World
ÇORLU, Türkiye — Thirty personnel from the Royal Saudi Naval Forces have completed training on the Bayraktar AKINCI unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) at Baykar’s Çorlu Flight Training and Test Center in Tekirdağ, northwestern Türkiye. Turkish defence company Baykar announced the graduation on September 25. The group included 15 pilots and 15 mechanical and electronic technicians. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense also confirmed the graduation of the second batch of naval personnel trained on the unmanned aircraft system, referred to in some Saudi statements as “Al-Ra’d.” The ministry said the training supports readiness and the development of unmanned-system capabilities. Part of Saudi-Turkish defence agreement The training comes under the agreement signed by Baykar and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense in July 2023 during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Jeddah. Baykar described it as the largest defence and aerospace export contract in Türkiye’s history. The agreement covers AKINCI aircraft for both the Royal Saudi Air Force and Royal Saudi Naval Forces, together with training, technical support and logistics. Media reports have valued the deal at around $3 billion, although official figures for the final value, total aircraft numbers and delivery schedule have not been released. Additional agreements signed in August 2023 covered localisation. Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and Baykar agreed on technology transfer and plans for up to 70 percent local content, including airframe structures, electrical systems, ground equipment, final assembly, integration, testing and maintenance. Saudi cooperation with Aselsan covers electro-optical systems, while Roketsan is involved in guidance kits and munitions. Reports have referred to an initial batch of around 60 aircraft, while production lines in Saudi Arabia have been reported as being established. Earlier statements pointed to initial deliveries around 2025 and local assembly afterward, but the current fleet size and delivery schedule remain undisclosed. AKINCI adds maritime capability The latest training introduces the AKINCI into a planned naval operating environment, where it can support maritime surveillance, tracking of surface contacts and the development of a recognised maritime picture. The aircraft can also receive targeting information from other sources for strike missions. Manufacturer data list an endurance of more than 24 hours, an operational altitude of 30,000 feet, a service ceiling of around 40,000 feet, a maximum take-off weight of 6,000 kg and a payload capacity of up to 1,500 kg. Its equipment can include electro-optical/infrared sensors, multi-mode AESA radar, signals-intelligence and electronic-warfare systems, as well as line-of-sight and satellite communications. The AKINCI can carry MAM-series laser-guided weapons, guided bombs, the SOM stand-off cruise missile and Roketsan UAV-230 and UAV-300 supersonic missiles. Recent maritime missile test In September 2026, an AKINCI launched a UAV-300 missile against a maritime target off Sinop in the Black Sea. The missile struck the target from a distance of more than 250 kilometres. The aircraft took off from the Çorlu test centre and returned along its planned route. The aircraft has also been integrated with the UAV-122 and UAV-230. Earlier in September, an AKINCI successfully hit a high-speed target drone using the Roketsan SUNGUR missile, demonstrating an air-to-air engagement capability. Royal Saudi Air Force personnel previously completed AKINCI training at Çorlu, with a graduation reported in October 2025. The latest graduation marks the expansion of the Saudi programme to naval personnel. Baykar has not announced when the Royal Saudi Naval Forces will begin operational use of the aircraft or the specific missions planned for its AKINCI fleet.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-27 15:11:07
U.S
PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The U.S. Navy and Thales USA Inc. have cleared a maintenance backlog affecting Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) systems and returned production lead times for high-power amplifiers to normal, according to the Naval Air Traffic Management Systems Program Office (PMA-213). The recovery addressed shortages of High-Power Amplifiers (HPAs) used in the AN/URN-32 and AN/URN-33 TACAN systems. These systems provide aircraft with direction and distance information from TACAN stations on ships and shore locations, supporting navigation during night operations, poor weather and other difficult conditions. PMA-213 said the amplifier shortage resulted from supply-chain disruptions and bottlenecks during the integration of key supplier production lines. To meet immediate requirements at sea, Navy engineers moved older Series 1 amplifiers from land-based installations to operational ships, while newer Series 2 configurations were directed to new-construction ships. Thales increased repair capacity by adding dedicated test benches and specialized personnel. Engineering teams also introduced software updates to align the user interfaces of the two hardware generations and reduce long-term data requirements. Performance-to-Plan Approach The recovery was coordinated through a Performance-to-Plan (P2P) framework involving PMA-213, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP), the U.S. Coast Guard, Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, and Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Webster Outlying Field. “By moving away from traditional contracting to a rigorous P2P framework, we turned transparent data into decisive action,” said Capt. Walter B. Massenburg Jr., PMA-213 program manager. He said Thales worked directly with the government to address production and repair problems and accelerate deliveries. Sonu Goel, a Thales vice president, said the company addressed supply-chain challenges, invested in dedicated production capacity and aligned software and hardware to strengthen TACAN system support for the fleet and joint partners. Thales USA is the sole designer, developer and manufacturer of the AN/URN-32 and AN/URN-33 systems. Related production work is performed in Salt Lake City, Utah. In June 2024, Thales received a firm-fixed-price contract worth about $10.5 million covering 11 OE-4691 TACAN antenna systems, 196 high-power assemblies, 49 low-power assemblies and related components. A June 2025 modification exercised an option for additional equipment, including four AN/URN-33 beacon kits and 68 high-power assemblies. The overall production contract has a potential value of roughly $42 million and runs into 2028. The Navy said production lead times have now returned to normal and the maintenance backlog has been completely cleared. PMA-213 is using the effort as an example of how government and industry can address production and sustainment problems during changes in the defense industrial base.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-27 15:02:08
World
NEW YORK — Russia is prepared to consider Türkiye's possible transfer of its Russian-made S-400 air defense systems to a third country, but Moscow wants official approval and firm guarantees that the systems will not eventually be transferred to Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made the remarks during a press conference in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Lavrov said the S-400 systems were supplied under a contract containing an end-user certificate. He said Türkiye cannot move the systems outside its territory without Russia's official approval. “We will be ready to consider the transfer of Turkish S-400s to such a country when a request comes guaranteeing that such violations will not be tolerated,” Lavrov said. He was referring to cases in which European countries purchased weapons from nations in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Arab world with commitments against onward transfers, but weapons later reached Ukraine. UAE Mentioned as Possible Destination The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been mentioned as a possible destination for Türkiye's S-400 systems. However, Lavrov said Russia is not currently considering any specific option. “If a request comes in, we can look at exactly what our Turkish colleagues want to do. They may not have a plan yet,” he said. Lavrov also said the potential recipient would need to maintain friendly relations with Russia and provide guarantees against further transfer. No formal Turkish request has been publicly confirmed. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said talks on the S-400 issue are continuing with the relevant parties, but he did not provide a timeline for a decision. S-400 Dispute With the United States Türkiye signed a $2.5 billion S-400 contract with Russia in 2017, and deliveries of four batteries began in July 2019. The purchase led to Türkiye's removal from the U.S. F-35 fighter program and later U.S. sanctions under CAATSA. In December 2025, U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack said Türkiye would have to stop possessing or operating the S-400 to meet U.S. legal requirements for a possible return to the F-35 program. On July 16, 2026, Turkish Defense Ministry spokesman Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk said work on the S-400 Long-Range Regional Air and Missile Defense Systems was continuing and that concrete developments would be announced when they occur. S-400 Draws Attention After Operation Sindoor The S-400 has also received increased attention following India's Operation Sindoor in May 2025. Indian official sources said the system was used as part of India's air-defense network during the operation. A later Indian government publication described an S-400 engagement at a range of 350 kilometers against an airborne early-warning platform. Russia's latest comments restate its position that any transfer of Türkiye's S-400 systems requires Moscow's approval. So far, no formal transfer request has been publicly confirmed, and no final third-country recipient has been announced.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-27 14:45:34
U.S
POCASSET, Massachusetts — Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has expanded its unmanned maritime systems facility in Pocasset by 10,000 square feet, increasing the site's manufacturing space from 40,000 to 50,000 square feet, a 25 percent increase. The expansion was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 21, attended by U.S. Representative Bill Keating. More Space for Unmanned Maritime Systems The additional capacity will support production of HII's REMUS family of unmanned underwater vehicles, ROMULUS unmanned surface vessels and related autonomy systems. A major focus will be the production of the U.S. Navy's Lionfish small unmanned undersea vehicle (SUUV). Based on HII's commercial REMUS 300 platform, Lionfish is a modular, open-architecture underwater vehicle designed for mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. HII says Lionfish is currently the first and only cyber-compliant unmanned underwater vehicle in production for the U.S. Navy. HII completed its 42nd Lionfish vehicle by the end of 2025. In July 2026, the Navy awarded HII an option-year contract for continued Lionfish deliveries. The five-year program, which began with an initial award in 2023, has the potential to reach up to 200 vehicles with a total value exceeding $347 million. REMUS 620 and ROMULUS Production The expanded facility will also support production of the longer-range REMUS 620 underwater vehicle and the ROMULUS family of unmanned surface vessels. HII plans to use the additional space to integrate its Odyssey Autonomous Control Solutions software. This includes simulation and modeling tools for complex multi-vehicle missions and autonomy hardware for ROMULUS vessels. “By bringing together advanced unmanned platforms, autonomy, integration, simulation and modeling capabilities, we are expanding our ability to deliver the maritime systems our customers need while continuing to create high-quality jobs here in Massachusetts,” said Duane Fotheringham, president of unmanned systems in HII's Mission Technologies division. Workforce and Regional Impact HII currently employs about 300 people at the Pocasset facility and has added 50 employees so far in 2026. The company also has longstanding ties to the region's maritime technology sector, including a technology development partnership with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Representative Keating, who also spoke at the facility's original opening in 2014, attended the expansion ceremony. “HII’s continued growth on Cape Cod demonstrates how investments in advanced maritime technology can strengthen our national security while supporting good jobs and economic opportunity here in Massachusetts,” Keating said. 25 Years of REMUS The expansion coincides with the 25th anniversary of the REMUS family of underwater vehicles. HII says it has delivered more than 750 REMUS systems to customers in over 30 countries, including 14 NATO member nations. More than 90 percent of the REMUS platforms delivered during the past 25 years remain in active service, according to the company. The systems are used for defense missions, ocean exploration, research, environmental monitoring and commercial operations. The expanded Pocasset facility will therefore provide additional manufacturing and integration capacity for HII's unmanned underwater and surface vehicle programs, including Lionfish, REMUS 620, ROMULUS and associated autonomy technologies.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-27 14:12:15
U.S
SOLANA BEACH, Calif. — September 23, 2026 — AEVEX Corp. has announced Specter, a new jet-powered autonomous platform being developed with Divergent Technologies. The system is intended to expand AEVEX’s unmanned aircraft portfolio and is designed around a modular airframe, software-defined capabilities and scalable manufacturing. Specter is described as a high-speed, turbojet-powered one-way attack platform for contested environments and extended mission profiles. Its turbojet propulsion architecture is planned to support both ground-launched and air-launched variants. A key feature is its modular, swappable nose section, which can accommodate kinetic and non-kinetic payloads, electronic warfare systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment, and other future payloads. AEVEX says the architecture is intended to allow new technologies to be integrated without requiring a complete redesign of the platform. Specter’s development also builds on the strategic collaboration between AEVEX and Divergent announced on September 2, 2026. Divergent’s Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) is being incorporated into the program from the early engineering stages to support digital design, manufacturing flexibility, rapid iteration and scalable production. AEVEX said the platform’s software-driven approach draws on experience from delivering thousands of autonomous systems and its CompassX autonomy architecture. “Specter reflects our lessons learned on capability from delivering thousands of autonomous systems in theater. We are not optimizing for a fixed requirement, we are building an architecture that adapts,” said Manan Patel, Chief Technology Officer at AEVEX. Specter remains under development. AEVEX has not released specific performance figures, a production timeline or customer details for the platform.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-27 13:29:04
U.S
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The U.S. Space Force is adding directed-energy laser systems at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station to counter unauthorized drones and protect sensitive launch infrastructure. Space Launch Delta 45 confirmed the addition of the laser systems as part of a wider counter-drone security upgrade. Col. Brian Chatman, commander of Space Launch Delta 45 and director of the Eastern Range, said the systems can physically disable drones that enter restricted areas with hostile intent. The systems have been tested by the Air Force Research Laboratory and shown to safely bring down drones. The directed-energy systems are being introduced partly because traditional radio-frequency jamming can interfere with communications and other electronic systems used by rockets and spacecraft. “If you start blasting a bunch of RF energy you run into potential challenges. You don’t want that,” Chatman told Florida Today. Wider counter-drone system The laser systems are part of a broader security network. Officials are also adding the Lattice system, an AI-powered platform that combines data from military radars and sensors into a three-dimensional picture to help detect and track unauthorized drones. A multi-million-dollar radio-frequency jamming system began installation last winter to expand coverage across Cape Canaveral. Additional equipment is also expected from the Pentagon’s Joint Interagency Task Force 401. Cape Canaveral supports launches for SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, Blue Origin and national-security missions. The nearby NASA Kennedy Space Center also contains major launch infrastructure, including facilities supporting the Artemis lunar program. The Space Coast recorded 109 orbital launches in 2025, most of them from Cape Canaveral, with launch activity expected to increase in coming years. Unauthorized drone activity Drone activity has become a growing security concern in the region. Port Canaveral recorded more than 500 unauthorized drone flights in 2025. Unauthorized drone flights over the port are a third-degree felony under Florida law. The Space Force has also warned that drone flights and photography of military installations at Cape Canaveral are prohibited, including from public roads. The issue was highlighted by a recent federal case. On September 18, 2026, Chinese tourist Xiaodong He pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Orlando to a misdemeanor charge of violating national defense airspace. According to the provided case details, He flew a drone on July 25 from a parking area at Playalinda Beach Access No. 8 in Canaveral National Seashore. The flight lasted 12 minutes and 24 seconds, reached about 231 feet, and recorded video within 1.56 miles of Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center and 4.23 miles of related facilities. He and family members said they were capturing scenery and were unaware of the restrictions. He remains free pending sentencing, which can include up to one year in prison, supervised release and a fine. In another case in July 2025, Chinese-born Canadian citizen Xiao Guang Pan pleaded guilty after taking nearly 250 photographs and videos of military installations, fuel storage areas and security checkpoints at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station over three days. State awareness campaign Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently announced a $150,000 state grant for the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast. The money will support a regional public-awareness campaign on responsible drone use and no-fly zones around Cape Canaveral and Patrick Space Force Base. Space Launch Delta 45 said the broader effort combines detection, tracking and defensive capabilities to protect personnel, launch complexes and national-security payloads. Officials have not provided a timeline for the laser systems becoming operational or identified the exact system model. The upgrades also reflect lessons from conflicts such as Ukraine, where small drones have demonstrated their potential threat to critical infrastructure.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-27 13:18:50
Europe
LONDON — The Royal Air Force (RAF) has formed No. III Space Effects Squadron, its first dedicated unit focused on countering hostile threats to UK satellites. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, announced the squadron at the first UK Space Power Conference in London. The squadron operates under UK Space Command and brings together specialist personnel from across the UK Armed Forces. It will conduct both defensive and offensive space operations, using capabilities including electronic warfare to disrupt, degrade and deny hostile activities while protecting UK and allied satellites. The RAF already operates No. I Space Operations Squadron and No. II Space Warning Squadron, which monitor space and provide warnings of potential threats. No. III Squadron is intended to add the ability to act against those threats. UK satellites support military and civilian services including communications, maritime navigation, missile warning, weather forecasting, emergency services and energy networks. “Space no longer supports operations from the sidelines. It’s a domain of direct competition, where our military advantage can be won or lost,” Air Chief Marshal Smyth said. He added that the squadron would protect the benefits space provides to UK forces while being capable of denying those benefits to adversaries. Part of UK's wider space strategy The squadron supports the Control of Space Requirement included in the UK government's Space Strategy. The requirement calls for the UK to maintain freedom to operate in space while having the ability to deny the same freedom to adversaries. It builds on the Strategic Defence Review, which identified space operations as important to UK security, prosperity and daily life. The Ministry of Defence is developing capabilities including electronic warfare and countermeasures against anti-satellite weapons. The UK has ruled out destructive anti-satellite missile testing and continues to work through the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space to promote responsible space activities while cooperating with allies on collective defence. The UK has allocated £880 million between 2026/27 and 2029/30 for space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and space control activities. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the UK's growing dependence on space and the increasing scale, speed and sophistication of threats mean that British deterrence in space must match its capabilities on Earth. The RAF headquarters at High Wycombe was redesignated Air and Space Command at the beginning of September. Further space units, including Nos. 4, 5 and 6 Squadrons and a Space Tactics and Training Squadron, are planned. Formed in September 2026, No. III Space Effects Squadron is expected to expand as new space-defence capabilities enter service.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-27 12:59:51
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy has released video showing its Blackbeard hypersonic missile mounted under the wings of an F/A-18E/F Super Hornet during flight testing, confirming that the program has moved beyond ground integration and test-loading. The footage was posted by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) on September 25, 2026, while the Navy’s Office of the Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Aviation (PAE-A) released a test montage with the message, “Coming soon to a theater near you…BLACKBEARD!” The post tagged U.S. Central Command and U.S. Pacific Command. The development follows confirmation at the Tailhook Association convention in August 2026 that Blackbeard had begun test-loading on Super Hornets. Coming soon to a theater near you...BLACKBEARD!@USPACOM @CENTCOM @PAEAviation pic.twitter.com/KgBtIqdf8I — NAVAIR (@NAVAIRNews) September 25, 2026 Affordable hypersonic weapon Blackbeard is being developed by Castelion, a Torrance, California-based defense startup founded in 2022 by former SpaceX engineers. The weapon is being acquired under the Navy's Multi-mission Affordable Capacity Effector (MACE) program, with the Super Hornet serving as the initial launch platform. The Navy is targeting at least limited early operational capability by 2028 and a full-rate production cost of less than $300,000 per missile. Castelion has previously indicated a range of just under 500 miles. On September 14, 2026, the Pentagon awarded Castelion a $43.65 million firm-fixed-price contract for manufacturing, assembly, testing and delivery of the first production lot of 444 All-Up Rounds (AURs). The fully functional tactical missiles are supplied in specialized storage and shipping containers, with completion expected by September 2028. Other 2026 awards include a $105 million contract in April for F/A-18 integration, a $49.9 million award in February to advance the weapon toward early operational capability, a $23.4 million June order for 50 pre-production prototypes, and an approximately $90 million August award supporting those weapons and transition to a formal program of record. PAE-A has also announced production delivery orders valued at up to $200 million. In May 2026, the Pentagon announced a framework agreement covering potential purchases of up to 12,000 Blackbeards over five years. Compact two-stage design Blackbeard uses a two-stage architecture. A solid-fuel booster accelerates the missile before the upper stage separates for hypersonic flight. The upper stage may operate as a hypersonic glide vehicle or incorporate its own propulsion. Available images show cruciform fins, a chine line and a slightly beak-like wedge-shaped nose. An aperture visible on the nose could be associated with a terminal guidance seeker, potentially an imaging infrared (IIR) sensor, although the Navy has not publicly confirmed its exact configuration. The missile is approximately 12 feet long, seven inches in diameter and weighs about 2,750 pounds. Earlier MACE requirements called for a weapon compact enough for the F-35C and F-35A to carry up to four missiles internally, although it is unclear whether that remains a firm requirement. The U.S. Army is also developing a ground-launched Blackbeard variant compatible with systems such as HIMARS. Intended for long-range strike Blackbeard is intended as a standoff weapon against maritime and land targets, with the program emphasizing affordable, scalable production and increased missile availability. The capability is being developed partly in response to increasingly advanced anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) environments, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. The Navy's focus on lower-cost, higher-volume weapons also reflects concerns about missile stockpiles and replenishment rates highlighted by recent conflicts. Castelion is expanding production at its Project Ranger facility in New Mexico. The September 25 footage confirms that air-launched Blackbeard testing on the Super Hornet is underway. However, the Navy has not publicly released exact test locations, separation-test details or precise performance data. Blackbeard's progress comes alongside the Air Force's Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) program, which has targeted limited operational capability around the end of Fiscal Year 2027.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-27 12:40:04
World
TEHRAN — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy announced on Sunday that it had seized a second U.S. unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) operating in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iranian state media, the vehicle was identified as a REMUS 600 autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). The IRGC said the system was conducting what it described as espionage activities and was intercepted during a coordinated operation involving intelligence tracking and electronic warfare capabilities. The IRGC said the captured vehicle has been handed over to specialists, who are working to recover its internal data and examine the information stored on the system. Second U.S. underwater vehicle seized this month The incident follows the IRGC's announcement on September 8 that it had captured another U.S. autonomous underwater vehicle, identified as an Anduril Dive-LD, near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. The Dive-LD is approximately 5.8 meters long and was designed for long-duration operations in deep waters. U.S. Central Command said at the time that the vehicle had malfunctioned more than a day before Iran announced its recovery while surveying regional waters. The U.S. military said it had not collected sensitive data and did not carry classified sonar or radar equipment. REMUS 600 The REMUS 600 is a torpedo-shaped autonomous underwater vehicle used for missions including mine countermeasures, seabed mapping, surveys and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). Public specifications list an operating depth of up to 600 meters, a diameter of about 32.4 centimeters and a length of roughly 3.2 to 3.8 meters, depending on configuration. Its endurance can vary according to speed, payload and battery configuration, with published figures ranging from about 24 to 70 hours. The vehicle has a modular payload architecture and can carry equipment such as side-scan sonar, cameras, navigation systems and other sensors. Iranian officials said specialists are now examining the captured vehicle and attempting to extract its stored data. However, Iran has not publicly detailed the specific payload or mission configuration of the REMUS 600 involved in the latest incident. Strait of Hormuz tensions The latest seizure comes amid continuing tensions between Iran and the United States in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important maritime chokepoint for international shipping and energy supplies. The IRGC said it would continue responding to what it describes as dangerous activities and unauthorized passage through the waterway. Iran has also maintained restrictions on certain vessel traffic through the strait during the ongoing regional tensions. As of September 27, no formal U.S. military response specifically addressing Iran’s claim of seizing the REMUS 600 had been reported.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-27 12:32:28
World
GENEVA — The United States and Russia removed several proposed safety and human-oversight provisions from a draft United Nations framework on lethal autonomous weapons during negotiations in Geneva earlier this month, according to The Washington Post and Human Rights Watch. The talks were held under the UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS). The negotiations, which ran from late August to September 4, were part of years of UN efforts to establish international rules for weapons that can identify, select and engage targets with limited or no direct human intervention. Key safeguards removed During about 15 hours of negotiations on the final day, U.S. and Russian diplomats revised the draft and removed a provision that would have required human review of AI-selected military targets before a strike. According to The Washington Post, the delegations also removed language requiring autonomous weapons to operate in a “predictable” and “reliable” manner. A provision calling for ethical considerations in the use of AI-enabled weapons was also deleted. Human Rights Watch said other changes weakened or narrowed provisions covering issues including design and development, explainability, traceability and references to international law. The negotiations took place behind closed doors after UN cameras were turned off and civil-society observers were asked to leave. The U.S. and Russian delegations each had about 10 lawyers, nearly twice the number used by some other delegations. Sources said the revisions moved so quickly that smaller delegations struggled to keep up. The U.S. State Department, Russian Foreign Ministry and UN did not respond to The Washington Post's requests for comment. Disagreement over a binding treaty The negotiations highlighted a long-standing disagreement over how autonomous weapons should be regulated. The United States and Russia have supported non-binding guidelines rather than immediately moving toward a legally binding international treaty. Human Rights Watch said 76 countries now support beginning negotiations on a legally binding instrument. The final document nevertheless retains references to human control and judgment and states that autonomous weapons must comply with international humanitarian law. However, rights groups said the final text was substantially weaker than earlier proposals. AI targeting and civilian casualties The debate comes as AI-assisted military systems are increasingly being used in modern conflicts. On February 28, 2026, a U.S. strike hit the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' elementary school in Minab, Iran, killing approximately 150 to 175 people, including around 120 children, according to Iranian officials and international reporting. The school was located near a military compound. Investigations raised questions about whether outdated intelligence and the identification of the site as a military target contributed to the strike. The Pentagon opened an investigation. However, available reporting has not established that an autonomous AI system independently selected the school as the target. AI-assisted targeting has also become a subject of controversy in Gaza. Israel has used systems including Gospel and Lavender to assist with target identification and generation. Reports have raised questions about the extent of human review and civilian casualties, while Israeli officials have said human personnel retain oversight and that the systems are intended to improve targeting accuracy. Russia and Ukraine have also used AI-enabled technologies in drone warfare, including systems designed to assist drones in identifying or reaching targets. Reports have raised concerns about civilian harm from autonomous or AI-assisted drone operations on both sides. Political and international response The Geneva outcome has been criticized by organizations including the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots and Human Rights Watch, which have called for meaningful human control over weapons capable of making life-and-death decisions. The issue has also gained importance as governments debate wider controls on artificial intelligence. At the UN General Assembly on September 22, 2026, President Donald Trump rejected what he described as a global effort to control AI and said the United States would encourage its development. He also said U.S. government documents would use the term “super intelligence.” The revised Geneva document is not itself a legally binding treaty. Countries are expected to consider the future of the process at the CCW Review Conference in Geneva from November 16-20, 2026. The November meeting will help determine whether governments move toward formal negotiations on international rules for lethal autonomous weapons or continue with non-binding measures and existing international humanitarian law.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-27 12:26:47
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army Reserve is assessing the availability of medical, engineering, military police and logistics units for a possible deployment to U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) within the next 90 to 120 days, according to an internal Army message reviewed by CBS News. Multiple U.S. officials told CBS News that the assessment is connected to ongoing contingency planning focused on Cuba, although the Army document itself does not name Cuba. The message asks subordinate commands to report on the availability of six types of formations, with September 25 set as the deadline for responses to Army Reserve headquarters. The formations include a combat sustainment support battalion for transportation, maintenance, fuel and supplies; an engineer battalion; and an expeditionary sustainment command for theater-wide logistics. The request also includes a medical brigade, a forward resuscitative and surgical detachment for emergency surgery and trauma care, and a military police brigade responsible for capabilities such as security, detention and law-enforcement support. The document does not specify the number of troops required, possible deployment locations or the operation the units would support. There is also no indication that any of the formations have received deployment orders. The assessment therefore represents contingency planning rather than an announced deployment. SOUTHCOM declined to discuss specific operational movements or deployment timelines. The command said it continuously coordinates with the Joint Force to assess potential requirements across its area of responsibility. Earlier Military Planning The latest assessment follows earlier reports of U.S. military preparations involving Cuba. CBS News reported that U.S. forces conducted reconnaissance around Cuba’s seabed and maritime approaches. U.S. airpower components were also placed on heightened readiness and personnel were directed to pre-stage for a possible deployment, although those preparations were not carried out. In July, CBS News reported that U.S. military planners had examined several possible scenarios involving Cuba, including an Army-led air assault involving thousands of U.S. soldiers. Such planning does not itself confirm that an operation has been ordered. Rising U.S.-Cuba Tensions The military planning comes as the Trump administration has increased political and economic pressure on Havana. On September 17, the State Department announced sanctions against 11 Cuban individuals and entities, including four state-run enterprises linked to Cuba’s nickel industry, military organizations involved in research, weapons systems and naval capabilities, and three military officials. During his September 22 United Nations General Assembly speech, President Donald Trump described Cuba as an “absolutely failed state” and said his administration was seeking “fundamental change” and that “freedom will be coming to Cuba.” The Cuban delegation walked out during his remarks. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez has said U.S. measures have severely affected fuel supplies and contributed to prolonged power outages. Havana has stated that there are currently no negotiations with Washington, while saying it remains willing to maintain contact. The Army Reserve assessment adds to the broader U.S. military planning in the region, but the available document does not establish a deployment, identify a specific operation or confirm that military action against Cuba has been ordered. Source : TOI
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-26 15:50:22
World
KYIV, UKRAINE — Ukrainian developers of the MAUL unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) say that direct feedback from frontline medics and soldiers has driven the platform’s most important improvements, rather than artificial intelligence. MAUL is a remotely controlled or partly autonomous vehicle designed to evacuate wounded soldiers from areas where Russian drones, mines and artillery make conventional medical evacuation dangerous. Kostyantyn Hushcha, chief executive of AIDronesUA, said battlefield users provide feedback that can quickly lead to design changes, particularly in vehicle movement, casualty protection, system arrangement and field repair. “These details may look less impressive than a new AI feature, but they are what determine whether an evacuation can actually be completed,” Hushcha said. AIDronesUA is continuing to examine AI and greater autonomy, but says new technology must improve reliability, patient safety and evacuation performance. MAUL Specifications and Combat Use The four-wheel-drive MAUL uses an internal-combustion engine and carries a wounded soldier inside an armored capsule secured with three straps. An internal camera allows operators to monitor the casualty. The vehicle is about 2.3 meters long, 1.45 meters wide and 0.62 meters high, with 200 mm of ground clearance. It has an operating weight of about 420 kg, a gross weight of 620 kg and a payload capacity of up to 200 kg. It uses airless metal wheels designed for difficult terrain and mine resistance. The 1st Separate Medical Battalion reports a maximum road speed of 70 km/h. Reported range figures include up to 110 km on roads and 100 km off-road, with a tactical operating radius of about 50 km. Continuous operation can last up to five hours, while standby time can reach 48 hours. The vehicle has multiple communication links, daylight and infrared cameras, and can also be used for logistics and remote weapon stations. MAUL was originally developed by Ukraine’s 1st Separate Medical Battalion. Ukrainian manufacturer DevDroid later obtained a license to produce it, with early units costing about $19,000. Recent versions have been reported at $22,600 to $33,900, depending on configuration. In November 2025, the 1st Medical Battalion used MAUL to rescue a wounded soldier who had spent 33 days behind Russian lines. The six-hour mission covered about 64 km. The vehicle drove over an anti-personnel mine that damaged a wheel and was later hit by a Russian drone, but it completed the evacuation and delivered the soldier to Ukrainian medical personnel. Six earlier attempts using other systems had failed. The unit has also reported additional MAUL evacuation missions, including six evacuations in one day in early 2026 by two vehicles that together covered about 300 km. Company and unit statements have reported roughly 100 or more evacuation missions and more than 150 people evacuated. Production Expands to Sweden At Eurosatory 2026 in June, AIDronesUA signed a strategic partnership memorandum with Swedish autonomous-systems company NJORD Technology to establish MAUL production in Sweden. The project targets production of 400 to 500 vehicles annually, primarily for Ukraine’s armed forces. The Swedish facility is intended to provide a production location outside the range of certain Russian strike drones. AIDronesUA remains responsible for development and battlefield-driven upgrades, while NJORD is providing manufacturing and engineering support. Ukrainian combat medics have also taken MAUL to Sweden to demonstrate the system to the Swedish Armed Forces’ Life Guards. It was the platform’s first deployment outside Ukraine and allowed Swedish personnel to examine its use in casualty evacuation. In August 2026, AIDronesUA also signed an agreement with U.S.-based Empery Digital Inc. to explore a strategic investment, with due diligence underway. AIDronesUA says MAUL continues to be refined mainly through direct feedback from the personnel using it in frontline evacuation missions, while AI and autonomous functions remain areas under development.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-26 14:41:07
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army has selected 30 finalists in its xTech|Apex Intercept competition to develop lower-cost interceptor technologies that could complement the Patriot air defense system. The competition is managed by the Army’s FUZE xTech program in partnership with the Capability Program Executive for Defensive Fires. It seeks technologies for countering aircraft and drones, cruise missiles, and close-range and short-range ballistic missiles. Each finalist will receive $25,000 and demonstrate its technology to Army and Department of War experts and end users between October 1 and November 30. The Army plans to select up to 18 winners by December 31. The competition has a prize pool of up to $8 million, including $7.25 million for the final round, making it the largest xTech competition to date. Related program documents have referenced a target of less than $1 million for a complete all-up interceptor, although the Army has not published a specific target price. Four Technology Categories Topic 1 – Complete Interceptors:Ten finalists are competing for prizes of up to $1 million each: RTX, Anduril Industries, AeroVironment, QinetiQ, UDD Tech, Wardstone, Greenjets, Furientis, AEON Industries, and AirX Robotics. AirX Robotics entered its Katana interceptor, while Greenjets proposed its Kestrel interceptor. RTX is the manufacturer of the Patriot system. Demonstrations are planned at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, in October. Topic 2 – Low-Cost Solid Rocket Motors:Seven companies are competing: Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Ursa Major, X-Bow Systems, Australia’s DefendTex, and the United Kingdom’s Cambridge Aerospace. Topic 3 – Low-Cost Seekers:Six finalists are developing lower-cost interceptor seekers: Leonardo DRS (DRS Network & Imaging Systems), Toyon, Technology Service Corporation, Sensitic Technologies, Space ER, and Cherrill Consulting Group. Cherrill Consulting Group submitted a radio-frequency design carrying the Israel Aerospace Industries logo. Topic 4 – Fire Control and Flight Guidance:Seven finalists are competing in this category: Australia’s Advanced Navigation, Persistent Systems, Australia’s Rocket Fast Drones, Expression Networks, GuideTech, Hyperian Aerospace, and NYX Industries. Advanced Navigation proposed guidance designed to operate independently of GPS. Winners in the three component categories can receive up to $750,000 each. Demonstrations for those categories will take place in October and November at locations selected by participants. The competition was open to small, medium and large businesses from the United States and allied countries. Applicants submitted white papers of up to five pages between July 7 and July 24, along with an optional five-minute video. Beyond the prize money, the Army said finalists and winners may receive opportunities for follow-on prototype agreements, direct research-and-development contracts and other transaction authorities. The initiative is part of the Army’s broader effort to develop more affordable interceptor options that can be produced at scale and integrated with existing air and missile defense systems.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-26 14:14:27
Space & Technology
CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA — Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft has raised the orbit of the International Space Station (ISS) ahead of the planned arrival of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 mission. The uncrewed spacecraft, which remains berthed to the station’s Unity module, fired its gimbaled delta-velocity engine for 18 minutes on September 25. The maneuver increased the ISS orbital altitude by about 1.5 miles at apogee, the highest point of its orbit, and about 0.8 miles at perigee, the lowest point. Following the maneuver, the station was placed into an orbit measuring approximately 265.5 by 256.8 miles above Earth. Cygnus XL Performs ISS Reboost The Cygnus XL was attached to the Earth-facing port of the ISS Unity module when its engines were fired. The spacecraft’s thrust moved the combined station and cargo vehicle, allowing Cygnus XL to perform the orbital reboost. The maneuver serves two purposes: countering the gradual loss of station altitude caused by atmospheric drag in low Earth orbit and adjusting the ISS orbit for upcoming spacecraft traffic. Using a visiting spacecraft for reboosts also allows the station to reduce its reliance on its own onboard propellant for some orbital maintenance activities. The Cygnus spacecraft has previously performed similar maneuvers. The same Cygnus XL conducted another reboost on August 27, 2026, with an engine burn lasting 20 minutes and 43 seconds. That maneuver adjusted the station for the arrival of the Progress 96 cargo spacecraft. Cygnus XL Delivered More Than 11,000 Pounds of Cargo The Cygnus XL arrived at the ISS on April 13, 2026, as part of NASA’s Northrop Grumman Commercial Resupply Services-24 (CRS-24) mission. The spacecraft launched two days earlier aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. Named S.S. Steven R. Nagel, the spacecraft delivered more than 11,000 pounds of scientific research, hardware, experiments, crew supplies and other cargo to the orbital laboratory. Beyond its cargo-delivery role, the expanded Cygnus XL is capable of performing orbital reboost operations while berthed to the ISS. This provides another option for maintaining the station’s orbit during its mission. Reboost Supports Crew-13 Arrival The latest maneuver also adjusted the ISS orbital phasing for the upcoming SpaceX Crew-13 mission. Crew-13 is currently targeted to launch no earlier than October 1, 2026, aboard a Crew Dragon spacecraft launched by a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 in Florida. The four-person Crew-13 crew consists of: Jessica Watkins (NASA) — Commander Luke Delaney (NASA) — Pilot Joshua Kutryk (Canadian Space Agency) — Mission Specialist Sergey Teteryatnikov (Roscosmos) — Mission Specialist After arriving at the ISS, the crew will join Expedition 75. Cygnus XL Scheduled to Leave ISS in October The Cygnus XL is scheduled to remain attached to the ISS until October. After the Crew-13 mission arrives, the station crew will load the spacecraft with disposal materials. The spacecraft will then be unberthed from the ISS using the station’s robotic arm. It will subsequently be placed on a trajectory for destructive reentry into Earth’s atmosphere, where it will burn up. The September 25 reboost demonstrates the additional role of Cygnus XL in ISS operations beyond cargo delivery, allowing the spacecraft to contribute to station orbit maintenance while it remains attached to the orbital laboratory.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-26 12:30:39
Europe
BERLIN, — Germany’s Bundeswehr has received the first Puma infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) from its second production batch, supporting the modernization of its armored infantry units and the gradual replacement of the older Marder IFVs. Projekt System Management GmbH (PSM), a joint venture between KNDS Deutschland and Rheinmetall that manages the Puma programme, announced the handover of the first S1-configured Puma on August 28, 2026. The government contractor officially accepted the first two vehicles from the batch on August 27 and September 3, 2026. These vehicles will undergo further technical trials at the WTD 81 and WTD 91 military-technical centres before entering service. 50 vehicles ordered in second batch The second production batch began with a May 2023 framework agreement between the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) and PSM for 50 new Puma IFVs. The procurement is being carried out alongside the modernization of existing Puma vehicles to the common S1 standard. The Bundeswehr intends to introduce the S1 configuration across its Puma-equipped armored infantry units and training establishments. Puma S1 capabilities The Puma has a three-person crew and can carry six infantry soldiers. Its remotely controlled unmanned turret is equipped with a stabilized 30 mm MK30-2/ABM automatic cannon, a coaxial 5.56 mm MG4 machine gun, and, in the S1 and VJTF configurations, the MELLS anti-tank guided missile system with Spike LR missiles. The 30 mm cannon has an effective range of up to 3 kilometers. The vehicle has an 800 kW engine, a maximum road speed of 70 km/h, and a combat weight of up to 43 metric tons in its highest protection configuration. The S1 standard adds digital communications and command systems, improved observation equipment and 360-degree surveillance combining daytime cameras with thermal imaging. Its modular protection system is designed to protect against mines, improvised explosive devices, shaped-charge munitions and anti-tank guided missiles. Germany orders another 200 Pumas Germany is continuing to expand the fleet. In December 2025, the Bundeswehr ordered another 200 Puma IFVs from PSM through an amendment to the existing framework agreement. The order is valued at approximately €4.2 billion and is divided equally between KNDS Deutschland and Rheinmetall. First deliveries are scheduled to begin in mid-2028. The agreement also covers corresponding protection modules and storage containers, while a further amendment for an S2 configuration is planned. Together with the original production batch of 350 Puma vehicles, the second-batch procurement and the modernization of existing vehicles to the S1 standard form part of Germany’s long-term effort to equip its mechanized infantry forces with the Puma.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-26 12:22:23
Europe
LONDON/KYIV — The United Kingdom has become the first international partner whose defence companies will gain access to Ukraine’s Avengers Labs, an artificial intelligence platform that uses real battlefield data to train and test AI models for unmanned systems. Up to 12 British defence companies will be selected for the programme. They will work inside the secure Avengers Labs environment and will not be allowed to download or directly extract the dataset. AI Development for Drone Swarms The first UK-Ukraine competition will focus on AI models for swarms of unmanned systems. The models are intended to help drones work together, detect threats and identify targets, including when communication with human operators is limited or global navigation systems are unavailable. The UK Ministry of Defence’s Rapid AI Delivery Taskforce (RAID) is leading the selection process. Companies must submit proposals by 11:59 p.m. BST on October 22, 2026, with selected companies expected to be notified by November 6. Phase 1 access is planned for about three months, from late November 2026 to late February 2027. Companies must also complete Ukrainian export-control procedures before receiving access. More Than 5 Million Battlefield Frames Avengers Labs is built around an annotated dataset of more than 5 million battlefield frames. Most of the data comes from unmanned systems through Ukraine’s DELTA combat system. The dataset includes information on tanks, artillery, air defence systems, infantry, Shahed-type UAVs and reconnaissance drones. The data is continuously updated, while information provided through DELTA is anonymised and delayed to reduce risks to military personnel during ongoing operations. More than 30 Ukrainian defence companies are already using Avengers Labs to train AI models, and three products developed through the platform are already deployed on the battlefield. Ukraine's Ministry of Defence has reported that AI integration can reduce the time analysts spend searching images and video for enemy targets by up to 90 percent. An AI system trained using Avengers Labs data processes more than 100,000 drone video streams each month and identifies about 70 percent of enemy military targets in real time, according to the Ukrainian ministry. UK-Ukraine AI Partnership The cooperation follows an Artificial Intelligence Partnership signed in Kyiv on August 24, 2026, by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham. It forms part of the wider UK-Ukraine 100-Year Partnership. The agreement covers joint AI model development, secure data channels, computing resources and AI reliability, as well as defence-industry cooperation and academic research into autonomy, AI reliability, cybersecurity and synthetic data. The programme will combine Ukraine’s combat-derived data and operational experience with expertise from British universities, researchers and technology companies to develop AI capabilities for unmanned systems and other defence applications.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-26 12:15:24
U.S
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s proposal for a seven-day ceasefire and has privately told aides that he expects U.S. bombing of Iran to resume after the November midterm elections, according to U.S. officials cited by The Wall Street Journal. Iran’s Seven-Day Ceasefire Proposal Iran conveyed the proposal through Qatari mediators during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The plan called for a temporary halt to hostilities, including across fronts such as Lebanon. Under the proposal, Tehran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz after a seven-day process and resume negotiations over its nuclear program. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the initial U.S. steps would take four to five days, the strait would reopen on the sixth day and nuclear talks would begin on the seventh. In return, Iran requested the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports, easing of sanctions on Iranian oil exports and the release of frozen Iranian assets, reported in some accounts as at least $12 billion. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would meet its commitments if Washington accepted the proposal and would allow U.N. nuclear inspectors under negotiated arrangements. Trump Rejects the Proposal The proposal was similar to a memorandum of understanding reached between the two countries in June. That agreement later collapsed following disagreements over maritime routes and the naval blockade. Trump has publicly said Iran is facing economic pressure and is seeking a deal after the midterm elections. However, U.S. officials said he remains skeptical that Tehran would meet Washington’s demands, particularly over its nuclear program and the free passage of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The United States has reportedly informed Iran and mediators that Trump does not intend to end the blockade, viewing continued economic pressure as a way to push Tehran toward accepting U.S. demands. U.S. Warships Move Into the Arabian Sea The conflict has also affected U.S. military positioning in the region. Several U.S. Navy warships have moved farther from Iranian waters into the Arabian Sea, placing some vessels outside the reported range of Iranian missiles while maintaining a U.S. naval presence in the region. The Strait of Hormuz remains a major point of contention because roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments normally pass through the waterway. Conflict and Diplomatic Efforts Continue The conflict began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February 2026 and has continued for about seven months, with periods of fighting, pauses and unsuccessful diplomatic efforts. The June memorandum was one of the major attempts to reduce tensions, but it eventually collapsed. Iran has since continued to seek negotiations through intermediaries. Indirect talks on issues including Iran’s nuclear program are still continuing, with U.S. officials describing some discussions as positive and constructive. Iran has said it is awaiting an official U.S. response to its seven-day proposal. For now, the timing and scale of any future U.S. military action remain unclear, and officials said Trump’s position could change in the coming weeks, including in response to developments surrounding the November midterm elections.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-26 11:53:00
U.S
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — U.S. defense technology company Ondas Inc. (Nasdaq: ONDS) has acquired three Israeli defense technology companies — Insignito, Ottopia Defense, and Caribou Labs — for an initial $56 million. The deal will be paid in cash or Ondas common stock and includes potential earnout payments of up to $32 million through 2028 if the companies meet specified performance milestones. This could bring the maximum total consideration to $88 million. Ondas said the initial $56 million represents less than three times the three companies' expected combined 2027 revenue. The acquisitions expand Ondas's capabilities in passive acoustic drone detection, remote control and communications for unmanned systems, and GPS-denied navigation. Three companies add specialized technologies Insignito provides passive acoustic technology to detect, classify, track and locate drones using their sound signatures. Its DUMBO system has been deployed in conflict zones and uses real-time signal processing, acoustic modeling, artificial intelligence and proprietary algorithms. It is designed for threats including small FPV drones, low-altitude threats, autonomous platforms, RF-silent systems and fiber-optic-controlled drones. Insignito also develops WaveGuide, which models the acoustic detectability of aircraft for mission planning, Silent Propellers technology for reducing unmanned aircraft noise, and Banshee, an acoustic-enabled drone interception capability under development. Ottopia Defense develops software for remote control and communications between unmanned platforms, operators and command centers. Its technology manages video, telemetry, mission data and commands across available communications channels in bandwidth-constrained or degraded environments. It combines AI-enabled autonomy, ultra-low-latency teleoperation and intelligent networking, including one-to-many operations in which operators can supervise multiple unmanned systems. Ondas plans to integrate Ottopia's technology into its unmanned ground vehicles, including the Iron Wave platform. Caribou Labs specializes in navigation and communications for environments where GNSS/GPS signals and digital infrastructure are disrupted. Its technologies provide GPS-independent positioning, timing, identification and communications for electronic-warfare environments. Ondas said the technology is already deployed in active conflict environments and has a pipeline of customer opportunities. Ondas expands autonomous defense capabilities Ondas said the acquisitions support its systems-of-systems strategy by combining sensing, communications, navigation and autonomy across aerial and ground platforms. The company plans to integrate the new technologies into its counter-UAS systems, unmanned ground vehicles and other autonomous platforms. The company said the acquisitions will expand its technology stack across detection, connectivity, navigation, autonomy and mission execution, while creating additional commercial revenue opportunities and supporting larger defense programs. Ondas Chairman and CEO Eric Brock said the acquisitions are intended to make autonomous systems more capable, resilient and scalable in contested environments. As part of the transactions, Ondas approved equity incentive awards for 37 newly hired employees, including restricted stock units representing 2,979,063 shares and stock options for 80,000 shares with an exercise price of $7.72 per share. Ondas has also expanded its presence in Israel through previous acquisitions, including Gate Technologies and Aran Defense. The three transactions were announced on September 23, 2026.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-26 11:33:58
U.S
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The U.S. Navy has formally established the Robotic and Autonomous Systems Warfighting Development Center (RASWDC) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia, creating a dedicated organization for integrating robotic and autonomous systems into fleet operations. The Secretary of the Navy and Chief of Naval Operations formally established RASWDC on September 24. The center operates as an Echelon 3 warfighting development center under U.S. Fleet Forces Command and will focus on robotic and autonomous systems across the air, surface and undersea domains. RASWDC will serve as the Navy's fleet-facing operational integration point for testing, training, doctrine development and tactics involving robotic and autonomous systems. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle said the center will help provide sailors with the advanced training and specialized doctrine needed to integrate these systems into operations, training and deployments. Working with the RAS acquisition office RASWDC will work alongside the Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Robotic and Autonomous Systems (DRPM RAS), established in August 2026. DRPM RAS, currently led in an acting capacity by Christopher Miller, has authority for acquisition, requirements implementation, budgeting, technical standards and fielding of robotic and autonomous systems. While DRPM RAS focuses on acquiring and fielding the systems, RASWDC will focus on how they are used by the fleet. Testing, experimentation and training will provide feedback to developers and program managers to help refine future capabilities. RASWDC will also work with the Rapid Capabilities Office and Fleet Introduction Operating System to coordinate training, logistics, maintenance, software, doctrine, networks and other support for new systems. Three core missions RASWDC has three main missions: training sailors, developing warfighting concepts, and testing emerging technology under realistic conditions. The center will develop tactics, techniques, procedures and standards based on operational experience. It will also develop command relationships and authorities for autonomous systems, building on the Enhanced Mission Command Framework and Directed Autonomy Levels. New systems will be tested at sea, under operational stress, against simulated threats and in degraded or denied communications environments. Systems that perform successfully can move forward, while those that do not can be improved, redirected or stopped. Rear Adm. Melvin Smith leads the center Rear Adm. Melvin R. Smith has been designated the inaugural commander of RASWDC and the supported commander responsible for establishing the organization. Smith, who previously served as commander of Submarine Group Two, is leading a phased near-, mid- and long-term implementation plan covering the command's structure, mission relationships and resource requirements as it moves toward full operational capability. Smith said the center brings the Navy's autonomous efforts across the air, surface and undersea domains together at Little Creek, with a focus on educating warfighters, equipping the fleet with systems that perform in operational environments and developing tactics for their use. RASWDC will not replace existing Warfighting Development Centers, Type Commanders, Systems Commands or operational commands. Instead, it will coordinate with them to incorporate emerging requirements and share lessons learned across the fleet. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the center was held September 24 at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, attended by Adm. Caudle and Rear Adm. Smith.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-26 11:22:23
World
BIKANER, RAJASTHAN — U.S. Army soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division demonstrated the Mobile Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (M-LIDS) to Indian Army personnel during Yudh Abhyas 2026 at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. The M-LIDS remained under U.S. control during the demonstration. Indian troops observed its components and discussed counter-drone tactics with their U.S. counterparts but did not operate the system. M-LIDS combines sensors, command-and-control equipment, electronic warfare tools and kinetic options mounted on mobile tactical vehicles. It is designed to detect, track, identify and defeat small, low and slow unmanned aircraft systems. The system uses a Ku-band radar, along with electro-optical and infrared sensors, while the Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control system combines sensor information into a local air picture. Operators can then select responses that may include electronic warfare or kinetic options. During the exercise, U.S. soldiers practiced setting up and linking the system, establishing an air picture, tracking potential threats and selecting an appropriate response. Its mobile design allows it to reposition with the forces it is protecting. The heat, dust and open terrain of Rajasthan also provided conditions for the personnel and equipment during the training. “Defeating the small UAS threat is not a single-nation fight; it requires interoperable forces that can share information, integrate capabilities, and act as one,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Mark Giauque, the division’s air and missile defense systems integrator. He said the ability to detect, identify and defeat enemy UAS would be important for maintaining freedom of maneuver and protecting forces. Yudh Abhyas 2026 Yudh Abhyas 2026 is the 22nd edition of the annual U.S.-India bilateral exercise. It began on September 15 and is scheduled to end on September 28. For the first time, the exercise is being held simultaneously at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan and the Auli training area in Uttarakhand. About 600 soldiers from each country are participating. The U.S. contingent comes from the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 11th Airborne Division, based in Alaska, while the Indian contingent is led by the 14 Infantry Division. Alongside the counter-drone training, U.S. and Indian artillery crews conducted combined training with M777 lightweight howitzers, including live fire, rapid movement to alternate positions and shoot-and-scoot drills. The wider fire-support training also involved India’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher and Dhanush guns. Other activities covered aviation, maneuver, medical and force-protection tasks. The M-LIDS demonstration focused on observation, information sharing and counter-drone tactics, while the M777 training involved combined U.S.-Indian crews. It was the first reported deployment of M-LIDS to India as part of the exercise. Training will continue through September 28, including mountain warfare, cold-weather operations, command-post exercises and combined live-fire events at the two exercise locations.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-26 11:10:16Search
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