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ANKARA, Turkey — According to a Reuters report, NATO will replace its fleet of Boeing E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft with Sweden's Saab GlobalEye, with the decision set to be announced at the alliance's summit in Ankara on July 7-8. Four sources familiar with the discussions said NATO has selected the Swedish platform after reviewing options to replace the alliance's aging airborne surveillance fleet. A NATO spokesperson confirmed that a decision on the AWACS replacement will be announced during the summit but declined to provide further details. Saab also declined to comment. The alliance operates 14 Boeing E-3A Sentry aircraft based at Geilenkirchen Air Base in Germany. The aircraft entered NATO service in 1982 and have provided airborne surveillance, command and control, and airspace monitoring for more than four decades. In recent years, they have flown surveillance missions along NATO's eastern flank following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Although the fleet has received upgrades to extend its service life until around 2035, the aircraft are built on Boeing 707 airframes that have become increasingly expensive to maintain. NATO has also been seeking improved capability against low-flying cruise missiles, drone swarms and targets with reduced radar signatures over land and sea. The alliance had previously considered Boeing's E-7 Wedgetail to replace the E-3 fleet. That plan changed after the Pentagon dropped its 2025 proposal to buy 26 E-7 aircraft and shifted its focus toward satellite-based tracking. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later told Congress the Pentagon is seeking to restore funding for the E-7 program, but NATO moved ahead with the Saab option. The GlobalEye is built on the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 business jet platform instead of a large commercial airliner. The smaller aircraft consumes less fuel, requires lower maintenance and operates with a smaller crew because of higher onboard automation. Its primary sensor is Saab's Erieye Extended Range (ER) active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar mounted in a fixed "ski-box" configuration above the fuselage. The radar tracks air, land and maritime targets at the same time, including low-flying threats and objects with smaller radar signatures. Flying at about 35,000 feet, the aircraft can detect targets at ranges exceeding 450 to 550 kilometers. It has an endurance of more than 11 hours and can operate from runways of about 6,500 feet. GlobalEye entered operational service in 2018. NATO has not disclosed how many aircraft it intends to buy. Sources said the final order could depend on whether the alliance chooses a version equipped with aerial refueling capability, allowing the aircraft to remain on station for longer periods during missions similar to those flown near Ukraine. Geilenkirchen Air Base will remain NATO's airborne surveillance hub and could eventually operate what would be the world's largest GlobalEye fleet. The procurement will direct the contract to Sweden's Saab rather than a U.S. defense manufacturer. Reports of the pending agreement pushed Saab shares up 6.3%. The decision follows Canada's recent order for six GlobalEye aircraft as part of its effort to modernize its airborne surveillance capability while reducing reliance on U.S. defense suppliers. NATO is expected to release additional details on the procurement during the Ankara summit. Contract value, delivery schedule and the number of aircraft have not been announced.   Source: Reuters.  

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-03 10:55:06

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AUSTIN, Texas — Saronic has launched the Mirage, a new 52-foot dual-use autonomous surface vessel (ASV), adding a third flagship platform to its growing fleet of uncrewed surface vessels. The company announced the launch on July 2 after taking the vessel from initial design to the water in less than a year. The first Mirage has already started on-water trials at Saronic's privately funded test facility in Galveston, Texas. Production is continuing at the company's Austin headquarters, where a second hull is already moving through the manufacturing line. The Mirage sits between Saronic's 24-foot Corsair and 180-foot Marauder in both size and capability. It has a top speed of more than 35 knots, an operational range exceeding 2,500 nautical miles, and can carry payloads of up to 3,500 pounds. Compared with the Corsair, the new vessel more than doubles both range and payload capacity. The vessel can operate fully autonomously or under remote human supervision through Saronic's Echelon command-and-control platform, which provides a common autonomy software stack across the company's fleet. The software supports mission planning, simulation and real-time oversight, allowing operators to manage multiple vessels, including in communications-limited conditions. Its open, modular architecture allows government and commercial off-the-shelf sensors, payloads and communications systems to be integrated without structural modifications. Saronic said the Mirage is intended for maritime domain awareness, maritime security, and aerial and surface target detection missions. All hardware and software for the Mirage are developed at Saronic's Austin facility. The company said the site has capacity to produce hundreds of Mirage vessels each year while also building thousands of Corsair platforms. The first Mirage hull will undergo performance validation across its full operating envelope at the Galveston site, where Corsair testing is also continuing. "We launched our first Marauder four weeks ago, and today we're putting another vessel in the water. This cadence is what our production model was built to deliver," Saronic co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Dino Mavrookas said. Saronic raised $1.75 billion in Series D funding in April 2026 at a valuation of $9.25 billion. The funding is being used to expand its autonomous vessel portfolio and domestic shipbuilding infrastructure. Last month, a U.S. Navy-operated Saronic Corsair rescued two U.S. Army aviators after their AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed off the coast of Oman. The operation was one of the first publicly disclosed uses of an uncrewed surface vessel in a search-and-rescue mission, beyond its routine surveillance and maritime security roles. With the Mirage now in the water and another hull already under construction, Saronic is continuing production across its autonomous vessel portfolio from its Austin manufacturing facility.  

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-03 10:32:58

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States continued training Ukrainian operators of Patriot and HAWK surface-to-air missile systems during the first quarter of 2026, while Washington approved a $108.1 million sustainment package for HAWK equipment and Ukraine moved to secure more Patriot interceptor missiles through European Union funding and allied stockpiles. Details of the training were included in the latest Operation Atlantic Resolve report submitted to the U.S. Congress, covering January through March 2026. Military analyst Jeff21461 highlighted the report's findings on X.   🇺🇦🇺🇸 The USA provided training for Ukrainian Patriot and HAWK operators during Q1 of 2026.Patriot training focused on intermediate and depot-level maintenance training. At the same time, Patriot systems have also been retrograded out of Ukraine for depot-level maintenance.… pic.twitter.com/GQtr4ur9ge — Jeff2146🇧🇪 (@Jeff21461) July 2, 2026   For Ukrainian crews operating the MIM-104 Patriot, the training focused on intermediate- and depot-level maintenance. The report says some Patriot systems deployed by Ukraine were temporarily taken out of the country to undergo scheduled higher-level maintenance before returning to service. It does not disclose how many Ukrainian personnel completed the courses. The Patriot maintenance program is intended to help Ukrainian forces perform more complex repairs and sustain the systems in service after they were transferred by partner nations. Training for the MIM-23 HAWK covered system operation, combat employment, missile handling and routine maintenance. Two platform training courses were conducted through the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. The report also does not specify the number of Ukrainian personnel trained. HAWK batteries first entered Ukrainian service in late 2022 after deliveries from the United States and other partner countries. Spain supplied launchers, while the United States provided refurbished missiles. Some of those systems are part of the FrankenSAM program, which combines legacy launchers with updated Western components. The U.S. Department of State approved a potential Foreign Military Sale worth $108.1 million for Ukraine in May 2026 to support those HAWK batteries. The package includes erectable mast trailers, spare parts, consumable materials, engineering support, major system modifications, technical assistance, logistics support and repair services provided by the U.S. government and American defense contractors. The sale responds to Ukraine's request for infrastructure and sustainment support for its HAWK air defense systems. Ukraine is also working to increase its stock of Patriot interceptor missiles. The Ministry of Defence announced this week that it is using funds from a European Union loan to purchase about 100 Patriot interceptors. Patriot remains the only air defense system in Ukraine's current inventory capable of intercepting certain types of ballistic missile threats, making interceptor availability a priority as global production remains limited and manufacturing lead times continue to be long. To cover the shortfall, Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has sent letters to nearly 40 partner nations, requesting the immediate transfer of Patriot interceptor missiles from existing national stockpiles during July. Under the proposal, partner countries would provide missiles now, while Ukraine would replace those stocks later with interceptors from its own future contracted deliveries once production becomes available. The Operation Atlantic Resolve report does not identify the total number of Patriot or HAWK systems supported during the reporting period, nor does it provide figures for the number of Ukrainian personnel who completed the maintenance and operational training.  

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-03 10:10:08

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WASHINGTON, — The U.S. Air Force has started a new program to build a cheaper, ground-launched supersonic missile aimed at improving air defense while keeping costs low. On July 1, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) released a request under the Counter Air Missile Program (CAMP). The project, called the Ground Launched Counter Air Enterprise Test Vehicle (GLCA ETV), is asking companies to design a new missile that can be launched from the ground to defend military bases and deployed forces. Unlike traditional air-to-air missiles that rely on fighter jets, this missile will be launched from the ground. This means the Air Force can place it wherever needed without depending on aircraft availability, giving more flexibility to protect forward bases and key infrastructure. A big focus of the program is keeping costs low. While the Air Force has not shared exact performance details like range or speed, it previously said it wants each missile to cost around $500,000. This is much cheaper than many current interceptor missiles, which can cost several million dollars each. The move comes after recent conflicts, such as in Ukraine and the Middle East, where expensive missiles were used up quickly and production struggled to keep up. By lowering costs, the Air Force hopes to build larger stockpiles and sustain longer operations. The missile will use a modular design, meaning different parts like sensors and guidance systems can be swapped or upgraded easily. The Air Force also wants companies to use commercial components where possible to save time and money. This approach is expected to speed up development and make future upgrades easier. To move quickly, the Air Force is using a flexible contracting method known as an Other Transaction (OT) agreement. The timeline is tight: companies must submit proposals by August 3, 2026, and selected firms will present their ideas in person the following week. There are also strict security rules. Most technical data is classified as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Companies must be registered under the Joint Certification Program and submit the required authorization forms to access sensitive information. Foreign companies, or U.S. firms under foreign control, are not allowed to participate. If successful, the project could move into full production under a larger program called FAMM-GLCA, part of the Family of Affordable Mass Missiles (FAMM) initiative. This program aims to quickly build large numbers of lower-cost precision weapons. The Air Force plans to spend more than $12.6 billion over the next five years to acquire nearly 28,000 FAMM weapons. For fiscal year 2027, about $355 million is set aside to buy around 1,000 missiles. The FAMM program includes different types of missiles, including ones that can be dropped from cargo planes or carried by fighter jets and bombers. Air Force Chief of Staff Kenneth Wilsbach has said that the first of these weapons could enter production later this year. Several companies are already involved in the broader FAMM effort, including Anduril Industries, CoAspire, Zone 5 Technologies, and Leidos. Engine maker PBS Aerospace is also working on turbine technology to support large-scale missile production. By connecting this new ground-launched missile effort with the larger FAMM program, the Air Force is trying to move quickly from testing to mass production if the system performs as expected.

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-02 14:16:21

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KYIV — Ukraine has launched a new grant program to help local companies develop humanoid robots for military use as it looks to automate more battlefield tasks and reduce the risks faced by frontline soldiers. The announcement was made by Brave1 CEO Andriy Hrytsenyuk during the recent Brave1 Advantage event in Kyiv, according to a Militarnyi reporter who attended the event. Brave1 is a government-backed defense technology group created by Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation and other government agencies to speed up the development, testing, and deployment of new military technologies. The new grant program will support Ukrainian developers building humanoid robots for military operations. Officials said the main goal is to use robots for dangerous frontline missions, reducing the need to expose soldiers to high-risk combat situations. Hrytsenyuk said the project follows similar efforts in countries such as the United States and China, which are also investing in humanoid robot technology. However, Ukraine plans to take a gradual approach by first developing simpler robots before adding more advanced capabilities. The aim is to improve reliability while expanding what the robots can do over time. Unlike many humanoid robot projects around the world that are designed for factories and other commercial uses, Ukraine's program is focused entirely on military operations. The robots are expected to support troops, carry out dangerous tasks, and operate in combat areas where sending soldiers would be more risky. Since the start of the war, Ukraine has become an important testing ground for new defense technologies. Many Western defense companies and startups have used real battlefield conditions to evaluate new equipment. Before the grant program was announced, the Phantom MK-1 humanoid robot, developed by U.S. startup Foundation, was delivered to Ukraine for operational testing to assess how it performs in combat conditions. Although interest in military humanoid robots is growing, the technology still faces several challenges. Current robots are heavy, expensive to build, require frequent battery charging, and often struggle to move across rough terrain. Reports also say a typical humanoid robot uses around 20 motors to control its movements, meaning the failure of just one motor can affect the robot's performance. Military experts also believe more work is needed before humanoid robots can be widely used on the battlefield. Issues such as maintenance, logistics, safety, and reliable autonomous operation must be solved before they can become a practical part of future military operations.

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-02 14:07:07

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KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian defense technology company Phantom Defense has unveiled an integrated counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) ecosystem that combines electronic warfare systems, interceptor drones, detection sensors and a centralized command-and-control (C2) platform into a single operational network. The system was presented during the Brave1 Advantage defense technology event in Kyiv after it was previously showcased at the Eurosatory 2026 exhibition in Paris. Rather than offering individual products, Phantom Defense displayed a "Detect-to-Defeat" architecture that detects, tracks, identifies and neutralizes different types of aerial threats through one integrated network. At the center of the ecosystem is a centralized C2 platform that combines data from radars, radio-electronic intelligence sensors and video interceptors to create a single operational picture. The software automatically identifies targets, gives operators real-time engagement recommendations and records the results of every engagement for later operational analysis. The company also introduced several electronic warfare systems under its Specter family. The Specter L, XL and A variants are built to protect both fixed and mobile assets while providing 360-degree coverage. Depending on the configuration, they operate across the 300-900 MHz frequency range and support active jamming at 1.4 GHz, 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz. The Specter Pro system provides omnidirectional narrowband signal suppression across frequencies from 250 MHz to 6 GHz. It is supported by the Vector Pro directional jammer, which covers the same 250 MHz to 6 GHz frequency range for targeted electronic suppression. Phantom Defense also displayed several kinetic interception systems. The Balaban fixed-wing interceptor drone has an endurance of up to 2.5 hours, a maximum speed of 260 km/h and can carry a 1.2 kg payload. The Blade Interceptor multirotor drone is intended to engage Shahed-type attack drones. It has a top speed of 310 km/h, an operational range of 15 km and a 0.5 kg payload. The company also presented the Karakurt net-launching module, which can be integrated with different drone platforms to disable aerial targets by deploying nets. Several detection systems were also introduced as part of the ecosystem. The Streamhunter video interceptor is already available and detects signals at ranges of up to 30 km across frequencies from 800 MHz to 8 GHz. It can receive five channels simultaneously and has a detection time of less than one second. The Skydarix all-round radar, planned for release in the fourth quarter of 2026, can detect aircraft-type drones at distances of up to 20 km and FPV drones at up to 5 km. It also supports ASTERIX protocol integration. The Radiotrex direction finder, expected in the second quarter of 2027, has a detection range of 30 km, operates across 300 MHz to 8 GHz, provides directional accuracy of up to 3 degrees, and features a 250 MHz bandwidth. Phantom Defense said the ecosystem has already been tested under operational conditions in Ukraine during a project protecting urban infrastructure in one regional center. The company said the deployment provided more than 90% of a dome protection system covering an area of more than 100 square kilometers. Between June 1, 2025, and June 24, 2026, the company said the system detected 10,821 hostile drones and actively suppressed 7,397 of them. "There is no single answer for all types of threats from drones; each type of UAV requires a special approach," a Phantom Defense representative said. "That is why we do not sell individual devices—we offer an ecosystem of solutions that have already proven their effectiveness in combat conditions." Phantom Defense employs more than 600 personnel and said its production capacity exceeds 100 interceptor drones and 200 electronic warfare units per day to support ongoing operational requirements.

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-02 14:00:45

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WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy is looking for a second supplier to develop its next-generation anti-radiation missile under the Advanced Emission Suppression Missile (AESM) program, increasing planned production capacity while reducing dependence on a single manufacturer. In a Request for Information (RFI) issued on July 1, 2026, the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) asked industry for a missile equivalent to the AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER), which is currently produced by Northrop Grumman. The latest RFI raises the planned production target to as many as 600 missiles per year, up from the 300 missiles annually outlined in a February 2026 market survey. The AESM effort is managed by the Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons through its Direct and Time Sensitive Strike Weapons office (PMA-242). The Navy wants the new missile to match or expand the capabilities of the AARGM-ER. Anti-radiation missiles detect and destroy enemy radar systems by tracking their radio-frequency emissions, allowing aircraft to suppress enemy air defenses before they can threaten friendly forces. The current AARGM-ER can fly at speeds of Mach 4 and has an estimated range of about 160 nautical miles (300 kilometers). Under requirements released in the February 2026 RFI, the AESM should also be capable of engaging ground-based radar systems and high-value airborne targets, including Airborne Early Warning and Control (AWACS) aircraft. The higher production objective indicates the Navy is preparing for larger procurement quantities while establishing another production source for the missile. The AARGM-ER received Milestone C approval in 2024, allowing low-rate initial production, and completed a live-fire test in a GPS-denied environment in January 2026. Its Initial Operational Capability (IOC), originally planned for 2024, is now expected later in 2026. NAVAIR requires the AESM to integrate with the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, and F-35 Lightning II. The missile must be compatible with both the F-35's internal weapons bay and external carriage. The missile must also comply with MIL-STD-1760 and the Universal Armament Interface while using a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) that supports future upgrades using sensors and software from different suppliers. Other requirements include advanced GPS/INS navigation, broad radio-frequency coverage, and Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) capable of operating against modern jamming and other electronic warfare threats. The missile is also required to have a 15-year service life, withstand more than 500 hours of captive carriage under aircraft wings, and operate in the demanding maritime environment of carrier-based aviation. NAVAIR also directed that the missile should support Foreign Military Sales (FMS) for future exports to U.S. allies. Companies responding to the RFI must have the required facility certifications and security clearances to handle Secret-level classified information. The July 1 RFI is a market research effort and not a formal contract solicitation. Companies have until July 31, 2026, to submit capability statements along with pricing information for annual production quantities ranging from 50 to 600 missiles. The Navy will use the responses to evaluate industrial capacity and production costs before deciding on a formal competition.

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-02 13:50:02

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KOMSOMOLSK-ON-AMUR, Russia — Russia's state-owned United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) has launched Shtorm (Storm), the third Project 22800 Karakurt-class small missile ship built at the Amur Shipbuilding Plant for the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet. The ship was moved from the shipyard slipway using the specialized floating pontoon dock "Amurets", completing the primary hull construction phase. Shtorm will now undergo equipment outfitting, installation of onboard systems, harbor acceptance tests, factory sea trials and state trials before entering operational service. Shtorm is part of Russia's ongoing Project 22800 construction program, which is building compact missile-equipped surface combatants for coastal and regional naval operations. The Project 22800 Karakurt-class was developed by the Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau in St. Petersburg. The class was created to provide the Russian Navy with a compact multi-role missile ship capable of operating in littoral and near-shore waters while offering improved seaworthiness compared with the Buyan-M class. The vessel has a stealth-shaped superstructure with faceted surfaces intended to reduce radar reflections. It also features an integrated mast fitted with four phased-array radar panels to improve situational awareness while reducing the ship's radar cross-section. Although the ship has a displacement of about 800 tons, it carries an eight-cell UKSK (3S-14) vertical launch system. The launcher can fire Kalibr-NK cruise missiles for land-attack and anti-submarine missions, with reported land-attack ranges of up to 2,500 kilometers, as well as P-800 Oniks supersonic anti-ship missiles. For air defense, Shtorm is fitted with the Pantsir-M naval air defense system, combining 57E6 short-range surface-to-air missiles with twin 30 mm rotary cannons to engage aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, anti-ship missiles and other aerial threats. Its additional armament includes an AK-176MA 76.2 mm automatic dual-purpose naval gun capable of firing up to 150 rounds per minute. Close-range defense is provided by two 12.7 mm Kord heavy machine guns. The ship can also operate Orlan-10 unmanned aerial vehicles for reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition missions. Shtorm has a standard displacement of about 800 tons, increasing to around 870 tons at full load. The ship measures 67 meters in length, has a beam of 11 meters and a draft of 3.3 meters. Power is provided by a Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) propulsion system using three M-507D-1 diesel engines and three diesel generators, each producing 8,000 horsepower. The propulsion system gives the ship a maximum speed of 30 knots. The vessel has an operational range of about 2,500 nautical miles at an economical speed of 12 knots and an endurance of 15 days at sea. It is operated by a crew of around 50 personnel. The ship is built with domestically produced components for green-water operations. Shtorm is the third Project 22800 Karakurt-class missile ship built at the Amur Shipbuilding Plant, one of several Russian shipyards producing the class for different fleets. Earlier Karakurt-class ships have already entered service with the Russian Navy carrying Kalibr and Oniks missile systems. The modernization of production facilities at the Amur Shipbuilding Plant, including the introduction of the "Amurets" pontoon dock, is expected to improve shipbuilding efficiency and support continued serial production. After completing outfitting and sea trials, Shtorm will join the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet.

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-02 12:00:39

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WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force has formally accepted the Meadowlands electromagnetic warfare system for operational use, expanding its ground-based capability to disrupt adversary satellite communications in support of combatant commands. The system was operationally accepted on June 8, 2026, by the U.S. Space Force Combat Forces Command. Developed by L3Harris Technologies, Meadowlands is built to detect, deny, disrupt and degrade enemy communications in support of joint military operations. It replaces the Counter Communications System (CCS) Block 10.2 with improved reversible and non-reversible electromagnetic warfare capabilities. Meadowlands introduces a much smaller hardware footprint than the previous system. Using an open software architecture and upgraded electronics, the number of transportable equipment cases has been reduced from 23 to seven, making transportation and deployment much easier. The system uses ground-based radio frequency units mounted on wheeled trailers, allowing operators to quickly reposition the equipment if adversaries attempt counter-jamming. Its smaller size allows deployment in forward austere locations as well as secure rear operating areas. The new architecture also supports faster software upgrades and future capability improvements. Meadowlands provides multi-frequency jamming in both the S-band and X-band, allowing operators to disrupt a wider range of satellite communications. The system will be operated by Guardians assigned to Mission Delta 3 (MD 3) – Space Electromagnetic Warfare, the unit responsible for organizing, training and equipping electromagnetic warfare forces supporting combatant commands, including United States Space Command. The Space Force cited the operational use of electromagnetic warfare during Operation Midnight Hammer, where operators established a communications "silence zone" by disrupting adversary communications. The operation supported the secure ingress and egress of bomber aircraft while also providing indications and warnings during the mission. Following delivery of the first production system in December 2025, L3Harris is working toward a production rate of one Meadowlands system per month. The Space Force has requested $450 million for Meadowlands production in its fiscal year 2027 budget and projects another $605 million for procurement between 2028 and 2031. The service also plans to establish five new Space Electronic Warfare Tactical Operations Centers (SEWTOCs) to expand electromagnetic warfare operations worldwide. Mission Delta 3 currently operates one SEWTOC at Peterson Space Force Base. Meadowlands has also completed an International Initial Baseline Review, making the system eligible for potential Foreign Military Sales (FMS). Subject to U.S. government approval, allied nations will be able to acquire and integrate the system into their own defense capabilities.

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-02 11:47:19

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BEIJING, July 2, 2026 — China has publicly demonstrated a truck-mounted Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) for the first time, successfully launching a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from a modular road-mobile catapult. The demonstration highlights China's continued efforts to expand flexible drone deployment capabilities by enabling aircraft launches without relying on conventional airfields. The newly released footage shows a propeller-driven fixed-wing drone being launched from a modular catapult assembled by connecting multiple specialized heavy trucks. The system is designed to support operations from austere environments, including highways, remote islands, temporary forward operating bases, and converted civilian vessels.   Modular Truck-Based Launch System The mobile EMALS consists of three or more specially designed heavy trucks linked together to create a continuous launch rail. According to the system's developer, Tiantao Technology, the launch track can be configured between 20 and 60 meters in length depending on the size and weight of the aircraft being launched. Unlike conventional drone launch systems that rely on rocket-assisted takeoff or compressed air, the truck-mounted EMALS uses a linear electric motor to accelerate the aircraft along the launch rail. The technology is derived from the electromagnetic launch system currently installed aboard China's Type 003 Fujian aircraft carrier. Because the launch force is generated electromagnetically, operators can precisely adjust acceleration according to the drone's weight and airframe characteristics. This reduces mechanical stress on the aircraft during launch while allowing support for different UAV types from the same platform. The specialized launch vehicles are also equipped with an all-wheel steering system, enabling the connected convoy to maneuver with a relatively tight turning radius despite its overall length. This allows operators to align the launch rail into prevailing headwinds, improving aerodynamic performance and launch safety.   Designed for Runway-Independent Operations The truck-mounted EMALS is intended for operations where conventional runways are unavailable, damaged, or vulnerable to precision strikes. Its modular architecture allows the launch system to be transported by road or ship, assembled quickly, and relocated as operational requirements change. The system provides military forces with the ability to disperse UAV launch sites across multiple locations rather than relying on fixed airbases. Such distributed operations can increase operational flexibility while reducing dependence on permanent infrastructure. In addition to land deployment, the modular catapult is designed for installation on converted civilian vessels that can serve as drone carriers, extending launch capability into maritime environments.   Part of China's Containerized Military Platform Initiative The truck-mounted EMALS forms part of a broader Chinese effort to develop a family of containerized military systems that can be deployed rapidly on land or aboard civilian platforms. The modular ecosystem includes containerized vertical launch systems (VLS) for cruise and anti-ship missiles, radar systems, electronic warfare equipment, command-and-control modules, and other mission systems. These containerized modules are designed to resemble standard commercial shipping containers, allowing them to be transported using existing logistics infrastructure and installed on a wide range of civilian or military platforms.   Testing on Zhong Da 79 The modular concept has previously been demonstrated aboard the commercial cargo vessel Zhong Da 79, which was converted into an experimental drone carrier and arsenal ship. The vessel was observed equipped with containerized vertical launch cells, close-in weapon systems (CIWS), and a deck-mounted electromagnetic catapult. Available observations indicated the ship-based EMALS configuration could launch larger unmanned aircraft, including CH-4 medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drones and collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) designed for unmanned operations alongside crewed aircraft.   Production Plans The truck-mounted electromagnetic catapult first emerged publicly toward the end of 2025 and has since undergone testing in multiple configurations. Chinese sources indicate that production of containerized military modules is planned on a large scale, with an annual output target of up to 2,000 systems. The initiative is intended to expand distributed operational networks and provide flexible deployment options for unmanned aircraft, missile systems, electronic warfare assets, and command infrastructure. The public demonstration of the truck-mounted EMALS represents the latest step in China's development of mobile electromagnetic launch technology, extending carrier-based launch concepts to road-mobile and modular platforms capable of supporting UAV operations in a wide range of environments.

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-02 11:30:08

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NAVI MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA , July 2, 2026 — Paras Defence and Space Technologies Ltd has signed an exclusive Intellectual Property (IP) License Agreement with Tandem Defense LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of US-based Autonomous Power Corporation (Powerus), securing exclusive rights to manufacture and commercialize the Guardian-1 Interceptor counter-drone system in India. Under the agreement, Paras Defence will locally manufacture, market, and support the Guardian-1 system for the Indian market. The license is non-transferable and non-sublicensable, applies only within India, and is valid for an initial 12 months, with an option for renewal by mutual consent. Paras has also been authorized to appoint domestic partners for specialized manufacturing, IP management, and regional sales operations. The financial value of the agreement has not been disclosed. The Guardian-1 Interceptor is a battery-powered kinetic counter-drone system designed to physically intercept and destroy aerial threats such as commercial quadcopters, swarm drones, and first-person view (FPV) drones. Unlike electronic warfare systems that rely on jamming or GPS spoofing, the Guardian-1 is a hard-kill solution that tracks and neutralizes hostile drones before they can reach protected locations. The interceptor has a cruise speed of around 100 mph, a maximum burst speed of approximately 211 mph, and an operational range of up to 10 miles. The partnership expands Paras Defence's existing anti-drone portfolio, which already includes man-portable drone detectors and handheld jammers through its subsidiary, Paras Anti-Drone Technologies. The addition of the Guardian-1 enables the company to offer a multi-layered counter-drone capability combining both electronic and kinetic interception technologies for military, paramilitary, and critical infrastructure protection. The agreement also supports the Indian government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by enabling local production, final assembly, and servicing of advanced counter-drone systems, strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. Following the announcement, shares of Paras Defence and Space Technologies Ltd rose nearly 9% to close at ₹1,289.25 on the BSE, extending the company's strong market performance with an increase of about 101% from its January 1, 2026, trading price of ₹684.45.

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-02 11:21:36

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OSLO, NORWAY , July 2, 2026 — Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has secured a NOK 4.7 billion (approximately $474 million) contract to supply its Joint Strike Missile (JSM) to an undisclosed international customer, marking the sixth nation to select the long-range precision weapon for its fighter aircraft fleet. The agreement, announced on June 30, 2026, expands the international adoption of the JSM, although Kongsberg has not disclosed the identity of the customer or the number of missiles included in the order. The Joint Strike Missile has previously been selected by Norway, Japan, Australia, the United States, and Germany, with Germany expected to begin receiving deliveries before the end of 2027. The growing customer base reflects continued demand for long-range precision weapons designed for fifth-generation combat aircraft. Developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace from the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) in cooperation with Raytheon Missiles & Defense, the JSM is a multi-role cruise missile capable of engaging both land and maritime targets. It features a low-observable design, autonomous target recognition, terrain-following and sea-skimming flight profiles, and guidance systems combining INS/GPS navigation, an imaging infrared (IIR) seeker, terrain-reference navigation, and a two-way data link. The missile measures 4.0 meters in length, weighs approximately 416 kilograms, carries a 120-kilogram blast-fragmentation warhead, and has an estimated range of more than 500 kilometers, although the official range remains classified. A key feature of the JSM is its compatibility with the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, allowing internal carriage on the F-35A and F-35C without affecting the aircraft's stealth characteristics. The missile is also compatible with external carriage on the F-35B, as well as the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Boeing F-15EX Eagle II. The latest contract further strengthens the JSM program as Kongsberg expands missile production capacity through new manufacturing and maintenance facilities in Australia and the United States to support increasing international demand and long-term sustainment of both the JSM and NSM programs.

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-02 11:12:42

 World 

WASHINGTON, July 2, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded AeroVironment Inc. a $500 million firm-fixed-price contract to supply the U.S. Army with commercial counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), strengthening the military's ability to detect, track, and defeat hostile drones. The contract, announced on July 1, was awarded by the U.S. Army Contracting Command at the Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, under contract number W912CH-26-D-A073. The agreement is scheduled to run through June 29, 2029, with work locations and funding allocations to be determined through individual task orders. The procurement covers both counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) and counter-small unmanned aerial systems (C-sUAS) to address a wide range of aerial threats, including larger unmanned aircraft as well as commercially available quadcopters and fixed-wing drones that have become increasingly common in modern conflicts. Neither the U.S. Army nor AeroVironment has disclosed which specific systems will be ordered or where they will be deployed. The Department of Defense said procurement details will be finalized through future task orders. The firm-fixed-price structure means AeroVironment assumes responsibility for any cost overruns during contract execution, providing the government with predetermined pricing throughout the agreement. Although AeroVironment is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the Department of Defense contract announcement lists the company under its Simi Valley, California, operating address.   Expanding Counter-Drone Capabilities Known for its Switchblade loitering munition systems, AeroVironment has expanded its counter-drone portfolio in recent years. Its offerings include the Titan family of radio frequency jamming systems, which disrupt the control and navigation signals used by hostile drones, providing a non-kinetic method of defeating unmanned aircraft without relying on conventional interceptors. The company's capabilities grew significantly after completing its $4.1 billion acquisition of BlueHalo in May 2025, adding directed-energy weapons, advanced electronic warfare technologies, and additional counter-drone capabilities. In April 2026, AeroVironment introduced Halo_Shield, a modular counter-UAS platform designed to detect, track, and defeat threats ranging from drone swarms to subsonic cruise missiles. The company has also advanced prototype high-energy laser weapon systems and expanded production of its Freedom Eagle kinetic interceptor missiles.   Growing Demand for Counter-Drone Systems The contract reflects the U.S. Army's continued investment in counter-drone technologies as unmanned aircraft become more widely used for reconnaissance, surveillance, targeting, and attack missions. Commercially available drones have become increasingly common on modern battlefields, driving demand for systems capable of detecting and neutralizing these threats.   Financial Outlook Following the announcement, AeroVironment shares (NASDAQ: AVAV) rose more than 3% in after-hours trading. The company expects fiscal year 2027 revenue between $2.125 billion and $2.225 billion, supported by growing demand for unmanned and counter-unmanned systems. The award follows an $874 million Foreign Military Sales contract secured in December 2025 to provide unmanned aircraft and counter-drone systems to allied and partner nations. Combined with the new $500 million U.S. Army award, AeroVironment has secured more than $1.3 billion in drone and counter-drone-related contract capacity over the past seven months, reinforcing its position as a key supplier of unmanned and counter-unmanned technologies for U.S. and allied forces.  

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-02 10:57:24

 World 

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. , July 2, 2026 — The U.S. Navy is developing a new 3D-printed composite repair method designed to reduce maintenance time for the F/A-18 Super Hornet by approximately 50 percent, allowing damaged aircraft to return to service more quickly while improving sustainment capabilities at forward operating locations. The initiative is being led jointly by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) and Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW). The new approach enables maintenance personnel to repair damaged composite structures directly at forward operating bases, reducing dependence on lengthy supply chains and depot-level maintenance in the United States.   Reducing Aircraft Downtime Composite components are widely used throughout the F/A-18 Super Hornet to reduce weight while maintaining structural strength. When parts such as engine bay doors sustain damage, the aircraft is typically grounded until repairs are completed, affecting fleet availability and operational readiness. Under the traditional repair process, damaged composite parts often require highly specialized technicians and must be transported to dedicated repair facilities. This can significantly increase maintenance time and place additional demands on military logistics, particularly during deployed operations. The Navy's new repair technique is intended to simplify this process by allowing qualified maintenance crews to complete repairs at the aircraft's operating location.   3D-Printed Composite Patches Engineers from NAWCAD and FRCSW have developed high-performance 3D-printed composite patches that can be produced and applied directly to damaged areas of the aircraft. The team has also established standardized application procedures and quality assurance processes to ensure the repairs meet the safety and structural requirements required for flight operations. The program utilizes the Navy's existing additive manufacturing network, which includes 3D printers deployed at 22 maintenance sites worldwide. This infrastructure enables repair patches to be produced where aircraft are operating, eliminating the need to wait for replacement components to be shipped from the United States. By manufacturing repair materials closer to operational units, the Navy aims to shorten maintenance timelines, improve aircraft availability, and increase flexibility during deployed operations.   Flight Testing Planned The repair method has successfully completed laboratory evaluations and ground testing. The next phase of the program will involve flight testing on an operational F/A-18 Super Hornet later this summer to validate the performance, durability, and airworthiness of the 3D-printed repairs under actual flight conditions. Successful flight testing would support the transition of the repair method into broader operational use across the Super Hornet fleet.   Supporting Naval Aviation Sustainment The initiative combines NAWCAD's engineering, research, testing, and aircraft sustainment expertise with FRCSW's extensive experience in naval aviation maintenance. NAWCAD, headquartered in Patuxent River, Maryland, with major facilities in St. Inigoes, Maryland, Lakehurst, New Jersey, and Orlando, Florida, supports the research, development, testing, evaluation, and sustainment of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviation systems. FRCSW, based in San Diego, California, is one of the Navy's primary aircraft maintenance centers, responsible for depot-level maintenance, repair, and overhaul of naval aviation platforms. The 3D-printing initiative forms part of the U.S. Navy's broader effort to expand the use of additive manufacturing technologies to improve aircraft sustainment, reduce maintenance delays, strengthen logistics resilience, and enable more repairs to be completed at forward operating locations.  

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-02 10:48:13

 World 

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 2, 2026 — The United States is expanding the use of additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, in its hypersonic weapons programs as the Department of Defense (DoD) seeks to strengthen munitions production following the heavy expenditure of precision weapons during recent military operations. Recent operations involving Iran highlighted the challenge of replenishing advanced munitions after U.S. forces conducted more than 13,000 strikes, consuming large numbers of precision-guided weapons and air defense interceptors. The campaign underscored limitations in the defense industrial base, where conventional manufacturing methods require significant time and cost to produce advanced missile systems. To address these challenges, defense contractors are increasing the use of metal additive manufacturing to produce key hypersonic propulsion components, including scramjet and ramjet engines. The technology is intended to reduce production time, lower costs, and improve manufacturing capacity.   3D Printing Simplifies Hypersonic Engine Production Companies including Aerojet Rocketdyne (now part of L3Harris), Lockheed Martin, and Ursa Major are incorporating additive manufacturing into hypersonic weapon production. Conventional manufacturing of air-breathing hypersonic engines involves numerous individually machined components and complex welding processes capable of withstanding temperatures generated during flight at speeds above Mach 5. Additive manufacturing instead enables complex engine structures to be produced as integrated components using technologies such as laser powder bed fusion and high-temperature metal alloys. Aerojet Rocketdyne has previously demonstrated that 3D printing can reduce the number of parts in a scramjet engine by up to 95%, simplifying production. The company is also advancing 3D-printed propulsion under the Department of Defense's GAMMA-H program. Meanwhile, Velo3D supplies specialized metal printing systems capable of producing complex internal engine geometries that are difficult to manufacture using traditional methods.   Industry Accelerates Hypersonic Development Ursa Major has integrated AI-enabled metal printing into its Havoc medium-range hypersonic missile and the Draper liquid rocket engine. The Draper engine, which uses hydrogen peroxide and kerosene in a closed catalyst-cycle design, progressed from contract award to a flight-ready propulsion system in approximately eight months and powers the Affordable Rapid Missile Demonstrator. The company is also expanding production of solid rocket motors (SRMs) using modular tooling and software-driven manufacturing cells that allow different motor variants to be produced on the same production line without extensive retooling. Lockheed Martin is using large-format 3D printing to manufacture components for its Mako hypersonic missile, including guidance housings and tail fins. The company reports that additive manufacturing has reduced production time and costs for these parts by up to tenfold compared with conventional manufacturing.   Focus on Expanding Production Capacity The increased adoption of additive manufacturing follows growing emphasis on improving the defense industrial base's ability to replenish advanced weapons inventories after recent operations. The extensive use of systems such as Tomahawk cruise missiles, JASSMs, THAAD, and Patriot interceptors highlighted the importance of scalable production capacity. By reducing dependence on complex supply chains and shortening manufacturing timelines, 3D printing is expected to support faster production of hypersonic propulsion systems while lowering manufacturing costs. As U.S. hypersonic programs continue to mature, additive manufacturing is becoming an increasingly important element in moving advanced weapons from development into operational service while improving long-term munitions production capacity.

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-02 10:38:29