World
Tekirdag, Turkiye — Turkiye’s Baykar-developed Bayraktar AKINCI unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) has successfully conducted a live firing test of ROKETSAN’s UAV-300 Long-Range Strike Weapon. The test was conducted over the Black Sea, with the missile striking a sea target located more than 250 kilometres away. The AKINCI took off from the Corlu Flight Training and Test Centre in Tekirdag and flew to the designated test area near Sinop before launching the missile. After the successful engagement, the aircraft returned to Corlu along its planned route. #AKINCI ✈️🐳🚀✅ UAV-300 & UAV-122 Munitions Firing Test◾️ The target at a range of 250+ kilometers was successfully hit with the UAV-300 supersonic ballistic missile.🎯 Bull's Eye#Baykar 🤝 @Roketsan#NationalTechnologyInitiative 🌍🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/YCB92fAqjH — BAYKAR (@BaykarTech) September 11, 2026 The 300 ER is the longest-range member of ROKETSAN’s air-launched ballistic missile family, which began with the UAV-122 and UAV-230. ROKETSAN first publicly presented the missile as the 300-ER at IDEF 2025 in Istanbul. The finalized missile features design changes from the earlier display configuration, including tail control surfaces instead of nose fins and a more slender, curved nose section. The missile is approximately 5 metres long, has a 370 mm diameter and weighs around 900 kilograms. It can carry a warhead weighing more than 150 kilograms, with different warhead configurations available for different target types. The 300 ER has a stated range of more than 500 kilometres, depending on the altitude and speed of the launch platform. Higher release altitudes can increase the achievable distance. The missile uses a solid-propellant rocket motor for its flight. For guidance, the missile combines GNSS and inertial navigation during the mid-course phase with a television camera seeker during the terminal phase. It is intended for precision attacks against targets such as radars, armoured vehicles, air-defence systems and command centres. The weapon is designed for both fighter aircraft and unmanned combat aircraft, including the Bayraktar AKINCI and jet-powered Kızılelma. An F-16 is expected to carry two missiles, while the AKINCI can carry one on a suitable hardpoint. The system has also been discussed for potential integration with the KAAN fighter. Earlier members of the family have already been tested with the AKINCI. The UAV-230, derived from the TRG-230, has demonstrated ranges above 150 kilometres, while the UAV-122 has also completed successful firing tests. ROKETSAN had indicated earlier in 2026 that initial 300 ER test firings and delivery to the Turkish Armed Forces were planned within the year. The successful September 2026 trial confirms the missile’s integration with AKINCI and its ability to engage a surface target at a distance of more than 250 kilometres during the reported test.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 12:02:58
Europe
Marignane, France — France has ordered eight Airbus U050 Capa-X uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) for the French Navy and Army under the country’s Light Tactical Drone System (SDTL) evaluation programme. The French Aeronautical Maintenance Directorate (DMAé) placed the follow-on order with Airbus Helicopters. It covers four complete systems, with each system including two drones. Two systems will go to the French Navy and two to the French Army, with deliveries scheduled for 2027. The order follows the evaluation of an initial U050 Capa-X system acquired at the end of 2025. It completed a land and maritime evaluation campaign involving several French forces during 2025 and early 2026. During the trials, the Capa-X met SDTL requirements, demonstrating seven hours of endurance while carrying two payloads, an operational range of 100 kilometres and a compact logistical footprint. A complete system can be transported using two pickup trucks. U050 Capa-X Specifications The U050 Capa-X has a maximum takeoff weight of 120 kilograms, a payload capacity of up to 20 kilograms and a maximum endurance of more than 10 hours. It operates through a direct data link at distances of up to 100 kilometres from its ground station. The aircraft can use conventional or vertical take-off and landing configurations and is available with short- and long-wing options. The short-wing version has a maximum speed of 150 km/h. The system has a maximum ceiling of 3,000 metres and can be deployed in less than 20 minutes. The long-wing configuration has a 6-metre wingspan, while the aircraft is 4 metres long. For its initial French military configuration, the drone carries an optronic pod for imagery intelligence (IMINT) and a signals intelligence (SIGINT) capability for surveillance, reconnaissance, imagery exploitation and operational analysis. The platform's modular design allows multiple payloads to be carried simultaneously and enables configurations to be changed for different missions. It is also designed to receive additional capabilities as French operational requirements develop. Victor Gerin-Roze, head of uncrewed aerial systems at Airbus Helicopters, said the order marks the programme's entry into its operational phase and highlighted the platform's modularity as its main advantage. DMAé, a joint-service organisation reporting to the Chief of the Defence Staff, will oversee the drones' through-life support and fleet availability. The U050 Capa-X was developed by Survey Copter, an Airbus subsidiary, and is part of Airbus Helicopters' tactical uncrewed aerial systems portfolio. The contract value has not been disclosed.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 11:20:50
U.S
CRANE, Ind. — General Dynamics Mission Systems has received a $184.25 million U.S. Navy contract to manufacture Next Generation Electronic Attack Units (NGEAUs) for the EA-18G Growler. The contract also includes sustainment support for the NGEAU and future sustainment support for the aircraft’s Advanced Capability Mission Computer. The firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract was awarded on a sole-source basis under 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1) because only one responsible source could meet the requirements. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity. Work will be performed in Bloomington, Minnesota, and is expected to continue through September 2032. The contract number is N0016426DWS86. About $40.06 million in funding was obligated at the time of the award. This includes $29.69 million from fiscal 2026 Aircraft Procurement, Navy funds and $10.37 million from fiscal 2025 Aircraft Procurement, Navy funds. The public award announcement does not specify the delivery quantities or the full contract ceiling. NGEAU Supports Growler Block II The NGEAU is a major part of the Growler Block II modernization program. The system is designed to process, identify and counter increasingly complex radar and electromagnetic threats. A key capability is Reactive Electronic Attack Measures (REAM), which uses machine-learning-enabled processing to support rapid responses against adaptive and unfamiliar emitters in dense electromagnetic environments. The new hardware and processors are intended to expand frequency coverage, increase electronic-attack bandwidth and enable autonomous processing and response to unknown signals. The system also addresses diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages affecting the previous Electronic Attack Unit. Growler Block II uses a more modular, open architecture based on Open Mission Systems, along with Multi-Level Security and Multi-Tier Resource Management. Integration With Other Growler Upgrades The NGEAU and REAM form the focus of Phase 1 of Growler Block II. The modernization is also being developed alongside other capabilities, including the Next Generation Jammer–Low Band (NGJ-LB) and Mid-Band pods. A later Block II effort, known as Phase 2 or Beowulf, is planned to add further sensor enhancements. The EA-18G Growler is a specialized variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet and serves as the Navy’s carrier-based airborne electronic attack aircraft. Production of new Growlers has ended, making sustainment and modernization important for maintaining the existing fleet into the 2040s. The new General Dynamics award enables full-rate production of NGEAU units and provides sustainment support as the Navy continues upgrading the Growler’s electronic warfare capabilities.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 11:02:43
World
JERUSALEM, — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it destroyed a major Hezbollah underground complex beneath the Ali al-Taher Ridge in southern Lebanon on Thursday evening, September 10, using more than 1,100 tons of explosives. The ridge is located about 15 kilometers (10 miles) north of the Israeli border near Nabatieh and has long been a contested area. The IDF said the tunnel network served as the nerve center of Hezbollah’s Badr regional division, which operates in southern Lebanon north of the Litani River. The main underground infrastructure stretched for more than 2 kilometers and was part of a wider system of eight tunnels in the Ali al-Taher and Beaufort Castle area, with a combined length of 5.4 kilometers. According to the IDF, the complex was built over roughly two decades with Iranian funding and planning. The facility included command centers, weapons storage rooms, generators, living quarters, showers and a kitchen, allowing fighters to remain underground for extended periods. Israeli troops said they recovered dozens of Iranian-made rockets, missiles and drones, as well as firearms, anti-tank missiles, hundreds of mines and other explosive devices. The operation followed a weeks-long Israeli siege. Forces from the IDF’s 36th Division surrounded the area, carried out localized ground clearing and conducted intelligence-driven airstrikes. By early September, the military said it had cleared the tunnels of Hezbollah operatives, with some killed and others fleeing. Reports during the siege said more than 100 Hezbollah fighters and IRGC advisers were trapped inside, while Hezbollah attempts to resupply them by drone were unsuccessful. Lebanon’s state news agency NNA reported a powerful blast at the ridge, with tremors and the explosion heard across Nabatieh and surrounding areas. Monitoring reports recorded a 4.1-magnitude tremor associated with the blast. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the operation completed the consolidation of a security zone in the area. They said Israeli forces now have operational control of the ridge both above and below ground. According to the Israeli government, the site had been intended as a staging base for operations toward the Galilee and provided observation and fire-control capabilities over communities including Metula and Kiryat Shmona. Israeli forces will remain in the area to prevent Hezbollah from returning or rebuilding its capabilities. The IDF described the facility as strategic infrastructure used to support Hezbollah’s planning and attacks and said its destruction completed the neutralization of the tunnel network.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 10:40:41
Trump Declines Saudi Crown Prince's Request for Direct US Strikes on Houthis Amid Red Sea Escalation
World
WASHINGTON / YEMEN — U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s request for direct U.S. airstrikes against Houthi forces in Yemen, as the Iran-aligned group advances along the country’s Red Sea coast. According to Axios, citing two U.S. officials, Mohammed bin Salman called Trump twice on Thursday. During the first call, he briefed Trump on the worsening military situation as Houthi forces advanced on the strategic coastal city of Mokha (Mocha). Several hours later, the Saudi crown prince called again and urged Trump to order direct U.S. strikes. Trump declined, with U.S. officials saying Washington does not currently plan to take direct military action against the Houthis. The United States is nevertheless increasing support for Saudi Arabia. The Trump administration has agreed to provide intelligence and targeting data on Houthi positions. About 200 U.S. military personnel are also in Saudi Arabia providing non-kinetic support. Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, traveled to Saudi Arabia on Thursday for military coordination talks. The Houthi capture of Mokha has increased concerns over shipping security because the city is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and carries a significant share of global trade. The development comes as Iran has already disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about pressure on two major regional maritime chokepoints. Houthi forces have also advanced toward Dhubab, opposite Perim Island near the entrance to Bab el-Mandeb. Saudi-backed Yemeni forces have withdrawn from some positions to regroup. The escalation follows a major Houthi attack in southern Saudi Arabia that injured 73 people. Saudi Arabia responded with around 40 airstrikes across several Yemeni governorates, including Taiz, Hodeida, Al-Jawf and Marib. A senior Trump administration official said Washington wants to keep the Red Sea open while allowing regional partners to lead the broader military response. U.S. officials have also told Saudi counterparts that American forces should remain focused on Iran and safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz rather than opening another military front. The White House and Saudi Embassy in Washington declined to comment on the Axios report, while Reuters said it could not immediately verify all of the reported details.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 10:27:15
World
SAN FRANCISCO, — Anthropic has released a 154-page threat intelligence report detailing multiple cases in which its Claude AI models were used by state-linked groups and other actors for military, intelligence, surveillance, influence and weapons-related activities. The report, "Anthropic's September 2026 threat intelligence " released on September 10, covers activity that Anthropic said it disrupted between December 2025 and August 2026. The company said the accounts involved were banned, safeguards were strengthened based on the findings, and information was shared with government and industry partners where appropriate. Anthropic described the cases as notable examples of AI misuse rather than typical everyday use. Among the cases highlighted were Iran-linked operations involving naval targeting and domestic surveillance, Iranian state-aligned influence campaigns, and a weapons-development cell in northern Yemen assessed by Anthropic as highly likely to be linked to the Houthis. Iran-Linked Group Used Claude for U.S. Naval Targeting Anthropic identified an Iran-nexus threat actor that used Claude to collect and analyze publicly available information for developing targeting recommendations against U.S. naval forces in the region. According to the report, the operators built an automated Python pipeline with Claude's assistance. The system brought together information including publicly available ship and aircraft transponder identifiers, names of U.S. personnel taken from captions on military photographs, scripts for querying commercial satellite imagery and websites that track naval movements. The same account also used Claude to research potential vulnerabilities in shipboard systems. The research included known vulnerabilities affecting maritime VSAT terminals, Cisco communications equipment and industrial control products. Claude Used in Iranian Domestic Surveillance Anthropic also identified Claude use connected to domestic surveillance activities in Iran. The company said it banned 16 Claude accounts linked to two units assessed with high confidence as being associated with Iranian paramilitary and domestic security agencies. One unit, described in the report as being based in Qom, used Claude as an engineering resource for surveillance-related systems. Operators reported having an identity-record database containing information on Iranian nationals and said they had surveilled and profiled 6,388 Iranians during a single year. Claude was also used to analyze more than 155,000 social media posts and help identify 39 opposition and diaspora accounts for monitoring. In another case, Iranian actors used Claude to develop and deploy a malicious Firefox browser extension disguised as a prayer-times utility. The extension was designed to collect user identities from social networks. The information was then used in a broader profiling system. Anthropic said its safeguards blocked many direct requests involving profiling, although some software-tooling requests were not refused. Iranian Influence Operations Used Multiple Languages The report also describes three Iranian state-aligned accounts connected to institutions including the Islamic Culture and Communications Organization, the Islamic Propaganda Office of Khorasan Razavi and the Bina Cultural Observatory. According to Anthropic, the accounts were involved in "soft war" and "cognitive warfare" activities. Operators used Claude to create fake personas, develop target databases and campaign plans, and produce social-media material in multiple languages. The planning documents referenced Iran's state doctrine of "Jihad al-Tabyin," or explanatory jihad. Anthropic said the network distributed material across Iranian platforms including Eitaa, Bale and Rubika, as well as X, Instagram, Telegram, TikTok and YouTube and through cultural-attaché networks. The report also identified instances in which false claims were attributed to Western research institutions, including CSIS, Brookings and RAND, during the 2026 U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict period. Funeral and Succession Planning One account linked to the Islamic Culture and Communications Organization uploaded detailed organizational plans concerning the funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader and succession arrangements. The report states that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died in a U.S.-Israeli strike on February 28, 2026, and was buried at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad on July 9 following a multi-day state funeral. He was succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei. Anthropic said operators also used Claude features to prepare succession-related narratives and, in related work, generate messaging in the official voice of an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson. Yemen Weapons Cell Used Claude for Weapons Software A separate case involved a weapons engineering cell operating in northern Yemen that Anthropic assessed as highly likely to be Houthi-linked, although Anthropic did not publicly identify the group by name. The cell used Claude Code as a substitute for human software engineers across three weapons-development programs between December 2025 and August 2026. The programs involved a tactical guided rocket using a commodity phone-class flight computer and terminal guidance, a multi-stage ballistic missile with a stated range goal of more than 2,000 kilometers, and a group of variants known as "R2000," including a hypersonic glide vehicle variant. The operators used Claude to work on guidance, navigation and control software. The report says they integrated an open-source autopilot onto a phone-class flight computer, developed control and position-estimation software, conducted flight simulations and tuned flight-control algorithms. The operators also ran several Claude instances in parallel. One was used for coding, another for research and another for reviewing the work. The resulting tools were compiled into a standalone offline executable, allowing the group to continue using the software without further access to Claude. The group subsequently conducted a test launch of a guided rocket in Yemen. Anthropic said the test appeared to have failed. Within hours, the operators returned to Claude to analyze telemetry data and troubleshoot the test failure. Anthropic said there is no evidence that an operational weapon was successfully deployed, although the offline software toolkit remained available. Operators Attempted to Bypass Claude Safeguards Anthropic said its automated safety systems blocked numerous requests connected with the activities described in the report. The Yemen-based operators attempted to avoid detection by concealing the military purpose of their work and dividing activities among multiple Claude sessions. This allowed individual sessions to handle coding, research or review without necessarily exposing the complete purpose of the project. Anthropic said the linked accounts were subsequently banned and that relevant threat indicators were shared with international security agencies. The company has previously described threat intelligence as an important part of its approach to detecting malicious use of Claude and said findings from real-world misuse investigations are used to improve its safeguards. Part of a Broader AI Misuse Report The Yemen case was one of six conventional-weapons cases identified in the September report. Anthropic said three were linked to China, two to Russia and one to Yemen. The wider report also covers cyber operations, surveillance systems, influence campaigns, biological research misuse, scams and fraud, and attempts to illicitly extract capabilities from Claude through model distillation. Anthropic said it disrupted all of the operations described in the report and used the findings to strengthen its safeguards. The company also said that, where appropriate, it shared information with authorities and other companies. The cases involving Iran and Yemen illustrate how AI models can be used not only for general information or software development but also as components in larger intelligence, surveillance, influence and weapons-development workflows. Anthropic said it will continue refining its safeguards as model capabilities advance.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 10:13:50
World
TEHRAN, Iran — On September 10, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has claimed that it struck a U.S. unmanned surface vessel near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, identifying the vessel as a Saildrone Explorer with hull number 5838. The claim was reported by Iranian media on September 10 and comes amid heightened maritime tensions between Iran and the United States around the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC Navy said the vessel was carrying out what it described as a hostile or aggressive mission when it was targeted. Iranian media also published footage that it said showed the unmanned vessel. Reports said the vessel had earlier been seen by a local fisherman, with footage subsequently appearing on Iranian social media. Iran’s IRGC released a video it says shows the moment its navy destroyed a U.S. Navy Saildrone USV, hull number 5838, in the Strait of Hormuz.The IRGC said the waterway is under its control and warned that any “hostile presence” in the strategic strait would be targeted. pic.twitter.com/lXqUb4fbZj — Egypt's Intel Observer (@EGYOSINT) September 10, 2026 The IRGC Navy did not publicly provide details about the weapon used, the exact circumstances of the strike or the extent of damage to the vessel. The U.S. military had not immediately confirmed the Iranian claim. Saildrone Explorer identified as hull 5838 The vessel identified by Iran is a Saildrone Explorer, an approximately seven-meter-long autonomous surface vessel. The platform uses wind propulsion and carries solar-powered electronics, including cameras, communications equipment and sensors for maritime surveillance and maritime domain awareness. Saildrone vessels have been used by the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet and Task Force 59 in the Middle East. Task Force 59 is based in Bahrain and focuses on integrating unmanned systems and artificial intelligence into naval operations. Iranian reports said the Saildrone was being operated from the region near Oman’s Musandam Peninsula after U.S. naval facilities in Bahrain were reportedly taken out of service during the ongoing conflict. These claims were made by Iranian sources and have not been independently confirmed. IRGC warning over Strait of Hormuz IRGC Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri was quoted as saying that the U.S. unmanned vessel with hull number 5838 had been struck in the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC Navy also said that the Strait of Hormuz was closed and under its intelligence surveillance and control, warning that hostile activity or a hostile presence would be targeted. The claim comes as maritime traffic through the strait remains heavily reduced. Reuters reported that only seven vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz on September 10, compared with a 10-day average of 15. The U.S. Central Command has also reported that 96 commercial vessels had been rerouted to comply with restrictions since the naval blockade on Iran resumed on July 14. Follows earlier U.S. underwater drone incident The reported Saildrone incident follows another confrontation involving a U.S. unmanned system near the Strait of Hormuz. On September 8, the IRGC said it had captured a U.S. unmanned underwater vehicle at the entrance to the strait. U.S. officials said the underwater drone had suffered a technical malfunction while surveying regional waters and described it as an older system without sensitive or classified equipment. The latest claim therefore adds another reported confrontation involving U.S. unmanned maritime systems in the Strait of Hormuz. However, the status of Saildrone hull 5838 has not been independently confirmed by the U.S. military as of September 11. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and remains a major focus of the ongoing confrontation between Iran and the United States. The latest incident highlights the increasing use of unmanned surface and underwater systems for surveillance and maritime operations in the region.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-11 09:55:12
Space & Technology
MAHENDRAGIRI, Tamil Nadu — The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted a flight acceptance hot test of the CE20 cryogenic engine at an uprated thrust level of 220 kN (22 tonnes) on September 9, 2026. The test was carried out at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The engine is earmarked for the C32 upper stage of an upcoming LVM3 mission. During the same test, ISRO also successfully demonstrated the LOX Tank Pressurization Module (LTPM) intended for the C32 stages of future Gaganyaan missions. The LTPM maintains the required pressure inside the liquid oxygen tank during flight to support the proper flow of propellant to the engine. ISRO announced the test through its official X account on September 10. CE20 and LVM3 upgrade The CE20 is an indigenously developed cryogenic engine that powers the upper stage of the LVM3, India's heavy-lift launch vehicle. It uses liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2) and operates on a gas-generator cycle. The engine is qualified to operate across a thrust range of 19 to 22 tonnes. ISRO is preparing future LVM3 missions with an uprated C32 stage, using the CE20 at the 22-tonne thrust level. The upgraded C32 also carries a higher propellant load than the earlier configuration. These changes are intended to increase the LVM3's payload capability. The latest test follows earlier CE20 testing at Mahendragiri. In March 2026, ISRO conducted a 165-second sea-level hot test of the CE20 at the 22-tonne thrust level using a Nozzle Protection System and multi-element igniter. Another flight acceptance hot test was conducted in July 2026 on an engine designated for the LVM3-M7 mission. According to reports based on ISRO information, the engine tested on September 9 will be refurbished and assembled into the C32 flight stage for the LVM3-M7 mission, planned for the fourth quarter of 2026. The CE20 has already flown successfully on multiple LVM3 missions and has completed the human-rating requirements for use in the Gaganyaan programme. The latest 220 kN flight acceptance test is part of ISRO's ongoing effort to qualify the uprated CE20 and C32 configuration for future LVM3 missions.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 16:34:44
India
Bengaluru — The Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) presented updated design details of its indigenous High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) at the International Conference on Autonomous Aerial Vehicles (ICAAV) 2026, held in Bengaluru on August 20–21. The conference was jointly organised by ADE-DRDO and the Design Division of the Aeronautical Society of India and focused on autonomous aerial vehicle technologies and applications. The aircraft is a 6-ton-class turboprop-powered platform designed mainly for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, with provisions for strike operations. ADE has completed system analysis and feasibility studies, while an Expression of Interest (EoI) was issued in late 2025 to identify an Indian Development-cum-Production Partner. The current design uses a single turboprop engine in a pusher configuration, an approximately 25-metre wingspan and a predominantly composite airframe. Earlier studies examined Y-tail and single-engine twin-boom configurations, with earlier all-up weight estimates of 4,800–5,700 kg. The current design has an AUW of about 5,500–6,000 kg. The HALE RPA is designed to operate at around 40,000 feet, with the service ceiling indicated above 35,000 feet. It is expected to cruise at around 390 km/h, have an endurance of more than 25 hours, and a range exceeding 1,000 km. The aircraft is designed to carry approximately 2,000 kg of payload, with six underwing hardpoints for precision-guided bombs and missiles. Its ISTAR payload options include EO/IR sensors, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), ELINT, SIGINT and COMINT systems. Communication links are specified at approximately 300 km for Line-of-Sight (LOS) and 1,000 km for Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) operations. A key feature is its Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capability. Command software will allow the aircraft to be controlled from fixed Ground Control Stations as well as manned airborne platforms, including fighter aircraft and naval multi-role helicopters. The architecture is designed to support coordinated operations involving fighters, helicopters and ships. It also includes multi-sensor data fusion and autonomous take-off and landing. The propulsion options are centred on engines in the 900–1,500 shaft-horsepower class, including the Honeywell TPE331-10, which is in the approximately 940-horsepower class. ADE also has longer-term plans for an indigenous propulsion solution. The development phase is planned to include five HALE RPAs and two complete ground systems, subject to Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) clearance and subsequent certification by CEMILAC and DGAQA. DRDO will retain the design and intellectual property rights, while an industrial partner will undertake manufacturing, integration and testing. ADE has also pursued modular contracts covering the aircraft's digital mock-up, propulsion supply and production partnership. General Atomics has been associated with the programme in a technical consultancy role on selected technologies. Separate efforts are also underway on jet-powered and stealth-oriented HALE concepts, while the turboprop configuration remains the main endurance-focused ISTAR-strike design. The programme is intended to support India's indigenous development of HALE-class unmanned aircraft and establish an industrial base for such systems. Further progress will depend on formal project approval and finalisation of the industry partnership.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 16:29:02
World
ROSH HA’AYIN, Israel — Israeli defense technology company Elbit Systems has introduced FUSE, a new unit focused on AI-driven autonomous combat systems and large-scale coordination of uncrewed aerial and ground platforms. FUSE unveiled its One2Many operational concept, which allows a small number of operators to coordinate large numbers of autonomous drones and unmanned ground vehicles in real time. The system is designed to move beyond the traditional one-operator-to-one-drone model and manage autonomous formations as a coordinated force. Dominion-X AI Operating System At the center of One2Many is Dominion-X, an AI-powered unified operating system designed to operate in GNSS-denied environments, including situations where satellite navigation signals are unavailable or jammed. Dominion-X uses automatic target recognition (ATR) and autonomous homing capabilities. It also creates a shared mission network that allows different platforms to exchange mission data in real time and conduct distributed operations. FUSE is designed for manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), allowing autonomous systems to operate alongside existing maneuver forces, crewed vehicles and other tactical assets. FUSE Autonomous Systems Portfolio The FUSE portfolio includes several types of systems: Unmanned Tactical Force for reconnaissance and strike missions conducted at scale. PIRANI-X tactical seek-and-strike swarm drones for maneuvering forces. Urban Lethality Systems, including UGVs and one-way attack drones for urban operations against indoor and fortified threats. Armored Wingman Systems, using airborne and ground unmanned platforms alongside or deployed from manned armored vehicles. Border Defense Systems, using mobile, deployed and fixed unmanned ground and airborne systems with limited operator involvement. Multi-Mission Group 1 and 2 UAS, including the X-intra, THOR and Magni-X families of backpack-portable, rapidly deployable multi-rotor VTOL drones for reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, communications relay, electronic warfare support and resupply. Ground Autonomy Kits, which use AI-powered hardware and software to provide autonomous operation, teleoperation and enhanced visual positioning for vehicles in contested environments. More Than 1 Million Flight Hours Elbit Systems said technologies within the FUSE portfolio have accumulated more than 1 million operational flight hours and more than 100,000 hours of autonomous ground operations. Thousands of drones and hundreds of unmanned ground platforms have already been delivered to customers. The systems are currently in service with military customers in Israel, the United States and Europe. FUSE has about 160 employees, with most working as engineers. Company officials said its products receive continuous updates, with one drone model receiving four updates during the past three years. The company's autonomous ground capabilities were also expanded through its May 2026 acquisition of Bluewhite, an Israeli company specializing in AI-powered off-road autonomy kits and fleet-management software. Human Remains in the Decision Loop FUSE officials said humans remain in the decision loop for targeting to reduce the risk of collateral damage. The technology can support both defensive missions, where fewer personnel may be needed to oversee autonomous systems, and offensive operations. Eyal Dahan, CEO of FUSE, said military forces are entering an operational era in which combat effectiveness will increasingly depend on the ability to integrate and coordinate large numbers of autonomous systems with existing maneuver forces in real time. FUSE has received contracts valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars, including THOR drone systems for the U.S. military through Mistral Inc. and contracts in Europe. The company is also developing capabilities for maritime swarm operations, expanding its focus beyond its current air and ground systems. The announcement follows a statement by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir that the Israeli military plans to establish a new branch focused on robots, drones and AI-enabled forces by Hanukkah in December. Separately, Elbit Systems reported $2.287 billion in revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2026, with an order backlog of $32 billion as of that date.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 16:20:29
Europe
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The Netherlands has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Sweden to acquire one Saab GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, giving the country its own national airborne surveillance capability. The LOI was signed by Dutch Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius and Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson. Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration will support the Netherlands in the planned acquisition from Saab. Separate from NATO GlobalEye Programme The planned Dutch aircraft is separate from the NATO procurement of up to 10 GlobalEye aircraft, which is intended to replace the alliance’s ageing Boeing E-3 AWACS fleet. The Netherlands is already participating in that joint programme with other NATO allies. The Netherlands currently has no national aircraft for long-range surveillance and command missions and partly relies on NATO’s AWACS fleet based at Geilenkirchen, Germany. The new national aircraft would allow the Netherlands to independently decide where and when the system is deployed, including for national military operations and international exercises. Dutch Aircraft to Join Swedish Fleet The Dutch GlobalEye is planned for delivery in 2031. The Netherlands will pool its aircraft with three GlobalEye aircraft ordered by Sweden, allowing Dutch and Swedish crews to access the combined fleet of four aircraft. Dutch crews are expected to begin training on Swedish GlobalEye aircraft from 2028. The two countries will also cooperate on the future development of the system. GlobalEye Surveillance Capability GlobalEye is a multi-domain AEW&C system based on a Bombardier Global business-jet airframe. It carries Saab’s Erieye Extended Range radar, along with other active and passive sensors and communications equipment. The aircraft can monitor activity across the air, maritime and land domains at long range. It is designed to detect and track difficult-to-spot targets, including drones and cruise missiles. The system can also collect intelligence and operate as an airborne command centre, processing information in real time and sharing it with aircraft, ships and ground forces. No Final Contract Yet Saab President and CEO Micael Johansson welcomed the Netherlands’ intention to procure GlobalEye, saying the system would strengthen situational awareness, early warning and national and collective defence. However, the LOI is not yet a binding purchase contract. Saab confirmed that it has not received a formal financial order from the Netherlands. No contract value or final configuration has been released. Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson said the agreement strengthens defence cooperation between Sweden and the Netherlands and allows both countries to take greater responsibility for European collective defence.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 16:13:14
G2E Consortium Secures 18-Month Contract to Advance Sensor Tech for Next-Generation GCAP Fighter Jet
Europe
READING, UK — The GCAP Electronics Evolution (G2E) consortium has secured an 18-month contract to continue developing the integrated sensing and communications systems for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) sixth-generation fighter. Edgewing Awards New Contract The contract was awarded by Edgewing, the trilateral joint venture responsible for the design and development of the GCAP aircraft. Edgewing comprises BAE Systems of the UK, Leonardo S.p.A. of Italy, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (JAIEC). The award follows a contract between Edgewing and the GCAP Agency, which manages the programme on behalf of the governments of the UK, Italy and Japan. Integrated Sensing and Communications The new contract covers further development of the Integrated Sensing and Non-Kinetic Effects and Integrated Communications Systems, known as ISANKE & ICS. G2E brings together four defence electronics companies: ELT Group and Leonardo from Italy, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation from Japan, and Leonardo UK. The companies operate as a single strategic partner within the wider GCAP programme. The GCAP fighter is being designed around ISANKE & ICS from the beginning rather than adding the electronics as separate systems later. The architecture is intended to integrate sensing, communications and non-kinetic effects and fuse large volumes of data to provide pilots with the information needed to operate in complex and contested airspace. The aircraft's size also allows a larger and more complex network of sensors and communications equipment to be positioned across the platform. Focus of the 18-Month Phase During the new contract period, G2E will work on physical and digital infrastructure, recruitment, high-performance computing and advanced modelling to support further development of the electronics architecture. Andrew Howard, Interim General Manager of G2E, said the contract marks a significant milestone for the consortium and reflects its progress in transforming the participating companies from national organisations into a single international entity. Howard also said G2E will continue working closely with the GCAP Agency and Edgewing at the programme headquarters in Reading. Part of the Wider GCAP Programme The contract follows a £4.6 billion contract awarded to Edgewing by the GCAP Agency in July 2026, which began the programme's advanced concept and assessment phase. G2E was formed in 2025 after the four companies signed a consortium agreement, building on cooperation that began in 2023. Its leadership is based in Reading, close to the GCAP programme headquarters. The GCAP programme was launched in 2022 by the UK, Italy and Japan. It aims to deliver an operational next-generation fighter around 2035 to replace existing platforms including the Eurofighter Typhoon and Mitsubishi F-2. The programme is designed to share development costs while supporting skilled employment and sovereign defence capabilities across the three partner countries. The latest contract will allow G2E to continue developing the integrated electronics architecture that forms a core part of the future GCAP fighter.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 16:00:53
U.S. Military Relocates Damaged Black Hawk Helicopters from Jordanian Base Following Missile Strikes
World
AMMAN, Jordan — Iran launched about 20 ballistic missiles at the U.S.-hosted Muwaffaq Al-Salti Air Base in Jordan overnight on September 8–9. The attack caused damage to several U.S. aircraft, while a video released by a user on a Telegram channel shows damaged UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters being transported on flatbed trucks. Videos released following the attack also clearly show missile launches, interceptions and impacts in the area of the Jordanian base. Some footage appears to show missiles reaching the base and explosions occurring at the facility. The videos provide visual evidence that impacts occurred during the attack, although they cannot by themselves establish the exact equipment or facilities hit. The Telegram user who released the Black Hawk footage claims the helicopters were damaged during the September 8–9 Iranian ballistic missile attack. The helicopters in the video show visible damage. However, the U.S. military has not officially confirmed that the Black Hawks shown were damaged in this particular attack or that they were being moved from Muwaffaq Al-Salti because of the strike. Jordan's armed forces said 18 of approximately 20 Iranian ballistic missiles were intercepted and destroyed, while the remaining two landed in unpopulated areas. No casualties were reported. U.S. forces fired Nearly 60 Patriot interceptor missiles during the defense of the base. U.S. Aircraft Reportedly Damaged People familiar with the incident told CBS News that around eight F-15 fighters sustained light damage and were subsequently returned to service. One A-10 Thunderbolt II, known as the Warthog, was struck and lost one wing. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed that its missiles hit maintenance, preparation and deployment areas associated with U.S. F-35, F-16 and F-15 aircraft, as well as aircraft shelters, causing heavy damage. U.S. and Jordanian accounts have described the overall damage as limited. The U.S. military has not released a detailed public assessment confirming the full extent of the aircraft damage. Black Hawk Damage Seen in Telegram Video The Telegram footage shows Black Hawk helicopters with visible damage being loaded onto trucks and transported by road. The user who released the video claims the helicopters were among the U.S. aircraft damaged during the Iranian missile attack. Similar images of Black Hawks being transported in Jordan appeared before the latest attack, including around late August. Earlier Iranian strikes in July 2026 had also damaged U.S. Black Hawks at other Jordanian facilities, including Prince Hassan Air Base. This means the footage alone cannot establish when or where the damage shown occurred. Military losses are also not always publicly acknowledged immediately after an attack. Governments and militaries can take time to assess damaged equipment and determine whether aircraft can be repaired or returned to service before releasing a detailed assessment. Therefore, the lack of an immediate official confirmation does not by itself establish or disprove the Black Hawk claim. The September 8–9 attack followed U.S. strikes on five Iranian oil tankers, which Washington said were carried out in response to earlier Iranian attempts to target a U.S. Navy warship. U.S. officials said all American personnel at the base were accounted for and no U.S. deaths were reported. The exact number of Black Hawks damaged, and whether the helicopters shown in the Telegram video were damaged at Muwaffaq Al-Salti during the latest Iranian attack, remain officially unconfirmed.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 15:52:32
World
ISLAMABAD, — Pakistan has ruled out any immediate military action under the newly signed Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, despite missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels against Saudi territory that injured 73 people and disrupted operations at energy facilities. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said on Thursday that “there is no such thing under discussion right now.” He said Pakistan would act under the agreement “when the time comes” and stressed that the pact is defensive. He also said more time is needed to implement its provisions, while Pakistani forces remain in Saudi Arabia for training and logistical support. The statement followed Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's warning that the agreement could become operational if the Yemen conflict spread into Saudi Arabia. Asif said Pakistan was “bound by the terms and conditions of this pact” and would honour its commitments if required. He also said the agreement does not authorize independent offensive operations against another country. Houthi attacks test the new pact The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement was signed on August 7, 2026, in Mecca by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. A key provision states that any armed attack against one of the three states will be regarded as an attack against all three. The agreement aims to strengthen collective deterrence and defence cooperation, including joint exercises, intelligence sharing and defence-industry cooperation. It builds on the bilateral strategic mutual defence agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September 2025. A permanent secretariat is being established in Riyadh, with the first secretary-general expected to come from Pakistan. The pact is now facing an early practical test. On Tuesday, Houthi forces attacked southern Saudi cities including Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran with missiles and drones. The attacks injured 73 people, including women and children, and caused fires at oil and energy facilities that temporarily disrupted operations. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said dozens of ballistic missiles and drones were launched against Saudi targets, including Aramco facilities and King Khalid Air Base. Pakistan and Türkiye face criticism The decision by Pakistan and Türkiye to avoid immediate military involvement has raised questions about the practical value of the new defence pact. Critics argue that the agreement's strongest promise is collective defence, yet Saudi Arabia has faced direct missile and drone attacks while neither Pakistan nor Türkiye has announced military action. Pakistan has instead chosen diplomatic pressure, including urging Iran to restrain the Houthis, while reaffirming support for Saudi sovereignty and territorial integrity. Türkiye has also not announced any military steps. The cautious response can be explained by the defensive nature of the agreement and the fact that its military and institutional mechanisms are still being established. However, it also exposes a gap between the pact's strong mutual-defence language and the response to an actual attack on one of its members. Pakistan and Türkiye may be seeking to avoid being drawn directly into the wider regional conflict, but their decision not to provide an immediate military response gives critics grounds to question how the collective-defence clause would operate during a serious crisis. For Saudi Arabia, the issue is particularly important because the agreement was created to strengthen security cooperation among the three countries. The latest attacks have therefore become an early credibility test for the alliance. For now, Islamabad is maintaining its training and logistical presence in Saudi Arabia and pursuing diplomatic measures rather than military intervention. Pakistan says it will fulfil its obligations “when the time comes,” while Türkiye has yet to announce military involvement.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 15:11:31
World
Surabaya, East Java — Dutch naval engineering company Nevesbu has presented an initial concept design for the modernization of the Indonesian Navy’s four Diponegoro-class corvettes. The proposal focuses on Platform System Integration (PSI) to support upgrades to the ships’ sensor, weapon and command infrastructure. Nevesbu said its PSI concept for the Sensor, Weapon and Command (SEWACO) package was developed in three months. The concept was reviewed by the Indonesian Ministry of Defence, the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) and state-owned defence company PT Len Industri, which provided feedback that will be used during the next stage of the program. The next phase is expected to focus on developing a full-scale engineering design. Modernization Contract The concept design follows a modernization contract signed by PT Len Industri and Thales Nederland in November 2022. The five-year program covers all four Damen-built SIGMA 9113 corvettes and includes the modernization of their integrated mission systems. The program includes a new Thales TACTICOS Combat Management System (CMS) and upgraded sensors. Post-sales support is planned through the Thales Naval Service Centre in Surabaya. The four ships are KRI Diponegoro (365), KRI Sultan Hasanuddin (366), KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda (367) and KRI Frans Kaisiepo (368). The corvettes were built by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding in the Netherlands between 2005 and 2009 and are based on the modular SIGMA 9113 design. They measure about 90.71 metres in length, have a 13.02-metre beam, displace about 1,692 tonnes and can reach a maximum speed of 28 knots. New Radar and Fire-Control Sensors Concept renderings released by Nevesbu show the lead ship, KRI Diponegoro (365), with changes to its sensor configuration. The imagery appears to show a Thales STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 medium-range tracking and fire-control radar replacing the existing Thales Lightweight Radar/Optronic Director (LIROD). The concept also appears to show a Thales NS50 I-band 4D surveillance radar in place of the ships’ existing Thales MW08 radar. The new sensors are planned to work with the Thales TACTICOS Combat Management System, which will form an important part of the modernized mission-system architecture. The renderings do not indicate major changes to the corvettes’ existing weapons fit. Existing Weapons The Diponegoro class currently carries a 76 mm Oto Melara gun, Exocet MM40 Block III anti-ship missiles, Mistral surface-to-air missiles, 20 mm guns and lightweight anti-submarine torpedoes. The class has also received earlier upgrades, including the installation of Kingklip hull-mounted sonar, Exocet MM40 Block III missiles and enhancements to the Terma C-Guard decoy system. The existing sensor suite has included the TACTICOS combat management system, MW08 radar, LIROD fire-control radar and Kingklip sonar. Surabaya Expected to Support Refurbishment If the modernization proceeds to physical refurbishment, installation work is expected to take place in Surabaya, East Java. The city is the homeport of the four Diponegoro-class corvettes and is also being used for other Indonesian Navy modernization work. Nevesbu is already involved in the modernization of the Indonesian Navy’s three Bung Tomo-class light frigates/corvettes. The program is led by PT Len Industri, with Thales Netherlands serving as the combat system integrator. For the Bung Tomo-class modernization, Nevesbu is responsible for platform systems integration, including surveys, design and engineering work and on-site support during construction. Work on the first ship, KRI Usman Harun, is under way in Surabaya, while surveys have also been conducted for the other two ships. The Diponegoro-class project would therefore add another Indonesian Navy modernization program to Nevesbu’s work in Indonesia. Nevesbu specializes in naval architecture, marine engineering and platform systems integration and has a history of work on naval vessels and submarines dating back to 1935.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 14:57:16
World
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian forces struck Russia’s naval base at Novorossiysk overnight on September 8–9, hitting several Black Sea Fleet vessels and port infrastructure, according to Ukrainian military statements and satellite imagery. Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) said its Active Operations Department conducted the operation with the Ukrainian Navy, Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), Unmanned Systems Forces and other Defense Forces units. The Project 11356 frigate Admiral Essen was hit, causing a fire on its deck superstructure. The Ukrainian Navy said the vessel was struck by a Ukrainian-made Neptune anti-ship missile. Ukraine’s General Staff later reported hits on the Admiral Makarov frigate, Buyan-M small missile ship and Vasily Bykov patrol ship. On September 10, it said further analysis confirmed strikes on the Zheleznyakov small minesweeper, Admiral Essen and the Pyotr Morgunov large landing ship, as well as fuel-oil storage facilities at the port. Satellite imagery released by Ukrainian OSINT group Exilenova+ showed fires and apparent damage at the naval base. Later imagery indicated that the Admiral Essen and Buyan-M were rendered inoperable, although the full extent of damage has not been independently verified. Exilenova+ assessed that the attack involved drones and at least one Neptune missile. On the night of 9 September, the Ukrainian Defence Forces carried out a combined missile and drone strike on the port of Novorossiysk.In particular, port and military infrastructure were hit.Based on visual confirmation, we have:🔴 A Buyan-M (Project 21631) was hit - a… pic.twitter.com/Or4r7Bib7J — Exilenova+ (@Exilenova_plus) September 10, 2026 The Admiral Essen and Admiral Makarov are Project 11356 frigates, while Buyan-M is a Project 21631 missile ship. The vessels are equipped with 3S14 vertical launch systems capable of firing Kalibr or Oniks missiles. Ukraine also reported strikes beyond Novorossiysk. Unmanned Systems Forces Commander Robert Brovdi said several Russian missile boats were destroyed in the port, while a Su-33 fighter and Mi-8 helicopter were destroyed near Anapa, about 50 kilometers northwest of Novorossiysk. Two air-defense radar systems near Gelendzhik were also reportedly disabled. Russian officials said debris from intercepted drones hit a church, industrial facilities and residential buildings in Novorossiysk. They reported four deaths, including a child, and about 29–30 injuries, with three injured people reported in critical condition. Fires were also reported at a fuel-oil terminal. Moscow has not provided its own detailed assessment of damage to the named warships. The strike followed another Ukrainian attack on Novorossiysk in August 2026, when Ukraine reported damaging the Admiral Essen, Admiral Makarov, Buyan-M and Vasily Bykov. Novorossiysk has become a major operating base for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet after repeated Ukrainian attacks on vessels in Sevastopol. Ukraine’s General Staff said the final assessment of damage from the September 8–9 operation remains ongoing, meaning the precise condition of some of the reported targets has yet to be independently verified.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 14:41:59
World
TEHRAN — Iran is increasingly using cryptocurrency to keep international trade moving as U.S. sanctions restrict its access to conventional financial networks. The Central Bank of Iran has eased foreign-exchange controls, allowing exporters and importers to use Tether (USDT), Bitcoin and domestic cryptocurrency exchanges for cross-border settlements. Exporters Get More Flexibility Previously, exporters were required to return a significant portion of their foreign earnings through a government-controlled foreign-exchange platform, often at official rates that were less favorable than open-market rates. This encouraged some businesses to keep funds abroad or outside the formal system. Under the revised framework, exporters can repatriate funds through Iranian crypto exchanges, convert currencies through the open market and use export proceeds directly to help pay for imports such as industrial raw materials and machinery. Crypto Activity Reaches Billions Blockchain analytics firm TRM Labs estimated that nearly $10 billion in cryptocurrency volume moved through Iran in 2025. Chainalysis separately estimated that Iranian wallets received about $7.8 billion during the year. Tether is the most commonly used cryptocurrency for these transactions, largely because USDT is designed to maintain a value linked to the U.S. dollar. Bitcoin is also used, while domestic exchanges provide the infrastructure for transactions. Much of the Tether activity has used the Tron network. Iran's major exchanges account for a large share of domestic activity, with Nobitex handling more than 87% of domestic transaction volume in 2025, according to the supplied data. Central Bank and Bitcoin Mining Elliptic reported that the Central Bank of Iran acquired at least $507 million in Tether during 2025, based on leaked documents and blockchain analysis. The activity was linked to efforts involving the rial and transactions outside traditional banking channels. Bitcoin mining provides another source of digital assets. Elliptic previously estimated that Iranian miners accounted for about 4.5% of global Bitcoin mining, based on earlier data. The figure should not be treated as a current 2026 estimate. Iran has used state-subsidized electricity for mining, effectively converting electricity into Bitcoin that can be transferred or exchanged to obtain value for international transactions. Licensed miners have previously been required to sell their output to the central bank, although mining has also operated outside official channels. U.S. Sanctions Target Iranian Crypto Networks The United States has responded by targeting Iranian cryptocurrency networks. The Treasury Department has sanctioned Iranian exchanges including Nobitex, Wallex, Bitpin and Ramzinex, citing their alleged roles in sanctions evasion and transactions involving regime-linked entities. Tether has also frozen cryptocurrency in wallets identified as connected to Iranian entities. One reported action involved about $344 million, with additional amounts frozen later. Iran's cryptocurrency system does not replace conventional banking or handle the country's entire trade requirements. However, the combination of relaxed currency controls, domestic exchanges and digital assets gives Iranian businesses another option for moving funds and settling international transactions while traditional financial channels remain restricted.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 14:24:45
Europe
KIELCE, POLAND — Polish defence company WB Group has unveiled its new Warmate 30 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), also referred to as Gladius 2, at the International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) 2026 in Kielce, Poland. The exhibition is being held from September 8 to 11. The Warmate 30 is a jet-powered loitering munition designed to provide a long-range deep-strike capability, including in environments where satellite navigation is unavailable. It uses a flying-wing configuration with flaperons and a composite airframe designed to reduce its radar and thermal signatures. Performance and Payload The UAV has a maximum takeoff mass of approximately 100 kg and is powered by a Polish-made turbojet engine produced by WB Group. Production of the engine began in 2026, while a rocket booster assists the drone during launch. According to WB Group's MSPO specifications, the Warmate 30 can reach a maximum speed of 450 km/h and a cruising speed of more than 150 km/h. It operates at 500–1,500 metres above ground level, with a maximum altitude of 5,000 metres above sea level. The system has a range of more than 250 km and an endurance of over one hour. It can carry a modular payload of up to 30 kg. WB Group offers three main warhead options: fragmentation, shaped-charge/cumulative, including the HEDP multipurpose configuration, and thermobaric warheads. Autonomous Operation and Launch Warmate 30 can fly along selected waypoints and loiter over a designated target area before conducting an attack. It is capable of low-altitude flight and can operate independently of satellite navigation using onboard artificial intelligence. The system can be brought to combat readiness in less than five minutes. It can be launched from a containerised launcher designed for land and naval use or from a launching ramp compatible with existing Gladius 1 platforms, including BSP-U and FT-5. Warmate 30 integrates with the Gladius reconnaissance-strike system and Topaz command system, allowing continuous data exchange between platforms during operations. Polish Orders and Production The Warmate 30 has already been ordered by the Polish Armed Forces and is currently entering low-rate initial production. WB Group says prototypes have been undergoing testing since last year and describes the system as a finished product entering series production. Three units were displayed at MSPO 2026. The system is intended to add a deep-strike layer to the Polish Armed Forces and allied forces. It is not a direct replacement for the existing Gladius 1/BSP-U systems used by Polish Army artillery brigades, but is intended to expand their overall strike capability. WB Group CEO Piotr Wojciechowski said the system is ready for mass production and that its public unveiling was timed according to customer requirements and ongoing testing. The company is also developing the next systems, designated Gladius 3 and Gladius 4, with Gladius 3 planned for 2027. The Warmate 30 was one of several product premieres presented by WB Group at MSPO 2026.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 13:59:38
World
KYIV, — Ukrainian defense company Fire Point has moved its FP-7 tactical ballistic missile into the military testing phase, bringing the system closer to certification and possible entry into service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Fire Point CEO Iryna Terekh confirmed the development on the sidelines of the Photonics4Defense 2026: Technology Exchange & Matchmaking event. She said the FP-7 had successfully completed its first two testing phases and was now undergoing military testing, which is part of the missile’s formal certification process. Terekh said the missile could be delivered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the near future, adding: “We’re talking about weeks, not months.” FP-7 Testing and Capabilities The FP-7 testing program began with ground and laboratory evaluations. Individual systems and subsystems, including the solid-fuel rocket engine and navigation equipment, were tested separately. This was followed by flight testing to collect performance data and compare the missile’s actual flight characteristics with calculated engineering models. The ongoing military testing represents the next stage toward certification. The FP-7 is designed to carry a 150 kg payload to targets up to 200 km away. Company and independent reports have also described a range of up to 300 km, a maximum speed of about 1,500 meters per second, and a circular error probable of roughly 14 meters. The missile uses a solid-fuel motor and a ground-based mobile launch platform employing a hot-launch system. Fire Point has positioned the FP-7 as a lower-cost alternative to the U.S. ATACMS. Its design reportedly incorporates elements derived from the Soviet-era 48N6 interceptor used in S-300/S-400 systems, although only a limited percentage of components are shared. Earlier Delays Fire Point initially planned to complete the FP-7’s codification with Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense by the end of 2025. However, in early February 2026, Fire Point chief designer Denys Shtilierman said a “series of events” had prevented the missile from entering service as planned. At that time, the company expected to complete the remaining tests in February. Longer-Range FP-9 Fire Point is simultaneously developing the longer-range FP-9 ballistic missile, which is currently in its second development phase, flight testing. The FP-9 is designed to carry an 800 kg warhead to targets approximately 800–855 km away. Reported characteristics include a maximum speed of up to 2,200 meters per second, an altitude of around 70 km, and a circular error probable of about 20 meters. Testing the FP-9 is more difficult because of its long range. Developers have said the missile has a minimum ballistic flight distance beyond which its software can no longer safely abort the flight. Ukraine does not have enough territory to conduct a full-scale test. In July 2026, Shtilierman said the remaining obstacle before FP-9 tests involving strikes on Russian targets was the final testing of its solid-fuel engine. The FP-9 engine uses significantly more solid propellant than the FP-7. Production Expansion Both the FP-7 and FP-9 were displayed at the MSPO 2026 international defense exhibition in Poland. Fire Point is also developing the FP-7.x kinetic anti-ballistic interceptor based on the FP-7 platform as part of the broader European Freyja air-defense project. To support its expanding missile program, Fire Point is increasing production capacity. In August 2026, Terekh announced that the company had tripled its budget to €150 million for construction of a new solid rocket fuel plant in Denmark, which is expected to begin operations by late 2027. Fire Point, which also develops the FP-1 and FP-2 strike drones and FP-5 Flamingo cruise missile, is developing the FP-7 and FP-9 as domestically produced long-range strike systems. As of September 2026, the FP-7 remains in military testing, with the company indicating that it is close to operational readiness.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 13:54:28
Europe
Stockholm — Swedish aerospace and defence company Saab has received an order worth approximately SEK 2.9 billion ($300 million) from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for continued concept and development work on Sweden’s future fighter system. The contract covers 2026 to 2028, with options to extend the work through 2029 and 2030. It is the third major order under Sweden’s Koncept för Framtida Stridsflyg (KFS) programme, also known as Vägval stridsflyg, which is intended to support decisions on the country’s air combat capabilities beyond 2040. The programme will include flying and ground-based technology demonstrators, advanced studies and development of future system concepts for both manned and unmanned aircraft. Saab will focus on technologies including systems integration, autonomy, propulsion, digital development, signature adaptation and future production capabilities. The work is also intended to build Swedish technical competence, reduce technical risks through early testing and maintain freedom of action for future choices in air combat capabilities. Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area, said: “We are very pleased that FMV continues to show confidence in Saab through this new contract. The work is crucial to further develop and demonstrate new technologies that will be central to future fighter system.” The latest order follows an initial contract signed in March 2024 and a SEK 2.6 billion follow-on order awarded in October 2025 for work covering 2025 to 2027. The latest agreement brings the value of the two publicly disclosed 2025 and 2026 orders to approximately SEK 5.5 billion. Sweden began pursuing its own national future fighter concept work after withdrawing from the UK-led Team Tempest project in 2023, now known as the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Saab has previously outlined future F-series concepts involving a manned fighter intended to eventually succeed or operate alongside the Gripen fleet, as well as subsonic and supersonic unmanned aircraft. The latest KFS contract continues Sweden’s effort to develop and demonstrate future combat aviation technologies while keeping options open before any final decisions on the country’s future fighter system.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 13:47:35Search
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