Europe 

Düsseldorf / Turin, — German defence technology group Rheinmetall and Italian space company Argotec have successfully launched their first jointly developed military surveillance satellite. The spacecraft lifted off on October 1 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, as part of the Transporter-18 rideshare mission, which carried approximately 130 payloads into low Earth orbit. The launch was managed through Rheinmetall’s Italian subsidiary, Rheinmetall Italia S.p.A. The programme aims to develop an independent satellite-based capability to provide national security forces and military institutions with space-based situational awareness.   Satellite Designed for Air Defence Unlike conventional observation satellites focused on mapping ground objects, the satellite is designed to support intelligence gathering and air defence. Its specialised sensors are intended to detect ground-based indicators of emerging airborne threats and provide early-warning information to military personnel. The collected imagery and situational data will be processed using artificial intelligence (AI) and integrated into existing national defence and air defence systems. The wider architecture connects space-based observation equipment with ground-based nodes and tactical networks, coordinated through a Command and Control Post to support near-real-time information delivery and operational decision-making.   Partnership Combines Defence and Space Expertise The partnership combines Rheinmetall’s defence systems integration expertise with Argotec’s spacecraft manufacturing experience, including work on NASA programmes and other international space projects. Rheinmetall Italia is responsible for integrating satellite data with command-and-control systems and the wider defence network. Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said the launch was an important milestone in strengthening national security and space capabilities. He highlighted the importance of integrating space-based data into existing defence architectures to improve technological sovereignty and resilient, networked situational awareness. Argotec CEO and founder David Avino said the project would turn space technology into a scalable, connected operational asset designed for complex defence scenarios. He also emphasised the role of near-real-time satellite information in supporting decision-makers and increasing technological autonomy.   Second Satellite Planned for 2028 The programme follows a modular development approach. The first satellite will help the companies validate their technologies in orbit and establish a technical foundation for future development and funding stages. Rheinmetall and Argotec plan to expand the initial capability into a larger satellite constellation over the medium to long term. A second satellite launch is scheduled for 2028, according to the programme roadmap. Rheinmetall announced the successful launch in a press release issued on October 2, 2026.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-02 15:45:57

 Europe 

LONDON, — British space technology company SatVu has successfully launched its HotSat-3 satellite to expand its ability to monitor heat signatures on Earth's surface from orbit. The satellite lifted off on October 1 aboard SpaceX's Transporter-18 rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. HotSat-3 will undergo in-orbit commissioning before starting commercial operations. Once operational, it will work alongside HotSat-2, giving SatVu two working satellites and the ability to image any location on Earth in thermal infrared once every 24 hours, during both day and night. "With two operational satellites, we will have double the capacity: customers can collect twice as much imagery, monitor twice as many sites, or return to the same site more often," said Anthony Baker, SatVu's CEO and co-founder.   High-Resolution Thermal Imaging Technology Built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), HotSat-3 carries a mid-wave infrared (MWIR) camera that detects heat emitted by objects rather than reflected sunlight. This allows it to operate at night and identify heat signatures from running engines, generators, gas flares, ship wakes and warm cooling water discharged by power plants. SatVu states that its imagery can resolve details down to 3.5 metres (11.5 feet) at nadir, offering finer spatial detail than the approximately 100-metre thermal resolution of older systems such as Landsat. The company also provides thermal video clips lasting up to 60 seconds, allowing analysts to observe movement and changes in activity rather than relying only on still images.   Defence and Commercial Applications Defence and intelligence agencies can use the imagery to assess whether vehicles, ships, factories and other equipment appear to be operating. Repeated observations can help track changes in activity at strategic sites and critical infrastructure, particularly at night or in areas with limited ground reporting. SatVu also serves commodity traders and energy analysts, who monitor heat signatures at oil refineries and liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants to identify potential shutdowns, restarts and changes in facility activity. In February 2026, SatVu raised £30 million (approximately $40 million) in a funding round that included the NATO Innovation Fund and other investors, bringing its total equity funding to £60 million. The company has also received a Defence Innovation Loan from the UK Ministry of Defence. Minister of State Luke Pollard said the government loan helped attract subsequent private investment.   Previous Satellite Failure and Expansion Plans HotSat-3 is SatVu's third satellite but only its second operational spacecraft. HotSat-2 launched in March 2026 aboard SpaceX's Transporter-16 mission and began delivering commercial imagery in June. The company's first satellite, HotSat-1, launched in June 2023 and returned its first images in October, including views of wildfires in Canada and urban heat in Las Vegas. An anomaly halted operations in December 2023. Baker later linked the failure to a likely power circuit problem in the camera. SatVu received a £10 million insurance payout and ordered HotSat-2 and HotSat-3 from SSTL in 2024. The company has already booked launches for HotSat-4 and HotSat-5 and signed contracts covering long-lead components for HotSat-6. SatVu ultimately plans to deploy approximately 10 satellites, aiming to revisit priority locations up to 20 times a day. The full constellation is targeted for polar and mid-inclination orbits by the end of 2029. HotSat-3's successful launch marks another step toward SatVu's goal of providing more frequent thermal imagery for defence, intelligence, energy and other commercial customers.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-02 14:21:51

 Europe 

WARSAW — Poland’s military and Border Guard have deployed an artificial intelligence (AI) system called Inteligentna Granica (Intelligent Border) to monitor the country’s frontier with Belarus. The system combines data from cameras, drones and ground sensors into a unified operational picture, helping personnel identify suspicious activity and respond to unauthorized border crossings. The system operates as part of Operation Safe Podlasie, the military mission supporting the Border Guard along Poland’s eastern frontier. Brigadier General Jarosław Chojnacki, chief of staff of the Operational Command, received a briefing on its implementation and daily performance during a visit to Task Group Podlasie. The technology is being tested across a border section several dozen kilometers long. The trial also includes robotics and autonomous systems, but officials have not disclosed the platforms involved, their numbers or the exact test location.   How the AI System Works Inteligentna Granica was developed jointly by Poland’s Border Guard and the Artificial Intelligence Implementation Center, part of the country’s Cyberspace Defense Forces. The system uses AIRON TACTIC, a secure AI platform developed by the cyber forces, to recognize objects in real time, assess their activity and flag events requiring human attention. The resulting information is integrated into the TAK and JAŚMIN command systems, which are already used by military personnel and Border Guard officers in the field. The technology aims to reduce the time personnel spend monitoring video feeds and improve response times while keeping human operators involved in assessing events and deciding how to respond. Responsibilities are divided between the two organizations. The Border Guard installs, maintains and oversees cameras and observation equipment and supplies the data, while the military develops and operates the AI analysis system. In July 2026, Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said the system was scheduled to enter operational use in August. The Cyberspace Defense Forces later confirmed that final testing had been completed ahead of the planned timeline and that the system was in use. Colonel Piotr Turek, head of the Artificial Intelligence Implementation Center, has identified border automation as a major Ministry of National Defence priority, with Intelligent Border serving as a key example.   Operation Safe Podlasie Operation Safe Podlasie began on August 1, 2024, replacing two earlier missions along Poland’s eastern frontier. Polish troops have supported the Border Guard on the Belarusian border since 2021, when Warsaw accused the government in Minsk of organizing hybrid actions that included directing migrants toward Polish territory. More than 10,000 troops participated in the operation’s third rotation, while approximately 5,000 soldiers support the Border Guard along the Belarusian border daily. On July 30, 2026, command of the operation transferred from the 18th Mechanized Division to the 12th Mechanized Division, which is managing the fourth rotation through four task groups along the border. The deployment of Intelligent Border, alongside trials involving robotics and autonomous systems, is part of Poland’s effort to improve surveillance and coordination along its eastern frontier. However, officials have not released detailed performance results or disclosed the full scale of the new technology’s deployment.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-02 14:02:00

 Europe 

BERGEN, Germany — Germany’s armed forces, the Bundeswehr, will establish their first dedicated drone regiment in 2027 to strengthen the German Army’s unmanned capabilities. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced the plan on Thursday during the Experimentalserie Land military exercise at the Bergen training area in Lower Saxony.   Regiment to Operate Drones and Unmanned Ground Systems The new regiment will combine reconnaissance, combat and counter-drone operations under a single command structure. It will operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned ground systems, covering missions from close-range operations to longer ranges of up to 500 kilometers. The unit will also include a dedicated electronic warfare company. Plans indicate a structure of five or six companies covering close-range engagements, longer-range effects, electronic warfare, drone defence and testing.   Initial Strength of 300 Soldiers Army Inspector Lieutenant General Christian Freuding said the regiment is expected to begin with approximately 300 soldiers by the end of 2027, with a planned expansion to around 600 personnel. The regiment’s location has not yet been decided. The selection will depend on infrastructure suitable for extensive testing and flight operations. The unit is expected to operate loitering munitions, also known as kamikaze drones. These systems are undergoing trials and are scheduled to enter service in 2027. Defense officials aim to finalize procurement decisions by spring 2027, with initial operational capability targeted for the end of the year.   Assignment to the 10th Armored Division The regiment will be assigned to the divisional troops of Division 2025, the German Army’s 10th Armored Division. The division also includes the 45th Armored Brigade, which is scheduled to be permanently stationed in Lithuania to support NATO’s eastern flank. The brigade is expected to receive its own drone defence capabilities before deployment. Pistorius said the regiment would complement, rather than replace, the integration of unmanned systems into existing Army formations. Conventional forces, including infantry and armored vehicles, will remain essential to land operations.   Drone Integration Across the Army Work to integrate unmanned systems into light infantry, reconnaissance and armored forces is scheduled to begin around the turn of 2026 and 2027. Germany is pursuing both a dedicated drone regiment and the integration of unmanned systems into existing units. Freuding said that if the centralized model proves successful within the 10th Armored Division, similar regiments could be established across other Army divisions.   Ukraine War Shapes Military Modernization Pistorius identified the ongoing war in Ukraine as a major source of lessons for Germany’s military modernization. He highlighted autonomous systems, data sovereignty, battlefield networking and rapid innovation cycles as important areas for future military development. Germany’s strategic cooperation with Ukraine provides opportunities to study battlefield experience, test new approaches and incorporate relevant findings into military development and procurement. The announcement follows procurement contracts signed earlier in 2026 with defense technology companies Helsing, STARK and Rheinmetall for loitering munitions. The Experimentalserie Land exercise tests new military systems with troops under conditions designed to approximate combat environments. Its results help shape military structures, tactics, operational requirements and future equipment procurement as Germany expands its use of unmanned technologies.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-02 13:54:09

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OSLO, Norway — The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (FMA) has completed the first live firing of the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2 from a Royal Norwegian Navy vessel. The test was conducted off the coast of Andøya aboard the Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate KNM Otto Sverdrup as part of Project P6192, managed by the FMA’s Maritime Capabilities division. The testing campaign included simulated launches and live firings against drone targets to evaluate the missile’s performance, updated communication features, active guidance and integration with newly updated software in the ship’s Aegis combat system. Data collected from the missile and onboard combat system has been sent to the United States for detailed analysis. Preliminary results indicate that the project remains on track to deliver the upgraded capability to Norway’s fleet. The trial involved the U.S. Navy, Andøya Space Defence (ASD), Lockheed Martin, the National Maritime Operations Centre (NSS N6) and the Royal Norwegian Navy Logistics Command (SFK). FMA Project Manager Commander Tor Harald Monsen directed the exercise from Range Control at ASD. “This has been an excellent international collaboration, with professional execution by both the crew of KNM Otto Sverdrup and the test leadership at Range Control,” Monsen said.   ESSM Block 2 Features and Specifications Developed through the international NATO SeaSparrow Consortium and manufactured by RTX (Raytheon), the ESSM Block 2 is designed to defend naval vessels against advanced anti-ship cruise missiles, tactical aircraft and other surface threats. Its main improvement over Block 1 is a dual-mode active and semi-active radar seeker. While Block 1 relies on continuous-wave illumination from shipboard fire-control radars throughout an engagement, Block 2 can use its active radar seeker to guide itself during the final interception phase. This reduces dependence on shipboard illuminator radars and allows the Aegis combat system to manage multiple engagements with fewer illumination-channel limitations. Key specifications include: Top speed: More than Mach 4. Operational range: More than 50 kilometres (approximately 27 nautical miles). Length: Approximately 3.66 metres. Weight: Approximately 280 kilograms. Warhead: 39-kilogram blast-fragmentation warhead. Launch system: Compatible with existing Mark 41 Vertical Launching Systems (VLS). Quad-pack capability: Four missiles can fit into one compatible launch cell.   KNM Otto Sverdrup and Next Steps KNM Otto Sverdrup is a Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate equipped with the Aegis combat system, AN/SPY-1F radar and an eight-cell Mk 41 VLS. The launch system can accommodate up to 32 ESSM missiles in a quad-pack configuration. The frigate class also carries Naval Strike Missiles, a 76 mm gun and other onboard systems. The ESSM Block 2 retains the physical dimensions and launch compatibility of Block 1, allowing integration with existing launch systems. Following the successful test, the FMA’s Maritime Capabilities division and the Royal Norwegian Navy will proceed with final installation, fleet integration and formal operational certification of the upgraded missile system. The trial represents a step in updating Norway’s ship-based air-defence capabilities.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-02 13:36:00

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SCOTLAND — BAE Systems has successfully completed live field trials of its Anti Threat System (BATS) in Scotland, demonstrating the system’s ability to detect, identify and respond to uncrewed aerial threats through a unified command-and-control architecture. The trials demonstrated the integration of electronic warfare and kinetic gun systems within BATS. BAE Systems said the testing validated the system’s ability to coordinate the detection of aerial threats and deliver an appropriate response through an integrated command-and-control system. The development comes as governments increase spending on counter-drone capabilities following lessons from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. BAE Systems said its team progressed BATS from the initial conceptual phase to field-based integration and deployment testing in eight months.   Three Scenarios Tested in Scotland The live trials were designed around three scenarios to test different parts of the BATS operational process.   Detection and Situational Awareness The first scenario tested BATS’ ability to combine information from multiple sensors into a common operational picture. This allowed operators to detect, identify and track aerial objects while distinguishing potential threats from non-threatening activity.   Electronic Warfare Response The second scenario focused on the system’s non-kinetic response capability. BAE Systems tested the integration of electronic warfare and software-defined radio technologies, allowing operators to deploy electronic effects against targets that had been confirmed by operators in near real time.   Full Sense-to-Effect Chain The third scenario tested the complete sense-to-effect chain in a more complex tactical environment. Operators identified different categories of drones and then deployed the appropriate countermeasure for each confirmed threat. The trial also demonstrated an integrated gun system alongside the electronic-warfare capability.   Designed for Mobile and Networked Operations The trials also demonstrated the system’s scalability and mobility. BAE Systems said BATS can be rapidly deployed, dismantled and re-established at different locations to meet changing operational requirements. The system is intended to provide layered protection for military forces, critical national infrastructure and other high-value assets. BAE Systems also examined how BATS could support future networked operations, including the secure sharing of threat information between multiple locations. “Throughout the trial, we also explored how BATS could support future networked operations, enabling threat information to be shared securely across multiple locations. This enables operators to build a broader understanding of the airspace, improving coordination and response across distributed sites,” said Louise Heywood, Head of Strategy at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence & Land. The Scotland trials provide a field-based demonstration of BATS’ ability to combine sensor information, electronic warfare and kinetic effects under a unified command-and-control architecture.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-01 15:23:37

 Europe 

OSLO, Norway — Kongsberg Gruppen has signed a contract with the Netherlands worth approximately NOK 1.5 billion to expand the country’s CITADEL air defense program. According to Kongsberg, the contract includes additional National Manoeuvre Air Defence System (NOMADS) units and an expansion of the Netherlands’ existing NASAMS ground-based air defense system. The new deliveries will increase the overall capacity of the CITADEL program, which Kongsberg and the Netherlands signed the original contract for in 2024.   More NOMADS and NASAMS Systems NOMADS is a highly mobile short-range air defense system designed to provide protection for maneuvering ground forces. Kongsberg says the system is intended to protect forces and their routes of advance in contested land environments. The NOMADS configuration combines command and control, sensors and weapons on the same platform. It uses a 3D AESA radar and can carry four AIM-9X Block 2 Sidewinder missiles ready to fire. The system also has a 0.50-caliber heavy machine gun mounted on a remote weapon station. The new contract will also increase the Netherlands’ NASAMS capability. NASAMS is a ground-based air defense system developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Raytheon. The Netherlands has operated NASAMS since 2006.   Part of the CITADEL Program The latest agreement follows the larger contract signed by Kongsberg and the Netherlands in November 2024 for NASAMS and NOMADS. That earlier contract was valued at approximately NOK 12 billion, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028. The CITADEL program combines short- and medium-range ground-based air defense capabilities. Kongsberg previously stated that NOMADS is designed to operate together with NASAMS and other NATO systems, supporting both autonomous and networked operations. The Netherlands has also identified ground-based air defense as an important capability for protecting military forces and other assets. Dutch Defence Ministry information describes NASAMS as part of the country’s ground-based air defense capability. With the new NOK 1.5 billion contract, the Netherlands will add further NOMADS systems and expand its NASAMS capability, increasing the capacity of the CITADEL air defense program.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-01 15:04:48

 Europe 

SCOTLAND — The UK Navy has conducted the first operational live firings of its Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Sea Venom missile systems against a realistic maritime target during Exercise Atlantic Thunder 2026. The tests took place at the UK Ministry of Defence’s Hebrides range off northwest Scotland, using the decommissioned former U.S. Navy guided-missile frigate USS Klakring as the target. The exercise was led by the U.S. Sixth Fleet and ran from September 14 to 25.   HMS Portland fires NSM The Type 23 frigate HMS Portland, based in Plymouth, fired an operational NSM at USS Klakring. It was the Royal Navy’s first operational NSM firing against a realistic ship target. The 400kg NSM can travel at close to supersonic speed and strike targets more than 100 miles away. Its sea-skimming flight profile is designed to reduce the chance of detection. The missile is also in service with the Norwegian, U.S. and Polish navies. The Royal Navy plans to equip 11 ships, including Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers, with NSM. The missile will complement the Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon, planned as the fleet’s main long-range anti-ship missile for next-generation ships using the Mk41 vertical launch system, including Type 26 and Type 31 frigates. Petty Officer James Kenyon, an Above Water Warfare specialist who fired the missile, described the launch as the highlight of his career following more than a year of planning. Lieutenant Commander Louise Kirkaldy, HMS Portland’s Principal Warfare Officer, said the firing demonstrated a modern maritime strike capability.   Wildcat fires Sea Venom A Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron, operating from HMS Portland, simultaneously fired Sea Venom missiles at the same target. It was the first operational live firing of Sea Venom from a Royal Navy Wildcat against a representative maritime target. The crew completed the full process of detecting, identifying and engaging the target. Produced by MBDA, Sea Venom has a range of more than 20km and carries a 30kg warhead. It is designed to attack corvette-sized vessels and can disable larger warships such as frigates and destroyers. A Wildcat can carry up to four missiles, and Sea Venom can also be used against land targets including bunkers, buildings and vehicles. Lieutenant Commander Rhydian Edwards, Test and Evaluation Commander for the Maritime Aviation Strike Operational Advantage Group, said the firing demonstrated the complete maritime strike process under realistic conditions. Data from the test will support future tactics, training and operational use. Sea Venom reached initial operating capability in 2025.   U.S.-UK forces complete coordinated strike The exercise also involved USS Paul Ignatius, which fired an anti-surface variant of the SM-6, followed by the NSM and Sea Venom attacks from HMS Portland. The Virginia-class submarine USS Massachusetts then launched a Mk 48 Advanced Capability torpedo, delivering the final hit. USS Klakring sank in approximately 6,000 feet of water. U.S. Navy and Royal Air Force P-8 maritime patrol aircraft and U.S. Air Force F-15E aircraft also participated. The target ship underwent a rigorous cleaning process, and checks were carried out for marine mammals before the live firings. Commander Dafydd Bryden, commanding officer of HMS Portland, said firing anti-ship missiles against a decommissioned warship provided an important test of warfighting capability and the systems and personnel involved. Lieutenant Commander Paul Atkins, UK Lead Project Officer for Atlantic Thunder, said the exercise demonstrated the ability of the UK and U.S. navies to integrate, share expertise and operate as an interoperable maritime force. The firings are part of the Royal Navy’s effort to expand its anti-ship strike capability following the withdrawal of Harpoon. HMS Somerset conducted an earlier NSM test firing against a floating target in Norway in September 2025.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-30 15:37:34

 Europe 

KYLE OF LOCHALSH, Scotland — A Royal Navy experimental uncrewed submarine has successfully launched and controlled a U.S. Navy Mk48 Mod 4 Heavyweight Torpedo during a trial off the northwest coast of Scotland. The test marked the first time either the UK or United States has launched a heavyweight torpedo from an uncrewed underwater vessel instead of a crewed submarine. The vessel, XV Excalibur, an Extra-Large Uncrewed Underwater Vessel (XLUUV), conducted the firing at the British Underwater Test and Evaluation Centre (BUTEC) near Kyle of Lochalsh on September 13, 2026. The three-week trial was codenamed Project Broadsword, also known as Trial Iron, and formed part of work under the AUKUS partnership between Australia, the UK and the United States. The trial is described as a major operational milestone for AUKUS Pillar 2, which focuses on the rapid development of advanced military capabilities. The objective is to develop uncrewed systems capable of conducting undersea warfare operations while reducing risks to personnel.   External Torpedo Launch XV Excalibur is a 12-metre-long, approximately 19-tonne experimental vessel measuring about two metres across. It entered service in May 2025 after development by UK-based MSubs under Project Cetus. Because Excalibur was not designed with conventional internal torpedo tubes, engineers developed an external launch arrangement. The nearly six-metre-long, more than 1.5-tonne Mk48 was fitted beneath the vessel, while a specialist management system was integrated to allow Excalibur to control and fire the weapon. The test used an inert, recoverable torpedo. The Mk48 is designed to engage submarines and warships and is operated by several navies. Neither Excalibur nor the Mk48 was originally designed for this type of deployment. British and American teams completed the integration in less than seven months after the project was approved in February 2026 by the U.S. Department of the Navy Rapid Capabilities Office. The work involved the Royal Navy, U.S. Navy, UK Submarine Delivery Group Autonomy Unit, which is part of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, as well as MSubs and QinetiQ, which operates the BUTEC range.   AUKUS and Hybrid Navy First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said the trial demonstrated what Australia, the UK and the United States could achieve together. He said the teams had delivered a credible capability in about six months and highlighted the role of uncrewed vessels in the Royal Navy's hybrid navy approach. Jenkins added that combining uncrewed vessels with crewed warships and submarines could provide greater underwater combat power while reducing risks to personnel. UK trial director Lieutenant Commander David Iwanek said the achievement paves the way for a step change in underwater lethality. U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle described the test as a historic first for allied undersea warfare, saying it demonstrated that a U.S. heavyweight torpedo could be launched from a Royal Navy autonomous underwater vehicle and supported the goal of greater interchangeability between allied platforms.   Project CUTLASS The Excalibur firing is the first in a planned series of trials to develop uncrewed underwater systems for more advanced missions. Follow-on work under Project CUTLASS is planned using the Anduril Dive-XL platform to examine further payload integration, tactical employment and command-and-control systems. The longer-term aim is to develop torpedo-launching uncrewed underwater vessels for potential operational use. The trial was conducted at BUTEC, a QinetiQ-operated facility on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence that provides tracking and evaluation of vessels, underwater vehicles, weapons and targets.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-30 15:15:43

 Europe 

PORTSMOUTH, England — Shield AI and Kraken Technology Group have demonstrated two uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) operating together on an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) mission off the southern coast of England. The trial was Shield AI’s first maritime autonomy demonstration in the United Kingdom and used the company’s Hivemind AI software on Kraken’s K3 SCOUT vessels.   Coordinated Autonomous Maritime Mission During the demonstration, the two USVs searched a designated area using onboard radar, electro-optical cameras and Automatic Identification System (AIS) data to build a shared operational picture. After detecting and classifying a vessel of interest, Hivemind automatically adjusted the mission plan. The two K3 SCOUTs tracked and escorted the vessel out of the operating area before returning to their original search patterns. The demonstration showed how multiple autonomous vessels can operate as a coordinated team, sharing sensor data and adjusting their movements without requiring operators to manually steer each vessel or process every sensor feed. Human operators retained decision-making authority, while the autonomy system handled navigation, collision avoidance and sensor processing. “This collaboration with Kraken demonstrates how Hivemind enables autonomous maritime teams to operate as part of a larger, distributed force,” said Christian Gutierrez, Shield AI’s senior vice president of Hivemind.   K3 SCOUT Specifications and Capabilities The K3 SCOUT is an 8.4-meter composite-hulled USV capable of speeds of up to 55 knots and carrying a 600-kilogram payload in its configurable bay. Its modular design supports missions including logistics, search and rescue, survey, ISR, strike and other kinetic tasks. The vessel has a range of about 650 nautical miles at 25 knots and can operate for up to 30 days, depending on the mission. It uses an inboard diesel engine with stern-drive propulsion. “K3 SCOUT was designed to be a fully modular and interoperable capability; the successful integration of Hivemind onto K3 SCOUT further validates our technology,” said Mal Crease, Kraken’s chief executive and founder.   Royal Navy Project BEEHIVE Kraken recently delivered 20 K3 SCOUT vessels to the UK Royal Navy under Project BEEHIVE, a £12.3 million programme. The vessels are intended for the Coastal Forces Squadron and 47 Commando Royal Marines for operations, training and capability development.   Further Trials Planned Shield AI and Kraken plan to conduct further trials with UK and NATO partners over the coming year, focusing on autonomous swarm operations in contested electronic environments. The Portsmouth trial expands Hivemind’s use from aviation into maritime operations.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-29 16:39:00

 Europe 

LONDON — The United Kingdom has proposed extending its nuclear deterrence to the other members of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), providing an additional layer of security for the UK-led defence partnership. The proposal was discussed by General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, during his recent visit to Finland. The proposal was reported by Finnish newspaper Iltalehti and public broadcaster Yle.   JEF and UK Nuclear Deterrence Established in 2014, the JEF consists of 10 countries: the UK, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the Netherlands. The partnership is designed to provide rapid military responses in Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea region, the North Atlantic and the High North. It works alongside NATO rather than replacing the alliance. Jenkins said Finland is already covered by Britain's nuclear deterrent, provided by British nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines patrolling the Atlantic. The UK's continuous at-sea deterrent uses Trident II (D5) ballistic missiles. He said Britain's nuclear capability would form the ultimate backbone of deterrence for JEF forces.   Additional Layer to NATO Finnish Parliament Defence Committee chairman Heikki Autto confirmed Britain's commitment to the security of JEF countries, including through its nuclear capabilities. He also described the JEF as a third pillar of Finland's defence alongside national capabilities and NATO membership. The proposed arrangement would be linked to the JEF but would not replace NATO's existing nuclear deterrence framework. The UK embassy in Helsinki later clarified to Yle that Jenkins' comments reflected the fact that all JEF members are NATO countries and therefore already operate within NATO's wider deterrence framework. NATO's nuclear forces include those of the United States, the United Kingdom and France. The JEF can also operate without requiring the activation of NATO Article 5, which is the alliance's collective-defence provision.   New JEF Forces Planned JEF members are expected to sign an agreement during a summit in Oslo, Norway, in November 2026 to establish new combat formations or units. The planned forces are expected to have wartime defence plans and the ability to respond immediately to a threat. Details of how the UK's nuclear deterrence would be incorporated into JEF planning are expected to become clearer when the agreement is finalised.   Finland's French Nuclear Initiative The British proposal comes as Finland also expands its involvement in European nuclear-deterrence discussions. Finland joined a French-led “forward deterrence” initiative earlier in September 2026. However, the French framework does not create a separate French nuclear umbrella and is intended to complement NATO. Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen is due to brief the parliamentary Defence Committee ahead of a JEF defence ministers' meeting in Reykjavík on October 1–2. The November JEF agreement is expected to provide further details on the UK's proposed nuclear role within the partnership.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-29 13:41:32

 Europe 

England — The United Kingdom has raised concerns over the possibility of the United States restricting diesel exports, warning that a major reduction in American supplies could affect Britain and the wider European fuel market.   UK warns of possible impact Speaking at Labour’s annual party conference in Liverpool on Sunday, UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said a full U.S. diesel export ban would be “a significant concern” for the UK. Reynolds said Britain benefits from a “diverse supply” of fuel, but stressed that there is a need to distinguish between statements about possible restrictions and what the United States actually proposes or implements. “Clearly something like that … would be a significant concern to the U.K.,” Reynolds said.   US is a major diesel supplier The United States has become an important source of diesel for Britain. UK government data shows that the U.S. accounted for 35.5% of UK diesel imports in 2024. Britain's dependence on imported fuel increased after it stopped importing Russian oil following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia had previously supplied a significant share of UK diesel. The UK’s domestic refining capacity has also declined over several decades. Britain had around 18 refineries in the 1970s, compared with four major operating refineries today: Fawley, Humber, Pembroke and Stanlow.   Europe also watching US policy The issue extends beyond the UK. The European Commission said the United States supplied around half of EU diesel imports in August. EU spokesperson Olof Gill warned that any disruption could negatively affect both the European Union and the United States. French President Emmanuel Macron has also urged the U.S. against introducing restrictions, arguing that such a decision would be harmful to both the global economy and the U.S. economy.   No US ban currently in place Reports from the United States have suggested possible measures ranging from a 90-day diesel export ban to more limited voluntary restrictions. The discussions are taking place amid high U.S. diesel prices and ahead of the November midterm elections. However, no U.S. diesel export ban has been implemented as of September 28, 2026. The UK and European authorities are continuing to monitor developments in Washington because of the significant role of U.S. diesel supplies in European fuel markets.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-28 16:17:43

 Europe 

VIENNA, AUSTRIA — German defense company Rheinmetall is working with the Austrian Armed Forces and Austrian companies Empl and Palfinger to develop an automated ammunition reloading vehicle for the Skyranger air-defense system. The project, provisionally called “Reloader,” is being developed initially for the Skyranger 30, with Rheinmetall planning to adapt the technology for the Skyranger 35 in the future. The project remains in development and has not yet received a series-production order.   Robotic reloading system The Reloader will use a robotic manipulator arm to remove an empty ammunition magazine from the Skyranger, install a fully loaded magazine and stow the empty one. The process is designed to take only a few minutes. Each magazine weighs approximately 400 kg and holds around 250 to 252 rounds. The system is designed so that crews can remain inside their protected vehicles during ammunition replenishment instead of manually handling the heavy magazines outside the vehicle. The Reloader vehicle itself will carry six spare magazines. Rheinmetall is also examining a trailer that could carry another 12 magazines. Together, the vehicle and trailer could transport up to 18 magazines, equivalent to approximately 4,500 rounds.   Designed for Austria's Skyranger 30 The system is being developed for Austria's Pandur EVO armored vehicle-based Skyranger 30 configuration. Austria has ordered 36 Skyranger 30 systems mounted on Pandur EVO 6x6 vehicles. The Skyranger 30 is equipped with a Swiss-made 30 mm Oerlikon KCE revolver cannon with a firing rate of 1,200 rounds per minute. Its standard ammunition load is 252 rounds, including proximity-fuzed airburst ammunition designed for use against small aerial targets such as drones and loitering munitions. The system can also be equipped with short-range surface-to-air missiles, including FIM-92 Stinger or Mistral. For aerial target detection, the Skyranger 30 uses the AMMR multi-mission S-band radar, with five antennas providing 360-degree coverage.   Growing Skyranger adoption The Skyranger system has also been selected by several other European countries, including Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Romania and the Netherlands. These countries are integrating the system onto different vehicle platforms according to their requirements. The Reloader project is intended to improve the ammunition logistics of mobile Skyranger units by allowing heavy magazines to be replaced rapidly while keeping personnel inside protected vehicles.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-28 16:03:40

 Europe 

WARSAW, POLAND — GE Aerospace and Poland’s Military Aviation Works No. 1 (WZL-1) have finalized an agreement to establish licensed maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for T700 and CT7 engines at WZL-1’s facility in Dęblin.   Support for Multiple Polish Helicopter Fleets The new MRO center will support engines used by several helicopters operated by the Polish Armed Forces, including the Boeing AH-64E Apache, Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk, Leonardo AW149 and AW101. The agreement will give Poland domestic maintenance capabilities for engines shared across several of its military helicopter fleets. Linked to Poland’s Apache Procurement The agreement is the third and final offset deal connected to Poland’s purchase of 96 AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters. The 2024 Apache procurement includes 210 T700-GE-701D engines, with 192 engines installed on the helicopters and 18 provided as spares. Apache deliveries are planned to begin in 2028 and continue through 2032. Once delivered, Poland will become the largest Apache operator outside the United States.   Training and Local Industrial Capability WZL-1 Chief Executive Jacek A. Goszczyński said the agreement is an important step toward developing Poland’s sovereign MRO capabilities for T700 and CT7 engines. He said the skills developed through the partnership will support the long-term readiness of the Apache fleet and other Polish military platforms. Shawn Warren, GE Aerospace’s Vice President for Defense & Systems, said WZL-1 has a strong reputation for engine maintenance in Poland. He said the agreement will allow the Apache fleet and other T700- and CT7-powered helicopters to receive support from a licensed MRO provider. The broader cooperation also includes training through the Military University of Technology (WAT) in Warsaw, which is involved in training Polish technicians, military personnel and WZL-1 employees on T700 and CT7 engines.   WZL-1 Expanding Its Defense Maintenance Role WZL-1, a subsidiary of the state-owned Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), already supports several military programs in Poland. Its work includes AH-64E-related support, Apache sensors and Longbow radar, as well as the AGT1500 tank engine program for Poland’s Abrams tanks. PGZ President Adam Leszkiewicz said the cooperation with U.S. industry will create highly skilled jobs, strengthen local engineering capabilities and support regional industrial hubs. Reports have put the value of the engine-related offset work at around 500–550 million zloty, covering equipment, licensing rights and staff training for depot-level maintenance.   T700/CT7 Global Use The T700/CT7 engine family powers 15 types of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. GE Aerospace says more than 25,000 engines have been delivered worldwide and have accumulated more than 130 million flight hours. In Europe, more than 1,300 T700/CT7 engines have been delivered or are on order for around 20 military and commercial customers. The Dęblin agreement completes a key part of the industrial cooperation linked to Poland’s Apache program and expands the country’s ability to maintain T700- and CT7-powered helicopters domestically.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-28 15:39:23

 Europe 

LONDON — The Royal Air Force (RAF) has formed No. III Space Effects Squadron, its first dedicated unit focused on countering hostile threats to UK satellites. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, announced the squadron at the first UK Space Power Conference in London. The squadron operates under UK Space Command and brings together specialist personnel from across the UK Armed Forces. It will conduct both defensive and offensive space operations, using capabilities including electronic warfare to disrupt, degrade and deny hostile activities while protecting UK and allied satellites. The RAF already operates No. I Space Operations Squadron and No. II Space Warning Squadron, which monitor space and provide warnings of potential threats. No. III Squadron is intended to add the ability to act against those threats. UK satellites support military and civilian services including communications, maritime navigation, missile warning, weather forecasting, emergency services and energy networks. “Space no longer supports operations from the sidelines. It’s a domain of direct competition, where our military advantage can be won or lost,” Air Chief Marshal Smyth said. He added that the squadron would protect the benefits space provides to UK forces while being capable of denying those benefits to adversaries.   Part of UK's wider space strategy The squadron supports the Control of Space Requirement included in the UK government's Space Strategy. The requirement calls for the UK to maintain freedom to operate in space while having the ability to deny the same freedom to adversaries. It builds on the Strategic Defence Review, which identified space operations as important to UK security, prosperity and daily life. The Ministry of Defence is developing capabilities including electronic warfare and countermeasures against anti-satellite weapons. The UK has ruled out destructive anti-satellite missile testing and continues to work through the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space to promote responsible space activities while cooperating with allies on collective defence. The UK has allocated £880 million between 2026/27 and 2029/30 for space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and space control activities. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the UK's growing dependence on space and the increasing scale, speed and sophistication of threats mean that British deterrence in space must match its capabilities on Earth. The RAF headquarters at High Wycombe was redesignated Air and Space Command at the beginning of September. Further space units, including Nos. 4, 5 and 6 Squadrons and a Space Tactics and Training Squadron, are planned. Formed in September 2026, No. III Space Effects Squadron is expected to expand as new space-defence capabilities enter service.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-27 12:59:51