Europe
WARSAW, POLAND — Polish authorities are investigating a fire at a Starlink satellite communications ground station in Wola Krobowska, about 40 kilometers south of Warsaw, after indications emerged that the fire may have been deliberately started. Fire damages power equipment The fire broke out shortly after 9 p.m. on September 23. The property owner reported that antennas were on fire. Firefighters from the Grójec district received the alert at about 21:07 and sent three units to the site. Firefighters found flames involving the housing of a power distribution box covering about three square meters. The fire was extinguished with one stream of water, and firefighting operations ended at about 3:19 a.m. No injuries were reported. The fire damaged the power distribution unit connected to the antennas and a power generator. Possible arson under investigation Preliminary information indicated that the distribution unit may have been deliberately set on fire. An unofficial report said a bottle containing a flammable substance was found near the damaged equipment. However, investigators are also examining the possibility of an electrical short circuit. Lightning was ruled out based on the weather conditions at the time. Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski said there were strong indications that the fire was an act of arson intended to disrupt the station and internet access for institutions, including the Ukrainian military. Gawkowski said the method was consistent with a pattern associated with Russian services, but responsibility has not been confirmed. Security agencies join investigation Police took control of the site, while Poland’s Internal Security Agency (ABW) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBŚP) were notified and became involved. The District Prosecutor’s Office in Grójec has opened an investigation. Authorities are reviewing monitoring footage and securing other evidence while considering sabotage among the possible causes. Role of the Starlink station The Wola Krobowska facility is part of the ground infrastructure connecting Starlink’s satellite network with terrestrial systems. Together with a similar facility near Kaunas, Lithuania, it supports connectivity across Central and Eastern Europe, including Ukraine. The site contains around a dozen white spherical antennas, each about two meters in diameter, and is surrounded by a metal fence. The connectivity is used by Ukrainian military and critical institutions. Exatel, Poland’s state-owned telecommunications company, is associated with the location. Exatel said it leases the land and provides data-transmission services there but does not own or operate the satellite infrastructure. The company said none of its equipment was damaged and its network services were not affected. Station returns to operation The station has since returned to full operation, and authorities have not reported a major regional internet outage. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities determine whether the fire was caused by deliberate arson, an electrical failure, or another factor. No perpetrator or foreign government has been officially identified.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-24 18:09:15
World
WASHINGTON / CANBERRA — The United States and Australia are investigating how two unserviceable components from an Australian F-35 fighter jet were diverted to Hong Kong while being shipped to the United States. F-35 Parts Diverted During Shipment The shipment left Australia in late May 2026 and included a cockpit canopy and weapons-bay door from a Royal Australian Air Force F-35. The components contained radar-absorbing material associated with the aircraft’s stealth features. The parts were being sent to the United States for inspection, possible repair or disposal because Australia does not currently have facilities to repair the specialized F-35 canopies. The components were transported by a commercial intermediary on behalf of Lockheed Martin, the F-35’s primary contractor. Reports identified the carrier as UPS. The shipment stopped in South Korea before being routed to Hong Kong. The reason for the diversion remains unclear. Chinese Government Took Possession According to people briefed on the matter cited by Bloomberg, the Chinese government later took possession of the components and has not returned them. Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China. The diversion was first reported by Politico on September 18, 2026. The Pentagon’s F-35 Joint Program Office confirmed that it was tracking a “shipment issue” involving unserviceable F-35 Lightning II components. The office said it was working with US authorities and industry partners to recover the parts, investigate the incident and introduce safeguards against similar incidents. Australia Assisting Investigation Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed the incident on September 22. He said Australia was examining what happened on its side and assisting the United States and Lockheed Martin. Marles said there was a “sense of comfort” that the components were not considered sensitive equipment or sensitive parts. He added that the matter would ultimately be managed by the United States and Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin said it handles aircraft-part shipments in accordance with US Defense Department regulations and continues to cooperate with the US government. The company has not disclosed further details about the shipment. China’s Foreign Ministry and its embassy said they were not aware of the incident. US and Australian authorities have not publicly suggested that Beijing deliberately diverted the shipment. F-35 Global Supply Chain Australia operates 72 F-35s and maintains a spare-parts warehouse at Williamtown, north of Sydney, which serves as an Asia-Pacific hub for the F-35 program. The F-35 program uses a shared global pool of spare parts involving the United States and partner countries. The international supply network includes multiple countries, making logistics and tracking more complex. Previous F-35 Parts Tracking Concerns The incident also comes amid previous concerns about F-35 spare-parts tracking. A 2023 US Government Accountability Office report found that more than 1 million F-35 spare parts valued at over $85 million had gone missing over a five-year period. The GAO identified inadequate tracking visibility as a major factor behind the discrepancies. US State Department and Pentagon officials have briefed congressional staff on national security committees about the latest diversion. Investigations are continuing in the United States and Australia as authorities work to recover the components and determine how the shipment was redirected to Hong Kong.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-24 18:06:27
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy has awarded L3Harris Technologies an $876.4 million contract modification to continue development of the Next Generation Jammer Low Band (NGJ-LB) system for the EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft operated by the U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Contract Expands NGJ-LB Development The new award builds on a $587.4 million contract awarded in August 2024 for the engineering and manufacturing development phase of the NGJ-LB. The latest modification covers continued development, non-recurring tooling and equipment, associated labor, system demonstration test pods, cybersecurity and system security development, logistics, testing and evaluation, and software support for both U.S. and Australian forces. Work is scheduled to be completed in fiscal year 2031. The modification is undefinitized, allowing work to begin before the final terms and price are settled. It uses a cost-plus-incentive-fee structure and was not competitively awarded. Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. U.S. and Australian Funding At the time of the award, the U.S. Navy obligated about $3.65 million to $3.7 million from its fiscal 2026 research, development, test and evaluation budget. The Australian government provided $23 million in cooperative funds, giving it the larger share of the initial funding obligation. About 43% of the work will be performed at L3Harris’s facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. Other work will take place in Alabama, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Colorado, California, New York and Texas, while 3.4% of the effort will be performed in Australia. Low-Band Electronic Warfare The EA-18G Growler is a modified F/A-18F Super Hornet designed for electronic warfare, including jamming enemy radar and communications. The aircraft has traditionally used the AN/ALQ-99 tactical jamming pod, which was first introduced in the 1970s. The Navy is replacing the legacy system with a family of Next Generation Jammer pods covering different frequency bands. RTX’s Raytheon produces the AN/ALQ-249 mid-band variant, which is already deployed with the fleet. L3Harris is developing the low-band variant to address lower-frequency search radars. According to L3Harris, the NGJ-LB is designed to provide high-power jamming from standoff ranges, engage multiple targets and provide 360-degree coverage. Its software-based architecture is also intended to support updates against current and emerging threats. Industry Partners Support Program The NGJ-LB supply chain is also expanding. In July 2026, CPI Aerostructures received a $13.6 million contract from L3Harris to manufacture airborne pod structures for operational prototypes and additional test units. CPI said it had delivered its first test article. Honeywell Aerospace joined the program in June 2025, while Marotta Controls announced contracts in September 2026 to support the NGJ-LB, including technology for the turbine speed-control system used in the pod’s ram-air-turbine power-generation assembly. The NGJ-LB is being developed as a cooperative U.S.-Australian program. The latest $876.4 million modification will support continued development, testing, security and production-related work as the system moves toward eventual fielding on U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Air Force EA-18G Growlers.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-24 17:58:29
Europe
ROME — Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), a joint venture owned 51% by Fincantieri and 49% by Leonardo, has signed a contract worth approximately €3.7 billion with OCCAR for the development and production of two next-generation DDX destroyers for the Italian Navy. About €1.3 billion of the contract is in options. The agreement covers development, production, logistic studies and Initial In-Service Support (ISS). The contract officially launches the DDX programme, which is intended to replace and evolve Italy’s Horizon-class destroyers. OSN will place sub-supply contracts with its parent companies in the coming weeks. Fincantieri’s share will be approximately €1.8 billion, including about €800 million in options, while Leonardo’s portion will be approximately €1.7 billion, including about €480 million in options. Fincantieri will act as the system integrator, while Leonardo will develop the combat system. DDX Destroyer Specifications Each DDX destroyer will be 180 metres long, have a displacement of 13,500 tonnes, a range of 4,000 nautical miles and accommodate 251 crew members. The first ship is scheduled for delivery in 2033, with the second planned for 2035. The ships are being designed for complex maritime operations, with high levels of digitalisation, automation and integration between sensors, weapons, command-and-control systems and platform-management systems. The combat architecture is also designed to support interoperability and information sharing with multinational forces. Planned platform innovations include a DC power sub-network with energy storage, an integrated stabilisation and steering system, new methods for calculating thermal and electrical balances, and further development of the Ship Management System. Navis Sapiens Digital Architecture Fincantieri is developing the ships under its Navis Sapiens concept. The digital architecture will collect and correlate data from onboard systems to support operational decisions, technical management and through-life support. The open and scalable architecture is designed to support future upgrades. The ships will also connect with shore facilities through a Fincantieri Digital Ecosystem, linking them with a Digital Naval Base for data sharing, predictive maintenance and digital logistics support. At 15 knots, the ships will be able to manage unmanned underwater and surface assets through their digital backbone while optimising propulsion and electrical consumption. Air and Missile Defence Leonardo’s combat system will be centred on the new-generation SADOC 5 C5I system. The ships will also feature a high-power, fully digital S-band AESA radar and an MBDA weapon system. These systems are intended to provide Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) against missile, ballistic and hypersonic threats. The combat architecture is also being developed for multi-domain interoperability linked to Leonardo’s Michelangelo project. Fincantieri CEO and General Manager Pierroberto Folgiero, Leonardo CEO and General Manager Lorenzo Mariani, and OSN CEO Giovanni Sorrentino highlighted the programme’s importance for Italy’s naval capabilities, industrial supply chain, technological development and cooperation between Italian industry, the Italian Navy and OCCAR. The sub-supply agreements between OSN and its parent companies are classified as related-party transactions of greater significance and are being handled under the applicable regulatory procedures and exemptions for jointly controlled subsidiaries. The DDX programme will now move forward with the development and production of the two destroyers, with deliveries planned for 2033 and 2035.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-24 17:33:56
Space & Technology
BEIJING — China’s secretive reusable spaceplane has released and recaptured the same small satellite twice during its current mission, according to orbital tracking data analyzed by astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell. McDowell published a timeline on September 23 using data from the U.S. Space Force tracking network. The spaceplane, unofficially known as Shenlong, is on its fourth mission after launching on February 6, 2026, aboard a Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China. Repeated Satellite Operations The satellite involved is cataloged by the U.S. military as 2026-024H. The tracked sequence was: June 21: Shenlong released the satellite. July 12: The spaceplane approached and recaptured it. Analysts believe an onboard robotic arm may have been used. Late August: Shenlong released the same satellite again and moved several thousand kilometers away. September 10: The spaceplane began another rendezvous and closed the distance to the satellite. September 13: Shenlong recaptured the satellite for the second time. Commercial tracking company LeoLabs detected the satellite near Shenlong on June 22 and assessed with high confidence that it had been released from the spaceplane. During the September operation, U.S. tracking systems briefly recorded what appeared to be another object. McDowell assessed that it was likely a duplicate tracking entry for the same satellite rather than a new spacecraft. RPO Capabilities The maneuvers are part of rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), which involve a spacecraft approaching and operating near another object in orbit. RPO capabilities can support civilian activities such as satellite inspection, servicing and repair. The same technology can also allow a spacecraft to approach, inspect or physically interact with another satellite, making such operations closely monitored by military analysts. Shenlong has demonstrated similar activities before. Comparable release-and-recovery operations were observed during its second mission from August 2022 to May 2023 and its third mission from December 2023 to September 2024. Shenlong and the X-37B China has not officially released detailed technical specifications, mission objectives or the formal name of the spaceplane program. The name Shenlong, meaning “Divine Dragon,” is an unofficial designation used by external observers. The spacecraft launches vertically on a rocket and returns by landing horizontally on a runway. This has led to comparisons with the U.S. Space Force’s X-37B, whose missions are also largely classified. However, their publicly observed orbital activities differ. The Secure World Foundation has noted that the X-37B has not been observed conducting rendezvous operations with another object during its public missions and generally operates at different orbital altitudes from many active satellites. Earlier Shenlong missions lasted two days in 2020, 276 days during its second mission and 266 days during its third mission. The current mission remains underway. Earlier flights have been associated with a runway at Lop Nur in northwestern China. According to the Secure World Foundation, China has not registered the Shenlong missions or their released objects with the United Nations under the Registration Convention. Independent tracking networks therefore remain the main public source of information about the classified spaceplane and its activities in orbit. Main Source : defence-blog
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-24 17:29:23
World
BAKU — Azerbaijan has added Turkey’s SİVRİSİNEK (Mosquito) intelligent loitering munition to its military inventory. Developed by Turkish defense company Baykar, the system has been observed in Azerbaijani Army colors. Reports indicate that the SİVRİSİNEK has been deployed with the Nakhchivan Separate Combined Arms Army. Nakhchivan is an Azerbaijani exclave separated from the country's mainland by Armenian territory and bordering Turkey and Iran. 1,000-Kilometer Range The SİVRİSİNEK is designed as a long-endurance, runway-independent loitering munition. Baykar offers the system in two configurations: UM: Maximum take-off weight of 76 kg, endurance exceeding 9 hours and an operational range of approximately 1,000 km. UMX: Maximum take-off weight of 78 kg, endurance exceeding 8 hours and an operational range of approximately 900 km. It adds an AI-assisted electro-optical camera. Both versions have a 3.8-meter-long fuselage, 3.2-meter wingspan and 0.8-meter height. They use an internal-combustion engine driving a two-blade propeller and are launched by catapult, eliminating the need for a runway. The system carries a 20 kg warhead, operates at an altitude of about 4,000 feet, has a 10,000-foot service ceiling, cruises at approximately 55 KIAS and has a maximum speed of around 70 KIAS. AI-Based Swarm Capability SİVRİSİNEK is designed to operate in coordinated swarms. Multiple units can communicate during flight and share detected targets in real time. The system also supports AI-based visual navigation when GNSS signals are unavailable or jammed. The UMX variant uses an electro-optical camera for additional guidance and target detection. The system can operate alongside other Baykar platforms, including the K2, Bayraktar TB2, TB3 and AKINCI. Communication ranges are listed at more than 10 km for the UM and more than 80 km for the UMX. April 2026 Swarm Test Baykar first demonstrated SİVRİSİNEK in a swarm flight test on 17 April 2026 at its Flight Training and Test Center in Keşan, in the Edirne region of Turkey. During the demonstration, 10 SİVRİSİNEK units operated beneath five K2 Kamikaze UAVs. The drones flew in formations including right echelon, line, V and Turan before conducting coordinated dives toward designated coordinates. Bayraktar TB2, TB3 and AKINCI UAVs monitored the operation from higher altitude. The demonstration showed AI-supported swarm autonomy, coordinated operations and visual navigation without GNSS. Presented at SAHA 2026 SİVRİSİNEK was publicly introduced at the SAHA 2026 defense exhibition in Istanbul from May 5–9, 2026. During the exhibition, Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar stated that systems including SİVRİSİNEK would be manufactured jointly at factories in Azerbaijan. The reported entry of SİVRİSİNEK into Azerbaijani Army service adds another Turkish unmanned system to Azerbaijan's inventory, following the country's earlier use of Bayraktar TB2 drones during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Some reports have also referred to SİVRİSİNEK by its earlier internal designation, YIHA-III.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-24 17:22:31
World
FORT WORTH, TEXAS — Canada’s first F-35A Lightning II fighter jet completed its maiden flight on September 23, marking a major milestone for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as Ottawa continues its review of the broader F-35 procurement program. The aircraft, construction number AR-1, took off from Lockheed Martin’s production facility at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas. It flew for approximately 90 minutes, accompanied by an F-35C serving as a safety chase aircraft. AR-1 will be designated CF-35A once it enters RCAF service. Photos from the flight show the aircraft already carrying full Canadian markings, including “RCAF-ARC” lettering on the air intakes, a Canadian roundel similar to those on the CF-188 Hornet, the word “Canada” behind the cockpit and a low-visibility Canadian flag on the tail. The flight took place without a formal ceremony or announcement from Lockheed Martin, the RCAF or the Prime Minister’s Office. The RCAF later confirmed that the flight had occurred. This contrasted with the public ceremony held in February to mark the start of AR-1’s final assembly. F-35 Procurement Under Review Canada finalized its plan to acquire 88 F-35A aircraft in December 2022, with the purchase formally announced in January 2023. The initial program was estimated at about C$19 billion and was intended to replace the aging CF-18/CF-188 fleet. The overall project budget later increased to C$27.7 billion, covering aircraft, training, equipment, sustainment and infrastructure. Canada has ordered 16 aircraft and begun funding long-lead components for another 14. The CF-18 fleet is scheduled to remain in service until 2032. Prime Minister Mark Carney ordered a review of the broader F-35 purchase in March 2025 amid trade tensions with the United States. The review remains ongoing and is examining operational requirements, industrial benefits, strategic partnerships and possible alternatives. One option under consideration is reducing the F-35 order below 88 aircraft and operating a mixed fleet that could include Saab Gripen E fighters, with Saab proposing Canadian production. Training and Future Deliveries The procurement review has not stopped production or preparations for the initial Canadian aircraft. Canada has been a partner in the F-35 program since 2002, and the RCAF has established its first CF-35A training squadron at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The first eight Canadian F-35As are scheduled to remain in the United States for pilot training in 2026–2027. The first aircraft is expected to arrive in Canada in 2028, with initial operational capability planned for 2029–2030 and full operational capability targeted for 2032–2034. More than C$5.2 billion in F-35-related contracts have been awarded to over 110 Canadian companies. Separately, the Canadian government has identified Saab’s GlobalEye, based on the Bombardier Global 6500, as a leading contender for a new airborne early warning aircraft. If selected, the aircraft would be assembled in Montreal. The maiden flight of AR-1 marks the first flight of a Canadian F-35A while Ottawa continues to determine the future size and structure of its fighter fleet.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-24 14:28:27
World
BEIJING/TEHRAN — Chinese suppliers sent about 1,300 shipments of dual-use components to Iran’s Defense Ministry during the first six months of 2026, according to Iranian customs records reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. The shipments included electronics, GPS devices, electric motors, aircraft-engine parts and other components that have civilian applications but can also be used in drones and missile guidance systems. Customs records covering January 2025 through June 2026 showed thousands of similar shipments to Iran’s Defense Ministry and Iranian companies. Several shipments were classified as defense imports under Article 119 of Iran’s customs regulations, making them exempt from standard Iranian tariffs. Air Cargo Increased The shipments continued during the conflict between Iran and the United States. After an April U.S. naval blockade restricted maritime trade, Iran increased air-cargo links with China. Mahan Air, an Iranian airline under U.S. sanctions, increased flights from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou to Tehran. Flight-tracking data showed about four flights per week at the beginning of March, rising to around 27 per week by late April. In the first week of September, Mahan Air operated 39 flights from China to Iran, with many focused on cargo. The airline did not respond to the Journal’s request for comment. One Chinese shipment arrived in Tehran on June 17, the day the United States and Iran agreed to a 60-day truce. Two days later, more than a dozen additional shipments arrived carrying more than $6 million worth of components that could be used in drones. Chinese suppliers also delivered about 300 tonnes of chemical compounds to Iran’s Defense Ministry shortly before the war began in late February. The reported materials included chemical precursors associated with weapons production and ballistic-missile propellant. Reported Satellite Imagery The Journal also reported that Chinese entities supplied Iran with high-resolution satellite imagery of the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan before and after an Iranian ballistic-missile strike on July 17. The attack killed three U.S. soldiers, according to the report. Chinese officials have rejected claims that Chinese companies provided satellite imagery for targeting U.S. forces. China-Iran Trade China remains the main buyer of Iranian oil despite U.S. sanctions. The Journal reported that Iran uses trading arrangements involving Chinese companies, banks and other channels to receive value from oil exports and purchase Chinese goods, including military-related equipment. The findings were reported ahead of a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington. Beijing has rejected allegations that it is fueling the conflict, saying China controls exports of dual-use goods, follows international trade rules and does not recognize unilateral U.S. sanctions against Iran. Iranian officials did not respond to the Journal’s requests for comment. The U.S. has previously sanctioned Chinese and Hong Kong entities accused of helping Iran obtain military-related components. Because many of the reported items are dual-use products, they can move through commercial supply chains rather than conventional arms-transfer channels.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-24 14:14:03
U.S
WASHINGTON — After decades of development and testing, high-energy laser weapons are moving into operational use with the U.S. military. The systems are being used against drones in the Middle East and along the U.S. southern border, while new production contracts are supporting wider deployment. Laser Systems in the Middle East U.S. forces have deployed directed-energy systems in the Middle East to counter drones and protect military assets and personnel. The U.S. Navy’s High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) is installed aboard the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Preble. The roughly 60-kilowatt system can use its laser to damage or destroy targets and can also use lower energy to dazzle sensors. U.S. forces have also used directed-energy systems more broadly in the U.S. Central Command area. However, available official reports do not identify specific Iranian drone interceptions near the Strait of Hormuz as confirmed HELIOS engagements. Laser Used Against Drones on Southern Border The U.S. Army has also begun using high-energy lasers against cartel-linked drones along the southern border. In late August 2026, personnel from Joint Task Force Southern Border, operating under U.S. Northern Command in support of Customs and Border Protection, used the Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) to defeat three hostile unmanned aircraft over two nights in the Rio Grande Valley area of Texas. Military officials said the drones posed a physical threat to U.S. personnel and partners and were associated with activities including illicit human smuggling and surveillance. USNORTHCOM later reported that AMP-HEL had defeated 11 cartel-linked drones. Multiple laser systems are now deployed along the border, with military authorities coordinating operations near civilian airspace. $464.8 Million Production Contract The Army's move toward large-scale production came on September 2, 2026, when it awarded AeroVironment a $464.8 million Other Transaction Agreement under the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program. The Army described the agreement as its first production contract for a high-energy laser weapon system. AeroVironment will deliver dozens of LOCUST X3 systems over the next several years. The LOCUST X3 is a 30-kilowatt-class laser designed to counter Group 1 through Group 3 unmanned aircraft systems. The systems can be mounted on vehicles such as the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle or operated from fixed and semi-fixed positions. AeroVironment has reported engagement costs of less than $5 per shot, with the system's firing capacity largely dependent on available electrical power rather than a supply of physical interceptors. Familiar Controls for Operators LOCUST-based systems use Xbox-style gaming controllers for operator control. The familiar interface is intended to reduce training requirements and make operation easier for service members already familiar with similar controls. Advantages and Limitations High-energy lasers offer several advantages for counter-drone missions. They can engage targets at the speed of light and can fire repeatedly as long as sufficient electrical power is available. This can provide a lower-cost option against drones that might otherwise require expensive kinetic interceptors. However, laser systems also have limitations. Their performance can be affected by weather conditions such as rain, fog and dust. They also need to maintain the laser beam on a target for a period of time and require sufficient power and cooling. For these reasons, directed-energy weapons are being developed to complement rather than completely replace conventional air-defense interceptors. Moving From Testing to Fielding The U.S. military has continued testing higher-power directed-energy systems. Recent demonstrations have included laser engagements from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush and a cruise-missile shoot-down test at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, in June 2026. The Department of Defense is also pursuing higher-power laser systems in the 150- to 500-kilowatt range for more demanding threats, including cruise missiles.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-24 14:08:33
World
MOSCOW, — The Russian Aerospace Forces have received a new batch of Su-57 fifth-generation multirole fighter jets in an updated technical configuration, according to the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), part of the Rostec state corporation. The latest Su-57s feature changes to their armament and onboard systems, including expanded capabilities to employ newly developed air-to-air weapons. A Su-57 pilot involved in the acceptance process said the updated configuration expands the range of missions the aircraft can perform. According to Rostec, the Su-57 has undergone significant development compared with earlier aircraft, with changes based in part on operational experience from the ongoing special military operation. Earlier upgrades have included modifications to onboard systems such as the electro-optical complex and expanded weapons integration options. Before delivery, the newly built aircraft completed a full cycle of factory testing. Russian Ministry of Defense pilots then evaluated the fighters in different operating modes. After completing the tests and acceptance process, the aircraft flew to their assigned home airfields. The Su-57 is designed as a multirole frontline aircraft capable of engaging air, ground and sea targets. It is intended for around-the-clock operations, including in adverse weather and electronic warfare environments. The September delivery is the second announced delivery of Su-57s in the new technical configuration in 2026, following an earlier batch delivered in February. Rostec did not disclose the exact number of aircraft included in the latest batch. UAC CEO Vadim Badekha said fulfilling the state defense order for Su-57s and other operational-tactical aircraft remains a priority. He added that UAC specialists, together with other Rostec companies, are continuing to improve production processes to maintain the required aircraft production rates. The Su-57 program continues to receive upgrades to its avionics, sensors and weapons, while UAC is also conducting development work on the Izdeliye 177 fifth-generation engine. The aircraft first flew in 2010 and entered service with the Russian Aerospace Forces in 2020.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-24 13:48:37
U.S
ROCKET CENTER, West Virginia — Northrop Grumman plans to increase annual solid rocket motor production from more than 13,000 units to 25,000 by 2029, as the company expands capacity to meet rising demand for U.S. and allied missile systems. The company has invested more than $2 billion in solid rocket motor and munition technologies over the past several years. The investment has supported facility modernization, new manufacturing capacity, automation, advanced propellants and data-driven production processes across its U.S. network. Expansion Across Key Sites Northrop Grumman's expansion covers four strategic sites in Utah, Maryland and West Virginia. At the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in Rocket Center, West Virginia, tactical solid rocket motor capacity has doubled since 2021. The company expects capacity to reach three times its earlier level by early 2027. The site also has a new 113,000-square-foot Missile Integration Facility, a highly automated digital factory designed to shorten strike missile delivery times while maintaining manufacturing quality. It can support production of up to 300 strike missiles annually. In Elkton, Maryland, Northrop Grumman plans to triple production capacity by 2030. A new 57,000-square-foot Propulsion Innovation Center is part of a broader $100 million investment at the 550-acre Propulsion Systems & Controls campus. The facility houses about 250 engineers working on tactical missile and hypersonic propulsion and increases on-site solid rocket motor design and manufacturing capacity by 25 percent. The company's Utah facilities are also being expanded, including plans to double large solid rocket motor production capacity. Northrop Grumman says there is additional room for growth beyond the planned 2029 production rate. More Propellant and Missile Support Northrop Grumman currently produces about 30 million pounds of solid rocket propellant each year, with annual capacity expected to approach 50 million pounds by 2028. The company has delivered more than 1.3 million tactical solid rocket motors over more than seven decades. It supplies propulsion systems for missile defense interceptors and long-range strike weapons and is prepared to support primary and second-source production for programs including the Standard Missile family, Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) and PAC-3 MSE. Northrop Grumman also manufactures the interceptor shell core, aft bulkhead and heatshield assemblies for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. The company is also introducing highly loaded grain designs that allow more propellant to fit within a given volume. The designs are engineered to withstand high internal forces while maintaining controlled and predictable combustion. The expansion is aimed at increasing production of critical missile components and strengthening capacity across the U.S. defense industrial base as demand for missile defense and precision-strike systems increases.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-24 13:42:17
Europe
ANGLESEY, WALES — An RAF Hawk T2 advanced jet trainer crashed shortly after takeoff from RAF Valley on Anglesey on Wednesday afternoon, 23 September 2026. Both pilots ejected from the aircraft and landed safely by parachute. They were later treated for minor injuries. The crash occurred in the Pencarnisiog area, roughly a mile inland from RAF Valley. Witnesses reported seeing flames from the aircraft during its climb before it pitched up sharply, rolled and descended into a field. The crash caused a large fire and black smoke. Emergency services, including North Wales Police, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the Welsh Ambulance Service, a Helimed air ambulance and a Coastguard helicopter, responded to the scene. Police said there were no reports of injuries or wider damage on the ground. An RAF spokesperson confirmed that an incident involving a Hawk T2 flying from RAF Valley had occurred near Anglesey and said an investigation was underway. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting also said an investigation was in progress and that his thoughts were with the pilots. The Hawk T2 is a two-seat advanced jet trainer built by BAE Systems and powered by a Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca Adour Mk.951 turbofan. RAF Valley's No. 4 Flying Training School uses the aircraft to train pilots for frontline aircraft including the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35B. The RAF previously grounded its Hawk T2 fleet in January 2023 following an engine-related incident at Valley. Senior RAF officials have also previously raised concerns about the aircraft's availability and engine reliability. The RAF has been working on plans for a successor to the Hawk T2. The cause of Wednesday's crash has not yet been released. An investigation will determine the circumstances that led to the accident and whether any aircraft or engine issue was involved.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-23 15:43:05
Space & Technology
REDONDO BEACH, Calif. — The U.S. Space Force has awarded Impulse Space a $28 million contract for a future space domain awareness mission scheduled to launch no earlier than 2029. Under the agreement, a government-provided launch will place an Impulse Space Mira spacecraft into low Earth orbit (LEO). The spacecraft will host a government-furnished optical payload developed by MIT Lincoln Laboratory to support monitoring of objects in geostationary orbit (GEO), approximately 36,000 kilometers above Earth. Mira to provide a maneuverable observation platform Mira is designed for precise orbital maneuvering and uses a chemical propulsion system. Impulse Space says the spacecraft can provide up to 850 meters per second of delta-v when carrying a 100-kilogram payload. This maneuverability will allow the spacecraft to reposition the hosted optical sensor and change its viewing geometry while conducting space domain awareness activities. The mission is intended to support the detection, tracking and characterization of objects in orbit. The optical payload for the mission will be supplied by the U.S. government and built by MIT Lincoln Laboratory. Funding includes $19.75 million APFIT award The contract is being funded in part through a $19.75 million award from the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program for fiscal year 2026. The award is sponsored by U.S. Space Command. The APFIT program is intended to accelerate the procurement and transition of innovative technologies into operational use. For this mission, the funding supports procurement of the Mira spacecraft. Mira has already flown three missions Impulse Space's Mira spacecraft has completed three missions in low Earth orbit. The company has also demonstrated the vehicle's maneuvering capabilities through proximity operations. Earlier in September, two Mira spacecraft from the LEO Express 2 and LEO Express 3 missions conducted a targeted flyby and approached to within approximately 200 meters of each other. Impulse Space used its own guidance, navigation and control software for the operation. The company says Mira has demonstrated both long-duration and rapid engine burns, giving operators different maneuvering options for missions in orbit. Part of Impulse Space's expanding government work The new Space Force award adds to Impulse Space's growing portfolio of U.S. government contracts. The company was selected in July for a position in the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 program for its Helios upper stage. It has also received additional work from the Space Force's Space Safari program for the VICTUS SALO 2 and VICTUS SALO 3 missions. Impulse Space, founded by Tom Mueller, is based in Redondo Beach, California. On September 16, the company announced a $308 million extension to its Series D funding round, bringing the total Series D round to $808 million. The company said the additional funding would support product development, workforce growth and expansion of its facilities and capabilities. The planned 2029 mission will use Mira's maneuverability to host an optical sensor in LEO and support Space Force space domain awareness activities focused on objects operating in GEO.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-23 15:34:20
World
ANKARA — Turkish defence company Roketsan announced on September 23 that its KARAOK short-range anti-tank guided missile successfully struck an aerial target for the first time. Roketsan released video footage on X showing the missile being launched from a turret mounted on a light tactical pickup truck and intercepting a drone designed to resemble a Shahed-type one-way attack drone. The test expands the KARAOK's demonstrated capability beyond its original role against ground targets. Roketsan CEO Murat İkinci said the successful test broadened the system's operational scope and that the company is continuing to integrate different capabilities into its systems to address changing requirements in the field. KARAOK is a man-portable, fire-and-forget anti-tank weapon designed to be operated by a single soldier from a shoulder-fired tube. The complete system weighs less than 16 kilograms, has a 125 mm diameter and a range exceeding 2,500 metres. It uses an imaging infrared seeker for day-and-night operation and carries a tandem high-explosive anti-tank warhead. The missile supports both direct-attack and top-attack modes and can engage stationary and moving ground targets. For the latest test, KARAOK was installed on a vehicle-mounted turret instead of being operated from the shoulder. The vehicle configuration allows the missile to be aimed and fired from the platform and provides a setup more similar to a mobile air-defence system. The use of anti-tank missiles against drones has become increasingly visible during the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have used systems such as Stugna-P against aerial targets, while the improvised STASH system combines U.S.-made AGM-114 Hellfire missiles with RADA radars for air-defence missions. The U.S. Javelin also has limited capability against slow, low-flying aircraft, while Hellfire missiles have been used against UAVs in addition to their anti-armour role. The KARAOK's guidance technology helps explain its potential for such applications. Its imaging infrared seeker and terminal guidance system are designed to track moving targets, although the missile was originally developed for ground combat. KARAOK entered service with the Turkish military in 2022. Roketsan began developing the system around 2016, and it uses a hybrid dual-stage rocket motor that allows firing from enclosed spaces. The missile has also attracted international interest. Malaysia became KARAOK's first foreign customer, selecting it to replace the Russian-made Metis-M anti-tank system. The contract covers 18 launchers and associated missiles, with the first deliveries planned for early 2026. Roketsan has not yet stated whether the turret-mounted anti-drone configuration demonstrated in the latest test will become a standard product or remain an experimental configuration.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-23 15:25:35
World
PINGTUNG, Taiwan — Taiwan’s armed forces completed a three-day joint precision-munitions live-fire exercise at the Jiupeng training area in Pingtung County from September 16 to 18, 2026. The drills marked the first time multiple types of attack drones were integrated into joint combat operations involving the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. President Lai Ching-te inspected the exercise on September 18. He said the integration of several types of attack drones with conventional weapons showed that Taiwan’s military was accelerating efforts to strengthen its overall combat capabilities. He also said the exercise demonstrated Taiwan’s ability to defend its sovereignty and contribute to regional peace and stability. Joint Kill Chain The forces practiced a complete “find-fix-finish” kill chain, using shipborne radars, Air Force battle-management systems, mobile radar vehicles, drones and a battlefield network to detect, identify and allocate targets before carrying out precision strikes. The exercise covered joint air defense, counter-strike operations, sea-air coordination, coastal strikes and nearshore defense under conditions linked to Taiwan’s defense plans. Weapons and systems involved included the U.S.-supplied M142 HIMARS, Hsiung Feng II and Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missiles, Tien Kung III surface-to-air missiles, Land Sword II, and Patriot systems. Reports also identified Switchblade drones, Altius 600M loitering munitions and Taiwan’s indigenous Chien Hsiang loitering munition among the unmanned systems involved. However, Taiwan’s official statements did not provide a complete list of the drone types. A decommissioned frigate, Lan Yang, was used as a maritime target during part of the exercise, while Coast Guard vessels participated in training for wartime joint operations. Chinese Military Activity Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense also reported Chinese military activity during the exercise. It said a Chinese military drone flew from Taiwan’s southwestern airspace toward waters off Taitung between about 12:05 a.m. and 6 a.m. on September 18 to monitor the exercise. Taiwanese forces tracked the aircraft using aircraft, ships and land-based systems. Trump-Xi Meeting The exercise took place days before the scheduled September 24 meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington. Taiwan continues to receive U.S. arms under Washington’s commitments to help the island maintain a sufficient self-defense capability. Beijing continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes U.S. arms sales to Taipei. The Jiupeng exercise demonstrated Taiwan’s ongoing effort to integrate unmanned systems with conventional precision-strike weapons and improve joint command-and-control among its military services.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-23 15:03:48
Europe
ROME — Italy has started the procurement of new New Main Battle Tanks (NMBT) and specialized vehicles based on the same platform under a programme worth €5.14 billion. The procurement procedure, identified as BD0D09994D, was published on September 21 in the database of Italy’s National Anti-Corruption Authority (ANAC). The Italian Ministry of Defense is the contracting authority. NMBT Programme The programme is intended to modernize Italy’s heavy armored vehicle fleet and eventually replace the ageing C1 Ariete main battle tanks. Earlier requirements called for approximately 132 new tanks, along with specialized vehicles based on the same platform. The programme is planned to continue into the 2030s, with some procurement documents indicating overall completion by 2038. The NMBT is being developed by Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV), a 50:50 joint venture established in 2024 by Italy’s Leonardo and Germany’s Rheinmetall. Based on the KF51 Panther The NMBT draws on Rheinmetall’s KF51 Panther development, but the Italian vehicle is being developed as a separate platform according to Italian Army requirements. The demonstrator displayed at Eurosatory 2026 used a Leopard 2A4 hull with a new turret. LRMV said this configuration is not intended for the production version. The final tank is expected to use a new chassis with improved mobility and protection. Armament and Capabilities According to Leonardo, the NMBT will feature a 120 mm L55 smoothbore gun with an automatic loader carrying 20 ready-to-use rounds. The design also allows for a future upgrade to a 130 mm gun. Additional weapons will include: A 12.7 mm machine gun A remotely controlled weapon station with a 30×113 mm cannon Capability to engage drones The tank will also be able to use loitering munitions and control reconnaissance UAVs. The crew will consist of three personnel, with space for a fourth operator. Protection and Mobility The NMBT is planned to have a combat weight of up to 69.5 tonnes, a maximum speed of up to 70 km/h and a range of approximately 450 km. Its protection will combine passive armor and active protection systems designed to counter anti-tank threats and drones. Production Timeline Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani said the first NMBT prototypes are expected to be delivered in 2029–2030. The timeline is one to two years later than earlier projections, with Cingolani citing the greater technical complexity of the main battle tank programme compared with the parallel Armoured Combat System (A2CS) programme. The current procurement covers 132 main battle tanks and an undisclosed number of specialized vehicles. These are expected to include recovery, engineering and bridge-laying variants. Earlier planning documents referred to at least 140 support vehicles, although the latest procurement notice does not disclose the final number. The NMBT programme is being developed alongside the A2CS programme, which uses Rheinmetall’s KF41 Lynx platform and is intended to replace Italy’s older Dardo infantry fighting vehicles. Together, the programmes form a major part of Italy’s planned modernization of its tracked armored vehicle fleet. Main Source : militarnyi
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-23 14:54:12
Europe
AMSTERDAM — Dutch unmanned systems manufacturer DeltaQuad has launched the Evo-LE, a fully electric fixed-wing vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle designed for long-endurance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The company announced the UAV around September 22, 2026, targeting defense, security and industrial applications. Designed for Long-Endurance Missions The Evo-LE is designed for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR), border surveillance, remote-area monitoring, search and rescue, and communications relay missions. The UAV has an endurance of up to eight hours and a maximum flight range of 480 kilometers (298 miles), depending on payload configuration, flight profile and operating conditions. Its secure radio communications range is up to 120 kilometers (75 miles). The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 13 kilograms (29 pounds) and can carry payloads weighing up to 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds). Redesigned for Higher Endurance DeltaQuad says the eight-hour endurance is not simply the result of using a larger battery. The Evo-LE features higher energy-density batteries, a dual-battery configuration, a redesigned electrical architecture and an upgraded VTOL propulsion system. Mark van Schie, DeltaQuad’s Head of Product, said: “Achieving this level of endurance required changes across the entire platform, rather than simply increasing battery capacity.” Reinforced Airframe The Evo-LE uses the reinforced DeltaQuad Block 3 airframe, constructed from composite materials. It includes dust and rain protection and a heated pitot tube designed to prevent ice buildup. Updated landing gear struts are designed to detach during a hard landing to help protect the main fuselage. An automatic landing gear system also provides sensors with an unobstructed field of view during flight. Its VTOL capability allows the UAV to operate from confined or remote locations without a runway. The longer endurance can reduce the need for frequent system rotations during extended missions. Navigation and Communications For operations in electronic warfare environments, the Evo-LE can be equipped with a 4/8-array CRPA anti-jamming system for satellite navigation. An optional visual navigation system is also available for areas where GPS is heavily disrupted or denied. Secure communications options include mesh and phased-array broadband radios with AES-256 encryption. The aircraft uses Auterion Tactical Stack avionics, supporting autonomous navigation and a ruggedized ground-control setup. Surveillance Payloads The Evo-LE can carry surveillance payloads such as the NextVision Raptor, which provides stabilized RGB and thermal imaging for long-range tracking and target acquisition. The UAV is part of the DeltaQuad Evo family and shares the Block 3 airframe with the standard Evo. While the standard Evo prioritizes payload flexibility with a payload capacity of up to 3 kilograms, the Evo-LE uses dual batteries as standard and is optimized for endurance. DeltaQuad describes the Evo-LE as offering the longest endurance of any fully electric fixed-wing VTOL platform in the sub-15-kilogram class. The system is available to order.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-23 14:39:26
U.S
RESTON, Va. — Rafael Systems Global Sustainment (RSGS), the U.S.-based subsidiary of Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, has been awarded an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) through the Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium (AMTC) to pursue U.S. qualification of the SPIKE SR shoulder-launched missile. The agreement, announced on September 22, 2026, covers the adaptation, integration and testing of the missile to meet specific U.S. military requirements. RSGS and Rafael will also support further development of advanced capabilities. The companies have not disclosed the agreement’s value or the expected qualification timeline. SPIKE SR Missile The SPIKE SR is a portable, fire-and-forget precision missile designed for dismounted infantry. It weighs about 10 kilograms (22 pounds) and has a range of roughly 2,000 meters. The missile uses electro-optical guidance to engage stationary and moving targets in daylight and infrared conditions. It is equipped with a tandem HEAT warhead and can reach operational readiness in less than six seconds from power-up. Rafael has designed the system for relatively simple operation, allowing infantry units to use it with limited training. The SPIKE SR is part of the wider SPIKE family, which is in service with 46 countries, including 22 NATO members. RSGS Statement LTG (Ret.) Joe Anderson, CEO of RSGS, said the agreement represents an important step in advancing the SPIKE SR capability for U.S. warfighters. He said the company is supporting the U.S. defense community by adapting a lightweight, accurate and highly mobile precision missile to the operational needs of close-combat forces. Earlier U.S. Army Evaluation The U.S. Army previously evaluated the SPIKE SR during the Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE) in January 2021. Soldiers conducted live-fire tests against both static and moving targets. Army evaluators provided positive feedback on the missile’s weight, lethality and ease of use compared with equipment then in service. However, the evaluation did not result in a production contract. Building on 2025 Agreement The new OTA builds on a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) signed in March 2025 between RSGS, Rafael and the Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center (DEVCOM AvMC). The agreement covered the evaluation, future enhancements and U.S. adaptation of several SPIKE systems, including the SPIKE LR2, SPIKE SR, SPIKE ER2 and SPIKE Firefly loitering munition. As part of the broader effort, the U.S. Army has been comparing SPIKE missiles with existing U.S. systems, including the FGM-148 Javelin and AGM-114 Hellfire, to evaluate how the technology could complement existing battlefield capabilities. U.S. Qualification Effort The AMTC is managed by Advanced Technology International and works with DEVCOM AvMC and Army Contracting Command–Redstone Arsenal to support aviation and missile technology development through Other Transaction Agreements. The new agreement moves the SPIKE SR into a further phase of U.S.-specific adaptation, integration and qualification testing. It does not itself represent a disclosed production contract.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-23 14:35:51
Europe
WARSAW, Poland — A Russian Mi-8 military helicopter briefly entered Polish airspace on Wednesday, September 23, prompting Poland to scramble fighter aircraft and place ground-based forces on standby. According to the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces, the incident occurred at 11:08 a.m. local time north of the town of Braniewo, near Poland’s border with Russia’s Kaliningrad region. The helicopter was flying from the Kaliningrad region when it crossed into Polish airspace. The aircraft entered Polish territory to a maximum depth of approximately 300 meters and remained in Polish airspace for 42 seconds before returning toward the Kaliningrad region. Polish military radar systems tracked the helicopter throughout the incident. In response, Polish fighter aircraft were scrambled, while ground forces and air-defense assets remained on standby. The Operational Command said the nature of the incident indicated that Russia was again testing the readiness of Poland’s air-defense system. It added that Polish air-defense crews continue to maintain round-the-clock surveillance and remain ready to secure the country’s airspace. Russia has not publicly commented on the incident. Reuters reported that the Russian Embassy in Warsaw did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The helicopter incident came as Poland was already operating with increased air-security measures because of Russian attacks on Ukraine. Earlier on September 23, Poland deployed military aircraft and increased the readiness of air-defense and radar assets. Civilian flight operations at Rzeszów and Lublin airports were also temporarily suspended at the military’s request to provide freedom of action for military aviation. Poland has also increased security at several border crossings with Ukraine. The crossings identified in reports include Dorohusk, Zosin, Budomierz, Korczowa, Medyka and Krościenko. Military personnel were deployed at the crossings, with measures intended to allow faster evacuation if an air threat occurs. The Mi-8 incident adds to the heightened air-security situation Poland has maintained amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and recent Russian aerial attacks near the Polish border.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-23 14:05:09
Europe
LONDON — The United Kingdom plans to invest approximately £6 billion during the current Spending Review period to expand its nuclear submarine industrial capacity and establish a production rate of one SSN-AUKUS attack submarine every 18 months. The plan, outlined in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise 2026 Annual Update to Parliament, is designed to allow Britain to build SSN-AUKUS submarines alongside the four-boat Dreadnought-class ballistic-missile submarine programme. Expanding Production Capacity The investment will focus on BAE Systems’ submarine shipyard at Barrow-in-Furness, Rolls-Royce Submarines’ Raynesway facility near Derby, and specialist suppliers across the submarine supply chain. At Raynesway, construction has begun on the Primary Components and Operations Facility. The site is also receiving improved access infrastructure and advanced prototyping facilities to support a larger engineering and manufacturing workforce. At Barrow, the concept design for SMITE2, a new submarine propulsion testing facility, was completed in early 2026. The facility will provide additional engine and machinery assessment capacity required for the planned 18-month production cycle. Preparatory work at Ramsden Dock is also progressing. The wider modernisation programme includes digital design systems, advanced production technologies and new training centres. Investment is also being directed to companies involved in propulsion systems, electrical switchgear and precision engineering to expand their capacity and meet higher demand. SSN-AUKUS Production Timeline The SSN-AUKUS is a nuclear-powered, conventionally armed attack submarine being developed by the UK, Australia and the United States under the AUKUS partnership. British submarines will be built at Barrow, while Australia will build its own submarines at Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia. Rolls-Royce will manufacture the nuclear reactors for the UK and Australian fleets at Raynesway. The UK plans to operate up to 12 SSN-AUKUS submarines, which will eventually replace the Royal Navy’s seven-boat Astute-class fleet. The exact number of British boats to be ordered has not yet been finalized, with a decision expected before the programme’s Detailed Design and Long Lead phase ends in 2028. Steel cutting for the first British SSN-AUKUS submarine is planned for 2027, with entry into Royal Navy service targeted for the late 2030s. Contracts worth approximately £4 billion have already been placed for early submarine design and production infrastructure. New Submarine Production Alliance Britain is also establishing a Submarine Production Alliance involving the Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce Submarines and Babcock. The group will help coordinate the concurrent submarine programmes and support the planned continuous production rate. The investment is intended to expand the UK's shipbuilding, reactor manufacturing and specialist supply-chain capacity while supporting production of both future attack submarines and the country's nuclear deterrent fleet.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-23 13:57:09Search
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