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SEOUL — South Korea has approved a major upgrade programme for its K2 Black Panther main battle tanks, adding an active protection system (APS), electronic warfare (EW) equipment and a remotely controlled weapon station (RCWS) to improve protection against anti-armour weapons, drones and other emerging threats. The K2 Tank Performance Upgrade Project has an estimated budget of ₩3.45 trillion ($2.43 billion). The programme will run from 2028 to 2046, with development expected to finish around 2032 and the first upgraded tanks scheduled to enter Republic of Korea Army service in 2033.   New Protection Systems The APS will use radar to detect incoming threats, including anti-tank missiles, rockets and drones, and intercept them. Hyundai Rotem, the K2 manufacturer, says the platform can accommodate both soft-kill and hard-kill APS configurations. South Korea has previously developed the Korean Active Protection System (KAPS) for the K2. In September 2025, Hyundai Rotem and Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems also signed an agreement to cooperate on integrating the Trophy APS into the K2 family, covering integration, production, marketing, localisation and life-cycle support. The upgraded tanks will also receive EW systems for counter-drone and IED jamming. These systems are intended to disrupt radio-control signals used by drones and remotely triggered IEDs. The RCWS will allow the three-person crew to operate the secondary weapon from inside the armoured hull, reducing the need to expose themselves by opening hatches.   K2 and Export Versions The K2 entered Republic of Korea Army service in 2014. The approximately 56-tonne tank is armed with a 120 mm L/55 smoothbore gun, an autoloader and a three-person crew. Existing production models use composite and reactive armour and soft-kill countermeasures. Earlier K2 batches did not receive a standard hard-kill APS because of cost considerations during the original design. The upgrade is also intended to address the capability difference between South Korea's domestic K2 fleet and export versions. Poland has ordered 360 K2 tanks under two contracts, including K2GF vehicles and the locally configured K2PL. The K2PL incorporates Polish requirements and is planned for local assembly at Bumar-Łabędy. The first 28 tanks from the second contract arrived in Poland in August 2026. South Korea's DAPA said the domestic upgrade will use technology more advanced than that currently fitted to the K2PL. The K2 has also attracted interest from Peru and Morocco. Peru has considered around 150 tanks to replace older T-55 and AMX-13 vehicles, with possible local assembly, while Morocco has reviewed a potential larger K2 purchase as part of its military modernisation. The upgrade comes as South Korea responds to changing threats on the Korean Peninsula, including North Korea's military modernisation and its recently unveiled Chonma-20 main battle tank, which appears to feature its own active protection system.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 13:50:08

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TAIPEI — Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has finalized an NT$26.9 billion (US$847 million) contract with U.S. defense technology company Anduril Industries for 2,032 ALTIUS unmanned systems, according to the government’s electronic procurement system. The acquisition is part of Taiwan’s effort to strengthen its asymmetric defense capabilities. The contract covers 1,554 ALTIUS-700M loitering munitions and 478 ALTIUS-600ISR intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems. The systems will be deployed primarily with Taiwan’s Army. The purchase includes the drones, associated systems and launch equipment. It forms part of a broader U.S. arms package previously valued at about NT$34.9 billion (approximately US$1.1 billion), which also includes additional equipment and support. The formal signing of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance completes the purchase process. The United States approved the broader package in December 2025. Taiwan had previously purchased 291 ALTIUS-600M drones through its regular defense budget. Those systems reportedly achieved a 100% hit rate during a recent live-fire maritime exercise, supporting the decision to expand the fleet through a special budget. The ALTIUS-700M is the strike variant, designed to engage targets including heavy armored vehicles and air-defense systems. It can carry a 14- to 15-kilogram warhead, with reported destructive power comparable to an AGM-114 Hellfire missile. The system has an endurance of about 1.25 to 2 hours, a range of approximately 160 kilometers in strike configuration and a reported weight of around 29.5 kilograms. The ALTIUS-600ISR is intended for intelligence gathering, battlefield search, target designation and electronic-warfare support. Sources indicate an endurance of about 3.5 to 4 hours and a range of approximately 375 kilometers. The two variants are intended to provide complementary reconnaissance and strike capabilities. Taiwan’s Army has established a dedicated unit focused on unmanned-system development and integration into its joint command structure. Initial deliveries are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, with the full order scheduled for completion by June 2033. The procurement is intended to expand Taiwan’s ability to use distributed unmanned systems to locate, track and engage targets. For Anduril, the order also represents a major production requirement as the company expands its ALTIUS manufacturing capacity and works to supply the systems at scale.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 12:18:59

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CANBERRA — Australia’s dependence on U.S.-made missiles is facing renewed scrutiny as the Iran conflict puts pressure on American munitions inventories and raises concerns about the timing of weapons deliveries to allies. The issue is particularly important for Australia because several major elements of its long-range strike and air-defence capabilities depend on U.S.-supplied weapons. Analysts and former military officials have argued that Canberra needs to accelerate domestic production to reduce the risks created by dependence on overseas supply.   U.S. missile inventories under pressure A Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) analysis found that U.S. forces had used more than 1,000 Tomahawk missiles during the first 39 days of the Iran conflict. CSIS said several key U.S. munitions had been heavily used and that rebuilding inventories to pre-war levels could take between one and four years. Charles Edel, CSIS Australia Chair, said the conflict was placing significant pressure on U.S. stockpiles and could extend the time required to replenish them. He warned that this could increase the risk of delays to missile deliveries for allies such as Australia. The pressure is not limited to Tomahawk. Edel identified other systems affected by the increased demand, including THAAD interceptors, Patriot missiles, SM-6 missiles, Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles and Precision Strike Missiles. CSIS has also assessed that the reduced U.S. inventories could affect the ability to supply allies while Washington works to rebuild its own stocks.   Australia’s U.S. missile orders Australia has an order for roughly 220 Tomahawk cruise missiles, making the availability of U.S. production capacity an important issue for Canberra. The United States is now moving to expand Tomahawk production. On August 17, the U.S. Navy awarded Raytheon a $22.9 billion, seven-year contract designed to increase annual Tomahawk production from about 60 missiles to more than 1,000. The production increase is intended to strengthen the U.S. supply of the long-range missile for American forces and allies. However, rebuilding inventories after heavy wartime expenditure will take time. Australia has also announced a major acquisition of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile. On August 6, the Australian government said it would invest almost A$736 million in the weapon through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales system. Australia will be the first country outside the United States to operate the AIM-260. The missile will initially be integrated with Australia’s F/A-18F Super Hornets, followed by the F-35A Lightning II and EA-18G Growler. The Australian government has not publicly provided all details of the final missile quantity in its August 6 announcement.   Concerns over a potential Indo-Pacific conflict Australian coalition defence spokesperson James Paterson has warned that conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Iran have contributed to pressure on global munitions supplies. Paterson said Australia could face serious limitations in a high-intensity Indo-Pacific conflict because of limited stocks of strike weapons and interceptors, as well as limited domestic production capacity. Maritime security specialist Jennifer Parker has similarly argued that countries dependent on another nation for critical war stocks face a structural supply risk because the producing country would have to meet its own requirements first. Former U.S. military officials have also urged Australia to develop additional domestic capabilities that could reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers. Mark Montgomery, a former director of operations at U.S. Pacific Command, has specifically advocated greater Australian production of military underwater drones for surveillance, mine detection and other roles.   Canberra expands domestic missile production Australia has been rebuilding its domestic guided-weapons industry through the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise. The Australian government has committed up to A$36 billion over the next decade to the broader guided-weapons and explosive-ordnance effort. The program is intended to develop domestic manufacturing capacity and strengthen Australia's position within allied supply chains. Australia's guided-weapons plan includes establishing missile production facilities and increasing local manufacture of missile components. The government has also been working with international defence companies to establish production and maintenance capabilities inside Australia. Kongsberg Defence Australia is developing a manufacturing and maintenance facility in the Newcastle Airport precinct for the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile. The Australian government announced an A$850 million partnership with Kongsberg in 2024 to manufacture and maintain the two missile systems in Australia. Lockheed Martin Australia is also involved in local assembly of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System missiles, adding another element to Australia's effort to establish a domestic guided-weapons industrial base. A key objective of the program is not simply to assemble imported weapons, but to develop sustainable domestic manufacturing and supply chains. Australia's official guided-weapons plan notes that establishing a new high-technology weapons industry requires sustained investment and time.   Production speed remains a concern The expansion of Australian production is intended to reduce dependence on overseas supplies, but the current transition will take years. The Iran conflict has highlighted the difference between purchasing missiles from an established foreign production line and having sufficient domestic capacity to replace weapons during a major conflict. CSIS has assessed that U.S. inventories of several important weapons will take years to rebuild after the Iran campaign. The same weapons are also relevant to a potential Western Pacific conflict, making production capacity and stockpile depth important issues for the United States and its allies. For Australia, the immediate challenge is therefore twofold: maintaining access to U.S. weapons while accelerating domestic production. The government has continued to pursue both approaches, combining purchases from the United States with investments in Australian manufacturing. The expansion of local missile production is intended to strengthen Australia's own supply resilience while also contributing to the wider allied industrial base. The pressure created by the Iran conflict has brought greater attention to the importance of missile stockpiles, production capacity and delivery timelines as Australia prepares for potential high-intensity operations in the Indo-Pacific.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-26 16:34:55

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KYIV, — Ukrainian officials have identified Western-made components in Russian RM-48U missiles used for strikes against ground targets from S-300PM and S-400 air defense systems. The findings were presented during a briefing by Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the Ukrainian president’s commissioner for sanctions policy, according to Militarnyi. Ukrainian officials displayed foreign components recovered from Russian missiles, including a cooled laser module manufactured by French company 3SP Technologies.   French laser module found in RM-48U According to the Ukrainian assessment, experts examining an RM-48U missile recovered a French-made laser component associated with laser-gyroscope systems used for inertial navigation. 3SP Technologies, based in Nozay, France, develops and manufactures optoelectronic components and laser modules. Its product range includes cooled pump laser modules and seed pump laser modules. Ukrainian experts said the recovered component can be used in fiber-optic gyroscopes and some types of ring laser gyroscopes. Such components can form part of high-precision inertial navigation systems. The Ukrainian presentation also identified U.S.-made components in the 12-channel Kometa navigation antennas installed on the RM-48U. According to Ukrainian officials, the broader examination of Russian ballistic weapons has identified components originating from several countries.   RM-48U developed from S-300 and S-400 missiles The RM-48U is based on the 48N6 family of surface-to-air missiles used with Russian S-300 and S-400 systems. Earlier reporting identified RM-48U missiles as target missiles converted from older surface-to-air missiles, while Ukrainian intelligence now describes them as weapons used to strike ground targets. The missile has been used against Ukrainian targets during Russian missile attacks. The first publicly confirmed use was reported in January 2026, when debris identified as an RM-48U was recovered after a Russian strike. Subsequent reports identified the missile during major attacks, including the June 2 attack. The RM-48U is reported to carry a high-explosive fragmentation warhead weighing approximately 150–180 kilograms.   Russia increases RM-48U production Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence reported in June that Russia had more than doubled production of RM-48U missiles. Russian plans called for the production of more than 480 missiles in 2026, compared with more than 200 in 2025. The reported production rate was up to 50 missiles per month. More recent Ukrainian intelligence reporting published in August estimated that Russia had around 400 RM-48U missiles in its stockpile and continued producing approximately 50 per month. The increased production has made the RM-48U a more significant part of Russia’s ballistic-missile inventory. Its use from existing S-300PM and S-400 launch systems also allows the missiles to be incorporated into Russian strike operations using established launch infrastructure.   Ukraine seeks tighter export controls The identification of foreign components is part of Ukraine’s wider effort to trace Western and other foreign-made parts used in Russian weapons. Vlasiuk said Ukraine has been providing partner countries with information on identified components, serial numbers, production equipment and materials. Ukrainian officials are seeking additional sanctions and stronger export controls to restrict Russia’s access to components used in missile production. The Ukrainian assessment indicates that the issue extends beyond individual missile components. Officials also identified foreign-made equipment and materials used in Russia’s wider missile-production process, including precision machine tools and components for rocket-fuel production. The discovery of the French laser module and U.S.-made components in the RM-48U therefore forms part of a broader Ukrainian effort to identify the foreign supply chains supporting Russia’s missile production.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-26 16:18:21

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KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine has publicly presented the Magura MV11, the largest unmanned surface vessel (USV) in the Magura family, during the country’s Independence Day unmanned systems parade on August 24. Developed by UFORCE, the MV11 is designed as an ocean-going carrier and support platform capable of transporting, launching and supporting other unmanned systems far from shore. The MV11 represents a different role from earlier Magura vessels, which have primarily been used for strike and reconnaissance missions. UFORCE says the new platform is designed to operate in open-ocean conditions and can remain at sea for up to seven days. It has a payload capacity of up to 2,200 kilograms (4,850 pounds) and a stated overall length of up to 12 meters and width of 3.5 meters. UFORCE also lists more than 2,000 nautical miles of operating distance and about 10 cubic meters of available payload space.   MV11 Displayed With Sting Interceptors The MV11 was shown carrying 18 Sting interceptor drones in individual box-style launchers. The configuration turns the USV into a mobile counter-drone platform that can carry aerial interceptors away from shore. The Sting, developed by Ukraine’s Wild Hornets, is an electrically powered quadcopter equipped with a small explosive warhead. It weighs about nine pounds and makes extensive use of 3D-printed components. Reported production cost is around $2,100 per interceptor. Wild Hornets has stated that Sting can reach an altitude of nearly 7,000 meters (23,000 feet) and a maximum range of about 37 kilometers (23 miles), although actual flight time and range depend on factors including battery capacity, weather, payload and operator flight style. The interceptor is manually operated through a wireless link. Wild Hornets has previously said that Sting can be controlled from distances of up to 2,000 kilometers using a laptop-based interface. The precise method used to operate the interceptors from the MV11 has not been publicly detailed. Sting has been used against Russian one-way attack drones, including variants and derivatives of the Iranian-designed Shahed-136. If an interceptor does not engage its target, the Sting can be recovered for reuse, according to reporting on the system.   Sensors and Communications Images of the MV11 show a rear mast carrying a camera turret, navigation radar and two horn-shaped antennas. A fixed forward-facing camera is also visible at the bow. The vessel's main deck includes rectangular satellite communications terminals. These systems are part of the communications architecture needed to operate the vessel and its carried unmanned systems over long distances. UFORCE says the MV11 is a modular platform that can be configured for different missions. Its stated roles include reconnaissance, surveillance, amphibious-operation support, and resupply of fuel and equipment to other unmanned surface vessels. The company says the platform is designed to operate around the clock and in varied weather conditions. UFORCE has also described an air-defense configuration using several dozen aerial interceptors, a gyro-stabilized 12.7 mm turret, and sensors for radar surveillance and target tracking. This is a configuration described by the company rather than the specific configuration displayed during the Independence Day parade.   Part of the Expanding Magura Family The MV11 is the latest addition to the Magura family, which UFORCE says has been produced since 2023. The company says the family has been used in hundreds of missions in the Black Sea and has contributed to the destruction of at least 12 Russian ships. Some Magura variants have also been configured with air-to-air missiles. UFORCE says the MV11 was developed by its design and research-and-development bureau in Portugal, with international investment. The company is headquartered in London and has Ukrainian origins. The company has also been expanding production cooperation outside Ukraine. In July 2026, UFORCE and U.S. manufacturer RECONCRAFT signed a memorandum of understanding covering production of Magura unmanned surface vessels in the United States. The agreement combines UFORCE's autonomous-vessel technology with RECONCRAFT's U.S. manufacturing capabilities.   A Carrier Rather Than a Conventional Strike USV The main difference between the MV11 and earlier Magura vessels is its role as a carrier and support platform. Instead of carrying only its own weapons or sensors, the vessel is designed to transport other unmanned systems and deploy them at sea. This allows the MV11 to serve as a mobile maritime base for aerial and surface drones. Its large payload capacity also provides space for mission equipment, fuel and other supplies. The public unveiling does not establish the MV11's production quantity, unit cost or the complete set of sensors that will be installed on operational vessels. UFORCE has presented the platform as a modular system that can be adapted for different missions as development and integration continue. Source : TWZ

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-26 13:58:04

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KYIV — Ukraine has received a new batch of AIM missiles and several additional Patriot interceptor missiles, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a joint press conference with Estonian President Alar Karis in Kyiv. Zelenskyy said Ukraine also received confirmation from an unnamed partner for the transfer of several French-made Crotale air defense systems and missiles. He did not identify the supplying countries or provide exact quantities. Ukraine uses AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles with F-16 fighter jets and ground-based NASAMS air defense systems against cruise missiles, drones and aircraft. Patriot systems in Ukrainian service use PAC-2 missiles against aerodynamic targets and PAC-3 interceptors for direct kinetic interception of ballistic missiles. Crotale is a short-range surface-to-air system designed to engage low- and very-low-altitude targets. Its engagement range is generally reported at 10–16 kilometers, with an operating altitude of about 15 meters to 6 kilometers. Ukraine has previously received Crotale systems from France.   New European Defense Agreements Zelenskyy also announced broader defense and financial agreements with European partners. Norway has confirmed approximately $9 billion, or 85 billion Norwegian kroner, in support for Ukraine in 2027 through its Nansen Support Programme. Norway and Ukraine also agreed on strategic cooperation in drones and other defense technologies. The two countries are also cooperating on FREYJA, a Ukrainian-led European anti-ballistic missile project. Norway is expected to help finance the rapid establishment of the project's development office. Sweden is providing financial support for Ukrainian drone production, while Ukraine and Latvia have agreed on joint drone manufacturing. Zelenskyy said approximately 90% of drones produced under the cooperation will be allocated to Ukraine. Ukraine and Norway have also formalized a strategic partnership focused on drone technologies.   Regional and Sectoral Support Belgium and Denmark are directing recovery assistance toward Ukrainian regions, with Denmark focusing on Mykolaiv. Estonia is supporting Zhytomyr, while Germany has approved a separate support package for Ukraine's energy sector. Germany and Belgium will also contribute to programs supporting war veterans. Zelenskyy thanked Estonia for maintaining military support at 0.25% of its GDP and committing to continue that level the following year, in addition to separate funding for drone programs. Defense support from Lithuania and Finland was also confirmed in recent days. Ukraine's air defense requirements remain a major focus of cooperation with its partners. Zelenskyy has previously said Kyiv needs a larger share of Patriot interceptor production to protect its airspace and critical infrastructure, particularly ahead of the winter period. The latest deliveries and agreements combine immediate air defense assistance with longer-term cooperation in missile defense, drone production, energy security and defense financing.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-26 13:41:33

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Jining, Shandong Province, China — A fighter-shaped object previously spotted in satellite imagery at the former Jining Qufu Airport in China has been identified as a full-scale mock-up used for firefighting and emergency-response training, ending speculation that it could be a prototype of a new Chinese stealth fighter. On August 25, 2026, Chinese aerospace analyst Andreas Rupprecht confirmed the assessment in a post on X, after sharing clearer images of the object being used in a live training exercise. The photos, credited to China’s Eastern Theater Command and posted on Weibo, show military firefighters in protective gear spraying water onto the fuselage while smoke and flames rise from the base. You surely remember these strange J-20-look alike models - some claimed them to be a new single engined stealth fighter - at Jining Qufu AP, which I already back then rated as fire-fighting trainer mock-ups. Here finally two clearer images!(Via @水獭一般编-阿怡) pic.twitter.com/N3vIQyev8l — @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) August 25, 2026 Object First Spotted in 2025 The object attracted wider attention in April 2025 after satellite imagery showed a stealth fighter-like shape parked on the apron in front of the passenger terminal at Jining Qufu Airport in Shandong Province. Historical Planet Labs imagery indicated that it had been there since at least September 2024. Jining Qufu Airport officially closed in December 2023 and had previously been collocated with a People’s Liberation Army Air Force base. Its location contributed to speculation that the object could be connected to a classified aircraft program.   Similarities to Chinese Stealth Fighters The mock-up has a modified diamond-delta wing planform, canards and twin vertical tails, giving it a general resemblance to the Chengdu J-20. The newly released ground-level images also show a cockpit configuration that appears closer to the newer Shenyang J-35. When the satellite images first appeared, the object was also compared with the Baidi Type-B, or “White Emperor,” a fictional space-fighter concept displayed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow.       Analysts also compared it with unusual J-20-like shapes seen at Lintao Air Base in 2022. Those objects had different wing shapes and longer, narrower noses and were assessed separately as possible decoys or full-scale mock-ups.   Firefighting Trainer Confirmed The latest photographs establish that the Jining object is a training aid rather than a flying aircraft. It is used to train military firefighters to respond to aircraft fires and other airfield emergencies. Such full-scale aircraft mock-ups are used to reproduce realistic aircraft dimensions and allow emergency crews to practice firefighting and rescue procedures. The Jining trainer does not have the systems required for flight, including operational engines and internal avionics. Rupprecht had already assessed the Jining objects as firefighting trainers in posts made in January and July 2026. The newly released images provide clearer visual evidence supporting that assessment. The clarification separates the Jining object from speculation surrounding China’s actual next-generation aircraft, including the tailless J-36 and J-XDS, also referred to as the J-50. It confirms that the unusual fighter-shaped object at the former airport was a ground training mock-up rather than evidence of a new single-engine stealth fighter.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-26 11:52:04

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Kyiv — Russia has equipped some Geran-type, or Shahed-136, kamikaze drones with onboard electronic warfare (EW) systems designed to disrupt the analog video links used by Ukrainian interceptor drones. The system was identified after Ukrainian specialists examined equipment recovered from a downed Geran drone. Ukrainian defense technology adviser Serhii Beskrestnov, known as Serhii Flash, reported the finding and shared photographs of the recovered equipment, including antennas mounted on the drone's airframe. Russia has equipped some Geran/Shahed-136 drones with onboard EW systems to disrupt Ukrainian interceptor drone video links. The system targets 5.8 GHz analog signals and reportedly produces interference about 5× stronger than the interceptor’s transmitter. pic.twitter.com/77GxY9UfkU — The Defense News (@TheDefenseNews) August 25, 2026 How the system works The EW system is designed to detect the video signal of an approaching Ukrainian FPV interceptor. Its video receiver (VRX) identifies the interceptor's operating frequency, after which the video transmitter (VTX) generates interference on the same frequency band. A preliminary assessment found that the jammer's signal is about five times more powerful than the interceptor's video transmitter. The interference can cut the live video feed, preventing the ground operator from accurately guiding the interceptor during its final approach. The recovered system operates mainly in the 5.8 GHz band, which is commonly used for analog FPV video transmission. It consists of a VRX receiver, VTX transmitter and control electronics.   Test results and power consumption During laboratory testing, the system detected a test video transmitter and activated its jammer after about three seconds, causing the analog video signal to disappear. After the test signal was switched off, the system returned to standby mode in approximately five seconds. The unit reportedly consumes about 2 watts in standby while scanning for signals and up to 33 watts when actively jamming.   Earlier reports and possible countermeasures Ukraine had previously reported that Russia was adding EW equipment to some Shahed/Geran drones to counter interceptor UAVs. In May 2026, Ukrainian First Deputy Defense Minister Oleksii Vyskub said modified Shahed drones had been observed with frequency-suppression equipment, including systems fitted toward the rear of some drones. Footage from mid-August also showed cases in which an interceptor's video feed was disrupted as it approached a Geran.   Possible countermeasures include terminal guidance systems that do not depend on continuous video, digital communication links, and video transmitters operating on non-standard frequencies. The Geran is Russia's version of the Iranian-designed Shahed-136 family of one-way attack drones. Russia has introduced other modifications to the series, including jet-powered variants and systems supporting real-time control. The addition of onboard EW against interceptor video links is part of the continuing development of the drones to counter Ukraine's increasing use of low-cost interceptor UAVs.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 16:24:18

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KHARKIV REGION, Ukraine — Western-supplied tanks that Ukraine sought after Russia’s full-scale invasion are now often kept under camouflage nets in forests, with some reportedly sitting idle as cheap drones have changed battlefield conditions. Ukraine began requesting Western tanks after Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Britain, Germany and the United States agreed to supply them in January 2023 after months of negotiations. The 33rd Separate Mechanized Brigade was formed in part to operate the Western vehicles, which cost around $10 million each. However, by the time many of the tanks entered combat in late spring 2023, inexpensive first-person-view (FPV) drones had become widely used against armored vehicles. The drones could target vulnerable areas of tanks, making their use in exposed frontline positions increasingly difficult. Oleksandr Syrskyi, who served as Ukraine’s top military commander until last month, said: “We’re making virtually no use of armored vehicles.” He also questioned how Ukraine could counter the advantage provided by drones and give its armored forces a new role. The issue was part of wider discussions about Ukraine’s military strategy around the time of his removal from command. In the 33rd Brigade, about half of one tank battalion has reportedly retrained as drone operators. Some remaining tanks are mainly used to tow damaged equipment and are more likely to operate during poor weather, when fewer drones are flying. Younger recruits are also being trained to operate ground drones and other unmanned systems. Open-source assessments indicate significant losses among Western tanks. Of about 82 Abrams tanks delivered to Ukraine, including vehicles supplied by the United States and Australia, around 25 have been hit, according to available figures. Sweden supplied 10 Stridsvagn 122 tanks, of which open-source analyses indicate about one remains in service after others were hit, damaged or otherwise affected. German Leopard tanks operated by Ukrainian units are also frequently kept under protective nets in rear areas, with some awaiting repairs or maintenance and others held in reserve. Both Russia and Ukraine have added anti-drone protection to tanks. Russian forces began using metal cages and meshes around armored vehicles, a modification Ukrainian soldiers initially compared to “barbecue grills.” Ukraine has since adopted similar nets and cages, along with other protective measures. Despite the reduced battlefield use, Ukraine continues to maintain its Western tanks and train crews. Members of the 33rd Brigade have conducted Leopard tank exercises and live-fire training in the Kharkiv region. The experience has pushed Ukrainian units to combine traditional armored forces with drones, ground robots and surveillance systems. Western tanks remain part of Ukraine’s military inventory, but their frontline role has been reduced as drone warfare has become a major factor in combat operations.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 15:58:17

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Tokyo — Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) has signed a mass-production contract with Terra Drone Corporation for the Terra B1 interceptor UAV, under the country’s Interceptor Drone Rapid Acquisition Program. ATLA launched the program on June 5, 2026, to rapidly field low-cost interceptor UAVs against long-range, one-way attack drones, including systems similar to the Shahed type used in recent conflicts. The program aims to move from proposals to delivery in about three months, with the first deliveries expected around September 2026. ATLA received proposals from 38 companies, with four systems advancing to the demonstration stage. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted testing from July 15 to August 6. The Terra B1 was the only system among the four to pass the demonstration phase. The evaluation covered effective range, endurance, flight distance, maximum and cruising speed, guidance methods, simultaneous control of multiple UAVs, launch and recovery procedures, integration with other equipment, safety measures, operational records, and the time required from contract to delivery. The requirements also included domestic production capability, a domestic production base, a maximum speed of at least 250 km/h, and vertical takeoff and landing capability. Testing included operations at a JMSDF base and aboard a destroyer. Terra Drone will now begin mass production of the Terra B1 and establish domestic production and supply chains covering components, batteries, communications equipment and control systems. The company will also develop maintenance, replenishment and training support, along with system integration for deployment at bases, aboard vessels and at other facilities. Quality management and safety systems for defense use will also be strengthened. Initial deployment is planned for the JMSDF, while future use by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force is being considered based on operational needs. The program draws on lessons from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, where low-cost attack drones have created challenges for more expensive interceptor missiles. Japan is seeking a more cost-effective approach to protecting Self-Defense Force facilities and vessels. Terra Drone, based in Tokyo, has prior experience testing related interceptor UAVs in Ukraine and has been developing domestic production capabilities for defense drones. ATLA and Terra Drone have not disclosed the contract value or the number of Terra B1 units to be procured.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 15:49:43

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Großmittel, Austria — The Austrian Armed Forces (Bundesheer) have received their first modernized Leopard 2A4Ö main battle tank and Ulan NV infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). The handover ceremony was held at Jansa Barracks in Großmittel, Lower Austria, and was attended by Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, Chief of Defense Procurement Lieutenant General Harald Vodosek, Colonel Michael Lex, commander of Panzergrenadier Battalion 35, and military and industry representatives. The vehicles are part of the “Mech Package”, a modernization program under Austria’s broader Aufbauplan ÖBH 2032+ force-development plan. The program began in 2023 and covers 170 tracked vehicles, including 58 Leopard 2A4 tanks and 112 Ulan IFVs. The total investment is about €765 million, including around €305 million for the Leopard modernization and €460 million for the Ulan program. Completion of the full fleet is planned for around 2029–2030.   Leopard 2A4Ö Modernization The 58 Leopard 2A4 tanks are being modernized by KNDS Deutschland, formerly Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. Austria selected the upgrade program instead of purchasing new tanks because of budget considerations. The modernization brings the turret to a level comparable to the Leopard 2A7 standard. It includes new digital surveillance and sighting systems for the commander, gunner and driver, an updated electronic architecture, improved reconnaissance, night-fighting and fire-control capabilities, and replacement of the hydraulic turret drives with electric systems for improved aiming precision. The tank’s external appearance, armor protection and 120 mm L/44 main gun remain at the original A4 standard. Outdated components are replaced, while night-fighting capability is restored. The upgraded tanks will first go to the Army Logistics Center for final adaptation before entering full service. The package is intended to extend the fleet’s service life while retaining existing logistics support.   Ulan NV Modernization Austria is modernizing all 112 Ulan (ASCOD) IFVs through a €460 million program conducted by GDELS-Steyr at its Vienna-Simmering facility. The Ulan NV service-life extension includes an overhaul of the electrical system, renewed optics and electronic components, replacement of drivetrain parts, updated turret-drive components, new driver-vision systems, an updated heating unit and a more advanced main sighting system. The rear stowage bin has also been reconfigured to increase capacity, while some vehicles receive improved air-conditioning and related systems. The first upgraded Ulan vehicles are being delivered directly to active troop units. The Leopard 2A4 remains Austria’s primary tank weapon system, while the Ulan is used by armored infantry. The Ulan is designed to operate alongside the Leopard, carrying a 30 mm cannon, an infantry squad and its crew. Austria considers the combination of tanks and armored infantry a central part of its conventional military defense. Defense Minister Tanner said the modernized tank fleet strengthens Austrian military capabilities for national defense and makes the objectives of the 2032+ development plan visible. The modernization program allows Austria to extend the service life of its existing heavy armored forces instead of replacing the vehicles with entirely new platforms. The vehicles are being modernized in stages, with Leopard tanks sent to the manufacturer in Munich and Ulan vehicles to Vienna. Austrian officials have also said that the Leopard upgrade package has attracted interest from other operators of similar vehicles.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 15:33:35

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San Francisco  — U.S. technology company Vernius Systems has unveiled the Archimedes 1A, an active radar seeker designed for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) interceptors. The company demonstrated the guidance head integrated with the STING interceptor UAV, developed by Ukrainian manufacturer Wild Hornets. The Archimedes 1A is an 80 mm active radar seeker operating at 24 GHz with a fixed beam. Vernius lists a 25° × 14° field of view and says it can detect Shahed-class targets at ranges exceeding 1 kilometre. The stated range is based on targets with a radar cross-section of approximately 0 dBsm. The unit costs around $4,000. The seeker is designed to support automated interception and operation in fog, smoke, rain and darkness. It has two operating modes. In fully autonomous interception, the interceptor receives a cue from a command-and-control network, uses radar for midcourse guidance beyond visual range, and then transfers to autonomous vision-based terminal guidance. In operator-assisted mode, the seeker provides live target range and bearing information to the pilot, allowing the target to be acquired before it becomes visible.   Vernius Systems unveils the Archimedes 1A, an 80 mm, 24 GHz active radar seeker for UAV interceptors. Integrated with Ukraine’s STING, it detects Shahed-class targets beyond 1 km and costs around $4,000. pic.twitter.com/VwWOsE24H4 — The Defense News (@TheDefenseNews) August 25, 2026   Vernius says the system is designed to adapt to existing interceptor platforms and can also be integrated with jet-powered interceptor UAVs, including the Alexa Spatium system. The company says this could support automated guidance against faster jet-powered attack drones such as the Geran-3, Geran-4 and Geran-5. According to Vernius, more than 50 percent of Shahed-type attack drones operating over Ukraine are now jet-powered, making manual interception more difficult because of their higher speed and the limited reaction time available to operators. The company states that manual interception currently has a 20–50 percent kill probability, which it expects to decline further in poor visibility. Vernius Systems is based in San Francisco and develops low-cost radar seekers for counter-UAS applications. It was spun out of the volunteer nonprofit Defense Tech for Ukraine and is backed by Y Combinator. Its team includes personnel with experience in RF PCB engineering, software for the U.S. Navy's Tomahawk missile fleet, satellite systems and FPV hardware used by frontline operators. The company says its early investors include former U.S. National Security Advisor Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, Austin Howard, who is identified as the chief engineer behind VBAT, and Ukrainian military analyst Rob Lee. Vernius says it has secured $500 million in letters of intent for 2027 from defense manufacturers and military units across the United States, European Union and Ukraine. The company describes its broader objective as using compact radar technology to turn drones into autonomous interceptors and says its approach could reduce the cost per kill from around $4 million for Patriot-class missiles to less than $4,000. The STING interceptor, developed by Wild Hornets, is a Ukrainian FPV system used against Shahed-type and related drones. It has been used in operational conditions and can, in some cases, be controlled through the Hornet Vision system for remote operation over extended distances.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 14:12:03

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TAIPEI — Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) has published new details on its domestically developed Strong Bow air defense missile system, also known as Chiang Kung or Sky Bow IV (Tien Kung IV). The land-based system is designed as a mid-tier interceptor against tactical ballistic missiles. NCSIST says the system is intended to intercept incoming tactical ballistic missiles at medium altitudes and operate with lower-layer air defense systems to create a layered defense network.   Two-stage missile with thrust-vector control According to NCSIST, the Strong Bow missile uses a two-stage solid-fuel rocket motor and can reach hypersonic speeds. Its guidance system uses inertial navigation with radar uplink corrections during the midcourse phase before switching to an active seeker during the terminal phase. The missile also uses thrust-vector control during the terminal phase. NCSIST says this provides maneuverability in the thin atmosphere. The interceptor is equipped with precision guidance and a directional warhead, while its integrated composite rocket motor is intended to improve ease of production. The system has a reported interception altitude of about 70 kilometers. Taiwanese reporting has described this as a higher interception layer than the existing Sky Bow III system, which has a reported altitude of about 45 kilometers.   AESA radar and mobile launch system The Strong Bow system includes the missile, a mobile vertical-launch transporter erector vehicle, tactical command vehicle and vehicle-mounted AESA radar. Each launcher can carry four missile canisters. NCSIST says the radar provides target classification and identification, high-precision tracking, electronic counter-countermeasures and the ability to engage multiple tactical ballistic-missile targets. The missile canister is about 7.61 meters long, compared with approximately 5.49 meters for the Sky Bow III canister, according to published details on the system. NCSIST’s seeker information also states that the Strong Bow seeker can actively search for and track targets and provide target information for missile guidance during interception.   Planned deployment Taiwan plans to procure at least 128 Strong Bow interceptors. A funding proposal reported for the program includes about NT$36.1 billion for two systems and 128 missiles. The Strong Bow is planned as part of Taiwan’s T-Dome layered air defense network, operating alongside the existing Sky Bow III and U.S.-supplied Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) interceptors. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has described the combination as providing multilayered defense against missile and aircraft threats. The Strong Bow system was publicly displayed at the 2025 Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition, after development and operational evaluation work had progressed. Taiwan’s NCSIST subsequently confirmed that the system had entered mass production. The latest NCSIST information provides further details of the missile’s propulsion, guidance, launcher and radar architecture, giving a clearer picture of how Strong Bow is intended to serve as a mid-tier component of Taiwan’s integrated air and missile defense network.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 14:03:34

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LONDON/KYIV — Russia has warned that British factories producing drones and missile-related components for Ukraine could face attacks from “unknown sources” after the UK agreed to share classified blueprints for British-made components of the Storm Shadow cruise missile with Kyiv. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced the decision during his first official international trip as prime minister. He visited Kyiv on August 24 to mark Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day, met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and chaired a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The UK has agreed to provide technical information on British-made components of the SCALP missile, the French version of Storm Shadow. The transfer removes a remaining restriction on UK components made by MBDA and is intended to support Ukraine’s plans to establish domestic production of the long-range missile with France. The Storm Shadow/SCALP family has a range of about 250–560 km depending on the variant and has been used by Ukraine against targets in occupied territories and inside Russia.   Russia Issues Warning Andrei Fedorov, a former Russian deputy foreign minister and current Kremlin adviser, told BBC Newsnight that Moscow could not completely rule out a “semi-military” response against Britain. Asked what this could involve, Fedorov said British enterprises and factories producing drones or other components for Ukraine could be attacked. He said such action could come from “unknown sources” rather than directly from Russia and also referred to possible cyberattacks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov separately criticised the British decision, accusing London of adding “fuel to the fire.” He said Russia was gathering information on missile production facilities so they could be targeted. Burnham rejected the criticism, responding to Peskov by asking: “Who started the fire?”   Ukraine Seeks More Air Defence The dispute comes as Ukraine faces continuing pressure on its air-defence capabilities ahead of winter. Zelenskyy has said Kyiv wants to secure around 300 US-made Patriot interceptor missiles to protect critical infrastructure and the energy system. Ukraine has also sought the ability to manufacture Patriot interceptors domestically. US President Donald Trump previously discussed the possibility but later said no agreement had been reached, stressing that the technology required careful consideration. At the Kyiv meeting, Burnham, Macron and Merz said strengthening Ukraine’s air defences was an urgent priority. They also pledged continued support for Ukraine, further sanctions against Russia and measures targeting Russia’s shadow fleet. Burnham said he would travel to the United States next month with European leaders to discuss Ukraine’s defence requirements with Trump.   Wider UK-Ukraine Defence Cooperation The UK and Ukraine are also expanding cooperation in defence technology. During the visit, Britain secured access for its researchers to Ukraine’s Avengers AI Labs, which uses battlefield data from cameras and sensors to develop artificial-intelligence systems. The UK and France hope to establish production lines for the SCALP/Storm Shadow family in Ukraine by the end of the year, although the exact timeline for full domestic production remains unclear. The latest agreement moves Britain beyond supplying finished weapons by helping Ukraine develop its own long-range missile production capability, while the Russian warnings have raised concerns over possible attacks or other forms of disruption involving British defence facilities.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 13:57:34

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JERUSALEM  — Israel is preparing a multiyear expansion of its military space capabilities, including upgraded satellite intelligence, resilient communications and the development of offensive space systems. The proposed plan includes systems to protect Israeli satellites from hostile spacecraft and concepts for striking targets on Earth from orbit. Defense Minister Israel Katz has said Israel aims to develop a true space-to-ground attack capability and become one of the world's leading space powers. Israel is considering roughly 16 billion shekels ($5.4 billion) over the next decade for space-related capabilities, although the funding has not yet been secured. The plan is part of wider discussions over increasing the defense budget, with the Finance Ministry raising questions about available resources. The program covers expanded intelligence collection through multiple satellite layers, continuous and resilient communications, highly encrypted links, cyber capabilities and contributions to missile defense. Planning involves the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (MAFAT), Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israeli defense industries.   Offensive Space Systems The offensive element has two main objectives: developing weapons to defend Israeli satellites against hostile spacecraft and systems capable of striking targets on Earth. One concept under discussion is based on the theoretical U.S. “Rods from God” idea, in which satellites release large tungsten rods that strike the ground at extreme speed, using kinetic energy rather than nuclear explosives. The concept remains under study, with payload weight, launch costs and overall effectiveness among the major challenges. Concrete systems and development timelines have not yet been established. Katz has also discussed developing space-based laser capabilities for operations above Earth. Israel already operates ground-based laser systems, including Iron Beam.   Satellite Intelligence The push has been accelerated by Operation Roaring Lion, during which Israeli forces expanded their use of satellites for intelligence collection and target development. Israeli satellites captured tens of thousands of images of relevant areas, providing day-and-night coverage. Avi Berger, head of the Defense Ministry's Space Directorate, described the operation as a major step forward in Israel's operational use of space. He received the Israel Defense Prize for technological projects connected with the Ofek 13 and Ofek 19 satellite programs. Ofek 13 and Ofek 19 use synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology. Unlike electro-optical satellites that depend on sunlight, SAR satellites transmit electromagnetic energy toward the ground and use the returning signal to create imagery. This allows imaging during both day and night and through clouds, while providing additional high-resolution intelligence capabilities. Ofek 19, launched in September 2025, joined Israel's operational satellite constellation and supports Unit 9900. The proposed program is intended to provide Israel with a stronger and more continuous space-based intelligence, communications and defense network. Israeli officials have stressed that achieving security superiority in space is increasingly important for maintaining freedom of action for the IDF and defense establishment. The plans remain in the development and budgeting stage, with specific systems, timelines and final funding allocations still under discussion.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-25 12:45:43