Satellite Imagery Reveals New Chinese Nuclear-Powered Submarine Under Construction at Bohai Shipyard
World
HULUDAO, China — New commercial satellite imagery has revealed a nuclear-powered attack submarine under construction at China’s Bohai Shipyard in Huludao. Defense analysts have assessed the submarine as the prospective Type 095, although China has not officially confirmed its designation. New Satellite Imagery The War Zone reported that Vantor imagery captured on September 18, 2026, provides a clearer view of the submarine. Janes analysed a separate Vantor image from September 1 and assessed the vessel as a Type 095 nuclear-powered attack submarine. However, the submarine’s exact identity remains unconfirmed, as China has not publicly identified the vessel. Pumpjet Propulsion and X-Shaped Tail The submarine is estimated to be approximately 120 metres (394 feet) long based on commercial satellite imagery. One of its most notable features is a pumpjet propulsor, which encloses the propulsion components inside a shroud. The system is associated with reduced acoustic signatures and improved efficiency at higher underwater speeds. China already uses pumpjet propulsion on its upgraded Type 093B nuclear-powered attack submarines. The submarine also has an X-shaped stern-plane arrangement, replacing the cruciform configuration used on earlier Chinese nuclear submarines, including the Type 093B. The X-tail can provide improved manoeuvrability and control and may reduce hydrodynamic noise in some operating conditions. This is the first known X-tail configuration observed on a Chinese nuclear-powered attack submarine. The vessel also has a streamlined sail with no visible fairwater planes. Possible Missile Launch Section The September 1 imagery showed an open rectangular section behind the sail. Some observers have suggested that it could accommodate a vertical launch system (VLS) for anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles. However, naval analyst Alex Luck cautioned that satellite imagery alone cannot establish the purpose of the opening. It could instead be associated with access to the reactor compartment or other construction work. In the September 18 imagery, the section is covered by a structure. Unidentified Bow Openings The latest imagery also shows at least two large circular openings side-by-side in the bow, ahead of the sail. Their purpose remains unclear. They could be associated with launch systems or components of the submarine’s sonar suite, but the available imagery does not provide enough information to confirm their function. China Developing Multiple New Submarines China is developing several new submarine designs simultaneously. In 2024, information emerged about the Type 041, also known as the Zhou-class, a hybrid submarine. Another unidentified submarine design with a proportionally very small sail was observed at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai in 2026. An earlier submarine observed at Bohai in February 2026 was estimated to be about 110–115 metres long. Analysts have suggested that the February vessel may have been an earlier or one-off prototype, while later submarines launched at Bohai and Jiangnan could represent more complete versions of the new attack-submarine design. Part of China's Nuclear Submarine Expansion U.S. Navy officials have said China is shifting construction emphasis from diesel-electric submarines toward nuclear-powered platforms. The prospective Type 095 attack submarine and Type 096 nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarine are expected to incorporate new reactors, improved sensors, advanced weapon systems and reduced acoustic signatures. These next-generation submarines are projected to enter service in the late 2020s and through the 2030s. China currently operates the world’s second-largest fleet of nuclear-powered submarines after the United States. The Type 095 designation and the exact functions of several features visible in the satellite imagery remain unconfirmed.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-23 13:47:48
India
New Delhi, The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract worth ₹810.79 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the procurement of 160 Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAT-SAAW) along with associated equipment for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The contract was signed in New Delhi on Wednesday in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The procurement has been placed under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category. SAT-SAAW for IAF SAT-SAAW is an air-to-ground precision-guided glide bomb designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The weapon is intended to engage enemy airfield targets from a long stand-off range. The weapon can be launched from aircraft platforms including the SEPECAT Jaguar, BAE Hawk and Su-30MKI. Available specifications state that the weapon weighs 125 kg and measures 1.85 metres in length. Its range is stated at 90–100 km depending on release conditions. The weapon uses an onboard navigation system for precision guidance. Its stated accuracy is less than 7 metres using inertial navigation and GPS, while accuracy is stated as less than 3 metres when equipped with a seeker. As a glide weapon, SAT-SAAW does not rely on a conventional propulsion system to reach its target. It uses the launch aircraft's release conditions to glide toward the target. 60% Indigenous Content The Ministry of Defence stated that the SAT-SAAW system will have 60 per cent indigenous content. The programme also includes the indigenisation of key sub-systems, including the Initial Measurement Unit (IMU), Long Impact Delay Fuse and Twin Store Carrier. The procurement under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category is intended to support domestic design, development and manufacturing of the weapon system. Deliveries From 2027-28 BDL is scheduled to deliver the 160 SAT-SAAW systems and associated equipment during the financial years 2027-28 and 2028-29. The Ministry of Defence said the induction of SAT-SAAW will enhance the operational capability of the Indian Air Force, support continued unhindered operations and strengthen the country's overall defence preparedness.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-23 13:00:32
World
BRNO, CZECH REPUBLIC — Honeywell Aerospace’s engineering team in Brno has successfully integrated the main subsystems of a hydrogen fuel-cell power source designed to generate and supply electricity for an aircraft. The milestone is part of Project NEWBORN, a European initiative focused on developing a megawatt-class hydrogen-electric propulsion system for low-emission aviation. Project NEWBORN Launched in 2023, Project NEWBORN is supported by the European Union through the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking. The project has a total cost of about €44 million, including approximately €33.3 million in EU funding, and involves 18 companies and research organizations from 10 European countries. The project aims to develop an aerospace-qualified hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion system. It targets an overall propulsion-system efficiency of 50 percent by the end of 2026. The technology is designed around scalable 1 MW modules that can be combined to exceed 3 MW. The project is intended to support future applications in CS-23 aircraft with up to 19 seats around 2030, followed by larger regional aircraft around 2035. Hydrogen Power System Integration The latest milestone combined hydrogen fuel cells with electrical and supporting systems into a single working power source. Engineers tested the integrated system for: Electrical functionality Leak tightness Fluid operating parameters Communication between subsystems Control algorithms Protection mechanisms Further testing will focus on expanding the system’s power range while improving its stability and resilience. Honeywell developed a dedicated test platform at the ÚJV Řež research and engineering facility near Prague. The platform can reproduce various aircraft functions and includes power-generation, fluid-distribution, electrical and control, safety and heat-rejection systems. European Industry Collaboration Project NEWBORN's development covers hardware, software, modelling, simulation and integration work. PowerCell supplied the aviation-grade proton exchange membrane fuel-cell technology. Fraunhofer and Test-Fuchs contributed elements of the electrical power source and related technologies. Siemens Industry Software, KU Leuven, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and CIRA supported modelling, simulation and integration analysis. PowerCell has also validated its 300 kW fuel-cell stack, with multiple stacks able to be combined to reach megawatt-level power. “Project NEWBORN is not only a demonstration of new technology, but also proof that European industry, universities and research organisations can jointly pursue ambitious technological visions and turn them into functioning systems,” said Miroslav Matoušek, NEWBORN project coordinator at Honeywell Aerospace. Ondřej Kotaba, chief technology expert and technical leader of the NEWBORN project at Honeywell Aerospace, said the development involves interconnected technologies covering air supply and conditioning, hydrogen management, thermal management, electrical power distribution, power electronics, control, communications and safety monitoring. Next Phase in Italy Following the integration work in Czechia, the hydrogen power source will be transported to Gorizia, Italy, for the next phase. There, it will be connected to battery systems supplied by Pipistrel and a megawatt-class electric propulsion system jointly developed by the University of Nottingham, Honeywell Aerospace and Pipistrel. During the planned ground demonstration, the hydrogen fuel cells and batteries will supply electricity to the electric motor that drives an aircraft propeller. The integrated system is targeted to reach Technology Readiness Level 4 by the end of the current project phase in 2026. The project is being developed through cooperation between European industry, universities and research organizations, with key development work and intellectual property retained in Europe.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-23 12:47:20
U.S
FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — BAE Systems has delivered two AMPV 30 Infantry Fighting Vehicle prototypes to a U.S. Army unit for evaluation under the service’s Transformation in Contact (TiC) 2.0 initiative. The prototypes arrived at the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Cavazos, Texas, in April 2026 and were publicly announced by BAE Systems on September 22. The company funded the project with $17 million from its own Internal Research and Development (IRAD) funds and completed development in six months. Field Evaluation The vehicles are being evaluated by soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment. Testing includes field exercises and live-fire trials to assess how the AMPV 30 performs against capabilities identified by soldiers as important for modern battlefield operations. The Army has not established a formal requirement for the AMPV 30, and it has not committed to purchasing the configuration. The vehicles are a company-funded development effort and are not part of a program of record. 30mm Firepower and New Systems The AMPV 30 uses the existing AMPV tracked chassis with BAE Systems’ common top plate and a Kongsberg Medium Caliber Turret. The remotely operated turret is already in production for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle and is equipped with a 30 mm Mk 44 Bushmaster II cannon. The crew operates the weapon from inside the armored hull. The prototypes also feature: Counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) capabilities to address drone threats. A cross-platform target handoff system that allows vehicles to share targeting information. A 360-degree camera system that provides crews with visibility around the vehicle without leaving the armored hull. Modular Design The AMPV has a modular, open architecture that allows different mission equipment to be integrated. BAE Systems says its common top plate can support mission equipment packages and is adaptable to more than 30 different turret systems. The two AMPV 30s bring the number of turreted AMPV prototypes funded by BAE Systems over the past two years to eight. “Our mission was speed and innovation, and we delivered beyond expectations,” said Bill Sheehy, vice president of BAE Systems’ Ground Maneuver futures. He said the effort demonstrated the company’s ability to integrate new design solutions in a time-effective and more cost-efficient way for the Army. Next Phase The AMPV family is being used by the Army to replace older M113 vehicles in several support roles. The AMPV 30 concept explores adding direct-fire capability, counter-drone functions and improved connectivity while retaining the existing chassis and modular design. The Army expects two additional AMPV 30 prototypes in early 2027. Those vehicles are planned to undergo a rotation at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, for further evaluation.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-23 12:34:18
Europe
Cartagena, Spain — Spanish state-owned shipbuilder Navantia has completed testing of the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system installed in a dedicated section of the S-83 Cosme García, the third submarine of the Spanish Navy’s S-80 class. The trials began in June 2026 after the system was installed and verified in its actual onboard configuration. Testing was conducted at Navantia’s specialized IPS3 facility in Cartagena. The AIP section is about 12 metres long and weighs approximately 400 tonnes. Following the successful tests, the section will be joined to the rest of the submarine’s pressure hull. The tests were conducted under conditions designed to reproduce submarine operations, including diving depth and forward speed. Navantia also demonstrated the system’s ability to generate power for battery charging across different operating conditions. The testing is expected to help optimize the schedule for the S-83’s upcoming Harbour Acceptance Trials (HAT). BEST AIP System The S-80 uses Navantia’s third-generation Bio-Ethanol Stealth Technology (BEST) AIP system. Instead of storing hydrogen onboard, the system produces hydrogen when required from liquid bioethanol. During operation, bioethanol is processed to extract hydrogen, which is then supplied to a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell to generate electricity while the submarine is submerged. The system also uses liquid oxygen. Navantia says the system can allow S-80 submarines to remain submerged for up to three weeks, extending underwater endurance compared with conventional submarines that rely on lead-acid batteries and need to surface or snorkel to recharge. The technology involves several Spanish and international industrial partners. Abengoa developed the bioethanol processor, Collins Aerospace provided the naval fuel-cell technology, and Bionet worked on the carbon-dioxide disposal system designed to dissolve exhaust gases into seawater without producing bubbles that could compromise stealth. Navantia Chairman Ricardo Domínguez said the successful testing demonstrates the technological maturity of the system and the Spanish industry’s ability to develop and deliver complex technologies. S-80 Program Progress The S-80 program covers four conventional submarines for the Spanish Navy. The boats are approximately 80 metres long, have a diameter of about 7 metres and a submerged displacement of around 3,000 tonnes. They feature advanced combat systems and sensors and are designed for a core crew of 32 sailors, with accommodation for up to eight additional personnel. The AIP system had previously completed Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) ashore and demonstrated its ability to recharge the batteries of the S-81 Isaac Peral, the first submarine of the class. The S-82 Narciso Monturiol is undergoing harbour and sea trials, while the S-83 Cosme García and S-84 Mateo García de los Reyes remain under construction at Cartagena. The completion of the S-83 AIP trials marks another major step in the integration of the propulsion system before the submarine proceeds to its next stages of construction and testing.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-23 12:13:33
World
SCOTLAND — The U.S. Navy and Royal Navy have successfully conducted a proof-of-concept launch of a U.S. Mk 48 heavyweight torpedo from the Royal Navy’s XV EXCALIBUR uncrewed underwater vehicle (XLUUV). The test took place on September 13, 2026, at the British Underwater Test & Evaluation Centre (BUTEC) in Scotland. It was conducted under Project Broadsword and Trial Iron as part of AUKUS Pillar 2, which covers cooperation on advanced military capabilities. The launch was the first time either the United States or United Kingdom had launched a heavyweight torpedo from an uncrewed underwater vessel rather than a crewed submarine, according to the UK government. 📰 U.S. NAVY UPDATE: U.S. Navy and Royal Navy Successfully Test Fire Torpedo from Unmanned Undersea Vehicle📍WASHINGTON – On September 13, 2026, the U.S. Navy and the Royal Navy successfully conducted the proof-of-concept launch of an exercise U.S. Mk 48 Heavyweight Torpedo… pic.twitter.com/lVB4wYSwC0 — Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (@USNavyCNO) September 22, 2026 Mk 48 Launched From XV EXCALIBUR The Mk 48 is the U.S. Navy’s standard heavyweight torpedo and is used as a submarine-launched weapon against surface ships and submarines. The launch platform, XV EXCALIBUR, is a 12-meter, 19-tonne XLUUV built by Plymouth-based MSubs under the Royal Navy’s Project CETUS. The Royal Navy describes Excalibur as an experimental platform for testing autonomous systems, military payloads and missions. Excalibur does not have conventional torpedo tubes. During the trial, the Mk 48 was carried externally beneath the vehicle and released from a cradle. Interoperability Demonstrated The demonstration validated the mechanical, electrical and software connections needed to operate a U.S. weapon from a British autonomous underwater vehicle. U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle described the test as a historic first for allied undersea warfare and said it demonstrated the potential for greater interchangeability of weapons, payloads and mission architectures between allied platforms. Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher, Director of Submarine Programs, said the demonstration was an early step toward adding strike capabilities to autonomous undersea systems and highlighted the role of AUKUS Pillar 2 in improving interoperability. Rapid Development The project was approved in February 2026 by the Department of the Navy Rapid Capabilities Office (DONRCO), with the demonstration completed in less than seven months. The effort involved DONRCO, OPNAV N97, the Royal Navy, Defense Innovation Unit, Naval Undersea Warfare Center Keyport and industry partners. DONRCO co-managed the project with the Navy’s Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Robotic and Autonomous Systems. Vice Adm. Seiko Okano, director of DONRCO, said the project uses a modular, software-defined and open-systems approach to combine allied hardware with commercial technology rather than waiting for development of a single bespoke platform. The Department of the Navy established the Rapid Capabilities Office in August 2025 with a mandate to deliver solutions to operational problems within a zero-to-three-year timeframe. Next Phase: Project CUTLASS The next phase will be Project CUTLASS, which will use the Anduril Dive-XL uncrewed underwater vehicle. CUTLASS will focus on further payload integration, command-and-control data architecture and tactical employment scenarios as the United States and United Kingdom continue developing uncrewed undersea capabilities. The Excalibur test provides an initial demonstration of integrating a U.S. heavyweight torpedo with an allied uncrewed underwater platform, supporting the wider AUKUS effort to develop interoperable autonomous undersea systems.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-23 12:05:47
World
DARWIN, — The Australian Army has concluded flying operations of its Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH Tiger) in Darwin, ending around two decades of service and marking the transition to the AH-64E Apache attack helicopter. Tiger Service Ends After Two Decades The 1st Aviation Regiment marked the retirement with a family open day, a formal dinner and a ceremonial flyover of Darwin. Commander Army Aviation Major General David Hafner AM CSC said the end of Tiger operations was a significant moment for the regiment as it continues its relocation to Townsville and develops Australia's attack helicopter capability around the Apache. The ARH Tiger entered Australian service in 2004. It combined the reconnaissance role of the unarmed Kiowa with the armed role of the Bushranger version of the Iroquois. The two-seat helicopter provided intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare and strike capabilities on a single platform. Australia operated 22 Tigers, mainly based with the 1st Aviation Regiment at Robertson Barracks in Darwin. The retirement follows the planned 20-year service life of the Tiger and reflects the changing threat environment, including advanced air defence systems, precision weapons and uncrewed platforms. Apache Transition Underway The AH-64E Apache is replacing the Tiger under Project LAND 4503. Australia is receiving 29 Apaches, with six already delivered and the complete fleet expected by the end of 2029. Deliveries began in September 2025, with the first aircraft arriving at RAAF Base Townsville. The Apache is expected to provide improved firepower, networking and interoperability for future Army operations. Australian Apache crews conducted their first live-fire activities in July 2026 during Exercise Possum Guns in Townsville, using the 30mm chain gun, rockets and Hellfire missiles. Regiment Relocates to Townsville The 1st Aviation Regiment's headquarters and 161 Reconnaissance Squadron relocated to Townsville in 2025, while 162 Reconnaissance Squadron continued Tiger operations from Darwin until their conclusion. Boeing Defence Australia is providing sustainment support under a multi-year contract. The Australian Government has also invested in infrastructure upgrades at Townsville to support the Apache capability and the regiment's relocation. The conclusion of Tiger flying operations in Darwin closes the aircraft's operational chapter with the Australian Army as the 1st Aviation Regiment continues building its attack aviation capability around the Apache in Townsville.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-23 11:49:53
World
WONSAN, North Korea — North Korea has tested the Hwasongpho-11Ma-1, a solid-fueled short-range ballistic missile equipped with a maneuverable hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV). The September 20, 2026, test provided new information about the missile's design, flight profile and launcher. Hwasong-11 Family The Hwasongpho-11Ma-1 belongs to the Hwasong-11 family, known in Western designations as the KN-23 series. It builds on earlier Hwasong-11 variants that use a single-stage solid-propellant booster. The earlier Hwasong-11Ma, also known as the Hwasong-11E, was first publicly displayed at North Korea's Defence Development-2025 exhibition in October 2025 and was later shown during military parades. Hypersonic Glide Vehicle The missile combines a Hwasong-11-series airframe with a wedge-shaped, finned glide vehicle. After the booster burns out, the glide vehicle separates and uses aerodynamic lift to continue toward its target rather than following a conventional ballistic trajectory. Small control surfaces near the rear allow the vehicle to change direction and altitude. Flight-path information released by North Korea also showed a pull-up maneuver during the later part of the flight. This lower and maneuverable flight profile can make the trajectory less predictable than that of a conventional ballistic missile. Flight-Test Data North Korean state media released the following figures from the September 20 test: Speed: 2,146 meters per second, approximately Mach 6.3 Altitude: 35.8 kilometers Flight time: 446.1 seconds Displayed distance: 908.2 kilometers South Korean tracking of related launches recorded ranges of approximately 450 kilometers and more than 600 kilometers, with peak altitudes of about 60 to 70 kilometers. The difference between the North Korean display and external tracking means the 908.2-kilometer figure is a North Korean-reported flight figure, rather than an independently confirmed range. Missile and Launcher Open-source estimates for the Hwasong-11 family place its overall length at roughly 7.3 to 9.8 meters, diameter at about 0.9 meters, and launch mass at around 3,400 kilograms. The Hwasongpho-11Ma-1 uses a six-axle wheeled TEL carrying the missile inside a launch container. Earlier Hwasong-11 variants have also been displayed on eight- and ten-wheeled launchers capable of carrying two missiles. Its solid-fuel propulsion allows rapid preparation for launch, while the mobile launcher allows the system to be relocated before or after firing. Development of Hypersonic Technology North Korea began testing hypersonic glide-vehicle technology with the Hwasong-8 in September 2021. The technology was later applied to systems including the Hwasong-12B and solid-fueled Hwasong-16B. The Hwasong-11Ma-1 represents the application of this technology to a shorter-range, solid-fueled missile platform. North Korean descriptions have presented the system as intended for ultraprecision strikes against targets hundreds of kilometers away and for improving the ability to penetrate missile defenses. The combination of a mobile solid-fuel missile, a maneuverable glide vehicle and a lower flight profile is the main feature distinguishing the Hwasongpho-11Ma-1 from conventional ballistic missiles in the Hwasong-11 family.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-22 15:59:19
World
MOSCOW — Russia’s state defense corporation Rostec has delivered another batch of its automated Zubr short-range air-defense systems to the Russian Ministry of Defense. The systems are designed to counter small and maneuverable unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and loitering munitions. Automated Drone Detection and Tracking The Zubr was developed by Rostec’s High-Precision Systems holding. According to Rostec, the system can independently detect and track drones, with the operator required to authorize the final engagement. The system consists of a command post, an integrated radar and four combat modules. Each module has an electro-optical targeting system and is armed with four 7.62 mm PKT or PKTM machine guns. Some reports have also identified the GShG-7.62. A complete Zubr system can bring up to 16 machine-gun barrels against an aerial target. Short-Range Air Defense The integrated radar can detect both large and small aerial targets at ranges of up to 1.5 kilometers and supports round-the-clock operation. Rostec says the Zubr is intended to protect critical infrastructure and other important facilities from low-flying, small aerial targets. It can operate independently or as part of a layered air-defense network, including alongside larger systems such as the Pantsir. Combat Deployment Rostec delivered the first batch of Zubr systems to the Russian military in January 2026, after which they were placed on combat duty to protect infrastructure. Reports from mid-2026 said the systems had destroyed dozens of drones while deployed at administrative and fuel-and-energy facilities. Rostec said combat use has confirmed the system’s effectiveness. Rostec industrial director Bekhan Ozdoev said the Zubr provides continuous detection and automatic tracking of drones of different sizes. The company has also highlighted its rapid deployment and field-maintenance capabilities, including operation from remote or minimally equipped positions. Development and Export The Zubr was first publicly associated with testing and display activities in 2024, including equipment observed at the Kapustin Yar test range and appearances linked to Army-2024. Development was reported to be at an advanced stage by late 2024. An export version designated TKB-1167 “Bizon” was showcased earlier in September 2026 at the El Alamein International Airshow in Egypt. Rostec has not disclosed the number of systems included in the latest delivery or their exact deployment locations.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-22 15:42:39
World
TOKYO — High-resolution satellite imagery captured on September 21, 2026, shows continued construction of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) military base on Mageshima Island, south of Kyushu in Kagoshima Prefecture. The imagery, analyzed by independent OSINT @MizarVision, shows progress across several sections of the planned facility, including the main and secondary runways, taxiways, aircraft aprons, port facilities, logistics areas, and fuel and storage zones. Large parts of the previously uninhabited island have been reshaped through extensive excavation and grading. Construction is also continuing along the eastern coast, where maritime support facilities, including port and pier infrastructure, are being developed. High-resolution satellite imagery dated September 21, 2026, provides a detailed look at the continuing construction of the Japan Self-Defense Forces’ new base on Mageshima Island, south of Kyushu.I identified significant progress across several key areas of the site, including… pic.twitter.com/PblfNUWYQw — MizarVision (@MizarVision) September 22, 2026 Major Military Facility Mageshima is an 8.2-square-kilometer island in the Osumi Islands, about 10 kilometers west of Tanegashima and part of Nishinoomote City. The island measures approximately 4.5 kilometers north to south and 2.7 kilometers east to west. The Japanese government purchased the island in 2019 for 16 billion yen ($146 million) for development as a military facility. Full-scale construction began on January 12, 2023. The planned base will support JSDF operations and training in Japan’s southwestern islands. It will also become a permanent location for Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) by U.S. Navy carrier-based aircraft, replacing the current training location at Iwo Jima (Iwoto), about 1,360 kilometers from Japan’s main islands. The facility is also planned to support Air Self-Defense Force F-35B operations and training, as well as logistics and other regional response missions. Planned infrastructure includes a 2,450-meter main runway, an approximately 1,830-meter secondary crosswind runway, taxiways, aprons, hangars, an air traffic control tower, port and pier facilities, fuel and ammunition storage, and other support areas. Living facilities are also being prepared, although most personnel and their families are expected to live on nearby Tanegashima and commute by boat. Construction Schedule The air traffic control tower was completed by the end of 2025. Aerial observations earlier in 2026 showed further development of the main runway, extensive grading and continuing pier and coastal construction. The project was originally expected to be completed around 2027, but the completion target has been extended to the end of March 2030. Reported factors behind the delay include weather affecting the sea transport of workers and construction materials, labor shortages and site-related challenges. The Defense Ministry has also proposed extending fishing restrictions around the eastern part of Mageshima and offered additional compensation to local fishing cooperatives. MizarVision’s latest imagery is consistent with earlier public reports and updates from Japan’s Kyushu Defense Bureau, which regularly publishes information on the project. The continuing construction reflects Japan’s broader effort to strengthen defense infrastructure and operational capabilities across the Nansei, or southwestern, island chain.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-22 15:29:33
Space & Technology
BROOMFIELD, Colo. — The Pentagon has selected Katalyst Space to develop and launch a robotic spacecraft that will assemble a large-format space-based solar power system in low Earth orbit and transmit electricity back to Earth. The project is being carried out under the Advanced Scalable Growth Architecture for Robotic Deployment (ASGARD) program and is funded through the Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund (OECIF). Katalyst announced the selection on September 21. NEXUS to Assemble Solar Power System in Orbit Katalyst will use its NEXUS multi-mission robotic spacecraft for the mission. The spacecraft is designed for mobility, manipulation and autonomous operations in space. NEXUS will carry modular power-generation and power-beaming tiles being developed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). After reaching low Earth orbit, NEXUS will use its robotic arms to assemble the tiles into a large-format power-beaming system. The assembled system will collect solar energy, convert it into radio-frequency microwave energy and transmit the energy to a receiving station on Earth. The orbital assembly approach is intended to overcome the volume limitations of individual launch vehicles. Large power-beaming structures can exceed the space available inside a single launch vehicle, so separate components can instead be launched and assembled after reaching orbit. Katalyst said the system is designed to be resupplied, expanded and scaled over time. The company's longer-term vision is to increase the capability from kilowatts toward megawatts of power. Intended Operational Applications OECIF focuses on developing energy technologies for future military operations. According to Katalyst, space-based power generation could provide electricity to remote operational locations and areas where electrical grids are constrained or disrupted, without depending on fuel supplies or conventional terrestrial infrastructure. The technology is also intended to provide resilient power for on-orbit missions and could have applications in disaster areas or other locations where terrestrial power infrastructure is unavailable or damaged. NRL Power-Beaming Research The ASGARD effort builds on NRL's previous work on solar-to-microwave power conversion. NRL previously flew a Photovoltaic Radio-frequency Antenna Module (PRAM) experiment aboard the U.S. Air Force's X-37B spaceplane to study solar-to-microwave conversion in orbit. NRL has also conducted a ground demonstration in which 1.6 kilowatts of power was transmitted across approximately one kilometer using microwaves. ASGARD will combine this power-conversion work with robotic assembly capabilities to demonstrate the construction and operation of a larger power-beaming system in orbit. Katalyst's Expanding Robotic Spacecraft Work Katalyst Space was founded in 2020 and is developing autonomous robotic spacecraft for operations in orbit. Its NEXUS platform is intended for tasks involving spacecraft mobility, manipulation, docking and servicing. The company is also developing the LINK robotic spacecraft. LINK launched on July 3, 2026, aboard a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket and is being used for a mission involving NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. A program kickoff event for ASGARD was held at Katalyst's Broomfield, Colorado, facility on September 2, 2026. Katalyst and the Pentagon have not disclosed the contract value or launch date for the ASGARD mission. The next major work will involve development of the NEXUS spacecraft and the NRL power-beaming tiles.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-22 15:17:28
U.S
DALLAS — The U.S. Army has awarded Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract valued at up to $1.2 billion for the production and continued development of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 2. The contract covers initial procurement, follow-on production and continued system development. Work will be carried out at Lockheed Martin facilities and across its U.S. industrial base, with completion estimated for September 13, 2031. Specific quantities and work locations will be determined through individual orders. The PrSM is designed to replace the MGM-140 ATACMS and is compatible with M142 HIMARS and M270A2 MLRS launchers. Increment 1, already in service with the U.S. and Australian armies, provides precision strikes against stationary targets at ranges exceeding 499 kilometers. PrSM Increment 2 adds a multimode seeker combining radio-frequency (RF) and infrared/electro-optical (IR/EO) technologies. This allows the missile to engage moving land and maritime targets, expanding its mission set beyond the stationary targets addressed by Increment 1. Two Flight Tests in 2026 PrSM Increment 2 completed its first flight test in March 2026, followed by a second demonstration in August. During the August test, a missile launched from a HIMARS deployed its protective covers and successfully engaged a moving maritime target while collecting flight data. The Army said the Fiscal Year 2026 flight campaign also validated performance against moving maritime and relocatable land targets. Additional Increment 2 flight tests are scheduled for 2027. According to Lockheed Martin, technologies from its Strigo family of solutions have informed aspects of the Increment 2 guidance package. The PrSM has a stated maximum range exceeding 499 kilometers, a speed above Mach 3.5 and sub-meter accuracy. It carries a 91-kilogram high-explosive fragmentation warhead and uses a solid-propellant rocket motor designed to meet Insensitive Munition (IM) safety standards. Two PrSM missiles can fit in each launch pod. Lockheed Martin is also expanding PrSM manufacturing capacity with a goal of quadrupling overall production output while continuing development of additional increments. Dave Griser, vice president of Precision Fires Launchers and Missiles at Lockheed Martin, said the contract marks an important step toward moving PrSM Increment 2 from flight testing into production. The PrSM is intended to provide the Army with a long-range precision-fire capability against time-sensitive and moving targets on land and at sea.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-22 15:11:01
U.S
FORT BRAGG, N.C. — The U.S. Army’s XVIII Airborne Corps tested an autonomous drone “mothership” capable of launching smaller drones while airborne during the Scarlet Dragon 26-3 experimentation exercise at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Held from September 11 to 17, 2026, the exercise brought soldiers and defense companies together to test emerging technologies against large numbers of unmanned aircraft. Modalic Mothership Tested The Autonomous Swarm Mothership, developed by defense technology company Modalic, successfully launched a rack of smaller drones while in flight. The Army tested whether soldiers and defensive networks could track the parent aircraft, distinguish it from the smaller “daughter” drones and identify the larger threat as multiple aerial contacts appeared on radar. Modalic also presented its production version, called Chariot. Company co-founder and CEO Zack Fishbein said on September 16 that the aircraft weighs 200 pounds (91 kg) and can carry a payload of up to 100 pounds (45 kg). Flight testing of the Chariot is scheduled to begin in November. Counter-Drone Network Tested Scarlet Dragon 26-3 used coordinated drone swarms involving 25 to 100 aircraft to stress the Army’s counter-drone systems. Rather than testing individual systems separately, soldiers evaluated how sensors, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, autonomous systems, battle-management software and traditional air-defense weapons worked together against saturation attacks. “The Scarlet Dragon exercise has become a validation exercise in the dirt with Soldiers doing integrated, real-world operational-type tasks,” said Col. Tom Monahan, director of the XVIII Airborne Corps’ Joint Innovation Outpost. According to an XVIII Airborne Corps report published by the U.S. Department of War on September 21, the exercise focused on protecting command posts, logistics nodes, air-defense positions and maneuver forces from large numbers of small unmanned aircraft. Col. Rob Kenny, the Corps’ chief of fires, said the testing showed that no single sensor can solve the counter-drone problem alone. Radar, acoustic detection, autonomous technologies and other sensors need to provide information to command-and-control systems that can rapidly distribute targeting data. Other Technologies Tested The exercise also evaluated a dual-mode air-ground light tactical vehicle built on an off-road utility terrain vehicle chassis. It was tested for its ability to transition between ground movement and flight without a runway or fixed infrastructure, with potential applications in reconnaissance, resupply and casualty evacuation. At Holland Drop Zone, soldiers also launched coordinated swarms of small unmanned aircraft from a single location to test their ability to self-organize and fly in formation. Scarlet Dragon is a recurring XVIII Airborne Corps exercise that brings soldiers and industry together to test emerging technologies. The September event was the third iteration in the current cycle, following exercises in December 2025 and earlier in 2026. An August event at the Joint Innovation Outpost brought more than 50 companies to evaluate counter-drone sensors. The Army has not announced whether it will procure Modalic’s mothership or when any of the tested systems could enter service. The XVIII Airborne Corps plans to continue testing the technologies during Scarlet Dragon 27-1 in April 2027, ahead of the larger Summit Strike exercise scheduled for September 2027 at Fort Drum, New York.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-22 14:15:01
World
SEOUL, — South Korea has delivered the first mass-produced KF-21 Boramae fighter to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), marking the transition of the indigenous fighter program from development and testing to production and operational introduction. The aircraft, designated No. 001, was handed over at Korea Aerospace Industries’ (KAI) facility in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province. Major Han Jae-seok of the 156th Fighter Squadron signed the acceptance documents and piloted the aircraft to its new base at Yecheon Air Base. During the delivery flight, the KF-21 was escorted by an FA-50, TA-50 and T-50 Golden Eagle. The delivery came about four years and two months after the first KF-21 prototype's maiden flight on July 19, 2022. The first prototype was rolled out in April 2021, mass production began in June 2024, and the first production aircraft rolled out in March 2026 before completing its acceptance procedures. KF-21 Development and Testing The KF-21 is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter developed by KAI. The aircraft is about 16.9 meters long, has an 11.2-meter wingspan, a maximum speed of Mach 1.8, and a maximum takeoff weight of around 25.6 metric tons. Its payload capacity is up to 7.7 tons. The fighter is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400K afterburning turbofan engines, assembled in South Korea by Hanwha Aerospace, and equipped with the domestically developed Hanwha Systems APY-016K AESA radar. Six prototypes completed approximately 1,600 flight tests covering around 13,000 test conditions, including aerial refueling and air-to-air weapons testing. The KF-21 received combat suitability certification in May 2026 and completed system development in June 2026. The program originated from a South Korean indigenous fighter initiative launched in 2001 under then-President Kim Dae-jung. Full system development began in December 2015 in partnership with Indonesia. The Korean name Boramae means “young hawk.” First KF-21 Squadron The 156th Fighter Squadron, part of the 16th Fighter Wing, was reactivated on June 1, 2026, to become the first ROKAF unit to operate the KF-21. The squadron previously operated F-4E Phantom fighters before being deactivated in 2012. Initial KF-21 pilots and maintenance personnel have completed specialized training and will now prepare the aircraft for service. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Son Sug-rag said the handover marked the point at which responsibility for the KF-21 moves from the program's policymakers and developers to the Air Force. He called on personnel operating the aircraft to take pride and responsibility in managing the new fighter. 120 KF-21s Planned South Korea plans to introduce 120 KF-21s in two production blocks. Block I will consist of 40 aircraft focused on air-to-air capabilities, with deliveries planned through 2028. Block II will add 80 aircraft with expanded air-to-ground capabilities, including long-range missiles, with deliveries planned through 2032. The ROKAF plans to formally declare the KF-21 operational in the second half of 2027. The aircraft is intended to gradually replace the country's aging F-5 fleet and become a core element of its future fighter inventory. South Korea's proposed 2027 defense budget includes about 3.3 trillion won for KF-21 mass production, up from 1.4 trillion won in the current year, supporting both the initial production batch and preparations for follow-on production.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-22 14:07:01
World
PORI, Finland — The United States has provided $20 million in financial support for a new TNT (trinitrotoluene) production facility being built in Noormarkku, Pori, on Finland’s west coast. A cornerstone ceremony was held on September 15, 2026, for the facility, which is being developed and will be operated by Finnish explosives manufacturer Oy Forcit Ab. The plant is being built to increase TNT production capacity in Europe and supply the needs of Finland and NATO, while also supporting Finland’s long-term assistance to Ukraine. TNT is used in artillery and mortar ammunition and other military applications. €200 Million Project The total investment in the project is estimated at around €200 million. Construction began in summer 2026 after the City of Pori issued the first-phase building permits. Work started with fencing an approximately 50-hectare site, while foundation work for the first buildings is now under way. Production is planned to begin in 2028, and the project remains on schedule. The facility is expected to create about 70 jobs. Forcit has already started recruiting for key positions, with broader recruitment planned for 2027. Once operational, the facility will become the second large-scale TNT production plant in the European Union, alongside an existing plant in Poland. Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen said the facility was being built to meet the critical needs of Finland and NATO. “Strengthening our defence industrial base contributes to our overall defence and creates jobs as well as prosperity,” Häkkänen said. He added that Finland has discussed possible participation in the project with other allied countries and described the US contribution as “yet another demonstration of the deep defence cooperation between our countries.” Long-Term TNT Supply The Finnish Defence Forces have signed a procurement agreement with Forcit covering TNT supplies for 2028–2037. Earlier estimates placed the value of the procurement, excluding VAT, at around €189 million to €255 million, depending on the procurement requirements. Forcit CEO Joakim Westerlund said the facility would strengthen Finland’s national security of supply and the capability of its defence industry amid increased demand for explosives across Europe. The project was initially announced by the Finnish Ministry of Defence in January 2025. Forcit is responsible for both the investment and future operation of the facility. The plant is located approximately 15–20 kilometres from central Pori. Additional approvals, including environmental and chemical-safety permits, remain in process. At the September 15 cornerstone ceremony, a time capsule containing a charter document, newspapers from the day, a guest list and current coins was placed in the foundation stone. Speakers included Employment Minister Matias Marttinen, Pori Mayor Lauri Inna and Forcit CEO Joakim Westerlund. The Pori facility is intended to expand European explosives production capacity and provide a more secure long-term TNT supply for Finland, NATO and Ukraine.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-22 14:03:54
World
KYIV — Russian Aerospace Forces used a record 8,766 FAB bombs fitted with UMPK glide-and-correction kits against targets in Ukraine during August 2026, according to Ukrainian military data compiled by the OSINT group Oko Gora. The figure equals an average of about 283 bombs per day during the 31-day month. It was the highest monthly total recorded since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Ukrainian monitoring recorded about 8,266 uses in June and approximately 8,300–8,385 in July, showing a continued increase in Russian use of glide bombs. The August rate was also higher than the estimated U.S. daily rate during Operation Epic Fury, the U.S.-led air campaign against Iran earlier in 2026. Estimates based on available data put U.S. guided aerial bomb use during the first 38 days of the operation at about 8,000–9,000, or roughly 211–237 bombs per day. However, Russia's current rate remains below the level recorded during the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, when coalition forces used approximately 500 air-dropped bombs per day during the intensive combat phase. UMPK allows older bombs to become glide weapons The UMPK (Unified Gliding and Correction Module) is a bolt-on system that adds folding wings, control surfaces and satellite-guidance equipment to Soviet-era FAB free-fall bombs. The system can be fitted to bombs including the FAB-250, FAB-500, FAB-1500 and FAB-3000, as well as some thermobaric and cluster variants. The Su-34 is the primary launch aircraft, while Su-35 and Su-30 aircraft have also been reported using the weapons. According to Ukrainian sources, the basic UMPK-equipped FAB has a range of about 60–65 kilometers, while the UMPK-PD extended-range version can reach up to 95 kilometers. Later variants with larger wings and other modifications have been reported with ranges exceeding 100 kilometers, while jet-powered versions have been assessed at still greater distances. The system uses inertial navigation with satellite correction, including the Kometa-M receiver system. By allowing the aircraft to release the weapon from a distance, UMPK-equipped bombs can reduce the aircraft's exposure to Ukrainian short-range air defenses. Russia rapidly expands production Western defense assessments indicate that Russia ordered about 40,000 UMPK kits in 2024 and more than 70,000 in 2025. The use of more than 8,000 kits in August alone suggests that Russian production or availability during 2026 could reach 100,000 or more kits, although some weapons may have come from earlier stocks. The U.S. approach has relied heavily on large precision-weapon inventories accumulated over decades. By 2020, the Pentagon had received approximately 371,000 JDAM conversion kits in the referenced total. Including SDB I and SDB II, annual procurement reached as high as 50,000 kits, while the average over 28 years was about 17,000 JDAM non-extended-range and SDB kits per year. Public figures for the U.S. inventory of JDAM-ER kits remain unavailable. Russia's UMPK program instead combines rapidly expanding kit production with large stocks of older Soviet-era bombs. The result has been a sustained increase in the number of guided glide bombs used against Ukrainian positions during 2025 and 2026.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-22 13:57:47
India
NEW DELHI — The Indian Navy has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the procurement of six Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Mk V vessels from Indian shipyards under the government’s Make in India initiative. The vessels are planned to strengthen the Navy’s amphibious operations, troop and equipment transport, island logistics, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) patrol, search and rescue (SAR), and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities across the Indian Ocean Region. According to the RFI, each LCU Mk V will be approximately 85 metres long with a displacement of around 1,500 tonnes, with a 15% variation allowance. The vessels will use diesel propulsion and must achieve a maximum speed of at least 15 knots. They are required to have an endurance of approximately 4,500 nautical miles, operate in Sea State 3 and survive conditions up to Sea State 7. The planned service life is 30 years. For amphibious operations, each vessel must be capable of carrying at least four Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), four BMP infantry fighting vehicles and 190 fully equipped troops. The LCUs will support ship-to-shore movement and the movement of heavy equipment to remote island territories. The Mk V vessels are larger and have significantly greater endurance than the Navy’s existing LCU Mk IV class. The Navy operates eight Mk IV vessels, designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE). The Mk IV ships are about 62.8 metres long, have a displacement of roughly 830–1,001 tonnes, a maximum speed of 15 knots and an endurance of around 1,500 nautical miles at 12 knots. The Mk IV vessels can transport main battle tanks, armoured vehicles and up to 160–216 personnel and are primarily associated with amphibious, beaching, search-and-rescue and disaster-relief operations, including missions around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The new LCU Mk V requirement therefore calls for a longer-range and larger platform capable of supporting both military and non-combat maritime missions. The RFI seeks responses from Indian shipyards and vendors, in line with the Navy’s emphasis on indigenous design and construction. The RFI does not yet publicly specify the final procurement timeline, cost or shortlisted builders.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-22 13:34:25
World
KYIV — A Ukrainian hacking collective known as Ukrainian Militant has claimed that it obtained a large collection of Russian naval technical documents during a cyber operation it calls “Poseidon.” The group says the material covers around 70 Russian naval projects, including submarines, surface ships, navigation systems, sonar and marine robotics. The group announced the operation around September 20, 2026, and released screenshots and samples of documents that it says came from Russian defense-industrial organizations. Some of the documents are reportedly marked “secret” or “top secret,” with materials dated as recently as 2026. Documents Cover Submarines and Surface Ships According to Ukrainian Militant, the leaked material relates to scientific, engineering, testing and operational work supporting Russian naval construction and modernization. The projects identified by the group include the Project 949AM Antey nuclear-powered submarines, Project 636.3 Varshavyanka diesel-electric submarines and Project 955M, associated with the Borei-A ballistic missile submarine program. The released material also concerns surface ships from Projects 22350, 20386, 23550, 11711, 23770 and 23900. The documents are described as containing information on the placement of onboard equipment, cable connections, information interfaces, structural and functional diagrams, technical requirements, operating procedures, testing methods, accuracy and reliability specifications, and acceptance documentation. One of the examples cited by the group is documentation related to the Simfoniya-PM navigation system, including testing material from 2026. Focus on Navigation and Underwater Systems A significant part of the reported archive concerns naval navigation and underwater technologies. The material covers inertial navigation, radio navigation, sonar or hydroacoustics, integrated control systems, digital hydrography, mapping and marine robotics. Some of the documents concern autonomous navigation systems for submarines and underwater vehicles. Such systems are designed to support navigation without relying solely on satellite positioning signals. Ukrainian Militant identified several systems and development programs in the released material, including Simfoniya, Simfoniya-PM, Chardash-22350, KAMA-NS-VK, Sprut-N1, Priliv, 14Ts217, AKNG/PNG-23820 and ISU NK-23550. The group also listed prospective research and development programs including Kasatka, Veter, Bering, Dirizhor, Poligon, Andromeda, Arkhivarius, Almukantarat and Seagull-M (Sigal-M). Documents dated between 2024 and 2026 have reportedly appeared among the released samples, including material concerning the Andoga-M2 navigation complex for Project 636.3 submarines. Russian Defense Organizations Named The hackers said the documents are connected to several Russian organizations involved in naval design, navigation and underwater technologies. These include the Rubin Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering, Malachite Marine Engineering Bureau, Elektropribor Central Research Institute, Okeanpribor concern, Elara, the Vega concern and the State Research Navigation and Hydrographic Institute (GNINGI). The reported documents also provide information on cooperation between contractors, research and development activities, testing programs and the status of individual projects. Full Scope of the Breach Not Independently Verified The claim that the operation compromised information from 70 naval projects has not been independently verified in full. The open-source intelligence organization InformNapalm has examined screenshots and individual documents released by Ukrainian Militant and confirmed the existence and authenticity of some documents showing details of Russian military-related organizations. However, the group has not received the complete archive from the hackers because of operational-security restrictions. As a result, the full size of the stolen data, the exact number of affected projects and the depth of the reported network penetration cannot currently be independently established. The reported breach comes amid a series of cyber operations targeting Russia's defense sector. In November 2025, Ukrainian-linked hackers also claimed to have obtained classified material associated with Russia's PAK DA strategic bomber and Su-57 fighter programs. Ukrainian Militant has primarily published information about Operation Poseidon through its Telegram channel, while Ukrainian and independent media outlets have reported on the claims using the group's statements and released document samples.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-22 13:04:10
World
PRETORIA, South Africa — South African defence company Paramount Aerospace Systems has unveiled its new V-Raven fixed-wing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 exhibition at Air Force Base Waterkloof near Pretoria. The exhibition was held from 16 to 20 September 2026 and attracted 287 exhibitors from 33 countries, according to Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga. The V-Raven has been developed from Paramount’s earlier N-Raven programme, which was first shown in 2021 as a catapult-launched swarming system. The original N-Raven weighed 41 kg, had a cruise speed of about 180 km/h and an endurance of roughly two hours. Later versions reached 55 kg and had a range of up to 100 km. Unlike the N-Raven, the V-Raven does not require a catapult or runway. Its VTOL design allows it to be launched and recovered from remote or dispersed locations without fixed infrastructure. Sello Ntshiele of Paramount Aerospace Systems said the V-Raven was developed for modern African operating conditions, including vast operating areas, remote terrain and dispersed threats. He said the aircraft is intended to provide longer-range surveillance while remaining a flexible and reusable system. Two power versions The V-Raven uses a common airframe in petrol-powered and electric versions. Both have a 3.6-metre wingspan, 2.1-metre fuselage length and 65 kg maximum take-off weight. The petrol-powered version provides up to eight hours of endurance, a range of up to 1,200 km, a cruise speed of about 140 km/h and a communications link of up to 150 km from the ground station. The electric version offers up to two hours of flight time and a maximum range of 250 km. The initial focus is on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). The baseline configuration carries an electro-optical sensor for day-and-night surveillance, supports automatic target tracking and can use interchangeable electro-optical and infrared sensors. Paramount is also developing a light-attack version capable of carrying precision-guided glide munitions. At AAD 2026, the V-Raven was displayed with Rheinmetall’s LongClaw glide bomb. The armed configuration will undergo systems integration, ground testing and flight trials before becoming available. The company has identified areas such as the Sahel and northern Mozambique as examples of operating environments for the V-Raven, particularly where conventional airfields are limited or unavailable. Paramount said the V-Raven represents the next stage of the programme, with a common airframe that can support different mission configurations as operational requirements change. The immediate priority remains the ISR configuration, with light attack as a further development path.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-22 12:55:16
Europe
PARIS — The French Army has begun receiving Jaguar armored reconnaissance and combat vehicles in the R3 configuration, the fully operational standard developed under France’s SCORPION modernization program. According to the French defense procurement agency DGA, 21 R3-standard Jaguars had been delivered to French forces by September 4, 2026, with deliveries beginning during the summer. The DGA and French Army qualified the R3 configuration as “bonne de guerre” (fit for war) on April 8, while operational use was authorized on July 20, 2026. Akeron MP Missile Integration The main improvement in the R3 configuration is the full integration of the Akeron MP (formerly MMP) medium-range anti-tank missile, supplied by MBDA. The missile can engage targets at ranges of up to 4 kilometers. According to manufacturer data, its tandem warhead can penetrate more than 1,000 mm of armor. It also supports beyond-line-of-sight engagement and in-flight retargeting. Two missiles are carried ready to fire on the turret, with additional missiles stored inside the vehicle. The 25-tonne, six-wheeled Jaguar also carries a 40 mm cannon using telescoped ammunition supplied by CTA International and a remotely operated 7.62 mm machine gun for close-range defense. The vehicle is equipped with the SCORPION Combat Information System (SICS), allowing it to share tactical information in real time with other SCORPION platforms, including the Griffon and Serval. Production and Fleet Upgrade The Jaguar was developed by a temporary partnership of KNDS France, Arquus and Thales, with final assembly at KNDS France’s facility in Roanne. Safran provides the optical and sighting systems, while CTA International supplies the 40 mm cannon and MBDA the Akeron MP system. The Jaguar is replacing the AMX-10RC, ERC-90 Sagaie and VAB variants equipped with HOT anti-tank missiles. Its protection includes a survival-cell architecture for its three-person crew and protection against mines and improvised explosive devices. France has ordered 300 Jaguars for seven armored cavalry regiments. Deliveries are planned through 2030, with the complete fleet expected to be operational by 2035. Jaguars already delivered under earlier standards will not be replaced. Instead, KNDS France is upgrading them to the R3 configuration, with the retrofit campaign scheduled for completion by the end of 2027. Service and Program Cost The Jaguar entered French Army service in 2022 under an earlier configuration that already provided mobile firing capability from its digital turret. The 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment was the first unit to operate the vehicle and deployed six Jaguars to Estonia in 2024 as part of a NATO mission. The broader SCORPION program is valued at approximately €11 billion, including around €2 billion for the 300 Jaguars. The Jaguar’s unit cost has increased from an initial target of about €3 million to approximately €6 million. R3 qualification trials were conducted by the DGA’s land systems testing center in Bourges and Angers. KNDS France has not disclosed how many additional R3 Jaguars will be delivered before the end of 2026 or provided a more detailed retrofit schedule beyond the end-2027 target.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-22 12:31:19Search
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