrastructure, and vessels allegedly carrying military cargo. Ukrainian authorities continued assessing damage and responding to the attacks. U.S. Pressure and the Proposed Energy Ceasefire The incident comes amid reports that Washington has threatened to restrict intelligence sharing and weapons support unless Ukraine stops attacking Russian energy infrastructure. Ukraine relies significantly on U.S. missile-launch detection capabilities, including the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS). Missile expert Fabian Hoffmann has noted that European allies have limited ability to replace these capabilities. However, Ukraine has not established that a U.S. decision caused the missing warning, and Sybiha said intelligence sharing continued. On Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced an proposed energy ceasefire under which Russia and Ukraine would stop attacking each other's energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy initially said the announcement was news to him but confirmed on Tuesday that Ukraine had not struck Russian oil refineries or energy sites during the two days following the announcement. Ukraine reported that Russia struck six Ukrainian energy facilities on Monday but did not target energy infrastructure during the overnight period leading into Tuesday. The latest attacks instead focused on transport and logistics. The Kremlin has not officially confirmed the agreement. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said contacts on the matter were continuing, while Russia's Defence Ministry denied Ukrainian allegations of attacks on energy facilities in recent strikes. Trump has blamed Ukrainian refinery attacks for contributing to rising U.S. fuel prices, although market analysts have identified the U.S.-led war in Iran as a major factor. Reports have also described an arrangement involving Russian diesel imports to the United States following Trump's discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday; its precise terms and status remain unclear. Zelenskyy called for reciprocal de-escalation and urged Ukraine's partners to pressure Russia to stop attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. Ukraine Continues Drone Attacks on Russia Although Ukraine has paused attacks on Russian energy facilities, it continues targeting other sites inside Russia with long-range drones. Russia's Defence Ministry reported shooting down 604 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions and the Sea of Azov overnight. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said 417 drones targeted the Moscow region, with 65 intercepted near the capital. In the Kaluga region, attacks damaged a school, two houses and a vehicle. Sybiha argued that Washington's reported request to halt Ukrainian refinery attacks demonstrated Kyiv's increased leverage. Referring to an Oval Office meeting last year when Trump told Zelenskyy that he did not have the cards, Sybiha said: “In less than two years, we have gone from ‘having no cards’ to ‘not playing your cards’.” Ukraine's investigation into the missed missile warning continues as questions remain over the proposed energy ceasefire, Russia's attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and the reliability of advance intelligence for future missile strikes.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-13 16:16:26
World
BANGKOK, — Egypt has pledged full support to Saudi Arabia amid escalating Houthi attacks, confirming its readiness to provide any assistance requested by Riyadh, including potential military support. Speaking to Bloomberg Television on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund’s annual meetings in Bangkok, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said, “Whatever is being asked by the Saudis, of course we will respond.” He added, “Without any reservation, we are providing all kind of support.” The pledge follows reported Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi targets, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, where at least 13 people were reportedly killed and more than 300 injured. Other reported targets include Khamis Mushait and oil facilities in Dammam. Abdelatty stressed that Saudi Arabia’s national security is an integral part of Egyptian and wider Arab national security. He condemned attacks on civilian targets and violations of Saudi sovereignty. Egypt has also coordinated with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan over the regional security situation. Egypt Calls on Iran to Stop Attacks Abdelatty spoke by phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, calling for an immediate halt to attacks on Saudi territory. He described the strikes as unjustified and unacceptable and warned that continued attacks could further destabilize the Middle East. He also met the chief executive of the Saudi Fund for Development and held talks with the secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as part of Cairo’s diplomatic engagement on regional security. On Sunday, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan issued a joint statement condemning the Houthi attacks and expressing support for measures Saudi Arabia takes to counter them. Egypt Considers Joining Mecca Defence Pact Egypt is also seriously considering joining the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, Abdelatty confirmed. The pact was signed on August 7, 2026, by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Under its terms, an armed attack against one participating country is regarded as an attack against all three. Abdelatty said Egypt’s participation remained under serious consideration. Cairo is already consulting with Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan through a framework known as “regional four” (R4), which provides a platform for discussions on regional security. Red Sea Disruptions Affect Egypt’s Economy Houthi activity around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has disrupted Red Sea shipping routes, affecting maritime traffic linked to the Suez Canal, a major source of foreign currency for Egypt. Egypt has historically been cautious about military involvement in Yemen. During President Gamal Abdel Nasser’s rule, Egypt deployed approximately 70,000 troops in the North Yemen Civil War from 1962 to 1967, suffering heavy financial and human losses. Historians have often compared the intervention to the United States’ experience in Vietnam. Despite these economic and security concerns, Cairo continues to favour political and diplomatic solutions to the wider Yemen conflict while maintaining its commitment to support Saudi Arabia. Egypt’s potential participation in the Mecca defence pact remains under consideration, with its future role dependent on regional developments and decisions by the Egyptian government.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-13 16:08:06
U.S
WASHINGTON, D.C., — Raytheon, an RTX business, has completed three developmental flight tests of its new Coyote Block 2C+RM counter-drone interceptor, designed to engage faster and more advanced unmanned aerial threats. The company announced the results on October 12 at the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) annual meeting in Washington, D.C., with U.S. Army officials observing all three tests. Developed in just 15 months using company funding, the new interceptor replaces the existing Block 2's rocket booster and turbojet arrangement with a single solid-fuel rocket motor. It also features a new seeker and a modified proximity warhead. Raytheon has not disclosed the interceptor's exact speed, range or detailed seeker and warhead specifications. Rocket Motor Improves Interception Speed The existing Coyote Block 2 uses a rocket booster for launch and a small turbojet for sustained flight. This allows it to remain airborne for several minutes, loiter and potentially attempt another interception if the first engagement fails. The Block 2C+RM replaces this system with a solid rocket motor designed to provide faster acceleration, higher flight velocity and increased range. However, it sacrifices the extended airborne endurance offered by the turbojet-powered version. Tom Laliberty, president of Land & Air Defense Systems at Raytheon, said the upgrade provides “upgraded propulsion for faster launch and higher velocity flight.” The new configuration is intended to address faster drones that give air defense systems less time to respond, including jet-powered one-way attack drones. Designed for Class 3 Drone Threats Class 3 unmanned aircraft generally weigh approximately 25–600 kilograms, can reach speeds of about 463 km/h and operate at altitudes of up to approximately 5,500 metres. These include larger attack drones that present greater interception challenges than smaller, slower unmanned aircraft. Raytheon said the Block 2C+RM is intended to cover the full range of Class 3 threats. Laliberty declined to discuss specific targets, including jet-powered one-way attack drones. The new seeker and warhead are intended to address more advanced drone capabilities being fielded by potential adversaries. Compatible With Existing Launchers and Radars The three tests confirmed initial integration with existing launch cells, guidance radars and command-and-control systems already in operational use. The test series also included the first launches of a Coyote equipped with the tactical rocket motor. The new variant is designed to use existing Coyote launch infrastructure across mobile and fixed ground positions and naval platforms. Land-based configurations include four-cell and eight-cell launchers, while the system is also deployed aboard U.S. Navy ships. The Coyote family supports kinetic and non-kinetic payload options. Raytheon is also developing non-kinetic variants intended for recoverable use against drone swarms. Further Block 2C+RM tests are planned through the first half of 2027. Combat Record and $5 Billion U.S. Army Contract According to Raytheon, the jet-powered Coyote Block 2 and Block 2C interceptors have achieved more than 600 combat intercepts of attack unmanned aircraft systems. The Coyote serves as the primary kinetic effector in the U.S. Army's Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (LIDS). In September 2025, the U.S. Army awarded RTX an eight-year contract worth up to $5 billion for Coyote interceptors, launchers and radars under the LIDS program. Raytheon has roughly quadrupled Block 2C production over the previous 18 months and plans further increases. Individual Block 2 interceptors have previously been reported to cost around $100,000, although no specific price has been announced for the new rocket-powered variant. Government Sponsorship Sought The Block 2C+RM remains a company-funded development effort, and production of the rocket-powered variant is not included in the existing contract. Raytheon is seeking government sponsorship to transition it into an official program of record. The company stressed that the rocket-powered interceptor will complement rather than replace the jet-powered Block 2, which will remain in production for threats requiring longer airborne endurance. Raytheon is also pursuing international interest in the Coyote family, with potential contracts involving Qatar and Jordan under discussion.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-13 16:01:10
World
ISRAEL, — Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and U.S.-based firearms manufacturer SIG SAUER have completed live-fire testing of the FIRE STORM 250, a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone armed with an M250 light machine gun. The results were announced during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2026 annual meeting in Washington, D.C. The trials took place in Israel ahead of the exhibition. The drone was first publicly presented at AUSA in 2025. During the test, the drone hovered over a simulated battlefield, used its onboard camera to identify targets and engaged them in single-shot and semi-automatic firing modes. Testing at different altitudes and ranges assessed firing accuracy, stability and integrated safety features. Apus 60-Based Drone with Three-Hour Endurance The FIRE STORM 250 is based on IAI’s Apus 60 VTOL tactical unmanned aircraft and uses a multi-fuel internal-combustion engine. It can remain airborne for up to three hours while carrying 200 rounds of ammunition and can be refuelled in the field, avoiding battery-charging delays. Its VTOL design allows launch and recovery from forward positions without runways or dedicated aviation infrastructure. SIG SAUER M250 Weapon System The drone carries SIG SAUER’s remotely operated MICROLIGHT weapon station, which integrates the M250 belt-fed light machine gun. SIG SAUER describes MICROLIGHT as the world’s lightest airborne weapon station. The complete assembly, including the station, gun and 200 rounds, weighs approximately 24 kilograms (53 pounds). The weapon can be configured for 7.62×51 mm NATO or 6.8×51 mm ammunition, depending on customer requirements. The 7.62×51 mm variant is used by the Israel Defense Forces, while the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon programme uses the 6.8×51 mm cartridge. The U.S. Army type-classified the M250 in May 2025 as part of its effort to replace the M249 light machine gun. The system has a reported targeting range of 400–600 metres when operating at an altitude of approximately 200 metres. Stabilisation systems help maintain the gun’s position during hovering and movement. Human-Controlled Target Engagement The system combines live video, target tracking, sensor information and fire-control data in a single operator interface. A human operator must explicitly authorise every shot before the weapon can fire, maintaining a human-in-the-loop requirement for all engagements. Intended Roles and Current Status The FIRE STORM 250 is designed for long-duration overwatch and armed reconnaissance, providing small tactical units with remotely controlled aerial support. Its intended applications include intelligence gathering, force protection, border security, close air support, protection of strategic sites and special operations. Multiple aircraft can also operate in relays to provide continuous coverage. Sali Okanin, SIG SAUER’s Israel general manager, said the system combines IAI’s drone platform with the MICROLIGHT station and M250 machine gun to provide operational flexibility. Moshe Levy, IAI’s executive vice president and head of its Military Aircraft Group, said the trials demonstrated the integration of sensing, decision-making and action while retaining human control over engagement decisions. The FIRE STORM 250 is currently displayed at the IAI and SIG SAUER booths at AUSA 2026. It remains a functional prototype, and the companies have not announced production orders or specific deployment timelines.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-13 15:51:58
World
ATHENS, Greece, — U.S. defense technology company Shield AI and Greek infrastructure and investment group GEK TERNA have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop an industrial production and maintenance base in Greece for the X-BAT unmanned fighter aircraft. Signed on October 8, 2026, the agreement covers local component manufacturing, aircraft integration, training, maintenance, repair, and long-term support. The partnership aims to make Greece a regional hub for X-BAT logistics, training, and maintenance, potentially serving Cyprus, the Balkans, and southeastern Europe. Shield AI will lead the programme and supply the aircraft's autonomy software and mission systems. GEK TERNA will manage a local programme office and coordinate with Greek suppliers, small and medium-sized enterprises, and research institutions. Planned industrial participation includes parts production and assembly, ground support equipment, operating bases, launch sites, training centres, maintenance and repair facilities, and research collaboration with Greek universities. The companies are still negotiating definitive agreements covering work allocation, facilities, and supplier responsibilities. The next steps include identifying work packages, evaluating Greek suppliers, and determining infrastructure requirements. No firm start date for production in Greece has been announced. X-BAT Aircraft Capabilities The X-BAT is designed as a heavy, autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) combat aircraft that can operate from ships, islands, and remote locations without conventional runways. This capability could provide Greece with additional operational flexibility across its hundreds of islands in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, particularly if established airfields become unavailable. Powered by GE Aerospace's F110 engine, the aircraft has a 39-foot wingspan and a 26-foot length. Its internal weapon bays are designed to offer capacity comparable in volume to those of the F-35, carrying weapons in the 2,000-pound class, approximately 900 kg. The design supports internal carriage of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons, with external hardpoints available for larger payloads. The aircraft's stated performance objectives include a maximum range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles, a combat radius of approximately 1,000 nautical miles (about 1,850 km), and an operational ceiling above 50,000 feet. It is also designed to accommodate electronic warfare systems and reconnaissance and surveillance sensors. Hivemind Autonomy and Development Timeline The X-BAT uses Shield AI's Hivemind artificial intelligence software to support autonomous flight and mission execution. The system is designed to operate in contested environments where GPS signals and communications are jammed, degraded, or unavailable. It also allows a human commander to direct multiple aircraft while the software manages flight and mission tasks. The programme has completed ground engine testing and wind-tunnel validation. Initial flight testing is scheduled to begin in Kansas by the end of 2026. Development has received U.S. Navy funding, with reported public and private investment reaching approximately $400 million. Production is targeted for 2029, with full-rate manufacturing planned for the early 2030s at facilities in the United States. Greece's Role in the Programme The proposed industrial partnership builds on Shield AI's existing presence in Greece. The Hellenic Army has expanded its fleet of the company's smaller V-BAT unmanned aircraft for maritime surveillance in the Aegean Sea. Shield AI has also established an office in Athens and engaged Greek companies and engineers in software and related work. The X-BAT agreement aims to expand this cooperation into manufacturing, aircraft support, training, and regional logistics. However, the MoU does not confirm a Greek procurement order or establish a final production schedule. The extent of local manufacturing will depend on the definitive agreements and subsequent programme decisions.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-13 15:49:46
U.S
WASHINGTON, D.C., — Lockheed Martin has provided further details of its PAC-3 Adapted Capability Effector (PAC-3 ACE), a simplified, lower-cost interceptor designed for the Patriot air defense system. First announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2026, the missile was displayed as a mock-up at the AUSA 2026 defense exhibition. It aims to reduce interceptor costs and increase missile availability while retaining compatibility with existing Patriot systems. Simplified Design to Reduce Costs Jason Reynolds, Lockheed Martin’s vice president for integrated air and missile defense, outlined the changes made to reduce the missile’s production cost and complexity. The company aims to price the ACE at less than half the cost of the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE). Public estimates place its price at around $2 million or less per missile, compared with approximately $4 million to $5.3 million for the MSE. Lockheed Martin has not confirmed an official unit price. The PAC-3 ACE replaces the MSE’s hit-to-kill interception method with a conventional blast-fragmentation warhead, similar in concept to the older PAC-2 Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical (GEM-T). The warhead is positioned in space previously occupied by aerodynamic fins. Other changes include: Removal of the Attitude Control Motors that provide the MSE with high terminal maneuverability. Replacement of the dual-pulse solid rocket motor with a single-pulse motor. A simplified missile midsection to reduce manufacturing complexity. A less complex seeker, while retaining established PAC-3 guidance software and fire-control integration. Reduced Range but a Complementary Role The design changes give the PAC-3 ACE a shorter engagement range and lower maximum interception altitude than the PAC-3 MSE. Its ballistic-missile interception capability is also more limited than that of both the MSE and PAC-2 GEM-T. The ACE is intended primarily to engage aircraft, cruise missiles, and close- and short-range ballistic missiles. The higher-performance MSE will remain available for more demanding threats. Compatibility with Existing Patriot Launchers Despite its internal changes, the ACE retains the MSE’s external dimensions and is designed to use the same missile canisters, M903 and M903A2 launchers, and existing Patriot fire-control systems. It is also designed to work with the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). A standard M903A2 launcher can accommodate 12 ACE missiles. Some reports suggest that the number could increase to 16 if certain canister armor is removed. The configuration is intended to increase the number of available interceptors without requiring a new launcher system. Production Plans and European Cooperation Lockheed Martin plans to manufacture the ACE on production lines separate from those used for the MSE. The company is exploring partnerships with American and European industry, including potential European production and supply of rocket motors and guidance electronics, subject to U.S. government approval. The proposed cooperation aims to expand production capacity, strengthen local supply chains and help European allies field a common, interoperable interceptor. Flight Testing Scheduled for 2028 The PAC-3 ACE remains under development and is not yet ready for operational deployment. First flight testing is scheduled for early 2028, followed by initial limited production. Serial production is expected to begin around 18 months after flight testing starts, with manufacturing capacity increasing in subsequent years. Lockheed Martin presents the PAC-3 ACE as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, the PAC-3 MSE. Its lower-cost design is intended to help Patriot operators address selected aerial threats with more affordable interceptors while reserving higher-performance missiles for more demanding engagements.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-13 15:41:47
World
NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland, — Hanwha Defense USA and its partner Magnet Defense showcased the M38 Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) and containerized weapon systems at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2026 exhibition. The display highlighted autonomous maritime technology and modular weapons designed for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, air defence and strike missions. M38 Vessel Development and Capabilities Hanwha displayed a scale model of the 38-meter M38, which serves as the primary testing platform for the vessel class. According to Hanwha’s Kevin Schoonover, the parent design vessel recently arrived at National Harbor near Washington, D.C., following sea trials. Meanwhile, steel has already been cut for the larger 48-meter M48 MUSV. The partnership, formalised earlier in 2026, targets the U.S. and allied unmanned surface vessel markets. Hanwha handles most vessel construction and autonomous weapon integration, while Magnet Defense is responsible for vessel operation and AI-driven autonomous navigation. Magnet Defense has also expanded its manufacturing capacity through the acquisition of shipbuilder Metal Shark. The M38 features a modular payload deck that accommodates standard shipping containers for different missions. Magnet Defense has reported a range of 17,000 nautical miles across multiple tests, including a trans-Pacific voyage to American Samoa and operations in Sea State 9 conditions. However, the larger M48 prototype completed a roughly 32,000-nautical-mile round trip from Miami to American Samoa in 2024, including a Panama Canal transit and operations in Sea State 9. These figures should not be treated as identical demonstrations by the two vessels. The M48 is a 48-meter catamaran-style vessel capable of carrying multiple standard shipping containers. The M38 provides a smaller option for potential U.S., South Korean and international customers. Four Containerized Weapon Systems Hanwha displayed four weapon configurations in standard 20-foot and 40-foot containers. The M38 can carry up to four 20-foot containers, two 40-foot containers, or two 20-foot containers combined with one 40-foot container. 1. Chunmoo MLRS (20-foot container): This system uses the same launch mechanisms as Hanwha’s truck-mounted Chunmoo launcher and carries two MLRS pods. Each pod can be configured for up to six CGR-080 guided rockets, four CTM-MR ballistic missiles with a 160-kilometre range, four CTM-160 anti-ship ballistic missiles, one CTM-290 ballistic missile with a 290-kilometre range, or one CTM-X ballistic missile with a 500-kilometre range. 2. Compact K-VLS (20-foot container): This shortened, four-cell vertical launch system is designed primarily for smaller surface-to-air missiles, including the K-SAAM. 3. K-VLS I (40-foot container): This four-cell system can launch Red Shark rocket-launched torpedoes (K-ASROC), SSM-700K surface-to-surface cruise missiles and K-SAAM interceptors. 4. K-VLS II (40-foot container): This two-cell system is designed for larger cruise and ballistic missiles, including the L-SAM. The L-SAM is slated to replace the SM-2 missile in South Korean service. Hanwha also displayed a scale model of the K-VLS II container. Modular Design for Multiple Missions The containerized approach allows the M38 to carry different weapon packages according to mission requirements. The available systems provide options for strike operations, air defence and anti-submarine warfare, alongside reconnaissance and electronic warfare payloads. The AUSA 2026 display highlighted the companies’ combined approach: Hanwha contributes vessel construction and weapons integration, while Magnet Defense provides autonomous navigation and operational expertise. Continued M38 testing and M48 production are part of their effort to offer unmanned surface vessels to U.S. and international naval customers.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-13 15:34:23
U.S
WASHINGTON, D.C., — BAE Systems has unveiled a truck-mounted prototype of its Multi-Domain Artillery Cannon System (MDACS) at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2026 exhibition, held from October 12 to 14 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The 155mm system is designed to intercept drones and missiles while retaining the ability to conduct precision strikes against ground targets. BAE Systems presented MDACS alongside a High Power Microwave (HPM) system, combining conventional artillery and directed energy for layered defense against drone swarms and other aerial threats. The systems are intended to protect fixed and semi-fixed military installations at a moderate cost. Truck-Mounted Design The MDACS prototype differs from earlier technology demonstrators and is mounted on a three-axle Oshkosh Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) chassis. Its split cab has a central opening to accommodate the 155mm barrel during transport. A hydraulically raised support secures the barrel for firing, while two side stabilizers and one rear stabilizer steady the vehicle. The cannon sits in a large unmanned turret at the rear and uses a fully mechanized loading system. BAE Systems describes the platform as air-transportable and suitable for mobile battlefield deployment. HVP and Scorpio-XR Ammunition For air defense, MDACS is designed to fire the Hypervelocity Projectile (HVP), a low-drag guided round under development since 2013. Earlier tests used the 155mm M777 towed howitzer and the 127mm Mk 45 naval gun, achieving reported ranges of approximately 31.5 kilometers and more than 74 kilometers, respectively. These figures are from earlier test platforms and do not represent MDACS's confirmed range. Despite technical challenges that have increased development costs, simulations indicate that HVP could be cheaper than conventional guided air defense missiles. For ground attacks against fixed and moving targets in contested environments, MDACS will use Scorpio-XR, an HVP-derived precision munition that BAE Systems says doubles the range of existing 155mm cannon-launched projectiles. High Power Microwave System The HPM system provides a directed-energy option against coordinated drone swarms. According to BAE Systems, more than 99% of its components are commercial off-the-shelf products. It operates on electrical power and does not require conventional ammunition for each engagement, allowing continued operation while sufficient power is available. Together, MDACS and HPM are intended to provide complementary defenses against aerial threats while reducing reliance on traditional, magazine-limited air defense systems. Jason Casciotti, vice president of BAE Systems' Weapon Systems product line, said, “The threat environment is evolving faster than traditional procurement cycles can keep up with.” The company said it is using proven technical components and an established supply chain to accelerate delivery of both systems. U.S. Army Testing Plans The U.S. Army reportedly plans to have a complete MDACS battery ready for testing by the end of September 2027. The proposed configuration includes eight guns organized into four two-gun platoons, supported by Multi-Function Precision Radar (MFPR) equipment, two Multi-Domain Battle Manager (MDBM) command posts and dedicated ammunition supply vehicles. The programme builds on earlier U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force research into using 155mm artillery for air defense. The planned testing will assess the system's potential to protect military installations against a range of aerial threats while retaining its ground-strike capability.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-13 15:23:52
World
ANKARA, — Turkish state-owned defense manufacturer Makina ve Kimya Endüstrisi (MKE) has destroyed a drone at a distance of 760 meters using its new 20-kilowatt (kW) fiber laser during the Ateş Serbest-2026 live-fire exercises in Polatlı, west of Ankara. MKE announced the test on X on October 13, releasing video footage of the laser turret engaging the target. The system uses a dedicated electro-optical sensor to detect and track targets before directing the laser beam. TOLGA LAZER SİLAH SİSTEMİ ATEŞ SERBEST’TE “YAKICI” GÜCÜNÜ GÖSTERDİ! 🔥 Yakın hava savunma sistemimiz MKE TOLGA’nın yeni oyuncusu 20 kW Fiber Lazer Silah Sistemi, Polatlı’da gerçekleştirilen Ateş Serbest-2026 Faaliyeti’nde 760 metre mesafedeki dron hedefini tam isabetle imha etti. MKE Lazer Silah Sistemi, sergilediği bu kabiliyetle yakın hava, kara ve deniz tehditlerine karşı geliştirilen yüksek etkili savunma teknolojilerindeki yetkinliğini sahada ortaya koydu. Asırlık tecrübemiz ve millî gücümüzle geleceğin savunma teknolojilerini inşa etmeye devam ediyoruz. 🇹🇷 @tcsavunma #MillîGüçMKE 🦾🚀🇹🇷 — MKE (@MKEgovtr) October 13, 2026 Laser Engagement Range and Capabilities The 20kW laser, developed for MKE's TOLGA close-in air defense system, combines four 5kW laser units. Its engagement capabilities vary by distance: 2,500–4,500 meters: Dazzles and disrupts drone cameras and optical sensors. 1,500–2,500 meters: Blinds optical and targeting systems. 100–1,500 meters: Physically destroys drones by concentrating heat on critical components, including motors, wiring and structural elements. The 760-meter engagement falls within the system's stated physical-destruction range. MKE has described the laser module as domestically developed using its own research and development infrastructure and national resources. Integration With the TOLGA Air Defense System TOLGA is a modular short-range air defense and counter-drone system designed to address mini and micro UAVs, tactical drones, smart munitions and cruise missiles. Its architecture includes radar, electro-optical sensors, electronic jammers, 12.7mm, 20mm and 35mm guns with specialized anti-drone ammunition, the ENFAL interceptor missile and an acoustic detection system. Detection range can reach up to 10 kilometers in the stated configuration. The laser is integrated into the system's detection, tracking and command-and-control infrastructure. MKE follows an engineering philosophy described as “Effective, Simple, Cheap” (EBU), with laser weapons offering a potential cost advantage against large numbers of low-cost drones because each engagement primarily consumes electricity rather than conventional ammunition or an interceptor missile. Part of Türkiye's Layered Air Defense Network Türkiye is also developing directed-energy systems such as ASELSAN's GÖKBERK and Roketsan's ALKA. These technologies support the country's Steel Dome air defense network, which combines lasers, electronic jammers, guns and missiles to protect military bases, troops and civilian areas. Ateş Serbest is an annual live-fire demonstration held at the General Nahit Şenoğul Firing and Exercise Area. The 2026 event began on September 1 and is scheduled to run until October 22, with Distinguished Observer Day set for October 15. The 760-meter interception demonstrates the TOLGA laser's ability to destroy a drone within its stated engagement range. MKE has not provided further details in the supplied announcement about performance under different weather conditions or sustained operational use.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-13 14:27:48
World
MOSCOW, — Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia) has extended the operational service life of Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ-100) aircraft powered by SaM146 engines to 20 years, 40,000 flight hours, or 20,000 flight cycles. The Main Change Approval (MCA), incorporated into the aircraft’s type certificate data sheet on September 29, 2026, covers the RRJ-95B-100 and extended-range RRJ-95LR-100 variants. It replaces the previous limits of 15 years, 25,000 flight hours, and 15,000 flight cycles, established in 2023. According to manufacturer Yakovlev, the extension is based on structural calculations, full-scale testing of airframe components, and analysis of operational experience. The assessment covers structural strength, fatigue life, and corrosion resistance. SSJ program chief designer Vladimir Lavrov said the revised limits confirm the aircraft’s structural reliability. Yakovlev is continuing work to reach the original design targets of 25 years, 70,000 flight hours, and 54,000 flight cycles in stages. Operating Under Western Sanctions The SSJ-100 entered series production in 2011. Its SaM146 engines were developed by PowerJet, a joint venture between France’s Safran and Russia’s NPO Saturn, part of the United Engine Corporation (UEC). Western sanctions in 2022 disrupted engine maintenance, technical support, and spare-parts supplies. PowerJet suspended its contractual obligations in February 2022, and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) suspended the SaM146 engine type certificate in July 2022. Russian operators have continued maintaining the aircraft using existing stocks and domestic capabilities. Russia currently operates 154 SaM146-powered SSJ-100s, including aircraft flown by Rossiya Airlines, part of the Aeroflot Group, Azimuth, and Red Wings. PD-8 Engine and SJ-100 Programme To reduce dependence on foreign components, Russia has developed the Yakovlev SJ-100, which replaces the SaM146 with the domestically developed PD-8 turbofan engine. The PD-8 received type certification from Rosaviatsia in June 2026 after accumulating more than 6,500 operating hours in testing. Serial production has begun, and the first production engines were delivered in August 2026. Certification of the fully localised SJ-100 is continuing, with a significant portion of flight testing completed. Russia is also considering installing PD-8 engines on some existing SSJ-100 aircraft, with development work targeted for completion around 2027. Export Plans and Certification History Russia has expressed interest in exporting SaM146-powered SSJ-100s to countries that have not adopted Western sanctions. Such markets could potentially allow Safran to resume engine support and spare-parts supplies, subject to applicable restrictions and the availability of services. The SSJ-100 became the first Russian passenger aircraft to receive EASA type certification when the agency issued Type Certificate A-176 for the RRJ-95B on February 3, 2012, validating its earlier Russian certification from January 2011. This enabled operations by European airlines and provided a certification basis for markets that follow European aviation standards. The service life extension supports the continued operation of Russia’s existing SSJ-100 fleet while the country advances the PD-8-powered SJ-100 as a domestically supported alternative.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-13 14:18:01Search
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