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KYIV, Ukraine — Russia is increasingly using missiles originally developed for the S-300 and S-400 air-defense systems against ground targets in Ukraine, adding another source of ballistic threats to its long-range strike arsenal. The use of these missiles has been reported for several years, but Ukraine's military intelligence says Russia is now also producing the RM-48U, a missile based on older surface-to-air missiles, specifically for use against ground targets. The development comes as Russia continues to combine these weapons with dedicated ballistic missiles such as the Iskander-M. The latest example came during the Russian attack on the night of August 5, 2026, when Russia launched 24 missiles classified by Ukraine's Air Force under the combined "Iskander-M/S-400" category. The main direction of the attack was the Kyiv region. Ukrainian air defenses did not report intercepting any of these 24 ballistic missiles. The attack also included four Zircon/Oniks missiles and 115 drones, of which 98 were reported shot down or suppressed. Ukrainian officials said the attack killed at least 17 people and injured dozens in the Kyiv area.   From air-defense missiles to ground attacks The S-300 and S-400 are families of air-defense systems designed primarily to engage aircraft and missiles. Their missile inventories include several variants with different ranges and capabilities. Russia began using S-300 missiles against ground targets in Ukraine after the full-scale invasion in 2022. The missiles were originally designed for air-defense missions but can be used against fixed ground coordinates. The capability itself is not new. Russian forces have previously conducted exercises involving S-300 missiles against simulated ground targets. Russian reporting on exercises at the Telemba training range described S-300 launches against ground-based targets. The use of these missiles in Ukraine has provided Russia with another way to conduct strikes, particularly against targets within the range of the available missile variants.   RM-48U adds another source of ballistic targets A more recent development is the RM-48U. The missile is based on older 5V55 and 48N6 surface-to-air missiles that have been removed from normal air-defense service and converted for training or other purposes. Ukrainian sources reported the first combat use of RM-48U missiles against ground targets during the January 19–20, 2026 attack. The exact configuration used in that attack was initially unclear, including whether the missiles carried live warheads or were being used as target missiles. Ukraine's Defence Intelligence later reported that Russia was producing RM-48U strike missiles in significant numbers. According to Ukrainian intelligence data published in June 2026, Russia produced more than 200 RM-48U missiles in 2025 and planned to produce more than 480 in 2026. Current production was assessed at up to 50 missiles per month. This production rate is significant because it indicates that the use of converted air-defense missiles is not limited to isolated launches from old stockpiles.   Different missiles are involved The S-300 and S-400 designations cover several missile types, so identifying fragments as belonging to an S-300 or S-400 family does not always establish the exact missile variant. The 5V55R is an older S-300 missile weighing about 1.66 tonnes and carrying a high-explosive fragmentation warhead of approximately 130 kg. Its standard air-defense range is considerably shorter than that of later missiles. The 48N6 family is larger, with a missile weight of about 1.8 tonnes and warheads reported in the 143–180 kg range depending on the variant. The S-400 also uses newer missiles, including the 40N6. The 40N6 is designed for long-range air-defense missions, with a claimed air-target interception range of up to about 400 km. However, an air-interception range should not automatically be treated as the missile's ground-strike range. The flight profile, guidance conditions and target type are different. There is also no confirmed public evidence that the 40N6 is being systematically used as a surface-to-surface weapon.   Why Russia can use them against ground targets When employed against ground targets, these missiles can be launched toward predetermined coordinates rather than being used to intercept aircraft. Their guidance arrangements vary by missile and mission. Some rely on inertial guidance combined with radio-command corrections. Once a missile moves beyond the practical range of continuous ground-based correction, it can continue along its calculated trajectory. This gives the missiles a ballistic or semi-ballistic flight profile when used against ground targets. Their high speed also leaves a relatively short period between launch and impact. Ukrainian and Western assessments have reported very high terminal speeds for some 48N6-family missiles. However, exact performance varies by missile version and launch profile, so air-defense specifications should not automatically be applied to ground attacks. The main limitation is accuracy. These missiles were not originally designed as precision surface-to-surface weapons. Their warheads are intended primarily for air targets and are not equivalent to specialized penetrating warheads used against hardened structures. As a result, using an S-300 or S-400 missile against a ground target does not make it equivalent to an Iskander-M. The two weapon classes were developed for different missions.   Earlier use in Ukraine Russia's use of S-300 missiles against ground targets became particularly visible in 2022 and 2023. On September 30, 2022, Russian forces launched 16 S-300 missiles at Zaporizhzhia. Four missiles struck an area where a civilian convoy was gathered. Ukrainian authorities reported 32 people killed and 118 injured. On April 14, 2023, S-300 missiles were used against Sloviansk. Ukrainian authorities reported eight deaths and 21 injuries in the attack. On October 21, 2023, two S-300 missiles struck a Nova Poshta terminal in Korotych in the Kharkiv region. The final reported toll was eight people killed and 15 injured. These attacks demonstrated how Russia could use air-defense missiles for ground strikes against targets relatively close to Russian-controlled territory.   S-400 missiles have also been used against ground targets The use of S-400-family missiles has expanded the potential range of this tactic. Ukrainian authorities have previously reported the use of 48N6-family missiles from the S-400 system against ground targets, including strikes associated with the Kyiv area. However, the Ukrainian Air Force's combined designation "Iskander-M/S-400" does not mean that every missile in that category is necessarily an S-400 missile. It groups missiles according to the systems associated with their reported launches or identification. Exact identification can require examination of recovered missile components. This distinction is important because the S-300 and S-400 families use several different missile types, and some missiles are compatible with more than one version of the system.   S-400 missiles in the 2026 attacks The use of the combined "Iskander-M/S-400" category became particularly notable during several attacks in the summer of 2026. According to Ukrainian Air Force reporting cited in recent coverage, the attacks included: July 2: 24 missiles in the combined Iskander-M/S-400 category, with four reported intercepted. July 6: 23 missiles in the same category, with no ballistic missile interceptions reported. August 1: 27 missiles, with one reported interception. August 5: 24 missiles, with no reported interceptions. The August 5 attack also included four Zircon/Oniks missiles and 115 drones. Ukrainian air defenses reported neutralizing 98 of the drones. The main direction of the missile attack was Kyiv and the surrounding region. The available public information does not establish the exact proportion of S-400 missiles within each combined "Iskander-M/S-400" figure.   The air-defense challenge The growing use of ballistic and quasi-ballistic missiles creates a difficult problem for Ukraine's air-defense network. Systems such as Patriot and SAMP/T are among the systems capable of engaging ballistic missile threats. Their interceptor missiles, however, are limited compared with the number of ballistic and other high-speed weapons Russia can launch. Ukraine's Defence Intelligence assessed in June 2026 that Russia could launch up to 100 ballistic missiles per month while maintaining a stable stockpile. The assessment included production of up to 700 9M723 ballistic missiles for the Iskander-M system in 2026, at a monthly rate of about 55–60 missiles, along with more than 480 RM-48U missiles planned for the year. The RM-48U therefore adds another category of high-speed targets to Russian missile attacks without being a direct replacement for the Iskander-M. For Ukraine, the challenge is not limited to identifying the incoming missile. Air-defense operators must also determine which targets require interception and allocate a limited number of suitable interceptors against incoming ballistic threats.   A growing role for converted missiles Russia's use of S-300 and S-400 missiles against ground targets shows how an air-defense missile inventory can be adapted for another role during a prolonged conflict. The RM-48U program takes this further by converting older missiles into a separate source of ground-attack or training targets. Ukrainian intelligence's reported production figures indicate that Russia is producing these missiles in quantities large enough to become a regular component of its strike arsenal. At the same time, these weapons should not be treated as direct equivalents of purpose-built ballistic missiles. Their original design, guidance systems, warheads and intended missions are different. The significance of the development is therefore mainly in the additional number and variety of high-speed targets that Russia can introduce into combined attacks. The August 5 strike on Kyiv demonstrated the continuing difficulty Ukraine faces in defending against large ballistic missile salvos when interceptor availability is limited. Source : oboronka

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-09 16:04:31

 World 

DAMASCUS — Syria and Russia have signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a new framework for Russia’s presence at the Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval facility. The agreement was announced Sunday by Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates through the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), following about 18 months of negotiations between the two sides.   Civilian Facilities to Be Transferred to Syria Under the memorandum, Syria will take over civilian facilities associated with the Russian installations. The transfer includes Hmeimim Airport and the fourth commercial berth at the port of Tartus, along with associated warehouses and facilities. These sites will be gradually integrated into Syria’s civilian administration. Syria’s General Authority for Ports and Customs will assume control of the commercial facilities at Tartus that were previously operated by Russia.   Military Facilities to Become Joint Training Centers The agreement also changes the planned role of the military installations at Hmeimim and Tartus. The two sides have agreed to transform the facilities into joint training and qualification centers under new arrangements intended to preserve the interests of both countries through cooperation, development and rehabilitation. The memorandum sets a maximum period of three months to complete the transition. The new arrangements will take effect after this period.   Agreement Follows Changes in Syria The negotiations began after the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, when the future of Russia’s military presence in Syria became a subject of discussions between Moscow and the new Syrian authorities. Hmeimim, near Latakia, and the Tartus naval facility have been Russia’s main military installations in Syria. The Syrian Foreign Ministry described the memorandum as the most significant development since negotiations began approximately 18 months ago, saying it establishes the framework for the next stage of Syrian-Russian relations. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited the facilities covered by the agreement on Sunday to inspect the sites and installations, according to SANA.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-09 14:37:11

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BRISBANE, Australia — Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) has secured its second contract under Australia’s LAND 4140 program to supply next-generation Class Two Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) satellite communications ground terminals to the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The terminals will use high-speed, wideband satellite communications links to provide reliable connectivity beyond direct line of sight. The capability is intended to support continuous data flow for Australian forces operating in complex and contested environments. Matt Buckle, director of Joint Systems at Boeing Defence Australia, said the system would help connect Australia’s Integrated Force across multiple domains. “Underpinned by high-speed, wideband SATCOM links, the advanced BLOS system will ensure uninterrupted data flow that allows the Australian Defence Force to connect when needed and operate with confidence when it matters most,” Buckle said.   Building on Existing Communications Infrastructure The new capability will build on the secure Integrated Battlefield Telecommunications Network (IBTN), which Boeing Defence Australia previously delivered to the ADF under the Currawong program. Boeing said its experience with the network provides a foundation for supporting Defence’s wider software and communications modernisation under LAND 4140. The company has supported Australian Defence communications and networking programs for more than a decade. Its work includes the IBTN, the SEA 1442 maritime communications project and its role as a subcontractor on AIR 6500.   Boeing’s Second LAND 4140 Contract The BLOS SATCOM award follows Boeing Defence Australia’s appointment earlier in 2026 as systems integrator for the LAND 4140 Battlefield Management System (BMS). The BMS contract became effective on March 6, 2026, with an operative date scheduled for September 2026 and an initial term of five years. Under the BMS contract, Boeing is responsible for coordinating the consolidation of software applications, services and stakeholders to deliver a unified command-and-control capability for the Australian Army. The system brings together command and control, situational awareness, geospatial, navigation and targeting information. The new SATCOM terminals will provide the beyond-line-of-sight communications needed to transmit this type of operational information between geographically separated elements of the force.   LAND 4140 C4 Modernisation LAND 4140 is Australia’s Land C4 Modernisation Project, which aims to upgrade the Australian Army’s command, control, communications and computers capabilities. The program is designed to improve the integration of command and control, intelligence, sensors and weapon-system effectors for joint land force operations. Tranche 1 includes Beyond Line-of-Sight SATCOM, High Capacity Data Networking, ICT Mobility, Network Modelling and Modular Open System Standards. The latest Boeing contract therefore adds the BLOS communications component to the company’s existing role in the LAND 4140 Battlefield Management System, expanding its involvement in Australia’s land-force communications and information-system modernisation.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-09 12:58:27

 World 

Gelendzhik, Krasnodar Krai, Russia — Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces reported striking a Russian S-400 Triumf air defense position in Gelendzhik, Krasnodar Krai, during an overnight drone operation on August 8–9. The operation also targeted four other Russian air defense assets and three vessels in the Black Sea. Major Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, said the S-400 position had launched six missiles toward Ukraine on August 8 between 9:25 a.m. and 12:51 p.m. Ukrainian drones later struck the position, which reportedly remained on fire for about three hours. Ukraine’s General Staff also confirmed the strike. Available information indicates that a launcher belonging to the S-400 system was destroyed, although the full extent of damage to the wider S-400 battery has not been independently established. Local residents recorded smoke rising from the area following the attack.   Four Additional Air Defense Targets Brovdi said Ukrainian forces also destroyed four Russian air defense assets at separate locations in Rostov Oblast and Krasnodar Krai. The reported targets were: Tor air defense system near Pudovyi, Rostov Oblast Pantsir-S1 air defense system near Yeysk, Krasnodar Krai Podlet-K1 radar near Golovatovka, Rostov Oblast Kasta 2E2 radar near Latonovo, Rostov Oblast The Tor and Pantsir-S1 are air defense systems, while the Podlet-K1 and Kasta 2E2 are radar systems used for air surveillance and target detection.   Volna Kupol Garant Electronic Warfare System Open-source analysis also identified the destruction of a Russian Volna Kupol Garant electronic warfare system in Gelendzhik. The system is designed to interfere with Starlink satellite communications. Reporting from Inside GNSS, citing Ukrainian defense sources, said the system uses trailer-mounted antennas to direct interference toward Starlink satellites. Ukrainian sources have reported that its interference can cover an area of about 20 square kilometers. The reported destruction of the system was identified through open-source satellite imagery. Because the evidence comes from open-source analysis, the exact circumstances and timing of its destruction remain subject to further verification.   Three Black Sea Vessels Targeted The same operation also targeted three vessels described by Brovdi as part of Russia’s shadow fleet. The vessels consisted of one oil tanker and two dry cargo ships. Ukrainian authorities did not provide details on the extent of damage to the vessels. The term “shadow fleet” generally refers to vessels used to transport Russian oil and other cargo through ownership, registration or operating arrangements intended to reduce the impact of sanctions.   Continued Targeting of Russian Air Defense The reported operation adds to Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to strike Russian air defense and radar infrastructure beyond the immediate battlefield. The S-400 is a Russian long-range surface-to-air missile system, while the Tor and Pantsir-S1 provide shorter-range air defense capabilities. Radar systems such as the Podlet-K1 and Kasta 2E2 support the detection and tracking of airborne targets. The open-source tracking project Oryx has documented visually confirmed Russian losses involving S-400 launchers, including 5P85T2 and 5P85SM2-01 variants. For the latest operation, however, the exact number of S-400 components damaged or destroyed remains unclear. Russian authorities have also not released a detailed public assessment of the reported strikes.    

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-09 12:48:14

 World 

WASHINGTON — The United States has approved the permanent transfer of American-origin military equipment from Türkiye to Ukraine, including 70 M39 ATACMS missiles, 12 M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) launchers, 2,524 M26 rockets and 47,000 M509A1 203 mm artillery rounds. The transfer requires U.S. authorization because the weapons were originally supplied to Türkiye by the United States. The U.S. State Department notified Congress of the proposed permanent transfer on August 3, 2026, and the notification was published in the Congressional Record on August 6. The equipment is being transferred from Turkish inventories to Ukraine. According to the notification, Türkiye wants to reduce its inventory of older defense equipment and use its financial resources for the modernization and sustainment of its existing systems. Ukraine is seeking the equipment to strengthen its offensive and defensive fire-support capabilities. The notification also states that Ukraine already possesses weapons of the same or essentially similar types.   What the Package Includes Equipment Quantity Description M270 MLRS launchers 12 Tracked launchers capable of firing MLRS rockets and ATACMS missiles M39 ATACMS missiles 70 Short-range ballistic missiles with a stated range of about 165 km M26 DPICM rockets 2,524 Unguided 227 mm rockets carrying DPICM submunitions M509A1 DPICM rounds 47,000 203 mm artillery ammunition The M39 is an early ATACMS variant equipped with a cluster warhead containing 950 M74 submunitions. The M26 is an unguided 227 mm rocket originally designed for the M270 and HIMARS family of launchers. The M270 is a tracked multiple-launch rocket system that can employ both 227 mm MLRS-family rockets and ATACMS missiles. This gives Ukraine additional launch platforms for the different types of ammunition included in the transfer.   Transfer Value The Congressional notification lists an original acquisition value of approximately $255.9 million for the M270 launchers, M26 rockets and M509A1 rounds. The 70 M39 ATACMS missiles are listed separately at approximately $28 million. Together, the two notifications put the original acquisition value of the equipment at about $284 million.   Companies Involved The transfer is being arranged through several companies in Türkiye, Bulgaria and the United States. The documents identify MKE A.Ş., ASFAT A.Ş. and ARCA Savunma San. Tic. A.Ş. as Turkish private entities involved in the transfer. VTIC International Ltd. is identified as the Bulgarian entity, while Pansophico and Patriot Defense Group are the U.S. private entities involved in the transaction.   Congressional Review The equipment is scheduled to be transferred immediately after the congressional notification period is completed, according to the State Department notification. The proposed transfer remains subject to the statutory congressional review process. The approval is significant because Washington's authorization allows Türkiye to transfer U.S.-origin systems from its own inventory to Ukraine rather than requiring the equipment to come directly from U.S. stocks.   Additional Long-Range Firepower for Ukraine The 70 M39 ATACMS missiles would add to Ukraine's existing inventory of ATACMS missiles. The M39 variant has a range of approximately 165 kilometers and uses a cluster warhead, making it different from newer ATACMS variants equipped with unitary warheads. The 12 M270 launchers would also expand Ukraine's fleet of tracked launch systems. Together with the M26 rockets and ATACMS missiles, the package provides Ukraine with additional ammunition and launch platforms for its existing long-range and rocket-artillery capabilities. The 47,000 M509A1 203 mm rounds are another major part of the transfer. Ukraine operates Soviet-designed 2S7 Pion 203 mm self-propelled guns, while M509A1 is a 203 mm DPICM artillery round. Public sources have previously documented the presence and use of 203 mm ammunition in Ukraine. No specific delivery date has been publicly identified in the notification beyond the statement that the transfer is proposed to begin after the congressional notification period is completed. The package therefore represents a permanent third-country transfer of U.S.-origin weapons from Türkiye to Ukraine, combining ATACMS missiles, M270 launchers, MLRS rockets and 203 mm artillery ammunition in a single transfer.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-09 11:51:26

 World 

Northern Australia — The Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) E-7A Wedgetail worked alongside Japan’s E-2D Hawkeye, the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s G550 and Australian ground-based controllers during Exercise Pitch Black 2026, supporting multinational command-and-control operations. Operated by No. 2 Squadron, the E-7A helped connect airborne and ground-based command-and-control units during complex air combat missions. The integration allowed participating forces to combine information from different sensors and maintain a shared view of the battlespace. Exercise Pitch Black was conducted from July 20 to August 7, 2026, primarily in northern Australia. Around 100 aircraft and 2,500 personnel from 21 nations participated in the exercise, operating mainly from RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal in the Northern Territory, with some activity at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland.   E-7A Links Airborne and Ground-Based Units During the exercise, the RAAF E-7A operated with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) E-2D Hawkeye, the Republic of Singapore Air Force G550 and Australia's 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit (114MCRU). The E-7A used data links to combine information from airborne and ground-based sensors. This helped participating forces build a common operating picture during missions and coordinate aircraft from different countries. Squadron Leader Daniel Price, No. 2 Squadron’s Exercise Pitch Black Detachment Commander, described the arrangement as a command-and-control “constellation.” “The E-7A works side by side with our partner nation’s airborne early warning and control aircraft, including the Japan Air Self-Defense Force E-2D and Republic of Singapore Air Force G550, as well as ground-based air battle management units such as 114MCRU,” Price said. He said the integration allowed each unit to make use of the different systems and capabilities available within the multinational force. “Integration looks a lot like working as a command and control ‘constellation’ alongside the JASDF E-2D and 114MCRU, capitalising on each unit’s unique systems and platforms,” Price said.   Cooperation Improved With Each Mission The RAAF said cooperation between the participating units became more streamlined as they completed additional missions together. According to Price, repeated operations helped personnel develop greater confidence in their partner forces, refine procedures and improve the way the different units worked together. “Operations become more streamlined with every mission conducted. You learn to trust the expertise of your partners, refine how you work together and ultimately become a more effective warfighting package,” he said. Mission planning and post-flight debriefs were also an important part of the exercise. These activities gave participating personnel an opportunity to discuss tactical problems, understand how partner forces approached missions and identify ways to support one another more effectively. “These periods allow us to better understand how our coalition partners assess tactical problems, undertake missions and how we can best support one another,” Price said.   Ground Crews Support E-7A Operations The RAAF also highlighted the personnel responsible for keeping the E-7A available throughout the exercise. Maintainers, engineers, logisticians, planners and other support personnel worked behind the aircraft's operational missions to ensure it remained ready to fly. “Behind every mission is a dedicated team of maintainers, engineers, logisticians, planners and support personnel whose work ensures the capability is ready to fly,” Price said. He added that the E-7A team was dedicated to its role in supporting the exercise.   Japan Deploys E-2D and F-35A Japan's participation also included the E-2D Hawkeye operating with the E-7A and other command-and-control assets. Japan also deployed F-35A Lightning II aircraft to Exercise Pitch Black for the first time. The combination of airborne early warning and control aircraft, ground-based air battle management units and fighter aircraft provided opportunities for the participating nations to practice multinational air operations using different platforms and command-and-control capabilities. The RAAF said the professional relationships developed during the exercise were another important outcome of the multinational training. “Training side by side and spending time with our international partners develops trust, understanding and confidence in each other’s capabilities, something that simply can’t be replicated in a classroom or virtual environment,” Price said. The three-week exercise therefore provided the E-7A Wedgetail and its crews with repeated opportunities to operate within a multinational command-and-control network alongside airborne and ground-based partners.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-09 11:41:09

 World 

SURABAYA, Indonesia — Indonesia has begun physical construction of its first domestically built Scorpène Evolved submarine after PT PAL Indonesia cut the first steel plate at its Surabaya shipyard on August 7. The ceremony marked the start of construction of the lead submarine under the Scorpène Republik Indonesia (SRI) programme, which covers two Scorpène Evolved submarines equipped with full lithium-ion battery systems. The first submarine is scheduled for delivery in 2032, followed by the second in 2033. Construction of each boat is expected to take about 96 months.   Programme Progress Overall programme completion has reached about 20.5 percent. This figure includes infrastructure preparation, technical qualification, workforce training and supply-chain arrangements completed before the steel-cutting ceremony. Indonesia selected Naval Group and PT PAL for the programme in March 2024, and the contract entered into force on July 23, 2025. The programme is valued at approximately €2.16 billion, or about US$2.49 billion. PT PAL President Director Kaharuddin Djenod said the programme is progressing according to plan and is intended to establish long-term Indonesian submarine construction expertise through technology transfer.   Scorpène Evolved Specifications The Scorpène Evolved is a conventional diesel-electric attack submarine using a full lithium-ion battery configuration. The Indonesian variant is approximately 72 metres long and has a surfaced displacement of 1,600 to 2,000 tonnes. It has a submerged speed of more than 20 knots and a diving depth exceeding 300 metres. The submarine has more than 12 days of submerged autonomy and more than 78 days of overall autonomy on an 80-day mission. It is designed for a crew of 31 and has six weapon tubes with a total payload of 18 weapons. The submarine will use the SUBTICS combat management system.   Construction and Technology Transfer Both submarines will be built entirely in Indonesia. PT PAL is responsible for hull construction, equipment integration, final assembly, testing and delivery. Naval Group is providing the design, specialised components and engineering support. Its permanent team in Surabaya is expected to reach around 50 experts. More than 400 Indonesian engineers are being trained in France in submarine construction, integration, certification and maintenance. Indonesian welders have also completed specialised training and qualification activities in France. An Indonesian Navy task force is training in France with the French Navy and Naval Group. The programme includes crew training, maintenance preparation, operational doctrine and command integration. Specialised support for the programme comes from Naval Group facilities in France. Cherbourg provides submarine hull and platform expertise, while Lorient and Nantes-Indret contribute propulsion and battery expertise. The SUBTICS combat management system is associated with Naval Group's centre in Ollioules.   Industrial Development The programme represents a more demanding construction task for PT PAL than its previous Type 209-class submarine work. It requires qualified welding processes, submarine hull construction expertise and strict requirements for acoustic management and system integration. PT PAL's facilities are being developed to support construction and future maintenance, repair and overhaul activities for Scorpène submarines. The programme is expected to create around 2,250 jobs across construction, support and long-term maintenance. It forms Phase II of Indonesia's National Submarine Technology Mastery Programme. Indonesia aims to develop greater domestic capability for major submarine overhauls by around 2030, while its longer-term objective is to develop the ability to design, build and potentially export its own submarines between 2042 and 2050. Any future sale of the submarines or related services to third countries would require additional agreements and is not automatically covered by the current contract. The August 7 steel-cutting ceremony moves the SRI programme from preparation and qualification activities into physical submarine construction, with hull fabrication, equipment integration, testing and further workforce development now forming the next stages before delivery of the first boat in 2032.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 16:20:26

 World 

HSINCHU, Taiwan —  The Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) deployed its Antelope short-range air defense system at Hsinchu Air Base during the Han Kuang 42 military exercises, as Taiwanese forces practiced maintaining air operations after a simulated People’s Liberation Army (PLA) missile strike. The drill combined emergency runway repair, short-range air defense and rapid rearmament of Mirage 2000-5 fighter aircraft.   Antelope Provides Local Air Defense The Antelope system, developed by Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), was deployed to protect personnel repairing the simulated runway damage. The mobile system is mounted on a 4x4 tactical vehicle and carries four Tien Chien I (Sky Sword I) infrared-guided surface-to-air missiles. It uses a short-range search and tracking radar together with electro-optical and infrared sensors. The missiles have an effective engagement range of approximately 9 kilometers. The system can be operated from the vehicle or through a remote control console positioned up to 70 meters away. Developed from the Tien Chien I missile program in the 1990s, the Antelope has been in service for more than 20 years and is used to provide short-range protection for air bases and other important installations.   Emergency Runway Repair After the simulated missile strike, engineering personnel practiced restoring the damaged runway. An excavator created a mock crater before a dump truck filled it with gravel. A grader then leveled the material, followed by a bulldozer placing fiberglass expeditionary runway matting over the repaired section. Engineers also used drones and heavy equipment to assess the simulated damage. The ROCAF's requirement is for the complete process, from crater mapping and damage assessment to runway restoration, to be completed within four hours. The exercise tested the ability to continue operating from an air base after a runway has been damaged by an attack.   Mirage 2000-5 Rapid Rearmament While the runway repair was underway, Mirage 2000-5 fighters from the 2nd Tactical Fighter Wing conducted rapid rearmament and emergency takeoff drills. Ground crews worked in four-person teams to install R.550 Magic air-to-air missiles on the fighters, while loaders were used to equip the aircraft with MICA missiles. Two Mirage 2000 fighters configured for air defense carried two MICA missiles, two R.550 Magic missiles and two external fuel tanks. After receiving an order from the Joint Air Operations Center, the aircraft became airborne within approximately five to six minutes.   Han Kuang 42 Exercise The activities at Hsinchu were part of Taiwan’s annual Han Kuang 42 military exercises, which began on August 5 and are scheduled to run for 10 days and nine nights. The Hsinchu scenario linked runway damage assessment and repair with local air defense and the rapid return of armed fighter aircraft to the air. The exercise was intended to practice the sequence from a simulated enemy strike through runway restoration and the launch of fighters. The deployment of the Antelope system provided protection for the personnel carrying out the emergency repairs while the base worked to restore its ability to support air operations.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 14:46:40

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MOSCOW, Russia — Russia is expanding its Rassvet low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications constellation, developed by Bureau 1440, with 32 production satellites now launched in two batches. The network is intended to provide broadband communications for civilian users, but Russian officials have also linked the project to future military communications and the control of unmanned systems. Bureau 1440 says Rassvet is being developed to provide broadband connectivity for aircraft, ships, ground vehicles and other users. The company is targeting data rates of up to 1 Gbit/s per user terminal and latency of less than 70 milliseconds. The military relevance of the network has increased as Russia seeks an independent satellite communications capability for operations involving drones and other systems operating beyond direct line of sight.   Rassvet Moves Into Production Bureau 1440 began the Rassvet program with three experimental satellites launched in 2023. Three additional Rassvet-2 spacecraft were launched in 2024 to test technologies for the future production constellation. The company also demonstrated satellite communications using its own user terminal and tested laser communications between spacecraft. The transition to production began on March 23, 2026, when a Soyuz-2.1b rocket launched 16 Rassvet satellites from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. Bureau 1440 subsequently launched another 16 satellites on July 19, with the company confirming on July 20 that the second group had been placed into orbit. The first production group has not yet provided continuous coverage. Orbital analysis cited in the supplied data indicates that it provides at least two stable communication windows over Ukraine each day, with individual windows lasting more than an hour. The planned constellation is considerably larger. Russian plans call for commercial operations from 2027, with the network expanding toward several hundred satellites before eventually reaching more than 900 spacecraft. Earlier targets included about 156 satellites by the end of 2026. Bureau 1440's project has also received substantial Russian state backing. The supplied project figures include about 102.8 billion rubles from the federal budget under the Data Economy program, while Bureau 1440 has planned additional investment of around 329 billion rubles through 2030.   Military Use Is Part of the Project's Plans Although Rassvet is officially presented as a civilian broadband network, Russian political and military officials have discussed military applications. In June 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin linked the Bureau 1440 project with the future operation of heavy drones. Russian planning also calls for expanding the country's drone fleet and moving the satellite communications system toward commercial operation in 2027. For military users, the important feature is the ability to maintain communications beyond the range of conventional line-of-sight links. The network could support the transmission of video and telemetry, communication with unmanned aircraft and changes to mission information while a platform is operating away from its control station. The extent to which these capabilities will be integrated into Russian operational systems will depend on the number of satellites, availability of terminals and the development of supporting ground infrastructure. Bureau 1440's user terminals are reported to measure up to 60 cm on each side, weigh less than 15 kg and support bandwidth of up to 1 Gbit/s. They are designed to operate between –40°C and +40°C.   Ukraine's Experience Shows the Importance of Satellite Links Ukraine's use of Starlink has demonstrated how satellite communications can support drone operations over distances beyond conventional radio links. Ukrainian unmanned systems have used satellite communications for missions against Russian logistics, air-defense systems, radar installations, electronic warfare equipment and other targets. Between January and July 2026, Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces reported striking 236 Russian anti-aircraft systems, radar stations and related assets, with the value of the equipment claimed at more than $5.4 billion. These figures are Ukrainian military claims and have not been independently verified. Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces commander Robert Brovdi also reported that Russian military cargo traffic along the R-280 route toward Crimea fell by 71 percent over a two-week period following Ukrainian drone strikes. The claim was reported by Ukrinform and other outlets. These operations illustrate the military value of maintaining a reliable communications link between a drone and its operator. A Russian satellite network capable of providing similar connectivity could therefore become an important component of future Russian unmanned operations.   Electronic Warfare Creates a New Problem The expansion of Rassvet also creates a new electronic warfare challenge. Russia is already using systems designed to interfere with satellite communications. One example is the Volna Kupol Garant, which Ukrainian officials say is being used against Starlink. According to Ukrainian officials cited by Reuters, the system can disrupt Starlink communications over an area of about 20 square kilometers. Reuters reported in July that Ukrainian drone units had identified Russian use of the system against Starlink-supported drone operations. Ukrainian officials have described Volna Kupol Garant as a system that directs powerful interference toward satellites rather than simply jamming a receiver on the ground. Interfax reported that the system operates around the 14–14.5 GHz range and can affect a satellite passing over an area of up to 20 square kilometers. This experience is relevant to Rassvet because the Russian constellation also uses Ku- and Ka-band frequencies. Official frequency allocations cited in the supplied data include 14–14.495 GHz in the Ku band and 29.5–30 GHz in the Ka band for mobile satellite service terminals.   Why Rassvet Would Be Difficult to Jam Jamming a LEO satellite network is different from suppressing a conventional terrestrial radio system. Rassvet satellites operate hundreds of kilometers above Earth and move rapidly across the sky. A ground-based jammer therefore cannot simply create a stationary interference zone and expect it to affect the same satellite continuously. Effective interference against a particular satellite requires accurate tracking and a sufficiently concentrated radio beam. As the satellite moves, the antenna must continue following it. The problem becomes more complicated as the number of satellites increases. A larger constellation means that several spacecraft can be visible from the same area at different points in their orbits. An electronic warfare system attempting to interfere with the network would therefore require accurate satellite tracking and the ability to move from one spacecraft to another. The Ka-band frequencies planned for Rassvet also create additional engineering challenges. At around 30 GHz, free-space propagation losses are higher than at 14 GHz, while rain and atmospheric moisture can have a greater effect on the signal. High-power amplifiers and precise antenna pointing are therefore important considerations for systems operating in this range.   Frequency Overlap With Starlink Adds Another Complication Another issue is that portions of the Rassvet frequency allocation overlap with frequencies used by Starlink. The Rassvet Ku-band uplink allocation of 14–14.495 GHz overlaps the 14–14.5 GHz range used by Starlink uplinks. The Rassvet Ka-band allocation also overlaps portions of the Ka-band spectrum used by satellite communications systems. This means that broad-spectrum interference could potentially affect both networks. For Ukraine, which relies heavily on Starlink for military communications, a counter-Rassvet system would therefore have to distinguish between different satellites and transmissions rather than simply transmitting interference across a large portion of the spectrum. The exact Rassvet signal structure is not publicly available in sufficient detail to determine all of its channel bandwidths, modulation, coding, polarization and frequency-management techniques. That makes it difficult to design a system specifically optimized to interfere with individual Rassvet communication channels.   A Narrow Development Window As of August 2026, Rassvet remains much smaller than Starlink and does not provide continuous coverage over Ukraine. However, the network has moved beyond the experimental stage and entered regular production launches. The first 16 production satellites were launched in March, followed by another 16 in July. Bureau 1440's own timeline confirms both launches as major steps in the deployment of its communications constellation. The second group is still moving toward its operational orbits, while further launches are expected as Russia works toward its larger constellation targets. For Ukraine, this creates a period in which the network remains relatively small but its technical architecture can already be studied. Developing countermeasures would require monitoring the satellites, analyzing their signals, developing suitable Ku- and Ka-band equipment and improving systems capable of tracking fast-moving LEO spacecraft. The challenge will become greater if Rassvet eventually reaches hundreds of operational satellites and Russian forces deploy large numbers of compatible terminals on drones and other platforms. For now, Rassvet is still in the early stages of deployment. Its first production satellites have established limited communication coverage, while Russia continues building the infrastructure needed for a much larger constellation. The eventual military significance of the system will depend on how quickly the satellite network expands and how extensively Russian forces integrate it with unmanned systems. Source : militarnyi

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 14:37:28

 World 

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine is developing a new anti-ballistic missile system under the FREYJA project, built around the FP-7.x interceptor developed by Ukrainian defense company Fire Point. The project combines a Ukrainian missile with European radar, guidance and command-and-control technologies and is intended to provide an additional European capability against ballistic missile threats. The project was formally backed on July 13, 2026, when Ukraine and nine European countries — Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom — announced the creation of the Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition in Paris. The coalition described the initiative as a purely defensive effort to develop a shared European anti-ballistic missile capability. At the center of the project is the FP-7.x, which draws on technology associated with the Soviet-era S-300 missile family. Fire Point is using an established missile-production base rather than developing an entirely new interceptor from the beginning.   From S-300 technology to FP-7.x The history of the project goes back to the Soviet development of the 5B55 missile family for the S-300P air-defense system. The 5B55 was designed primarily to engage aircraft and other aerodynamic targets. The broader S-300 missile family later developed into the heavier 48N6 series, which provided greater performance and was also designed to engage ballistic targets during their terminal flight phase. Fire Point's current FP-7.x is associated with this later S-300 missile heritage. Defense publications have reported that the interceptor is based on the 48N6 family rather than being a completely new missile design. This heritage is important because Ukraine already has experience with the production of S-300-family missiles. The Soviet-era Vizar plant near Zhytomyr was involved in production of S-300 missiles, providing an existing industrial background for the current Ukrainian effort. The FP-7.x is a large interceptor. Fire Point has stated a length of 7.25 meters, while its fuselage diameter has been reported at approximately 0.53 meters. Its reported speed is in the 1,500–2,000 meters-per-second range. Designed for the terminal phase of ballistic missile defense The main challenge for FP-7.x is different from that faced by a conventional surface-to-air missile. A ballistic missile's warhead can approach its target at very high speed during the final stage of flight. An interceptor therefore has to detect, track and engage the target within a short period. Fire Point has developed the FP-7.x specifically for this role. According to company statements reported by Janes, the current development is aimed at interception at approximately 20–25 kilometers altitude. Fire Point has also discussed an eventual maximum speed of about 2,200 m/s, while earlier testing reportedly reached about 1,800 m/s. Earlier published specifications for the missile gave a speed of 1,500–2,000 m/s, a length of 7.25 meters and a 150-kilogram combat load. The project is therefore focused on the lower layer of ballistic missile defense rather than attempting the type of high-altitude or exo-atmospheric interception associated with systems such as THAAD or SM-3.   Infrared seeker is a major part of the upgrade One of the most important changes is the missile's guidance system. Fire Point's FP-7.x is being developed with an imaging infrared seeker, with German defense company Diehl Defence involved in the technology partnership. Earlier descriptions of the Freya architecture identified an infrared imaging seeker as one of the key components of the interceptor. The use of an infrared seeker is intended to provide the interceptor with terminal guidance against the target after the wider air-defense network has detected and tracked it. The exact final configuration of the seeker and its integration into the complete Freya system remains part of the development process.   Current interceptor uses a fragmentation warhead The first FP-7.x configuration is not based on a pure kinetic hit-to-kill approach. Fire Point CEO Iryna Terekh told Janes that the current version uses a blast-fragmentation warhead, while the company is considering development of a future hit-to-kill interceptor. The distinction is important. A hit-to-kill interceptor attempts to destroy the incoming target through a direct physical collision. The current FP-7.x instead uses an explosive warhead to damage or destroy the target. Fire Point has said that moving toward a hit-to-kill configuration is part of the longer-term development path. The company therefore sees the present missile as an initial configuration rather than the final form of the interceptor.   Mass production is central to the concept The Freya project is also being developed around a different economic model from high-cost ballistic missile interceptors. Fire Point has cited a target cost of approximately $700,000 per interceptor, compared with around $3.8 million for a Patriot PAC-3 interceptor in figures reported by the Financial Times. The $700,000 figure is a developer estimate rather than a confirmed production price. Early production is expected to be more expensive, particularly because the final cost depends on imported components. Fire Point has also stated a production objective of approximately 2,000 interceptors per year for Freya, with the possibility of increasing production depending on requirements. The idea is for a lower-cost interceptor to supplement existing systems rather than replace them. More expensive interceptors could remain available for targets requiring the highest level of interception capability, while a larger number of lower-cost missiles could provide additional defensive coverage.   Freya will combine Ukrainian and European systems Fire Point is not developing the entire missile-defense system alone. The company is responsible for the FP-7.x interceptor and serves as a central industrial participant in the Freya concept, while European partners are expected to provide other elements of the system. One confirmed part of the architecture is the use of European radar technology. Hensoldt's TRML-4D has been identified in connection with the project, while Diehl Defence is associated with the missile's infrared seeker technology. The broader Freya concept is based on an open architecture, allowing different European sensors, command systems and communications equipment to be integrated rather than relying on one closed system. The project has also been described as intended for integration with NATO-standard communications, including Link 16. Other European defense companies have been discussed in connection with the wider coalition and system architecture, but not all reported companies have been formally confirmed as suppliers of specific Freya components.   Ten-country coalition established in Paris The political framework for the project was established on July 13, 2026, in Paris. The founding members of the Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition are: Denmark France Germany Italy Netherlands Norway Spain Sweden Ukraine United Kingdom The coalition's joint declaration calls for common operational requirements, technical working groups, governance arrangements and a roadmap toward initial operational capabilities. It also supports joint research and development and greater information exchange among participating countries. The Ukrainian presidency said the coalition remains open to additional countries that share its objectives.   Testing and development timeline The FP-7.x has already undergone flight testing. Fire Point said in June that the missile had completed testing of its flight characteristics, while the first flight test had earlier been described as successful by company officials. However, a flight test of the interceptor is different from a successful interception of a ballistic target. According to Janes, Fire Point CEO Iryna Terekh said the first ballistic interception test for Project Freyja is expected around July 2027. This makes the schedule more cautious than earlier political statements about rapidly creating an integrated system. The project still has to complete interceptor development, seeker integration, radar and command-system integration and ballistic interception testing.   A new European layer, not a replacement for every existing system The Freya project represents an attempt to combine Ukraine's experience with missile development and production with European radar, electronics and defense-industry capabilities. Its approach is based on using the FP-7.x as a relatively large, mass-produced interceptor while incorporating modern European components around it. The system is intended to add another layer to Europe's ballistic missile defenses rather than replace every existing system. For now, the most important milestones remain the integration of the European components and the first demonstrated interception of a ballistic target. Until those tests are completed, the final performance of the FP-7.x and the complete FREYJA system remains to be demonstrated. Source : topwar

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 12:55:37

 World 

Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia used about 86% of its 2,800 Patriot PAC-3 interceptor missiles during the first 38 days of combat with Iran, leaving roughly 400 missiles, according to Reuters. The depletion highlights the pressure that sustained missile attacks have placed on air-defense inventories across the United States and Gulf region. The U.S. Patriot system is a mobile surface-to-air missile defense system capable of engaging aircraft, tactical ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. The PAC-3 family uses hit-to-kill technology, with the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) produced by Lockheed Martin. U.S. inventories have also fallen significantly. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimates that around 65% of U.S. Patriot interceptors were expended between February and July, reducing the stock from about 2,330 before the Iran war to fewer than 850. CSIS also estimated that U.S. THAAD interceptor stocks had fallen to about 250. To replenish Gulf inventories, the United States has approved the sale of 5,250 Patriot interceptors to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The U.S. Army has also awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth up to $58.6 billion for Patriot interceptor production. Reuters reported that the agreement is intended to expand production as the United States and its allies work to rebuild depleted missile stocks. The production challenge is significant because Patriot interceptors are being demanded by multiple countries at the same time. CSIS has warned that rebuilding U.S. missile inventories will take several years, while the Pentagon has sought additional funding to accelerate ammunition production.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-08 11:30:51

 World 

CALGARY, Alberta — European defence and industrial group Czechoslovak Group (CSG) has become a strategic investor in North Vector Dynamics (NVD), a Calgary-based Canadian defence technology company developing advanced air defence systems, precision-guided missiles, counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), and next-generation hypersonic technologies. The companies did not disclose the financial value of the equity investment. However, the transaction values North Vector Dynamics at more than USD 90 million. The investment forms part of CSG's long-term strategy to strengthen its portfolio in advanced defence technologies. The group said NVD's expertise complements its existing capabilities in radar systems, air defence, air traffic management, autonomous systems, missile and unmanned aerial vehicle propulsion, and other defence technologies.   Focus on Expanding Defence Technologies CSG said the partnership goes beyond financial investment. The company plans to support NVD by providing access to its industrial capabilities, manufacturing capacity, systems integration opportunities, and international commercial network. The cooperation is intended to accelerate the development, production, commercialisation, and operational deployment of NVD's technologies, particularly among NATO member states. CSG also plans to use its established commercial network across Ukraine, NATO countries, and other partner nations to support the wider adoption of NVD's systems. Michal Strnad, Chairman of the Board and CEO of CSG, said the nature of modern warfare is changing rapidly, making autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, precision guidance, and affordable air defence increasingly important. He said North Vector Dynamics is developing a family of interceptor systems with the potential to play an important role in future defence capabilities, adding that CSG intends to become a long-term strategic partner by contributing industrial expertise, manufacturing resources, and market access in addition to investment.   North Vector Dynamics Expanding Advanced Defence Portfolio Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, North Vector Dynamics develops advanced defence technologies for modern military requirements. The company is currently under contract with Canada's Department of National Defence to support the advancement of hypersonic technologies. It also previously received a CAD 4.2 million contract from Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) for high-speed and hypersonic aeropropulsion research, in addition to earlier support through the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) programme. NVD was established by former aerospace engineering professors and researchers with applied research experience at NASA and other leading institutions. Its leadership team is also supported by General (Ret.) Tom Lawson, former senior military commander of the Canadian Armed Forces and former Deputy Commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), who serves as Strategic Advisor.   CM-70 Counter-Drone Missile One of North Vector Dynamics' primary products is the CM-70 counter-unmanned aerial system missile, designed as a lower-cost interceptor for defeating drone threats compared with conventional guided missile interceptors. According to published specifications, the precision-guided interceptor weighs approximately 3 kilograms, measures 0.9 metres in length, has an operational range of about 3.5 kilometres, and can reach speeds of around 900 km/h. The missile uses semi-active laser guidance, features a forward-firing fragmentation warhead, and is designed to engage Group I, II, and III unmanned aerial systems. The system has an open architecture compatible with existing NATO command-and-control networks, allowing integration into layered air defence systems. The company also describes the CM-70 as ITAR-free. Beyond the CM-70, NVD is developing additional strike and interception systems covering multiple speed, range, and payload categories using different sensing and propulsion technologies.   Canada Selected for Long-Term Partnership Stanislav Kuba, Investment Director at CSG, said the investment reflects the company's approach to supporting technological innovation through long-term partnerships rather than short-term financial investments. He said CSG aims to help North Vector Dynamics accelerate development, increase production capacity, and expand access to allied defence markets where its technologies could contribute to modern defence capabilities. Kuba also cited Canada's stability, transparency, and highly qualified workforce as important reasons for selecting the country for investment.   Partnership to Accelerate Operational Deployment Dr. Paul Ziadé, Co-Founder and CEO of North Vector Dynamics, said the partnership will provide more than financial support by bringing industrial expertise, knowledge of defence markets, and a strong international presence. He said both companies share the objective of rapidly developing modern defence capabilities for Canada, NATO members, and other allied nations, adding that the cooperation is expected to accelerate both the company's growth and the operational deployment of its technologies.   CSG Continues Defence Technology Expansion The investment represents another step in CSG's broader expansion across the defence sector. The European industrial group has recently strengthened its capabilities in autonomous systems, radar technologies, missile propulsion, air defence, and air traffic management. The company also announced the appointment of defence industry veteran Ben Hudson in August 2026 as part of its continuing expansion strategy. CSG is listed on Euronext Amsterdam, employs more than 14,000 people, operates manufacturing facilities in several countries, and exports defence products to more than 70 nations. In recent years, the group has expanded through acquisitions and strategic investments across land systems, ammunition, military vehicles, and related defence technologies. The investment in North Vector Dynamics also strengthens CSG's presence in the North American defence market while supporting technological and industrial cooperation between Canada and European defence industries.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-07 16:38:00

 World 

TEHRAN — Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force has released photographs and video showing what it says is the wreckage of several U.S. and Israeli military aircraft and drones recovered during recent operations. The material was displayed at an underground exhibition inside an IRGC facility and was also broadcast by Iranian state media, including Mehr News Agency and IRIB. The display includes wreckage identified by Iranian authorities as belonging to a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones, and an Israeli Elbit Hermes 900 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Iranian officials said the MQ-9 Reaper and Hermes 900 were recovered in a largely intact condition after being intercepted by Iran's air defense systems, including the recently introduced Arashe Kamangir system. Iranian media also showed an Israeli Hermes 900 UAV bearing serial number 923. According to Iranian sources, the drone was brought down through electronic warfare and recovered largely intact. The exhibition further includes wreckage from approximately 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones that Iranian authorities say have been downed since the start of related operations, along with cockpit remnants described as belonging to a U.S. fighter aircraft. Military records indicate that a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle from the 494th Fighter Squadron was lost over western Iran earlier this year, with an ejection seat previously reported near the crash site. The newly released footage includes wreckage that Iranian authorities identify as belonging to that aircraft. Iranian officials said engineers from the IRGC Aerospace Force will examine the recovered systems to study their sensors, datalinks, optics, flight systems, and other components. They stated that the technical analysis is intended to support the development of advanced indigenous Iranian drone technology through reverse engineering. The MQ-9 Reaper is a long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft used by the United States for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions. The Hermes 900, produced by Elbit Systems, is a medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike operations. Iranian state media presented the exhibition as evidence of the country's air-defense capabilities and the recovery of foreign military equipment. However, U.S. and Israeli authorities have not publicly verified every Iranian claim regarding the condition, recovery circumstances, or identification of all aircraft and drone wreckage shown in the exhibition.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-07 15:35:29

 World 

MECCA, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, a trilateral mutual defence pact stating that an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be treated as an attack against all three. The agreement was signed on Friday during the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Summit for Joint Defence at Al-Safa Palace in Mecca. Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the document after meeting at the invitation of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Pakistan's delegation also included Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for a three-day visit, while President Erdogan traveled to the Kingdom on Friday for the summit. Before the meeting, the Pakistani delegation performed Umrah in Mecca.   Collective Defence and Military Cooperation According to the joint statement issued after the summit, the agreement aims to strengthen collective deterrence against external aggression and expand defence cooperation among the three countries. Its main provisions include: An armed attack against one member will be regarded as an attack against all three. Expanded defence cooperation, including intelligence sharing, joint military training and defence technology development. A shared commitment to promoting peace, security and regional stability. Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the agreement builds on the longstanding historical ties, Islamic solidarity and shared strategic interests of the three countries.   Builds on Earlier Saudi-Pakistan Defence Pact The new agreement expands the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in September 2025, which also stated that an attack on one country would be treated as an attack on the other. Turkey has now been formally added to that collective defence framework. A Turkish official described the agreement as purely defensive, saying it is not directed against any specific country or actor, does not replace existing bilateral or multilateral arrangements, and remains open to other regional countries in the future.   Strategic Significance The three countries bring different military and strategic capabilities to the partnership. Turkey is a NATO member with the alliance's second-largest military and a growing defence industry. Saudi Arabia is a leading oil exporter and a major political and economic power in the Arab world. Pakistan is the only nuclear-armed Muslim-majority country and has maintained long-standing military cooperation with Saudi Arabia. Turkey and Pakistan have also expanded defence cooperation in recent years, while Saudi Arabia has purchased Turkish-made drones. The agreement follows nearly a year of discussions and comes during heightened security tensions across the Middle East.   Will the Agreement Work During a Major War? While the agreement establishes a collective defence principle, one of the biggest unanswered questions is how it would operate during a major conflict. The joint statement does not explain what form military assistance would take or whether support would automatically include combat operations, troop deployments, air defence or other military actions. The operational obligations have not been made public. History shows that mutual defence agreements do not always result in direct military intervention. For example, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a bilateral defence agreement in 2025, yet during periods of Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, Pakistan did not publicly participate in direct military operations against Iran, and Pakistani authorities did not announce that the agreement had been activated. Another example is Russia's security commitments to Armenia through the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). During Armenia's conflicts with Azerbaijan, Russia did not directly intervene with combat forces, demonstrating that defence agreements are often influenced by political decisions, treaty interpretation and national interests. Governments also consider the economic and strategic costs of joining a major war. Direct military involvement can affect trade, energy supplies, financial markets and national security, particularly when conflicts involve major regional or global powers. For this reason, countries usually evaluate each crisis individually before deciding the level of support they are willing to provide. The agreement also raises questions about how it would operate in the event of a future India-Pakistan conflict. The treaty does not specify whether Saudi Arabia or Turkey would provide direct military assistance in such a situation. Any response would ultimately depend on political decisions taken at that time, taking into account military, diplomatic, economic and regional security considerations. The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement represents a significant political commitment to deepen defence cooperation among Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan. However, its practical effectiveness can only be assessed if one of its members faces a future security crisis. Until then, the agreement establishes the principle of collective defence, while the exact implementation of its commitments remains undefined.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-07 14:59:09

 World 

ANKARA, Türkiye — Turkish defense company ASELSAN has announced that its TOLUN-P bunker-penetrating guided munition is ready for operational use following a successful firing test from the Bayraktar AKINCI unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). The latest test confirmed the weapon's ability to carry out precision strikes against hardened military targets, including underground bunkers, fortified command centers, armored hangars, and reinforced structures. During the test, the Bayraktar AKINCI released the TOLUN-P, which achieved a direct hit on its designated target. ASELSAN also released footage of the test, stating that the bunker-penetrating munition has now reached mission-ready status after completing its development and evaluation process.   Derin taarruz, yüksek hassasiyet 🚀.Zırhlı ve betonla korunan hedeflere karşı sahada kuvvet çarpanı olan sığınak delici TOLUN P göreve hazır. ✅@BaykarTech 🤝 #ASELSAN🌐Precision deep strike 🚀. Bunker-penetrating TOLUN P, a battlefield force multiplier against armored… pic.twitter.com/DaYeLnSOr8 — ASELSAN (@aselsan) August 7, 2026   Designed for Hardened Targets The TOLUN-P is part of ASELSAN's 250-pound class of compact precision-guided munitions. According to the company, the weapon has a total weight of 136 kilograms and is equipped with a 105-kilogram penetrator warhead developed to defeat hardened and reinforced targets. One of the weapon's key features is its hardened nose design, which, together with its kinetic energy, enables it to penetrate up to one meter of reinforced concrete before detonation. Instead of exploding immediately after impact, the munition uses an electronically programmable fuze that can be set by the pilot before launch. The delayed detonation allows the warhead to explode inside the target structure, increasing its effectiveness against protected facilities.   Guidance and Anti-Jamming Features The TOLUN-P combines Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) guidance with an Inertial Navigation System (INS) to maintain accuracy during flight. ASELSAN says the munition is also equipped with a four-channel Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna (CRPA) and built-in anti-spoofing software designed to help the weapon continue toward its target even if satellite navigation signals are jammed or interfered with. According to official specifications, the munition has a circular error probable (CEP) of less than 10 meters. ASELSAN also states that the weapon can achieve a maximum range of approximately 55 nautical miles (about 102 kilometers) when released from a high-altitude fighter aircraft, while its range is lower when launched from unmanned aerial platforms.   SADAK-4T Increases Weapon Capacity The TOLUN-P is designed to operate with ASELSAN's SADAK-4T smart pneumatic quad rack, which enables a single weapons pylon to carry four TOLUN munitions simultaneously. An aircraft equipped with two SADAK-4T racks can carry up to eight TOLUN munitions during a single mission. The system also allows pilots to program the electronic fuzes before release and engage multiple targets in a single sortie. For aircraft that do not use the quad-rack configuration, ASELSAN has also developed the TOLUN-SI, a version with a different mounting interface for single-carriage integration.   Development and Testing Development of the TOLUN family began in 2020 to provide Türkiye with a domestically developed precision-guided weapon capable of striking hardened targets. The system was publicly introduced during the IDEF 2021 defense exhibition together with the SADAK-4T rack. Testing started in 2022 with aerodynamic and structural evaluations before expanding to flight-release trials in 2023. Integration was extended to unmanned platforms, including the Bayraktar TB2 and Bayraktar AKINCI. A major live-fire demonstration took place in December 2025 at a test range in Konya, where a TOLUN munition released from an AKINCI penetrated reinforced concrete and destroyed a UH-1 helicopter positioned beneath it. Later in 2025, ASELSAN also demonstrated a longer-range version of the weapon, successfully striking a target located more than 100 kilometers away after being launched from an F-16 using the SADAK-4T rack.   Integration with KIZILELMA ASELSAN has continued integrating the TOLUN-P with additional Turkish air platforms. The weapon has been tested on Baykar's KIZILELMA unmanned combat aircraft, including releases from its internal weapons bay during flight testing. According to ASELSAN, KIZILELMA can carry up to eight TOLUN-P munitions internally using two SADAK-4T racks. Internal carriage enables the aircraft to carry weapons inside the fuselage rather than on external pylons, a configuration used during testing with the platform.   Variants of the TOLUN Family In addition to the bunker-penetrating TOLUN-P, ASELSAN has developed several other variants for different operational requirements. These include the TOLUN-F fragmentation variant, TOLUN-L with a laser seeker, TOLUN-IIR equipped with an imaging infrared seeker, and additional configurations designed for different mission profiles. According to ASELSAN, the penetrator warhead was designed by TÜBİTAK SAGE, while the remainder of the weapon system was developed by ASELSAN.   Export Deliveries ASELSAN has confirmed that the first export deliveries of TOLUN munitions and SADAK-4T quad racks were completed in 2025. The systems were supplied to customers in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, although the company has not disclosed the names of the recipient countries. The declaration of mission-ready status following the latest AKINCI firing test marks another step in the operational deployment of the TOLUN family across both manned and unmanned Turkish air platforms.  

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-07 12:15:38