India
NEW DELHI — Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) in the Ministry of Defence’s competitive process to develop the Indian Army’s next-generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle-Indian Light Tank (AFV-ILT) under Project Zorawar. The programme is valued at nearly ₹20,000 crore. The selection follows a three-year evaluation of technical and commercial bids from five entities, with TASL securing the L1 position. Mahindra Defence Systems emerged as the second-lowest bidder (L2). Under the Make-1 category, the government will fund up to 70% of development costs. TASL will develop and demonstrate two prototypes within 130 weeks, while Mahindra Defence Systems will also be invited to develop its own prototype. The competitive approach is intended to maintain competition and strengthen the supply chain. The bidding process was delayed after one competitor raised objections to the selection. The Indian Army and Defence Ministry examined the objections and found them invalid, allowing the programme to move forward towards the Production Order stage. The Indian Army requires approximately 295 light tanks under this competitive Make-1 segment. The tanks are intended for high-altitude areas, deserts, marshlands and riverine terrain, where heavier main battle tanks can face mobility limitations. The light tank is expected to be in the approximately 25-tonne weight class, allowing better mobility and air-transportability in restricted mountain areas. The platform is planned to have a 105–125 mm calibre main gun and speeds of up to around 60 km/h. TASL has proposed an indigenous turret system along with self-developed loitering munitions. Project Zorawar is named after General Zorawar Singh Kahlon, the 19th-century Dogra military commander. The programme marks the first time a private-sector company will fully build a battle tank for the Indian armed forces. TASL has previously supplied tactical trucks and infantry fighting vehicles to the Army, and the project expands its role into tracked armoured systems. The wider Project Zorawar programme also includes a separate parallel effort by DRDO and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for an initial batch of light tanks, while the competitive Make-1 process covers the larger requirement of approximately 295 tanks.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-09 09:17:18
World
KYIV — Ukraine is signing contracts for approximately 1,000 missiles for its U.S.-designed Patriot air-defense systems, supported by partner countries and financing from a €90 billion European Union Ukraine Support Loan, Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara said at the 36th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Ramstein, Germany. Most of the missiles will arrive only in the coming years. To address the immediate air-defense requirement ahead of winter, Khmara asked allies to transfer 300 Patriot interceptor missiles from their existing stockpiles. Ukraine would later replenish those stocks with improved missiles delivered under its new contracts. Kyiv is also requesting 500 air-to-air missiles capable of countering cruise missiles, additional MANPADS, and funding for drones. Khmara said these capabilities are needed against ballistic missiles, jet-powered Shahed drones and cruise missiles. EU financing for Patriot missiles The procurement is linked to the EU's €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan. EU member states agreed to a derogation allowing Ukraine to use the loan to purchase U.S.-made Patriot interceptors because European suppliers cannot currently meet the required volume. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the next €3.2 billion tranche would help Ukraine strengthen its air defenses. A further €8.4 billion has already been disbursed under the loan program, including for air defense, while the technical decision on the latest allocation is expected to be finalized shortly. Ukraine reports $27 billion funding gap Khmara also reported a €23 billion ($27 billion) defense-financing shortfall, much of which is needed to maintain drone supplies through the end of 2026 and into early 2027. He said up to 90% of Ukraine's battlefield success depends on drones. Partners have provided €62 billion of the €70 billion in security assistance pledged at a summit in Ankara, leaving €8 billion still required. Khmara urged partners to make the necessary financial decisions by November so the additional support can affect the battlefield this winter. Meanwhile, dozens of Ukrainian companies are developing lower-cost systems to intercept jet-powered Shahed drones, with some already undergoing combat testing. Germany and UK announce additional support German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Germany would urgently send Patriot PAC-2 interceptors from its stockpiles and increase deliveries of AIM-9 air-to-air missiles. He also called on other partners to examine their stocks and provide similar assistance. The UK separately committed £100 million to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses, including U.S. military equipment such as Patriot interceptors, large-calibre ammunition and drones. Khmara said Russia has made no strategic gains along the approximately 1,200-kilometer (750-mile) frontline, but has increased attacks against Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. Russia resumed near-constant drone and missile attacks on Kyiv on Tuesday after a brief pause during a visit by U.S. peace negotiators. Ukrainian officials reported five people killed in the capital and additional casualties in other regions. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said allies must increase material support to help Ukraine defend itself in the air and take advantage of opportunities across the battlefield. The latest measures combine long-term contracts for about 1,000 Patriot missiles with urgent requests for interceptors from allied stockpiles as Ukraine prepares for another winter of Russian missile and drone attacks.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-09 09:11:17
World
AMMAN, Jordan — Iran launched a major ballistic missile barrage toward Jordan overnight between September 8 and 9, targeting the U.S.-used Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, also known as Al-Azraq Air Base, after U.S. forces struck five Iranian crude oil tankers. Jordan’s armed forces said its air-defense systems engaged 20 ballistic missiles launched from Iran toward Jordanian territory. Eighteen missiles were intercepted and destroyed, while two fell in unpopulated areas. No casualties were reported. The Iranian attack was carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which claimed responsibility and described the operation as “Punishing the Aggressors.” It appears that Iran's latest missile barrage targeting U.S. bases in Jordan is forcing defenders to expend a large number of interceptors. pic.twitter.com/Fk2ltdm6MW — Clash Report (@clashreport) September 8, 2026 Missiles hit the area of Muwaffaq Salti Air Base The IRGC said its Aerospace Force used solid- and liquid-fuel ballistic missiles against Al-Azraq Air Base, a Jordanian facility used by U.S. forces. Iran claimed that the attack targeted maintenance and repair facilities, aircraft preparation areas, aircraft shelters and locations used to station U.S. F-35, F-16 and F-15 fighter jets. The IRGC also claimed that the strikes caused heavy damage. Several videos recorded during and after the attack show explosions and apparent missile impacts in the area of Muwaffaq Salti Air Base. The footage provides visible evidence that at least some Iranian missiles reached the vicinity of the installation despite the air-defense response. Several Iranian ballistic missiles evaded US air defenses and struck a US base directly in Jordan.US used a large number of interceptors to counter a few dozen ballistic missiles.The intensive IRGC attack came after the US struck 5 Iranian tankers. pic.twitter.com/FODFrF6juf — Current Report (@Currentreport1) September 8, 2026 The precise number of missiles that struck the base and the extent of damage remain unclear. A U.S. official said the Iranian strikes were ineffective and that all American troops were accounted for. Cluster munitions visible in interception footage Several videos from the overnight attack also show what appears to be the dispersal of multiple smaller munitions in the sky after incoming ballistic missiles were intercepted. In the footage, a missile is seen being engaged in the air, followed by multiple smaller objects spreading across the sky and descending toward the ground. The visual sequence has led open-source observers to assess that some of the Iranian missiles were equipped with cluster warheads. 🚨 IRAN LAUNCHES MAJOR MISSILE BARRAGE AT U.S. BASES IN JORDANIran launched a substantial missile barrage toward U.S. military bases in Jordan after three Iranian tankers were struck near Kharg Island and Jask.Dozens of interceptors were launched as Iran reportedly used… pic.twitter.com/LN0KkWLPae — Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) September 8, 2026 The footage appears to show the smaller submunitions continuing to fall after the main missile was intercepted, creating a wider area of falling objects rather than a single impact point. The exact number of Iranian missiles carrying cluster warheads has not been officially disclosed by Jordan or the United States. However, the available footage provides visible evidence of multiple objects dispersing in the air and falling toward the ground following some interceptions. Cluster warheads are designed to release multiple smaller submunitions over a wider area instead of delivering a single warhead to one location. Heavy air-defense response The Iranian barrage triggered an intense air-defense response over Jordan. Multiple videos show repeated interceptor launches lighting up the night sky as Iranian ballistic missiles approached. Jordan officially said that 18 of the 20 detected missiles were intercepted and destroyed, while two landed in unpopulated areas. The exact number of U.S. and allied interceptors fired has not been officially released. Open-source estimates circulating online have placed the number at more than 60 interceptors may have been launched. Those figures remain unconfirmed. Claims that the United States used two to four interceptors against every incoming ballistic missile and that the engagement cost hundreds of millions of dollars are also estimates rather than officially confirmed figures. U.S. strikes on five Iranian tankers triggered retaliation The Iranian missile attack followed U.S. strikes against five Iranian crude oil tankers on September 8. U.S. Central Command said the operation was carried out after Iranian forces launched two ballistic-missile attacks against a U.S. Navy warship over the previous two days. The warship evaded the attacks, and no American personnel were injured. U.S. forces said tanker crews were instructed to abandon their vessels before the strikes. Four crude oil carriers were struck in the Gulf of Oman, while another vessel was targeted near Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf. Iranian state media also reported strikes on tankers near the southern port of Jask. Kharg Island is a major Iranian oil-export hub. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking from Colombia, said further Iranian attempts to strike U.S. naval ships would result in additional Iranian tankers being targeted. Iran warns commercial shipping Before the ballistic missile attack on Jordan, the IRGC Navy issued urgent warnings to tanker crews at Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports and anchorages. The warnings instructed crews to leave their vessels immediately and said ships remaining in the affected areas would be targeted. The IRGC later claimed that it attacked 10 ships in the Strait of Hormuz area, including two U.S. vessels and eight oil tankers that Iran accused of entering a prohibited zone. These claims have not been independently verified. The threats have raised further concerns over the safety of military and commercial vessels operating around the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices rise as tensions increase The latest exchange of attacks also affected global oil markets. Brent crude futures rose during early Wednesday trading as markets assessed the possibility of further disruption involving Iranian oil exports and shipping through the Gulf. Reuters reported Brent crude at $99.22 per barrel, up 1.3% in early trading. Major escalation after April ceasefire The overnight missile barrage represents the largest reported direct exchange between Iran and the United States since the Pakistan-brokered two-week ceasefire in April. The latest escalation has now involved U.S. strikes on Iranian oil tankers, an Iranian ballistic missile attack on a U.S.-used air base in Jordan and Iranian threats against commercial shipping. Jordan has officially confirmed that its air defenses engaged 20 Iranian ballistic missiles and intercepted 18 of them. At the same time, available video footage shows multiple explosions and apparent missile impacts around Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, as well as the apparent dispersal of smaller munitions following some missile interceptions. The full extent of damage to the base, the precise number of successful missile impacts and the number of Iranian missiles carrying cluster warheads remain subject to further assessment.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-09 08:53:52
World
TAMPA, Fla. — September 9, 2026: U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil carriers on September 8 after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles at a U.S. Navy warship twice over the previous two days. CENTCOM said the warship evaded both attacks and continued patrolling regional waters. No American personnel were injured. CENTCOM forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil carriers, Sept. 8, after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted a U.S. Navy warship with ballistic missiles twice over the past two days. The U.S. warship successfully evaded the attempted Iranian attacks and… pic.twitter.com/Gi8a2tloN1 — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) September 8, 2026 Five Iranian tankers destroyed The U.S. strikes targeted four tankers in the Gulf of Oman and one near Kharg Island. The vessels were: M/T Kaviz (IMO 9282041) M/T Charminar (IMO 9318022) M/T Horizon 1 (IMO 9130456) M/T Riesco (IMO 9251822) M/T Derya (IMO 9569700) CENTCOM said U.S. forces ordered the crews to abandon the vessels before the strikes. The tankers were then struck and rendered inoperable. CENTCOM footage showed M/T Riesco sinking in the Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM said the tankers were part of a multibillion-dollar Iranian “shadow network” that funds the IRGC and its regional proxies. Iran retaliates against U.S. forces in Jordan Iran responded by launching 20 ballistic missiles toward Jordan, targeting a U.S. military presence near Al Azraq. Jordan's Armed Forces said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed 18 missiles, while two landed in unpopulated areas. No casualties were reported. The IRGC claimed its attack damaged facilities used by U.S. aircraft, but those claims have not been independently verified. Iran also threatened commercial oil tankers in Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports, warning crews to leave their vessels because both countries host U.S. forces. Part of a continuing cycle of strikes The September 8 operation followed a September 5 U.S. strike that destroyed or disabled three Iranian crude oil carriers after the IRGC launched ballistic missiles toward a U.S. aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer. CENTCOM said those attacks also failed to hit the U.S. warships. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would continue responding to Iranian attacks on American naval vessels, stating that Iran would lose tankers whenever it attempted to hit U.S. Navy ships. The latest exchange has also affected oil markets, with Brent crude moving toward $100 a barrel amid concerns over further disruption to regional oil supplies and shipping.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-09 08:07:53
World
TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, that its air defense forces shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle near Bandar Abbas in southern Iran. According to Iranian news outlets, the IRGC is now claiming to have shot down a U.S. MQ-9 “Reaper” Medium-Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle over Bandar Abbas, Iran. pic.twitter.com/WAvgSGoLVi — OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) September 8, 2026 Iranian state-affiliated media reported that the drone was detected and tracked by Iranian air defenses before it was targeted after allegedly entering Iranian airspace. The claim comes amid continued military tensions around Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan province and the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian forces have made several similar claims in recent months involving U.S. drones, including MQ-9 Reapers. The MQ-9 Reaper is a U.S. remotely piloted aircraft used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, as well as precision strike operations. As of September 8, 2026, the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Central Command had not publicly confirmed or denied the specific reported loss of an MQ-9 near Bandar Abbas. The latest incident also has not been independently verified. Iranian authorities have previously released claims and imagery concerning alleged U.S. drone interceptions, but the details of individual incidents have not always been independently authenticated. Bandar Abbas is a major Iranian port city in Hormozgan province, located near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Further statements from Iranian or U.S. authorities could provide additional details about the reported incident.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-08 17:28:51
U.S
ARLINGTON, Va. — On September 8, 2026 AeroVironment, Inc. announced it has received its first international purchase order for the LOCUST Laser Weapon System in a direct commercial sale valued at more than $50 million. The order covers an initial delivery of LOCUST systems and associated support services. AeroVironment has not disclosed the buying country, number of systems or delivery timeline. The deal follows the company's selection by the U.S. Army for a $464.8 million Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) contract, which AeroVironment has described as the first production contract for high-energy laser weapons in U.S. history. Under the agreement, the company will deliver dozens of LOCUST X3 systems over the next several years. AeroVironment President, Chairman and CEO Wahid Nawabi said the international order reflects growing recognition of high-energy laser systems for modern air defense. He also said the spread of low-cost drones has changed the economics of warfare and that LOCUST provides an affordable alternative to relying on expensive interceptor missiles. LOCUST Laser Weapon System LOCUST, originally developed by BlueHalo, uses a 20-to-35-plus-kilowatt scalable laser, artificial intelligence, advanced sensing and tracking capabilities to detect, track and defeat Group 1 through 3 unmanned aircraft systems and other aerial threats. AeroVironment states that LOCUST engagements can cost less than $10 per shot, with earlier company statements citing costs below $5 in some configurations. Because the system uses generated power rather than physical ammunition, it does not have the traditional reload limitations of interceptor-based air-defense systems. The modular system can operate in fixed-site, palletized and mobile configurations and connect with different sensors and command-and-control networks. LOCUST is part of AeroVironment's Halo_Shield layered air-defense platform, which also incorporates the Titan counter-UAS system and Freedom Eagle-1 missile. U.S. Testing and Production Expansion LOCUST has been used in acknowledged laser engagements against drones near the U.S. southern border and has successfully defeated multiple drones during testing from the deck of the USS George H.W. Bush. The system has also been integrated onto Infantry Squad Vehicles and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles under the AMP-HEL initiative. It recently underwent live-fire testing at White Sands Missile Range, where military leaders, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, observed or operated the system. A safety agreement between the Federal Aviation Administration and Department of War has established a framework for LOCUST operations in U.S. airspace following an FAA review. AeroVironment acquired BlueHalo in May 2025 for $4.1 billion, bringing the LOCUST system into its portfolio. To support growing demand, AeroVironment is investing more than $30 million to expand its manufacturing campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The expansion is planned as a vertically integrated production hub for directed energy, space and other advanced defense technologies. The company expects it to create more than 450 jobs and generate over $670 million in economic impact. Mary Clum, President of Space, Cyber, and Directed Energy at AeroVironment, said the order supports the fielding of an operationally proven laser system and provides a foundation for expanded international adoption of layered counter-drone defenses. The September 8 announcement marks the first confirmed international commercial sale of the LOCUST Laser Weapon System.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-08 17:19:11
World
KYIV — Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence Directorate (DIU) has published data on 155 enterprises that are part of or managed by Russia’s state-owned Ruselectronics holding. The information appears in the “Aggressor’s Military-Industrial Complex” section of the War & Sanctions portal. Ruselectronics operates under Russia’s state-owned Rostec corporation and brings together specialized manufacturers and research organizations across Russia. Its enterprises develop and produce radio-electronic components, communications and automated control systems, robotic complexes, microwave electronics, computing equipment and telecommunications equipment. According to the DIU, products from these companies are used in Russian ballistic and cruise missiles, UAVs, electronic warfare systems, military vehicles, radar systems and aviation communication systems. Links to Russian Missiles The DIU identified several Ruselectronics enterprises involved in components for the 9M723 missile used by the Iskander-M system and the 3M22 Zircon missile. JSC Scientific Research Institute GIRICOND manufactures precision potentiometers used in Zircon missiles. JSC Scientific Research Center of Electronic Computing Technology (NICEVT) supplies flight data processing units used in Iskander ballistic missiles. JSC Scientific and Production Enterprise INTEGRAL-V produces pulse and heating transformers used in 9M723 missiles. The DIU said nearly half of the 155 enterprises in the published Ruselectronics list remain outside sanctions imposed by countries in the international sanctions coalition. The intelligence agency also said sanctions against companies such as GIRICOND and NICEVT have had limited impact on the overall production volumes of the related missiles, highlighting the need for stronger monitoring and enforcement of existing restrictions. Foreign Technology in Russian Weapons The DIU has also raised concerns about foreign technology reaching Russia’s defense industry through intermediaries. In a related finding, Ukrainian specialists identified an NVIDIA Jetson Orin computing module, marked TE980M-A1 S TW 2510A1 SNVUP6 MOP TE980-AT, inside Russia’s S-71M Monochrom air-launched cruise missile. The discovery was documented in a photograph dated August 12, 2026 . Ukraine’s intelligence service is calling on partner countries to strengthen accountability for sanctions violations and improve end-user verification. It says equipment, software, electronic components and critical raw materials must be more closely monitored to prevent them from reaching Russia’s defense industry through foreign intermediaries. The War & Sanctions portal continues to provide information on Russian military-industrial enterprises, their structural links and sanctions status. Source : militarnyi
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-08 17:06:57
Europe
KIELCE, POLAND — South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems have opened a joint exhibition at the 34th International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO 2026) in Kielce, Poland. The exhibition runs from September 8 to September 11 under the slogan “Proven Partnership. Strategic Capabilities. Sovereign Defence.” The companies are sharing an approximately 274-square-metre stand in Hall 1, Booth A17. Hanwha’s defense cooperation with Poland dates back to 2014, when Poland selected the K9 chassis for its Krab self-propelled howitzer. The partnership later expanded to the K9 program and the Chunmoo rocket launcher, known in Poland as Homar-K. Layered Air Defense and Laser Weapons A key focus of the exhibition is Hanwha’s multi-layered air defense architecture. The display includes the L-SAM long-range surface-to-air missile system, H-SHORAD short-range air defense system, H-Shield counter-drone system and a 40mm wheeled counter-UAS vehicle. These systems are designed to connect with Hanwha Systems’ command-and-control network and operate alongside interceptor drones, covering threats ranging from low-altitude drones to longer-range missiles. Hanwha Systems is also displaying Cheongwang, also known as Cheonkwang, South Korea’s first operational laser weapon system. The exhibition includes a 50-kilowatt armored vehicle-mounted laser and a 20-kilowatt tactical laser. Hanwha says each laser shot costs approximately 2,000 South Korean won, or about $1.50, and can neutralize a small drone within seconds. Manned-Unmanned Teaming For ground operations, Hanwha is demonstrating its Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) concept. The display combines the crewed K9A1 howitzer with an unmanned rocket launcher and the H-UGV unmanned ground vehicle. The concept uses the crewed howitzer for fire support while unmanned systems conduct reconnaissance and tactical manoeuvres. An export version of the K-NIFV infantry fighting vehicle fitted with an active protection system is also on display to demonstrate improved vehicle survivability. For naval operations, Hanwha is displaying the Striker-S unmanned surface vessel, also referred to as Stryker-S in some reports. The vessel is equipped with a Chunmoo rocket launcher and is being presented for potential Baltic Sea operations. K9A2 and Chunmoo Production Hanwha is displaying the upgraded K9A2 howitzer together with a new 155mm ammunition package featuring a trajectory-correcting fuze and modular propellant charge system intended to improve accuracy. The company is negotiating a third execution contract with Poland for the K9 artillery family. Hanwha is also highlighting its approximately $4 billion agreement signed in December to manufacture Chunmoo CGR-080 guided missiles, known locally as Homar-K, at a dedicated facility in Poland. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2030, supporting the localization of South Korean weapons manufacturing in Poland. Four Chunmoo guided rocket variants are displayed at MSPO, along with maintenance equipment, a predictive health-monitoring system and a K9 turret simulator. Space AI On September 9, Hanwha Systems is scheduled to publicly demonstrate its new satellite-imagery analysis system. The system uses artificial intelligence to process electro-optical, infrared and synthetic aperture radar imagery from satellites already in operation. It is designed to automate object detection, analyze situational patterns and flag unusual activity to support military analysts and commanders. “Hanwha is proud to be a trusted defense and industrial partner in Poland,” said Jacek Cyrek, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace Europe. “At MSPO 2026, we are expanding our local footprint into air defense, MUM-T, and space AI, building true defense sovereignty and industrial capability together on Polish soil.” MSPO 2026 features more than 1,000 exhibitors from around 40 countries, with Canada as the lead nation this year. The event is organized in cooperation with Poland’s Ministry of National Defence.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-08 16:55:00
U.S
SOUTH CHINA SEA — The U.S. Navy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) has been identified in the South China Sea by open-source intelligence (OSINT) researchers as it continues its return journey to its homeport at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California. Italian-based OSINT analyst MoloMonitor (@MoloWarMonitor) reported on September 8 that Sentinel-2 satellite imagery showed the carrier at 5.939898, 107.557912, in the southern South China Sea. The researcher said the ship was sailing toward San Diego and estimated its arrival in about 20 days. The carrier recently completed a five-day port visit to Laem Chabang, Thailand, arriving on September 2 after an extended deployment. It departed Thailand on September 6 and continued operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area. I just found the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier (CVN-72) on Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, 08/09/2026.It is currently sailing in the South China Sea heading towards its homeport in San Diego, with an expected arrival in about 20 days.Coordinates: 5.939898, 107.557912 pic.twitter.com/j9OaEjN0h7 — MoloMonitor 🇮🇹 (@MoloWarMonitor) September 8, 2026 Extended Deployment The Abraham Lincoln left San Diego on November 21, 2025, for an Indo-Pacific deployment but was later redirected to the Middle East. It spent more than 250 days deployed and supported U.S. operations in the region, including missions related to the conflict with Iran. The deployment lasted about 286 days at sea, according to the U.S. Navy. The carrier was subsequently relieved in the Middle East by the USS George Washington (CVN-73) before beginning its return journey. Before reaching Thailand, the Abraham Lincoln transited the Strait of Malacca and Singapore Strait. Its September 2 arrival at Laem Chabang marked its first substantial port visit in many months. The carrier was accompanied by elements of Carrier Strike Group 3 (CSG-3), including the guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. and guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls, which also made nearby port visits in Thailand. The carrier hosts Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9). Commissioned in 1989, the USS Abraham Lincoln is about 1,092 feet long and powered by two nuclear reactors. The ship normally operates with several thousand sailors and Marines along with its embarked air wing. The latest Sentinel-2 imagery provides an OSINT-based indication of the carrier’s position. The U.S. Navy does not routinely publish real-time positions of deployed warships, while the coordinates and 20-day arrival estimate were provided by the OSINT researcher.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-08 16:47:46
Space & Technology
NEW DELHI — The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Technology Development Fund (TDF), has invited industry participation to develop an Air-Breathing Space-Based Electric Propulsion (ABEP) system for satellites operating in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO). The proposed system is designed for satellites operating at 180–230 kilometres, where residual atmospheric gases create significant drag and can shorten the operational life of conventional satellites. VLEO offers advantages including higher-resolution Earth observation, lower communication latency and reduced radiation exposure compared with higher orbits. The ABEP system will collect residual atmospheric gases at altitudes below 250 km, ionise them and accelerate the ions through an electric thruster to generate continuous thrust. Ambient atmospheric air will be the primary propellant, with Xenon available as a supplementary or alternative propellant. DRDO has listed a Hall-effect thruster as the preferred technology. Key Requirements The propulsion system must generate 12–25 mN of thrust, consume less than 1,500 watts of power and have a total mass of under 40 kg. It must support a mission life of at least three years. The RFP also requires a minimum of 75 per cent indigenous content. The system must use materials compatible with atomic oxygen exposure and include closed-loop control and limited redundancy. By continuously using atmospheric gases as propellant, the system is intended to reduce dependence on stored propellant while providing thrust to counter atmospheric drag and maintain the satellite's orbit. The TDF scheme, executed by DRDO under the Ministry of Defence, provides financial support to Indian industries, start-ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for developing indigenous defence and aerospace technologies. The ABEP project is part of DRDO's efforts to develop indigenous electric-propulsion technologies for sustained satellite operations in challenging low-altitude orbital environments. Interested Indian entities were invited to submit proposals through the TDF portal during the designated application window in late 2025, with subsequent stages including detailed project reports and selection of development partners following standard TDF procedures.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-08 16:37:46
World
TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli defense technology company Axon Vision (TASE: AXN) has received an order worth up to approximately NIS 15 million from an Israeli defense organization for its ForceField counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS). The order includes an initial purchase valued at approximately NIS 6 million, with customer options for up to an additional NIS 9 million. Delivery of the systems is expected over the next 12 months. The order follows the July 2026 launch of ForceField and a series of comprehensive live-fire trials that demonstrated its ability to intercept FPV drones and other low-altitude aerial threats. ForceField is a compact system designed to protect maneuvering combat forces, military vehicles and tactical positions. It combines passive electro-optical sensing, embedded Edge AI, autonomous decision support and kinetic engagement in one platform. The system supports the full Detect, Understand and Respond cycle and uses Man-on-the-Loop control. Its passive electro-optical sensors support day and night operations without continuously emitting signals. ForceField is specifically designed to detect and counter fiber-optic-controlled FPV drones, which cannot be reliably addressed by traditional electronic-warfare jamming. The system can operate independently without continuous communications or reliance on external detection systems. It can also integrate with existing military platforms and use standard weapons and ammunition for kinetic engagements. Axon Vision expects ForceField to support its expansion into international defense markets, particularly Europe and the United States. The company has a strategic partnership with Leonardo DRS and previously received an order from the company for related AI-driven C-UAS demonstration systems for U.S. defense and homeland-security evaluations. In July 2026, Axon Vision also announced a collaboration with ParaZero Technologies to expand the ForceField family with a non-destructive, net-based interception option for environments such as critical infrastructure where kinetic engagement may be less suitable. Neri Zin, CEO of Axon Vision, said the first ForceField order marks the company's transition from development and live-fire validation to initial commercial adoption. He added that Axon Vision is seeing growing demand for AI- and autonomy-based solutions against evolving drone threats and is pursuing additional opportunities with customers and strategic partners in Israel and international markets. Axon Vision develops AI-based computer-vision and situational-awareness technologies for defense applications. Its Edge AI technologies have been developed through Israeli Ministry of Defense programs.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-08 16:23:42
World
TEHRAN — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has claimed that it captured a U.S. unmanned underwater vehicle near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz during an operation early Tuesday. In Statement No. 12, the IRGC Navy said its forces intercepted the unmanned vehicle through what it described as a “complex intelligence and operational” operation. Iranian state media reported that the vehicle was captured intact and brought under Iranian control. The IRGC said images of the captured system would be released later. The U.S. military had not publicly confirmed the capture as of September 8. Reuters and other reports said there was no U.S. confirmation of the Iranian claim. Vehicle identified as Anduril Dive-LD Iranian state media identified the captured vehicle as the Dive-LD, a large-diameter autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) developed by U.S. defense technology company Anduril Industries. The identification has not been independently confirmed by the U.S. government. However, the Dive-LD is a real U.S. Navy unmanned underwater platform. Anduril says the vehicle is approximately 5.8 meters (19 feet) long, about 1.2 meters (4 feet) in diameter, and designed for autonomous operations lasting up to 10 days. It has a maximum operating depth of about 6,000 meters. Anduril delivered its first Dive-LD to the U.S. Navy’s Unmanned Undersea Vehicle Squadron 1 (UUVRON-1) in April 2025. The Navy's UUVRON-1 operates autonomous underwater vehicles for a range of undersea missions. Designed for multiple underwater missions The Dive-LD has a modular architecture that allows different sensors and payloads to be integrated for specific missions. According to Anduril, its potential defense applications include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and mine warfare. The company also lists commercial applications such as hydrographic surveying and inspection of underwater pipelines and cables. Its design uses direct-drive electric propulsion and is intended for long-duration autonomous operations. The platform's published specifications make it capable of operating in both relatively shallow and very deep underwater environments. Its modular payload system is designed to allow different mission equipment to be carried without changing the basic vehicle architecture. Capture reported amid tensions in Strait of Hormuz The reported seizure comes as military tensions between Iran and the United States remain high around the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime traffic through the waterway has declined amid the continuing confrontation, with Reuters reporting that only seven commodity vessels passed through the strait on Monday, compared with eight the previous day. Iran has also threatened further action against U.S. interests in the Gulf and has discussed imposing additional restrictions on shipping through the strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important maritime routes for energy shipments, making military activity in and around the waterway closely watched by governments and shipping companies. U.S. response remains pending The IRGC has described the vehicle as an advanced U.S. unmanned underwater system and said it was captured intact. Iranian officials have indicated that the vehicle could be examined for its technology and design. However, the capture itself, the identity of the vehicle and the circumstances under which it was allegedly seized remain based on the Iranian announcement and have not been independently verified. No public U.S. military confirmation of the reported capture was available as of September 8. The IRGC said further information and images of the alleged captured vehicle would be released.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-08 16:10:55
Europe
KIELCE, Poland — Poland’s state-owned defense conglomerate Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) has unveiled a full-scale, mobile technology demonstrator of its new Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle (CBWP) at the MSPO 2026 defense exhibition in Kielce. The vehicle, designated CBWP (Ciężki Bojowy Wóz Piechoty) and previously shown under the name Ratel, was developed by Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW), a PGZ subsidiary. A 1:4-scale model was displayed at MSPO 2025, while partial images of the vehicle had been released on social media before this year's exhibition. The CBWP is designed to transport and protect mechanized infantry while providing direct fire support. It has a three-person crew and can carry up to eight soldiers. Its intended targets include armored and unarmored vehicles, exposed weapons positions and field fortifications. Heavy Protection The vehicle weighs approximately 40 tons, around 12 tons more than the amphibious Borsuk IFV. Unlike the Borsuk, the CBWP is not designed to swim, allowing greater emphasis on ballistic and mine protection. Its tracked chassis incorporates design elements from the Krab self-propelled howitzer. The vehicle uses an MTU diesel engine producing 800 kW, paired with an American transmission. It has a reported top speed of up to 65 km/h and a range of about 500 km. The frontal armor is designed to withstand 30×173 mm armor-piercing rounds fired from 500 meters, corresponding to STANAG 4569 Level 6 protection. The hull can accommodate explosive reactive armor, including Poland's modular Pangolin system. Other protection systems include the Obra-3 laser warning system, smoke grenade launchers, an NBC protection and filtration system, and provisions for a future active protection system (APS). ZSSW-30 Turret The demonstrator is equipped with the ZSSW-30 remote-controlled turret, already used on Poland's Rosomak and Borsuk. Developed by HSW and WB Group, it carries a 30 mm Mk 44/S Bushmaster II cannon, a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and twin launchers for Spike-LR anti-tank guided missiles. The cannon can fire programmable ABM ammunition for engaging ground and aerial targets. The turret's hunter-killer system allows the commander to search for new threats with day and night sensors while the gunner engages another target. Several components, including the auxiliary power unit, filtration system, heating, periscopes and lighting, are shared with the Borsuk to simplify logistics and reduce costs. Procurement and Development PGZ, HSW and Poland's Armament Agency signed a framework agreement in August 2023 covering several hundred CBWPs in different configurations, together with logistics and training packages. Earlier project information outlined a requirement for approximately 700 vehicles. The vehicles are primarily intended for heavy mechanized formations, including units in eastern Poland and formations equipped with Abrams tanks. The current demonstrator has completed a substantial portion of testing, including ballistic resistance trials, and is expected to begin factory trials. Two fully functional prototypes are planned for 2027, followed by qualification, ballistic and mine-resistance testing and formal military assessment. Subject to successful testing and final configuration agreements with the Polish Armed Forces, series production is targeted for 2029. The modular design also allows potential alternative configurations, including a 40 mm cannon or a fire-support variant armed with a 105 mm gun.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-08 16:00:22
World
OKINAWA, Japan — The U.S. Air Force’s Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) is seeking to acquire 60 DroneBuster 5 handheld counter-drone systems equipped with Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) capability to strengthen protection against small unmanned aircraft systems across its Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. The requirement was issued by the Air Force’s 18th Contracting Squadron at Kadena Air Base under solicitation FA527026QA051. The systems are intended to increase PACAF’s counter-small unmanned aircraft systems (C-sUAS) capabilities. The latest amendment to the solicitation specifies the U.S. 433 MHz variant, with the required part number listed as FIGDB5_433_PNT_KIT. It also corrects an earlier reference to the DroneBuster IV, clarifying that the Air Force requirement is specifically for DroneBuster 5 systems. Funding has not yet been allocated The Air Force has stated that funds are not currently available for the purchase. The government therefore has no legal obligation to make payment until appropriated funds become available and the contracting officer provides written confirmation of their availability. The solicitation initially had an earlier response deadline, but an amendment issued September 8 extended the deadline to September 11, 2026, at 11 a.m. Japan Standard Time. The solicitation calls for delivery within 90 days of contract award if the procurement proceeds. DroneBuster 5 counter-drone capability The DroneBuster is a handheld radio-frequency counter-drone system originally developed by Flex Force Enterprises. It is designed to disrupt the radio link between a small drone and its operator and can also interfere with navigation signals. The PNT capability requested by PACAF provides an additional electronic-attack function. According to manufacturer information, the capability can address GPS-guided drones operating on pre-programmed routes, including situations in which there is no active operator control link to disrupt. The manufacturer has stated that this capability can operate at ranges of approximately 800 to 1,400 meters (2,600 to 4,600 feet). Manufacturer information for standard DroneBuster systems lists a weight of less than 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms), with approximately three hours of continuous jamming or up to 10 hours of passive drone detection on a battery charge. The company has also said basic operation can be learned by new users in less than five minutes. DroneBuster's military background The system has already been used by U.S. military services and international customers. The Pentagon’s Joint Counter-UAS Office has designated DroneBuster as a handheld electronic-attack system approved for defeating small drones. The manufacturer has previously reported deliveries of more than 1,700 systems to the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, as well as international military and police organizations. The system has also been associated with Australia's LAND 156 counter-drone program. Later company statements have cited higher fielding totals of more than 2,500 to over 3,000 systems across more than 50 countries, although those figures represent later company-reported totals. Corporate ownership Flex Force Enterprises became part of DZYNE Technologies through private-equity transactions completed in 2024. In July 2026, Ondas Inc. acquired DZYNE Technologies in a transaction valued at approximately $875.8 million. DZYNE was subsequently incorporated into Ondas' Sentinel defense business. The acquisition expanded Ondas' portfolio to include counter-UAS technologies alongside autonomous aircraft and other defense systems. The PACAF procurement remains dependent on funding. The solicitation does not provide a total contract value, and the Air Force has not yet indicated that the purchase has been funded or awarded.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-08 14:32:52
Europe
KIELCE, Poland — Ukraine has publicly unveiled the self-propelled launcher for its indigenous Koral surface-to-air missile system at the MSPO 2026 international defense exhibition in Kielce, Poland. The system is being developed by Ukraine’s State Kyiv Design Bureau Luch and is part of the country’s ongoing effort to develop a domestically produced air defense capability. An image released by Ukraine’s state defense conglomerate Ukroboronprom shows a Koral missile launching from a self-propelled launcher mounted on a Czech Tatra heavy-duty truck chassis. The truck-based configuration provides the system with the mobility required for deployment and repositioning. Designed for Air and Ballistic Targets The Koral missile is designed primarily to intercept aerial and ballistic targets as part of a broader air defense network. In this context, its ballistic-target role refers to short-range or tactical ballistic missiles, rather than long-range ballistic missile threats. According to the developers, the missile also retains a secondary capability to engage ground or surface radar-contrast targets in exceptional circumstances. The updated Koral interceptor has a total mass of 450 kilograms, including a 36-kilogram warhead. Its guidance system combines inertial navigation, radio correction and an active radar homing head. The missile has a length of 4.8 meters. Its stated diameter is 230/300 millimeters, while the wingspan is 835 millimeters and the control-fin span is 685 millimeters. For comparison, the PAC-3 interceptor used by the U.S. Patriot system weighs 316 kilograms and carries a 24-kilogram warhead. The maximum engagement range of the updated Koral missile has not been publicly disclosed. Nearly a Decade of Development Development of the Koral project began in 2016. Early project documents identified the missile as part of a proposed ship-based surface-to-air missile system. The project was presented to the public more clearly in 2021, when the Luch Design Bureau displayed a full-scale Koral missile mockup at the Arms and Security exhibition in Ukraine. At that stage, the missile was described as having a mass of approximately 300 kilograms, a projected range of up to 30 kilometers and a maximum altitude of 10 kilometers. The earlier version was listed with a 25-kilogram warhead, a length of 4.33 meters and a diameter of 230/260 millimeters. Luch chief designer Oleh Korostelov estimated the overall readiness of the system at around 70 percent in 2021. At the time, the company was also considering a family of Ukrainian air defense systems covering different ranges, with Koral intended for the middle tier. The specifications have changed during the development process. The missile displayed in 2026 is heavier and longer than the version presented in 2021 and carries a larger warhead. Developers have previously stated that the final characteristics of the system could be adjusted according to the operational requirements of the armed forces. First Public Display of the Self-Propelled Launcher The presentation at MSPO 2026 marks the first public display of the complete self-propelled Koral launcher configuration. The appearance of the launcher provides a look at the latest configuration of a Ukrainian air defense project that has been under development since 2016. The system's current configuration combines the 450-kilogram interceptor, its inertial and radio-correction navigation systems, active radar homing and a mobile launcher mounted on a Tatra truck chassis. While the updated missile's current range and other final performance parameters have not been publicly disclosed, the MSPO presentation shows the latest publicly displayed configuration of Ukraine's Koral air defense system.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-08 14:22:30
U.S
WASHINGTON — U.S. Navy SEAL divers spent about four months carrying out a covert operation to locate and destroy suspected Iranian naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, using small boats, unmanned vessels and underwater systems to clear key international shipping lanes, according to a Financial Times report. The operation was conducted largely at night and began after Iran said it had placed mines in international and Omani waters following the start of U.S. and Israeli strikes in February. The mines contributed to a major disruption of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important maritime energy routes. SEAL Teams Used Small Boats and Unmanned Systems Rather than relying primarily on conventional minesweeping ships, U.S. Navy divers operated in small teams from inflatable-hulled boats. Robot boats and underwater vehicles equipped with high-resolution sonar were used to scan the seabed and identify objects suspected of being mines. Systems involved in the search included the U.S. Navy's Common Uncrewed Surface Vessel operating with towed sonar arrays. Once a suspected mine was identified, divers could enter the water, approach the explosive and attach a charge to destroy it. “That is usually followed up by a navy diver who’s got to get in the water and approach the mine, and then put a charge on it and destroy it,” retired U.S. Navy Captain Bill Hamblet, who previously operated in the Gulf, told the Financial Times. Hamblet described the operation as involving a “very small, lightweight kind of force.” He said some of the operations may have been staged from the USS Miguel Keith, an expeditionary mobile base attached to U.S. naval forces operating in the Gulf. Underwater robotic systems could also be used to carry explosives to mines, reducing the need to expose divers directly to some threats. Experts cited systems including Britain's SeaFox and the U.S. AN/ASQ-235 Archerfish as equipment capable of performing such missions. “It is an extremely time-consuming process,” Nitya Labh, an associate fellow at Chatham House, told the Financial Times. “They are doing, essentially, active bomb detonation underwater.” No U.S. casualties have been reported specifically in connection with the mine-clearing operation. Mines Disrupted Strait of Hormuz Shipping The operation followed reports that Iran had laid mines along important shipping routes in and around the Strait of Hormuz. Around 80 mines were estimated to have been deployed, according to the Financial Times report. Commercial shipping through the strait fell sharply after the conflict began. Before the conflict, the waterway handled about 20 percent of global oil trade. The International Maritime Organization has continued to describe conditions in the Strait of Hormuz as unstable and has been monitoring the effects on international shipping and seafarers. The IMO said in its September 2 update that around 20,000 seafarers, port workers and offshore crews were being affected by the situation in the region. The strait's established Traffic Separation Scheme, adopted by the IMO, provides designated lanes for vessels passing through the waterway. U.S. Says International Shipping Lanes Cleared U.S. Central Command later confirmed that U.S. forces had cleared sea mines from the international shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said the operation involved Navy divers and Navy SEALs, supported by air power from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. “The circumstances were challenging and dangerous, to say the least, but we got the job done,” Cooper said. President Donald Trump announced in late August that mines in the strait's international waters had been removed or detonated. Shipping executives and maritime security advisers cited by the Financial Times said they were confident that the southern part of the strait near Oman, where U.S. forces have been directing commercial vessels, had been cleared. However, questions remain over whether the entire Strait of Hormuz is free of mines. Satellite imagery has provided limited confirmation of Iran's earlier claims about the scale of the mining operation, while one suspected mine was reportedly observed by a Pakistani survey vessel in May. The United States has also warned that it will strike vessels attempting to deploy additional mines. On August 30, U.S. forces struck Iranian rocket launchers that American officials said were being prepared to fire mines into the strait. Despite the mine-clearing effort, commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has not returned to its pre-conflict level. Continued concerns about possible new mines, as well as missile and drone attacks against shipping, remain factors affecting commercial operations through the waterway.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-08 14:13:00
World
RIYADH/SANAA — Yemen’s Houthi movement, also known as Ansarullah, said Tuesday that it launched dozens of ballistic missiles and drones against Saudi Aramco facilities and military targets in southern Saudi Arabia. The Houthis said the attack was carried out in response to 121 Saudi airstrikes conducted over the previous three days across several Yemeni provinces, including Ma’rib, Al-Bayda, Al-Hudaydah, Taiz and Al-Jawf. Yemen’s Houthis said Tuesday they launched dozens of ballistic missiles and drones at Aramco facilities and military targets in southern Saudi Arabia.The group said the attack was in response to 121 Saudi airstrikes carried out over the past three days across several Yemeni… pic.twitter.com/KAKgCuSDwW — Clash Report (@clashreport) September 8, 2026 The group also said one Saudi strike hit a prison in Al-Hazm, Al-Jawf, causing multiple casualties, including women and children. The Houthis warned that further Saudi attacks would be met with wider strikes inside Saudi Arabia. 73 Civilians Wounded in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia said Ansarullah targeted civilian and economic sites in southern Saudi Arabia using drones and missiles. The Saudi-led coalition said the attacks wounded 73 civilians, including women and children. Saudi authorities confirmed that strikes affected areas including Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran. The Saudi military described the overnight operation as a dangerous escalation and said the Kingdom would respond firmly. Fires were reported at several energy facilities following the attacks. The Saudi Energy Ministry said some operations were temporarily halted while firefighting and specialised teams worked to contain the fires and assess the damage. Saudi authorities have not released detailed figures on damage or production losses from the latest attacks. Saudi Aramco has also not provided a detailed public assessment of the damage. Satellite Imagery Shows Fires at Aramco Facilities Satellite imagery has provided indications of fires at several energy facilities in southwestern Saudi Arabia following the Houthi strikes. NASA’s Terra satellite imagery shows large black smoke plumes rising from at least three sites in Jazan and Abha, including: Aramco’s Jazan oil refinery Aramco’s Jazan bulk plant Aramco’s Abha bulk plant Satellite imagery and information provided by Soar Earth and Atlas have also been cited as showing massive fires at Saudi Aramco’s Abha Bulk Plant and Jizan Refinery. The fires were reportedly large enough to be visible from space following the attacks on the energy infrastructure. 🛰🇸🇦🇾🇪 NASA Terra satellite imagery shows large black smoke plumes rising from at least three sites in Jazan and Abha, southwestern Saudi Arabia, following Houthi strikes:— Aramco’s Jazan oil refinery— Aramco’s Jazan bulk plant— Aramco’s Abha bulk plant https://t.co/aio2lGVwi0 pic.twitter.com/CBILfJTfVX — Egypt's Intel Observer (@EGYOSINT) September 8, 2026 The imagery provides evidence of fires and smoke at the reported locations, but it does not by itself establish the full extent of physical damage or the impact on production. Saudi authorities are continuing to assess the affected facilities. Sentinel-2L Imagery Indicates Damage at King Khalid Air Base Separate Sentinel-2L satellite imagery has been cited as showing indications of damage at King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait, southwestern Saudi Arabia, another location identified by the Houthis as a target. According to the imagery assessment, a direct impact is visible on shelters housing RSAF F-15 fighters. Another apparent impact is visible on a building or warehouse, while a burn scar can also be seen near one of the base’s aprons. The imagery assessment indicates possible physical effects at multiple locations inside the air base. However, satellite imagery alone does not establish the precise cause of each observed feature or confirm whether aircraft were damaged or destroyed. 🛰🇸🇦🇾🇪 Sentinel-2L imagery confirms damage from Houthi strikes on King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait, SW Saudi Arabia.A direct impact is visible on shelters housing RSAF F-15 fighters, with another impact on a building/warehouse and a burn scar near one of the base aprons. https://t.co/zpKmEJ4hEp pic.twitter.com/aNggaWEnGr — Egypt's Intel Observer (@EGYOSINT) September 8, 2026 The Houthis said their operation targeted King Khalid Air Base along with Aramco facilities and other economic sites. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed the strikes were precise and direct and caused significant damage, although detailed independent damage assessments remain limited. Houthis Link Attack to Saudi Airstrikes Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the missile and drone operation was a response to the 121 Saudi airstrikes carried out during the previous three days. According to the Houthis, the Saudi strikes targeted several Yemeni provinces, including Ma’rib, Al-Bayda, Al-Hudaydah, Taiz and Al-Jawf. The group specifically cited the reported strike on a prison in Al-Hazm, Al-Jawf, saying it caused casualties among inmates and visitors, including women and children. The exact number of casualties from the prison strike has varied in reports and has not been independently verified. The Houthis said continued Saudi attacks would result in a wider response against Saudi targets. Saudi Arabia Links Escalation to Red Sea Attacks The latest Ansarullah attack came after Saudi warplanes struck Houthi positions in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has linked its military operations to Houthi actions involving a declared blockade of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea and attacks on Saudi military supplies in Yemen. The conflict has therefore expanded across both the Yemeni battlefield and Saudi territory, with Houthi missiles and drones targeting Saudi infrastructure while Saudi aircraft continue operations against Houthi positions in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has also condemned continued Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, saying they threaten maritime navigation. Fighting Continues Between Houthis and Saudi-Backed Forces Major fighting is currently taking place inside Yemen between Ansarullah forces and Saudi-backed PLC fighters. Following recent clashes, reports have circulated that Houthi forces seized several armored vehicles belonging to the Pakistan Army that had been provided by Saudi Arabia to Pakistani troops. Following the clashes, Houthi forces have reportedly seized several armored vehicles belonging to the Pakistan Army that had been provided by Saudi Arabia to Pakistani troops.Pakistani personnel were reportedly deployed to support Saudi Arabia’s defense operations, while… pic.twitter.com/ctfWiq2ruU — THE UNKNOWN MAN (@Theunk5555) September 7, 2026 There have also been reports that Pakistani personnel were deployed to support Saudi Arabia’s defense operations, while other reports have claimed that several Pakistani soldiers were killed in the clashes. However, Pakistani and Saudi authorities have not publicly confirmed specific Pakistani military losses or the reported seizure of Pakistan Army vehicles in these latest clashes. The claims therefore remain unconfirmed. Mecca Defence Agreement Under Scrutiny The latest escalation comes about one month after Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement on August 7, 2026. The agreement provides for expanded defence cooperation and coordination among the three countries. It states that an armed attack against one member is to be regarded as an attack against all three. As of Tuesday, there had been no publicly announced Turkish or Pakistani military deployment specifically in response to the latest Houthi attacks. The latest strikes have nevertheless drawn attention to the practical implications of the new defence arrangement as Saudi Arabia faces continued missile and drone attacks and fighting involving Saudi-backed forces continues inside Yemen. Conflict Enters Another Escalation The latest Houthi operation is described by Saudi authorities as one of the most extensive Ansarullah attacks on Saudi Arabia in years. With 73 civilians reported wounded, fires at several energy facilities and satellite imagery indicating fires and possible impacts at Aramco facilities and King Khalid Air Base, the attacks have affected both civilian and economic infrastructure and military sites. At the same time, fighting continues inside Yemen and Saudi air operations against Houthi positions remain part of the broader conflict. The full extent of damage to the affected Aramco facilities and King Khalid Air Base, as well as any impact on Saudi energy production or military aircraft, remains under assessment. Saudi authorities have confirmed temporary operational disruptions but have not released detailed figures on production losses.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-08 13:55:33
U.S
FORT WORTH, Texas — Lockheed Martin said the global F-35 Lightning II fleet has surpassed 1,355 aircraft deliveries and one million flight hours, as the programme continues to expand across 20 participating countries. Data through August 27 shows the fleet has completed more than 807,820 sorties and over 810 detachments and deployments. More than 3,560 pilots and 21,680 maintainers have been trained to operate and support the aircraft. The F-35 is now flown by 17 military services, with 12 countries operating the aircraft from their home territory. Fourteen services have declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC), while three have reached Full Operational Capability (FOC). The programme currently covers 55 active operating locations, including 42 land bases and 13 ships. Based on customer procurement decisions, Lockheed Martin expects this network to grow to 58 land bases and 24 ships by 2030. The United States remains the largest customer, with planned fleets of 1,763 F-35As for the Air Force, 280 F-35Bs and 140 F-35Cs for the Marine Corps, and 273 F-35Cs for the Navy. The programme's partner nations are the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, Denmark and Norway. Foreign Military Sales customers include Israel, Japan, South Korea, Belgium, Poland, Singapore, Finland, Switzerland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Greece and Romania. Japan's planned fleet is the largest among FMS customers, with 105 F-35As and 42 F-35Bs. Recent Developments Denmark declared a new deployable F-35 operations facility fully operational on August 14. On August 17, Lockheed Martin completed final assembly of Germany's first F-35. On August 19, US Marine Corps VMFA-542 received the US Air Force Gallant Unit Citation after flying more than 1,000 combat sorties during Middle East deployments in 2025. Belgian pilots conducted the first GBU-12 bomb release from a Belgian F-35 on August 20, while a British pilot flew an F-35C for the first time on August 21. Lockheed Martin said F-35 aircraft have demonstrated their capabilities during Epic Fury, Midnight Hammer, Rough Rider and Rising Lion, while also participating in Absolute Resolve, Inherent Resolve and Operation Shader. The global fleet first exceeded one million cumulative flight hours in March 2025. Lockheed Martin delivered a record 191 F-35s in 2025, compared with the previous annual high of 142 in 2021. The 2025 deliveries also helped clear earlier backlogs linked to TR-3 upgrades. By early 2026, the fleet stood at nearly 1,300 aircraft, before exceeding 1,355 deliveries by late August. The programme continues to expand its fleet, operating locations, training base and international operations.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-08 13:20:21
Europe
LONDON, — The UK government has launched a new £7.8 billion national space strategy covering planned investment through 2030, with defence, national security, connectivity and economic growth at its centre. The strategy replaces the 2021 National Space Strategy and brings together previously separate programmes across defence, science, transport and industry. It also supports the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy. More than £3 billion will support military space capabilities, backed by the Defence Investment Plan. The funding is intended to protect UK and allied space assets and maintain secure communications. Defence and Space Security The UK will invest £880 million in space control and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems. These capabilities will monitor military activity on Earth and detect potential attacks against satellites. A further £2.8 billion will support satellite connectivity, including the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (CLEO) programme and the Ministry of Defence’s SKYNET secure communications system. SKYNET supports secure communications for British forces worldwide and includes the Airbus-built SKYNET 6A satellite, scheduled for launch in 2027. The government plans to use common satellite infrastructure for both national-security and public-service requirements. The connectivity investment is also intended to support rural communities and includes £57 million to reduce mobile signal interruptions on the national rail network. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the UK’s national security depends on freedom of action in space and the ability to protect UK and allied assets. He said the investment would strengthen the country’s ability to detect and respond to increasingly sophisticated threats while supporting reindustrialisation and UK opportunities. Monitoring Threats in Orbit Space Domain Awareness is another major part of the strategy. The government will provide £149 million to the European Space Agency’s Vigil mission and £85 million to the National Space Operations Centre. The programmes will monitor satellites, rockets and debris and provide earlier warnings of potential collisions, solar storms and potentially hostile activity. The information will help protect services including power networks, communications and navigation. Another £9 million will support space-weather forecasting. Supporting the UK Space Industry The UK space sector is valued at £18.6 billion and supports more than 55,000 skilled jobs. For the first time, government departments will use a common approach to purchasing and developing space technology, beginning with satellite communications. The government expects this to speed up delivery, improve value for money and direct more work towards British suppliers. Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the strategy would strengthen the UK’s ability to launch satellites, detect threats and protect services while helping domestic industry create skilled jobs and drive economic growth. The package includes £148 million for European rocket programmes and £60 million to finalize SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland, including £30 million from the private sector. Science, Exploration and New Space Technologies The government will invest £190 million in astronomy and space-science research and £163 million in science and exploration missions, including continued support for the UK-built Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover. Another £40 million will support in-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing (ISAM) technologies for repairing satellites, addressing orbital debris and supporting manufacturing in space. The strategy also introduces planned regulatory changes designed to lower costs and attract private investment. These include revised liability limits and specific waivers for certain lunar and ISAM missions launched before the end of 2030, along with changes to third-party liability insurance models and a more proportionate approach to monitoring the financial health of satellite constellation operators instead of requiring decommissioning funds. The strategy was published on September 8, 2026, and sets out the UK’s space priorities through 2030, including satellite communications, space domain awareness, ISAM and assured access to space.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-08 13:11:14
Europe
LONDON — The United Kingdom has announced a £100 million contribution to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence ahead of winter, including support for Patriot missiles and other air defence equipment. The funding will be provided through NATO’s Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), a mechanism used by NATO Allies to fund critical military equipment identified as urgent requirements for Ukraine. NATO says PURL has been used to coordinate the purchase and delivery of equipment, including air defence capabilities, from the United States. According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the new package will also include air defence interceptors, large-calibre artillery rounds and drones. The equipment is expected to be delivered before winter to help Ukraine protect critical national infrastructure, civilians and its armed forces from Russian attacks. Drone deliveries to increase The UK is maintaining its commitment to provide more than 120,000 drones to Ukraine during 2026. Around 25,000 drones have already been delivered, with the pace of deliveries expected to increase in the months ahead. The drones include several types of systems. Interceptor drones are intended to counter Russian drones, while reconnaissance drones provide battlefield awareness and information on activity behind enemy lines. Attack drones are also being supplied to support Ukrainian operations against Russian military positions. More artillery ammunition planned The UK also recently reached the milestone of delivering its millionth large-calibre artillery round to Ukraine. The government said it will build on this by supplying tens of thousands of long-range artillery rounds in the coming months. Funding for these rounds is being provided by the UK together with Germany, Denmark, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. Ukraine Defence Contact Group meets The announcement comes as UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting co-chairs the 36th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. The group brings together nearly 50 countries providing military assistance to Ukraine and focuses on Kyiv’s immediate battlefield requirements as well as longer-term military support. Streeting said that his recent visit to Kyiv, along with the Prime Minister’s visit, highlighted the importance of supporting Ukraine through the winter. He said the new package was intended to strengthen Ukraine’s defences and reflected efforts by the UK and its allies to provide additional military capabilities. Wider UK support The latest package follows other recent UK measures supporting Ukraine. Britain has agreed that defence company MBDA can release classified information relating to UK components used in the SCALP, also known as Storm Shadow, to support the establishment of local assembly lines in Ukraine. The UK and Ukraine have also signed an agreement on military artificial intelligence capabilities following the Prime Minister’s visit to Kyiv. The new £100 million commitment adds to the wider international effort to provide Ukraine with air defence, ammunition and drones as it prepares for another winter of the war.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-08 12:59:53Search
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Iran Claims IRGC Shot Down U.S. MQ-9 Reaper Drone Near Bandar Abbas on September 8
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UK Launches £7.8 Billion to New Space Strategy Focused on Defence, Satellite Security and Orbital Threats
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Satellite Imagery Shows Two U.S. Barracks Destroyed at Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem Air Base in Iranian Attack
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U.S. Army Awards $192 Million to Palantir and Anduril for TITAN Production
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Iran’s IRGC Claims Capture of U.S. Dive-LD Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Near Strait of Hormuz
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Mysterious Black Aircraft at Long Beach Airport Identified as Aevum’s RAVN X Autonomous Spaceplane After Years Out of Sight
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U.S. Forces Strike Three Iranian Oil Tankers After IRGC Ballistic Missile Attack on Two U.S Navy Ships
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Pentagon Subjects About 50 Joint Staff Members to Polygraph Tests in Munitions Leak Investigation
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Ukraine Confirms Combat Use of Swedish ASC 890 AEW&C Aircraft
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Trump’s ‘The Moon Is Ours’ Post, Space Force Uniform Concept and Green Lantern AI Video Draw Online Backlash
