World
KYIV — Ukraine has received a new batch of AIM missiles and several additional Patriot interceptor missiles, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a joint press conference with Estonian President Alar Karis in Kyiv. Zelenskyy said Ukraine also received confirmation from an unnamed partner for the transfer of several French-made Crotale air defense systems and missiles. He did not identify the supplying countries or provide exact quantities. Ukraine uses AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles with F-16 fighter jets and ground-based NASAMS air defense systems against cruise missiles, drones and aircraft. Patriot systems in Ukrainian service use PAC-2 missiles against aerodynamic targets and PAC-3 interceptors for direct kinetic interception of ballistic missiles. Crotale is a short-range surface-to-air system designed to engage low- and very-low-altitude targets. Its engagement range is generally reported at 10–16 kilometers, with an operating altitude of about 15 meters to 6 kilometers. Ukraine has previously received Crotale systems from France. New European Defense Agreements Zelenskyy also announced broader defense and financial agreements with European partners. Norway has confirmed approximately $9 billion, or 85 billion Norwegian kroner, in support for Ukraine in 2027 through its Nansen Support Programme. Norway and Ukraine also agreed on strategic cooperation in drones and other defense technologies. The two countries are also cooperating on FREYJA, a Ukrainian-led European anti-ballistic missile project. Norway is expected to help finance the rapid establishment of the project's development office. Sweden is providing financial support for Ukrainian drone production, while Ukraine and Latvia have agreed on joint drone manufacturing. Zelenskyy said approximately 90% of drones produced under the cooperation will be allocated to Ukraine. Ukraine and Norway have also formalized a strategic partnership focused on drone technologies. Regional and Sectoral Support Belgium and Denmark are directing recovery assistance toward Ukrainian regions, with Denmark focusing on Mykolaiv. Estonia is supporting Zhytomyr, while Germany has approved a separate support package for Ukraine's energy sector. Germany and Belgium will also contribute to programs supporting war veterans. Zelenskyy thanked Estonia for maintaining military support at 0.25% of its GDP and committing to continue that level the following year, in addition to separate funding for drone programs. Defense support from Lithuania and Finland was also confirmed in recent days. Ukraine's air defense requirements remain a major focus of cooperation with its partners. Zelenskyy has previously said Kyiv needs a larger share of Patriot interceptor production to protect its airspace and critical infrastructure, particularly ahead of the winter period. The latest deliveries and agreements combine immediate air defense assistance with longer-term cooperation in missile defense, drone production, energy security and defense financing.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-26 13:41:33
U.S
Fort Hood, Texas — A U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division M2A4 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle has been seen carrying five FireAnt unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) developed by Arizona-based Swarmbotics AI during the division’s Pegasus Charge activities. A video shared by Swarmbotics AI on LinkedIn shows the five robots mounted on the Bradley’s side storage racks. The company said the systems were involved in “ground swarms making movement to contact” during Pegasus Charge 3 with the 1st Cavalry Division. 🇺🇸 A 1st Cavalry Division M2A4 Bradley has been seen carrying five FireAnt UGVs during Pegasus Charge 3 at Fort Hood, Texas.The 27-kg attritable robots support swarm operations and can be configured for ISR, EW, counter-drone and anti-armor missions. pic.twitter.com/DaLsCcDSmN — The Defense News (@TheDefenseNews) August 26, 2026 FireAnt is part of Swarmbotics AI’s ANTS (Attritable Networked Tactical Swarm) family. The company describes it as a man-portable, attritable UGV weighing about 27 kg, designed for AI-enabled swarm operations. Its modular payload architecture supports missions including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare (EW), communications relay, counter-unmanned aircraft systems and anti-armor operations. Swarmbotics AI says FireAnt can use different payloads, including configurations for anti-armor effects, while its swarm system allows multiple robots to coordinate through a decentralized mesh network. The company has described control of groups of six to eight FireAnts by a single operator, with the robots sharing information and coordinating tasks. The FireAnt has already been evaluated by the U.S. Army. Soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division assessed autonomous ground systems during xTechOverwatch in October 2025. In February 2026, the Army selected Swarmbotics AI to continue development of swarming, attritable small UGVs with the 1st Cavalry Division as part of its Transforming in Contact effort. FireAnt was also tested during Project Golden Shield at Fort Hood, Texas, in April 2026. The 1st Cavalry Division used the exercise to evaluate counter-drone technologies, with a FireAnt V4 autonomous ground vehicle among the systems tested. Pegasus Charge is the 1st Cavalry Division’s approach to the Army’s Transforming in Contact initiative. It focuses not only on new equipment but also on changes to how the division organizes, trains and operates, including the integration of emerging unmanned and autonomous systems. The FireAnt remains under development and testing. Its appearance on a Bradley during Pegasus Charge 3 shows the Army is continuing to examine how small autonomous ground robots can be transported and employed directly with armored formations.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-26 13:03:49
Rheinmetall Wins €250 Million Contract to Build Military Camp for 2,000 German Soldiers in Lithuania
Europe
Vilnius, Lithuania — Rheinmetall has received an initial order from the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Infrastructure, Environmental Protection and Services (BAIUDBw) to build a modular military camp in Lithuania for up to 2,000 German soldiers. The €250 million construction contract is the first call-off under the German Armed Forces Contractor Augmentation Program II – Static Accommodation (G-CAP II SU). Rheinmetall will serve as the main contractor, with the camp scheduled to become operational from mid-August 2027. The order was booked in the third quarter of 2026. The camp will be located at the Rūdninkai training area, where Lithuania is developing military infrastructure for the German brigade. Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence says the Rūdninkai military campus is being developed as the primary service location for the future German Brigade. After the facility enters service, Rheinmetall will also provide facility management and catering. The facility management services include laundry. The subsequent operation is valued at €40 million annually. Modular Infrastructure Under G-CAP II SU The G-CAP II SU programme was initiated by BAIUDbW to provide static accommodation for German soldiers during deployments and standby commitments connected with international crisis management, as well as national and collective defence. The programme uses pre-planned modular infrastructure designed for deployment in different climatic, geographical and geological conditions. The framework covers the complete infrastructure lifecycle, including manufacturing, transportation, construction, operation and eventual dismantling. Rheinmetall said the standardised process allows the Bundeswehr to obtain the required infrastructure from a single contractor, which can shorten the overall deployment process. The company is responsible for planning, manufacturing and delivering the camps by sea, land or air, depending on requirements. It can also handle construction, multi-year autonomous operation and eventual dismantling. The programme is intended to allow private-sector companies to provide accommodation infrastructure during military deployments. According to Rheinmetall, this allows the Bundeswehr to conserve its own resources and keep them available for high-threat situations. Part of Germany’s Military Presence in Lithuania The new camp is being developed alongside Lithuania’s broader infrastructure programme for the permanent stationing of German forces. Lithuania is developing the Rūdninkai military campus over an area of around 190 hectares. The project includes residential, administrative, technical and other military infrastructure and is intended to support the future German Brigade. Lithuania says the site is planned to accommodate German and Lithuanian armed forces, while critical infrastructure is scheduled for completion in 2027. The German Brigade in Lithuania is planned to reach full operational capability by the end of 2027. The Rheinmetall camp, with accommodation for up to 2,000 soldiers, will provide additional infrastructure for German forces stationed in the country. Rheinmetall’s order represents the first call-off under the G-CAP II SU framework and adds a private-sector infrastructure component to Germany’s effort to establish and support a permanent military presence in Lithuania.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-26 12:36:17
Europe
Kyiv, Ukraine — The United Kingdom has authorised defence company MBDA to release classified information on British components of the Storm Shadow cruise missile, clearing a key step toward licensed assembly of the weapon in Ukraine. Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced the decision during his visit to Kyiv on August 24, his first international trip since taking office. The visit coincided with Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day. Path to Local Assembly The UK will allow MBDA to share protected information on British-made components of the SCALP-EG, the French designation for Storm Shadow. The missile uses technology developed jointly by Britain and France, making the release of British technical information necessary for the planned French-Ukrainian assembly effort. Initial production is expected to focus on final assembly in Ukraine, rather than complete domestic manufacturing. Key components will continue to be supplied by Britain and France. The project follows a French-Ukrainian letter of intent signed in February 2026 and earlier proposals by French President Emmanuel Macron to transfer missile-production technology to Ukraine. Ukrainian officials had also discussed plans for local production earlier in 2026. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later confirmed that Britain and France had agreed to the production arrangements. Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG The MBDA-produced Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG is an air-launched long-range cruise missile designed for strikes against high-value fixed and hardened targets. The missile weighs about 1,300 kg, is 5.1 metres long and carries a 450 kg BROACH penetrating warhead. It flies at around Mach 0.95. Publicly reported specifications give a range exceeding 550 km, although MBDA's public material describes the missile's range as exceeding 250 km, reflecting differences in publicly disclosed versions and configurations. Its navigation system combines inertial navigation, satellite data and terrain-profile matching. An imaging infrared seeker is used during the final stage to identify the target. Storm Shadow was developed in the 1990s and entered service in 2003. Production restarted in 2025 with a modified version after a long production pause. Ukraine's Use of the Missile Ukraine has operated Storm Shadow and SCALP-EG missiles since spring 2023, following deliveries from Britain, France and Italy. The weapons were initially used against Russian forces in occupied Ukrainian territory and have subsequently been used against targets inside Russia. Local assembly would give Ukraine an additional domestic source of the long-range cruise missile while reducing reliance on deliveries of fully assembled weapons. Ukrainian industry does not currently produce a system with comparable range and precision. The UK decision also complements Project Brakestop, a separate British programme focused on developing lower-cost, advanced long-range strike weapons for Ukraine. During Burnham’s Kyiv visit, Britain and Ukraine also agreed on a broader defence and artificial-intelligence partnership that gives the UK access to Ukraine’s Avengers AI Labs. The release of the classified information clears the way for the planned assembly programme, while the timing and production volume will depend on establishing the required manufacturing infrastructure and supply arrangements.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-26 12:24:57
World
Jining, Shandong Province, China — A fighter-shaped object previously spotted in satellite imagery at the former Jining Qufu Airport in China has been identified as a full-scale mock-up used for firefighting and emergency-response training, ending speculation that it could be a prototype of a new Chinese stealth fighter. On August 25, 2026, Chinese aerospace analyst Andreas Rupprecht confirmed the assessment in a post on X, after sharing clearer images of the object being used in a live training exercise. The photos, credited to China’s Eastern Theater Command and posted on Weibo, show military firefighters in protective gear spraying water onto the fuselage while smoke and flames rise from the base. You surely remember these strange J-20-look alike models - some claimed them to be a new single engined stealth fighter - at Jining Qufu AP, which I already back then rated as fire-fighting trainer mock-ups. Here finally two clearer images!(Via @水獭一般编-阿怡) pic.twitter.com/N3vIQyev8l — @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) August 25, 2026 Object First Spotted in 2025 The object attracted wider attention in April 2025 after satellite imagery showed a stealth fighter-like shape parked on the apron in front of the passenger terminal at Jining Qufu Airport in Shandong Province. Historical Planet Labs imagery indicated that it had been there since at least September 2024. Jining Qufu Airport officially closed in December 2023 and had previously been collocated with a People’s Liberation Army Air Force base. Its location contributed to speculation that the object could be connected to a classified aircraft program. Similarities to Chinese Stealth Fighters The mock-up has a modified diamond-delta wing planform, canards and twin vertical tails, giving it a general resemblance to the Chengdu J-20. The newly released ground-level images also show a cockpit configuration that appears closer to the newer Shenyang J-35. When the satellite images first appeared, the object was also compared with the Baidi Type-B, or “White Emperor,” a fictional space-fighter concept displayed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow. Analysts also compared it with unusual J-20-like shapes seen at Lintao Air Base in 2022. Those objects had different wing shapes and longer, narrower noses and were assessed separately as possible decoys or full-scale mock-ups. Firefighting Trainer Confirmed The latest photographs establish that the Jining object is a training aid rather than a flying aircraft. It is used to train military firefighters to respond to aircraft fires and other airfield emergencies. Such full-scale aircraft mock-ups are used to reproduce realistic aircraft dimensions and allow emergency crews to practice firefighting and rescue procedures. The Jining trainer does not have the systems required for flight, including operational engines and internal avionics. Rupprecht had already assessed the Jining objects as firefighting trainers in posts made in January and July 2026. The newly released images provide clearer visual evidence supporting that assessment. The clarification separates the Jining object from speculation surrounding China’s actual next-generation aircraft, including the tailless J-36 and J-XDS, also referred to as the J-50. It confirms that the unusual fighter-shaped object at the former airport was a ground training mock-up rather than evidence of a new single-engine stealth fighter.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-26 11:52:04
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy has awarded Castelion an $89.997 million firm-fixed-price order to advance the company’s Blackbeard hypersonic weapon toward Early Operational Capability (EOC). The order, issued under the Navy’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III effort, provides funding for engineering, technical, logistics and manufacturing services for the Blackbeard program. The effort is part of the Navy’s “Low Cost Highly Manufacturable Long Range Strike Weapon Production” initiative. The contract will support the development of 50 EOC weapons and Blackbeard’s transition into a formal Navy Program of Record. It also includes funding for Defense Exportability Features design modifications intended to support potential future exports to U.S. allies and partners. Work will be performed at Castelion’s facility in Torrance, California, with completion scheduled for August 2028. The Navy said the contract was not competed and was awarded through the previously established basic ordering agreement with Castelion. Blackbeard Moves Toward Production The latest award follows several Navy contracts supporting Blackbeard’s development and transition toward operational use. In February 2026, the Navy awarded Castelion a $49.9 million contract to advance Blackbeard from the prototype stage toward integrated Early Operational Capability. In April, Castelion received a further $104.99 million Navy contract modification supporting final EOC requirements, test and integration configurations, and live-fire test events in the Indo-Pacific region. In June, the Navy awarded Castelion another $23.4 million order for the production and delivery of 50 Blackbeard EOC pre-production prototypes and 50 associated storage and shipping containers. That work is being performed primarily at Castelion’s Project Ranger manufacturing campus in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The Navy’s latest order therefore expands the program’s production and engineering effort while supporting its transition from development and flight testing toward operationally relevant production. Production Plans Castelion has been developing Blackbeard around a low-cost and highly manufacturable approach. In May 2026, the company announced a production framework agreement with the U.S. Department of War that provides for a minimum production rate of 500 Blackbeard weapons annually once testing and validation are completed, with a pathway for additional purchases. Castelion has also been expanding its manufacturing infrastructure. Its Project Ranger facility in New Mexico is intended to support production of hypersonic weapons at scale. In August, the company announced a $1 billion Series C financing round, saying the funding would be used in part to increase Blackbeard production capacity. The latest Navy contract does not by itself establish a final fleet-wide procurement quantity or confirm the completion of operational testing. Instead, it provides additional funding for the 50-weapon EOC effort, manufacturing activities and the transition of Blackbeard into a formal Navy program.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-26 11:30:12
World
Kyiv — Russia has equipped some Geran-type, or Shahed-136, kamikaze drones with onboard electronic warfare (EW) systems designed to disrupt the analog video links used by Ukrainian interceptor drones. The system was identified after Ukrainian specialists examined equipment recovered from a downed Geran drone. Ukrainian defense technology adviser Serhii Beskrestnov, known as Serhii Flash, reported the finding and shared photographs of the recovered equipment, including antennas mounted on the drone's airframe. Russia has equipped some Geran/Shahed-136 drones with onboard EW systems to disrupt Ukrainian interceptor drone video links. The system targets 5.8 GHz analog signals and reportedly produces interference about 5× stronger than the interceptor’s transmitter. pic.twitter.com/77GxY9UfkU — The Defense News (@TheDefenseNews) August 25, 2026 How the system works The EW system is designed to detect the video signal of an approaching Ukrainian FPV interceptor. Its video receiver (VRX) identifies the interceptor's operating frequency, after which the video transmitter (VTX) generates interference on the same frequency band. A preliminary assessment found that the jammer's signal is about five times more powerful than the interceptor's video transmitter. The interference can cut the live video feed, preventing the ground operator from accurately guiding the interceptor during its final approach. The recovered system operates mainly in the 5.8 GHz band, which is commonly used for analog FPV video transmission. It consists of a VRX receiver, VTX transmitter and control electronics. Test results and power consumption During laboratory testing, the system detected a test video transmitter and activated its jammer after about three seconds, causing the analog video signal to disappear. After the test signal was switched off, the system returned to standby mode in approximately five seconds. The unit reportedly consumes about 2 watts in standby while scanning for signals and up to 33 watts when actively jamming. Earlier reports and possible countermeasures Ukraine had previously reported that Russia was adding EW equipment to some Shahed/Geran drones to counter interceptor UAVs. In May 2026, Ukrainian First Deputy Defense Minister Oleksii Vyskub said modified Shahed drones had been observed with frequency-suppression equipment, including systems fitted toward the rear of some drones. Footage from mid-August also showed cases in which an interceptor's video feed was disrupted as it approached a Geran. Possible countermeasures include terminal guidance systems that do not depend on continuous video, digital communication links, and video transmitters operating on non-standard frequencies. The Geran is Russia's version of the Iranian-designed Shahed-136 family of one-way attack drones. Russia has introduced other modifications to the series, including jet-powered variants and systems supporting real-time control. The addition of onboard EW against interceptor video links is part of the continuing development of the drones to counter Ukraine's increasing use of low-cost interceptor UAVs.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 16:24:18
World
KHARKIV REGION, Ukraine — Western-supplied tanks that Ukraine sought after Russia’s full-scale invasion are now often kept under camouflage nets in forests, with some reportedly sitting idle as cheap drones have changed battlefield conditions. Ukraine began requesting Western tanks after Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Britain, Germany and the United States agreed to supply them in January 2023 after months of negotiations. The 33rd Separate Mechanized Brigade was formed in part to operate the Western vehicles, which cost around $10 million each. However, by the time many of the tanks entered combat in late spring 2023, inexpensive first-person-view (FPV) drones had become widely used against armored vehicles. The drones could target vulnerable areas of tanks, making their use in exposed frontline positions increasingly difficult. Oleksandr Syrskyi, who served as Ukraine’s top military commander until last month, said: “We’re making virtually no use of armored vehicles.” He also questioned how Ukraine could counter the advantage provided by drones and give its armored forces a new role. The issue was part of wider discussions about Ukraine’s military strategy around the time of his removal from command. In the 33rd Brigade, about half of one tank battalion has reportedly retrained as drone operators. Some remaining tanks are mainly used to tow damaged equipment and are more likely to operate during poor weather, when fewer drones are flying. Younger recruits are also being trained to operate ground drones and other unmanned systems. Open-source assessments indicate significant losses among Western tanks. Of about 82 Abrams tanks delivered to Ukraine, including vehicles supplied by the United States and Australia, around 25 have been hit, according to available figures. Sweden supplied 10 Stridsvagn 122 tanks, of which open-source analyses indicate about one remains in service after others were hit, damaged or otherwise affected. German Leopard tanks operated by Ukrainian units are also frequently kept under protective nets in rear areas, with some awaiting repairs or maintenance and others held in reserve. Both Russia and Ukraine have added anti-drone protection to tanks. Russian forces began using metal cages and meshes around armored vehicles, a modification Ukrainian soldiers initially compared to “barbecue grills.” Ukraine has since adopted similar nets and cages, along with other protective measures. Despite the reduced battlefield use, Ukraine continues to maintain its Western tanks and train crews. Members of the 33rd Brigade have conducted Leopard tank exercises and live-fire training in the Kharkiv region. The experience has pushed Ukrainian units to combine traditional armored forces with drones, ground robots and surveillance systems. Western tanks remain part of Ukraine’s military inventory, but their frontline role has been reduced as drone warfare has become a major factor in combat operations.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 15:58:17
World
Tokyo — Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) has signed a mass-production contract with Terra Drone Corporation for the Terra B1 interceptor UAV, under the country’s Interceptor Drone Rapid Acquisition Program. ATLA launched the program on June 5, 2026, to rapidly field low-cost interceptor UAVs against long-range, one-way attack drones, including systems similar to the Shahed type used in recent conflicts. The program aims to move from proposals to delivery in about three months, with the first deliveries expected around September 2026. ATLA received proposals from 38 companies, with four systems advancing to the demonstration stage. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted testing from July 15 to August 6. The Terra B1 was the only system among the four to pass the demonstration phase. The evaluation covered effective range, endurance, flight distance, maximum and cruising speed, guidance methods, simultaneous control of multiple UAVs, launch and recovery procedures, integration with other equipment, safety measures, operational records, and the time required from contract to delivery. The requirements also included domestic production capability, a domestic production base, a maximum speed of at least 250 km/h, and vertical takeoff and landing capability. Testing included operations at a JMSDF base and aboard a destroyer. Terra Drone will now begin mass production of the Terra B1 and establish domestic production and supply chains covering components, batteries, communications equipment and control systems. The company will also develop maintenance, replenishment and training support, along with system integration for deployment at bases, aboard vessels and at other facilities. Quality management and safety systems for defense use will also be strengthened. Initial deployment is planned for the JMSDF, while future use by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force is being considered based on operational needs. The program draws on lessons from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, where low-cost attack drones have created challenges for more expensive interceptor missiles. Japan is seeking a more cost-effective approach to protecting Self-Defense Force facilities and vessels. Terra Drone, based in Tokyo, has prior experience testing related interceptor UAVs in Ukraine and has been developing domestic production capabilities for defense drones. ATLA and Terra Drone have not disclosed the contract value or the number of Terra B1 units to be procured.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 15:49:43
Europe
Fareham, UK — Saab UK’s Seaeye SR20 eWROV, a next-generation all-electric work-class remotely operated vehicle (ROV), has completed a comprehensive programme of inland water trials as part of its ongoing development. The trials formed a key part of the SR20’s verification and validation programme. Saab said the testing assessed the vehicle against its specification requirements, measured its performance and subjected the ROV to conditions designed to evaluate it as a complete, integrated system. During the trials, the SR20 demonstrated manoeuvrability, precise pilot control and stable operation. The results provided further validation of its fully electric architecture and integrated control systems. The SR20 is a full-sized IMCA Class III B ROV system. Saab has developed the platform with electric thrusters and electric manipulators, while using limited oil compared with traditional hydraulic systems. The company states that its overall power and performance exceed those of a 200 HP hydraulic equivalent. The vehicle is being developed for a range of subsea operations, including survey, inspection, maintenance and repair, construction, drill support and decommissioning. Its design also supports both resident and remote operational concepts. The SR20 builds on Saab Seaeye’s four decades of experience in underwater robotics. Saab said its Seaeye ROVs have supported subsea operations across a range of applications for 40 years. The company’s current underwater systems portfolio includes remotely operated vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles and hybrid systems for commercial, scientific and defence applications. Jon Robertson, Seaeye Managing Director at Saab UK, said the successful water trials bring the company closer to delivering the platform to the subsea industry. “These successful water trials bring us another step closer to delivering a new platform for the subsea industry,” Robertson said. “The SR20 combines the performance and reliability operators expect from Seaeye systems, with a fully electric architecture designed to support a range of operational requirements, including resident and remote operations.” The SR20’s fully electric architecture is a central part of its design. Saab has previously highlighted the use of electric systems and limited oil as features intended to provide an alternative to conventional hydraulic work-class ROV systems. Saab’s earlier development information also described the platform as incorporating automation and remote-control capabilities. The SR20 programme will now move into its next phase of testing following completion of the inland water trials. Saab will continue development and capability assessments as the vehicle progresses towards planned delivery and operational deployment.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 15:42:17
World
Großmittel, Austria — The Austrian Armed Forces (Bundesheer) have received their first modernized Leopard 2A4Ö main battle tank and Ulan NV infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). The handover ceremony was held at Jansa Barracks in Großmittel, Lower Austria, and was attended by Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, Chief of Defense Procurement Lieutenant General Harald Vodosek, Colonel Michael Lex, commander of Panzergrenadier Battalion 35, and military and industry representatives. The vehicles are part of the “Mech Package”, a modernization program under Austria’s broader Aufbauplan ÖBH 2032+ force-development plan. The program began in 2023 and covers 170 tracked vehicles, including 58 Leopard 2A4 tanks and 112 Ulan IFVs. The total investment is about €765 million, including around €305 million for the Leopard modernization and €460 million for the Ulan program. Completion of the full fleet is planned for around 2029–2030. Leopard 2A4Ö Modernization The 58 Leopard 2A4 tanks are being modernized by KNDS Deutschland, formerly Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. Austria selected the upgrade program instead of purchasing new tanks because of budget considerations. The modernization brings the turret to a level comparable to the Leopard 2A7 standard. It includes new digital surveillance and sighting systems for the commander, gunner and driver, an updated electronic architecture, improved reconnaissance, night-fighting and fire-control capabilities, and replacement of the hydraulic turret drives with electric systems for improved aiming precision. The tank’s external appearance, armor protection and 120 mm L/44 main gun remain at the original A4 standard. Outdated components are replaced, while night-fighting capability is restored. The upgraded tanks will first go to the Army Logistics Center for final adaptation before entering full service. The package is intended to extend the fleet’s service life while retaining existing logistics support. Ulan NV Modernization Austria is modernizing all 112 Ulan (ASCOD) IFVs through a €460 million program conducted by GDELS-Steyr at its Vienna-Simmering facility. The Ulan NV service-life extension includes an overhaul of the electrical system, renewed optics and electronic components, replacement of drivetrain parts, updated turret-drive components, new driver-vision systems, an updated heating unit and a more advanced main sighting system. The rear stowage bin has also been reconfigured to increase capacity, while some vehicles receive improved air-conditioning and related systems. The first upgraded Ulan vehicles are being delivered directly to active troop units. The Leopard 2A4 remains Austria’s primary tank weapon system, while the Ulan is used by armored infantry. The Ulan is designed to operate alongside the Leopard, carrying a 30 mm cannon, an infantry squad and its crew. Austria considers the combination of tanks and armored infantry a central part of its conventional military defense. Defense Minister Tanner said the modernized tank fleet strengthens Austrian military capabilities for national defense and makes the objectives of the 2032+ development plan visible. The modernization program allows Austria to extend the service life of its existing heavy armored forces instead of replacing the vehicles with entirely new platforms. The vehicles are being modernized in stages, with Leopard tanks sent to the manufacturer in Munich and Ulan vehicles to Vienna. Austrian officials have also said that the Leopard upgrade package has attracted interest from other operators of similar vehicles.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 15:33:35
Europe
Reykjavik, Iceland — NATO naval and air forces are participating in Exercise Northern Viking 26 in and around Iceland to strengthen the defense of Iceland and key maritime routes across the North Atlantic. The U.S.-led exercise began on August 22 and will run until September 3. The biennial exercise is hosted by Iceland and led by the U.S. Sixth Fleet. It forms part of NATO’s broader Arctic Sentry activity and focuses on the Greenland-Iceland-United Kingdom (GIUK) Gap, a key maritime corridor connecting North America and Europe. The exercise is intended to improve Allied readiness, interoperability and multinational planning in the High North. The United States and Iceland are joined by forces from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Lithuania, Norway and Poland. Around 1,200 personnel from participating nations are involved. Northern Viking 26 combines air and maritime capabilities and includes training in anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasures, search and rescue and other joint operations. The exercise also supports the protection of critical national and Alliance infrastructure in the region. NATO Mine Countermeasures Forces Participate Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1) is participating under the command of Lithuanian Navy Commander Donatas Gečas, alongside Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1). SNMCMG1 includes minehunters from Canada, Germany, Lithuania and Poland, supported by a Danish Mine Countermeasures team and a Portuguese Explosive Ordnance Disposal team. The forces are conducting training across surface, subsurface and mine countermeasure operations while improving their ability to keep maritime routes open. “By training together in a demanding operational environment, we strengthen interoperability, share operational experience and improve our readiness to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic,” Gečas said. The difficult North Atlantic environment, including cold waters, challenging weather and long distances between support facilities, provides an operational setting for Allied forces to develop their capabilities and coordination. SNMG1 and SNMCMG1 are two of NATO’s four Standing Naval Forces and are maintained at high readiness to provide maritime security, support freedom of navigation and respond to emerging requirements. Northern Viking 26 also coincides with the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Bilateral Defense Agreement between Iceland and the United States. The exercise is intended to strengthen NATO’s ability to operate together across the GIUK Gap while supporting the defense of Iceland and the wider North Atlantic.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 15:27:02
Europe
Stavanger, Norway — Kongsberg has launched Aegir SSA (Subsea Situational Awareness), a new family of sonar systems designed to provide continuous underwater awareness for maritime security, safety and navigation. The system was unveiled at the ONS 2026 conference in Stavanger and is aimed at ports, critical infrastructure, coastal areas and offshore assets. Aegir SSA builds on more than 80 years of Kongsberg sonar experience and combines acoustic technology with compact designs and scalable deployment options. The systems can be installed on small uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), buoys, fixed offshore sites and larger maritime platforms. The system is designed to detect, classify and track underwater objects and activity, while supporting navigation and operational decision-making. Kongsberg also offers an AI-powered virtual sonar operator that can support continuous operation without constant human supervision. Customers can configure the AI for specific missions, while their own operators can train the system to retain and apply mission-specific operational knowledge. Kongsberg said underwater monitoring is becoming increasingly important as maritime infrastructure supports energy security, global transportation, offshore operations and national resilience. Ports and coastal areas can present challenges because of dense traffic, shallow waters, drifting objects and unauthorised activity that may not be detected by conventional surface monitoring systems. One system in the family, Aegir57, is a compact 57 kHz omnidirectional sonar providing 360-degree coverage and a detection range of up to 2,000 metres, depending on acoustic conditions. It is intended for applications including port and harbour security, offshore asset monitoring, obstacle detection and autonomous vessel operations. Before the commercial launch, Kongsberg partnered with Fugro to test Aegir SSA in real-world conditions. The system was integrated with Fugro’s SEAWATCH buoy platform and connected to the Oslofjord Testbed. Visitors at ONS 2026 can view a live data feed from the Oslofjord installation, demonstrating persistent monitoring, real-time data delivery and subsea sensing. Helge Andre Sundt, Vice President of Subsea Awareness at Kongsberg, said the underwater domain has become a critical operational environment for commercial and government operators and that Aegir SSA is designed to improve security, safety and operational awareness. Hompe Heijmerink, Fugro’s Director of Maritime Security and Surveillance for Europe and Africa, said combining the Aegir SSA sonar with the SEAWATCH buoy provides an “always-on” monitoring solution and actionable real-time intelligence for protecting critical maritime assets. Kongsberg also highlighted two major contracts announced earlier this year. One covers surveillance of Princess Elisabeth Island in the North Sea, including drone detection radar and vessel traffic services. The second involves underwater surveillance and protection for an undisclosed international customer. With Aegir SSA, Kongsberg is adding a dedicated subsea surveillance layer to its wider maritime portfolio for persistent detection, classification and tracking around ports, offshore assets and other critical maritime sites.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 15:18:38
World
San Francisco — U.S. technology company Vernius Systems has unveiled the Archimedes 1A, an active radar seeker designed for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) interceptors. The company demonstrated the guidance head integrated with the STING interceptor UAV, developed by Ukrainian manufacturer Wild Hornets. The Archimedes 1A is an 80 mm active radar seeker operating at 24 GHz with a fixed beam. Vernius lists a 25° × 14° field of view and says it can detect Shahed-class targets at ranges exceeding 1 kilometre. The stated range is based on targets with a radar cross-section of approximately 0 dBsm. The unit costs around $4,000. The seeker is designed to support automated interception and operation in fog, smoke, rain and darkness. It has two operating modes. In fully autonomous interception, the interceptor receives a cue from a command-and-control network, uses radar for midcourse guidance beyond visual range, and then transfers to autonomous vision-based terminal guidance. In operator-assisted mode, the seeker provides live target range and bearing information to the pilot, allowing the target to be acquired before it becomes visible. Vernius Systems unveils the Archimedes 1A, an 80 mm, 24 GHz active radar seeker for UAV interceptors. Integrated with Ukraine’s STING, it detects Shahed-class targets beyond 1 km and costs around $4,000. pic.twitter.com/VwWOsE24H4 — The Defense News (@TheDefenseNews) August 25, 2026 Vernius says the system is designed to adapt to existing interceptor platforms and can also be integrated with jet-powered interceptor UAVs, including the Alexa Spatium system. The company says this could support automated guidance against faster jet-powered attack drones such as the Geran-3, Geran-4 and Geran-5. According to Vernius, more than 50 percent of Shahed-type attack drones operating over Ukraine are now jet-powered, making manual interception more difficult because of their higher speed and the limited reaction time available to operators. The company states that manual interception currently has a 20–50 percent kill probability, which it expects to decline further in poor visibility. Vernius Systems is based in San Francisco and develops low-cost radar seekers for counter-UAS applications. It was spun out of the volunteer nonprofit Defense Tech for Ukraine and is backed by Y Combinator. Its team includes personnel with experience in RF PCB engineering, software for the U.S. Navy's Tomahawk missile fleet, satellite systems and FPV hardware used by frontline operators. The company says its early investors include former U.S. National Security Advisor Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, Austin Howard, who is identified as the chief engineer behind VBAT, and Ukrainian military analyst Rob Lee. Vernius says it has secured $500 million in letters of intent for 2027 from defense manufacturers and military units across the United States, European Union and Ukraine. The company describes its broader objective as using compact radar technology to turn drones into autonomous interceptors and says its approach could reduce the cost per kill from around $4 million for Patriot-class missiles to less than $4,000. The STING interceptor, developed by Wild Hornets, is a Ukrainian FPV system used against Shahed-type and related drones. It has been used in operational conditions and can, in some cases, be controlled through the Hornet Vision system for remote operation over extended distances.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 14:12:03
World
TAIPEI — Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) has published new details on its domestically developed Strong Bow air defense missile system, also known as Chiang Kung or Sky Bow IV (Tien Kung IV). The land-based system is designed as a mid-tier interceptor against tactical ballistic missiles. NCSIST says the system is intended to intercept incoming tactical ballistic missiles at medium altitudes and operate with lower-layer air defense systems to create a layered defense network. Two-stage missile with thrust-vector control According to NCSIST, the Strong Bow missile uses a two-stage solid-fuel rocket motor and can reach hypersonic speeds. Its guidance system uses inertial navigation with radar uplink corrections during the midcourse phase before switching to an active seeker during the terminal phase. The missile also uses thrust-vector control during the terminal phase. NCSIST says this provides maneuverability in the thin atmosphere. The interceptor is equipped with precision guidance and a directional warhead, while its integrated composite rocket motor is intended to improve ease of production. The system has a reported interception altitude of about 70 kilometers. Taiwanese reporting has described this as a higher interception layer than the existing Sky Bow III system, which has a reported altitude of about 45 kilometers. AESA radar and mobile launch system The Strong Bow system includes the missile, a mobile vertical-launch transporter erector vehicle, tactical command vehicle and vehicle-mounted AESA radar. Each launcher can carry four missile canisters. NCSIST says the radar provides target classification and identification, high-precision tracking, electronic counter-countermeasures and the ability to engage multiple tactical ballistic-missile targets. The missile canister is about 7.61 meters long, compared with approximately 5.49 meters for the Sky Bow III canister, according to published details on the system. NCSIST’s seeker information also states that the Strong Bow seeker can actively search for and track targets and provide target information for missile guidance during interception. Planned deployment Taiwan plans to procure at least 128 Strong Bow interceptors. A funding proposal reported for the program includes about NT$36.1 billion for two systems and 128 missiles. The Strong Bow is planned as part of Taiwan’s T-Dome layered air defense network, operating alongside the existing Sky Bow III and U.S.-supplied Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) interceptors. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has described the combination as providing multilayered defense against missile and aircraft threats. The Strong Bow system was publicly displayed at the 2025 Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition, after development and operational evaluation work had progressed. Taiwan’s NCSIST subsequently confirmed that the system had entered mass production. The latest NCSIST information provides further details of the missile’s propulsion, guidance, launcher and radar architecture, giving a clearer picture of how Strong Bow is intended to serve as a mid-tier component of Taiwan’s integrated air and missile defense network.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 14:03:34
World
LONDON/KYIV — Russia has warned that British factories producing drones and missile-related components for Ukraine could face attacks from “unknown sources” after the UK agreed to share classified blueprints for British-made components of the Storm Shadow cruise missile with Kyiv. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced the decision during his first official international trip as prime minister. He visited Kyiv on August 24 to mark Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day, met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and chaired a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The UK has agreed to provide technical information on British-made components of the SCALP missile, the French version of Storm Shadow. The transfer removes a remaining restriction on UK components made by MBDA and is intended to support Ukraine’s plans to establish domestic production of the long-range missile with France. The Storm Shadow/SCALP family has a range of about 250–560 km depending on the variant and has been used by Ukraine against targets in occupied territories and inside Russia. Russia Issues Warning Andrei Fedorov, a former Russian deputy foreign minister and current Kremlin adviser, told BBC Newsnight that Moscow could not completely rule out a “semi-military” response against Britain. Asked what this could involve, Fedorov said British enterprises and factories producing drones or other components for Ukraine could be attacked. He said such action could come from “unknown sources” rather than directly from Russia and also referred to possible cyberattacks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov separately criticised the British decision, accusing London of adding “fuel to the fire.” He said Russia was gathering information on missile production facilities so they could be targeted. Burnham rejected the criticism, responding to Peskov by asking: “Who started the fire?” Ukraine Seeks More Air Defence The dispute comes as Ukraine faces continuing pressure on its air-defence capabilities ahead of winter. Zelenskyy has said Kyiv wants to secure around 300 US-made Patriot interceptor missiles to protect critical infrastructure and the energy system. Ukraine has also sought the ability to manufacture Patriot interceptors domestically. US President Donald Trump previously discussed the possibility but later said no agreement had been reached, stressing that the technology required careful consideration. At the Kyiv meeting, Burnham, Macron and Merz said strengthening Ukraine’s air defences was an urgent priority. They also pledged continued support for Ukraine, further sanctions against Russia and measures targeting Russia’s shadow fleet. Burnham said he would travel to the United States next month with European leaders to discuss Ukraine’s defence requirements with Trump. Wider UK-Ukraine Defence Cooperation The UK and Ukraine are also expanding cooperation in defence technology. During the visit, Britain secured access for its researchers to Ukraine’s Avengers AI Labs, which uses battlefield data from cameras and sensors to develop artificial-intelligence systems. The UK and France hope to establish production lines for the SCALP/Storm Shadow family in Ukraine by the end of the year, although the exact timeline for full domestic production remains unclear. The latest agreement moves Britain beyond supplying finished weapons by helping Ukraine develop its own long-range missile production capability, while the Russian warnings have raised concerns over possible attacks or other forms of disruption involving British defence facilities.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 13:57:34
U.S
WASHINGTON — The United States has formally removed Syria from its list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, ending a designation that had been in place since 1979 and removing a major U.S. policy barrier to investment and economic activity in the country. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio authorized the formal rescission on August 24 after the mandatory 45-day congressional review period ended without lawmakers blocking the decision. President Donald Trump had notified Congress on July 8 of his administration’s intention to remove Syria from the list following his meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Ankara. Rubio said the decision was taken in recognition of actions and further commitments by the Syrian government under al-Sharaa to distance Syria from international terrorism. He also cited Syria’s counterterrorism activities, including its cooperation against ISIS and other militant networks. HTS designation also revoked The State Department also revoked the designation of al-Nusrah Front, also known as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization. The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) separately removed HTS from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List. The move follows the State Department’s July 2025 decision to revoke HTS’s designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the latest action fulfills President Trump’s commitment to provide sanctions relief to Syria and said it would help encourage additional investment and support political and economic stability. Impact on financial and economic activity Syria’s State Sponsor of Terrorism designation had imposed restrictions involving U.S. foreign assistance, defense sales and exports, as well as certain dual-use goods. The designation also created additional compliance requirements for companies considering business activity in the country. The latest action removes Syria from the prohibitions under the U.S. Terrorism List Governments Sanctions Regulations. U.S. financial institutions can provide services involving Syrian banks and process related payments when no sanctioned parties are involved. The U.S. administration has already taken several steps to reduce restrictions on Syria. These include the June 2025 executive order that terminated the broader Syria sanctions program and related national emergency, as well as earlier measures concerning HTS and al-Sharaa. Congress has also taken action to lift sanctions under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act. The Commerce Department is expected to review export-control rules connected to Syria. However, the timing of any new guidance remains unclear. Syria seeks investment for reconstruction The decision comes as Syria seeks international investment and financial support for reconstruction after more than 13 years of conflict. The World Bank estimates Syria’s reconstruction costs at about $216 billion, based on its assessment of damage to infrastructure and buildings between 2011 and 2024. The assessment found direct physical damage of about $108 billion, with infrastructure accounting for the largest share. Syrian officials have welcomed the U.S. decision, describing it as an important step toward reconnecting the country with international financial and economic systems and attracting foreign investment. The move also follows growing engagement between Washington and Damascus since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024. The Trump administration has cited Syria’s counterterrorism cooperation and commitments regarding future support for international terrorism as factors in its decision to remove the designation. Three countries remain on U.S. list With Syria’s removal, the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list now contains Cuba, Iran and North Korea. The removal of Syria from the list does not mean that all U.S. sanctions or restrictions concerning Syrian individuals and entities have ended. Treasury has stated that sanctions can continue to apply to individuals, organizations and activities that remain subject to separate U.S. authorities. The decision represents a further change in U.S. policy toward Syria and removes one of the major restrictions that had complicated international investment and financial activity involving the country.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 13:10:03
U.S
St. Louis, Missouri — The U.S. Department of War has awarded Boeing an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract with a ceiling value of $131.23 billion for the F-15 Eagle Crest program. The agreement covers F-15 aircraft production, systems integration, modernization, upgrades, retrofits, sustainment and the establishment of organic depot maintenance capabilities. The contract supports F-15 operations for the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard and other Department of War customers. It also provides a framework for Foreign Military Sales to Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia and Poland. Contract Structure The $131.23 billion figure is the maximum potential value of the IDIQ contract and does not represent an immediate payment or a single aircraft order. Individual orders can be placed as requirements arise during the contract period. At the time of award, $343,740 in fiscal 2026 research, development, test and evaluation funds was obligated. The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis. The initial ordering period runs through August 24, 2031, with an option to extend ordering through August 24, 2036. Work is expected to continue through August 2037, with the primary work location in St. Louis, Missouri. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. F-15 Production and Modernization The framework covers capabilities associated with the F-15 Eagle Weapon System, including production of new aircraft, systems integration, modernization, upgrades, retrofits and sustainment. It also includes the establishment of organic depot maintenance capabilities for F-15 aircraft. For the United States, the agreement provides a mechanism for additional F-15 procurement and modernization beyond the previously planned fleet of about 100 F-15EX aircraft. The F-15EX Eagle II is intended to support the replacement of aging F-15E Strike Eagles as the U.S. Air Force continues to maintain its heavy strike capability. Foreign Military Sales The Eagle Crest framework also supports potential Foreign Military Sales involving Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia and Poland. Existing F-15 operators can use the framework for new aircraft or upgrades to aircraft already in service. Boeing already has a production contract for F-15EX Eagle II aircraft for Israel and continues to market the aircraft to other potential customers, including Saudi Arabia. Indonesia has discussed acquiring up to 36 F-15EX fighters, which have been associated with the F-15IDN designation. However, a government-to-government Letter of Offer and Acceptance has not yet been approved. Poland has also been identified as a potential customer for 36 aircraft. Warsaw has not made an official commitment, and the U.S. State Department has not announced approval of a possible Polish request. The Eagle Crest contract therefore establishes a long-term framework through which the United States and eligible international customers can order new F-15 aircraft, modernization packages and other F-15 support as requirements are approved.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 13:00:50
World
JERUSALEM — Israel is preparing a multiyear expansion of its military space capabilities, including upgraded satellite intelligence, resilient communications and the development of offensive space systems. The proposed plan includes systems to protect Israeli satellites from hostile spacecraft and concepts for striking targets on Earth from orbit. Defense Minister Israel Katz has said Israel aims to develop a true space-to-ground attack capability and become one of the world's leading space powers. Israel is considering roughly 16 billion shekels ($5.4 billion) over the next decade for space-related capabilities, although the funding has not yet been secured. The plan is part of wider discussions over increasing the defense budget, with the Finance Ministry raising questions about available resources. The program covers expanded intelligence collection through multiple satellite layers, continuous and resilient communications, highly encrypted links, cyber capabilities and contributions to missile defense. Planning involves the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (MAFAT), Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israeli defense industries. Offensive Space Systems The offensive element has two main objectives: developing weapons to defend Israeli satellites against hostile spacecraft and systems capable of striking targets on Earth. One concept under discussion is based on the theoretical U.S. “Rods from God” idea, in which satellites release large tungsten rods that strike the ground at extreme speed, using kinetic energy rather than nuclear explosives. The concept remains under study, with payload weight, launch costs and overall effectiveness among the major challenges. Concrete systems and development timelines have not yet been established. Katz has also discussed developing space-based laser capabilities for operations above Earth. Israel already operates ground-based laser systems, including Iron Beam. Satellite Intelligence The push has been accelerated by Operation Roaring Lion, during which Israeli forces expanded their use of satellites for intelligence collection and target development. Israeli satellites captured tens of thousands of images of relevant areas, providing day-and-night coverage. Avi Berger, head of the Defense Ministry's Space Directorate, described the operation as a major step forward in Israel's operational use of space. He received the Israel Defense Prize for technological projects connected with the Ofek 13 and Ofek 19 satellite programs. Ofek 13 and Ofek 19 use synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology. Unlike electro-optical satellites that depend on sunlight, SAR satellites transmit electromagnetic energy toward the ground and use the returning signal to create imagery. This allows imaging during both day and night and through clouds, while providing additional high-resolution intelligence capabilities. Ofek 19, launched in September 2025, joined Israel's operational satellite constellation and supports Unit 9900. The proposed program is intended to provide Israel with a stronger and more continuous space-based intelligence, communications and defense network. Israeli officials have stressed that achieving security superiority in space is increasingly important for maintaining freedom of action for the IDF and defense establishment. The plans remain in the development and budgeting stage, with specific systems, timelines and final funding allocations still under discussion.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 12:45:43
Europe
The Hague, Netherlands, — The Netherlands Ministry of Defence and aerospace company Destinus signed a Concept Development & Evaluation (CD&E) contract on August 24, 2026, to develop a kinetic counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capability for the Royal Netherlands Navy. The programme, led by the Ministry’s Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT), will integrate the Hornet B2 interceptor onto several Dutch Navy warships and is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2027. The contract covers the delivery of Hornet B2 interceptor systems, ship integration and Integrated Logistics Support activities. The programme is intended to move the capability towards a possible initial operating capability. According to the Dutch Ministry of Defence, the threat from medium-range drones is increasing based on operational analyses and the current maritime threat picture. The Hornet B2 will provide an additional defensive layer alongside existing shipborne weapons, particularly against lower-cost aerial threats that can arrive in volume. It is not intended to replace high-end naval air-defence systems. Hornet B2 Counter-Drone Interceptor The Hornet B2 is stored in a sealed canister and launched using a rocket booster. After launch, it deploys folding wings and switches to electric-powered cruise flight. The design combines missile-like launch readiness with aircraft-like cruise flight and is intended to reduce the cost per engagement compared with traditional interceptor missiles. Destinus states that the Hornet B2 has a range exceeding 150 kilometres, carries a 3-kilogram payload, and can engage drones, loitering munitions and helicopters. It is designed to counter subsonic targets and uses electro-optical and infrared sensors, with AI-based processing during the terminal phase. Engagement decisions remain under human command in accordance with applicable rules of engagement. The system consists of a base station and launch platform and can be deployed from a platform compatible with a standard 20-foot ISO-container footprint. Destinus also states that the system can operate as part of a swarm. The earlier Hornet B1 is already in serial production. Naval Integration Royal Netherlands Navy operators will participate directly in the CD&E programme, providing operational input and helping define capability requirements and system specifications for maritime use. The work will cover ship integration, logistics, operator requirements, support arrangements and operating procedures, alongside development and testing of the land-based design for naval operations. Destinus CEO Mikhail Kokorich said the Hornet B2 addresses the cost challenge of using expensive air-defence missiles against low-cost aerial threats arriving in large numbers. Destinus has previously demonstrated a Hornet interceptor launched from a Spanish Navy frigate. In August 2026, the company also signed a memorandum of understanding with CUBEDIN and OMT to develop modular, containerised naval versions of the Hornet system using 10-foot or 20-foot mission modules. The programme supports the Netherlands’ requirement for a maritime kinetic counter-UAS capability across its fleet and is scheduled to run through Q2 2027.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 12:39:46Search
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