World 

SALEM, New Hampshire — May 13, 2026 : Klein Marine Systems has unveiled the MANTIS UUV, a new side scan sonar system specifically developed for autonomous underwater vehicle (UUV) platforms, as defense, commercial, and scientific operators continue expanding the use of autonomous maritime systems for long-duration underwater missions. The newly introduced system is designed to provide consistent, high-resolution sonar imagery across varying survey ranges and operational speeds while reducing payload demands on compact autonomous platforms. The announcement comes amid growing demand for underwater systems capable of operating with reduced crew requirements and increased onboard processing capability.   SmartArray Technology and Compact Integration At the center of the MANTIS UUV is Klein’s proprietary SmartArray Technology, which integrates critical sonar electronics directly into the transducer array rather than separating them into dedicated payload compartments. The approach differs from conventional sonar architectures commonly used on underwater survey systems. According to the company, this configuration reduces the overall system footprint while lowering size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements — a key consideration for UUV manufacturers and operators working with limited payload capacity. The design also preserves internal vehicle space for additional sensors, batteries, or mission-specific equipment while simplifying installation and integration planning. Ted Curley, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Klein Marine Systems, stated that the system was developed to combine advanced imaging performance with onboard processing and practical integration for future autonomous underwater operations.   Sonar Performance and Technical Specifications The MANTIS UUV employs multi-channel side scan sonar technology and is engineered to maintain operational effectiveness at vehicle speeds between 6 and 8 knots across all survey ranges. Klein stated that the motion-tolerant design helps mitigate image degradation caused by underwater vehicle movement and dynamic operating conditions. The baseline sonar configuration operates at 600 kHz, while additional 720 kHz and 850 kHz frequency options are available to support different mission profiles and imaging requirements. The system provides swath coverage of up to 150 meters per side, enabling a total coverage width of 300 meters during survey operations. Resolution specifications include 1.0 cm across-track resolution and 10 cm along-track resolution at ranges up to 50 meters. Advanced signal processing capabilities integrated into the system include: Dynamic focusing Multiple-look processing Adaptive beamforming These processing techniques are intended to improve image consistency, target identification, and sonar clarity during autonomous underwater operations.   Real-Time Data Processing and Ethernet-Based Architecture The MANTIS UUV incorporates onboard real-time data processing capabilities, allowing sonar information to be analyzed during active missions rather than relying entirely on post-mission review. Klein stated that this capability supports autonomous decision-making workflows and provides a foundation for machine learning and AI-assisted underwater analysis applications. The system uses an Ethernet-centric architecture for control and data interfaces, which the company says reduces integration complexity for modern autonomous underwater platforms. The sonar is also fully compatible with the company’s SonarPro NXT software platform, enabling mission playback, detailed data review, and post-survey analysis.   Operational Applications Klein Marine Systems identified several operational roles for the MANTIS UUV across defense, commercial, and scientific sectors. These include: Route survey operations for mine countermeasures (MCM) Search and recovery (SAR) missions Hydrographic and geophysical surveys Offshore infrastructure inspection Environmental habitat mapping and seafloor monitoring The company stated that the system is intended for missions requiring both high-speed survey capability and high-resolution underwater imaging performance.   Expanding Autonomous Underwater Systems Market The MANTIS UUV enters a growing market for autonomous underwater technologies as naval forces, offshore operators, and research organizations increasingly invest in autonomous maritime systems for persistent underwater operations. Based in Salem, New Hampshire, Klein Marine Systems supplies sonar systems to military, commercial, and scientific users in more than 80 countries. The company’s product portfolio supports applications ranging from naval mine countermeasures and subsea infrastructure inspection to hydrographic surveying and seafloor mapping.  

Read More → Posted on 2026-05-13 15:35:01

 World 

WASHINGTON — May 13, 2026 : The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated that the proposed Golden Dome for America missile defense system could cost approximately $1.2 trillion to develop, deploy and operate over the next two decades, according to a 12-page report released on May 12, 2026. The assessment provides one of the most detailed public cost projections so far for the planned multi-layered national missile defense architecture intended to defend the United States against ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, cruise missiles and other advanced aerial threats.   Acquisition Costs Could Exceed $1 Trillion According to the CBO, acquisition costs alone for the programme would surpass $1 trillion. The estimate includes interceptor systems, a space-based missile warning and tracking network, research and development activities, system integration, operational infrastructure and long-term performance upgrades. The report identified the proposed space-based interceptor layer as the largest and most expensive component of the entire architecture. The orbital defense network, consisting of approximately 7,800 satellites, is projected to account for nearly 70 percent of acquisition costs and roughly 60 percent of the programme’s total projected cost over 20 years. The Congressional Budget Office stated that deploying enough orbiting interceptors to counter approximately ten incoming ballistic missiles could alone require an estimated $720 billion in funding.   Major Gap Between Pentagon and CBO Estimates The CBO projection is significantly higher than earlier estimates provided by the Trump administration and Pentagon officials. President Donald Trump previously stated that the Golden Dome programme would cost approximately $175 billion, while Space Force Gen. Mike Guetlein, director of the Office of Golden Dome for America, estimated in March 2026 that the system would require around $185 billion through 2035 to achieve its planned “objective architecture.” According to the CBO, the large difference between the estimates likely reflects major differences in the scale, structure and timeframe of the system being evaluated. The report stated that the Pentagon’s proposed architecture may be substantially more limited than the broader multi-layered defense network modeled by the Congressional Budget Office under the framework established by the programme’s executive order. The agency also noted that the Department of Defense could be expecting “significant funding from other accounts” to support portions of the programme, adding that both explanations may contribute to the discrepancy.   Funding Requests and FY2027 Defense Budget Initial funding for the Golden Dome initiative was approved after Republicans in Congress allocated approximately $24.4 billion through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025. The Pentagon is currently seeking an additional $17 billion for the programme through reconciliation measures. Defense officials also stated that approximately $750 billion from the administration’s proposed $1.5 trillion fiscal year 2027 defense budget request is intended for missile defense systems, drones, artificial intelligence programmes and expansion of the U.S. defense industrial base. The administration has described Golden Dome as part of a broader layered homeland defense strategy designed to strengthen national protection against evolving missile threats. Budget documents stated that the programme would rely on “innovative program management and acquisition approaches to prudently employ taxpayer dollars.”   Programme Origins and Strategic Objectives The Golden Dome programme originated from a January 27, 2025 executive order titled “The Iron Dome for America,” which was later renamed Golden Dome for America. The initiative calls for the development of a layered missile defense architecture capable of detecting, tracking and intercepting ballistic missiles, hypersonic glide vehicles, cruise missiles and other airborne threats targeting the United States. The Congressional Budget Office said its projections were based on a notional architecture consistent with the capabilities outlined in the executive order. However, the report noted that the Department of Defense has not yet publicly released detailed plans for the final objective architecture, making precise long-term cost estimates difficult.   CBO Warns of Operational and Strategic Limitations Despite describing the proposed network as substantially more capable than existing U.S. missile defenses, the CBO cautioned that the system would not provide complete protection against large-scale nuclear attacks launched by major powers such as Russia or China. According to the report, the Golden Dome architecture “would be far more capable than defenses” currently available to the United States, but it “would not be an impenetrable shield or be able to fully counter a large attack” conducted by a peer nuclear adversary. The agency also warned that deployment of the missile defense network could influence adversary behavior. The report stated that while the system could deter or defeat smaller missile raids during regional conflicts, it could also encourage rival powers to increase the scale of future attacks in an effort to overwhelm the defense architecture. Defense officials nevertheless continue to support the programme, arguing that the system represents a major expansion of U.S. homeland missile defense capabilities and a long-term investment in layered national security infrastructure.

Read More → Posted on 2026-05-13 15:24:08

 World 

TAIPEI — May 13, 2026 : U.S. defense technology company Shield AI and Taiwan-based unmanned systems manufacturer Thunder Tiger Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding to integrate AI-enabled autonomy software into Taiwan’s unmanned maritime platforms, beginning with the SeaShark family of unmanned surface vessels (USVs). The agreement was announced in Taipei on May 13, 2026, and marks a new step in Taiwan’s effort to expand autonomous maritime defense capabilities using domestically produced unmanned systems combined with U.S.-developed artificial intelligence software. The first phase of the partnership will integrate Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software into a Thunder Tiger USV, with a live AI-piloted maritime demonstration planned for later this summer. The initiative is intended to transition Taiwan’s maritime defense architecture from remotely operated drones toward coordinated autonomous systems capable of functioning in contested environments where communications and GPS signals may be degraded or disrupted. The companies stated that the partnership is designed to support distributed maritime operations, coastal defense missions, and scalable unmanned warfare concepts in the Taiwan Strait.   Hivemind Autonomy Integration At the center of the agreement is Shield AI’s Hivemind Enterprise software platform, a modular autonomy system designed to operate unmanned platforms with reduced reliance on continuous human control. The platform includes capabilities such as mapping, sensing, state estimation, object tracking, task planning, motion planning, behavior planning, and multi-agent coordination. Traditional unmanned maritime vessels typically rely on stable communications links and direct operator control, making them vulnerable to jamming, cyberattacks, signal disruption, and battlefield saturation. By integrating an autonomous AI layer, the vessels are intended to continue navigation, adapt routes, avoid obstacles, maintain formation, and coordinate with other systems even in communications-denied or GPS-disrupted environments. Shield AI stated that human operators would remain responsible for mission oversight and lethal decision-making authority. The company’s Commander software will connect Hivemind-enabled systems with command-and-control networks and mission-planning workflows to maintain operational supervision during deployments.   SeaShark USV Family The first integration effort will focus on Thunder Tiger’s SeaShark family of unmanned surface vessels, particularly the SeaShark 800 platform. The vessel is approximately 8 meters long, features an aluminum hull with stealth coating, and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 50 knots. Images released alongside the announcement showed a SeaShark 800 equipped with a launcher-type module mounted on the vessel. Neither company disclosed the exact launcher model, payload configuration, or intended weapon system. However, the configuration highlighted the modular nature of the SeaShark platform family, which is designed to support multiple mission profiles including reconnaissance, strike operations, electronic warfare, decoy missions, coastal defense, and explosive delivery roles. Previous reports have indicated that the SeaShark 800 may be capable of carrying payloads of up to 1,200 kilograms and operating at ranges approaching 500 kilometers. Other variants within the SeaShark family have reportedly supported reconnaissance and attack payloads ranging between 300 and 600 kilograms depending on mission configuration.   Phased Testing and Multi-Agent Operations According to the companies, the integration program will follow a phased development structure that includes simulation-based testing, hardware-in-the-loop integration, and live maritime trials in waters surrounding Taiwan. Shield AI executives stated that the broader operational objective is to move beyond isolated drone operations toward coordinated “multi-agent teaming,” where multiple autonomous platforms can operate together in contested operational environments. While the initial focus remains on maritime systems, the companies indicated that future development could extend toward mixed autonomous fleets combining unmanned surface vessels and unmanned aerial systems.   Industrial and Strategic Significance Thunder Tiger Corporation manufactures unmanned aerial, surface, and underwater systems for defense, industrial inspection, disaster response, and security applications. Several of the company’s aerial platforms have received Blue UAS approval from the U.S. Department of Defense, meeting cybersecurity and supply chain standards required for military procurement programs. Company officials described the agreement as part of Taiwan’s broader effort to strengthen local autonomous defense manufacturing and reduce dependence on externally operated systems. Thunder Tiger General Manager Gene Su stated that integrating Hivemind autonomy would provide the company’s platforms with autonomous decision-making capabilities required for increasingly complex operational missions. Shield AI co-founder Brandon Tseng said the partnership aligns with efforts to provide Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense with asymmetric defense technologies intended to support distributed maritime operations and deterrence capabilities. The agreement also expands Shield AI’s regional presence in Taiwan following the company’s February 2026 contract with Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology to accelerate development and deployment of AI-enabled unmanned systems using the Hivemind autonomy platform.  

Read More → Posted on 2026-05-13 15:21:42

 World 

JERUSALEM — May 13, 2026 : Israel and the United Arab Emirates reportedly expanded covert security and military coordination during the recent conflict with Iran, including intelligence sharing, missile defence cooperation, and joint operational planning, according to reports published on May 13, 2026. A report by The Wall Street Journal, citing Arab officials and sources familiar with the matter, stated that David Barnea conducted at least two undisclosed visits to United Arab Emirates during March and April 2026. The visits reportedly focused on coordinating wartime operations linked to the conflict, referred to in some Israeli reports as Operation Roaring Lion. The discussions reportedly involved intelligence coordination, missile defence integration, and planning for responses to Iranian military activity during the conflict. The cooperation represented one of the most extensive operational partnerships between Israel and the UAE since the signing of the Abraham Accords.   Reported Covert Strikes on Iranian Targets During the conflict, the UAE reportedly carried out covert military strikes against Iranian infrastructure. One of the reported operations targeted an oil refinery on Lavan Island in early April 2026. The refinery is considered a major Iranian energy facility and processes approximately 200,000 barrels of condensate per day. Reports stated that Emirati Mirage 2000-9 fighter jets conducted the strike, causing extensive fires and significant operational damage at the site. The facility was reportedly forced to suspend much of its production capacity for several months following the attack. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not directly comment on the reported operation. However, officials referenced previous statements emphasizing the country’s right to defend its security interests against hostile actions. According to regional reports, the strikes were conducted in response to repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Emirati civilian infrastructure and energy facilities during the conflict.   Missile Defence Cooperation Following the reported strike on Lavan Island, Iran reportedly launched approximately 2,800 missiles and drones toward Emirati infrastructure and military targets. The escalation led to direct military coordination between Israel and the UAE in air and missile defence operations. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee stated that Israel deployed an Iron Dome air defence battery along with Israeli military personnel to the UAE during the conflict. The system was reportedly used to intercept incoming Iranian missiles and drones targeting Emirati territory. The deployment marked the first reported operational use of the Israeli Iron Dome system and Israeli combat-support personnel on foreign soil. Israeli defence assistance to the UAE also reportedly included the Iron Beam laser-based defence system and the Spectro drone detection and surveillance platform. Real-time intelligence sharing between Israeli and Emirati officials regarding Iranian missile launch preparations and drone operations was also reportedly conducted throughout the conflict.   Intelligence and Security Coordination Israeli media reports further stated that David Zini also traveled to the UAE during the war to coordinate intelligence and internal security matters with Emirati counterparts. The reported visits by Barnea and Zini highlighted the growing intelligence relationship between Israel and the UAE as both countries increased security coordination regarding Iran and regional military threats. Neither Israel nor the UAE has officially confirmed the reported visits by Israeli intelligence officials or the UAE’s alleged involvement in strikes against Iranian targets. However, the reports indicate a significant expansion in operational defence cooperation between the two countries during the conflict.  

Read More → Posted on 2026-05-13 14:41:50

 World 

TAMPA, Florida — May 13, 2026 : Skyborne Technologies has received a U.S. Department of War Limited Safety Release for its Controller Operated Direct Action Quadruped (CODiAQ) armed unmanned ground system, clearing the platform to proceed into Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) and combat assessments with units from United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and a partnered foreign ally. The milestone follows independent government testing conducted by the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Center (ATEC) at Aberdeen Proving Ground. The evaluation confirmed that the armed robotic system met Department of War safety requirements for tactical operator handling and live weapon employment. The CODiAQ platform is based on the Ghost Robotics Vision 60 quadruped system, a four-legged unmanned ground vehicle designed for operations in terrain where wheeled and tracked systems face mobility limitations. The robot is intended for use in urban combat zones, subterranean environments, rubble-filled areas, and confined interior spaces frequently encountered during special operations missions.   Modular Armed Configuration Skyborne Technologies has integrated modular weapon payloads into the CODiAQ platform, including the HAVOC 40mm grenade launcher and the CHAOS 12-gauge shotgun system. The modular design allows operators to rapidly change payloads depending on mission requirements. According to the company, the fully loaded system weighs approximately 66 kilograms with the HAVOC payload installed. The platform can be assembled within 10 minutes, while weapon swaps and reload procedures can be completed in approximately 90 seconds. The system provides an operational endurance of two hours and 15 minutes and is controlled by a single operator using a UXV Technologies SRoC Ground Control Station connected through a Silvus StreamCaster 4200 data link. The platform also incorporates onboard electro-optical and infrared sensors for targeting and navigation support.   Safety Validation and AI-Assisted Targeting The armed variants utilize Skyborne’s proprietary EXITUS AI targeting software, which provides AI Target Recognition and Tracking (AiTR) capabilities to support rapid target identification and engagement assistance. Company officials stated that the system operates under a human-in-the-loop architecture, requiring direct operator authorization before weapon employment. The ATEC validation specifically assessed the fire control and safety mechanisms to ensure the robotic platform does not create unacceptable risk to nearby personnel during operations and testing. The CODiAQ platform is also equipped with a structural roll cage for rollover protection and meets IP67 and MIL-STD-810H environmental testing standards. The system is NDAA compliant and fully compatible with the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) battlefield networking system.   Contract Structure and Delivery Timeline The Limited Safety Release was granted under a $6.5 million firm-fixed-price research, development, test, and evaluation contract funded and managed by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict. Under the agreement, Skyborne Technologies will deliver 14 CODiAQ systems and 28 modular weapon payloads. The contract also includes a 24-month sustainment package covering maintenance, hardware support, operator training, and maintainer instruction for both U.S. and allied personnel. Delivery will take place as a complete fielding package rather than through staggered shipments, allowing equipment, sustainment, and training to be integrated into a single operational handoff later in 2026. Michael J. Trexler, the Government Program Manager overseeing the effort, confirmed that live-fire operator training is scheduled for October 2026. “We are working closely with Skyborne to deliver CODiAQs and new equipment live fire training to our Tactical Operators in October 2026,” Trexler stated. “CODiAQ represents a deliberate and important step in armed robotic ground systems. This milestone allows the Department of War to rapidly assess operational utility with rigorous emphasis on system safety, operator control, and risk management during OT&E and combat evaluations.”   Operational Role and Manufacturing The evaluation program will involve multiple Tactical Units of Action within USSOCOM alongside at least one allied foreign partner. The platform is intended for high-risk missions where robotic systems can reduce direct exposure of human operators during close-quarters combat and direct-action operations. Skyborne Technologies stated that the CODiAQ systems procured under the contract are manufactured in the United States, aligning with current Department of War priorities focused on domestic production, secure supply chains, and long-term sustainment resilience. The company is scheduled to publicly display the CODiAQ system during SOF Week 2026 in Tampa, Florida, from May 19 to 21 at the Australia Pavilion, Booth 721. Quadruped robotic systems have increasingly attracted military interest over the past decade, with platforms such as the Vision 60 undergoing various defense evaluations. However, the CODiAQ program’s progression into a formal safety-certified operational testing phase with USSOCOM represents one of the more advanced publicly disclosed procurement and evaluation efforts involving armed quadruped robotic systems.  

Read More → Posted on 2026-05-13 14:30:03

 World 

ISTANBUL, TÜRKIYE — May 13, 2026 : EDGE Group and Baykar have signed two strategic agreements at the SAHA 2026 International Defence, Aerospace and Space Industry Exhibition aimed at strengthening cooperation in unmanned combat aerial systems, precision-guided weapons integration, and international defence marketing initiatives. The agreements, announced during the SAHA 2026 exhibition held at the Istanbul Expo Center from May 4 to 8, focus on integrating EDGE’s AL TARIQ family of precision-guided munitions onto Baykar’s Bayraktar AKINCI unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), while also establishing a joint commercial framework allowing both companies to market products from each other’s defence portfolios.   AL TARIQ Integration on Bayraktar AKINCI The primary agreement formalises the integration of EDGE’s AL TARIQ precision-guided munition family onto the Bayraktar AKINCI platform. The contract was signed by Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EDGE Group, and Haluk Bayraktar, Chief Executive Officer of Baykar. Under the agreement, Baykar will provide technical support, system integration, and demonstration services required to certify the compatibility of the AL TARIQ weapon system with the AKINCI UCAV platform. The companies stated that the integration is intended to expand operational flexibility and improve scalable precision-strike capabilities for AKINCI operators across a range of mission environments. The AL TARIQ family consists of modular precision-guided kits designed for Mk 81, Mk 82, and Mk 83 general-purpose aerial bombs. The system is designed for all-weather, day-and-night precision strike operations and offers stand-off engagement capability exceeding 120 kilometres in its long-range configuration equipped with wing kits. According to the companies, the munition family supports launch operations from altitudes up to 40,000 feet at speeds approaching Mach 0.9. Guidance options include GNSS-aided inertial navigation systems, with optional semi-active laser and imaging infrared seekers. The system is also designed to support automatic target recognition, moving target engagement, and strike accuracy of less than two metres circular error probable in certain configurations. The AKINCI platform is a high-altitude, long-endurance multirole unmanned combat aerial vehicle equipped with twin turboprop engines. The aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 6,000 kilograms, payload capacity of 1,500 kilograms, operational range of approximately 6,000 kilometres, and endurance exceeding 24 hours.   Joint Commercial and Cross-Selling Framework A second agreement signed during the exhibition establishes a formal framework for joint commercial cooperation and international marketing activities between the two defence companies. The agreement was signed by Yousef Al Blooshi and Murat Kilinc. The arrangement authorises both companies to include products from each other’s portfolios in future export campaigns and customer proposals. Officials stated that the framework is intended to create broader cross-selling opportunities across their wider defence product ranges while strengthening market access in international defence sectors. The companies said the partnership reflects increasing global demand for integrated defence solutions combining unmanned aerial platforms with advanced precision-guided weapon systems.   Executive Statements Hamad Al Marar stated that the partnership reflects a broader transition within the defence industry toward integrated end-to-end operational systems. “The defence industry is moving towards integrated, end-to-end solutions, and this partnership with Baykar is a direct reflection of that,” Al Marar said. He added that combining EDGE’s smart weapon systems with the AKINCI UCAV platform would provide international operators with improved precision, scalability, and operational flexibility across complex mission environments. Haluk Bayraktar stated that Baykar’s ongoing integration of multiple munition types onto the AKINCI platform is intended to provide operators with a broader range of operational capabilities. “With this strategic collaboration, we are enhancing the capabilities of our platforms while further strengthening our global partnerships and leading position in the defence industry,” Bayraktar said.   Expanding Strategic Defence Cooperation The agreements represent the latest phase in a broader strategic partnership between the UAE and Turkish defence industries focused on expanding precision-strike capabilities for unmanned aerial systems. The cooperation builds upon a previous agreement involving the integration of EDGE’s DESERT STING 16 guided-glide munition onto the Bayraktar TB2 platform. Baykar remains one of the world’s leading UAV exporters, with the company previously reporting export agreements with nearly 40 countries and export volumes exceeding $2.2 billion in recent years. EDGE Group continues to expand the UAE’s sovereign defence manufacturing sector through investments in autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, advanced smart weapons, and integrated defence technologies for international markets.  

Read More → Posted on 2026-05-13 14:18:14

 World 

HELSINKI — May 13, 2026 : Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has unveiled STORM SHIELD, a miniature electronic warfare (EW) self-protection and deception system specifically developed for unmanned aerial platforms, during the AOC Europe 2026 Electronic Warfare conference in Helsinki, Finland. The system was introduced as part of Rafael’s broader electronic warfare portfolio showcased at the conference, which is being held from May 19–21 under the theme “Re-Arming Europe for Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority.” STORM SHIELD is designed to address the growing operational vulnerability faced by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operating in increasingly contested electromagnetic environments.   Designed for Contested Airspace Operations According to Rafael, modern integrated air defense systems and radar-guided threats have significantly increased the risks faced by UAVs operating without onboard electronic protection systems. The absence of compact, combat-proven active EW systems suitable for unmanned platforms has limited the operational reach and survivability of drones in high-threat environments. As military forces increasingly shift reconnaissance, strike, and support missions toward unmanned systems, the requirement for lightweight defensive technologies compatible with UAV size, weight, power, and cost constraints has become more urgent. Rafael stated that STORM SHIELD was specifically engineered to provide active self-protection and deception capabilities for UAVs operating in suppressed or degraded operational theaters.   Autonomous Electronic Warfare Capability STORM SHIELD is a lightweight active electronic warfare suite capable of autonomously detecting, analyzing, and countering a wide range of radar-guided anti-aircraft threats. Once activated, the system continuously monitors the surrounding electromagnetic spectrum and automatically generates and transmits counter-signals without requiring operator intervention. The system provides full 360-degree spatial coverage, allowing protection regardless of the host platform’s orientation, altitude, or maneuver profile during flight operations. Rafael stated that the system also supports broad frequency coverage to address multiple threat categories simultaneously while maintaining continuous electromagnetic environment monitoring. Additional capabilities include advanced direction-finding functions and Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM)-based deception techniques intended to disrupt or mislead hostile radar systems.   AESA-Based Architecture and Miniaturized EW Technology At the hardware level, STORM SHIELD is built around an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) transmitter architecture using solid-state receiver/transmitter modules. The system integrates advanced DRFM-based signal generation and electronic deception technologies derived from Rafael’s existing electronic warfare portfolio. According to the company, the technologies incorporated into STORM SHIELD have already been validated in operational service across multiple air and naval EW systems. Rafael stated that the miniaturized architecture was specifically adapted to meet the physical and power limitations associated with unmanned aerial platforms. The company noted that technologies from systems such as the SEWS-DV naval electronic warfare suite, the SKY SHIELD escort jamming pod, the LITE SHIELD self-protection jammer, and other airborne EW systems informed the development of STORM SHIELD.   Modular Integration and Upgradeability Rafael stated that STORM SHIELD was designed with a fully modular architecture to simplify integration across a broad range of unmanned aerial platforms using standardized components. The system is fully programmable, allowing operators to install mission-specific software configurations before deployment based on operational requirements and anticipated threat environments. The company added that the EW suite was developed for long-term adaptability, maintainability, and future upgrades as UAV operational requirements continue to evolve. Rafael emphasized that STORM SHIELD is not being presented as a developmental concept, but rather as an operationally validated capability derived from electronic warfare technologies already fielded across its existing defense systems portfolio. Based in Israel, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems develops and manufactures advanced defense technologies across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains, including missile defense systems, precision-guided munitions, electronic warfare systems, and integrated battlefield technologies.  

Read More → Posted on 2026-05-13 14:07:31

 World 

NEW DELHI, — May 13, 2026 : Indian defence start-up Veda Aeronautics has commenced delivery of the first batch of S-UMS Sureshastra Mk1 jet-powered swarm drones to the Indian Air Force under a ₹300 crore ($35.1 million) contract signed in August 2023 for the supply of 200 units. The deliveries, which began in April 2026, mark the start of operational induction of the indigenous loitering munition system developed under the IAF’s Mehar Baba Swarm Drone programme. The contract is currently the largest order awarded by the Indian military to a private-sector company for loitering munitions.   Indigenous Jet-Powered Strike System The S-UMS (Smart Unmanned Munitions System) Sureshastra Mk1 is a jet-powered, fixed-wing kamikaze drone designed for long-range precision strike missions against high-value targets. The platform measures approximately 3.5 metres in length, features a 3-metre wingspan, and weighs around 90 kilograms in its fully loaded configuration. The drone is equipped with a 30 to 40-kilogram high-explosive warhead and operates at cruising speeds between 350 and 400 km/h. Designed with a low-observable V-tail configuration to reduce radar visibility, the system is launched using a rail or catapult-based platform. According to programme details, the Sureshastra Mk1 has an operational strike range exceeding 500 kilometres and is intended to engage targets such as enemy airfields, parked combat aircraft, radar installations, and command-and-control centres with precision.   Swarm Intelligence and Multi-Role Capability A key feature of the Sureshastra Mk1 is its autonomous swarm warfare capability. The platform enables more than 20 drones to coordinate simultaneously during operations, exchange targeting data in real time, and execute synchronized attacks designed to saturate and overwhelm hostile air defence systems. The drone is also equipped with navigation systems capable of operating in GPS-denied environments, allowing continued mission execution under electronic warfare conditions. In addition to its primary strike role, the modular platform can be configured for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, electronic warfare operations, and decoy missions intended to expose or distract enemy air defence assets.   Development Under Mehar Baba Programme Development of the Sureshastra Mk1 originated from the Indian Air Force’s Mehar Baba Swarm Drone contest launched in 2018 to encourage indigenous development of advanced unmanned combat systems. Veda Aeronautics developed the platform in collaboration with the IAF and conducted extensive user trials in the Thar Desert prior to the contract award in 2023. The trials evaluated the drone’s swarm coordination, strike capability, and operational performance in desert conditions. The Indian Air Force has maintained strict operational security surrounding the programme. No official photographs or video footage of the weapon system or its user trials have been publicly released.   Future Variants in Development Veda Aeronautics is currently expanding the Sureshastra programme for additional branches of the Indian Armed Forces. The company is developing a canister-launched variant for the Indian Army intended for integration with BMP-II infantry fighting vehicles. The company is also working on ship-launched variants for the Indian Navy as well as advanced air-dropped canisterised swarm systems for the Indian Air Force. The air-launched variant is being conceptualized for deployment from heavy transport aircraft such as the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III under the IAF’s Air Dropped Canisterised Swarm programme. According to development plans, the airborne deployment concept could potentially extend the system’s operational strike range to nearly 1,000 kilometres.

Read More → Posted on 2026-05-13 13:59:46

 World 

  RESTON, Virginia — May 13, 2026 : Leidos has been awarded a $2.7 billion contract by the United States Army to transition key hypersonic weapons programmes from the prototyping stage into full-scale production, marking a significant step in the expansion of U.S. long-range strike capabilities.   The contract consolidates the Thermal Protection Shield (TPS) and Common Hypersonic Glide Body (CHGB) programmes into a unified production framework intended to accelerate manufacturing timelines and improve coordination between suppliers supporting both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy.   The CHGB serves as the maneuverable payload section of the hypersonic missile system and carries the warhead, navigation, and guidance components. It is the core element of the Army’s Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon system, known as “Dark Eagle,” as well as the Navy’s Conventional Prompt Strike programme. The TPS programme focuses on developing protective technologies designed to shield the glide body from the extreme heat and aerodynamic pressure generated during hypersonic flight.   According to Leidos, integrating the two programmes under a single production structure is intended to support ongoing Army acquisition reform initiatives by reducing duplication across suppliers, simplifying logistics, and improving manufacturing efficiency. The company stated that the consolidation is expected to shorten production timelines while ensuring a stable supply of critical components for operational deployment requirements.   Hypersonic weapons are capable of travelling at speeds greater than Mach 5 while maintaining maneuverability during flight, making them more difficult to track and intercept using conventional missile defence systems. The move into sustained production reflects continued Pentagon efforts to field operational hypersonic strike systems amid growing competition in advanced missile technologies.   Leidos said it will apply its experience in guidance systems, sensor technologies, and precision munitions integration during the production phase. Through its subsidiary Dynetics, the company has served as the prime contractor for the CHGB programme since 2019 and for the TPS programme since 2021.   In March 2026, the Army and Navy conducted joint testing of the hypersonic missile system associated with the programme, as both services continue efforts to accelerate deployment schedules for long-range hypersonic capabilities.   “This contract is a major step forward in delivering hypersonic capabilities to the warfighter at speed,” said Cindy Gruensfelder, president of Leidos Defense. “Our team is committed to supporting the Army and Navy in producing this critical operational capability.”   The agreement also supports the company’s NorthStar 2030 corporate strategy, which focuses on advanced military technologies, precision-strike systems, and integrated air and missile defence capabilities.   Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos employs approximately 50,000 personnel worldwide and reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ending January 2, 2026. The company stated that the programme is intended to support current and future operational requirements for both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy through expanded large-scale hypersonic weapons manufacturing.

Read More → Posted on 2026-05-13 13:51:48

 World 

WASHINGTON — May 12, 2026 : The United States Navy is set to begin development of a new Long Range Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon (LRAW) under its Fiscal Year 2027 Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, according to newly released budget documentation. The program is intended to expand the Navy’s long-range anti-submarine warfare capability and eventually replace or supplement existing vertically launched anti-submarine weapons currently in service. The LRAW program has been approved as a new-start initiative for FY2027 and will receive an initial allocation of $11.423 million. The funding will support preliminary design activities, engineering work, production of test articles, and modifications to existing Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine (VLA) rounds for testing and evaluation.   Navy Seeks Greater Anti-Submarine Engagement Range The U.S. Navy currently relies on the RUM-139C Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket (VL-ASROC) as its primary ship-launched long-range anti-submarine warfare weapon. The system uses a rocket booster and guidance package to deliver a lightweight torpedo, including the Mk-46 or Mk-54, to a designated drop location before the torpedo enters the water by parachute and autonomously searches for enemy submarines. According to the FY2027 budget justification documents, the Navy identified insufficient operational range in current VLA systems as a major capability gap. Publicly available data places the RUM-139C’s maximum operational range at approximately 10 to 12 nautical miles, or roughly 19 to 22 kilometers. The Navy assessed that evolving undersea threats now require surface combatants to engage hostile submarines from significantly greater stand-off distances. Modern adversary submarines are increasingly equipped with advanced sensors and long-range heavyweight torpedoes, allowing them to threaten surface ships from beyond the effective engagement range of existing anti-submarine rockets. The Navy also noted that the active inventory of RUM-139 missiles is declining. Budget documents stated that limited maintenance funding has reduced the number of missiles being sustained in operational service, increasing the requirement for a modern replacement capable of future mass production.   LRAW Expected to Build on Existing VL-ASROC Concept Although the final configuration of the weapon remains under development, defense analysts expect LRAW to retain a similar operational concept to the current VL-ASROC system. The new weapon is anticipated to use rocket-assisted delivery to transport an acoustic-homing lightweight torpedo, likely the Mk-54, to substantially greater distances before deployment into the water. The Navy has not yet disclosed details regarding the weapon’s propulsion system, target range objectives, guidance architecture, or planned operational timeline. However, the program is expected to significantly increase the anti-submarine reach of future U.S. surface combatants operating in contested maritime regions.   Program Signals Deeper AUKUS Integration One of the most notable elements of the LRAW program is its apparent integration with the AUKUS trilateral security partnership involving the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. The FY2027 development schedule for LRAW includes a reference to an “AUKUS RWG/TLR” review, likely referring to an AUKUS Requirements Working Group or Top Level Requirements review process. The inclusion suggests the weapon is being designed from the outset to meet interoperability requirements across all three allied navies. LRAW is expected to fall under AUKUS Pillar 2, which focuses on joint development and integration of advanced military technologies. Undersea warfare capabilities remain one of the primary focus areas within the Pillar 2 framework.   MK-41 Compatibility Could Enable Allied Fleet Integration Compatibility with the MK-41 Vertical Launching System is expected to play a central role in the program’s multinational integration potential. The U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy already operate the MK-41 system extensively across multiple surface combatants, while the British Royal Navy plans to deploy strike-length MK-41 launch cells aboard its future Type 26 and Type 31 frigates. The United Kingdom has previously issued requests for information regarding long-range anti-submarine warfare weapons for future MK-41-equipped surface vessels. If LRAW maintains compatibility with the same launch architecture used by current VL-ASROC systems, integration across allied fleets could be achieved with relatively limited structural modifications. The Navy has not released additional technical information regarding the weapon at this early stage of development. However, the program represents a broader effort to restore and expand long-range organic anti-submarine warfare capability for U.S. and allied naval forces amid increasing undersea competition in strategically important maritime regions.  

Read More → Posted on 2026-05-12 16:59:06

 World 

BYDGOSZCZ, Poland — May 12, 2026 : Poland’s state-owned defense conglomerate Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) has signed agreements with American defense companies General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems and Paramount Enterprises International Inc. to establish domestic assembly and future production capabilities for Hydra 70mm rockets in Poland. The agreements were signed through PGZ subsidiary Nitro-Chem S.A. and are aimed at creating a production and logistics hub for the Hydra 70 rocket system at the company’s facility in Bydgoszcz. The project forms part of Poland’s broader strategy to expand domestic ammunition manufacturing capacity and strengthen supply chain resilience for future military operations. Under the first phase of the initiative, Hydra 70 rockets will be assembled in Poland using components supplied directly by General Dynamics. Later phases are expected to transition toward full domestic manufacturing, with Polish suppliers and additional PGZ subsidiaries gradually integrated into the production chain. The Polish Ministry of National Defense is expected to become the primary customer for the rockets, although PGZ officials have indicated that future exports to allied countries are also being considered.   Linked to Apache Helicopter Acquisition The program is closely connected to Poland’s acquisition of 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters from the United States under a multi-billion-dollar Foreign Military Sales agreement finalized with Washington. The Hydra 70 is a standard air-to-ground munition used by the Apache platform, and local production is intended to ensure a secure and sustainable ammunition supply for the future fleet. Poland has accelerated military modernization programs following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with particular emphasis on expanding domestic production of ammunition and precision-guided weapons.   Multi-Role Operational Use PGZ President Adam Leszkiewicz stated that the Hydra 70 rockets are expected to support multiple operational roles across the Polish Armed Forces. According to Leszkiewicz, the rockets will arm Poland’s future Apache helicopter fleet while the guided APKWS variant will also serve as a cost-effective counter-drone interceptor for the SAN air defense system. He additionally noted that Ukrainian aircraft are currently employing Hydra rockets against Russian attack drones and suggested that Poland’s Air Force may consider adopting similar operational concepts in the future as a lower-cost alternative to more expensive missile systems. The combination of helicopter armament, air defense integration, and potential aviation applications is expected to create significant long-term production demand for the system.   Hydra 70 and APKWS Capabilities The Hydra 70 is a 2.75-inch (70mm) fin-stabilized unguided rocket family powered by the Mk 66 solid-propellant rocket motor. In its standard configuration, the rocket is designed for use against soft targets and lightly armored vehicles from helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. The rocket’s operational flexibility is expanded through the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), developed by BAE Systems. The APKWS adds a laser-guidance section between the rocket motor and warhead, converting the standard unguided rocket into a precision-guided munition capable of engaging point targets, including unmanned aerial vehicles. The guidance kit uses Distributed Aperture Semi-Active Laser Seeker technology integrated into deployable control canards, allowing the rocket to strike targets with improved accuracy while remaining significantly less expensive than dedicated anti-air or anti-armor missiles.   Expanding Domestic Defense Production Poland currently allocates approximately 4.3 percent of its GDP to defense spending, making it one of NATO’s highest military spenders relative to economic output. The government has increasingly prioritized local ammunition and weapons production after observing the high ammunition consumption rates seen during the war in Ukraine. The Hydra 70 production initiative is expected to support Poland’s long-term objective of reducing dependence on foreign wartime supply chains while strengthening the country’s domestic defense-industrial base for sustained high-intensity military operations.  

Read More → Posted on 2026-05-12 16:53:17

 World 

MOSCOW — May 12, 2026 : Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on May 12 that Russia had successfully conducted a test launch of the RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), confirming that the first regiment equipped with the system will officially enter combat duty by the end of 2026 as part of a broader modernization of the country’s strategic nuclear forces.   The launch was conducted from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, with Strategic Missile Forces Commander Sergei Karakayev reporting that the missile completed all assigned objectives during the test. Russian authorities stated that the first Sarmat regiment will be deployed with the Uzhur missile division in Krasnoyarsk Krai.   During a televised briefing with senior military officials, Putin described the Sarmat as the most powerful missile system currently in existence and said it is intended to replace the Soviet-era R-36M2 Voyevoda, known in NATO terminology as the “Satan” missile system.   According to Russian officials, the liquid-fueled, silo-based ICBM is capable of carrying multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) as well as hypersonic glide vehicles. Putin stated that the missile can travel along both traditional ballistic and suborbital trajectories, with an operational range exceeding 35,000 kilometers when using a suborbital flight path.   Russian leadership further claimed that the total yield of the warheads carried by the Sarmat is more than four times greater than that of the most powerful comparable Western systems currently in service. Officials stated that the missile surpasses its predecessor in flight range, throw-weight capacity, launch readiness, and onboard countermeasure systems designed to penetrate existing and future anti-missile defense networks.   Putin linked the development of the Sarmat and other advanced strategic systems to the United States’ withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty in 2002, stating that the move forced Russia to accelerate the development of new deterrence capabilities. He added that Russia’s strategic missile and nuclear modernization programs are advancing across multiple sectors and asserted that no Western equivalents currently exist for several of Russia’s newest systems.   Alongside the Sarmat update, Russian officials also provided status reports on other strategic weapons programs currently under development or operational deployment.   The Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile system has officially entered active combat duty, according to the Kremlin. Russian authorities stated that the hypersonic-capable missile system can be equipped with nuclear warheads and is intended to strengthen regional deterrence capabilities.   Officials also confirmed that testing work is nearing completion for two experimental systems powered by compact nuclear propulsion units. These include the Poseidon autonomous underwater vehicle and the Burevestnik global-range cruise missile, both of which are designed for extended-range strategic operations.   In addition, Russia announced that modernization work continues on the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal air-launched hypersonic missile system. The missile, which entered service in 2017 and has been used in ongoing military operations, is reportedly undergoing accuracy improvements for missions involving conventional, non-nuclear warheads.   The scheduled deployment of the Sarmat missile regiment in 2026, combined with the operational status of the Oreshnik and Kinzhal systems and the continued development of Poseidon and Burevestnik, reflects Russia’s ongoing transition toward a new generation of strategic deterrence platforms.

Read More → Posted on 2026-05-12 16:46:01

 World 

WASHINGTON — May 12, 2026 : The U.S. Justice Department has intensified its investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan over his role in the drafting of the January 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) that concluded Russia interfered in the 2016 U.S. presidential election in an effort to support Donald Trump.   As part of the expanding inquiry, the FBI has begun questioning current and former CIA officials involved in preparing the assessment. According to reports, agents from the FBI’s Miami field office recently conducted interviews at CIA headquarters in McLean, Virginia, with approximately a dozen intelligence officers contacted so far. Additional interviews are expected in the coming weeks.   Federal investigators are examining whether Brennan made false statements during congressional testimony in May 2023 concerning the inclusion of the “Steele dossier” in the intelligence assessment. The dossier, compiled by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele and funded by political opponents of Trump, contained unverified allegations regarding Trump’s alleged ties to Russia.   The investigation stems from a criminal referral submitted in October 2025 by the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee, chaired by Representative Jim Jordan. The committee alleged that Brennan falsely testified that the CIA did not rely on the Steele dossier in producing the ICA and that the agency had opposed its inclusion in the report.   According to the committee’s interpretation of declassified intelligence records, Brennan allegedly overruled objections from senior CIA analysts who argued that the dossier failed to meet established intelligence tradecraft standards. Investigators are examining claims that Brennan ultimately approved attaching a summary of the dossier to the assessment as a classified annex despite those objections.   Brennan has consistently denied that the dossier served as a foundational source for the assessment’s core conclusions. He and former intelligence officials have maintained that the CIA opposed including the dossier in the main body of the report because its sourcing could not be verified. Brennan has stated that the classified annex was included as part of a compromise requested by the FBI.   The Justice Department has reportedly moved beyond voluntary interviews and has begun issuing formal grand jury subpoenas to cooperating witnesses. Earlier subpoenas were also issued to Brennan, former FBI counterintelligence official Peter Strzok, and former FBI attorney Lisa Page.   The probe is currently being overseen by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and is being managed through the Miami office. Recent personnel changes in the investigation reportedly included the appointment of conservative attorney Joe DiGenova following the removal of a career prosecutor previously handling the case.   The 2017 ICA was jointly produced by the CIA, FBI, and National Security Agency (NSA) under the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The assessment concluded that the Russian government directed a coordinated influence campaign aimed at undermining public confidence in the U.S. democratic process and showed a preference for Trump during the 2016 election.   The investigation has expanded under the Trump administration, which has repeatedly criticized the intelligence community’s conclusions regarding Russian election interference. Trump has frequently described the original Trump-Russia investigations as politically motivated.   Critics of the current Justice Department inquiry argue that the administration is using prosecutorial authority to revisit previously examined matters and target political opponents. They note that while earlier reviews identified significant flaws in aspects of the FBI’s investigative process, multiple official inquiries upheld the core conclusions of the 2017 intelligence assessment.   Among those reviews were investigations conducted by former Special Counsel Robert Mueller, Special Counsel John Durham, and the bipartisan Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. The Senate committee concluded in its multi-year review that the 2017 assessment was a professionally produced and unbiased intelligence product and affirmed that Russia interfered in the 2016 election.   No criminal charges have been filed against Brennan, and the FBI and Justice Department have not publicly commented on the ongoing investigation.  

Read More → Posted on 2026-05-12 16:03:49

 World 

DAYTON, Ohio — May 12, 2026 : The United States Air Force has formally transitioned its experimental Rapid Dragon palletized munitions initiative into an official Program of Record (PoR) under the new designation “Dragon Cart,” marking a significant step toward operational deployment of cargo aircraft-based long-range strike capabilities. The transition was announced by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) on April 30, 2026, following the formal transfer of program oversight from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to the AFLCMC Combat Readiness Directorate on April 1. Program of Record status secures future congressional funding and establishes Dragon Cart as an officially fielded Air Force capability. Dragon Cart is scheduled to enter operational service in 2027 through the Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Fielding pathway. The system allows cargo aircraft, including the Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules and Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, to deploy palletized standoff missiles using standard airdrop equipment and a government-owned Battle Management System. Under the concept, missile launch modules are loaded onto pallets inside cargo aircraft and released through the rear cargo ramp during flight. Once deployed, the munitions separate from the pallet system and initiate powered flight toward designated targets. The approach enables conventional mobility aircraft to operate as long-range strike platforms without permanent structural modification. JiaJia Lee, Dragon Cart program manager, stated that the capability provides “operational ambiguity, adversary deterrence and additional command options to maximize operational effects.” Lee added that the system gives the Air Force the ability “to transform mobility aircraft into powerful strike platforms,” expanding the operational utility of the airlift fleet. The Dragon Cart designation originates from the ancient Chinese Ji Long Che, a historical military catapult system capable of launching multiple projectiles simultaneously over extended distances.   Family of Affordable Mass Munitions Selected for Dragon Cart To support large-scale deployment at lower cost, the Air Force has selected the Family of Affordable Mass Munitions (FAMM), developed under the Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) initiative, as the primary payload family for Dragon Cart operations. The program has since evolved into the FAMM-Beyond Adversary Reach (FAMM-BAR) framework. On April 20, 2026, the AFLCMC issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking industry proposals for a common air-to-surface missile capable of both palletized launch from cargo aircraft and conventional lugged carriage on fighters and bombers. According to the requirement, the Air Force is seeking a munition optimized for engaging slow-moving maritime targets with a minimum range of 1,000 nautical miles and mid-course navigation capability. The service is also targeting production capacity between 1,000 and 2,000 missiles annually over a five-year period for U.S. and allied military customers.   Multiple Defense Firms Developing Compatible Weapons Several defense companies are currently developing weapons intended for integration with the Dragon Cart framework. Zone 5 Technologies is advancing the AGM-188A Rusty Dagger, a low-cost cruise missile initially developed under the ERAM initiative for potential Ukrainian requirements. The missile recently completed live-warhead testing, while Team Eglin Test Enterprise finalized F-16 integration and release trials in March 2026. Leidos received the AGM-190A designation for its Black Arrow small cruise missile in February 2026. Previous testing from a C-130 platform demonstrated a standoff range exceeding 400 nautical miles. CoAspire is developing the Rapidly Adaptable Affordable Cruise Missile (RAACM) and its extended-range RAACM-ER variant. The company unveiled the extended-range model during the Sea-Air-Space 2026 conference in April. The missile features an additively manufactured fuselage intended for rapid forward production and can be launched from aircraft, submarines, and surface vessels. Lockheed Martin continues development of its Common Multi-Mission Truck (CMMT) architecture, including the unpowered CMMT-D glide vehicle and the powered CMMT-X variant.   Digital Engineering Accelerates Development A major component of Dragon Cart’s rapid transition into a Program of Record has been the Air Force’s use of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) combined with direct government ownership of engineering data and digital architecture. Kent Mueller, Dragon Cart systems engineering program manager, stated that maintaining control over the engineering framework allows rapid payload integration and modification without lengthy procurement delays. According to Mueller, if a payload requires a different launch configuration, engineers can digitally model the design, conduct load-path analysis, and transfer updated specifications directly to production vendors. The Air Force has described Dragon Cart as a “born digital” acquisition program that combines existing technologies within a government-controlled engineering structure to accelerate fielding and future upgrades.   Program Builds on Years of Operational Testing Dragon Cart’s operational development follows multiple successful flight demonstrations conducted since 2021. In August 2021, the AFRL carried out representative palletized missile drops from a C-17A and EC-130SJ over White Sands Missile Range. In December 2021, an MC-130J Commando II deployed a four-cell Rapid Dragon pallet system over Eglin Air Force Base. A major milestone was achieved in November 2022 when an MC-130J assigned to the 352nd Special Operations Wing successfully launched a live AGM-158B JASSM-ER over the Norwegian Sea, demonstrating the operational viability of palletized long-range cruise missile deployment. Prototype contracts linked to the Dragon Cart expansion effort are expected to be awarded in late May 2026 as the Air Force moves toward operational deployment and expanded missile procurement.

Read More → Posted on 2026-05-12 15:56:04

 World 

NEVADA — May 12, 2026 : General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the United States Air Force have successfully completed a series of flight tests integrating the AGR-20 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) onto the MQ-9A Reaper remotely piloted aircraft during trials conducted at the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR). The tests demonstrated the MQ-9A’s ability to engage both aerial and ground targets using laser-guided 70 mm rockets launched from a specialized LAU-131 A/A rocket pod. According to GA-ASI, multiple firing profiles and engagement scenarios were conducted during the evaluation, with all launches performed successfully by MQ-9A crews. Released imagery from the trials showed the aircraft equipped with inert AGR-20 APKWS rockets mounted inside the extended seven-shot launcher pod. The integration effort is part of an expanding U.S. military focus on developing lower-cost and persistent airborne solutions for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) missions, particularly against one-way attack drones and Group 3 unmanned aerial systems increasingly encountered in operational theaters across the Middle East and Red Sea region. GA-ASI stated that the project moved rapidly from initial planning to live flight testing in response to urgent operational adaptation requirements identified by U.S. Central Command. “We recognize the value that a system like APKWS brings to the MQ-9 aircraft as a tool to counter one-way attack drones,” said David R. Alexander, president of GA-ASI. “APKWS can increase the number of weapons the MQ-9A is able to carry, while also enabling the aircraft to employ lower-cost precision-guided weapons.”   MQ-9A Reaper Expands Counter-Drone Role The MQ-9A Reaper is primarily used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike operations. The aircraft features six external hardpoints and a payload capacity of approximately 3,850 pounds. When equipped with LAU-131 A/A launcher pods carrying seven APKWS rockets each, the aircraft could potentially carry up to 42 guided rockets, significantly increasing available ammunition capacity for sustained drone defense missions. The aircraft’s long endurance remains one of its primary operational advantages. The MQ-9A can remain airborne for more than 27 hours without aerial refueling, operate at altitudes up to 50,000 feet, and reach speeds of approximately 240 knots true airspeed. By comparison, manned fighter aircraft commonly assigned to counter-drone combat air patrols — including the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-15E Strike Eagle, and A-10C Thunderbolt II — require significantly higher operating costs and more extensive aerial refueling support to maintain prolonged patrol operations. Operating costs for the MQ-9A are estimated between $3,000 and $4,000 per flight hour, compared with approximately $20,000 to $30,000 per hour for fighter aircraft. The use of the MQ-9A in the C-UAS role is intended to reduce operational costs while freeing crewed fighter platforms for higher-priority missions in contested airspace environments. A recognized limitation of the MQ-9A remains its lower cruise speed of roughly 200 knots, which reduces response time against distant or fast-moving aerial threats compared with supersonic fighters. However, its endurance and larger available ammunition capacity are considered advantageous for defending against drone swarm attacks and prolonged saturation strike operations.   APKWS II Provides Lower-Cost Precision Capability The APKWS II system, produced by BAE Systems, converts standard Hydra 70 unguided rockets into precision-guided munitions through the insertion of a laser guidance section between the Mk66 Mod 4 rocket motor and the rocket’s 10-pound high-explosive warhead. The guidance section contains four foldable wings equipped with Distributed Aperture Semi-Active Laser Seeker optics, allowing the rocket to track moving or stationary laser-designated targets without requiring major modifications to the original rocket body, launcher, or aircraft fire-control system. The APKWS guidance kit is estimated to cost approximately $15,000, with the complete rocket significantly less expensive than conventional air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder, which cost hundreds of thousands to more than one million dollars per round. The integration is intended to address the growing “cost-per-kill” imbalance faced by modern militaries using expensive interceptor missiles against low-cost drones. The larger magazine capacity provided by APKWS-equipped launcher pods is also viewed as critical for countering swarm attacks and multi-directional drone assaults increasingly observed in recent conflicts. The recent MQ-9A tests follow earlier demonstrations conducted by GA-ASI in 2025 using the MQ-1C Gray Eagle STOL variant, which also successfully employed APKWS rockets against aerial drone targets during C-UAS flight trials.  

Read More → Posted on 2026-05-12 15:49:31