U.S
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. / OXNARD, Calif. — Swarm Aero has unveiled Gamera, a new Group 5 uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) designed for long-range strike, sensing and other missions. The California-based company introduced the aircraft at the Air & Space Forces Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference 2026. Gamera is a clean-sheet aircraft designed around mass production, high-rate manufacturing and a lower cost structure than traditional high-value military aircraft. Swarm Aero said the platform is intended to provide long-range effects while allowing larger numbers of aircraft to be produced and operated. The aircraft has an approximate 72-foot wingspan and an unrefueled range exceeding 9,000 nautical miles. Its payload capacity is more than 2,800 pounds, distributed across seven available store locations. Meet Gamera, a new category of Group 5 strike and sensing UAS that we unveiled at @AFA_Air_Space's Air, Space & Cyber Conference today.Mass-producible, significantly lower cost than legacy platforms, and the first UAS specifically designed to employ bomber-class strike… pic.twitter.com/UhT9bgcTPn — Swarm Aero (@SwarmAero) September 14, 2026 Designed for Heavy Long-Range Weapons A key feature of Gamera is its ability to carry heavyweight, long-range weapons. Swarm Aero describes it as the first UAS specifically designed to deploy bomber-class strike weapons, including the AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) and JASSM-ER. The aircraft can also carry newer classes of low-cost cruise and hypersonic missiles. Its modular design allows different payloads to be carried depending on the mission, including air-to-air, air-to-surface and advanced sensing payloads. Swarm Aero said Gamera can perform surveillance and strike missions currently associated with the MQ-9 Reaper, while carrying weapons and payloads that the MQ-9 cannot accommodate. The company also says its approach can provide standoff strike effects at approximately one-tenth the cost-per-effect of legacy approaches. Twin-Boom Aircraft Design Gamera uses a twin-boom configuration rather than a conventional single central fuselage arrangement. The aircraft is powered by a tractor-configured Honeywell TPE331 turboprop engine, with the propeller positioned ahead of the wing. A full-scale Gamera model displayed at the conference included a representation of an LRASM-class munition, highlighting the aircraft's intended heavy-payload role. The combination of long range, payload capacity and modularity is central to Swarm Aero's approach to the aircraft. Development Began in 2022 Swarm Aero began developing Gamera in 2022, using what the company describes as a first-principles approach to aircraft design, manufacturing and future combat requirements. The company has invested tens of millions of dollars in aircraft design, manufacturing methods and prototyping. It has also secured government contracts valued in the tens of millions of dollars. Among those contracts is more than $10 million from the Air Force Research Laboratory for work focused on materials and manufacturing processes intended to support high-rate, lower-cost production of large composite airframes. Swarm Aero has raised $59 million in funding and established an 80,000-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The company is targeting 2027 for Gamera's first flight. Designed for the Massed Modular Aircraft Program Gamera is being positioned for the U.S. Air Force and Defense Innovation Unit's Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA) program. The MMA effort is focused on aircraft that can be produced at high rates while maintaining modularity and controlling ownership costs. The program's requirements include at least 2,800 pounds of payload, an unrefueled combat radius of about 2,300 nautical miles, and a one-way self-deployment range of at least 8,000 nautical miles. The requirements also call for a modular open systems architecture and the ability for one operator to control multiple aircraft. The concept is intended to complement higher-value aircraft with more affordable platforms that can operate in contested environments and accept greater levels of attrition than traditional expensive aircraft. Legion Command-and-Control System Gamera will operate with Swarm Aero's Legion command-and-control and autonomy software. Legion is designed to allow a single operator or a small team to control multiple heterogeneous uncrewed systems at the same time. The system has been tested in operational environments, including the U.S. Navy's Fleet Experimentation (FLEX) 2026, where one operator managed multiple air and maritime assets through find, fix, track, target, engage and assess sequences. Legion was previously selected by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) as one of three software providers for its Autonomous Collaborative Teaming program, which is linked to the Department of Defense's Replicator efforts. Swarm Operations Swarm Aero intends for multiple Gamera aircraft to operate together or alongside existing military forces. The aircraft is designed for missions including surface strike, sensing, electronic warfare and communications relay. The company's approach is based on combining long-range operations, a large payload capacity and lower production costs in a platform designed for high-rate manufacturing. Swarm Aero co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer Oliver Palmer, a former Pentagon official focused on China and Taiwan strategy, said the company had changed conventional approaches to aircraft design, manufacturing and combat operations to develop an affordable, mass-producible strike platform. Swarm CEO and co-founder Peter Kalogiannis highlighted the team's experience in long-endurance aircraft design and the production of military aircraft at volume. With its development work, government contracts and manufacturing investment, Swarm Aero is now preparing Gamera for flight testing and potential production at scale.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-14 17:10:54
U.S
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The U.S. Air Force has officially named its first Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) as the FQ-42 Vengeance and FQ-44 Fury, marking a new stage in the service’s effort to field semi-autonomous uncrewed aircraft alongside crewed fighters. Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink announced the names on September 14 during the Air & Space Forces Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference. He also outlined plans to have 500 CCAs operational by 2032, with a longer-term objective of approximately 1,000 aircraft. The aircraft are intended to operate alongside crewed platforms, including the F-35 and the future F-47, providing additional sensors, weapons and electronic warfare capabilities without requiring another pilot in the air. Production and Fleet Expansion The Air Force awarded production contracts to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Anduril Industries in June 2026 for Increment 1 CCAs. The companies are now manufacturing the aircraft, with the first production examples already beginning to come off their respective production lines. The contracts are intended to support the delivery of more than 150 combat-capable aircraft by the end of the decade. The service has also requested nearly $1 billion in fiscal year 2027 funding to begin Increment 1 procurement and support the production effort. The CCA program is being developed around a human-machine teaming concept. The aircraft are semi-autonomous, allowing onboard systems to perform functions while human operators remain responsible for higher-level mission decisions. FQ-42 Vengeance and FQ-44 Fury The two aircraft previously carried the prototype designations YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A. The FQ-42 Vengeance, developed by General Atomics, comes from the company’s earlier CCA development work, including the XQ-67A program. The FQ-44 Fury, developed by Anduril, is based on the Fury design that originated with Blue Force Technologies, which Anduril acquired in 2023. The Air Force's official announcement confirmed the two names as part of the service’s CCA program. Testing at Creech Air Force Base The naming announcement follows operational testing conducted at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, in July 2026. During the exercise, the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft Experimental Operations Unit operated both aircraft in a realistic operational environment and integrated them with crewed aircraft. The testing focused on developing tactics, techniques and procedures for using CCAs in more austere operating locations. Air Force personnel also tested the ground-support requirements for the aircraft. A YFQ-44A Fury was refueled and prepared for additional operations, while crews loaded inert AIM-120 air-to-air missiles during the exercise. The Air Force said the activity helped evaluate the reduced logistical requirements needed to operate CCAs from remote and forward locations. Members of the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force also observed the exercise. The United States and the Netherlands are working on platform-agnostic, open-architecture, semi-autonomous capabilities intended to support data sharing and interoperability during combined operations. The Air Force is continuing flight testing, operational experimentation and autonomy development as it prepares to move the FQ-42 and FQ-44 from testing toward operational service. The planned expansion to 500 aircraft by 2032 and approximately 1,000 in the longer term represents a major increase in the number of uncrewed aircraft the service intends to operate alongside its crewed fighter fleet.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-14 16:57:07
Europe
PARIS / STOCKHOLM — France and Sweden have begun engineering work to integrate France’s rocket-assisted AASM Hammer precision-guided bombs with Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft intended for Ukraine. The development was reported by French Aid to Europe, citing French newspaper Le Figaro. The integration is being carried out by Sweden’s Saab, the manufacturer of the Gripen, and French defense company Safran Electronics & Defense, which develops the AASM Hammer. AASM Hammer Integration The work includes adapting the weapon to the Gripen’s weapon stations, weapon-management systems and digital interfaces used to transfer targeting information. The integration would allow Ukrainian Gripens to use a precision weapon already operated by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine has previously adapted the AASM Hammer for its MiG-29 fighters and Su-25 attack aircraft. The weapon is also used on French Rafale fighters. The AASM Hammer, or Armement Air-Sol Modulaire, is a modular guidance and range-extension system that converts standard unguided bombs into precision-guided weapons. It is available for 125 kg, 250 kg, 500 kg and 1,000 kg bomb bodies, including Mk 82, Mk 83, Mk 84 and BLU-109 warheads. Safran offers three main guidance configurations: INS/GPS, INS/GPS with infrared guidance, and INS/GPS with laser guidance. The system uses a solid-fuel rocket motor for additional propulsion after release. Safran states that the baseline system has a range of more than 70 km, depending on configuration and launch conditions. Safran is also developing the Hammer 250 XLR and Hammer 1000 XLR extended-range variants. Sweden’s Gripen Plans for Ukraine The AASM integration comes as Sweden expands its planned Gripen support for Ukraine. In May 2026, Sweden announced plans to provide Ukraine with 16 Gripen C/D fighters free of charge. In June 2026, Sweden and Ukraine signed a contract for 16 new Gripen E fighters, with deliveries expected to begin in early 2029. Ukraine and Saab are also discussing a potential larger arrangement involving up to 150 Gripen aircraft. Longer-term cooperation includes plans to localize Gripen production in Ukraine, including aircraft assembly and component manufacturing. The localization is not expected to begin before 2033. Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel are already undergoing Gripen-related training in Sweden. If the AASM Hammer integration is completed, Ukraine’s future Gripen fleet will have access to an additional precision air-to-ground weapon already familiar to its forces.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-14 16:48:54
World
MOSCOW, — Russia may develop a service similar to Flightradar for tracking Ukrainian drones, according to Alexey Chadayev, CEO of the Ushkuynik Research and Production Center. Chadayev told Russia’s state news agency TASS that the first step would be to establish a unified sensor network operator because the current process of detecting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is fragmented. Proposed Unified Sensor Network Chadayev said the proposed network could be developed using existing infrastructure operated by Rostelecom and major Russian cellular companies. He specifically pointed to telecommunications towers and fiber-optic cables as the foundation for the network. According to Chadayev, negotiations on creating such a unified sensor network operator are already underway. He said Russia needs a specialized system similar to Flightradar, but designed for tracking drones. The proposed system would bring information from different detection sources into a common network. It would allow personnel involved in countering UAVs to see detected targets, identify them and assign tracking numbers. Coordinating Drone Interception Chadayev said the system would also help coordinate which unit is tracking a particular UAV and which unit would ultimately intercept it. He highlighted the importance of controlling where a drone is intercepted because falling debris can cause damage on the ground. According to Chadayev, one of the main challenges is destroying a drone in a location where its descent causes the least possible damage. The proposal therefore focuses not only on detecting drones but also on creating a common picture of their movement and coordinating the response among those involved in counter-UAV operations. Earlier Proposal for Civilian Low-Altitude Airspace Control Chadayev had previously supported the creation of a unified federal civilian low-altitude airspace control system in Russia to counter Ukrainian drones. His latest proposal would use existing telecommunications infrastructure as part of a broader sensor network rather than relying only on separate detection systems. The proposal comes as Russia continues developing systems designed to combine drone detection and counter-UAV capabilities. For example, Russia's High Precision Systems has said its systems can combine radar and optoelectronic detection with other air-defense systems to create a unified air situation picture. At this stage, the Flightradar-like drone tracking service remains a proposal discussed by Chadayev, with negotiations involving Rostelecom and major cellular operators reported as underway. TASS did not report that a nationwide operational service has already been established.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-14 16:28:31
Europe
BERLIN — Germany is planning to spend nearly €3.4 billion ($3.75 billion) to acquire US-made Typhon mobile launchers and Tomahawk cruise missiles, according to an internal Defense Ministry planning document first reported by Politico. The proposed spending is expected to be considered during preparations for Germany’s 2027 federal budget. The final cost and number of missiles and launchers have not yet been decided and will require Bundestag approval. A German Defense Ministry spokesperson declined to confirm the exact budget allocation because the budget process is ongoing, but said that “the procurement of the US Typhon system with Tomahawk cruise missiles remains intended.” Germany has already submitted a formal Letter of Request to the US Department of Defense. Ground-Based Long-Range Strike Capability The acquisition would give the Bundeswehr its first independently operated, ground-based long-range conventional strike capability. Germany has traditionally relied mainly on air-launched weapons, including the Taurus KEPD 350. The Typhon system, also known as the Strategic Mid-Range Fires (SMRF) system and built by Lockheed Martin, uses mobile launchers based on modified Mk 41 vertical launch cells. It can launch Tomahawk cruise missiles and is also designed to fire SM-6 missiles. Tomahawk missiles are produced by Raytheon, now part of RTX, and have a reported range of about 2,500 kilometers. Germany’s planning documents indicate that the Bundeswehr aims to bring the Typhon system into service by the end of the decade. From US Deployment to German Ownership The planned purchase follows the cancellation of an earlier US deployment plan. In July 2024, then-US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz agreed to begin rotational deployment of US long-range weapons in Germany from 2026, including US-operated Tomahawk missiles. The Trump administration later canceled the planned deployment. Germany subsequently approached Washington in 2025 to purchase its own Typhon launchers and Tomahawks. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump reached an agreement in principle during the NATO summit in Ankara. The exact quantities remain undisclosed, while further details of the procurement are still being negotiated. German Industry Participation Berlin is also seeking German industrial participation in the program, including possible manufacturing and maintenance work. The Defense Ministry planning document refers to “the prospect of industrial cooperation.” However, no binding workshare or production agreement has been finalized. The United States is expected to retain control over sensitive technology and intellectual property. Part of Wider Long-Range Strike Plans The Typhon and Tomahawk acquisition is part of Germany’s broader long-range strike plans. Berlin is also pursuing the Taurus Neo modernization program and participating in the European Long-Range Strike Approach (ELSA). Germany is also working with the United Kingdom on a future European deep-strike cruise missile intended to provide a range of up to 2,000 kilometers in the 2030s. The Typhon program would allow Germany to operate a ground-based long-range strike capability under its own control rather than relying on rotational US deployments.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-14 16:17:35
World
CANBERRA — The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) with the AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) and AGM-158B Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile–Extended Range (JASSM-ER). The Australian Department of Defence announced the milestone on September 11, confirming that the two long-range weapons have completed operational testing and entered operational service. Long-Range Maritime and Land Strike The LRASM is an air-launched, precision-guided, semi-autonomous missile designed to engage high-value, well-defended maritime targets at ranges exceeding 370 kilometres. The JASSM-ER is an air-launched, precision-guided land-strike cruise missile capable of locating, identifying and defeating targets at ranges of up to 900 kilometres from the launch aircraft. The IOC declaration specifically covers their operational capability on the RAAF's F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft. Testing included weapon preparation and loading, targeting and successful engagements. RAAF Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell said the weapons would increase the lethality of air combat aircraft and improve the service's ability to conduct precise long-range strikes while avoiding increasingly sophisticated air defences. Testing and RIMPAC 2026 The capability followed a series of tests in Australia and the United States. In February 2025, two LRASM missiles were successfully test-fired by RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornets at the Point Mugu Sea Range in the United States. In November 2025, two JASSM-ER missiles were successfully test-fired at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia. During Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026 (RIMPAC 26), a RAAF P-8A Poseidon successfully fired an LRASM and hit its target during a sinking exercise. It was the first employment of LRASM by an Australian P-8A and formed part of dual launches involving RAAF and U.S. Navy maritime patrol aircraft. Acquisition and Future Integration Australia received U.S. Foreign Military Sales approval for the LRASM in February 2020 and for the JASSM-ER in July 2022. U.S. Defence Security Cooperation Agency notifications listed up to 200 LRASM and 80 JASSM-ER, although Australian Defence has not publicly detailed the final number purchased. Both missiles use a common low-observable body design and carry an approximately 450-kilogram warhead. JASSM-ER entered U.S. Air Force service in 2014, while LRASM entered U.S. Air Force service in 2018 and U.S. Navy service in 2019. Australia also plans to integrate both weapons with its F-35A Lightning II fleet. The LRASM and JASSM-ER are part of Australia's wider long-range strike program, which also includes the Naval Strike Missile, Joint Strike Missile and AGM-88G AARGM-ER. Australia is also acquiring up to 220 BGM-109 Tomahawk missiles for its Hobart-class guided-missile destroyers. The broader long-range maritime and surface strike investment is planned at A$30 billion to A$37 billion over the next decade under Australia's Integrated Investment Program. The introduction of the two AGM-158 weapons involved the RAAF, Defence Delivery Group, Joint Capabilities Group, whole-of-government partners, and U.S. military and industry partners. The capability supports Australia's deterrence-through-denial approach outlined in the National Defence Strategy.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-14 16:06:41
World
TALLINN, Estonia — A shipment of ammunition for Estonia’s M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) is expected to arrive in the country shortly, Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur has said. Estonian specialists are currently in the United States preparing the rockets for transport. Once the remaining procedures are completed, the ammunition will begin its journey to Estonia and could arrive as early as this month, according to reports by Estonian public broadcaster ERR. The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments signed the original contract for HIMARS systems and associated missiles in late 2022. The order included ammunition with ranges of about 70 kilometres, including Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets, and 300 kilometres, in the form of ATACMS ballistic missiles. Pevkur said the United States is not currently transferring the longer-range 300-kilometre ATACMS missiles to its allies because of the ongoing situation involving the war with Iran. Shorter-range GMLRS ammunition and training rounds have been cleared for delivery. Estonia received all six HIMARS launchers from its first contract in April 2025. The systems were subsequently brought into service with the Estonian Defence Forces and conducted their first live-fire exercises in 2025. Estonia Orders Three More HIMARS Launchers Estonia signed a further contract with Lockheed Martin in April 2026 for three additional HIMARS launchers, along with more ammunition. Delivery of the additional systems is scheduled for 2027. The agreement also includes an investment of about $11 million in Estonia’s defence industry. Under the arrangement, Estonian companies are expected to develop local capabilities for maintaining HIMARS components. Lockheed Martin is also set to establish a HIMARS maintenance centre in Estonia. The facility is intended to provide an important maintenance and support capability for the HIMARS systems in the Baltic region. The original 2022 procurement package also included communications equipment, training, logistics support and different types of ammunition. With six launchers already in service and three more on order, Estonia is continuing to expand its HIMARS capability and ammunition stocks as part of its defence development.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-14 15:53:25
Europe
DÜSSELDORF, Germany — German defence company Rheinmetall has secured a major contract worth a low three-digit million-euro amount from an undisclosed international customer for 155mm artillery projectiles. The order covers a low five-figure number of projectiles. Rheinmetall said the contract was recognised in its third-quarter 2026 order intake, with production already underway and deliveries scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027. The customer, exact quantity and specific projectile designation have not been disclosed. The ammunition belongs to Rheinmetall’s standard 155mm artillery portfolio and is already in service with several NATO member states. Designed according to NATO’s Joint Ballistic Memorandum of Understanding (JBMOU), the projectiles can be used with standard 155mm systems including the Panzerhaubitze 2000, CAESAR, Archer and RCH 155. Rheinmetall says the ammunition provides long-range capability and high effectiveness. The contract comes as Rheinmetall continues to expand its artillery ammunition production following increased demand since 2022. The company plans to reach annual production capacity of around 1.1 million 155mm rounds by 2027 and approximately 1.5 million by 2030. Rheinmetall is expanding production facilities across Europe, including its Unterlüß site in Lower Saxony. In July 2026, the company began construction of a new powder-production facility at its Nitrochemie site in Aschau am Inn, Bavaria. The facility is planned to produce more than one million modular propellant charge modules, along with additional propellant powder and combustible components, with maximum production capacity expected in 2028. Rheinmetall also announced in July that projectiles from its new Werk Niedersachsen plant in Unterlüß had been delivered to Ukraine for the first time. The shipment involved a low five-figure number of 155mm projectiles, with additional propellant charges supplied from other Rheinmetall facilities. The latest order follows separate 155mm ammunition contracts for Ukraine announced by Rheinmetall in June and July 2026. One July contract, funded by a NATO member, covered several thousand 155mm shells and propellant charges, with delivery planned before April 2027. Rheinmetall’s Weapon and Ammunition division generated €1.757 billion in sales in the first six months of 2026, up 33 percent from the same period in 2025. The company said ammunition packages for Hungary, as well as artillery and medium-calibre ammunition for Ukraine, were among the main contributors. The latest international contract adds to Rheinmetall’s expanding 155mm ammunition production commitments as the company works toward its target of approximately 1.5 million rounds annually by 2030.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-14 15:23:33
World
JEDDAH — Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper in Jeddah on Monday as Saudi Arabia responds to growing security concerns involving Yemen and Iraq. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the two officials discussed Saudi-U.S. military relations and the latest regional developments. Saudi Minister of State, Cabinet Member and National Security Adviser Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban also attended the meeting. Houthi Forces Advance Along Red Sea Coast The meeting came amid a new escalation involving Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement. The Houthis captured the port city of Mocha on September 10 and subsequently advanced toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Their reported capture of Mayun Island and positions in the Hanish Islands has increased their presence around the strategically important maritime area. The Bab el-Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is an important route for international shipping. The Houthi advances have also raised security concerns in southern Saudi Arabia. Saudi Civil Defense issued alerts for Najran, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Abha following missile and drone attacks. The alerts were later lifted after authorities said the areas were safe. Drone Attack Hits East-West Pipeline Saudi Arabia is also dealing with a separate security incident involving its energy infrastructure. Drones launched from Iraqi territory reportedly struck Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline on the night of September 10-11. The attacks affected pumping stations in the Riyadh and Medina regions and caused injuries and damage. Saudi Arabia temporarily shut down the pipeline as a precaution. The approximately 1,200-kilometer pipeline transports crude oil from Saudi Arabia's eastern oil-producing areas to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. The route provides Saudi Arabia with an alternative to shipping oil through the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi authorities said the drones originated from Iraq, while Iraqi authorities began an investigation into the attack. Riyadh has indicated that it is prepared to cooperate with Baghdad on a joint investigation. Saudi Arabia Seeks U.S. Support The recent developments have increased the importance of military coordination between Riyadh and Washington. According to reports, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump as the Houthi offensive developed and sought U.S. military assistance. The United States did not agree to conduct direct strikes against the Houthis but offered intelligence-sharing and targeting assistance to Saudi Arabia. The United States and Saudi Arabia have also previously conducted joint military operations against Iran-aligned groups. On July 28, CENTCOM and Saudi forces carried out precision strikes in Iraq following more than 30 drone attacks over a 72-hour period, according to the information provided by U.S. officials. Regional Security Concerns Saudi Arabia is now monitoring developments involving the Houthis in Yemen as well as Iran-aligned armed groups operating from Iraq. The situation also comes amid wider regional tensions affecting energy infrastructure and maritime routes. A planned meeting in Oman between Gulf countries and Iran was postponed, with officials saying the delay was intended to provide better conditions for dialogue. The meeting between Mohammed bin Salman and Admiral Cooper comes as Riyadh continues discussions with Washington over defense cooperation and the security situation across the region.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-14 15:10:30
World
KYIV — Russia is increasing production of low-cost, jet-powered strike weapons, including the Geran-5 drone and S8000 Banderol cruise missile. Both systems use Chinese components and are estimated to cost around $100,000 each, far below the more than $2 million cost of high-end U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles. The new weapons are designed to provide greater speed and strike capability than Russia's earlier propeller-driven Geran drones while remaining relatively inexpensive to produce. Geran-5 The Geran-5 was first identified in combat use in early January 2026. According to Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), it has a maximum takeoff weight of about 850 kg, a cruising speed of 450–600 km/h, endurance of roughly two hours and a range of up to 950 km. It can operate at altitudes up to 6 km, although recorded use has been between 200 meters and 3 km. The drone carries a warhead of about 90 kg and uses a conventional fixed-wing design with a tubular fuselage. It is approximately 6 meters long, with a 5.5-meter wingspan, and uses carbon fiber over an aluminum and steel structure. Power comes from a Chinese Telefly TF-TJ2000A turbojet engine producing about 200 kg of thrust. Its equipment includes the Kometa-M12 satellite navigation system with a 12-element anti-jamming antenna, inertial navigation, a flight controller and Tracker V3 telemetry equipment using a Raspberry Pi-style computer with 3G/LTE modems. A Chinese Xingkai Tech XK-F358 mesh modem provides communication through a daisy-chain network between drones. GUR has also identified U.S.-made microchips from Texas Instruments, CTS Corporation and Monolithic Power Systems, along with at least one chip from Germany's Infineon Technologies. S8000 Banderol The S8000 Banderol, developed by Russia's Kronshtadt Group, was publicly detailed by Ukrainian intelligence in 2025. It is about 5 meters long, has a 2.2-meter wingspan and a range of up to 500 km. The missile cruises at around 520–560 km/h, with a maximum speed of approximately 650 km/h. It carries an OFBCh-150 high-explosive fragmentation warhead weighing 114.3 kg, including about 50 kg of explosives. The Banderol is powered by a commercially available Chinese Swiwin SW800Pro turbojet engine and combines inertial and satellite navigation. Its main launch platform is the Orion (Inokhodets) UAV. It has also been tested or used from Mi-28 helicopters, while ground-launched versions have been observed. Ukrainian sources estimate its cost at $50,000–$150,000, consistent with the roughly $100,000 estimate. Chinese Components and Production Investigations of wreckage recovered in Ukraine have identified Chinese engines, navigation equipment, communications systems, carbon-fiber materials and other dual-use components in Russian weapons. Some Western-made electronics have also been identified despite sanctions. Reports indicate that Russia is producing hundreds of jet-powered Geran variants each month. One reported target included approximately 1,200 Geran-4 and 800 Geran-5 drones in a single month, while Banderol production has been reported at up to 120 missiles per month. China has stated that it does not provide lethal weapons to either side and maintains controls on dual-use exports. Western and Ukrainian investigations have nevertheless identified supply routes through third countries that allow components to reach Russian production networks. Impact on Air Defense The higher speed of jet-powered drones gives Ukrainian air defenses less time to detect and engage them compared with slower propeller-driven drones. Ukraine has improved its ability to intercept older Geran systems, but the faster variants can require more capable and expensive air-defense systems. The low cost of the Russian weapons creates an economic challenge when expensive interceptors are used against them. The development also has implications beyond Ukraine. Russia, Iran and North Korea exchange military technology and production experience, while combat-tested developments from the war in Ukraine can potentially influence military programs elsewhere, including those of Iran and North Korea. The combination of low cost, higher speed, improved navigation and access to foreign components is allowing Russia to expand production while Ukraine and its partners continue adapting their air defenses and efforts to restrict sanctions-evasion supply networks.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-14 14:56:32
Europe
KIELCE, Poland — Polish aviation company Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr 2 (WZL-2), part of the state-owned Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), and private Polish technology company Blackfish P.S.A. presented the MAKO X1, a man-portable counter-drone launcher, at the MSPO 2026 International Defence Industry Exhibition in Kielce. The system was presented during MSPO, which was held from September 8 to 11, 2026. According to information from the developers and reports from the exhibition, the MAKO X1 is designed to intercept one-way attack drones in the Shahed/Geran class, particularly in open terrain. Single-Soldier Counter-Drone System The MAKO X1 uses a single-use interceptor drone carried in a handheld launcher. The interceptor can operate in a kinetic configuration or carry a warhead. The system is intended for Poland’s ground forces and special operations forces and is positioned as an alternative to conventional guided missiles for countering unmanned aerial systems. Its developers emphasize the interceptor's maneuverability and its ability to operate autonomously during the attack phase. Blackfish developed the interception software in-house. Initial target detection is performed exclusively through an optical channel, rather than an active radar. After launch, the interceptor is designed to conduct its attack autonomously. The developers state that the system is resistant to electronic interference during the attack phase, supporting operation in environments where electronic warfare can affect unmanned systems. MAKO X1 Specifications Parameter Specification Operator 1 soldier Maximum takeoff weight 3 kg Flight time About 10 minutes Maximum speed Up to 400 km/h Range Up to 10 km Service ceiling 4,000 m Target detection Optical channel Attack mode Autonomous Interceptor carried 1 Interceptor configuration Kinetic or warhead The published specifications show a compact interceptor with a maximum speed of 400 km/h, a range of 10 km, a service ceiling of 4,000 meters, and approximately 10 minutes of flight time. WZL-2 and Blackfish WZL-2 is part of PGZ and is one of Poland's major aviation companies. Its activities include maintenance, repair and modernization of military aircraft, as well as work involving unmanned systems. The company was among the Polish defense firms presenting a range of unmanned and aviation-related technologies at MSPO 2026. Blackfish is a privately owned Polish technology company involved in autonomous and counter-drone systems. For the MAKO X1, it developed the interception software and optical-based target-processing capability. WZL-2 also displayed the SAR EVO5 WP bomber drone at MSPO 2026, configured with four payload-release mechanisms. The MAKO X1 presentation reflects the growing focus on portable counter-UAS systems designed to give ground units a dedicated means of engaging attack drones. The developers have presented the system as a more maneuverable alternative to conventional guided missiles, while its stated specifications focus on short-range interception using an autonomous interceptor drone.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-14 13:55:56
U.S
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works is expanding its Vectis Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program by building four additional airframes, bringing the total planned number to five. The company announced the expansion during the Air, Space & Cyber Conference near Washington, D.C., where a full-scale Vectis model was displayed publicly for the first time. First Flight Remains Targeted for 2027 Ron Fehlen, vice president and general manager of Skunk Works, said development of the four additional aircraft is already underway. The first Vectis prototype remains on track for its initial flight by the end of 2027. The additional airframes will support expanded testing and production-process validation. Experience gained from the first aircraft is expected to help later airframes be built and flown more quickly. Vectis Aircraft Design Vectis is a tailless, subsonic, multirole unmanned aircraft designed for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft role. It is intended to operate independently or alongside crewed fighters such as the F-35. The aircraft is approximately: Length: 10.4 metres (34 feet) Wingspan: 11.6 metres (38 feet) Category: U.S. Group 5 unmanned aircraft Group 5 covers unmanned systems weighing more than 599 kilograms (1,320 pounds) and operating above 5,486 metres (18,000 feet). Vectis features a top-mounted submerged engine inlet, designed to reduce drag and lower the risk of debris entering the engine during operations from austere locations. The aircraft has an internal weapons bay and an open systems architecture designed to support multiple missions, including air-to-air, air-to-ground, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. Engine and Development Weapons, production-engine details and unit cost have not been disclosed. The prototype will initially use a Williams International FJ44-4 turbofan producing more than 3,600 pounds of thrust. Lockheed Martin is examining higher-thrust options for later versions. The company has said Vectis is being designed to meet a competitive CCA price point. Lockheed Martin said the program progressed from the first design sketch to a wind-tunnel test in less than two months. The first digital build was completed in six months, while the first physical part was released in eight months. The company said the rapid development has been supported by digital design and manufacturing methods developed through internal investment. U.S. CCA Competition The U.S. Air Force selected General Atomics’ YFQ-42A and Anduril’s YFQ-44A for its first CCA increment. The service has outlined a longer-term goal of acquiring around 1,000 CCAs, with a target cost of about $20 million per aircraft before sensors and mission systems. Lockheed Martin is also discussing Vectis with potential U.S. Navy customers and international partners. The concept has previously been displayed at events including the Farnborough International Airshow. The company has not specified exact roles for the four additional Vectis airframes beyond expanded testing and production validation.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-14 13:39:13
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Air Force’s first 16 F-15EX Eagle II fighters recorded an average materiel availability rate of 72.4% in fiscal 2026, according to a U.S. Department of War acquisition report. The figure, measured on February 24, 2026, covers aircraft EX1 through EX16. The rate is 12.4 percentage points above the program’s 60% minimum sustainment threshold, but remains below the Air Force’s 80% objective. The report describes the result as slightly below the objective and notes no formal performance deviation. Availability and Fleet Expansion The 60% threshold and 80% objective come from the Air Force’s Rapid Fielding Requirements Document, which Air Combat Command validated in August 2020. The targets have remained unchanged under the current acquisition baseline. As of April 14, 2026, 18 F-15EX aircraft had been delivered. The revised acquisition plan covers 268 aircraft in total, as the Air Force prepares to expand the fleet. Testing and Operational Status The F-15EX completed its main operational test phase in November 2023. Initial operational and live-fire evaluations found the aircraft effective in defensive and offensive counter-air missions against surrogate fifth-generation adversary aircraft. Testing also confirmed a basic air-to-ground capability. The Air Force approved full-rate production in June 2024 and declared initial operational capability in July 2024. Production and Supply Risks The acquisition report treats production delays and material shortages as separate schedule and industrial risks rather than performance shortfalls. It states that the F-15EX continues to meet all approved technical performance and cost thresholds. A 15-week strike at Boeing’s St. Louis production facility from August to November 2025 caused delivery delays. The disruption, along with parts and material supply risks, pushed the projected full operational capability date to early 2028. The Air Force continues efforts to increase production rates. Under the fiscal 2027 budget request, recent program updates put the planned fleet at approximately 267–268 aircraft. Operating and Support Costs The report estimates annual operating and support costs at $13.1 million per fighter in constant fiscal 2020 dollars. The estimated annual cost includes: Maintenance: $7.2 million Unit operations: $3 million Unit-level manpower: $1.9 million Sustaining support and continuing system improvements: Remaining costs Software and Aircraft Configuration F-15EX software is provided through the separate F-15 Continuous Development and Integration program, which also supports the F-15C, F-15D and F-15E. The report identifies no significant software-related problems for the F-15EX. The two-seat F-15EX Eagle II is based on the F-15QA configuration built for Qatar and includes Air Force-specific electronic warfare systems and mission software. It is initially intended to replace aging F-15C and F-15D aircraft in defensive and offensive counter-air missions. The 72.4% availability rate provides an early measure of F-15EX sustainment performance as the Air Force continues deliveries and prepares to expand the fleet.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-14 13:29:44
World
MA’RIB, Yemen — Debris identified by open-source defense analysts as the booster stage of a Chinese-made DF-15A short-range ballistic missile has been documented in the Raghwan district of Ma’rib Governorate. Photographs of the wreckage circulated through regional military monitoring and open-source intelligence accounts. Analysts including MenchOsint and OSINTWarfare identified the cylindrical debris as a DF-15A booster based on its structure, aerodynamic fins and casing characteristics. The discovery comes amid renewed fighting around Ma’rib involving Houthi forces, also known as Ansar Allah, and forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognized government. Saudi Arabia has continued airstrikes in support of government forces in the area. INTERESTING: Chinese-made DF-15A missile booster found in Ma'rib, Yemen.Houthis don't have these missiles. Their arsenal is Iranian-derived. Saudi Arabia has a documented history of secret Chinese ballistic missile purchases (DF-3A, DF-21). Analysts are pointing to this as… pic.twitter.com/3JGGFYc2lk — Clash Report (@clashreport) September 14, 2026 The DF-15A is a Chinese solid-fuel, single-stage short-range ballistic missile. Its range is generally reported at around 600 kilometers, although some technical references give a range of 600–900 kilometers. It carries a conventional warhead, with published estimates varying between 500 and 750 kilograms. The reported identification has attracted attention because Saudi Arabia has a documented history of acquiring Chinese ballistic missiles, although neither Saudi Arabia nor China has publicly confirmed that Riyadh operates the DF-15A. Saudi Arabia’s longest-range ballistic missile in service is widely identified as the Chinese DF-3 (CSS-2), which was acquired in 1988 and publicly displayed by Saudi Arabia in 2014. The missile is estimated to have a range of approximately 2,500 kilometers and is associated with a warhead of about 2,000 kilograms. Saudi Arabia’s longest-range ballistic missile in service is the Chinese DF-3 (CSS-2), publicly displayed in 2014.An estimated ~2,500 km range with a ~2,000 kg warhead, acquired in 1988.DF-21 (CSS-5) is also widely reported in Saudi service, but never publicly displayed. pic.twitter.com/bybc8jcOYV — CrystalAura (@Ahmed_kv44) September 14, 2026 Saudi Arabia also acquired DF-21 (CSS-5) medium-range ballistic missiles from China, with the acquisition reported around 2007 and subsequently confirmed in U.S. government records. The DF-21 is widely reported to be in Saudi service but has not been publicly displayed. Publicly released information has also indicated Chinese assistance with Saudi ballistic-missile production infrastructure. The Houthis are not publicly known to operate the DF-15A. Their missile arsenal has included systems derived from older Soviet designs and Iranian-associated technology. No evidence presented so far links the Ma’rib debris to a Houthi-operated DF-15A. Some analysts have also raised the possibility of a Pakistani connection, citing the long-standing military relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and their Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed in September 2025. Pakistan does not publicly operate the DF-15A, instead fielding ballistic missiles including the Ghaznavi and Shaheen families. No physical evidence has publicly linked Pakistani forces or equipment to the Raghwan debris. The location and reported trajectory have led some open-source analysts to assess that the missile may have been launched from Saudi territory. However, this has not been officially confirmed. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense and the Chinese government have not publicly commented on the reported debris. Further evidence or official statements will be required to confirm the missile’s origin and operator.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-14 12:54:11
Europe
HELSINKI — Finnish defence company Patria has signed an agreement to supply its MUSCL passive radar system to an undisclosed European NATO member country. The contract covers several sensor stations needed to monitor a large area, along with spare parts, training and support services. The package is intended to support rapid operational deployment and further capability development. Patria has not disclosed the contract value or delivery schedule. Passive Radar for Air Surveillance Patria MUSCL is a transportable passive radar system designed to detect, track and report aerial targets in real time. It supports air surveillance, early warning and counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) missions. Instead of transmitting its own radar signals, MUSCL uses existing transmissions in the surrounding electromagnetic environment, including FM radio and DVB-T/DVB-T2 digital television broadcasts. This allows the system to monitor airspace without actively transmitting signals that could reveal its position. According to Patria, MUSCL provides 360-degree surveillance and can track more than 100 aerial targets simultaneously, with updates approximately once per second. The company cites detection ranges of under 150 km for fighter aircraft, under 80 km for helicopters and more than 10 km for small NATO Class 1 UAVs, depending on target type and operating conditions. Flexible Deployment MUSCL can operate as an individual sensor or as part of a network of multiple stations. The system can be operated locally or remotely and can integrate with command-and-control networks through standard interfaces. Patria also states that it is designed for unattended 24/7 operation once deployed. Mikko Leino, Executive Vice President of Patria’s Defence and Weapon Systems business area, said the agreement demonstrates the customer's confidence in Patria's passive sensor technology. “Patria MUSCL delivers a unique combination of covert surveillance, operational flexibility and cost-effective performance,” Leino said. Patria said demand for passive radar technology is growing across Europe as military forces strengthen air-defence and counter-UAS capabilities. MUSCL Demonstration in Estonia Patria will demonstrate MUSCL during the Electronic Warfare Live (EWLive) 2026 event in Estonia from September 15–17. During the demonstration, MUSCL will operate together with Patria’s CATCHR electronic support measures (ESM) system to provide real-time situational awareness of airspace over Estonia and southern Finland. Patria said neither system will transmit signals of its own during the demonstration. Patria has more than 30 years of experience in designing, developing and delivering passive radio-frequency sensor systems for intelligence, surveillance and electronic countermeasures.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-14 12:35:45
Europe
KIELCE, Poland — MBDA and Poland’s Military Institute of Armament Technology (WITU) are advancing the Counter Mass Interceptor (CMI), a low-cost, supersonic surface-to-air missile designed to counter mass attacks involving one-way attack drones, ISR drones, helicopters and cruise missiles. The programme follows successful seeker field trials in Poland in September 2026, which evaluated the infrared seeker against representative drone targets across several engagement scenarios. The results have cleared the way for the seeker to be integrated into a prototype missile designed by WITU. The first firing campaign is planned for 2027. The CMI is designed for high-volume production and to reduce the cost imbalance between relatively inexpensive drones and the more costly interceptors normally used against them. The missile is intended to engage targets at ranges and altitudes exceeding 6 kilometres. The interceptor weighs approximately 53 kg, is about 2.3 metres long and has a 122 mm diameter. It uses an infrared seeker and carries a blast-fragmentation warhead. MBDA first presented the CMI at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2026, alongside its surface-launched ASRAAM offering. Polish Design with MBDA Seeker MBDA and WITU announced their cooperation at the MSPO 2026 defence exhibition in Kielce, where they signed a broader memorandum of understanding covering missile research. Under the CMI programme, WITU is responsible for the missile design, while MBDA provides the seeker technology. The arrangement gives Poland a major role in developing the weapon rather than limiting its participation to local assembly. MBDA has also indicated interest in producing the seeker in Poland, subject to approval by Polish authorities. WITU Director Colonel Paweł Sweklej said the cooperation combines a fully Polish missile design with MBDA's seeker technology and supports the development of Polish technologies for European missile solutions. Chris Allam, UK Managing Director of MBDA, said the project demonstrates MBDA's commitment to Poland and builds on its support for Poland's layered air-defence capability through the PILICA+ and NAREW programmes, including technology transfer. The partnership also comes under the Northolt Treaty, signed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in May 2026 to strengthen defence cooperation and support joint development of next-generation munitions and European supply-chain resilience. Part of Poland's Layered Air Defence The CMI is being developed as an additional high-volume layer within Poland's expanding air-defence and counter-UAS capability. Poland is developing a combination of missiles, guns, electronic warfare systems, radars and other effectors to address different types of aerial threats. The CMI is intended for the lower-cost, high-volume end of this architecture, while systems including Piorun, CAMM and CAMM-ER provide other air-defence capabilities. MBDA already has a significant role in Poland through NAREW and PILICA+. WITU is also participating in the European Hypersonic Defence Interceptor System (HYDIS) programme, which focuses on future interceptor technologies for hypersonic and ballistic threats. The immediate focus of the CMI programme is prototype integration followed by the planned 2027 firing campaign. MBDA and WITU have not disclosed a unit price, production target or entry-into-service date.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-13 16:16:30
India
New Delhi — The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has demonstrated and implemented indigenous Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology for high-frequency defence applications, including next-generation radars and electronic warfare systems. The development is part of India’s efforts to build domestic capability in advanced semiconductor technology. The technology was highlighted in the Ministry of Defence’s annual report for 2025-26. It covers advanced components used to generate, amplify, receive and control high-frequency signals. Such components have applications in radar, electronic warfare, communications, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and unmanned systems. Indigenous GaN Technology for X-Band Applications A single indigenous GaN chip measuring 3.5 × 3 mm can deliver up to 30 watts of power and operate at speeds reported to be 300 times faster than silicon. The development includes indigenous GaN Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) technology for applications up to the X-band. The technology also includes indigenously fabricated S-band GaN High Electron-Mobility Transistor (HEMT) power bars, power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers and switch MMICs, which have been designed, fabricated and demonstrated. GaN is a semiconductor material suited to high-frequency and high-power applications. Its use in radar transmitters and electronic warfare systems allows the development of compact components capable of handling high-frequency signals and significant power levels. SSPL Develops GaN and SiC Technology The latest progress builds on work by DRDO’s Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL). In November 2024, the Ministry of Defence said SSPL had developed indigenous processes for manufacturing 4-inch-diameter Silicon Carbide (SiC) wafers and fabricating GaN HEMTs rated up to 150 watts and MMICs up to 40 watts for applications up to X-band frequencies. The Ministry said GaN/SiC technology can provide improved efficiency, reduced size and weight, and enhanced performance. It identified the technology as important for future combat systems, radars, electronic warfare, communications, intelligence, reconnaissance and unmanned systems. Limited production capability for indigenous GaN-on-SiC MMICs has also been established at the Gallium Arsenide Enabling Technology Centre (GAETEC) in Hyderabad. According to the Ministry, these multifunctional MMICs have applications in strategic systems, space, aerospace and 5G and satellite communications. iDEX Brings Private Industry Into GaN Development The development is also linked to the government’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) programme. On December 1, 2023, iDEX-Defence Innovation Organisation signed its 300th contract with Agnit Semiconductors Private Limited for the design and development of advanced GaN semiconductors for next-generation wireless transmitters used in defence applications, including radars and electronic warfare jammers. The Ministry of Defence said at the time that almost all GaN components were being imported because the technology is sensitive and cutting-edge, with exports controlled or restricted by several countries. The project aimed to design, develop and manufacture GaN components in India using indigenous technology. The contract was signed in New Delhi by then Additional Secretary (Defence Industries Production) and Defence Innovation Organisation CEO T Natarajan with Agnit Semiconductors Private Limited. Former Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and senior civil and military officials were also present. The development of indigenous GaN and SiC-based MMIC technology, together with limited production capability at GAETEC and industry participation through iDEX, is intended to strengthen India’s domestic semiconductor capability for defence and other strategic applications.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-13 16:00:05
U.S
WASHINGTON / ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has awarded BlueHalo LLC an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a ceiling of $99,832,117 for the Leveraged Orbital Battlespace Optimization (LOBO) research and development program. The five-year contract is intended to support research aimed at advancing scientific knowledge and state-of-the-art technology for space systems. The contract is expected to run through August 29, 2031. Work will be carried out in Huntsville, Alabama, and at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. AFRL’s Space Vehicles Directorate at Kirtland is the contracting activity. At the time of the award, the Air Force obligated $1,696,597 in fiscal 2026 research, development, test and evaluation funds. The funding supports two initial task orders with a combined ceiling of $20,178,910. Additional work can be placed through future task orders under the contract. The award followed a competitive solicitation that received one offer. LOBO Program Details Remain Classified The public contract announcement provides limited information about the specific technologies or systems that will be developed under LOBO. The notice describes the effort broadly as research to advance scientific knowledge and state-of-the-art technology supporting space systems. The Air Force Research Laboratory and BlueHalo have not publicly released the technical details of the first two task orders, including the specific hardware, software or orbital platforms involved. BlueHalo has previously worked with AFRL in areas including autonomous space-based sensing, space situational awareness, battle-management command and control, and defensive counterspace technologies. The company has also developed space-based optical communications capabilities. In 2025, BlueHalo demonstrated a two-terminal optical communications system designed to simulate long-distance communications involving low-Earth, medium-Earth and geostationary orbits, advancing the system to Technology Readiness Level 6. BlueHalo Now Part of AeroVironment The LOBO award comes after BlueHalo became part of AeroVironment Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV). AeroVironment completed its acquisition of BlueHalo in May 2025 through an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $4.1 billion. BlueHalo is based in Huntsville, Alabama, and Arlington, Virginia, while the LOBO work will be performed at its Huntsville operation and Kirtland Air Force Base. The new contract provides AFRL with a multi-year contracting vehicle for research related to the optimization of the orbital battlespace. While the contract has a maximum value of nearly $100 million, the amount ultimately spent will depend on future task orders issued during the contract period.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-13 15:40:16
Europe
KIELCE, POLAND — Lockheed Martin has displayed its Vectis unmanned combat aircraft at the 34th International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO 2026) in Kielce, presenting the Skunk Works-developed Collaborative Combat Aircraft as a potential complement to fifth-generation fighters such as Poland’s F-35A. Poland is building a fleet of 32 F-35A fighters, and Vectis is designed to extend the capabilities of crewed aircraft by distributing sensors, weapons and electronic warfare functions across networked platforms. Vectis development and propulsion Lockheed Martin publicly unveiled Vectis on September 21, 2025, describing it as a Group 5 Collaborative Combat Aircraft developed by its Skunk Works division for U.S. and allied forces. The clean-sheet, internally funded programme was already under development when it was revealed, with parts ordered and company funding committed to a rapid design-build-fly schedule. Lockheed Martin is targeting a first flight in 2027. In December 2025, the company selected the Williams International FJ44-4 turbofan, which provides more than 3,600 pounds of thrust, to reduce propulsion risk as the aircraft moves toward flight testing. Missions and low-observable design Vectis is designed for precision strike, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance targeting, electronic warfare, and offensive and defensive counter-air missions. It also incorporates multi-domain connectivity and an open-system architecture. The aircraft uses a tailless configuration and blended shaping intended to support low observability. Lockheed Martin has not disclosed exact figures for its radar cross-section, maximum speed, combat radius or internal weapons capacity. The company says Vectis is smaller than an F-16 but larger than its compact CMMT missile-like drones. The aircraft could allow F-35s to operate with additional sensors, weapons and electronic warfare capabilities distributed across the formation. A Vectis operating farther forward could potentially collect targeting information, support electronic warfare or carry additional weapons while crewed aircraft remain at greater distance from heavily defended areas. Relevance to Poland The concept is particularly relevant to Poland as it develops its F-35 fleet and broader networked combat capabilities. In contested airspace, autonomous aircraft could provide additional capabilities without requiring every new combat platform to be a crewed fighter. Vectis is being positioned toward the higher-survivability end of the CCA market. This differs from the first U.S. Air Force CCA Increment 1 platforms, General Atomics’ YFQ-42A and Anduril’s YFQ-44, for which engineering, manufacturing, development and production contracts were awarded in June 2026. Lockheed Martin has not disclosed a procurement decision involving Poland. The 2027 first flight will provide an opportunity to demonstrate Vectis’ aerodynamic performance, propulsion, autonomy and mission-system integration as development continues.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-13 15:26:43
Space & Technology
WARSAW — A Polish software developer has launched Zuckoff, an app that detects nearby camera-equipped smart glasses by scanning their Bluetooth signals. The app was developed by 30-year-old software engineer Paweł Szydłowski and has gained approximately 5,000 users in its first month on Apple's App Store. The app was created amid growing privacy concerns over the use of smart glasses to record people without their knowledge. It primarily detects Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, developed in partnership with EssilorLuxottica. The glasses look similar to conventional eyewear but include a forward-facing camera, microphones and onboard artificial intelligence. How Zuckoff Works Zuckoff scans Bluetooth Low Energy broadcasts and compares them with a database of known smart-glasses signatures. Szydłowski built the database by purchasing several models and recording their Bluetooth fingerprints, including device identifiers, manufacturer codes and service UUIDs. The project lists codes including 0x0D53 for Luxottica, covering Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta devices, 0x058E for Meta Platforms Technologies wearables, and 0x03C2 for Snap Spectacles. The app can also flag some devices based on advertised product names, but with lower confidence. The free version provides an estimated proximity reading while scanning. Zuckoff Pro adds background detection, push notifications, a Home Screen widget, Lock Screen Live Activity, longer sighting history and CSV export. It costs $9.99 annually, with a free trial week, or $24.99 for a lifetime license with Family Sharing. Scanning takes place on the device. The app does not require an account or access to personal data, location, camera or microphone. Logs remain local unless users export them or voluntarily report an unidentified device. Detection Limitations Zuckoff can detect compatible hardware but cannot determine whether the camera is recording or identify the wearer. Bluetooth strength provides only a rough proximity estimate and does not show the device's direction. Signals can be stronger when glasses start up, pair or are removed from their charging case, while some devices may broadcast less noticeably during normal use. Therefore, an alert indicates that compatible camera-equipped glasses may be nearby, not that recording is taking place. The app currently supports iOS 18 or later, while an Android version is in closed testing. Privacy Concerns Privacy concerns around smart glasses have increased following examples of people being recorded without their knowledge. In late 2024, two Harvard students demonstrated I-XRAY, which used Meta Ray-Ban glasses to stream video while software performed facial recognition to identify people. Meta's glasses use a small LED to indicate camera activity. After discovering that some users had covered or removed the indicator, Meta disabled the cameras on thousands of affected glasses. The company said those devices represented less than 0.1% of glasses sold and introduced software updates to improve detection of attempts to obstruct or damage the LED. It also removed online instructions showing how to bypass the indicator. European Union regulators have reportedly contacted Szydłowski for information about Zuckoff's functionality and privacy implications, although details of the reported inquiry have not been independently confirmed. Zuckoff is an independent project with no affiliation with Meta, Luxottica, Ray-Ban, Oakley or Snap. Szydłowski continues to expand its detection database using signals collected from physical hardware and accepts reports of additional smart-glasses models.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-13 15:20:23Search
Top Trending in 24 Hours
-
Chinese-Made DF-15A Missile Booster Found in Yemen’s Marib, Analysts Examine Saudi and Pakistan Links
-
Patria Signs Contract to Supply MUSCL Passive Radar to European NATO Country
-
Lockheed Martin Expands Vectis Combat Drone Program to Five Airframes Ahead of 2027 Flight Target
-
U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle II Fleet Posts 72.4% Materiel Availability
-
Polish Firms Present MAKO X1 Man-Portable Interceptor to Counter Shahed/Geran Drones
-
Estonia Set to Receive New HIMARS Ammunition Shipment With GMLRS Rockets From U.S. This Month
-
Russia Ramps Up Production of Jet-Powered Geran-5 Drones and Banderol Missiles, With Low Cost of Around $100,000 Per Unit
-
Saudi Arabia Faces Multi-Front Threats as Crown Prince Meets US CENTCOM Head
Top Trending in 4 Days
-
Satellite Imagery Reveals Damage at Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Including Direct Hits on Two Aircraft Shelters, After Iranian Missile Strike
-
Satellite Imagery Shows Heavy Damage to Saudi East–West Oil Pipeline Pumping Stations
-
Houthis Seize Strategic Perim Island Amid Suspected Strike on Saudi's East-West Oil Pipeline
-
Ukrainian Drones Strike Russian UAV Manufacturer and Chemical Plants in Taganrog and Tolyatti
-
U.S. Officials Link Chinese Satellite Imagery to Iranian Strike That Killed Three American Soldiers in Jordan
-
U.S. Air Force Awards Antares $161 Million to Develop Nuclear Reactor for Spacecraft
-
Anthropic Report Details Iran-Linked Use of Claude for Naval Targeting, Surveillance and Propaganda, Alongside Yemen Weapons Work
-
Pentagon Awards BlueHalo Up to $99.8 Million Contract for Orbital Battlespace R&D Program
