Bombardier Defense to Supply Three Global 6500 Aircraft for Australian Border Force Maritime Surveillance

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MONTREAL — May 26, 2026 : Bombardier Defense will supply three Global 6500 aircraft to support maritime surveillance missions for the Australian Border Force (ABF) under a new fixed-wing aerial surveillance programme aimed at strengthening Australia’s border monitoring and national coverage capabilities. The aircraft will be operated by Metrea, a defence company that provides effects-as-a-service to national security partners, as part of a broader contract awarded by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs to Metrea Australia Pty Ltd. Under the agreement, the Australian Border Force will receive a fleet of 11 fully crewed, technologically advanced fixed-wing aircraft to conduct short- and long-range aerial surveillance missions. Operations under the programme are scheduled to begin on January 1, 2028, with the fleet expected to provide continuous 24/7, year-round surveillance coverage to enhance maritime monitoring, border protection and national aerial surveillance operations across Australia. Global 6500 to Strengthen Maritime Surveillance Capability The three Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft will be adapted in a dedicated special mission configuration to meet the operational requirements of maritime surveillance. Their introduction will support the transition to enhanced fixed-wing aerial surveillance capabilities under the new Metrea-operated contract for the Australian Border Force. Bombardier said the Global 6500 is designed for missions requiring long range, speed, endurance and reliability, making it suitable for extended maritime patrol operations over large operational areas. The aircraft has a range of 6,600 nautical miles, a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.90 and endurance exceeding 18 hours. Bombardier also highlighted the platform’s class-leading electrical power generation capacity for mission systems and ample cabin space, enabling the integration of specialised surveillance equipment and mission personnel. “The Global 6500 aircraft brings a new level of capability for maritime surveillance, with exceptional range, speed, endurance and reliability,” said Michael Anckner, Vice President, Worldwide Sales at Bombardier Defense. “Our teams are proud that this game-changing aircraft is the trusted choice to support the Australian Border Force’s aerial surveillance program,” he added. Expansion of Bombardier’s Special Mission Presence in Australia The programme will introduce Bombardier’s Global aircraft platform into Australia in a dedicated special mission role, further expanding the company’s footprint in the country’s defence and security aviation sector. Bombardier has previously supported several special mission programmes worldwide using the Global platform, while its Learjet and Challenger aircraft are already used in Australia for search-and-rescue and medical evacuation operations. The company currently has more than 75 business aircraft operating across Australia within its Learjet, Challenger and Global families and has expanded regional infrastructure to support both commercial and special mission customers. In 2022, Bombardier opened a Melbourne Service Centre at Essendon Fields Airport to strengthen support for operators in the region. In May 2024, Bombardier Defense established its first international office in Adelaide to provide dedicated assistance for special mission customers in Australia. The company later announced a new Line Maintenance Station in Perth in March 2025 to expand sustainment and maintenance support. Global 6500 Platform for Government and Military Missions Bombardier Defense stated that governments, military operators and mission partners select the Global 6500 for specialised operations due to its combination of performance, reliability, flexibility and outer-mould line configuration options. The company combines Challenger and Global aircraft platforms with engineering, maintenance and mission integration expertise to deliver customised solutions for government and defence customers. Through its worldwide support network, Bombardier aircraft are used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), airborne early warning and control (AEW&C), border and maritime patrol, head-of-state transport, medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance and multi-role operations.

U.S. Navy Approves $17.45 Million Contract Modification for USS Iwo Jima Modernization to Support F-35B Operations

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WASHINGTON — May 26, 2026 : The U.S. Navy has approved a $17.45 million contract modification for the Fiscal Year 2026 Selected Restricted Availability (FY2026 SRA) of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), extending a major maintenance and modernization effort designed to support long-term F-35B Lightning II operations and preserve the ship’s operational readiness into the 2030s. The modification, announced on May 22, 2026, exercises options under a Naval Sea Systems Command contract awarded on January 8, 2026 to BAE Systems Maritime Solutions Norfolk. The original contract carried a base value of $204.16 million and a cumulative potential value of $255.88 million, with maintenance work scheduled to continue through May 2028 in Norfolk, Virginia. Maintenance Program and Contract Scope The FY2026 SRA is categorized as a Chief of Naval Operations maintenance period and is being conducted primarily pier-side rather than through a major overhaul or drydock modernization. The availability combines depot-level repairs, structural restoration, combat systems modernization, aviation support upgrades, and lifecycle extension work intended to sustain USS Iwo Jima’s operational effectiveness after more than two decades of service. The contract covers labor, supervision, testing, certification, facilities use, engineering support, and production activities required to restore material condition and improve shipboard capabilities. Planned work includes corrosion repair, steel replacement, preservation coatings, propulsion plant inspections, electrical distribution maintenance, and overhauls of pumps, valves, piping systems, ventilation systems, and auxiliary machinery. F-35B Modernization and “Lightning Carrier” Transition A central objective of the modernization effort is preparing USS Iwo Jima for sustained F-35B Lightning II operations as the U.S. Marine Corps transitions away from the legacy AV-8B Harrier II fleet toward fifth-generation expeditionary aviation. The upgrades support the Navy and Marine Corps’ “Lightning Carrier” concept, under which amphibious assault ships embark larger F-35B air wings to supplement conventional aircraft carrier operations. In this configuration, Wasp-class ships can conduct sea-control missions, expeditionary advanced base operations, and distributed maritime warfare while increasing strike capacity during regional contingencies. Traditionally, USS Iwo Jima embarked a mixed aviation detachment that included six AV-8B Harrier II or six F-35B aircraft, four CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters, four AH-1 attack helicopters, three to four UH-1 utility helicopters, and 12 MV-22B Osprey tiltrotors. Under the Lightning Carrier model, however, Wasp-class vessels can embark between 16 and 20 F-35B aircraft, substantially increasing sortie generation and operational flexibility. Aviation Infrastructure and Engineering Upgrades To support sustained F-35B operations, the ship is undergoing modifications to aviation infrastructure and engineering systems. Because the F-35B generates significantly greater thermal stress during short takeoff and vertical landing operations, reinforced flight deck sections and thermal spray non-skid coatings are being installed to protect landing areas from heat-related degradation. The modernization package also includes upgrades to electrical power distribution systems and expanded cooling capacity required to sustain the increased technical demands associated with stealth fighter operations. Aviation maintenance facilities and support spaces are being strengthened to support higher operational tempos and larger embarked fighter detachments. Additional improvements include modernization of JP-5 aviation fuel systems, fueling stations, aviation ordnance handling equipment, logistics support areas, and maintenance infrastructure necessary for prolonged F-35B deployment cycles. Secure digital infrastructure compatible with the aircraft’s sustainment ecosystem is also being incorporated, including networking systems supporting the Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) and the Operational Data Integrated Network (ODIN), both required for mission planning, diagnostics, software support, and maintenance management. Combat Systems and Shipboard Modernization Alongside aviation-focused improvements, USS Iwo Jima is receiving combat systems upgrades intended to improve command, communications, and battlespace awareness. Modernization efforts include upgrades to Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES), replacing segmented information systems with integrated shipboard networking architecture. The ship is also receiving Ship’s Signal Exploitation Equipment (SSEE) Increment F enhancements intended to improve signals intelligence processing, electronic surveillance, and electromagnetic battlespace awareness. The availability further addresses long-term material wear accumulated during extensive deployments across the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Fifth Fleet, and U.S. Central Command areas of operation. USS Iwo Jima: Service History and Capabilities Commissioned on June 30, 2001, USS Iwo Jima is the seventh and final conventionally powered Wasp-class amphibious assault ship in U.S. Navy service. The vessel displaces approximately 40,500 tons at full load and measures 257 meters (843 feet) in length with a beam of 31.8 meters. Powered by two steam turbines generating approximately 70,000 shaft horsepower, the ship can sustain speeds of roughly 22 knots. USS Iwo Jima features a full-length flight deck, hangar deck, aircraft elevators, aviation fuel systems, and a well deck for amphibious landing craft, enabling simultaneous aviation and amphibious operations. The vessel can embark roughly 1,900 Marines alongside armored vehicles, helicopters, MV-22B Osprey tiltrotors, landing craft, and fixed-wing aircraft. Since entering service, the ship has participated in operations connected to Afghanistan and Iraq following the September 2001 attacks and deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit across the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, and Arabian Gulf during 2003 and 2004. In 2005, USS Iwo Jima served as a sea-based aviation, logistics, medical, and command platform during Hurricane Katrina relief operations near New Orleans. The ship later supported Operation Odyssey Dawn near Libya in 2011 and conducted repeated Atlantic and Fifth Fleet deployments involving MV-22B Osprey operations and F-35B interoperability activities. Most recently, on January 3, 2026, USS Iwo Jima participated in Operation Absolute Resolve, during which Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores were transferred aboard the vessel before transportation to the United States in connection with federal narcoterrorism-related charges issued in 2020. Industrial Base and Fleet Readiness The modernization effort draws on technical experience developed during previous F-35B integration work aboard sister ships including USS Wasp, USS Essex, USS Bataan, USS America, and USS Tripoli. Work is being carried out by BAE Systems Maritime Solutions Norfolk, one of the Navy’s principal private-sector maintenance facilities on the U.S. East Coast. The availability also reflects broader pressure on the U.S. naval industrial base, where amphibious ship maintenance must compete for skilled labor, facilities, and technical resources alongside aircraft carrier overhauls, submarine maintenance programs, and Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine construction. Once completed, the FY2026 Selected Restricted Availability is expected to preserve USS Iwo Jima’s amphibious readiness while strengthening its ability to support higher-capacity F-35B operations and expanded expeditionary strike missions in future maritime operations.

U.S. Army Reveals Two XM30 AI Infantry Fighting Vehicle Designs from General Dynamics and Rheinmetall to Replace Bradley IFV

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DETROIT, MICHIGAN — May 25, 2026 : The U.S. Army has officially unveiled the competing engineering concepts for the XM30 mechanized combat vehicle programme, providing the first public look at the next-generation platforms intended to replace the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). The reveal marks a significant milestone in one of the Pentagon’s largest future ground combat modernization programmes, focused on delivering a digitally connected, highly survivable, and software-defined armored platform for future high-intensity warfare. The Computer-Aided Design (CAD) renderings from competing prime contractors, General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) and American Rheinmetall, were presented on May 13 by XM30 Program Manager Colonel Novak during the National Defense Industrial Association Maneuver Defense and Expeditionary Conference (NDIA MDEX 2026) in Detroit. The concepts currently represent the vehicle configurations advancing through detailed engineering, prototype manufacturing, and testing phases. Programme Schedule and Acquisition Strategy The U.S. Army confirmed that the CAD models displayed at MDEX 2026 represent designs advancing through Phases 3 and 4 of the XM30 programme, covering detailed design work, prototype construction, and physical testing. Evaluation activities are expected to continue through December 2027, after which the programme will move into Phase 5, transitioning to a Middle Tier Acquisition – Rapid Fielding pathway. A formal request for proposals (RFP) for production is scheduled to be issued during the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2027, while the Pentagon’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request has already allocated $547 million for the procurement of 19 initial XM30 test vehicles. Contracts awarded to both competing teams in June 2023 for Phases 3 and 4 are collectively valued at approximately $1.6 billion, underlining the strategic importance of the programme to the Army’s future armored force structure. Design Philosophy and Operational Role The XM30 programme is intended to replace the Bradley IFV fleet with a next-generation mechanized combat vehicle optimized for network-centric warfare, autonomous battlefield integration, and high-intensity operations against technologically advanced adversaries. Unlike legacy Cold War-era infantry fighting vehicles, the XM30 is being developed with a focus on artificial intelligence-supported battlefield awareness, modular combat systems, software-defined architecture, and greater resistance to emerging threats such as drones, loitering munitions, and precision-guided weapons. Army planners expect the future platform to operate alongside next-generation armored formations while supporting rapid battlefield connectivity, sensor integration, and future autonomous mission systems. The programme also prioritizes lower crew workload through automation and advanced digital systems intended to improve battlefield decision-making and engagement speed. Crew Layout, Armament, and Internal Configuration Although exact dimensions and survivability specifications remain classified, publicly available programme information indicates that both tracked concepts will exceed 40 tonnes and feature an almost identical internal layout. Each vehicle is designed around a two-person crew seated side-by-side directly behind the engine compartment, while the rear troop section provides space for six fully equipped infantry soldiers. The platform is also expected to support an optionally manned operational configuration, allowing future integration of autonomous and remotely operated combat functions. Both concepts feature large uncrewed turrets, ensuring that turret systems do not penetrate internal crew space and thereby maximizing internal survivability and usable volume. The primary weapon system on both designs is the Northrop Grumman XM913 50 mm chain gun, firing 50×228 mm ammunition, paired with a coaxial 7.62 mm M240 machine gun. The vehicles are additionally configured to support a roof-mounted remotely operated weapon station armed with a 12.7 mm Browning M2A1 heavy machine gun to provide close-range defensive fire and battlefield flexibility. Alongside cannon armament, the XM30 incorporates a universal missile launcher system capable of deploying TOW anti-tank guided missiles, Combat Common Missile System-Heavy (CCMS-H) munitions, or future loitering drone systems, allowing the platform to engage armored vehicles, hardened defensive positions, and emerging battlefield threats. Mobility and Hybrid-Electric Systems Mobility requirements remain central to the programme because the XM30 is expected to maneuver alongside modern main battle tanks, including future Abrams formations, while reducing logistical burden and improving battlefield endurance. Both competing concepts incorporate hybrid-electric propulsion systems, InArm hydropneumatic suspension, and six pairs of road wheels to support improved ride stability and cross-country performance. The vehicles also employ composite tracks, intended to reduce vibration, improve mobility, and lower maintenance requirements while supporting the platform’s increasing electrical power demands for sensors, networking systems, and future upgrades. General Dynamics Land Systems’ “Wolf XM30” The GDLS proposal, known as Wolf XM30, emphasizes a compact turret profile, enhanced side-hull protection, and an extensive distributed digital sensor architecture intended to improve survivability and battlefield awareness. Engineering renderings presented during MDEX 2026 show multiple communication antennas, modular armor layouts, and elevated observation masts designed to feed automated, artificial intelligence-supported threat detection systems. The vehicle appears optimized for reduced battlefield signature and rapid digital integration across Army formations operating in contested environments. The concept is also reported to incorporate components associated with the ASCOD armored vehicle platform while utilizing composite tracks supplied by Soucy. American Rheinmetall’s “Lynx XM30” The competing proposal from American Rheinmetall, designated Lynx XM30, is derived from the KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicle family and adopts a larger turret structure optimized for modular upgrades and expanded internal growth capacity. The design prioritizes increased internal space to accommodate advanced electronics, autonomous mission software, electronic warfare suites, and expanded ammunition handling systems. American Rheinmetall is leading the development effort through Team Lynx, an industrial consortium involving Textron Systems, RTX, L3Harris Technologies, Allison Transmission, and Anduril Industries. Survivability and Battlefield Protection Survivability has emerged as a key requirement for the XM30 programme following battlefield lessons observed in Ukraine, where drones, loitering munitions, top-attack systems, and precision artillery have transformed armored warfare. To address these threats, both competing vehicles incorporate modular armor protection, advanced situational awareness systems, and the Iron Fist Active Protection System (APS) developed by Elbit Systems. The protection suite is currently undergoing U.S. Army standardization under the XM251 designation, with the system expected to transition to the fully standardized M251 configuration for use across the XM30 platform, the future M1E3 Abrams main battle tank, and the Stryker armored vehicle family. Fielding Timeline Initial prototype deliveries are scheduled to begin during 2026, followed by testing and operational evaluations continuing through 2027. Following the Army’s future production downselect process, the XM30 programme is expected to move toward initial operational fielding between 2028 and 2030, depending on acquisition timelines and final contract awards.

Algerian Export Su-34 Fighter-Bombers Conduct Pilot Training Flights in Russia

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MOSCOW, Russia — May 25, 2026: Export-configured Sukhoi Su-34 fighter-bombers intended for the Algerian Air Force have been observed conducting training operations in Russia, marking a significant stage in Algeria’s ongoing combat aviation modernisation programme. Newly emerged footage showed aircraft carrying tail numbers 703 and 704 operating at Zhukovsky Airfield near Moscow, where Algerian pilots are reportedly completing advanced flight and operational training before the aircraft are formally delivered. Zhukovsky Airfield, located outside Moscow, serves as the home base of the M. M. Gromov Flight Research Institute (LII) and is widely used for aircraft testing, avionics certification, pilot conversion, and evaluation programmes. According to regional defence analysts and open-source intelligence assessments, the observed flights are part of a structured pre-delivery process designed to familiarise Algerian aircrew with the aircraft and prepare them for operational deployment once transferred to Algeria. Export Su-34E Aircraft Seen in Desert Camouflage The aircraft observed during training are identified as the Su-34E, also referred to in defence reporting as the Su-34ME, an export version of Russia’s Su-34 “Fullback” twin-seat fighter-bomber. Unlike aircraft operated by the Russian Aerospace Forces, the Algerian-bound jets feature a distinct desert camouflage pattern in brown and yellow tones, adapted for North African operational environments and desert-based missions. The Su-34E preserves the core combat characteristics of the Russian platform, including a side-by-side twin-seat cockpit intended to improve crew coordination during long-duration strike missions. The aircraft are designed for long-range precision attack operations and retain all-weather strike capability supported by advanced avionics and mission systems. According to available information, the export aircraft include terrain-following and side-looking radar systems for low-altitude interdiction missions, enabling improved navigation and targeting performance in contested operational environments. The platform also maintains compatibility with a broad range of guided and unguided munitions, including precision-guided air-to-surface missiles, anti-ship weapons, guided glide bombs, and heavy strike ordnance. Customer-Specific Modifications for Algeria The Algerian Su-34E fleet reportedly incorporates several modifications compared with aircraft operated by Russia, including an enhanced electronic warfare system and customer-specific sensor fairings tailored to Algeria’s operational requirements. The aircraft are also configured for sustained operations in desert conditions while preserving the Su-34’s long-range strike profile, supersonic performance, and heavy payload capacity. The training programme at Zhukovsky reportedly includes test flights, familiarisation sorties, and pilot conversion activities, allowing Algerian aircrew to gain operational experience before aircraft handover. Such programmes are standard practice for advanced combat aircraft deliveries and are intended to reduce transition time once the aircraft enter national service. Algeria’s Su-34 Procurement Programme Algeria became the first confirmed international customer for the Su-34 export platform after signing a contract in 2019 for 14 Su-34E fighter-bombers, according to defence reporting. The procurement formed part of a broader defence package that also included Su-57E and Su-35E combat aircraft. Negotiations surrounding the acquisition, however, date back nearly a decade. Initial discussions reportedly began around 2016, when Algeria considered a smaller order of approximately 12 aircraft to gradually replace aging Soviet-era strike platforms in frontline service. Production of the Algerian aircraft is being carried out at the Novosibirsk Aircraft Plant, with export-configured examples first observed during testing activities in 2025 before entering the current training and pre-delivery phase. Role Within the Algerian Air Force Once delivered, the Su-34E is expected to gradually replace Algeria’s Su-24M tactical strike aircraft, which have served for decades as a key component of the country’s bombing and interdiction capability. The aircraft will also complement Algeria’s broader Russian-origin fleet, which includes Su-30MKA multirole fighters, MiG-29 variants, and Yak-130 advanced jet trainers. The acquisition reflects Algeria’s long-standing defence relationship with Moscow and forms part of a wider military modernisation effort focused on expanding long-range strike, multi-role aviation, and precision engagement capabilities. Increased Logistics Activity Linked to Deliveries The progress of the Su-34E programme also coincides with increased logistical activity between Russia and Algeria. Independent tracking data reportedly identified at least 167 military cargo flights between Russian state airfields linked to the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and Algerian military air bases over a 14-month period leading into mid-2026. The movements are believed to involve transfers of technical components, support equipment, maintenance systems, spare parts, and associated defence infrastructure connected to Algeria’s expanding inventory of Russian-built military platforms. No official statement has been released regarding the exact delivery timeline for the Su-34E aircraft or whether Algeria plans to expand procurement beyond the publicly reported 2019 contract for 14 aircraft. However, the continued pilot training activity at Zhukovsky Airfield indicates that the aircraft are progressing toward operational transfer and eventual integration into Algerian Air Force service.

Rostec Presents ZAK-30 Citadel Anti-Aircraft Complex with Programmable Munitions at First International Security Forum

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MOSCOW REGION — May 25, 2026 : Russian state defense conglomerate Rostec has publicly unveiled the ZAK-30 “Citadel” (Tsitadel), a new short-range anti-aircraft artillery complex designed to defend stationary facilities against unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) threats. The 30 mm caliber system is being presented at the First International Security Forum, scheduled to be held at the Live Arena venue in the Moscow Region from May 26 to 29 under the auspices of the Security Council of the Russian Federation. System Designed for Counter-UAV Protection The ZAK-30 “Citadel” is intended for the continuous protection of fixed infrastructure against attacks by both fixed-wing unmanned aircraft and smaller multi-copter drones. Developed as a stationary and modernized version of the BM-30-D “Spitsa” combat module, the system has been configured specifically for point defense missions requiring permanent coverage and rapid response. According to Rostec, the platform’s operational performance has already been validated in combat conditions. The company stated that the system has been used against long-range kamikaze drones, including the Ukrainian AN-196 “Lyuty”, as part of efforts to improve localized air defense against small aerial threats. Programmable Munitions and Fire-Control System A central feature of the Citadel is its integration of a 30 mm automatic cannon with programmable fragmentation ammunition equipped with remotely programmable time and proximity fuzes. Rather than depending entirely on direct hits against small and maneuverable aerial targets, the system is designed to intercept UAVs through controlled airburst detonation. The platform’s automated fire-control system calculates an optimal detonation point based on a target’s real-time flight trajectory. Once fired, the munition detonates at predetermined coordinates along the drone’s projected path, releasing a fragmentation cloud intended to neutralize the target. Rostec stated that this engagement approach reduces ammunition consumption compared with conventional unguided cannon fire, where multiple rounds may be required to achieve a successful interception. Dual-Channel Detection and Tracking Framework To support continuous operation across varying weather and visibility conditions, the Citadel incorporates a dual-channel detection and tracking architecture consisting of radar and electro-optical systems operating in both visible and infrared spectrums. The infrared tracking channel is intended to improve the detection of smaller drones that may have limited radar visibility but generate thermal signatures through propulsion motors and onboard electronics. Radar and optical inputs are processed simultaneously, enabling the system to either combine sensor data or prioritize individual channels depending on environmental interference, visibility limitations, or target behavior. Rostec described the engagement sequence—from target detection and tracking to fire calculation and target destruction—as highly automated. However, the company did not specify whether the platform is capable of operating under fully autonomous engagement rules or requires operator approval prior to weapons release. Technical Characteristics and Engagement Parameters The ZAK-30 “Citadel” is equipped with a 30 mm cannon and carries an ammunition load of 250 ready-to-fire programmable rounds. The system features elevation angles ranging from −10° to +60°, enabling engagement of targets approaching at low altitude as well as those descending at steeper angles. Its horizontal traverse capability extends ±150° from the centerline, providing a 300-degree firing sector from a fixed mounting position rather than full circular coverage. According to Rostec, the system can detect fixed-wing UAVs at distances of up to 2,000 metres, while multi-copter drones can be identified at ranges of up to 1,000 metres. The effective engagement range against fixed-wing UAVs is reported to be between 1,000 and 1,300 metres, placing the Citadel within the category of short-range point-defense systems designed for localized infrastructure security. Cost, Deployment Requirements, and Infrastructure Protection The estimated procurement cost of a single ZAK-30 Citadel unit is approximately 600 million rubles, or roughly $8 million depending on exchange rates. The system additionally relies on programmable ammunition, which carries a higher unit cost than standard 30 mm rounds due to its fuze programming and airburst capabilities. Because the Citadel is a stationary platform with a 300-degree firing sector rather than full 360-degree rotation, larger facilities require overlapping defensive positioning to maintain perimeter coverage. A typical large Russian oil refinery spans approximately 6 to 13 square kilometres, exceeding the effective defensive area of a single unit. Based on the platform’s engagement radius of approximately 1.2 kilometres against fixed-wing UAVs, defense estimates suggest that between six and ten Citadel systems would be required to provide overlapping protection around an industrial facility of that scale. At current estimated procurement costs, such a deployment would require hardware spending between approximately 3.48 billion and 5.8 billion rubles, excluding maintenance, logistics, ammunition replenishment, and associated support infrastructure. Ongoing Counter-UAV Development The unveiling of the ZAK-30 “Citadel” reflects continuing Russian efforts to strengthen counter-UAV capabilities around strategic and industrial infrastructure amid increasing use of long-range drones in modern conflict environments. Rostec did not provide further details regarding production schedules, procurement plans, export availability, or future integration timelines during the system’s presentation announcement.

Indonesian Air Force Formally Receives First Two Thales GM403 Air Surveillance Radars

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JAKARTA, INDONESIA — May 25, 2026 : The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) formally received its first two Thales Ground Master (GM) 403 long-range air surveillance radars during an official military ceremony at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base on May 18, 2026, attended by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The delivery marks an important stage in Indonesia’s broader effort to strengthen national airspace monitoring and defence infrastructure amid evolving regional security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. The radar systems were delivered under a multi-year procurement programme finalized in 2023 between Indonesia and French defence technology company Thales, under which the country ordered 13 units of the latest-generation GM403 tactical air surveillance radars. The programme is being implemented in partnership with Indonesian state-owned defence electronics manufacturer PT Len Industri. Deliveries of radar system components began in 2025, while the remaining 11 units are expected to be installed across Indonesia within the next 12 months. GM403 Radar Capabilities and Airspace Integration The GM403 is part of Thales’ Ground Master 400 Alpha family of mobile S-band 3D active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars and incorporates Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology to enhance operational performance and reliability. Designed for long-range air surveillance and ground-controlled interception missions, the radar can track aerial targets at distances of up to 515 kilometres while simultaneously monitoring high-, medium-, and low-altitude threats. The system is engineered to detect a broad range of airborne targets, including fighter aircraft, guided missiles, low-flying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and hovering helicopters. To process large volumes of operational information in real time, the radar integrates artificial intelligence-enabled functions for target classification and threat assessment. All 13 radar systems are being digitally integrated with Thales’ Air C4I SkyView command-and-control system, enabling sensor feeds from across Indonesia to be consolidated into a single 360-degree recognized air picture. The integration is intended to strengthen early warning functions, improve situational awareness, support interoperability between defence systems, and facilitate faster operational decision-making through automated threat response coordination. Industrial Cooperation and Technology Transfer Beyond equipment procurement, the programme includes technology transfer and industrial cooperation measures aimed at strengthening Indonesia’s domestic defence manufacturing base. Under the division of work, Thales is responsible for producing the radar cores, information-processing computer systems, and command-and-control software, while PT Len Industri manages local infrastructure development, civil works, radar station installation, and systems integration across the Indonesian archipelago. PT Len Industri is also producing selected radar components domestically as part of the localization effort. The cooperation builds upon nearly five decades of collaboration between Thales and the Indonesian Armed Forces and supports Indonesia’s objective of increasing defence-sector self-reliance. In November 2022, Thales and PT Len Industri launched a joint initiative to establish a local Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) centre of excellence in Indonesia. The facility is expected to support software upgrades, engineering assistance, hardware repairs, and long-term maintenance requirements close to operational users, reducing reliance on overseas support networks. Broader Defence Modernization Effort The radar delivery coincided with a display of newly acquired military platforms at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, highlighting Indonesia’s wider defence recapitalization programme. During the event, President Prabowo inspected six newly delivered Rafale fighter aircraft from Dassault Aviation, four Dassault Falcon 8X transport aircraft, and an Airbus A400M Atlas multi-role transport aircraft. Addressing attendees, President Prabowo stated that Indonesia would continue strengthening defence capabilities to support deterrence and protect national sovereignty, emphasizing that the country’s objective remains safeguarding its territorial integrity. Guy Bonassi, Senior Vice-President for Asia and Latin America at Thales, said Indonesia and France continue to benefit from a partnership that combines complementary industrial and technological strengths. He added that Thales remains committed to expanding local knowledge, industrial expertise, maintenance capabilities, and sovereign defence support in Indonesia. The programme is also expected to create future opportunities for cooperation between Thales and PT Len Industri in sovereign command-and-control systems, naval combat management technologies, advanced radar systems, defence expertise transfer, and indigenous military satellite development. Indonesian authorities did not disclose the operational deployment locations of the first two radar systems or provide further production details beyond the planned 12-month delivery schedule for the remaining units.

Ukraine Increasingly Deploys Lima EW System to Disrupt Russian Drones and Missiles

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KYIV, UKRAINE — May 25, 2026 : Ukraine is increasingly deploying the Lima electronic warfare (EW) system to disrupt Russian drones, missiles, and guided aerial weapons as the country supplements limited interceptor missile supplies with lower-cost, non-kinetic air defence measures. According to reports, the domestically developed system interferes with satellite navigation signals, causing incoming threats to miss intended targets by disrupting or altering their guidance systems. Developed by Cascade Systems, a Ukrainian defence startup registered in the United States, the Lima system was initially designed in 2022 to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), particularly Shahed-136/Geran-2 loitering munitions and UMPK-equipped guided aerial bombs. The system entered deployment with Ukrainian military units in July 2024 and, by October 2025, was expanded for the protection of civilian infrastructure and urban areas amid increasing long-range attacks. Strategic Electronic Warfare Platform Unlike conventional air defence systems that physically destroy incoming threats, Lima is designed to redirect or disrupt aerial weapons by targeting the navigation systems that guide them. The platform generates powerful jamming fields to interfere with satellite navigation signals, including GPS and GLONASS, while simultaneously using spoofing techniques to transmit false positioning information. According to technical explanations provided by Ukrainian military-linked sources, when missiles or drones lose access to satellite navigation, they often revert to inertial navigation systems (INS). However, without periodic satellite correction, accuracy degrades over distance, increasing targeting errors. Lima reportedly expands this deviation further by feeding manipulated coordinates to incoming weapons, redirecting them away from populated zones or critical infrastructure. The system combines digital jamming, spoofing, and cyber information attacks against navigation receivers. Unlike mobile tactical jammers deployed near frontlines, Lima is designed for wide-area, stationary protection and can be integrated into networked configurations to secure entire cities, infrastructure facilities, and military sites through modular coverage. Operational Use and Deployment Scale The Lima system is being used against multiple categories of Russian aerial threats, including Shahed drones, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, glide bombs, and guided aerial bombs. According to Cascade Systems, more than 400 Lima units have been delivered to Ukrainian forces since deployment began. The company states that the system has disrupted over 20,500 Shahed drones and redirected dozens of cruise and ballistic missiles during the past 18 months. Operational statistics released for the first quarter of 2026 indicate that Lima neutralized 26 Russian Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles, increasing the total number diverted since deployment to 58. During the same period, Ukrainian military-linked data reported that the system deflected 33 cruise missiles and more than 10,000 UAVs. Separate operational assessments also claimed that Lima disrupted 58 out of 59 launched Kinzhal missiles within protected operational zones. Developers stated that newer modifications were adapted to improve effectiveness against guided aerial bombs, including KAB glide bombs, which present operational challenges due to shorter flight times and weaker dependence on satellite guidance. According to Cascade Systems, the system reportedly achieves a neutralization rate exceeding 98 percent against guided bombs operating within its effective engagement range. Military Operators and System Development The Lima system is operated by the Night Watch electronic warfare unit of Ukraine’s Territorial Defence Forces. One of its developers, serving under the military call sign “Alchemist,” stated that the system combines navigation suppression with coordinate substitution to intentionally increase missile deviation and redirect threats toward less populated areas. Maksym Skoretskyy, head of the electronic warfare department of Ukraine’s land forces, stated that the latest iterations of Lima are capable of suppressing long-range weapons, including ballistic missiles dependent on GLONASS satellite navigation. Cascade Systems describes Lima as an implementation of an “asymmetric sky protection” concept designed to integrate into layered air defence systems, including frameworks compatible with NATO standards. Ukrainian officials describe the system as a supplement to conventional missile defence rather than a replacement, particularly as interceptor inventories remain limited. Cost and Strategic Significance The Lima system is also being expanded due to cost considerations. Each unit reportedly costs up to approximately 3 million Ukrainian hryvnias, equivalent to around €58,000 depending on configuration. According to Cascade Systems, securing a major city may require between 30 and 100 Lima units, placing the estimated cost of metropolitan protection at approximately €5 million. This amount is broadly comparable to the cost of a single Patriot PAC-3 interceptor missile, making Lima a comparatively low-cost electronic defence layer against high-volume drone and missile attacks. Military officials have noted, however, that redirected missiles and drones still pose risks when they fall to the ground, though such incidents generally result in lower casualties and infrastructure damage than direct impacts on populated areas. No further information regarding future production rates, procurement schedules, or precise deployment locations has been publicly disclosed.

U.S.-Saudi Joint Venture to Build SKYWASP Shahed-Inspired Combat Drone Factory Near Riyadh

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RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA — May 25, 2026 : A joint venture between a United States defense startup and a Saudi Arabian defense company will establish a manufacturing facility near Riyadh to produce long-range combat drones modeled on Iran’s Shahed system. The partnership, named SR2Vector, will manufacture the SKYWASP one-way attack drone for Saudi Arabia’s military requirements and exports to allied countries. The venture brings together Utah-based Vector Defense and Saudi startup SR2 Defense Systems. The project is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to expand local defense manufacturing and increase domestic military production. SKYWASP Drone The SKYWASP is an attritable one-way attack drone developed by Vector Defense. The drone has a range of up to 1,500 kilometers (930 miles), covering roughly the distance from northeastern Saudi Arabia to Tehran, Iran. According to SR2 Defense Systems, the drone is intended for long-range strike operations and cost-effective deployment. Lucien Zeigler, chief strategy officer and co-founder of SR2 Defense Systems, said the facility will produce drones in “operationally relevant volumes” aligned with Saudi Arabia’s deterrence requirements. Iranian Shahed drones are estimated to cost between $20,000 and $50,000, while interceptor systems used against them are significantly more expensive. The project aims to support local production of lower-cost attritable drone systems. Vision 2030 and Local Manufacturing The project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme, which aims to localize 50 percent of military spending by 2030. The Riyadh facility will support local manufacturing, assembly, sustainment, and production of unmanned aerial systems in Saudi Arabia. The project also supports Saudi efforts to reduce dependence on foreign defense manufacturing. The partnership was formalized during the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, where Andy Yakulis, chief executive officer of Vector Defense, and Idris Al-Zakari, chief executive officer of SR2 Defense Systems, signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in drone production and industrial development. SR2 Defense Systems and Funding SR2 Defense Systems, established in November 2025 as a U.S.-Saudi joint venture, was co-founded by Idris Al-Zakari of Science Technology for Investment and Industrial Development and Lucien Zeigler of REDSALT Defense. The project will receive financial backing from MASNA Ventures, a defense-technology fund supporting U.S.-Saudi defense cooperation and industrial projects. Vector Defense recently secured a $20 million loan from JPMorgan Chase to expand manufacturing in the United States. The Saudi facility is part of the company’s broader production expansion plans. U.S.-Saudi Defense Cooperation The project comes amid expanding defense ties between Washington and Riyadh. In November 2025, Saudi Arabia was designated a major non-NATO ally of the United States during a meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Donald Trump at the White House. No timeline for factory completion or production volume has been announced. The project follows earlier cooperation between Vector Defense and SR2 Defense Systems announced in March 2026 for localization of attritable unmanned defense systems in Saudi Arabia.

U.S. Air Force Plans Procurement of 15 Boeing KC-46A Pegasus Tankers in FY2027 Budget

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WASHINGTON — May 25, 2026 : The U.S. Air Force has finalized plans to procure 15 additional KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft under its Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal, reinforcing a long-term modernization strategy focused on sustaining global air operations, expanding force mobility, and supporting combat readiness in contested operational environments, particularly across the Indo-Pacific region. The proposed acquisition, valued at approximately $3.52 billion, forms part of the Department of the Air Force’s broader FY2027 modernization framework and reflects continued investment in aerial refueling capacity, a capability considered essential for extending the operational range of fighters, bombers, surveillance aircraft, and airborne command systems. According to FY2027 Aircraft Procurement budget justification documents released in April 2026, the KC-46A program remains a central pillar of the Air Force’s long-term recapitalization effort aimed at replacing aging tanker aircraft and strengthening global force projection. The procurement is included within the Department of the Air Force’s FY2027 budget request totaling $338.8 billion, of which $267.7 billion is allocated to the Air Force and $71.1 billion to the Space Force. Aircraft procurement accounts for approximately $73.3 billion and supports multiple modernization programs, including the B-21 Raider long-range bomber, F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter, the F-47 sixth-generation fighter initiative, and the development of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft. Strategic Role in Indo-Pacific Operations The KC-46A procurement aligns with a broader Pentagon strategy focused on strengthening mobility, survivability, and operational endurance in the Indo-Pacific, where vast distances and limited basing infrastructure create significant logistical challenges for sustained air operations. Aerial refueling enables combat aircraft to remain operational far from forward bases, reducing dependence on fixed regional infrastructure that may become vulnerable during high-intensity conflict. By extending mission endurance, tanker aircraft support long-range bomber missions, persistent fighter patrols, airborne intelligence operations, rapid reinforcement deployments, and command-and-control activities across geographically dispersed theaters. The Air Force increasingly views aerial refueling as a decisive enabling capability in scenarios involving contested airspace and long-range operations over maritime regions such as the Pacific Ocean, where distance significantly affects combat persistence and operational flexibility. Addressing an Aging Tanker Fleet A principal driver behind the modernization effort is the advanced age of the Air Force’s existing tanker inventory, which continues to rely heavily on the KC-135 Stratotanker fleet. Originally introduced into service during the late 1950s, the KC-135 was derived from the Boeing 367-80 prototype, the same aircraft design that later evolved into the commercial Boeing 707 airliner. The platform played a central role in supporting Strategic Air Command nuclear deterrence operations during the Cold War before becoming an essential logistical asset in military operations across Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific. Today, many of the Air Force’s approximately 370 remaining KC-135 aircraft are more than 60 years old, resulting in increasing sustainment costs, maintenance demands, and readiness concerns that affect long-term operational availability. To address these limitations, the KC-46A recapitalization program is intended to progressively replace aging tankers while introducing improved fuel transfer capacity, digital avionics, enhanced survivability systems, and longer operational endurance. Legislative requirements established under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) mandate an expansion of the military tanker fleet from 466 to 502 aircraft by fiscal year 2029. To support this transition, the Air Force plans to retire 20 KC-135 aircraft while simultaneously taking delivery of 20 new KC-46A tankers during the upcoming fiscal cycle to preserve operational capacity. The service currently operates approximately 105 KC-46A Pegasus aircraft and maintains a long-term acquisition objective of 263 aircraft. Procurement is expected to increase to approximately 18 aircraft annually between fiscal years 2028 and 2031. Multi-Role Capability and Technical Specifications Based on the Boeing 767-2C commercial airframe, the KC-46A Pegasus incorporates extensive military modifications designed to support both refueling and transport operations. The aircraft is equipped with boom and hose-and-drogue aerial refueling systems, allowing it to service a wide range of U.S., NATO, and allied combat aircraft during joint and coalition operations. This dual-system configuration increases operational flexibility by enabling support for fighters, bombers, surveillance aircraft, mobility fleets, and allied aviation platforms. In addition to aerial refueling, the KC-46A performs passenger transport, cargo delivery, and aeromedical evacuation missions. The aircraft can transport cargo pallets and medical patients, expanding logistical flexibility during both military operations and humanitarian response efforts. Its multi-role functionality supports the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept, which emphasizes distributed deployments, operational mobility, and reduced vulnerability through flexible force positioning. The KC-46A features a wingspan of 156 feet 1 inch, a length of 159 feet 2 inches, a maximum takeoff weight of 415,000 pounds, and fuel capacity of approximately 212,299 pounds, enabling long-duration missions and sustained operational support across large theaters. Program Development and Industrial Considerations The Pegasus program originated from the Air Force’s KC-X tanker replacement competition launched to modernize the aging refueling fleet. Boeing secured the contract in 2011 following a competitive procurement process, though the program subsequently experienced development delays and technical issues during fielding. One of the most significant modernization priorities remains the aircraft’s Remote Vision System (RVS), used by boom operators to guide aerial refueling operations remotely. Early operational deficiencies affected depth perception and boom alignment under certain environmental and lighting conditions. To resolve these issues, Boeing and the Air Force developed the upgraded Remote Vision System 2.0 (RVS 2.0), which is expected to improve refueling precision and operational effectiveness. Initial fielding is scheduled for summer 2027, while Air Force planning documents project resolution of major technical deficiencies by 2028 to support full combat certification across the fleet. From an industrial perspective, continued KC-46A procurement sustains Boeing’s military aircraft production infrastructure and supports specialized aerospace manufacturing capacity across the United States. The Air Force has relied on the Tanker Production Extension program to maintain production continuity and avoid a prolonged interim tanker competition as Boeing continues to manage more than $7 billion in cumulative financial losses tied to the program’s original firm fixed-price development structure. Long-Term Strategic Importance The FY2027 procurement request underscores the Air Force’s assessment that aerial refueling is not solely a logistical support function but a strategic operational capability directly tied to deterrence, sustained combat readiness, and global power projection. As the service advances broader modernization programs—including the B-21 Raider, F-35A Lightning II, F-47 fighter initiative, and Collaborative Combat Aircraft—the KC-46A Pegasus is expected to remain a central component of future U.S. airpower architecture, supporting long-range operations in increasingly contested environments.

U.S. Department of War Reports 1,775 Percent Increase in Artificial Intelligence Users

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TAMPA, Florida — May 25, 2026 : The U.S. Department of War (DoW) has increased its use of artificial intelligence (AI) by 1,775 percent over the past year, expanding its AI user base from approximately 80,000 personnel to nearly 1.5 million across a workforce of more than 3 million, according to senior department officials. The figures were disclosed by Emil Michael, Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering and Chief Technology Officer of the department, during a panel discussion at Special Operations Forces Week 2026. Michael said the department is accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence into military systems and administrative operations as part of a broader modernization effort. The increase follows an artificial intelligence strategy introduced earlier this year by War Secretary Pete Hegseth aimed at reducing bureaucratic barriers and expanding operational deployment of AI technologies across defense missions. Three Levels of AI Integration The Department of War currently organizes AI implementation into three operational categories: enterprise, intelligence, and warfighting. The enterprise level focuses on administrative functions, productivity systems, and data management. This includes GenAI.mil, an internal platform providing personnel access to large language models and AI tools for organizational use. The intelligence level applies AI to analyze sensor data, signals, imagery, and operational information to support military planning and decision-making. The warfighting level, identified by Michael as the department’s highest priority, focuses on embedding AI directly into military systems to improve battlefield precision, speed decision-making, strengthen force protection, and enhance operational effectiveness. Drone Dominance Program Michael highlighted the Drone Dominance Program as an example of AI integration into military operations. Overseen by Hegseth, the initiative allocates $1.1 billion to procure more than 200,000 small lethal drones by 2027. The program uses a competitive procurement process known as the “Gauntlet” to widen participation beyond traditional defense contractors and encourage faster innovation. Its first phase, Gauntlet I, concluded in February 2026 and resulted in an order for approximately 30,000 drone systems. Officials said the strategy is intended to replace a system historically dominated by a limited number of approved vendors by allowing a wider range of companies to compete for drone and counter-drone contracts. Recruitment of AI Talent The department also faces challenges recruiting engineers, data scientists, and AI specialists due to lower government salaries compared with the private sector. Michael said the department has hired several hundred recent graduates and plans to recruit several hundred more by the end of the year. Recruitment efforts focus on mission-driven work and providing technical experience that can later translate into private-sector careers. During the panel, industry participants said defense-related work has become more attractive among younger professionals. Peter Tague said interest in defense missions has improved recruitment, while Tara Murphy Dougherty said supporting warfighter-focused missions remains a core requirement for employees at her company. Adoption Growth, Not Full Capability Michael clarified that the increase to nearly 1.5 million users reflects AI adoption rather than full capability maturity. A significant portion of the growth is tied to enterprise productivity tools, while warfighting applications continue to develop. However, the increase indicates that earlier institutional resistance to AI integration has declined, with department leadership accelerating deployment across administrative, intelligence, and military systems.

South Korea’s KSS-III Submarine Arrives in Canada After First-Ever Trans-Pacific Deployment

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Victoria, British Columbia — May 25, 2026 : The Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy’s KSS-III submarine, ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho (SS-083), arrived at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt on May 23, completing the first trans-Pacific deployment to North America ever undertaken by a South Korean submarine. The deployment marks the longest operational voyage in the history of the ROK Navy submarine force and represents a significant demonstration of South Korea’s domestically developed undersea capabilities. The submarine departed from Jinhae Naval Base on March 25 and travelled approximately 14,000 kilometres across the Pacific Ocean before reaching Canada’s west coast. Throughout the deployment, the submarine was accompanied by the ROK Navy frigate ROKS Daejeon (FFG-823), a 3,100-ton Daegu-class vessel that supported the mission from departure to arrival. Historic Deployment and Operational Significance The deployment marks the first time a South Korean submarine has crossed the Pacific Ocean to reach North America. Although ROK Navy submarines have previously operated as far as Hawaii, this mission extended operational reach significantly farther, demonstrating long-range endurance and overseas deployment capability of the KSS-III submarine platform in a blue-water environment. ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho is the lead vessel of South Korea’s KSS-III program, a 3,000-ton-class submarine developed for extended-range missions and enhanced operational flexibility. The submarine is powered by a diesel-electric propulsion system equipped with lithium-ion batteries and air-independent propulsion, enabling longer underwater endurance and reduced operational dependence on surface support. The voyage also served as a live operational demonstration of South Korea’s indigenous submarine-building capability, reflecting efforts to strengthen long-distance naval operations and interoperability with allied and partner navies. Arrival in Canada and Naval Engagements Upon arrival at Esquimalt, the crews of ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho and ROKS Daejeon rendered naval honours at the pier to Canadian and South Korean officials. Officials present included Rear Admiral David Patchell, commander of Maritime Forces Pacific, and South Korea’s ambassador to Canada, Lim Woongsoon. The port visit, scheduled from May 23 to June 2, is intended to support professional exchanges, naval cooperation activities and combined training with the Royal Canadian Navy. During the visit, crews of both navies are expected to conduct operational discussions, personnel interactions and maritime engagement activities designed to improve interoperability. Canadian Submariners Embark During Final Transit As part of the operational cooperation effort, two Royal Canadian Navy submariners embarked aboard ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho in Hawaii for the final leg of the journey to Victoria. The embarkation provided Canadian personnel with an opportunity to directly observe KSS-III submarine operations, onboard systems and crew procedures during active transit conditions. One Royal Canadian Navy submariner who participated in the voyage described the platform as technologically familiar and indicated that adapting to the submarine’s systems would not involve a steep learning process, reflecting similarities with future submarine operational requirements. Communications Interoperability Demonstrated at Sea Before entering Canadian waters, ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho conducted a communications interoperability activity with Canadian naval authorities on May 18. According to the ROK Navy Submarine Force Command, the submarine successfully established communications with Maritime Forces Pacific through its onboard combined C4I command-and-control system. The communication marked the first known instance of a South Korean-built submarine establishing connectivity with Canada’s Pacific naval command through a combined C4I framework. The activity demonstrated the ROK Navy’s ability to maintain command-and-control interoperability with partner nations outside its traditional alliance structure and highlighted expanding naval coordination with Canada. Connection to Canada’s Future Submarine Program The submarine visit comes amid Canada’s ongoing Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), a major defence procurement initiative intended to replace the Royal Canadian Navy’s aging Victoria-class submarines. The project seeks to acquire up to 12 conventionally powered submarines and is estimated to be worth approximately 60 billion Canadian dollars. South Korea’s Team Korea consortium, comprising Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, has proposed the KSS-III submarine design for the requirement. The South Korean proposal is competing against the Type 212CD design offered by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. Glenn Copeland, chief executive of Hanwha Canada, was also present at Esquimalt during the submarine’s arrival, reflecting industry interest in the ongoing procurement process. Defence and Industrial Cooperation Discussions Parallel to the submarine deployment, senior military and government-level meetings took place in Ottawa to discuss naval cooperation and defence-industrial coordination. On May 22, Republic of Korea Navy Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Kim Kyung-ryul met Vice Admiral Angus Topshee to discuss practical measures aimed at strengthening bilateral military cooperation, expanding combined exercises and increasing personnel exchanges. At the government level, South Korean Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan met Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly and Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson to discuss the submarine procurement process and broader industrial cooperation between the two countries. Industrial Partnerships and Domestic Support To strengthen the industrial component of its CPSP campaign, Hanwha Ocean has expanded partnerships within Canada to support domestic shipbuilding and workforce development. The company has signed agreements with Ontario Shipyards and Mohawk College to support technical training, industrial participation and long-term sustainment requirements. Additional memorandums of understanding have also been signed with Canadian universities and industrial partners to integrate local research institutions and suppliers into the broader submarine supply chain. Next Phase of Deployment Following completion of activities in Canada, ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho is scheduled to proceed to Hawaii to participate in the U.S.-led multinational maritime exercise RIMPAC 2026 before returning to South Korea. The deployment concludes the first trans-Pacific voyage by a South Korean submarine and represents the longest operational mission conducted by the Republic of Korea Navy’s submarine force to date.

Patria and NestAI Announce Partnership to Integrate Adaptive AI into Unmanned Aerial Systems for European Defence Forces

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HELSINKI, Finland — May 25, 2026 : Finnish defence and technology provider Patria has entered into a technology partnership with Finnish artificial intelligence laboratory NestAI to integrate adaptive artificial intelligence into unmanned aerial systems used by European defence forces. The agreement combines Patria’s drone platforms with NestOS, an open, modular and adaptive operating system developed by NestAI, to improve battlefield performance in contested and rapidly changing operational environments. The collaboration is aimed at combining established defence hardware with software capable of responding to changing battlefield conditions in real time. According to both companies, European armed forces are increasing investments in unmanned systems, creating demand for intelligence technologies specifically designed for real-world combat environments and unpredictable operational conditions. Partnership Focus on Adaptive Battlefield Capabilities Under the partnership, Patria will provide its unmanned aerial platforms, operational expertise and manufacturing capability, while NestAI will contribute adaptive software infrastructure through NestOS. The operating system is designed to continuously learn from operational data, allowing unmanned systems to adapt after deployment and function effectively in changing conditions. NestOS is also designed as an open and interoperable system capable of integrating across multiple sensors, platforms and vendors. The companies stated that this architecture is intended to reduce long-term vendor dependency and allow European defence operators to maintain control over system behaviour, operational data and capability development. A central objective of the agreement is to ensure the technology is developed and deployed through Europe’s sovereign industrial and technological ecosystem. Both companies emphasized that future unmanned capabilities for European defence forces should be developed within Europe to meet regional operational requirements and reduce external technological dependence. Patria’s Expanding Unmanned Systems Portfolio Patria’s unmanned aerial systems form part of its Defence and Weapon Systems business area, which has expanded following the company’s acquisition of Nordic Drones. The company currently operates several unmanned platforms, including the Patria ONE modular tactical unmanned aerial vehicle, Patria SKY long-range multi-mission platform and Patria GEO mapping and surveillance system. These platforms are expected to support future integration of adaptive AI capabilities under the partnership, combining existing defence hardware with software designed to evolve after deployment. Leadership Statements Highlight Modern Warfare Requirements Panu Routila, President and CEO of Patria, said current conflicts continue to shape the company’s understanding of operational requirements for modern warfare. “The war in Ukraine helps us better understand what warfare looks like now and in the future,” Routila said. He added that Patria continues to focus on future-oriented product development and strengthening unmanned systems for demanding operational conditions in Europe through advanced artificial intelligence capabilities. Routila further stated that integrating NestAI’s software would improve the intelligence and effectiveness of unmanned systems for military operators working in complex operational environments. Peter Sarlin, founder and chairman of NestAI, said European defence increasingly requires artificial intelligence systems tailored to battlefield conditions and capable of evolving after deployment. Sarlin stated that the partnership combines Patria’s expertise in unmanned aerial systems with NestOS adaptive software to support European operational requirements through sovereign, Europe-built technologies designed for modern battlefield operations. NestAI and Patria’s Defence Ecosystem Presence Founded in 2024 and headquartered in Finland, NestAI develops adaptive intelligence technologies for defence and security applications where systems must react to changing conditions in real time. The company employs more than 150 engineers and scientists and raised €100 million in funding from Nokia and Finnish sovereign fund Tesi in November 2025. NestAI also collaborates with the Finnish Defence Forces, Nokia, FORCIT Defence and ReOrbit. Patria, which has operated for more than 100 years, maintains operations across Finland, Sweden, Norway, Latvia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Japan. The company is owned 50.1 percent by the State of Finland and 49.9 percent by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS and also holds a 50 percent stake in Nammo. No financial details, deployment timeline or implementation schedule related to the partnership were disclosed. The companies said the agreement is intended to strengthen Europe’s sovereign defence capabilities in unmanned systems by integrating adaptive post-deployment software intelligence with existing drone platforms.

Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA Spotted Carrying IRIS-T Air-to-Air Missile for First Time

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RIYADH, — May 24, 2026 : A Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) F-15SA fighter jet has been publicly observed carrying the European-developed IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missile, marking the first known appearance of the advanced missile integrated onto a Boeing F-15 platform. The development, first reported by Arab Defense through published imagery, signals an expansion of Saudi Arabia’s aerial weapons integration strategy and highlights efforts to increase compatibility across its mixed fighter fleet. The RSAF’s F-15SA fleet has traditionally relied on the U.S.-manufactured AIM-9X Sidewinder for short-range air-to-air combat. However, defense analysts note that the integration of the IRIS-T does not indicate a replacement of the AIM-9X. Instead, it reflects an effort to broaden available weapon options, enabling Saudi Arabia to utilize different missile characteristics depending on operational requirements, threat environments, and electronic warfare conditions. Strategic Interoperability Across Fighter Fleets The integration of the IRIS-T on the F-15SA also improves interoperability between Saudi Arabia’s U.S.- and European-origin combat aircraft. The RSAF operates the Eurofighter Typhoon, which already employs the IRIS-T as part of its standard air combat loadout. Standardizing missile access across both fleets may provide benefits in pilot training, mission planning, logistical coordination, and ammunition management. Defense observers suggest that using a common short-range missile across multiple fighter platforms can simplify maintenance and supply procedures while increasing operational flexibility during joint missions involving different aircraft types. Technical Profile of the IRIS-T Missile The Infra Red Imaging System Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled (IRIS-T) was developed by a European consortium led by Germany’s Diehl Defence, with participation from Italy, Sweden, Greece, Norway, and Spain. The missile entered service in 2005 and has since become the standard short-range air-to-air weapon used by most European fighter aircraft. A defining feature of the missile is its Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker, which generates a high-resolution image of a target rather than relying solely on thermal signatures. This capability improves target discrimination and increases resistance to infrared countermeasures such as flares and advanced decoys, enhancing performance in contested air combat environments. The missile is designed for high maneuverability through a combination of thrust-vectoring propulsion and gas-dynamic control surfaces, enabling it to withstand maneuvers of up to 60 g. This allows the system to engage highly maneuverable and supersonic aerial targets during close-range engagements. Another notable capability is its high off-boresight targeting envelope, allowing engagement of threats at angles exceeding 90 degrees relative to the aircraft’s forward direction. This permits pilots to target aircraft positioned beside or behind their own platform without requiring significant changes in flight path. The missile has an effective operational range of approximately 25 kilometers. Wider Platform Integration and Air Defense Role Beyond the Eurofighter Typhoon and Saudi Arabia’s F-15SA, the IRIS-T has been integrated into several fighter aircraft platforms, including the JAS 39 Gripen, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and modified F/A-18 Hornet fleets operated by multiple air forces. The missile family has also been adapted into ground-based air defense systems through the IRIS-T SLS (Short-Range) and IRIS-T SLM (Medium-Range) variants. These systems have seen operational deployment in several countries and have been used extensively in Ukraine’s active air defense network, further demonstrating the flexibility of the platform. Procurement History and Policy Context Saudi Arabia has maintained a long-term procurement relationship with the IRIS-T program. According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Riyadh ordered approximately 1,400 IRIS-T missiles in 2009, with deliveries completed between 2010 and 2014 to support Eurofighter Typhoon and Tornado aircraft operations. In 2024, the German government approved the export of an additional 150 IRIS-T air-to-air missiles to Saudi Arabia. The decision marked the end of a five-year restriction period imposed by Berlin following Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the Yemen conflict and the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The approval enabled replenishment of Saudi missile stocks and supported broader integration across combat platforms. F-15SA Capability Expansion The F-15SA represents the most advanced F-15 variant in RSAF service and incorporates several modern combat systems, including the APG-63(V)3 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, digital fly-by-wire flight controls, advanced electronic warfare systems, a digital cockpit architecture, and an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) capability. The aircraft can carry a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons across 11 external hardpoints, giving it significant operational flexibility for air superiority, strike, and multirole missions. Operational Significance The appearance of the IRIS-T missile on the F-15SA aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to diversify combat aircraft armament while improving compatibility between U.S.- and European-origin defense systems already in service. Although no official statement has been released by the Royal Saudi Air Force, Boeing, or Diehl Defence regarding the timeline or operational certification of the integration, the public sighting suggests the capability is progressing within Saudi operational planning.

Turkish Researcher Develops ‘Kürşat 3.0’ Spray-On Stealth Coating for Drones

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ISTANBUL, — May 24, 2026 : A Turkish defense research startup led by researcher Yunus İnce has developed a spray-applicable radar-absorbing material (RAM) named Kürşat 3.0, aimed at reducing the radar visibility of drones and other aircraft by absorbing electromagnetic signals instead of reflecting them back to radar systems. The material, developed over a seven-year period, was recently presented to The Defence Blog through technical specifications and test footage. Unlike traditional stealth coatings that require engineered composite panels bonded to aircraft structures, Kürşat 3.0 is designed to be sprayed directly onto aircraft surfaces, functioning similarly to paint while offering radar-absorption properties. Development Focused on Practical Stealth Application Modern stealth aircraft reduce radar cross-section (RCS) through a combination of specialized geometry and radar-absorbing materials. Platforms such as the F-117 Nighthawk, F-35 Lightning II, and B-21 Raider are engineered to redirect radar waves away from detection systems while absorbing residual electromagnetic energy through advanced coatings. Conventional radar-absorbing materials are generally manufactured as precision composite panels that must be carefully integrated into aircraft structures. These systems involve extensive maintenance, inspection requirements, and high production costs, making them difficult to adapt for smaller unmanned platforms. Kürşat 3.0 seeks to address this limitation by eliminating the need for bonded composite materials. According to the developer, the spray-on coating conforms to curved and irregular airframe geometries without seams or gaps that could reduce absorption performance. The material also reportedly adds negligible weight and does not require structural modification of the platform. Material Composition and Radar Absorption Claims According to İnce, Kürşat 3.0 uses microscopic pore structures derived from naturally occurring volcanic materials, particularly basalt and pumice. These materials are engineered to trap incoming electromagnetic waves and convert them into thermal energy rather than reflecting them toward radar receivers. Basalt and pumice are inexpensive and widely available materials that have drawn academic interest in recent years because of their electromagnetic absorption properties. Their porous structure may support broadband radar-wave attenuation when engineered for defense-related applications. Recent testing footage shared by the startup reportedly demonstrated an attenuation level of 43.2 decibels (dB), indicating the amount of radar energy absorbed by the coating. If independently verified across operational radar frequency bands, the result would place Kürşat 3.0 above many radar-absorbing coatings documented in academic literature, where attenuation figures between 20 and 30 dB are commonly reported under standardized conditions. However, no independent third-party testing or publicly available verification of the reported performance figures has yet been released. Relevance to Modern Drone Warfare The emergence of low-cost drones in modern conflict has increased interest in technologies that reduce detection and improve survivability. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine demonstrated how commercially accessible unmanned aerial systems can support reconnaissance missions, attack logistics networks, and place sustained pressure on armored formations and supply routes. In response, militaries have expanded radar-based detection systems, electronic warfare networks, signal-jamming capabilities, and layered interception methods, including kinetic interceptors, laser systems, microwave-based defenses, and other counter-drone technologies. Defense specialists note that a radar-absorbing coating alone does not create full stealth capability, particularly for quadcopters and commercially available drones that feature exposed rotor systems and airframes not optimized to deflect radar signals. However, reducing radar returns may shorten detection ranges and complicate tracking, potentially improving survivability in contested environments. Turkey’s Expanding Defense Technology Ecosystem The development of Kürşat 3.0 emerges within a growing Turkish defense industry that has increasingly focused on unmanned technologies and indigenous defense manufacturing. Turkey gained international recognition through the operational deployment and export success of the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aircraft. Meanwhile, the Bayraktar Kızılelma, which entered service with the Turkish Armed Forces in 2025, incorporates radar-absorbing technologies directly into its airframe design. Turkey’s defense exports reached $7.1 billion in 2024, reflecting continued government investment in domestic defense capabilities and creating opportunities for smaller firms developing enabling technologies for unmanned systems and aerospace applications.

Ukraine Launches Overnight Drone Attack on Russian Frigate Admiral Essen and Novorossiysk Oil Terminal

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KYIV/NOVOROSSIYSK, — May 24, 2026 : Ukrainian Defense Forces conducted a coordinated overnight unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) strike on Russian naval assets and energy infrastructure at the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk on the night of May 23, targeting the guided-missile frigate Admiral Essen, a Project 1239 hovercraft missile ship, and major oil storage facilities in Russia’s Krasnodar region. According to Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces (USF), the operation was executed by the 9th “Kairos” Battalion of the 414th Unmanned Strike Aviation Brigade, widely known as the “Birds of Madyar,” alongside the 1st Center of the USF. The units reportedly operated in coordination with deep-strike elements of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces. Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, commander of the USF, confirmed the operation and later published video footage showing drone strikes on naval and industrial targets in Novorossiysk. Strike on Admiral Essen and Russian Naval Assets Footage released following the operation showed one strike UAV impacting the Admiral Essen, a Project 11356R Burevestnik (Grigorovich-class) guided-missile frigate, near the deck area on the vessel’s side. Ukrainian officials stated the frigate attempted to repel incoming drones using its standard Osa-M air defense system while at least three additional UAVs approached the target. The Admiral Essen serves as a carrier of 3M14 Kalibr cruise missiles and forms part of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet strike capability. The frigate is equipped with an eight-cell vertical launch system capable of deploying Kalibr, Oniks, and Zircon missiles, alongside a 100 mm A-190 naval gun, Shtil-1 surface-to-air missile system, AK-630 close-in weapon systems, torpedo tubes, and an RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launcher. The vessel reportedly operates with a crew of around 180 personnel and has previously participated in Russian missile strikes against targets in Ukraine and Syria. The May 23 operation marked the fourth reported Ukrainian drone attack against the Admiral Essen since early March 2026. Earlier reported strikes allegedly damaged sections of the ship’s superstructure, radar systems, and bow area. However, the extent of damage caused during the latest strike remains unconfirmed and has not been independently verified. Ukrainian forces also targeted a Project 1239 hovercraft missile ship of the Sivuch class, also referred to under the NATO reporting name Bora class. Video released after the operation indicated the vessel was struck, although no confirmed assessment regarding structural or operational damage has been issued. Project 1239 Sivuch-Class Hovercraft Missile Ship The Project 1239 missile ship was developed by the Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau during the 1980s as an evolution of the Project 1234 Ovod missile ship program. Designed for anti-surface warfare and coastal defense operations, the vessel was intended to destroy large enemy warships and provide cover for naval formations and convoys in coastal and inland maritime areas. Only two vessels of the planned 16-unit program — Bora and Samum — were ultimately completed and entered service with Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. The ship has a displacement of approximately 1,000 tons and measures 64 meters in length and 17.2 meters in width. Its draft stands at 3.8 meters, reducing to around one meter while operating in air-cushion mode. The vessel features a dual-hull catamaran structure built from corrosion-resistant aluminum-magnesium alloys linked by a platform measuring roughly 64 meters by 18 meters, with internal bulkheads also constructed using lightweight materials. A two-tier flexible partition system located in the bow and stern creates an air cushion beneath the vessel, allowing it to transition from catamaran cruising speeds of around 20 knots to hovercraft speeds reaching up to 45 knots. The vessel reportedly has an operational range of 2,500 nautical miles at 12 knots or approximately 800 nautical miles at maximum speed, with endurance of up to 10 days and a crew complement of 68 personnel. Armament includes one 76 mm AK-176 naval gun, two six-barrel 30 mm AK-630 automatic cannons, two four-cell launchers for supersonic Moskit anti-ship missiles, and a two-cell Osa-M air defense launcher carrying up to 20 missiles. Strikes on Novorossiysk Oil Infrastructure In addition to naval targets, Ukrainian forces reported direct strikes on the Sheskharis transshipment complex, which includes the Sheskharis marine terminal and the Grushovaya Balka (Grushova) oil depot in Novorossiysk. Located on the Black Sea coast, the facility is regarded as one of the largest petroleum storage and export hubs in southern Russia and serves as a terminal point for pipelines operated by the state-controlled company Transneft. The complex reportedly maintains a storage capacity of approximately 1.2 to 1.25 million cubic meters of petroleum products across between 40 and 47 active storage tanks. Ukraine’s military later reported impacts and fires at both the Sheskharis terminal and the Grushova oil depot following the strike operation. Russian local authorities, including Novorossiysk Mayor Andrey Kravchenko, stated that falling drone debris caused a fire at the oil terminal and resulted in injuries to two individuals. Russian officials have not released detailed assessments regarding the condition of the naval vessels targeted during the operation. Wider Overnight Drone Campaign The Novorossiysk operation formed part of a broader overnight Ukrainian drone offensive, according to Ukrainian military sources. Additional targets reportedly struck included an Osa air defense system in Donetsk, a logistics hub linked to Russia’s 6th Air and Air Defense Forces Army in Rovenky, a drone command center in Oleshky, and multiple fuel trucks and armored vehicles in the Zaporizhzhia region. The overall extent of damage to Russian naval assets, oil infrastructure, and other military targets remains unconfirmed, and claims made by both sides have not been independently verified.

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