Europe
KIELCE, Poland — Defense technology company SPARC AI Inc. (CSE: SPAI; OTCQB: SPAIF; Frankfurt: 5OV0) has launched Overwatch Patrol, a dismounted positioning application designed to provide continuous location data to soldiers and security personnel when GPS/GNSS is jammed, spoofed, degraded or unavailable. SPARC AI unveiled the system at MSPO, the International Defense Industry Exhibition in Kielce, Poland, held from September 8 to 11. The exhibition is one of Europe's major defense events and a venue for NATO and allied procurement discussions. Before MSPO, SPARC AI demonstrated Overwatch Patrol in Kraków. GPS-Denied Positioning Without Additional Hardware Overwatch Patrol does not require additional hardware, external receivers, antennas or software installation. Originally developed for military-grade handheld devices, the current version operates through SPARC AI's Overwatch Positioning Network, a cloud-based positioning service. The application can be used as a native mobile app or through a standard web browser on smartphones and tablets. SPARC AI says remote processing of the core spatial calculations reduces the processing requirements on user devices. Real-Time Team Position Sharing Overwatch Patrol allows multiple users to share their positions on a common digital map in real time. Team members can see each other's movements while walking, running or holding positions without relying on GPS. Commanders can create teams in the field using an encrypted dynamic session code. Personnel can join or leave a group without a central administrator or pre-configured devices. The system also allows any team member to place a rally point on the shared map. The location is immediately synchronized with connected users, allowing them to navigate toward the same point. This can be used to establish new link-up locations after contact, during casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), when a route becomes unusable, or when personnel become separated beyond visual or radio contact. Integration With Tactical Networks At MSPO, SPARC AI management met with prospective technology partners and tactical communications providers to discuss integrating Overwatch Patrol with military radio networks. The planned integration would allow shared position data to move through existing tactical communications systems. Overwatch Patrol expands SPARC AI's Overwatch Positioning Network beyond aerial platforms. The company previously launched the network for UAVs, allowing drones to send telemetry to remote data centers and receive positioning information without onboard navigation payloads. SPARC AI says its drone-focused service is live for use in Ukraine. The launch adds a dismounted positioning capability to SPARC AI's broader work on navigation in GNSS-denied environments.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-12 14:34:09
Space & Technology
PARIS, — Eutelsat plans to invest about €1 billion to procure 229 additional OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites from Airbus Defence and Space, supporting constellation replenishment and expansion through 2034. Eutelsat and Airbus have signed an Authorisation to Proceed (ATP) for initial industrial work. The agreement was announced at the International Space Summit in Paris in the presence of French Minister of Higher Education, Research and Space Philippe Baptiste. The order follows two earlier contracts covering 440 OneWeb satellites, awarded to Airbus in late 2024 and early 2026. Together, the three commitments bring the total number of second-generation OneWeb satellites to be manufactured by Airbus to 669. Production will take place at Airbus Defence and Space's facility in Toulouse, France. The first satellites from the existing 440-unit order are scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026, with launches expected shortly afterward. The additional 229 satellites will be introduced over the following decade to replace first-generation spacecraft approaching the end of their design life and to increase capacity for commercial and government customers. Upgraded Satellites The new spacecraft will feature advanced digital channelisers for improved onboard processing, dynamic beam steering and flexible bandwidth allocation based on traffic demand. They will also include interfaces for hosted payloads, allowing institutional or commercial customers to fly sensors such as Earth-observation or thermal-infrared instruments alongside the communications payload. Structural and power improvements are also intended to improve operational economics over the satellites' service cycle. OneWeb currently operates more than 600 satellites in 12 synchronized orbital planes at roughly 1,200 kilometers altitude. Eutelsat is the only European operator with a fully operational global LEO broadband network. Eutelsat said the approximately €1 billion investment is covered by its existing multi-year capital budget and does not change its capital expenditure forecast through the 2029 financial year. Separately, Eutelsat selected Arianespace for two dedicated Ariane 64 launches of OneWeb satellites in 2027 and 2028 from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. Preparing for IRIS² Eutelsat is positioning OneWeb as its near-term LEO platform ahead of Europe's IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) programme. Eutelsat is expected to lead the design, deployment and operation of the programme's commercial Ku-band LEO segment, which is expected to enter service by mid-2032. IRIS² is expected to provide more than twice OneWeb's current capacity, with both constellations planned to operate alongside each other through the mid-2030s. Eutelsat CEO Jean-François Fallacher said the additional satellites will strengthen OneWeb while IRIS² will provide new capacity and capabilities. Airbus Defence and Space Head of Space Systems Alain Fauré said the contract demonstrates the maturity of the product, supply chain and Airbus' capability to manufacture large-scale LEO constellations at high rates. The replenishment programme will support service continuity and capacity for government, enterprise, maritime, aviation, defense and telecommunications customers while preparing Eutelsat for Europe's next phase of sovereign satellite connectivity.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-12 14:16:35
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army has awarded Rolls-Royce Solutions America Inc. a $39.1 million contract modification to manufacture additional power packs for Israel’s Eitan 8x8 armored personnel carrier (APC). The modification, designated P00011 to contract W56HZV-23-C-0054, is the 11th change to the original contract and increases its total value to approximately $158.9 million. Work will be carried out at Rolls-Royce’s facility in Graniteville, South Carolina, and is scheduled to continue through September 11, 2027. Army Contracting Command at Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity. The modification is funded entirely through fiscal year 2010 non-expiring Foreign Military Sales (FMS) funds allocated for Israel. Such funds can remain available for eligible defense purchases beyond the fiscal year in which they were appropriated. The order is part of a broader $180 million FMS case approved by the U.S. State Department in April 2025. The package covers additional Eitan 8V199TE21-D powerpack engines and components, U.S. government and contractor technical assistance, non-recurring engineering, logistics and program support. It expanded an earlier $85.5 million procurement case. MTU 8V199TE21-D Powerpack The Eitan uses the MTU 8V199TE21-D, an eight-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine producing approximately 750 horsepower. The engine is supplied as part of an integrated powerpack with an Allison 4800 Specialty Series automatic transmission. Rolls-Royce Solutions America, headquartered in Novi, Michigan, is the principal contractor for the effort and operates within Rolls-Royce Power Systems. The MTU engine business is part of Rolls-Royce Power Systems and is separate from Rolls-Royce’s civil aerospace operations and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Eitan 8x8 Armored Personnel Carrier The Eitan was developed by Israel following operational experience during the 2014 Gaza conflict, with the aim of providing a faster wheeled armored vehicle alongside the heavier tracked Namer and replacing some of the capabilities of older M113 carriers. The vehicle is roughly 8 meters long and weighs about 30–35 metric tons, depending on configuration. It carries a three-person crew and up to nine additional soldiers. Its protection includes a V-shaped hull, composite armor and the Iron Fist active protection system. The Eitan can reach speeds of up to 90 km/h and is designed to provide protected infantry mobility while offering greater road mobility than heavy tracked platforms. The first production Eitans entered Israeli service in May 2023. Following the October 7, 2023 attacks, the Israel Defense Forces accelerated their deployment, including operations in Gaza alongside other armored vehicles. The Army and Rolls-Royce have not disclosed the exact number of engines covered by the new $39.1 million modification. Public information also does not specify how much of the broader $180 million 2025 FMS case has already been obligated.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-12 13:57:42
U.S
COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. — Naval defense manufacturer Ultra Maritime has announced that all five of its newest U.S.-specification sonobuoy variants are now production ready. The company said the milestone completes what it identifies as the world’s first unified suite of next-generation anti-submarine warfare (ASW) acoustic expendables. The five variants are the AN/SSQ-53H, AN/SSQ-62G, AN/SSQ-101B, AN/SSQ-125B and AN/SSQ-36B, which form the core of the company’s Sea Revealer family. They support underwater surveillance missions ranging from ocean-layer profiling and wide-area acoustic searches to target detection, localization and tracking. The AN/SSQ-53H DIFAR is a passive sonobuoy that listens for acoustic emissions from nuclear and diesel-electric submarines using omnidirectional sensors and directional hydrophone channels. The AN/SSQ-62G DICASS is an active buoy that can be remotely triggered to transmit sound pulses and measure echoes to determine a contact’s bearing and range. The AN/SSQ-101B ADAR uses an unfolding horizontal planar hydrophone array as a high-sensitivity receiver for sound reflected from submerged targets. The AN/SSQ-125B MAC is a multistatic active acoustic source that can operate with passive receivers such as the Q-101B and Q-53H to transmit structured sound bursts across patrol areas. The AN/SSQ-36B AXBT provides environmental data rather than directly tracking targets. Its temperature probe measures the water column down to 800 meters (2,625 feet), generating sound-velocity profiles that help mission systems predict how sonar waves travel through ocean thermal layers. Production Expansion Ultra Maritime recently modernized and expanded its manufacturing complex in Columbia City, Indiana, adding higher-rate manufacturing automation and updated production processes. The company now reports producing more than 1,000 sonobuoys per day across facilities in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada. The expansion has created hundreds of jobs in Northeast Indiana over the past two years, with additional hiring and facility improvements planned as domestic and international procurement increases. Ultra Maritime’s U.S. supply chain includes suppliers in 24 states, more than 70 percent of which are small businesses. Ultra Maritime says it is the only defense contractor worldwide producing G-size, half-length sonobuoys, which can allow aircraft and unmanned platforms to increase sonobuoy payload capacity without increasing airframe weight limits. It also says it is the only manufacturer with active production lines in multiple allied countries. The company supplies sonobuoys for fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles, including major ASW platforms such as the Boeing P-8A Poseidon and Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk. Earlier in 2026, the U.S. Navy awarded Ultra Maritime a sole-source, firm-fixed-price contract for low-rate initial production of the AN/SSQ-125B for training, peacetime operations, testing and inventory requirements. The Q-125B incorporates improved signal processing and acoustic performance for demanding ocean conditions. Ultra Maritime also demonstrated the SSQ-125B and Sea Spear passive sonar system during the U.S. Navy’s 2026 Lanternfish exercise, focusing on the detection and localization of unmanned underwater vehicles. Headquartered in Braintree, Massachusetts, Ultra Maritime produces active and passive sonobuoys in A-size and G-size configurations and has received U.S. Navy production contracts and delivery orders for systems including the SSQ-53H and SSQ-62G. The announcement comes amid the company’s broader expansion and follows Lockheed Martin’s proposed $3.45 billion acquisition agreement for Ultra Maritime, announced earlier in summer 2026.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-12 13:44:25
Space & Technology
TORRANCE, Calif. — The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration has awarded California-based nuclear energy startup Antares $161 million under a Strategic Breakthrough contract to develop a nuclear reactor designed to power operational spacecraft. Antares said the award is the largest defense contract to date focused specifically on space-based nuclear power. The contract covers two parallel technical tracks. Under the first, Antares will conduct a ground demonstration of its R1-S reactor, a compact system that uses solid-state heat pipes instead of mechanical pumps to transfer heat from the reactor core. After ground validation, the reactor will be integrated into a spacecraft and prepared for flight certification ahead of an orbital launch. The second track involves the Mark-1 reactor, an electricity-producing design scheduled to begin multi-month operational testing in 2027 using a closed Brayton cycle power-conversion system. The reactor will be used to power a ground-to-space military asset. “Space has been core to the Antares thesis since the company was founded,” said Jordan Bramble, CEO and co-founder of Antares. “This partnership with the Space Force turns that long-held vision into a codified space mission. Fission will unlock strategic capabilities that are impossible today.” Nuclear Power for Spacecraft Most modern satellites use solar arrays and batteries. Antares says a compact fission reactor could provide continuous multi-kilowatt or megawatt-class power regardless of sunlight, orbital shadows or distance from the Sun. The company identifies potential applications including high-throughput edge computing and automated data processing, long-range active radar, directed-energy payloads, and high-power electronic warfare and electromagnetic-spectrum operations. Greater onboard power could also support more flexible spacecraft maneuvering. The United States has not operated a nuclear reactor in orbit since NASA launched SNAP-10A in 1965, leaving a six-decade gap in U.S. space fission systems. Mark-0 Reached Criticality The contract follows Antares' June 4, 2026, milestone at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), where its Mark-0 microreactor reached criticality, meaning the fission reaction became self-sustaining. The test was conducted under Department of Energy authorization with INL and nuclear fuel supplier BWX Technologies (BWXT), with U.S. Army personnel observing. Antares said it became the first private entity to achieve criticality under the DOE's Reactor Pilot Program and that Mark-0 was the first newly designed reactor to reach criticality at the Idaho site in more than 50 years. The test provided validation of core physics and safety profiles for Antares' HALEU TRISO fuel compacts, which use ceramic coatings designed to retain fission products and withstand high temperatures without melting. Other U.S. Defense Programs Antares is also using its reactor architecture across other military programs. Data from Mark-0 is supporting Project Pele, the Department of Defense's effort to develop a transportable terrestrial microreactor. The company is also a supplier under the U.S. Army's Project Janus, which focuses on fixed microreactors for domestic military installations, including Fort Moore, Georgia, formerly Fort Benning. Earlier in 2026, Antares was selected through the Defense Innovation Unit to build a prototype installation system at Joint Base San Antonio. Space Nuclear Power Plans Antares linked the Air Force award to Executive Order 14369, “Ensuring American Space Superiority,” and the National Initiative for American Space Nuclear Power outlined in NSTM-3. These policies call for demonstrating an operational nuclear reactor in orbit as early as 2028, followed by deployment of a surface power reactor on the Moon by 2030. Founded in 2023 in Torrance, California, Antares has engineering and testing facilities in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Aiken, South Carolina. The company has raised more than $600 million in private capital, including a $470 million Series C round completed in July 2026. The Air Force and Antares have not disclosed the target launch date for the R1-S, the specific spacecraft bus or mission profile, or how the $161 million contract will be divided between the R1-S flight demonstration and Mark-1 ground testing.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-12 13:29:57
Space & Technology
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has demonstrated a spacecraft propulsion architecture that combines chemical and electric propulsion in a single system using a shared propellant tank and feed system. The ground test was conducted under the Propulsion Optimization UNifying Chemical and Electric (POUNCE) program at AFRL’s Space Propulsion Environment Facility at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The demonstration validated the feasibility of Modular Multimode Propulsion (MMP). MMP is designed to allow both high-thrust chemical thrusters and high-efficiency electric thrusters to operate from the same propellant supply. This can reduce the need for separate tanks, valves, regulators, feed lines and other hardware normally required when a spacecraft carries both propulsion types. Chemical propulsion provides high thrust for rapid maneuvers, while electric propulsion offers much higher fuel efficiency but produces relatively low thrust. The combined system allows the propellant supply to be used for rapid maneuvers when necessary and for longer-duration, fuel-efficient orbital operations. ASCENT propellant The demonstration used Advanced Spacecraft Energetic Non-Toxic (ASCENT), previously designated AF-M315E. Developed by AFRL, ASCENT is a hydroxylammonium nitrate-based ionic liquid propellant that can be used as a chemical monopropellant and in electrospray electric propulsion. AFRL states that ASCENT provides approximately 50 percent higher density specific impulse than hydrazine and has lower handling hazards. It is classified as Department of Transportation Class 1.3C, with Class 1.4 for shipping, allowing simpler ground handling than hydrazine. ASCENT has previously flown on NASA’s Green Propellant Infusion Mission and Lunar Flashlight. Commercial partners Three companies supplied major components for the demonstration. Flight Works provided the composite conformal tank and propellant feed system, Igneon Aerospace supplied the chemical thrusters, and Revolution Space provided its PALOMINO ion-array electrospray thruster for electric propulsion. The testing was performed in a high-vacuum facility simulating orbital conditions. AFRL evaluated whether the feed lines and valves could reliably switch between the chemical and electric propulsion systems under representative operating pressures. The concept of combining high-thrust and low-thrust propulsion has been studied since the 1960s, but practical implementation has been limited by challenges involving propellant compatibility and shared feed systems. The POUNCE architecture uses modular interfaces that can allow propulsion components to be exchanged or reconfigured without redesigning the spacecraft's core propulsion system. AFRL’s related Modular Propulsion (ModProp) effort uses the Propulsion Unit for Modular Applications (PUMA) approach with ASCENT and focuses on standardized interfaces for applications including sustained maneuvering, tactically responsive space, and space mobility and logistics. Dr. Javier Urzay, chief of AFRL’s Rocket and Space Propulsion Division, said the objective is to accelerate the development of integrated propulsion capabilities for dynamic space operations. AFRL and its industry partners will use data from the Edwards AFB testing to further refine the system as the technology progresses toward potential on-orbit flight testing.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-12 13:14:03
U.S
WASHINGTON — U.S. officials say Iran obtained high-resolution satellite imagery from Chinese sources before and after a July 17 ballistic missile attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in northeastern Jordan, linking the imagery to the strike that killed three American soldiers. Officials described the connection as the clearest evidence so far that Chinese support for Iran has had lethal consequences for U.S. forces. They did not identify the specific Chinese entities involved and did not allege direct involvement by the Chinese government. Iranian ballistic missiles struck a housing area where U.S. troops were sleeping, killing 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, and Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28. Four others were seriously wounded and medically evacuated. Iran also targeted manned and unmanned aircraft at the base. The July 17 attack was one of three missile attacks on the installation within 24 hours and marked the first American combat deaths since an April ceasefire in the wider conflict faltered. Improved Iranian Targeting Earlier in the conflict, U.S. strikes had damaged major parts of Iran's radar, satellite and air-surveillance infrastructure. Iranian missile units often struck open ground or lower-value areas. U.S. officials said Iranian targeting accuracy improved during the summer. Within three days of the attack, Iranian state media published high-resolution imagery showing damage across three areas of the base. A Wall Street Journal analysis of publicly available imagery found that more than 20 military and support structures had been hit. Former CIA analyst Jim Lamson said fresh high-resolution imagery can reveal recent troop movements, aircraft rotations and facility changes, while post-strike imagery helps assess accuracy and determine where to direct later attacks. U.S. officials said Chinese commercial imagery is part of a wider Iranian intelligence network that also includes Russian data, remaining Iranian capabilities and human sources. Chinese Satellite Firms Sanctioned In May, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned three Chinese firms — MizarVision (Meentropy Technology), Earth Eye and Chang Guang — over the provision, collection or publication of imagery that could be used against U.S. forces. Chang Guang had previously been accused by U.S. officials of providing satellite imagery that supported attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces. U.S. officials raised the July strike and the satellite imagery with Chinese counterparts. Beijing demanded evidence and rejected the allegations, maintaining that Chinese companies operate within international trade laws. Concerns Over U.S. Navy Ships U.S. defense officials are also examining whether Chinese satellite data could help Iran track American warships. Iran has recently fired anti-ship ballistic missiles toward a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group and accompanying destroyers. U.S. Central Command said the missiles were intercepted or fell into open water without causing damage, although some detonated close to the ships. Officials are investigating whether foreign orbital monitoring could provide Iran with near-real-time information needed to target moving vessels. The satellite imagery issue is part of broader U.S. concerns over Chinese support for Iran. A Shenzhen company, Telefly Telecommunications Equipment, has been linked to miniature turbojet engines used in upgraded Shahed-type drones. Treasury investigations also found that Western-made microelectronics and guidance components reaching Iran's drone program were routed through Chinese intermediaries and Hong Kong shell companies. The Justice Department has separately identified Chinese state agencies as end-users of technical information obtained by cyber groups that targeted U.S. federal defense and weapons laboratories. The developments come ahead of a planned September 24 summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. After meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi days after the July 17 strike, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that nothing China had done had changed the trajectory of the conflict.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-12 12:25:24
World
BRUSSELS — The European Commission has approved an additional €6.1 billion in funding for Ukraine’s defense procurement, including air and missile defense systems, ammunition, drones and electronic warfare equipment. The decision, announced on September 11, 2026, is part of the EU’s €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan for 2026–2027. The approval also allows Ukraine to use the funding to procure U.S.-made Patriot PAC-3 interceptor missiles. European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius said the decision formally enables Ukraine to purchase PAC-3 missiles for its Patriot air-defense systems. The missiles can be procured through the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), a NATO-coordinated mechanism, among other procurement channels. Five Procurement Exemptions The €6.1 billion package includes five derogations from the Ukraine Support Loan's standard procurement eligibility rules. Three exemptions apply to Ukrainian-made drones and components whose costs exceed the normal thresholds under the loan's procurement rules. Two exemptions apply to U.S.-manufactured defense equipment, including PAC-3 missiles. The Ukraine Support Loan generally prioritizes defense products from the EU, Ukraine and eligible European partner countries. However, its rules allow limited derogations when urgent operational requirements cannot be met with the required quantities and within the necessary timeframes. €28.3 Billion Defense Allocation for 2026 Fully Assigned The €6.1 billion approval is part of the broader €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan, which provides €60 billion for defense-related support and €30 billion for budgetary assistance during 2026 and 2027. For 2026, the EU made available up to €28.3 billion for Ukraine's defense industrial capacities. Kubilius said that with the latest decision, the full €28.3 billion 2026 defense allocation has now been assigned to Ukraine's defense needs. The Commission said funding decisions remain subject to conditions and monitoring. Before funds are transferred, contracts are reviewed to ensure they comply with the Ukraine Support Loan and the agreed procurement rules. Funding Covers Air Defense, Drones and Electronic Warfare The newly approved package covers several areas, including air and missile defense, ammunition, drones and electronic warfare equipment. The European Commission said the funding is intended to support Ukraine's ability to respond to continued Russian missile and drone attacks. The approval follows earlier EU support for Ukraine's defense industry. In June, the Commission began disbursing €3.9 billion as the first payment under a roughly €6 billion tranche dedicated to drone procurement. The Commission had also disbursed a separate €3.2 billion installment under the loan in June. The latest decision therefore expands the procurement options available to Ukraine, particularly for Patriot PAC-3 interceptors, while continuing EU support for Ukrainian and European defense production. The approval does not itself represent an immediate delivery of PAC-3 missiles. Actual procurement and disbursement will depend on contracts, their verification by the European Commission and the relevant procurement and production arrangements.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-12 12:12:04
World
RIYADH — Satellite imagery from MizarVision shows extensive fire and structural damage at two pumping stations along Saudi Arabia’s strategic East–West oil pipeline following drone strikes on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The pipeline, also known as Petroline, runs about 1,200 kilometres from the Abqaiq oil-processing facilities in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. It has a pumping capacity of around 7 million barrels per day and is an important route for transporting Saudi crude to the Red Sea, particularly while shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted. 🇸🇦 SAUDI ARABIA | East–West Pipeline attackedSaudi Arabia’s critical East–West oil pipeline system was struck by projectiles on Thursday.Satellite imagery shows fires and damage around pumping stations. One US official says drones originated from Iraq.⚠️ A full shutdown of… pic.twitter.com/tSPortXdHQ — MizarVision (@MizarVision) September 11, 2026 Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy confirmed that the pipeline was shut down as a precaution after several drones struck targets in the Riyadh and Medina regions. Emergency and technical teams were deployed to secure the facilities, assess the damage and determine the condition of the pipeline. The attacks caused injuries and material damage. Satellite imagery reviewed after the attacks showed major fire damage at pumping stations near Al-Masbah and Al-Dhahrah, with thick smoke visible at the affected facilities. Sentinel-3 and NASA FIRMS data also detected several heat sources and smoke along the pipeline corridor. Some of the detected fires appeared to be emergency flare activity rather than direct pipeline damage. Saudi Arabia said preliminary investigations found that the drones were launched from Iraq. Iraq condemned the attacks and said the drones were launched from Maysan province, which borders Iran. Iraqi authorities dismissed the operations commander in the province and established an investigation. Saudi Arabia said it would support Iraq’s efforts to prevent further attacks while reserving its right to protect its sovereignty and facilities. No group has publicly claimed responsibility for the attacks. The pipeline had reportedly been carrying around 4–5 million barrels of crude per day in recent weeks. With the system shut down, crude supplies to Yanbu are likely to be significantly limited or halted until technical assessments and repairs are completed. However, Saudi authorities have not yet released a detailed assessment of the total damage or a timetable for restarting the pipeline. The full extent of the disruption therefore remains unclear. Further updates from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy and Saudi Aramco are expected to determine how much pipeline capacity has been affected and when operations can resume.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-12 11:56:16
U.S
WASHINGTON — U.S. Air Force Capt. Michael “Wax” Cloninger, an F-22 Raptor pilot assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron, 3rd Operations Group, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, has received the Air Force’s highest flight-safety award after safely landing a fully armed F-22 that had lost its right main wheel assembly. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach presented Cloninger with the 2025 Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy during a ceremony at the Pentagon on Sept. 8, 2026. Cloninger was recognized for the technical discipline and decision-making that saved a $156 million aircraft and prevented serious injury or loss of life. Right Main Wheel Assembly Detached After Takeoff The emergency occurred on Sept. 18, 2024, while Cloninger was deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. He was flying as the number-two aircraft in a four-ship formation scheduled to conduct a memorial flyover marking the anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Immediately after takeoff, the F-22’s entire right main wheel assembly detached. Cloninger received no cockpit warning indicating that the wheel had separated. He and his flight lead canceled the flyover and remained near the airfield to assess the aircraft. Cloninger took responsibility for navigation and communications, slowed below the maximum landing-gear extension speed and lowered the gear. His flight lead then flew alongside the F-22 and confirmed that the complete right main wheel assembly was missing. Pilot Selects Gear-Up Landing The F-22’s flight manuals contained no specific procedure for landing after losing a complete wheel assembly. Using crew resource management, Cloninger consulted with his flight lead and chose the landing-with-gear-up procedure rather than attempting an asymmetric landing with the remaining gear extended. Before landing, Cloninger stayed airborne for about one hour to burn excess fuel, reducing the aircraft’s landing weight and the risk of a post-impact fire. He coordinated preparations with the air traffic control tower, crash-response units and the operations supervisor. He also conducted a low approach over the runway to assess the aircraft’s handling using the emergency alternate-flap flight-control mode. F-22 Safely Recovered For the final landing, Cloninger used a shallow glide path and calculated on-speed descent before touching down on the runway centerline. The F-22 slid to a stop without catching fire. Cloninger immediately shut down both engines and safely exited the aircraft. Maintenance personnel later completed diagnostic checks and structural repairs, allowing the F-22 to return to flying condition and be flown out of the theater. The Air Force described the recovery as an unprecedented recovery for an F-22 after a belly landing. Cloninger Credits His Teammates During the Pentagon ceremony, Wilsbach praised Cloninger’s discipline, teamwork and decision-making during the emergency. Cloninger credited the personnel who supported him throughout the incident, particularly those who assisted with communications and checklists. “Without my teammates assisting with communication and walking through the checklists, I truly believe I wouldn’t be standing here today,” Cloninger said. About the Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy Established in 1957, the Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy is the Air Force’s premier flight-safety award and the only one personally presented by the Chief of Staff. It recognizes aircrew members whose situational awareness, technical judgment or piloting skill prevents an aircraft accident or significantly limits its consequences. The award honors 1st Lt. Koren Kolligian Jr., whose Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star disappeared off the California coast on Sept. 14, 1955. He was later declared missing in the line of duty. Kris Kolligian, the nephew of the trophy’s namesake, attended the Pentagon ceremony.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-12 11:27:56
U.S
GRAHAM, Kentucky — Tampa, Florida-based defense contractor Nitradyn LLC has been awarded a $581 million Department of War contract to design, construct and commission a new domestic production facility for Insensitive Munition Explosive-104 (IMX-104) in Graham, Kentucky. The facility is expected to produce approximately 8 million pounds of IMX-104 annually once fully operational. Commissioning is planned before the end of 2030, with the contract listing an estimated completion date of August 9, 2030. The firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract is managed by Army Contracting Command at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. The new plant will be built at the same Graham site where the U.S. Army is constructing a TNT production facility. Together, the two projects will form an explosives manufacturing campus capable of producing multiple energetic formulations. IMX-104 is a melt-castable explosive made from RDX, NTO and DNAN. It is used as an explosive fill in 155 mm artillery shells and mortar rounds. The formulation was developed as an insensitive munition designed to provide greater resistance to accidental detonation from hazards such as fire, fragments and impact compared with traditional TNT fills. Nitradyn plans to manufacture all three IMX-104 components—RDX, NTO and DNAN—at the Graham site. The facility will also produce HMX and will include additional capacity for other energetic materials in the future. The project comes as the U.S. Army works to expand domestic ammunition production and address constraints in the supply of explosive fillers needed for increased 155 mm artillery shell production. The United States has also relied on allied countries, including Australia, India and Poland, to help offset domestic shortages of energetic materials. Nitradyn President Braden Lusk said the contract represents an investment in U.S. capacity to produce critical munitions. He said combining the IMX-104 facility with the TNT project will create an advanced explosives manufacturing campus capable of producing a diverse range of formulations. Lusk also said the facility will strengthen the domestic industrial base, create American jobs and increase U.S. capacity to meet future defense requirements. Founded in 2025, Nitradyn LLC is headquartered in Tampa, Florida, and was established as a joint venture between Dyno Nobel Limited and Paligen Chemical LLC, part of the Paligen Technologies group. The company manufactures and supplies explosives, propellants and energetic materials for defense and commercial customers. The Graham IMX-104 project will add another major domestic explosives production capability alongside the planned TNT facility, expanding U.S. capacity for several key military energetic materials at one location.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 15:42:31
U.S
WASHINGTON — Senior White House officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have privately warned President Donald Trump that the U.S. conflict with Iran could continue through the end of his current term in January 2029, according to reporting by The Wall Street Journal. The private assessment contrasts with Trump's recent public statements. On September 10, Trump said he expected the conflict to end after the November midterm elections and argued that Iran was under severe pressure. Advisers See Possibility of a Long Conflict According to the reported discussions, senior U.S. officials believe Iran could continue resisting American military and economic pressure, including the naval blockade and sanctions. The assessment indicates that there is no clear near-term path to a comprehensive ceasefire or a full restoration of normal commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in late February and has now continued for more than six months. Fighting has included periods of intense military activity, retaliatory strikes and disruptions to shipping. Recent fighting has centered increasingly on maritime routes. On September 9, Iran said it had attacked 10 ships after the U.S. military sank five Iranian oil tankers following attacks on U.S. naval forces. The escalation sharply reduced shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel. U.S. Military Deployments Extended The possibility of a prolonged conflict is also reflected in U.S. military planning. According to The Wall Street Journal, some American military deployments in the Middle East have been extended into 2027, while some air-defense units are expected to remain in the region without a fixed withdrawal date. The continued deployments indicate that Washington is preparing for the possibility that military operations and regional security requirements will continue beyond the immediate period surrounding the November elections. Iran Continues to Resist Pressure Iran has continued to signal that it intends to resist the U.S. campaign despite the economic costs. Reuters reported that the U.S.-led blockade and sanctions have placed significant pressure on Iran's economy, while Iranian officials and analysts have continued to consider ways to maintain resistance. The conflict has also included renewed attacks involving Iranian forces, U.S. military assets and commercial shipping. The latest escalation has increased concerns that the fighting could remain at a lower but sustained level even if the intensity of major operations declines. Fighting Expands Around Red Sea The conflict has also widened beyond the Strait of Hormuz. Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen recently seized the port of Mocha and advanced toward areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another important maritime route. Reuters reported that the development has increased concerns over shipping and Saudi oil exports. The situation around both Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has added further pressure to regional energy transportation. Shipping through Hormuz remains significantly below pre-war levels, while attacks and security concerns in the Red Sea are affecting another major route. Oil Prices Rise Above $100 The continuing disruption has also affected global energy markets. On September 10, Brent crude settled at $107.63 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) reached $102.48, according to Reuters. Both benchmarks moved above $100 as tanker attacks increased concerns about supply disruptions. Reuters also reported on September 11 that oil prices remained on track for a weekly gain of more than 8% despite falling during the day's trading. The market continues to respond to uncertainty surrounding oil shipments through Hormuz and the Red Sea. The latest developments leave Washington facing the possibility of a much longer confrontation than the timeline publicly suggested by Trump. While the president continues to expect the conflict to end after the November midterms, private assessments by senior officials indicate that the U.S.-Iran confrontation could potentially continue through the remainder of Trump's term in January 2029.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 15:34:27
Europe
BERLIN/DÜSSELDORF — German defense technology startup Ground A has secured €9.1 million in pre-seed funding to advance its GA 1000 laser-based counter-drone system toward market launch and industrial production in Germany. The financing round closed in June 2026 and was announced publicly in September. Ground A, founded in January 2026, has completed the prototype phase of the GA 1000 and is now conducting testing and validation. The company plans to begin modular series production in Germany in 2027, with another funding round planned to expand production capacity. The round was led by Vsquared Ventures, with Quantum Systems participating as a corporate investor. Other investors include GRIF, Robin Capital, ABACON, Leblon Capital and OVNI Capital. Experienced investors and entrepreneurs from the European defense and software sectors also joined, including Florian Seibel and Sven Kruck of Quantum Systems, Andreas Nauerz of J14 Capital, Marlon Braumann, and Stefan Roebel, Managing Director of Arx Robotics. Ground A is based in Düsseldorf and has a branch in Berlin. Its workforce has grown to 25 employees by September 2026. GA 1000 Combines Radar, AI and Laser The GA 1000 combines radar, multi-sensor fusion, computer vision, proprietary artificial intelligence and a high-energy laser effector to automatically detect, classify and track small drones. A human operator retains the decision to engage the target. According to Ground A, the system operates in the single-digit-kilowatt laser range and is designed as a "last-mile" counter-drone system against fast-flying Group 1 to 3 drones, including explosive-laden FPVs. The company says identifying a drone, locking on and starting engagement takes about three seconds, followed by roughly one second of laser exposure per drone. The complete system weighs less than 200 kilograms and fits within the footprint of a standard Euro pallet. It can be transported by four people. Its self-contained, swappable energy modules allow operation without fixed electrical infrastructure, while battery power supports about one hour of laser operation. Ground A says the GA 1000 provides 360-degree detection and target acquisition at ranges of several kilometres. The company also reports an engagement cost below €0.10 per use, with energy as the primary consumable. The system is designed to integrate with existing air-defense and command-and-control systems and can be mounted on land, sea and air platforms, including tanks and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). It is intended for military applications as well as protection of critical infrastructure such as energy facilities, airports and other sensitive sites. Production Planned for 2027 Ground A says the GA 1000 is now approaching market launch after completing its prototype phase. CEO and co-founder Dr. Tobias Brune said the company focused on product development and results before expanding its public communication. Brune co-founded Ground A with Daniel Hariri and Roland Spiegelhalder. The company demonstrated the system in Berlin in September 2026. The €9.1 million will support testing, market readiness, industrialisation and team expansion. Ground A has not yet commercially sold the system, and it has not disclosed specific production volumes or confirmed customer contracts. The company plans to establish modular series production in Germany in 2027 and use its planned subsequent funding round to increase manufacturing capacity. Ground A also intends to integrate the GA 1000 with compatible systems from companies such as Quantum Systems and Arx Robotics, while targeting governments and critical-infrastructure operators. Ground A describes the GA 1000 as the first element of a broader counter-drone and air-defense product platform.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 15:15:05
World
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan — Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer presented the first C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft for the Uzbekistan Air Force on September 10, 2026, making Uzbekistan the first Central Asian operator of the aircraft. Embraer confirmed the presentation in a social media post but did not provide details on the handover timeline. The aircraft carries the tail number UK 39010 and features a grey livery with “UZ AIR FORCE” markings, the Uzbek flag and Air Force insignia. Embraer had kept the customer confidential for more than a year. The company signed the contract for two C-390 aircraft on December 27, 2024, listing the customer as undisclosed. Uzbekistan was identified as the buyer at the Singapore Airshow on February 3, 2026. “We officially welcome the Republic of Uzbekistan to the group of C-390 operators as the Uzbekistan Air Force modernizes its transport capabilities,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, when the order was disclosed. The C-390 Millennium can carry up to 26 tonnes of payload and cruise at speeds of up to 470 knots (870 km/h or 541 mph). It can perform cargo and troop transport, airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian missions. The aircraft can also operate from unpaved or short runways. The KC-390 tanker version adds aerial refueling capability. The C-390 adds a medium-sized transport capability to Uzbekistan’s fleet, alongside four Airbus C295 light transports and older Ilyushin Il-76 heavy airlifters. Uzbekistan also operates older Antonov An-12 and An-26 aircraft. The country has been adding Western equipment, including Airbus H125 and H215 helicopters, as it diversifies a fleet historically based on Soviet-era aircraft. Uzbekistan becomes the eleventh country to operate or order the C-390, joining Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia and Lithuania. The aircraft was designed for interoperability with NATO systems, although most customers so far have been NATO members or close partners. Uzbekistan has also expanded its aviation cooperation with China. In August 2026, state television confirmed the delivery of Chengdu J-10CE fighter jets, making Uzbekistan the second foreign operator of the type after Pakistan. Reports said Uzbekistan had agreed to buy around 24 aircraft for approximately $1 billion, although the government has not confirmed the total number delivered or the final contract value.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 15:10:46
World
AMMAN, Jordan — Newly released satellite imagery and official accounts show damage at Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, also known as Al-Azraq Air Base, following an Iranian ballistic missile attack during the night of September 8-9. The base hosts U.S. military aircraft and personnel and serves as a U.S. military operating hub in the region. The attack followed U.S. strikes on five Iranian crude oil tankers on September 8. Those strikes came after Iranian forces targeted a U.S. Navy warship with ballistic missiles in preceding days. The warship successfully evaded the attacks and no casualties were reported. Satellite imagery shows multiple impact areas Open-source analysis of Sentinel-2 L2A imagery dated September 10 shows several apparent impact points inside the base. The main reported strike area is around 31.8314, 36.7914, near support and aircraft-shelter infrastructure. 🔴🇮🇷🇺🇸UPDATE: Newly-released satellite imagery shows at least 4 clear impact points on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan.A taxiway and two aircraft shelter suffered direct hits.Source: Sentinel-2 L2A 09-10-2026 https://t.co/nSdjubcqz3 pic.twitter.com/GBrsLXhupn — BeamTracker | Military OSINT (@BeamTracker_) September 10, 2026 Extensive damage spotted TODAY at US Jordan Muwaffaq al-Salti AB 👇Several aircraft clamshell hangars destroyed at once POSS by Iran ballistic missile cluster ammo at31.8314, 36.7914 red dotted circleNo visible damage at apron US aircraft used to stay (not imaged). pic.twitter.com/mVRQbHnYqK — Tom Bike (@tom_bike) September 10, 2026 The imagery indicates damage to a taxiway and two aircraft shelters, while several clamshell-style aircraft hangars appear to have been destroyed or damaged. Separate analysis of imagery from September 8 and 10 also identified an apparent hit on a fighter hangar, impact marks along a taxiway or runway area and changes around two unmanned aerial vehicle hangars. The publicly available imagery does not show clear widespread structural damage across the main aircraft apron where some U.S. aircraft are normally positioned. Nine U.S. aircraft affected U.S. sources confirmed that multiple American aircraft were damaged. One A-10 Thunderbolt II was struck and reportedly lost a wing, while approximately eight F-15/F-15E Strike Eagle fighters suffered light damage. The F-15 aircraft were inspected and underwent minor repairs before being returned to service. U.S. officials said no American personnel were killed and described the overall equipment damage as limited or minimal. Videos circulating online also appear to show damaged UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters being transported on flatbed trucks. However, the U.S. military has not confirmed the cause or location of that helicopter damage. Jordan reports 18 missile interceptions Jordan’s armed forces said approximately 20 Iranian ballistic missiles were fired toward Jordanian territory. Jordan reported that its air-defense systems intercepted and destroyed 18 missiles, while the remaining two fell in unpopulated areas. No casualties were reported by Jordanian authorities. U.S. forces at the base fired more than 30 Patriot interceptor missiles during the defense, according to U.S. officials. Some reports have put the number of U.S. interceptors higher, at around 60. Iran claims responsibility Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attack. It said its Aerospace Force used solid- and liquid-fuel ballistic missiles against the base and targeted maintenance, preparation and deployment sites associated with F-35, F-16 and F-15 aircraft, as well as aircraft shelters. Iranian statements also referred to the use of cluster munitions in some accounts. Open-source analysts have examined the satellite imagery for evidence of the reported strike effects, although the imagery alone does not establish the exact warhead used in each impact. The base remains operational while damage to affected taxiway, hangar and shelter areas is assessed and repaired. Further high-resolution commercial satellite imagery is being reviewed to provide a more detailed battle-damage assessment.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 14:31:06
World
SANA'A, Yemen — Yemen’s Houthi movement has seized control of Perim Island (Mayyun) in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait after Yemeni government forces withdrew from the island a day earlier. Four Yemeni government sources told Reuters that Houthi fighters reached the island on Friday, while a local official told AFP that the group had effectively taken control of the strait area. Perim sits at the narrowest point of the Bab el-Mandeb, dividing the waterway into two shipping channels, and has an airstrip. Government forces also lost Dhubab, a mainland town directly opposite the island. Witnesses said armed Houthi fighters were patrolling the shoreline in military vehicles after boats carrying fighters arrived. The takeover is part of a week-long Houthi offensive along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. The group captured the port city of Mocha and the Hanish islands on Thursday and also reportedly seized Zuqar Island. The Houthis already controlled about one-third of Yemen before the latest advance and have conducted missile and drone attacks against commercial ships using the Bab el-Mandeb for years. The developments come as the Strait of Hormuz has remained effectively closed during the U.S.-Israeli air campaign against Iran, which began about six months ago. With Houthi forces now holding positions around Bab el-Mandeb, Iran-aligned forces are positioned near both major maritime corridors. Together, the routes historically handle more than a quarter of global seaborne crude oil and petroleum trade, while the Red Sea carries close to a third of global container traffic. The disruption is already affecting Saudi oil supplies. The International Energy Agency said Saudi crude supply fell by 2.3 million barrels per day in August to 6 million barrels per day, the lowest level in more than three decades. The IEA attributed part of the decline to Houthi-linked attacks on shipping and energy facilities. Global oil prices remained above $100 a barrel, with Brent trading in the mid-$100s on Friday. Smoke Reported Near Saudi Oil Pipeline Satellite imagery verified by Reuters showed smoke on Thursday near Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline, also known as Petroline. NASA and NOAA-20 satellite data indicated a smoke plume stretching about 100 kilometers, along with sustained thermal hotspots southeast of Medina. Fire data showed heat signatures exceeding 70 megawatts that continued for hours, which analysts said was significantly larger than routine gas flaring. Preliminary assessments identified six to eight possible impact points, raising the possibility of pipeline damage or rupture. Saudi authorities and Saudi Aramco have not confirmed that the pipeline was attacked or damaged. The East-West Pipeline has a capacity of about 7 million barrels per day and carries substantial Saudi crude volumes to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, providing an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. The pipeline was previously hit by an Iranian drone strike in April, reducing flows by 700,000 barrels per day for four days. Iran, Saudi Arabia and U.S. Response Reuters reported, citing Yemeni government, Iranian and regional sources, that the latest Houthi advance received direct guidance from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The sources said Tehran urged the Houthis last week to increase attacks on Saudi Arabia and promised additional funding, weapons and senior officers. Iran denies directing the Houthis and describes them as an ally rather than a proxy. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly spoke twice with U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday and requested U.S. strikes against the Houthis, according to Axios, citing two U.S. officials. Trump rejected the request. U.S. officials said Washington does not currently plan direct military action against the Houthis but is increasing support for Saudi Arabia, including intelligence sharing. About 200 U.S. military personnel are already in Saudi Arabia providing non-kinetic assistance. The Financial Times also reported that Gulf and Iranian foreign ministers are scheduled to meet Monday in Salalah, Oman, to discuss a temporary arrangement for restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. In Yemen, government forces said they are preparing a counteroffensive and will deploy weapons and aircraft to retake captured territory, including the road toward Mocha. Authorities warned civilians to avoid travelling between Taiz and Mocha. Saudi forces also carried out airstrikes on positions in Mocha on Friday, according to Houthi media. A senior Houthi official said navigation through the Bab el-Mandeb remained safe for international shipping except for Saudi vessels, describing the group’s current actions as defensive. The developments leave Saudi Arabia facing pressure on both of its major oil export routes while fighting continues around Yemen’s Red Sea coast and diplomatic efforts seek to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 14:12:31
Europe
PARIS, — France’s Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has selected MBDA and Safran Electronics & Defense to provide the French Army with THUNDART, a new sovereign long-range land-strike system designed to replace the country’s aging Unitary Rocket Launcher (LRU) fleet. The system is being developed for tactical deep-strike missions in high-intensity conflicts and contested environments. Designed, developed and produced in France, THUNDART is intended to give the French Armed Forces full autonomy of use by 2030. 150 km Range and Eight-Rocket Launcher THUNDART will provide a precision strike range of up to 150 kilometers, roughly twice the 70-80 km range of France’s current LRU systems. The LRU fleet consists of modernized American M270 launchers, some of which have been transferred to Ukraine, while the remaining systems are approaching the end of their service lives. The THUNDART launcher is based on an armored, off-road-capable 8x8 Scania truck chassis. It features an integrated two-axis turret and fire-control system carrying two munition pods, each with four guided rockets, for a total of eight rockets. The rockets carry a 100-kilogram-class warhead and are designed to travel at high-supersonic speed. The launcher also has autonomous loading and unloading capabilities to support rapid firing and relocation. Designed to Operate Without GNSS One of THUNDART’s main features is its ability to operate when GNSS signals are jammed or denied. Safran Electronics & Defense is providing guidance and navigation technology derived from its AASM Hammer precision munition. The system combines inertial navigation with laser and infrared capabilities to maintain metric precision when satellite navigation is unavailable. THUNDART will also be natively integrated with the French Army’s ATLAS fire management system. Its rocket propulsion is supplied by Roxel, an MBDA subsidiary. The system is designed to be fully ITAR-free, supporting France’s objective of maintaining sovereign control over the capability without reliance on U.S. export-controlled components. Development and Joint Venture The DGA launched the Frappe Longue Portée Terrestre (FLP-T) programme in 2023 to develop a sovereign replacement for the LRU. Exclusive negotiations with the MBDA-Safran team began in June 2026. An initial development phase culminated in a successful demonstration firing on 14 April 2026 at the DGA’s Île du Levant test range. MBDA and Safran will establish a 50/50 joint venture in the Paris region, expected to be created in early 2027. The company will manage THUNDART’s development, production and in-service support, as well as future upgrades, adaptations for other environments and potential allied export versions. Safran Electronics & Defense Defense Global Business Unit Head Alexandre Ziegler said the programme combines the companies’ expertise, particularly Safran’s capabilities in inertial navigation and optronics for operations in GNSS-denied environments. MBDA France Executive Vice President Programmes and Managing Director Stéphane Reb said the programme uses mature subsystems and an industrial ramp-up already underway to respond to the French Army’s requirements. Planned Fleet and French Industrial Work Under France’s 2024-2030 Military Programming Law (LPM), planning calls for at least 13 THUNDART systems by 2030. Longer-term projections refer to up to 26 systems and around 300 munitions by 2035. The contract value and exact quantities of launchers and munitions have not been disclosed. The programme already involves several dozen engineers and is expected to support engineering and production activity across France. Work will involve MBDA, Safran and subcontractors in Aquitaine, Brittany, Centre-Val de Loire, Île-de-France, Pays de la Loire and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Safran is developing the launcher with industrial partners including Scania France, CMAR and Essonne. Future options include extended-range variants and potential air-launched or naval adaptations. THUNDART is being developed as a French and European long-range strike system focused on precision, sovereign production and operation in contested environments.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 13:58:10
World
VOLGOGRAD — Ukrainian forces struck the Volgogradpromproekt specialty chemicals plant in Volgograd, Russia, during the early hours of September 11 using domestically produced FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles, according to Ukrainian defense company Fire Point, which manufactures the weapon. Fire Point said direct hits were recorded and that a fire broke out at the facility. Governor Confirms Missile Attack Volgograd Region Governor Andrei Bocharov confirmed that the city came under missile attack. He said missile debris fell on the grounds of an industrial facility in southern Volgograd, while emergency services were deployed to deal with the consequences. Bocharov also reported that an apartment building in the city's Krasnoarmeysky district was damaged. Two men, aged 55 and 42, were hospitalized. Chemical Plant's Defense Industry Role Volgogradpromproekt is located in Volgograd's Kirovsky district and specializes in low-tonnage chemicals, including organophosphorus compounds, flame retardants, resins and other specialty chemicals. Monitoring sources, including the OSINT project Exilenova+, have linked the company's products to polymer and composite materials used in Russia's aviation, shipbuilding and defense industries. One of its key products is OSF, an organosilicon ferrocene derivative containing about 10 percent iron, according to a Russian patent. It is used as a catalyst and combustion-rate modifier for composite solid rocket propellants, helping regulate the burn rate of rocket fuel. The company's defense links are also documented in court records. In 2018, Volgogradpromproekt signed three contracts with the Perm Powder Plant to supply 15 tonnes of OSF for 97.836 million rubles, approximately $1.1 million, excluding VAT. Court documents state that the supplies were made under Russia's state defense procurement program. The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned Volgogradpromproekt in December 2023, citing its production of ferrocene-containing combustion catalysts. FP-5 Flamingo Missile The FP-5 Flamingo is a ground-launched cruise missile developed and produced by Fire Point and introduced in 2025. It has a reported range of up to 3,000 kilometers and carries a warhead of approximately 1,150 kilograms. Fire Point has described the system as designed for long-range operations, including in environments with active electronic warfare. The missile system uses ground launchers and restored aviation engines, allowing a relatively simple and scalable production approach. Other Strikes Reported The Volgograd strike occurred during a wider series of reported Ukrainian attacks on September 11. Residents in southern Volgograd reported explosions and drone activity near the Volgograd Oil Refinery. However, there was no independent confirmation of damage to the refinery immediately after the reports. In neighboring Saratov, Ukrainian FP-1 long-range drones struck an Ozon logistics and warehouse complex covering about 85,000 square meters, according to Fire Point and local reports. Fire Point said its drones carried out the attack and that significant fires were reported at the site. The full extent of damage at Volgogradpromproekt was not immediately released, while emergency services continued responding to the attack on September 11. Source : militarnyi
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 13:26:51
U.S
LAKE KICKAPOO, Texas — The U.S. Space Force has selected Lake Kickapoo, Texas, as the preferred location for the third and final site of the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) network. The decision was announced on September 9, 2026, and remains subject to final planning approvals and the award of a construction contract. The Texas site will complete a three-site network being developed by the United States, United Kingdom and Australia under a 22-year trilateral memorandum of understanding. The U.S. Space Force is the overall lead, while Northrop Grumman is building the radars. DARC Deep-Space Radar Network Once completed, DARC is designed to provide continuous, all-weather, day-and-night surveillance of geostationary orbit, about 22,000 miles (35,000 kilometers) above Earth. The system is intended to identify, track and characterize objects and activity in deep space, including smaller objects, with greater sensitivity, accuracy, capacity and tracking agility than existing ground-based optical systems. “Selecting Texas as the preferred location for the final DARC site keeps us on track to deliver a truly global deep-space sensing network with our closest allies,” said Chief of Space Operations Gen. Douglas Schiess. He said the capability will improve visibility in the contested space domain and strengthen the allies' ability to protect space systems. Three-Site Allied Network The first DARC site, on the Exmouth Peninsula in Western Australia, was completed in December 2024 and entered early-use operations in 2025. U.S. Space Force Guardians from Mission Delta 2 and the 20th Space Surveillance Squadron, headquartered at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, currently operate the Australian sensor under an early-use agreement. The UK DARC site at Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire, Wales, remains the preferred location and is awaiting planning approval. Construction at the UK site is also expected to begin in 2027. Statements From U.S. Space Force Officials “DARC is a strong example of how we are translating operational requirements into fielded capability through deliberate acquisition and close collaboration with our allies,” said Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration Dr. Erich “HB” Hernandez-Baquero. He said completing the Texas site will improve network resilience and provide sustained sensing for long-term space domain awareness. Col. Barry Croker, commander of Mission Delta 2, said the completed network will give operators a more persistent and responsive ability to detect and track activity in deep space and support protection of space-enabled services used by U.S. forces and allies. Lake Kickapoo Site Lake Kickapoo is located in Archer County, north Texas, roughly 120 miles northwest of Fort Worth and about 150 miles northwest of Dallas, near Archer City and Wichita Falls. The location previously hosted the main transmitter site for the AN/FPS-133 Space Fence, an older continuous-wave radar network that operated for decades before being decommissioned in 2013. Construction and Operational Timeline Construction at the Texas site is expected to begin in 2027 after required approvals and contract award. 2027: Construction expected to begin 2029: Civil construction projected to finish After 2029: Technical testing and evaluation 2030: Operational acceptance planned This is earlier than previous projections that had pointed toward full operations closer to 2032. Funding and Final Capability The fiscal 2027 budget request includes $442 million for the DARC program, with additional funding planned through fiscal 2031 to support remaining work across the sites. When complete, the three-site DARC network will provide the United States, United Kingdom and Australia with a shared deep-space surveillance capability to support space domain awareness and protect critical space-enabled military and civilian infrastructure.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 13:06:20
World
Moscow — Russia’s Scientific and Production Center Ushkuynik has presented the “Paseka” (Apiary) anti-drone system, a short-range counter-UAV complex that uses nylon nets instead of explosives to intercept approaching drones. The system was presented in connection with the International Technology Congress 2026. Paseka is designed around a fixed, semi-circular mount carrying 12 small mortars. Each mortar launches a 4-by-4-meter nylon net toward an approaching unmanned aerial vehicle. The stated engagement range is 10 to 30 meters, with the net intended to entangle the drone’s propellers and prevent it from continuing its flight. Russia’s Ushkuynik center unveils “Paseka” (Apiary) anti-drone system.12 small mortars fire 4×4 m nylon nets up to 30 m. AI computer vision detects & classifies drones, then triggers launch. No explosives. Can mount on vehicles, robots or trucks. pic.twitter.com/4yfglywOJ9 — The Defense News (@TheDefenseNews) September 11, 2026 AI-Based Drone Detection The system uses a computer-vision system based on a neural-network model to detect and classify objects in its surrounding area. According to information provided about the system, the software is designed to identify drones and issue the command to fire a net. Paseka can operate using 5-volt batteries, which are sufficient to power between two and four cameras. For operation at night, the system requires connection to a thermal imaging camera. The mortar cartridges can also be changed quickly, allowing the system to be prepared for another engagement after firing. Designed for Military and Civilian Platforms According to Alexey Chadayev, head of the Ushkuynik center, Paseka does not use explosives in its net cartridges. The developers are therefore considering applications beyond military vehicles. Potential platforms mentioned by the developers include military combat vehicles, ground-based robotic systems and freight trucks operating on public roads. The proposal to use the system on trucks is intended to provide protection against drones while the vehicles are moving along roads. The developers also point to the cost of the ammunition as an advantage. Chadayev said the net charges cost significantly less than interceptor drones or missiles, potentially making the approach more accessible for wider deployment. Mobile Operation Still Not Demonstrated While Ushkuynik has discussed installing Paseka on moving vehicles, publicly available demonstrations have shown the system operating from a stationary position. Its performance when mounted on moving platforms has not been publicly demonstrated in the available material. Paseka is one of several counter-drone technologies displayed by Ushkuynik at the International Technology Congress 2026. The center, based in Veliky Novgorod, has also developed other unmanned and counter-UAV systems. The system represents a short-range approach to countering small drones by physically entangling them with a net rather than using an explosive interceptor. Its proposed use on military vehicles, ground robots and civilian freight trucks broadens the range of platforms for which Ushkuynik is considering the technology.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 12:51:22Search
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