U.S
FOREST, Miss., — Raytheon, an RTX business, has completed a $50 million expansion of its manufacturing facility in Forest, Mississippi. The project adds 17,000 square feet of manufacturing space and increases the site's capacity to produce electronic warfare and radar systems. The investment is expected to create 100 high-skilled jobs by 2028. Facility Expands to 445,000 Square Feet The expansion brings the Forest facility to 445,000 square feet of manufacturing space, making it one of the largest defense manufacturing locations in Mississippi. Raytheon has invested $280 million across three expansions at the facility over the past decade. Previous projects included: A 20,000-square-foot expansion completed in 2013. A 50,000-square-foot radar production and testing center completed in 2020. The latest 17,000-square-foot expansion, supported by a $50 million investment. Supporting Next Generation Jammer Production The newly expanded space will support the production, testing and integration of Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) pods. NGJ-MB is an electronic attack system developed for the U.S. Navy and Australian government. The system is designed to deny, disrupt and degrade enemy technology, including communications and air-defense systems. Raytheon's Forest facility began low-rate initial production of NGJ-MB in 2021. The pods are used on the EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft. The expanded facility will also support other airborne radar programs as Raytheon increases manufacturing capacity. Other Defense Programs The Forest Consolidated Manufacturing Center supports several radar and electronic warfare programs. Its work includes: Airborne radars for the F/A-18 and F-15. NGJ pods for the EA-18G Growler. Advanced Airborne Sensor systems for the P-8 Poseidon. Digital radar warning receivers. Sentinel ground-based radars. Other radar and electronic warfare systems. The site also includes testing ranges and calibration capabilities supporting its manufacturing and testing activities. Raytheon Expands Mississippi Workforce “Completing this expansion underscores our long-term commitment to Forest and the state of Mississippi,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. She said the company is working with state and local partners to develop the workforce, infrastructure and capabilities needed to increase production in support of national defense programs. U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, also highlighted the expansion and the expected addition of 100 jobs. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves described the project as an economic development benefit for Scott County and an investment in U.S. national security. 40 Years of Operations in Forest Raytheon has operated in the Forest community for 40 years. The company says its continued capital investment in the area also supports workforce development, education and local support networks. The latest expansion increases the manufacturing footprint of the Forest site while providing additional capacity for radar and electronic warfare programs.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 16:40:01
Europe
ROME — Italy is preparing its 13th military aid package for Ukraine, with a major focus on strengthening the country's air and missile defenses, according to a report published by La Repubblica on August 26. The reported package includes four SAMP/T NG air defense systems, Aster 30 interceptor missiles and seven long-range radars. Six radars would be manufactured by France's Thales and one by Italy's Leonardo. The program is estimated to cost nearly €3 billion and would be financed through European Union loans under the Ukraine Support Loan for 2026 and 2027. The new SAMP/T NG systems and related equipment are expected to be fully delivered by 2027. Italy also plans to transfer Aster 30 missiles from its existing stocks, with some deliveries expected as early as October 2026. A key part of the reported plan is the licensed production of Aster 30 B1NT missiles in Ukraine. France and Italy have agreed to allow Ukraine to manufacture the missiles locally, with the relevant agreements expected to be signed in September. Ukraine already has a contract for additional Aster 30 missiles. The B1NT variant has an engagement range exceeding 150 kilometers, according to the information reported. France is separately expected to provide one SAMP/T system and additional air-defense radars to Ukraine this autumn. It remains unclear whether these deliveries are included in the reported Italian package or are additional assistance. The plans build on a July 2026 joint declaration between France and Ukraine, under which Ukraine ordered four Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG systems. France agreed to temporarily provide two existing SAMP/T batteries until the new systems are delivered. The agreement also covered accelerated Aster 30 deliveries by October 2026 and authorization for licensed Aster 30 production in Ukraine before the end of 2026. Planned radar deliveries included Thales GM400, Ground Fire 300 and a Kronos radar. However, Italy's reported 13th package has not yet been formally approved. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said on August 26 that no Italian military aid package had been formalised during 2026 and that a reported 13th package did not exist as a formal government act at that time. He said Italian assistance is provided in response to specific Ukrainian requests. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the Defence Ministry was preparing another package that would be submitted to the parliamentary security oversight committee COPASIR before any delivery. The package is reportedly expected to be presented in September. If formally approved, the reported package would combine new SAMP/T NG systems, Aster 30 missile transfers, radar equipment and Ukrainian licensed missile production.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 16:29:13
Space & Technology
XIONGAN, CHINA, — China’s commercial space sector has begun operating what Chinese authorities describe as the country’s first assembly-line-style automated satellite mass-production facility in Xiongan New Area, Hebei Province. The production line, operated by Beijing LandSpace Hongqing Technology, is designed to move satellite manufacturing from largely individual production toward higher-volume manufacturing. The facility uses robotic systems and automated stations for satellite assembly. More than 70 percent of its workstations are automated, according to Xiongan authorities. The company says the production cycle for a satellite has been reduced from about seven days using traditional methods to approximately 30 hours on the new line. The production line is designed to support the manufacture of more than 100 flat-panel communications satellites annually. The approach is intended to improve manufacturing efficiency and support the production requirements of commercial satellite communications and constellation deployments. — August 27, 2026 First Satellite Produced on the Line The first satellite manufactured on the production line is Hongqing Technology’s Honghu-03, also known as Xiongan-1. The satellite was completed and rolled off the production line on October 22, 2025. Xiongan-1 is a 541-kilogram flat-panel satellite measuring 3 meters in length, 2 meters in width and 0.4 meters in thickness. It was independently developed by Beijing LandSpace Hongqing Technology. The satellite incorporates the company’s self-developed propulsion, power and electronic systems. The satellite includes an argon-propellant electric propulsion system and is being used to conduct in-orbit verification of several technologies. These include the electric propulsion system and commercial-grade gallium nitride power devices designed for space applications. Chinese authorities said the satellite is conducting verification of more than 10 technologies described as domestic firsts. Xiongan-1 Reaches Orbit Xiongan-1 was launched on August 19, 2026, aboard the Zhuque-3 Y2 reusable rocket from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in Jiuquan, Gansu Province. The launch took place at 7:35 a.m. Beijing time. About 10 minutes later, the satellite separated from the rocket and entered its planned orbit. Its solar arrays deployed successfully, and telemetry data returned from the spacecraft was reported as normal. The satellite is operating at an altitude of about 500 kilometers and is carrying out its planned in-orbit technology verification activities. The launch also formed part of a major test for Zhuque-3. During the mission, the rocket’s first stage successfully completed a controlled landing and recovery on land, according to Chinese and international reports. From Satellite Manufacturing to Mass Production The automated production line applies an assembly-line manufacturing approach to satellite production. According to Hongqing Technology, the line can complete satellite assembly with substantially less manual intervention, while the overall production cycle has been reduced by about 80 percent. The company says six to eight workers can support production capacity of more than 100 flat-panel communications satellites per year. The production line occupies about 500 square meters. The facility is intended to support higher-volume manufacturing of satellites for applications including communications and satellite internet. The shift toward standardized and automated production is aimed at making it possible to manufacture satellites in larger numbers rather than treating each spacecraft primarily as an individual production project. Xiongan’s Growing Space Industry The satellite production facility is part of Xiongan New Area’s developing aerospace information and satellite internet industry. As of August 2026, the area had 69 companies connected to the aerospace information and satellite internet sector, along with nine innovation platforms. China Satellite Network Group has established its headquarters in Xiongan, while companies involved in satellite research, manufacturing, components, testing and applications have also established operations in the area. Xiongan is also developing shared satellite manufacturing and testing facilities. These facilities are intended to provide additional infrastructure for companies involved in commercial space activities and help create a production chain covering satellite development, manufacturing, testing and operation. The launch of Xiongan-1 therefore marks both the first flight of a satellite manufactured on the automated production line and the beginning of in-orbit verification for its technologies. At the manufacturing level, the facility provides Xiongan with a production system designed specifically for higher-volume satellite manufacturing, with a stated capacity of more than 100 flat-panel satellites per year.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 16:22:47
Europe
JONAVA, LITHUANIA — Lithuania Defense Services (LDS) has completed repairs on battle-damaged Ukrainian tanks and is preparing to return them to Ukraine. The vehicles include at least one German-made Leopard 2 and one Swedish Strv 122. The refurbished tanks were presented during a handover ceremony in Jonava. LDS sales and marketing director Vilius Semeška said the exact number of tanks being returned is classified. Images released by the company show at least two refurbished vehicles ready for delivery. Ukrainian Ambassador to Lithuania Olha Nikitchenko attended the ceremony and stressed the importance of returning the tanks quickly. “It is very important to us that the tanks return to the battlefield as soon as possible, because despite the era of drones, armored vehicles remain particularly important and necessary when retaking occupied territories during operations that involve these very same drones.” German Ambassador to Lithuania Cornelius Zimmermann said Germany is Ukraine’s largest bilateral partner in Europe and that Germany and Lithuania are fully funding the LDS project and the modernization of Ukrainian tanks. LDS Repair Operations LDS, a joint venture of Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland, was established in March 2022 to support Lithuanian and NATO forces and their equipment in the Baltic region. The Jonava facility began repairing battle-damaged Ukrainian Leopard tanks in October 2023. The first pair of refurbished Ukrainian Leopard 2 tanks was presented on December 15, 2023. LDS has also repaired PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers and other armored vehicles. In January 2024, LDS signed a contract with Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense to improve spare-parts logistics for German armored vehicles operating in Ukraine. The facility supports several NATO-standard platforms, including Boxer Vilkas infantry fighting vehicles, PzH 2000 howitzers, the Leopard tank family and tactical transport vehicles. LDS has also signed agreements with Rafael and Rolls-Royce as it expands its range of services. Ukraine’s Leopard 2 Fleet Ukraine has received more than 100 Leopard 2 tanks in A4 to A6 variants from Western stocks and industry since 2023. According to open-source tracking by Oryx, as of August 27, 2026, 52 Leopard 2 losses have been visually confirmed, with additional vehicles recorded as damaged, abandoned or captured. The latest refurbished vehicles will add to Ukraine’s available armored fleet, although LDS has not disclosed how many tanks are included in the current handover. Lithuania Builds Leopard 2A8 Capability Lithuania has ordered 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks and is expanding its domestic infrastructure for their assembly and maintenance. A new production and maintenance complex is being built in the Kaunas Free Economic Zone. Finnish company YIT Lietuva is constructing the approximately 13,000-square-metre facility on a nearly 10-hectare site under a contract worth about €29 million. Construction began in August 2026 and is scheduled for completion in November 2027. The first tank assembled at the facility is expected in late 2028. LDS plans to invest around €50 million in the project and create about 100 jobs. The company will handle assembly, long-term maintenance, repair and readiness support for Lithuanian and potentially other NATO forces. The expansion will give Lithuania additional local capacity for heavy armored equipment while the Jonava facility continues supporting Lithuanian, NATO and Ukrainian systems.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 16:15:00
World
ST. PETERSBURG, — Russia’s United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) has held a keel-laying ceremony for the Project 677 Lada-class diesel-electric submarine Maloyaroslavets at Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg. The submarine was designed by the Rubin Design Bureau and is being built for the Russian Navy. According to USC-related reporting, Maloyaroslavets is the sixth Project 677 submarine ordered at Admiralty Shipyards and the fifth serial submarine of the class. The ceremony was attended by Nikolay Patrushev, aide to the Russian president and chairman of the Maritime Board; Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Alexander Moiseyev; USC Director General Andrey Puchkov; St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov; Admiralty Shipyards acting chief Andrey Bystrov; and Rubin Design Bureau Director General Vladimir Dorofeyev. Patrushev said that modernization of Russia’s submarine forces is among the priorities of the Navy’s development strategy through 2050. Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed in 2025 that the Navy Development Strategy through 2050 had been approved and that its implementation is intended to support the modernization of the Russian Navy. Patrushev also expressed confidence that the Admiralty Shipyards workforce, together with partner enterprises, would complete the submarine-building program. USC chief Andrey Puchkov said the shipyard would continue modernization work alongside its current orders. Planned work includes modernization of the production and energy complex, reconstruction of the Parade Embankment and crane facilities, and reconstruction of the deep-water embankment and modernization of the machine-building workshop beginning in 2027. Modernized Project 677 Design The Maloyaroslavets is being built under the modernized Project 677 design, which was refined using operational experience from the lead submarine St. Petersburg. The updated series began with Kronstadt, which was delivered to the Russian Navy in January 2024. Velikiye Luki followed in December 2025. Two other Project 677 submarines, Vologda and Yaroslavl, were laid down on June 12, 2022, and remain under construction at Admiralty Shipyards. Project 677 submarines are diesel-electric, non-nuclear boats designed with a high level of automation. Russian sources describe the class as having an automated control system covering the submarine, its combat and technical systems, and its weapons. The boats also use acoustic protection measures and are designed for reduced underwater noise. The submarines are equipped with missile and torpedo weapons capable of engaging maritime and coastal targets. Reported specifications for the Project 677 include a length of about 66.8 meters, a beam of 7.1 meters, a submerged displacement of around 2,700 tons, a maximum submerged speed of up to 21 knots, a diving depth of about 300 meters and an endurance of up to 45 days. The crew is reported at about 35 to 36 personnel. The class is also equipped with six 533 mm torpedo tubes. The Velikiye Luki has been reported as capable of launching Kalibr cruise missiles through its torpedo tubes. Continued Lada-Class Production The keel-laying of Maloyaroslavets continues the production of the modernized Lada-class submarines at Admiralty Shipyards. The construction program follows the delivery of Kronstadt and Velikiye Luki, while Vologda and Yaroslavl remain under construction. The submarine has been named after Maloyaroslavets, a city in Russia’s Kaluga Region that holds the designation of a City of Military Glory. The naming follows the practice of giving Project 677 submarines names associated with Russian cities. The keel-laying ceremony marks the formal start of construction of another Project 677 submarine as Russia continues its program to modernize its conventional submarine fleet.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 16:06:23
World
KYIV, Ukraine, — Russia used an upgraded 9M723-2 ballistic missile, informally known as the Iskander-1000, during a combined strike on Kyiv this summer, Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) reported. It was the first reported combat use of the upgraded variant against the Ukrainian capital. The missile is part of the Bora-M system. According to HUR, its larger engine required a larger launcher tube and increases the range to up to 550 kilometers (340 miles), compared with about 390 kilometers (240 miles) for the standard 9M723-1 used by the Iskander-M. HUR said the remaining missile components are identical to those of the 9M723-1. The Iskander is a quasi-ballistic missile capable of maneuvering during flight, which makes it a difficult target for air-defense systems. Ukrainian aviation expert Kostiantyn Kryvolap said the difficulty of intercepting the upgraded version has not changed, while Ukraine continues to intercept Iskander missiles and target their launchers. Development of the 9M723-2 Reports about a longer-range Iskander variant first appeared in July 2024, with claims that the missile could eventually reach up to 1,000 kilometers. Unofficial reports in December 2025 claimed tests at ranges of up to 800 kilometers. HUR’s latest assessment, however, gives the 9M723-2 a range of up to 550 kilometers. In October 2025, Ukrainian sources published leaked Russian procurement documents showing an order for 18 missiles designated 9M723-2, providing evidence that the variant had entered production. Foreign Components HUR also released new information through its War&Sanctions portal on the production network for Russia’s 9M723 Iskander-M missiles. The data covers 140 identified components, 35 companies, and 108 officials and employees. The broader database also includes more than 170 components, 82 Russian and two Belarusian enterprises, and 121 items of foreign production equipment. According to HUR, only about one-quarter of the 140 components are manufactured in Russia. 63 components come from U.S. manufacturers, while eight each come from Switzerland and Belarus, four each from Germany and Taiwan, and three from China. In one guidance-system unit that processes flight data from a laser gyroscope, only five of 43 components are Russian-made. HUR has not disclosed the exact date of the summer strike, the number of 9M723-2 missiles used, or the specific targets hit. Russia continues to use ballistic missiles together with cruise missiles and drones in combined attacks against Ukrainian cities.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 16:01:30
Europe
BERLIN — Germany is exploring options to provide financial and conventional military support to the United Kingdom’s Trident nuclear deterrent, according to a Telegraph report published on August 26. The discussions are part of wider efforts in Europe to strengthen its own defence capabilities and reduce reliance on the United States. Berlin is considering financial support for Britain’s nuclear programme and closer cooperation with the existing nuclear forces of Britain and France, rather than developing its own nuclear arsenal. German officials have cited the country’s wartime history as one reason for avoiding an independent nuclear capability. Possible German Support Several forms of support are reportedly being examined, including: Financial assistance: Germany could contribute to the cost of maintaining and modernising Britain’s nuclear deterrent. Faslane protection: Germany could deploy German-operated Patriot air-defence systems to protect HM Naval Base Clyde at Faslane in Scotland, which hosts Britain’s nuclear-armed submarine fleet. Industrial cooperation: German companies could potentially assist with future submarine construction, missiles or uranium-enrichment infrastructure for warheads. A British defence source questioned whether German industry currently has the specialised expertise needed for Britain’s nuclear submarine programme. However, the source described conventional air defence for Faslane as a more credible, likely and appropriate contribution. The UK is undertaking a major nuclear modernisation programme estimated at about £63 billion over coming years. It includes four new Dreadnought-class ballistic-missile submarines and development of a new warhead with the United States. Britain maintains an arsenal of around 200 nuclear warheads, which it assigns to NATO. Britain also relies on the United States for important parts of the Trident system. Trident missiles are manufactured and serviced at the US submarine base at Kings Bay, Georgia. Wider European Nuclear Cooperation Talks involving Berlin, London and Paris have reportedly intensified in recent months amid concerns about the future reliability of US security commitments under the Trump administration and the wider security situation in Europe, including Russia. Germany is also strengthening nuclear-related cooperation with France. Germany and France have established closer dialogue on nuclear deterrence, and German conventional forces are scheduled to participate for the first time in France’s Poker nuclear exercises later this year. France and the UK remain the only European countries with independent nuclear arsenals. Britain has committed its nuclear deterrent fully to NATO’s defence, while France maintains its own independent nuclear force. A UK Ministry of Defence spokesman said the nuclear deterrent remains a cornerstone of national security and protects the UK and NATO allies. A German government spokesman, however, denied that the reported talks were taking place. The discussions come alongside broader UK-Germany defence cooperation, including the Trinity House Agreement. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government has said Germany does not seek its own nuclear weapons but is interested in arrangements involving British and French capabilities while remaining within NATO and non-proliferation commitments. No formal agreement has been announced. Any German support for Britain’s deterrent would leave command and control of the UK’s nuclear weapons solely with London.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 14:23:20
India
KOLKATA, — Kolkata-based aerospace and defence technology company AvionX Aerospace has unveiled Vajra, a Naval Collaborative Combat Air Vehicle (N-CCAV) designed as a loyal wingman drone for the Indian Navy. The platform is intended to operate alongside manned fighter aircraft, extending operational reach while reducing the exposure and workload of pilots in high-threat environments. AI-Based Manned-Unmanned Teaming Vajra is designed for Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) and can perform air-to-air, air-to-ground and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. According to AvionX, it can provide ISR, electronic warfare support and precision-strike capabilities while operating with manned fighters. The drone uses an AI-driven autonomous system capable of handling complex missions with limited human intervention. Its sensor-fusion system combines data from an AESA radar, EO/IR pod and onboard electronic warfare systems for navigation, target detection and engagement. AvionX lists an AI pilot decision latency of less than 10 milliseconds and an autonomous operation time of 12 to 18 hours. Stealth and Electronic Warfare Vajra features a low-observable airframe and radar-absorbing materials. AvionX claims these features reduce its radar cross-section by approximately 70 percent, supporting operations in anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) environments. Its electronic warfare suite includes active jamming, chaff and flare dispensers, and electronic intelligence (ELINT). The company states that the system provides more than 90 percent counter-electronic-warfare effectiveness in A2/AD conditions. Performance and Weapons The platform is powered by a 25 kN turbofan engine and has a listed maximum speed of 1,255 km/h. AvionX gives it an operational range of 3,700 km, a combat radius of 1,850 km, and 12–18 hours of endurance. Vajra is designed to carry air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles and laser-guided bombs. The company says it can be launched from aircraft carriers as well as smaller naval vessels. AvionX says Vajra uses domestically developed engines, avionics and sensor systems and is being developed in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The company focuses on AI-enabled unmanned systems and defence command software and lists experience in UAV research, development and test flights. Vajra remains a development-stage naval loyal wingman concept, and the specifications currently available are based on information provided by AvionX.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 14:16:38
World
TEHRAN, IRAN — Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI) has unveiled and put into operation four knowledge-based technological systems during Government Week ceremonies. State broadcaster IRIB showed the new equipment during a laboratory tour attended by AEOI chief and Vice President Mohammad Eslami and senior nuclear industry officials. The four achievements include three plasma diagnostic systems for tokamak devices and a non-destructive testing (NDT) laboratory. ❗️ IRAN UNVEILS FOUR NUCLEAR ACHIEVEMENTS — IRIB gives lab tourNew tech for science, industry & nuclear work, including equipment detecting cracks in metalAtomic chief says moved beyond ‘technology demonstration’ in nuclear fusion & entered ‘system & capability development’ pic.twitter.com/1HY7oakwXf — RT (@RT_com) August 26, 2026 Three Tokamak Diagnostic Systems The photoelectron system measures the electron temperature of tokamak plasma without direct contact by analyzing the energy and characteristics of X-rays emitted from the plasma. Iranian officials said it is intended to support future energy-producing tokamaks. The bolometry system, developed domestically for the first time, measures power lost from tokamak plasma through radiation. Such diagnostics are used at major facilities including KSTAR, EAST and JT-60U to help evaluate and optimize plasma performance. The charge-exchange system, also produced domestically for the first time, measures the temperature of ions in tokamak plasma using neutral atoms. Officials described it as an important diagnostic for modern tokamak facilities and said it is intended for future energy-producing tokamaks. Eslami said Iran's fusion research has moved beyond technology demonstration toward system development and capability building. He said fusion is a priority for future energy needs and that Iran cannot afford to fall behind countries developing the technology. NDT Laboratory The fourth project is a specialized non-destructive testing laboratory for inspection, testing, training and personnel qualification. The facility uses visual inspection, penetrant testing, magnetic-particle testing, ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing and eddy-current testing to identify cracks, defects and other problems in materials without damaging the components. The laboratory will provide NDT services to the nuclear, aviation, power, oil and gas sectors. It will also conduct training courses, personnel qualification examinations under ISO/IEC 9712, specialist consulting and digital industrial radiography for components where conventional film radiography is not practical. Eslami said the AEOI has developed these capabilities through domestic resources, knowledge-based companies and universities, reducing dependence on foreign countries. He also said sanctions and external pressure have not stopped Iran's technological development. Fusion Research Separate From Enrichment The newly unveiled systems are focused on nuclear fusion research and industrial testing, while uranium enrichment remains the main international concern regarding Iran's nuclear program. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that Iran previously accumulated uranium enriched to 60 percent U-235 and that, following attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities in 2025, the Agency lost continuity of knowledge regarding the country's current stockpile, centrifuges and some nuclear activities. The IAEA has also reported damage to nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan. Iranian officials have said inspections of attacked facilities require new arrangements. The latest AEOI announcement therefore concerns new domestic capabilities for tokamak plasma diagnostics, fusion research and industrial inspection, rather than new uranium-enrichment equipment.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 14:04:40
World
Tokyo, Japan — Finnish defence company Patria has successfully demonstrated the remote operation of a Patria AMV armoured vehicle in Finland from a control desk in Tokyo, covering a distance of more than 7,800 kilometres (4,847 miles). The demonstration was held on August 25–26 and hosted by the Embassy of Finland in Japan. It was organized by Patria with its Japanese manufacturing partner, The Japan Steel Works, Ltd. The AMV was located at the Parola military testing area in southern Finland, while the operator controlled the 8×8 vehicle from Tokyo. The demonstration used the AMV's integrated drive-by-wire systems and a Remote Operating Device supplied by UXV Technologies. Operational data was transferred through Telia's 5G mobile network using a virtual mobile private network with international roaming. The traffic was routed through a closed corporate network isolated from the public internet. Real-Time Situational Awareness Patria's DOME system provided real-time situational awareness, while ICEYE supplied near-real-time synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite data for information on the wider operating environment. Nokia provided its Real-time eXtended Reality Multimedia software and a 5G 360-degree camera mounted on the AMV. A Basemark augmented-reality helmet was also demonstrated for remote operators. SAVOX provided intercom and Voice over IP (VoIP) systems for communication between the operator in Tokyo and the ground safety team in Finland. Patria's ILIAS software monitored the vehicle's health and maintenance condition in real time. The demonstration builds on Patria's earlier remote-operation work. In 2020, the company demonstrated beyond-visual-line-of-sight remote control of an AMV 8×8 using commercial 4G and 5G networks with the University of Tampere. In April 2025, Telia demonstrated remote operation of a Patria AMV XP over nearly 100 kilometres during military exercises in Lapland using a dedicated 5G network slice. Patria has sold roughly 1,600 AMV vehicles to defence forces in Finland, Poland, Sweden, Slovenia, Croatia, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Japan. Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force received its first Patria AMV XP in September 2025 under the Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier programme, with vehicles assembled locally at Japan Steel Works' Muroran plant. Patria said the remote-operation concept could support unmanned logistics, vehicle convoying and autonomous waypoint navigation. The company is also developing next-generation technologies, including AI-enabled systems, to support higher levels of vehicle autonomy. Janne Räkköläinen, Patria's Vice President, Market Area World, said the demonstration attracted a large number of attendees from Japan's Ministry of Defence and defence-related companies and reflected strong interest in Patria's remote-driving capabilities in Japan and internationally. The trial demonstrated how the AMV's modular design and drive-by-wire controls can be combined with telecommunications, satellite data, communications and situational-awareness systems for remote and future autonomous operations.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 13:58:09
World
SEOUL — South Korea has approved a major upgrade programme for its K2 Black Panther main battle tanks, adding an active protection system (APS), electronic warfare (EW) equipment and a remotely controlled weapon station (RCWS) to improve protection against anti-armour weapons, drones and other emerging threats. The K2 Tank Performance Upgrade Project has an estimated budget of ₩3.45 trillion ($2.43 billion). The programme will run from 2028 to 2046, with development expected to finish around 2032 and the first upgraded tanks scheduled to enter Republic of Korea Army service in 2033. New Protection Systems The APS will use radar to detect incoming threats, including anti-tank missiles, rockets and drones, and intercept them. Hyundai Rotem, the K2 manufacturer, says the platform can accommodate both soft-kill and hard-kill APS configurations. South Korea has previously developed the Korean Active Protection System (KAPS) for the K2. In September 2025, Hyundai Rotem and Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems also signed an agreement to cooperate on integrating the Trophy APS into the K2 family, covering integration, production, marketing, localisation and life-cycle support. The upgraded tanks will also receive EW systems for counter-drone and IED jamming. These systems are intended to disrupt radio-control signals used by drones and remotely triggered IEDs. The RCWS will allow the three-person crew to operate the secondary weapon from inside the armoured hull, reducing the need to expose themselves by opening hatches. K2 and Export Versions The K2 entered Republic of Korea Army service in 2014. The approximately 56-tonne tank is armed with a 120 mm L/55 smoothbore gun, an autoloader and a three-person crew. Existing production models use composite and reactive armour and soft-kill countermeasures. Earlier K2 batches did not receive a standard hard-kill APS because of cost considerations during the original design. The upgrade is also intended to address the capability difference between South Korea's domestic K2 fleet and export versions. Poland has ordered 360 K2 tanks under two contracts, including K2GF vehicles and the locally configured K2PL. The K2PL incorporates Polish requirements and is planned for local assembly at Bumar-Łabędy. The first 28 tanks from the second contract arrived in Poland in August 2026. South Korea's DAPA said the domestic upgrade will use technology more advanced than that currently fitted to the K2PL. The K2 has also attracted interest from Peru and Morocco. Peru has considered around 150 tanks to replace older T-55 and AMX-13 vehicles, with possible local assembly, while Morocco has reviewed a potential larger K2 purchase as part of its military modernisation. The upgrade comes as South Korea responds to changing threats on the Korean Peninsula, including North Korea's military modernisation and its recently unveiled Chonma-20 main battle tank, which appears to feature its own active protection system.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 13:50:08
U.S
INGLEWOOD, Calif., — Splash Industries has introduced a new mission module for its Typhoon uncrewed surface vessel (USV) that allows operators to launch one-way aerial drones directly from the water. Called the Airstrike Pack, the module is designed to let operators deploy aerial assets with a single button press through the company’s proprietary command-and-control software, Splash C2. Splash Industries said the system has already been tested during a recent force-on-force exercise. The company said its vertically integrated approach, including in-house development of software and electronics, has helped keep the system rugged, easy to use and relatively low cost. Splash said the UAV deployment capability is available at about one-tenth the price of its nearest competitor. Typhoon USV capabilities The Typhoon is an 11-foot uncrewed surface vessel developed by Splash Industries for national security missions, including maritime surveillance and cargo delivery. According to the company, the vessel has a sustained speed of more than 50 knots and has exceeded 70 knots during testing. It has an operational range of more than 600 nautical miles (1,111 km) and uses a modular deck that can be configured for different payloads, including cargo and sensors. Splash Industries says the Typhoon can be assembled in about eight hours and is priced at approximately one-tenth the cost of comparable platforms. The company develops its software, electronics and sensors in-house. The Airstrike Pack adds another mission option to the Typhoon by allowing the USV to deploy one-way aerial drones from the surface. Autonomous Navy resupply demonstration The announcement follows a major milestone for Splash Industries during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise near Hawaii in July 2026. During the exercise, a Typhoon USV completed what Splash Industries described as the world’s first fully autonomous underway resupply of a U.S. Navy warship. The vessel autonomously navigated open water, approached the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) and guided itself into the ship’s flooded well deck. Splash said the operation was completed without satellite or radio commands. The demonstration was overseen by the Naval Postgraduate School’s Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education (CAMRE). During the same 24-hour period, the Typhoon also delivered uncrewed aerial system components manufactured aboard the USS Essex by U.S. Marine Corps personnel back to shore, according to information provided by the consortium. Funding and larger USV development Splash Industries officially emerged from stealth in July 2026 after announcing a $4.2 million seed funding round led by Ubiquity Ventures. The company said its autonomous vessels had already completed more than 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 km) of deployments across three continents. Splash co-founder and CEO Ivan Avanesov has also said the company is developing a larger uncrewed vessel called Tempest, which is being prepared for U.S. Navy testing. The Tempest is expected to have a payload capacity of 1,500 pounds (680 kg) and an operational range of 300 nautical miles (556 km). With the introduction of the Airstrike Pack, Splash Industries is expanding the Typhoon’s mission configuration beyond surveillance and cargo delivery to include the deployment of one-way aerial drones from an uncrewed surface vessel.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 13:26:31
U.S
Washington — The U.S. Army has selected five companies to build and operate nuclear microreactors at five U.S. military installations under the Janus Program, with up to $2.2 billion in combined funding. The program, announced August 26, is being conducted in partnership with the Department of War Innovation Unit and aims to move advanced nuclear technology from testing into sustained operation at military sites. The contracts cover fiscal years 2027 through 2031 and use fixed-price, milestone-based Other Transaction Authority agreements. They cover design, construction and the first year of operations, with companies also expected to provide significant private investment. The Army's main target is to have at least one commercial microreactor producing usable electricity by September 30, 2028. Five Companies and Initial Sites The selected companies and installations are: Antares Nuclear, Inc. — Fort Bragg, North Carolina BWXT Advanced Technologies, LLC — Fort Campbell, Kentucky General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems — Fort Hood, Texas Radiant Industries, Inc. — Fort Benning, Georgia Westinghouse Government Services — Fort Drum, New York The five sites were selected from nine finalists identified in November 2025. The installations not selected were Fort Wainwright, Alaska; Holston Army Ammunition Plant, Tennessee; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; and Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. The Army expects that private investment combined with government funding could eventually support more than 20 microreactors across Department of War installations. Reactor Plans The planned systems will produce between 1 and 20 megawatts of electricity, depending on the design, and occupy less than five acres. They are intended to provide localized power for critical military infrastructure while remaining connected to existing commercial grids. They will not supply all of a major military installation's electricity. Radiant Industries has disclosed the largest individual award, worth up to $750 million, for 15 factory-built 1-megawatt Kaleidos microreactors by 2030, beginning with three units at Fort Benning. The transportable reactor uses TRISO fuel and is designed for about five years of operation before refueling, with a 20-year operating life. Westinghouse Government Services will provide its eVinci heat-pipe microreactor at Fort Drum. Westinghouse says the system can provide electricity for eight years without refueling and uses TRISO fuel with high-assay low-enriched uranium and passive heat-pipe cooling. The company recently completed a zero-power criticality test of the design at a National Nuclear Security Administration facility. Antares Nuclear will deploy its R1 microreactor at Fort Bragg in three-unit groups. The sodium heat-pipe-cooled reactor uses TRISO fuel and is rated from 100 kilowatts to 1 megawatt per unit. Its related Mark-0 test reactor achieved criticality at Idaho National Laboratory in June 2026. Antares plans to generate electricity from a test unit in 2027 and begin military deployments in 2028. BWXT Advanced Technologies will deploy a 20-megawatt-electric BANR reactor at Fort Campbell. The high-temperature gas-cooled reactor uses TRISO fuel and nitrogen coolant. Initial work includes site selection, Army regulatory processes and TRISO fuel fabrication. Construction is targeted for late 2028, with operations planned for the early 2030s. General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems will develop, test and conduct site planning for its GA-TES at Fort Hood. The liquid-metal-cooled reactor has a baseline output of about 5 megawatts electric and can scale to about 20 megawatts. It uses uranium-zirconium hydride fuel, natural-circulation cooling, has a 40-year design life and is modular for transport by truck or rail. Safety, Regulation and Waste The reactors will be owned and operated by the contractors, not the Army. They will be regulated by the Army rather than the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, while following environmental and safety requirements applicable to commercial reactors. The Army is aligning its regulatory processes so companies can later seek NRC approval for civilian markets. None of the reactors will use highly enriched, weapons-grade uranium. Several designs use 19.75% HALEU. Spent fuel will not be permanently stored at the installations, and the program requires nuclear waste and radiological materials to be removed from military sites within two years after a reactor shuts down. The Pentagon plans to develop a unified waste-management solution. From Project Pele to Janus Janus follows the Pentagon's earlier Project Pele, which focused on developing a portable reactor in the 1-to-5-megawatt range. Janus instead focuses on commercial reactor systems capable of providing long-duration baseload power at operational military installations. Army officials have stressed that not all five companies are expected to have operating reactors by 2028. Dr. Jeff Waksman said the Army nevertheless believes there is a practical path to having at least one reactor producing usable electricity by September 30, 2028. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll said the contracts are intended to provide safe and reliable baseload power for military installations and strengthen energy resilience. Jason Craft, Janus Program director, said the Army is leading efforts to expand nuclear capability through the program. Waksman said the broader objective is to move from experimental designs to reliable commercial hardware that can operate for years and eventually serve non-military customers. The program is also intended to strengthen the domestic industrial base for advanced nuclear energy.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 13:04:37
World
TAIPEI — Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has finalized an NT$26.9 billion (US$847 million) contract with U.S. defense technology company Anduril Industries for 2,032 ALTIUS unmanned systems, according to the government’s electronic procurement system. The acquisition is part of Taiwan’s effort to strengthen its asymmetric defense capabilities. The contract covers 1,554 ALTIUS-700M loitering munitions and 478 ALTIUS-600ISR intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems. The systems will be deployed primarily with Taiwan’s Army. The purchase includes the drones, associated systems and launch equipment. It forms part of a broader U.S. arms package previously valued at about NT$34.9 billion (approximately US$1.1 billion), which also includes additional equipment and support. The formal signing of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance completes the purchase process. The United States approved the broader package in December 2025. Taiwan had previously purchased 291 ALTIUS-600M drones through its regular defense budget. Those systems reportedly achieved a 100% hit rate during a recent live-fire maritime exercise, supporting the decision to expand the fleet through a special budget. The ALTIUS-700M is the strike variant, designed to engage targets including heavy armored vehicles and air-defense systems. It can carry a 14- to 15-kilogram warhead, with reported destructive power comparable to an AGM-114 Hellfire missile. The system has an endurance of about 1.25 to 2 hours, a range of approximately 160 kilometers in strike configuration and a reported weight of around 29.5 kilograms. The ALTIUS-600ISR is intended for intelligence gathering, battlefield search, target designation and electronic-warfare support. Sources indicate an endurance of about 3.5 to 4 hours and a range of approximately 375 kilometers. The two variants are intended to provide complementary reconnaissance and strike capabilities. Taiwan’s Army has established a dedicated unit focused on unmanned-system development and integration into its joint command structure. Initial deliveries are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, with the full order scheduled for completion by June 2033. The procurement is intended to expand Taiwan’s ability to use distributed unmanned systems to locate, track and engage targets. For Anduril, the order also represents a major production requirement as the company expands its ALTIUS manufacturing capacity and works to supply the systems at scale.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 12:18:59
Europe
ERNING, DENMARK — Spanish shipbuilder Navantia has publicly displayed a scale model of its F-110 Flight II frigate for the first time at DALO Industry Days 2026 in Herning, Denmark. The event was held on August 19-20 and brought together defence companies, government representatives and military delegations. Navantia describes the design as the F-110 Flight II for Spain and the F-110 IAMD (Integrated Air and Missile Defence) configuration for the international market. The design is an enlarged and enhanced development of the F-110 frigates being built for the Spanish Navy, with substantially greater air-defence capacity while retaining anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) capabilities. Navantia displayed the F-110 IAMD alongside its ALFA 4000 and ALFA 3000 frigate designs as part of its effort to develop a long-term industrial relationship with Denmark. The company has identified Denmark as a strategic partner and is presenting its naval designs in connection with the country's future fleet requirements. Larger Hull and Higher Speed The F-110 Flight II is approximately 150 metres long, around five metres longer than the Flight I design, with a maximum beam of 18.6 metres. Its full-load displacement is approximately 6,700 tonnes, around 500-600 tonnes above the baseline configuration. Navantia's displayed configuration has a maximum speed of more than 29 knots, compared with more than 26 knots for the Flight I design. The frigate is designed for a cruising speed above 18 knots and a range of approximately 4,100 nautical miles. The design uses a CODLAG propulsion arrangement, supporting both endurance and reduced acoustic signatures. The ship is designed around a crew of approximately 150 personnel, with additional accommodation for mission specialists and command personnel. The configuration also includes a multi-mission bay intended to accommodate RHIBs, unmanned systems and modular mission equipment. The enlarged design is intended to support operations requiring greater air-defence capability while retaining the F-110's multi-mission role. 64-Cell Mk 41 Vertical Launch System The largest change is the increase in vertical-launch missile capacity. The baseline F-110 Flight I has a 16-cell Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS). The Flight II/IAMD configuration displayed by Navantia increases this to 64 cells. The VLS arrangement consists of: 48 Mk 41 Strike Length cells forward of the bridge 16 Mk 41 Tactical Length cells positioned farther aft, inside the superstructure ahead of the helicopter hangar The configuration therefore provides four times the number of VLS cells found on the Flight I ships. The proposed missile capacity includes up to 64 SM-2 surface-to-air missiles, or up to 256 RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM) when quad-packed, or a combination of the two, depending on the selected loadout. For anti-surface warfare, the design carries eight Kongsberg Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) in two quadruple launchers. Its main gun is the Leonardo OTO 127/64 LW 127 mm naval gun. Close-in and short-range defence is provided by two Escribano E&M Sentinel 30 30 mm remote weapon stations, four Sentinel 2.0 12.7 mm remote weapon stations and additional heavy machine guns. The design also incorporates six SRBOC Mk 36 decoy launchers, a directed-energy weapon, loitering-munition launchers and a dedicated counter-unmanned aerial system capability. For anti-submarine warfare, the frigate is equipped with two twin Mk 32 Mod 9 torpedo launchers for Mk 54 lightweight torpedoes. The aviation facilities are designed to support helicopters including the NH90 and MH-60R, along with unmanned aerial systems. Upgraded SPY-7 Radar The F-110 Flight II retains the Lockheed Martin AN/SPY-7(V)2 S-band solid-state multifunction radar, but with a larger array configuration. Each radar array in the Flight II design is shown with 100 sub-array suites (SAS), compared with 68 SAS on the Flight I configuration. The larger number of sub-arrays provides additional radar capacity for detecting, tracking and discriminating multiple targets. The radar is integrated with Navantia's SCOMBA combat management system through the Aegis International Aegis Fire Control Loop (IAFCL). The configuration also includes Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) for sharing tactical information between compatible platforms. The Spanish Navy describes SPY-7 as a digital, software-defined radar designed to support multiple missions, including air surveillance, air defence and ballistic-missile defence functions. Terminal guidance for the surface-to-air missile system is provided by Raytheon's AN/SPG-62 fire-control radars and Mk 99 Fire Control Systems. Electronic Warfare and Underwater Sensors The F-110 IAMD's integrated mast incorporates several systems supplied by Spanish defence company Indra. These include the PRISMA-25X solid-state radar for surface surveillance and low-altitude air-target tracking, the Rigel i110 electronic support and countermeasures systems, the Regulus i110 communications electronic support measures system, an identification-friend-or-foe system and the IRST i110 infrared search-and-track system developed with Technobit. Navantia also provides systems including the DORNA fire-control radar for the main gun, the HERMESYS integrated communications system, the DIGITAL TWIN system and the MINERVA integrated navigation bridge system. The underwater sensor suite is supplied by Thales and includes the BLUEMASTER hull-mounted sonar, CAPTAS-4 Compact variable-depth sonar, TUUM-6 underwater communications system and BLUESCAN acoustic data-fusion software. Saab provides the naval laser-warning system, while Lockheed Martin supplies the AN/SLQ-25E NIXIE torpedo countermeasure system. Built Around the Existing F-110 Design Navantia is positioning the Flight II as an evolution of the F-110 rather than a completely new frigate design. The company says its F-110 programme is already under execution for the Spanish Navy and is meeting its planned schedule. The first five F-110 ships are part of the current Spanish programme, with construction already underway on multiple vessels. The Flight II configuration retains the platform's multi-mission architecture while adding substantially greater missile capacity, increased radar-array capacity and higher speed. Navantia also highlights survivability features, including separated machinery spaces, fire zones, damage-control measures and CBRN protection. The design incorporates modularity and growth margins intended to allow additional systems and capabilities to be integrated as requirements change. The company is presenting the F-110 IAMD to international customers, including in Denmark, while the same Flight II concept is also associated with future Spanish Navy requirements. However, the configuration displayed at DALO should be distinguished from a confirmed Danish procurement contract; Navantia's official DALO announcement describes the F-110 IAMD as a design being presented as part of its cooperation and strategic-partnership efforts with Denmark. The F-110 Flight II therefore represents a significant increase in the F-110's air-defence capacity, particularly through its 64-cell Mk 41 VLS and enlarged SPY-7 radar configuration, while retaining the ASW, ASuW and multi-mission characteristics of the original F-110 design.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 12:14:04
Europe
BRUSSELS — France is pressing the European Commission to impose time limits on exemptions allowing Ukraine to purchase military equipment from outside the European Union and European Economic Area (EEA) using funds from the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan. The loan, approved in April 2026, supports Ukraine during 2026 and 2027, with €60 billion allocated for military assistance and €30 billion for economic support. Under the procurement rules, Ukraine generally cannot source more than 35% of the total cost of a defence product from outside the EU and EEA. However, Kyiv can request temporary derogations when European manufacturers cannot meet urgent operational requirements, provide sufficient production volumes, deliver within the required timeframe, or offer competitive costs. Ukraine has so far secured two exemptions. One covers components used in Chinese-made drones, while another covers US-made Patriot interceptor missiles, which are needed for Ukraine’s air-defence requirements. The European Commission approved the exemptions after recognising that European industry currently lacks sufficient capacity to rapidly provide these capabilities. France Seeks Temporary Exemptions Paris wants the exemptions to remain temporary and subject to mandatory reviews. The objective is to ensure that EU-backed defence spending increasingly returns to European manufacturers as European production capacity improves. France has one of Europe’s largest defence industries and produces the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air-defence system, which is a European alternative to the US Patriot system. Under the French approach, exemptions would need to be renewed whenever Ukraine requests a new payment tranche. If a European supplier becomes capable of matching a foreign supplier in production volume, cost and delivery time, the Commission could refuse to renew the exemption and require procurement from the European supplier. Member States Divided France’s position has faced opposition from countries that want Ukraine to retain greater flexibility in urgent military procurement. In July 2026, defence ministers from Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, Estonia, Poland, Latvia, Finland and Lithuania wrote to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius. They stressed the importance of quickly approving procurement schedules and using derogations pragmatically when Ukraine needs equipment produced by third countries. The disagreement reflects a wider tension between meeting Ukraine’s immediate battlefield requirements and using EU funding to strengthen Europe’s defence industry. How the Loan Procurement Works Funds are released through a multi-stage process. Ukraine first provides Brussels with a broad breakdown of planned spending by categories such as drones, artillery and air defence. Exact allocations can change as requirements develop. Ukraine then submits detailed contracts identifying the equipment, supplier and delivery timelines. For purchases requiring a non-EU derogation, the documentation is reviewed by a dedicated committee of national experts, allowing member states to raise objections. For Chinese suppliers, the Commission also checks whether companies are subject to EU sanctions targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex. The government of the supplier’s country is also asked to commit to fulfilling the contract if political priorities change. Disbursements have already begun. €3.9 billion was released in late June for drone procurement, followed by €6.1 billion approved earlier this week for broader defence procurement. The Commission’s decisions on future derogations could establish an important precedent for other EU defence programmes, including the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) and the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP). The main issue will be how long Ukraine can continue relying on foreign suppliers while European production expands. Source : Euronews
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 12:06:59
U.S
FORT BLISS, Texas — Lockheed Martin has demonstrated an artificial intelligence-powered Guam Defense System (GDS) Battle Manager Suite designed to connect the Aegis Guam combat system with the U.S. Army’s Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) and other integrated air and missile defense capabilities. The prototype reached the second stage of a U.S. Army evaluation in less than two months after the Army issued a request for a battle-management solution in June 2026. The demonstration was conducted in a simulated Guam operational environment at the Army Tactical Systems Integration Lab at Fort Bliss. The system uses Lockheed Martin’s CommandIQ platform to continuously process hundreds of incoming tracks. Using algorithms informed by thousands of pre-run simulations, it ranks possible responses and recommends weapon assignments for individual threats. During the demonstration, the suite combined live data from multiple integrated air and missile defense systems into a single common tactical picture. Commanders could view sensor tracks, available munitions and engagement opportunities across the joint operating area in real time. Lockheed Martin said the system is intended to reduce the manual coordination normally required for integrated air and missile defense, including voice calls, text messages, physical documents and manual calculations. Its automated recommendations are designed to support faster decisions and more efficient use of high-cost interceptors. “In missile defense, seconds can determine whether an operator protects a populated island or exhausts precious interceptors,” said Tiffany Marr, director of CommandIQ, Golden Dome for America C2 and Advanced Concepts at Lockheed Martin. She said the system provides commanders with real-time information on sensors, weapon systems and munition loadouts while recommending the optimal weapon for incoming threats. The prototype was installed and integrated within 24 hours of arriving at the Fort Bliss laboratory and met all required demonstration criteria during its one-week fielding period. The Battle Manager Suite uses an open architecture, allowing it to accept pre-planned warfighter responses, Air Tasking Orders, Airspace Control Orders and missile-defense designs. It can also incorporate software from other defense technology companies without requiring the entire system to be rebuilt. The latest demonstration follows Lockheed Martin’s earlier software-based command-and-control integration work during Valiant Shield 2026, where the company demonstrated the connection of capabilities including Aegis Guam, AN/TPY-6 radar, THAAD, C2BMC, IBCS and other air and missile defense assets to support a common tactical picture and coordinated decision-making. The Army’s Battle Manager Suite effort is part of broader work to integrate more than 20 programs and prototypes supporting Guam’s defense. The competition includes multiple phases, with a formal prototype proposal stage expected later and an award targeted for the first quarter of fiscal year 2027.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 11:58:32
U.S
ARLINGTON, Va., — AeroVironment has received a $51 million delivery order from the U.S. Army for additional Switchblade 600 loitering munition systems. The order includes Switchblade 600 Block 2 systems for the U.S. military and Switchblade 600 Block 1 systems supporting a Foreign Military Sale to a key U.S. ally, according to the company. The order was placed under the Army’s existing five-year, $990 million Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for Lethal Unmanned Systems (LUS), awarded in August 2024. The latest award follows the Army’s earlier procurement of AeroVironment’s next-generation Switchblade systems under the same contract. Switchblade 600 Block 2 The Switchblade 600 Block 2 is designed for multi-domain operations and has been ruggedized for maritime and highly contested environments. AeroVironment developed the variant in collaboration with U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). The system features upgraded avionics and advanced Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) capabilities, including SPOTR AiTR, intended to support faster detection, identification and engagement of threats. It also incorporates Silvus MANET radios for resilient communications and distributed operations. The Block 2 also includes improved navigation and mission-resilience capabilities for operations in GPS-challenged environments. AeroVironment's published specifications list an endurance of more than 50 minutes, while its handoff and relay capability can extend beyond 100 kilometers. The system has a stated range of more than 60 kilometers, with the company listing more than 100 kilometers when using Forward Pass. It carries an anti-armor munition and has a secondary payload bay. The company also lists a setup and launch time of less than 10 minutes and an IP67 rating for maritime applications. Growing U.S. Army Procurement AeroVironment said Switchblade 600 systems have been fielded across more than 20 U.S. brigade combat teams since 2025, with hundreds of U.S. soldiers trained in their operation and employment. Brian Young, AeroVironment’s Senior Vice President of Loitering Munitions, said the continued Army investment reflects demand for long-range precision loitering munitions and the performance of the Switchblade family. Young said the Block 2 builds on the Block 1 configuration with upgrades in autonomy, resilience and lethality for contested, multi-domain operations. AeroVironment also said it is expanding manufacturing capacity and working to accelerate delivery timelines as demand increases. The Army previously awarded AeroVironment a $186 million delivery order in February 2026 for Switchblade 600 Block 2 and Switchblade 300 Block 20 systems. That order was the Army’s first procurement of AeroVironment’s next-generation Switchblade product line. The new $51 million order continues procurement under the broader Lethal Unmanned Systems contract, supporting Switchblade deliveries to U.S. forces and allied customers.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-26 16:45:11
U.S
SAN DIEGO — The U.S. Navy has awarded BAE Systems a $149.8 million firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance, modernization and repairs on the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4). If all options are exercised, the total value could reach $180 million. The work will be conducted under a Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) at Naval Base San Diego, the ship’s homeport. It is scheduled to begin during the fiscal 2027 availability window and is expected to be completed by October 2028. The contract covers labor, supervision, equipment, testing, facilities and quality assurance required for the Chief of Naval Operations availability. Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington is the contracting activity. Three companies competed under full and open competition. Funding includes about $144.7 million in fiscal 2026 Navy procurement funds and $5 million in operations and maintenance funds. “Critical maintenance of the USS Boxer will support the U.S. Navy’s vital mission to continue defending our nation,” said Eric Icke, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Maritime Solutions San Diego. USS Boxer and Previous Maintenance USS Boxer is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship commissioned on February 11, 1995, and is the sixth U.S. Navy vessel to carry the name. The ship is approximately 844 feet long, has a beam of about 106 feet, and displaces around 40,500 tons fully loaded. It supports amphibious operations, carries Marines and their equipment, and operates aircraft and landing craft. It serves as the flagship of an amphibious ready group. BAE Systems’ San Diego shipyard previously received an approximately $200 million contract in 2020 for Boxer maintenance and modernization. That work included upgrades supporting F-35B operations, as well as hull, tank and mechanical work. In April 2024, Boxer returned to San Diego about 10 days into a deployment after a rudder and bearing failure. Divers conducted pier-side repairs over roughly two months. The Navy had also planned a separate longer maintenance period for the ship. Boxer has since returned to regular operations and received recognition for performance and readiness. BAE Systems Ship Services The contract is part of BAE Systems’ broader ship services business, which provides repair, maintenance, modernization, conversion and overhaul services for the Navy, other government agencies and commercial maritime customers. BAE Systems operates full-service shipyards in California, Florida and Virginia, with drydocks, shiplifts, railway systems, land-level work areas and pier space for major ship support operations. The new contract supports the Navy’s ongoing effort to maintain the readiness of its amphibious fleet.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-26 16:40:40
World
CANBERRA — Australia’s dependence on U.S.-made missiles is facing renewed scrutiny as the Iran conflict puts pressure on American munitions inventories and raises concerns about the timing of weapons deliveries to allies. The issue is particularly important for Australia because several major elements of its long-range strike and air-defence capabilities depend on U.S.-supplied weapons. Analysts and former military officials have argued that Canberra needs to accelerate domestic production to reduce the risks created by dependence on overseas supply. U.S. missile inventories under pressure A Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) analysis found that U.S. forces had used more than 1,000 Tomahawk missiles during the first 39 days of the Iran conflict. CSIS said several key U.S. munitions had been heavily used and that rebuilding inventories to pre-war levels could take between one and four years. Charles Edel, CSIS Australia Chair, said the conflict was placing significant pressure on U.S. stockpiles and could extend the time required to replenish them. He warned that this could increase the risk of delays to missile deliveries for allies such as Australia. The pressure is not limited to Tomahawk. Edel identified other systems affected by the increased demand, including THAAD interceptors, Patriot missiles, SM-6 missiles, Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles and Precision Strike Missiles. CSIS has also assessed that the reduced U.S. inventories could affect the ability to supply allies while Washington works to rebuild its own stocks. Australia’s U.S. missile orders Australia has an order for roughly 220 Tomahawk cruise missiles, making the availability of U.S. production capacity an important issue for Canberra. The United States is now moving to expand Tomahawk production. On August 17, the U.S. Navy awarded Raytheon a $22.9 billion, seven-year contract designed to increase annual Tomahawk production from about 60 missiles to more than 1,000. The production increase is intended to strengthen the U.S. supply of the long-range missile for American forces and allies. However, rebuilding inventories after heavy wartime expenditure will take time. Australia has also announced a major acquisition of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile. On August 6, the Australian government said it would invest almost A$736 million in the weapon through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales system. Australia will be the first country outside the United States to operate the AIM-260. The missile will initially be integrated with Australia’s F/A-18F Super Hornets, followed by the F-35A Lightning II and EA-18G Growler. The Australian government has not publicly provided all details of the final missile quantity in its August 6 announcement. Concerns over a potential Indo-Pacific conflict Australian coalition defence spokesperson James Paterson has warned that conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Iran have contributed to pressure on global munitions supplies. Paterson said Australia could face serious limitations in a high-intensity Indo-Pacific conflict because of limited stocks of strike weapons and interceptors, as well as limited domestic production capacity. Maritime security specialist Jennifer Parker has similarly argued that countries dependent on another nation for critical war stocks face a structural supply risk because the producing country would have to meet its own requirements first. Former U.S. military officials have also urged Australia to develop additional domestic capabilities that could reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers. Mark Montgomery, a former director of operations at U.S. Pacific Command, has specifically advocated greater Australian production of military underwater drones for surveillance, mine detection and other roles. Canberra expands domestic missile production Australia has been rebuilding its domestic guided-weapons industry through the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise. The Australian government has committed up to A$36 billion over the next decade to the broader guided-weapons and explosive-ordnance effort. The program is intended to develop domestic manufacturing capacity and strengthen Australia's position within allied supply chains. Australia's guided-weapons plan includes establishing missile production facilities and increasing local manufacture of missile components. The government has also been working with international defence companies to establish production and maintenance capabilities inside Australia. Kongsberg Defence Australia is developing a manufacturing and maintenance facility in the Newcastle Airport precinct for the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile. The Australian government announced an A$850 million partnership with Kongsberg in 2024 to manufacture and maintain the two missile systems in Australia. Lockheed Martin Australia is also involved in local assembly of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System missiles, adding another element to Australia's effort to establish a domestic guided-weapons industrial base. A key objective of the program is not simply to assemble imported weapons, but to develop sustainable domestic manufacturing and supply chains. Australia's official guided-weapons plan notes that establishing a new high-technology weapons industry requires sustained investment and time. Production speed remains a concern The expansion of Australian production is intended to reduce dependence on overseas supplies, but the current transition will take years. The Iran conflict has highlighted the difference between purchasing missiles from an established foreign production line and having sufficient domestic capacity to replace weapons during a major conflict. CSIS has assessed that U.S. inventories of several important weapons will take years to rebuild after the Iran campaign. The same weapons are also relevant to a potential Western Pacific conflict, making production capacity and stockpile depth important issues for the United States and its allies. For Australia, the immediate challenge is therefore twofold: maintaining access to U.S. weapons while accelerating domestic production. The government has continued to pursue both approaches, combining purchases from the United States with investments in Australian manufacturing. The expansion of local missile production is intended to strengthen Australia's own supply resilience while also contributing to the wider allied industrial base. The pressure created by the Iran conflict has brought greater attention to the importance of missile stockpiles, production capacity and delivery timelines as Australia prepares for potential high-intensity operations in the Indo-Pacific.
Read More → Posted on 2026-08-26 16:34:55Search
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China Develops Hypersonic Glide Vehicles Capable of Launching Air-to-Air Missiles Mid-Flight
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Satellite Imagery Shows Damage From Israeli Strikes on Turkey Military Occupied Syria’s Abu al-Duhur Airbase
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Ukraine Holds World’s First Unmanned Military Parade on 35th Independence Day
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Russia Warns UK Factories Could Face Attacks After Britain Shares Storm Shadow Missile Blueprints With Ukraine
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Japan Selects Terra Drone’s Terra B1 for Mass Production of Interceptor UAVs
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Russia Equips Shahed and Geran Drones With Electronic Warfare Systems to Jam Ukrainian Interceptor Video Links
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Israel Plans Broad Expansion of Military Space Capabilities, Including Space-to-Ground Strike Concepts
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Hungarian Air Force Gripen Fighter Crashes Near Szolnok, Pilot Ejects Safely
