U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy is accelerating production of Tomahawk cruise missile warhead housings by modifying an existing 2019 contract originally established for the Stand-Off Land Attack Missile–Expanded Response (SLAM-ER). A September 2 contract notice said the Navy is tasking General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) to manufacture and deliver a redacted number of warhead housings within nine months. The components will support the warhead sections of the U/RGM-109E Tactical Tomahawk (TACTOM). The notice said the accelerated schedule is driven by an “immediate demand for increased missile production” resulting from the current international conflict. First article inspections must begin no later than the first quarter of 2027 to support the required delivery schedule. Existing Contract Shortens Timeline GD-OTS already manufactures warhead casings for both SLAM-ER and Tactical Tomahawk missiles. Using the existing contract allows the Navy to avoid the longer process of awarding a new contract or qualifying another supplier. The Navy said GD-OTS has the manufacturing capability, technical experience and required technical data to meet the accelerated schedule. The company is based in Anniston, Alabama. The underlying contract is N6893619C0039. The September 2 notice identifies the work as a firm-fixed-price modification awarded on an other-than-full-and-open basis, with an award date of August 20, 2026. The new warhead housings will support both newly produced and recertified Block IV and Block V Tomahawk missiles. Tomahawk Production Expansion The move comes as Raytheon, an RTX business, expands overall Tomahawk production. On August 17, Raytheon announced a $22.9 billion, seven-year contract to increase annual Tomahawk production to more than 1,000 missiles, formalizing an earlier framework agreement reached in February. Raytheon said the contract will support increased production capacity and investment in its workforce, facilities, technology and supply chain. The company also reported delivering three times more Tomahawk missiles during the first half of 2026 than in the same period of 2025. The expansion follows increased use of precision-guided weapons and efforts to replenish U.S. inventories. Reuters reported that the new Tomahawk contract is part of a wider effort to rebuild stocks of high-end munitions. Separately, an August GD-OTS modification valued at $41.57 million covered 559 WDU-36/B warhead cases and 559 fuzewells for Tactical Tomahawk missiles. The work is centered in Anniston, Alabama, and is scheduled for completion in April 2028. The latest modification adds another step to the Navy's effort to increase Tomahawk availability while avoiding the longer timeline associated with a new contract and supplier qualification.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-06 18:12:19
World
EL ALAMEIN, Egypt — The first images of several Russian air-launched munitions and unmanned platforms have emerged during preparations for the second El Alamein International Airshow in Egypt, which will take place from September 8 to 10, 2026. Footage from the setup of the Russian exposition shows the Banderol, S-71K Kover (Kovyor), S-71M Monokhrom and another smaller, unidentified munition. Russia's state defense corporation Rostec has confirmed that the S-71K and S-71M will be presented at the exhibition for the first time. The Russian display is being organized by Rosoboronexport, part of Rostec, at El Alamein International Airport. The company said its exhibition will include new Russian aircraft, weapons, air-defense systems, counter-drone solutions, loitering munitions and unmanned platforms. Some of the products are being shown internationally for the first time. S-71K and S-71M The S-71K and S-71M are described by Rostec as unmanned platforms designed for launch from fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The systems are being presented alongside the export version of the Su-57E fighter. Rostec says the platforms have low observability, long flight range and high speed, with different wing configurations. The S-71K is identified in available reporting as Kover, while the S-71M is known as Monokhrom. Earlier descriptions have associated the two systems with different strike and target-search roles, but detailed official technical specifications have not yet been released for the exhibition. The setup footage provides the first clear public images of the systems ahead of their formal presentation. Further information is expected as the airshow begins. Banderol also shown The Banderol, also referred to in some reports as Dan-T, is also visible in the Russian display. The system has previously been reported as a compact air-launched cruise missile or missile-drone hybrid. Unlike the S-71 systems, the Banderol is not a new public appearance. Its inclusion in the display places it alongside Russia's newer family of air-launched unmanned systems. Su-57E at the center of the Russian display The main aircraft in the Russian static exhibition will be the Su-57E, the export version of Russia's fifth-generation fighter. Rostec said the aircraft will be displayed with a range of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons. These include the RVV-MD2, RVV-BD, Kh-38MLE, Kh-69 and Kh-58UShKE. Rostec has also confirmed that the Su-57E will take part in the airshow's flight program. The Russian exhibition will also feature the Yak-130M modernized combat trainer with air-launched weapons, while other Russian companies will display air-defense and counter-drone systems. Focus on Middle Eastern and African markets Rosoboronexport Director General Alexander Mikheev said Russia's exhibition is aimed at Egypt as well as countries in Africa and the Middle East. He described Egypt as Russia's important strategic partner and said the exhibition would feature Russian products that have been tested in real-world conditions. The appearance of the S-71K and S-71M alongside the Su-57E gives visitors a first look at Russia's new concept of launching unmanned platforms from a fifth-generation fighter. The second El Alamein International Airshow will run from September 8 to 10, 2026, with additional technical information on the newly displayed systems expected during the event.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-06 18:05:53
World
MOSCOW — Satellite imagery has confirmed damage to Russian military infrastructure and aircraft following separate Ukrainian drone strikes on the Millerovo airbase in Rostov Oblast and the Sochi area in Krasnodar Krai. The imagery provides additional evidence of the results of attacks carried out on August 30 and September 4, 2026, including damage to radar systems, an ammunition storage facility, a maintenance facility and Russian military helicopters. Damage at Millerovo Airbase The first strike took place during the night of August 30 at Millerovo airbase in Rostov Oblast. Satellite imagery published by the open-source intelligence group Dnipro OSINT confirmed the destruction of an ammunition storage facility and the airbase's technical and maintenance facility, known as the TECh. The imagery also showed damage to an RSP-27 precision approach radar and a Nebo-SV early warning radar. Ukrainian outlet Militarnyi reported that the attack was carried out by Ukraine's 1st Separate Center of the Unmanned Systems Forces using FP-1 long-range strike drones. The same operation also targeted Russian military assets at Yeysk airbase, where a Pantsir-S1 air-defense system, a Sopka-2 radar and an aviation weapons storage facility were reportedly struck. A Kasta 2E2 radar near Shabelskoye was also targeted. Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, said the main target at Millerovo was the DRL-27 module of the RSP-27 aircraft landing radar system. The DRL-27 is used for detecting airborne targets and forms part of the airfield's air traffic control system when combined with the PRL-27 landing radar. Millerovo airbase is located about four kilometres northwest of Millerovo city, near Dolotinka. The facility has hosted Russia's 31st Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment, which operates Su-30SM fighters. Ukrainian officials have described the airfield as a staging location for Russian frontline aviation supporting operations in eastern and southern Ukraine. The base has previously been targeted, including in December 2023 and July 2025. NASA's FIRMS system also recorded a fire at the airbase during the early hours of August 30 following a drone alert in the area. FP-1 drones used in the attack The FP-1 is a long-range one-way attack drone developed by Ukrainian defense company Fire Point. The baseline version has a publicly documented range of up to 1,600 kilometres and can carry a modular warhead in the 60–120 kilogram range, depending on configuration. Fire Point has also stated that the drone costs about $55,000 per unit. An extended-range version has subsequently been associated with ranges of up to about 3,400 kilometres, although specifications vary between different versions and configurations. The FP-1 has been used by Ukraine for long-range strikes against military and logistical targets inside Russia. The platform is among the systems Ukraine has developed to conduct deep strikes without relying on Western long-range missiles. Helicopters damaged at Sochi A separate Ukrainian drone strike on September 4 caused damage at Sochi International Airport in Krasnodar Krai. Satellite imagery reviewed after the attack showed a destroyed Russian Ka-52 attack helicopter and a destroyed Mi-28 attack helicopter at the airport's military helicopter parking area. A Mi-8-family transport helicopter was also damaged. The strike also affected fuel infrastructure near the airport. Reports based on satellite imagery identified six destroyed fuel storage tanks at the BATO aviation fuel depot. A nearby Lukoil facility was also hit, with three additional storage tanks reported destroyed or damaged. Satellite evidence also indicated damage at a nearby Russian air-defense position, with one launcher from an S-300 or S-400 system reportedly detonating during the attack. The exact system involved has not been independently confirmed. The attack had an impact on airport operations. Sochi airport operated under restrictions for more than 11 hours, while flights were delayed, cancelled or diverted. Temporary restrictions were also placed on aircraft refueling. Previous attacks Sochi airport and nearby infrastructure have previously been affected by Ukrainian strikes. A helicopter parking area in the Adler district was targeted in October 2023, while an August 2025 attack caused a fire at nearby oil infrastructure and disrupted airport operations. Millerovo has likewise been targeted several times since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, including attacks reported in December 2023 and July 2025. As of September 6, Russian authorities had not publicly provided a specific assessment of the damage to the Millerovo facilities or the helicopters and military infrastructure identified in the satellite imagery from the September 4 attack. Main Source : defence-blog
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-06 17:49:43
World
SOCHI, — Ukrainian Defense Forces carried out coordinated drone strikes against Russian military and energy infrastructure in the Sochi area on September 4, with further damage reported at Sochi International Airport. The strikes destroyed air defense systems, damaged fuel storage facilities and destroyed or damaged several Russian military helicopters. S-300 and Pantsir systems destroyed The first strike took place in the early hours of September 4 against a Russian air defense position near the settlement of Sirius, close to the Psou River and the border with occupied Abkhazia. Satellite imagery published by the Absolutely Reliable Source Telegram channel showed two S-300 launchers and a Pantsir surface-to-air missile and gun system destroyed. The exact Pantsir modification was not identified, although reports linked it to a newer Pantsir-SMD configuration produced by Russia's High-Precision Systems holding. Russian publication ASTRA and OSINT group Exilenova+ analyzed eyewitness footage and geolocated the fire to the area. The first explosions were reported at about 1:20 a.m., followed by secondary detonations that reportedly continued for several hours. Oil depots hit During the same operation, Ukrainian drones struck two oil facilities in the Sochi area: Rosneft's Adler oil depot and a Lukoil facility. Later satellite imagery showed damage to several storage tanks. At the BATO aviation fuel terminal near Sochi's Adler Airport, associated with Rosneft operations, six tanks were destroyed — two RVS-2000 tanks and four RVS-1000 tanks. At the Lukoil-Yugnefteprodukt depot, three RVS-400 tanks were destroyed or damaged. The facilities had protective netting and structures, but fires were reported at the sites. The attack also disrupted operations at Sochi International Airport. Restrictions lasted for more than 11 hours, with dozens of flights delayed, canceled or diverted. Aircraft refueling was also limited, with notices restricting services primarily to the Lukoil operator for a period. Sochi Mayor Andrey Proshunin confirmed a large drone attack on civilian and military infrastructure in Sochi and Sirius. He advised residents to remain away from windows and stay in shelters. Drone debris was found at several locations, while local authorities reported no casualties. Russian helicopters damaged Satellite imagery released after the attack also showed damage to military helicopters at Sochi International Airport. Ukraine's Defense Forces destroyed a Ka-52 and a Mi-28 attack helicopter, while a Mi-8 family multirole helicopter was damaged. Two radar stations at the airport, including an airfield surveillance radar, were also reported damaged. The initial reports came from eyewitness videos, photographs and OSINT geolocation. Subsequent satellite imagery from the Absolutely Reliable Source channel was used to assess damage to the S-300 launchers, Pantsir system, fuel tanks and helicopters. The strikes affected Russian air defense, aviation and fuel infrastructure in the Sochi area, although Russian authorities have not publicly confirmed all of the reported military losses. Source : militarnyi
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-06 17:28:30
World
ABU DHABI / SAO JOSE DOS CAMPOS, Brazil — UAE-based advanced technology and defence group EDGE has completed its acquisition of Brazilian aerospace engineering company AKAER after all customary closing conditions and relevant regulatory approvals were fulfilled. The acquisition was completed on September 4, 2026, following the share purchase agreement announced by the companies in July. Under the agreed corporate structure, Brazilian defence company SIATT will hold a minority equity stake in AKAER. The arrangement is intended to preserve AKAER’s status as an Empresa Estratégica de Defesa (EED), or Strategic Defence Company, within Brazil. EDGE retains control of AKAER. EDGE Group Managing Director and CEO Hamad Al Marar said the completion of the acquisition represents an important milestone for EDGE in Brazil. He also highlighted AKAER’s engineering expertise and its continued contribution to Brazil’s defence ecosystem. Expanded engineering and technology capabilities The acquisition gives EDGE an established engineering base in Brazil with a multidisciplinary team covering the product lifecycle from project design and development through to industrialisation. EDGE and AKAER already work together on the development and industrialisation of unmanned systems, providing an existing basis for closer integration within the group. EDGE said the acquisition also expands its capabilities in areas including optronics, electro-optic and infrared systems, and space-related technologies. These capabilities were identified by EDGE when it announced the planned acquisition in July. The transaction forms part of EDGE’s expanding investment in Brazil. The group said the acquisition will support Brazil’s defence industry, strategic technologies and technological sovereignty, while contributing to direct and indirect employment opportunities and the development of national skills and capabilities. AKAER's aerospace experience Founded in 1992 and headquartered in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, AKAER has more than three decades of experience in aerospace engineering. The company has accumulated more than 10 million engineering hours across military and commercial aerospace programmes for global manufacturers. AKAER has contributed to several major aerospace programmes, including Saab’s Gripen NG fighter, Turkish Aerospace’s Hürjet trainer, and aircraft programmes from Embraer, including the Super Tucano, ERJ-E1, ERJ-E2, Legacy 450/500 and KC-390. Its engineering work has also included Boeing’s 747-8 and the Brazilian Air Force’s P-3 Orion fleet. AKAER will continue operating from Brazil, maintaining its local presence and established operations. The company’s São José dos Campos base remains part of its role in Brazil’s aerospace and defence industry. EDGE has already expanded its presence in Brazil through investments in SIATT and Condor Non-Lethal Technologies. The completion of the AKAER acquisition adds another Brazilian aerospace and defence engineering company to the group’s portfolio.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-06 17:18:13
World
CALIFORNIA — JP Aerospace, an American volunteer-run nonprofit that has spent more than four decades developing an alternative approach to spaceflight, has released new computer-generated images of a proposed vehicle called Hazel. The images, shared by JP Aerospace president John Powell, show a dark, wing-shaped aircraft being released from a high-altitude airship called SuperTandem. The airship features two balloons connected by a long truss. Powell said the images are stills from an upcoming Hazel concept video and are not footage of an actual flight or test. No physical hypersonic vehicle matching the current Hazel concept has been publicly reported as built or flown. JP Aerospace has not disclosed technical specifications, funding sources or a target launch date for Hazel. Airship to Orbit program JP Aerospace refers to itself as “America’s Other Space Program.” Its long-term Airship to Orbit (ATO) program aims to reach space using lighter-than-air vehicles instead of conventional rockets. The proposed system has three stages. The Ascender would carry people and cargo from the ground to about 140,000 feet. The Dark Sky Station, positioned at roughly 140,000 feet, would serve as a high-altitude transfer and construction facility. The final stage is the Orbital Ascender, a proposed airship about one mile long that would be built at the Dark Sky Station. Covered with solar panels, it would gradually accelerate over several days using lightweight, low-power electric ion propulsion, eventually reaching orbital speeds of above Mach 20. Previous high-altitude testing JP Aerospace's best-documented flight was the October 2011 mission of its unmanned Tandem airship. The twin-balloon vehicle used a 30-foot carbon-fiber truss, two electric motors and six-foot propellers, reaching 95,085 feet over Nevada's Black Rock Desert. The altitude set an airship record at the time. Powell said Tandem took about five years to develop and cost roughly $30,000. After the flight, the vehicle was recovered by parachute after one balloon failed and the second was released. The organization has also conducted roughly 200 smaller research missions using balloons and small rockets. Its PongSat program has carried thousands of student science experiments to high altitudes in ping-pong balls. Hazel's earlier design The Hazel name is also linked to a 1959 U.S. concept for an inflatable Mach 3 aircraft called Hazel MC-10. The earlier design was studied extensively and had work conducted on its engines, wings and subsystems, but it never flew after competing programs advanced. Powell has discussed building engineering models of the 1959 design for low-speed and Mach 4 wind-tunnel testing and explanatory videos. The latest concept presents Hazel as a hypersonic test vehicle that could be air-launched from a high-altitude platform. JP Aerospace has not publicly confirmed construction or flight testing of the massive orbital-class airships required for its Airship to Orbit vision, nor has it reported a flight of a physical Hazel vehicle matching the current concept. The organization is also working on projects including the Ellipse airship prototype, hybrid and magnetohydrodynamic propulsion tests, and a crewed submarine used as a systems and life-support testbed. The new SuperTandem and Hazel images add to JP Aerospace's ongoing concept work, but they remain computer-generated illustrations rather than operational hardware.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-06 17:10:40
World
TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli defense company SpearUAV has reached a new production milestone, with nearly 1,000 Viper 300 loitering munition systems ready for delivery to customers, according to the company. The specific countries and military units receiving the systems have not been disclosed. SpearUAV has also reported that production of the Viper 300 has reached hundreds of systems per month. The company has not provided an exact monthly production figure or a breakdown of the nearly 1,000 systems by customer or region. Viper 300 designed for infantry and armored units The Viper 300 is a compact, capsule-launched loitering munition designed for infantry and armored forces. It can be carried by soldiers or launched from military vehicles. Unlike fixed-wing loitering munitions, the Viper 300 uses a quadcopter configuration that allows it to hover and move at low speeds. SpearUAV says this provides an advantage in environments where hovering and close maneuvering are required, including urban areas and missions involving moving targets. The system uses onboard artificial intelligence to assist with target identification. An operator receives the drone's video feed and remains involved in the engagement process, selecting the target before an attack. The complete system weighs 2.8 kg, including the launch capsule and payload. It has a stated top speed of 27 meters per second, a range of up to 5 km and an endurance of up to 20 minutes. The Viper 300 is equipped with a 300-gram directional warhead. Multi-Canister Launcher expands vehicle integration SpearUAV has also developed the Multi-Canister Launcher (MCL), which allows multiple Viper systems to be mounted on armored vehicles. The launcher is intended to provide battalion-and-below units with an integrated capability for reconnaissance and loitering-munition missions. In May 2026, SpearUAV confirmed to Shephard that it was manufacturing and delivering approximately 1,000 Viper systems to multiple customers. The company said the system was already deployed by the Israel Defense Forces and had also been exported to undisclosed users. The company has continued to present the Viper family as an organic aerial capability for ground forces, including infantry and combat vehicles. Earlier $20 million Viper 300 contract SpearUAV announced a $20 million Viper 300 contract in December 2024 with an undisclosed customer. The agreement included options that could increase its value to approximately $60 million, with deliveries expected to begin in 2025. The company has not disclosed the total value of contracts associated with the nearly 1,000 Viper systems currently being delivered or prepared for delivery. Wider Viper family The Viper 300 is part of SpearUAV's wider Viper family, which includes the smaller Viper 40, the larger Viper 750 and the Viper I interceptor. The company has also developed the MCL for deploying multiple systems from ground vehicles. In November 2025, Uvision Group completed its acquisition of SpearUAV, bringing SpearUAV's encapsulated Viper systems into Uvision's broader portfolio of loitering-munition technologies. The latest production figure indicates that SpearUAV is continuing to expand manufacturing and deliveries of the Viper family, although the company has not publicly identified the customers receiving the nearly 1,000 Viper 300 systems.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-06 16:57:33
U.S
TAMPA, Fla. — The U.S. Army has awarded Global Military Products (GMP) a $12.9 million contract to procure and integrate Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar systems onto the Army’s Infantry Squad Vehicle–Utility (ISV-U) platforms. The contract was awarded under the Department of Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium (DOTC) Other Transaction Authority (OTA) framework. It covers the integration of the Scorpion Light with Army digital fire-control technologies and government-furnished M253 mortar barrels. Digital Fire Control The Scorpion Light is designed to provide infantry units with a mobile and digitally enabled indirect-fire capability for distributed operations. Its digital fire-control architecture supports rapid target acquisition, digital fire-mission processing, precision engagement and rapid re-aiming, while reducing crew workload. The system also incorporates the Army’s Nett Warrior networked communications architecture, enabling digital fire missions and target handoffs between systems. Rapid Shoot-and-Scoot Capability The system is designed to quickly deploy, fire and relocate. The Scorpion Light can emplace, fire eight rounds and relocate in under two minutes. It takes about 30 seconds to fire the first round and another 30 seconds to displace after the final round. A non-seating baseplate allows the mortar to operate on surfaces such as gravel, hard-packed ground and concrete without digging in. Mounted on the ISV-U The Scorpion Light will be integrated with the Infantry Squad Vehicle–Utility, a utility variant based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 architecture and designed for severe off-road environments. The integrated system is certified for internal transport in a CH-47 Chinook and is air-droppable. The Scorpion is also a vehicle-agnostic system and has previously been integrated with Polaris MRZR variants used by the U.S. Marine Corps under a separate contract awarded earlier in 2026. Two Years of Army Testing The Army and Global Military Products have worked together on the Scorpion platform for about two years through Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP) initiatives and Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) efforts. The work included direct soldier feedback to improve the system's mobility, lethality, survivability and operational effectiveness. James Knight, director of Global Military Products, said the program supports the Army’s Transformation Initiative, which focuses on smaller, more agile and highly lethal combat formations for complex operational environments. Balikatan 2026 Testing The Scorpion was recently evaluated during Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the Philippines. Soldiers from the Multi-Purpose Company, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division fired 20 rounds from two separate Scorpion systems in under two minutes during live-fire operations. Earlier evaluations were also conducted during Transformation in Contact events in Hawaii in 2025, as well as at Yuma and Aberdeen Proving Ground. First Deliveries Global Military Products is a division of Global Ordnance. The Scorpion system originates from Spanish manufacturer NTGS, also known as Alakran outside the United States, and is marketed in the U.S. by Global Military Products. Deliveries of the first systems under the $12.9 million Army contract are expected to begin in the week of September 7, 2026.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-06 16:53:33
Europe
MUNICH — Munich-based VANEA Defence has unveiled ATOMZA, a non-kinetic counter-drone system designed for civilian operators. The system was presented at the Drone Days event in Bremen, Germany, on August 27 and 28, 2026. VANEA said ATOMZA is already in production and available for commercial orders. ATOMZA uses a directed photonic radiation effector that projects high-intensity light onto a targeted drone. The light saturates the drone’s optical sensors and impairs its guidance systems without physically destroying the aircraft. According to VANEA, this approach reduces the risk associated with falling drone debris and allows ATOMZA to be used in locations where kinetic interceptors or radio-frequency jammers may be restricted or unsuitable, including near airports, in ports, cities and areas with people. VANEA says ATOMZA is designed to be operated by civilian organisations without sovereign enforcement powers. The company is targeting applications at airports, critical infrastructure sites, major events and other sensitive locations. Traditional active counter-UAS systems, including jammers, high-energy lasers and interceptor drones, are generally limited to authorised security authorities. The system weighs 195 kg and has an operational lifetime of 20,000 hours. VANEA says engagement costs are primarily associated with electricity consumption, while the system requires no expendable ammunition, allowing it to be reused. The technology uses a proprietary artificial intelligence model developed and trained entirely in Europe. VANEA says the AI supports drone detection and can distinguish genuine threats from decoys, including in swarm situations. The company is also developing a broader family of counter-drone technologies involving networked countermeasures and advanced sensors. Founded in 2025, VANEA Defence said ATOMZA is already undergoing operational testing and validation with German security authorities and critical infrastructure operators. Military trials are planned for the coming weeks, while the company is also discussing wider deployment with European authorities and international security partners. Jens Hillenkötter, Executive Vice President for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Counter-UAVs at VANEA Defence, said Europe's threat environment is changing rapidly and that critical infrastructure operators need solutions that can be deployed quickly. Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Dr. Oliver Hartkorn stressed the importance of maintaining a European technology base for systems used by police, armed forces and civilian operators. VANEA Defence operates from Munich and develops counter-UAS and autonomous defence technologies. The company operates as a brand of publicly listed SCP Standard Capital Partners AG.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-06 14:11:10
U.S
BETHESDA, Md. — Lockheed Martin expects deliveries of its CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter to roughly double in 2026 compared with 2025, with deliveries potentially doubling again in 2027. Chief Financial Officer Evan Scott gave the outlook during the company’s second-quarter 2026 earnings call. “In the case of 53K, we could be talking 2x deliveries this year versus last year, and potentially doubling again next year,” Scott said. Lockheed Martin has not disclosed exact CH-53K delivery numbers for 2026 or 2027. The possible increase in 2027 was presented as an outlook rather than a firm production commitment. If both increases occur, annual deliveries could reach roughly four times the 2025 level by 2027. Sikorsky Production Ramp The CH-53K increase is part of a wider production ramp at Sikorsky. Lockheed Martin expects all four Sikorsky platforms to deliver more aircraft in 2026 than in 2025. The company is also increasing F-16 and C-130 deliveries, while 10 munitions programs within its Missiles and Fire Control segment are delivering more units than in 2025. “We are in a scaling mode right now,” Scott said, noting that Lockheed Martin must increase production while maintaining the resilience needed to manage technical and operational challenges. Impact on Rotary and Mission Systems Higher Sikorsky production, combined with increased radar volumes, is expected to strengthen Lockheed Martin’s Rotary and Mission Systems segment during the second half of 2026. The company raised its full-year sales outlook for the segment to $17.7 billion–$18.1 billion and its profit forecast to $1.86 billion–$1.89 billion. Lockheed Martin also expects 2026 company-wide sales of $79.75 billion–$81.75 billion, representing about an 8% increase at the midpoint from 2025. Second-half sales are expected to grow 7%–12% year over year, with Missiles and Fire Control expected to lead the expansion and higher Sikorsky production also contributing. CH-53K Program The CH-53K is the U.S. Marine Corps’ newest heavy-lift helicopter and is intended to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion. The aircraft can lift up to 36,000 pounds externally, while the Marine Corps plans to acquire 200 helicopters. As of spring 2026, about 25 CH-53Ks had been delivered to the Marine Corps, with several squadrons already operating the helicopter. Its first operational deployment is planned for fiscal year 2027 with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. In September 2025, Sikorsky received a $10.86 billion multi-year contract for up to 99 additional CH-53Ks for the Marine Corps and possible international customers, covering deliveries from 2029 to 2034. Israel has ordered 12 helicopters. A separate $525 million contract awarded in June 2026 covers development and integration of advanced technologies for the CH-53K program through 2031. The expected CH-53K production increase is part of Lockheed Martin’s broader effort to expand output across helicopters, aircraft, radars and munitions as the company responds to higher demand.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-06 14:05:27
Europe
DÜSSELDORF, Germany — German defense company Rheinmetall expects to secure about €12.4 billion in vehicle business from Germany’s Arminius procurement programme by the end of 2026, Chief Executive Armin Papperger said during the company’s second-quarter 2026 earnings call. The initial vehicle package could be worth nearly €25 billion, with Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland each receiving a 50% share through their equally owned Artec consortium. Final negotiations with the Bundeswehr are expected in the second week of September. The contract still requires parliamentary approval. Papperger expects the Bundestag to consider the funding on December 9, with signing possible five to 10 days later. A 30% advance payment could then provide Rheinmetall with more than €3 billion in December or January. Rheinmetall also expects about €2 billion from a separate service and support contract valued at roughly €4 billion in total. The support agreement could be concluded in January 2027, bringing Rheinmetall’s expected business from the initial phase to approximately €14.4 billion to €14.5 billion. Further Boxer Orders The wider Arminius programme could eventually reach a theoretical industrial value of around €77 billion, although the additional phases remain unapproved and unfunded proposals. The first proposed follow-on option would be worth €28 billion overall, including about €14 billion for Rheinmetall, and cover around 1,700 vehicles delivered between 2030 and 2035. A second proposal is valued at about €24 billion, including €12 billion for Rheinmetall, for another 2,000 vehicles at a later stage. The initial phase is expected to include about 1,800 GTK Boxer vehicles. If all three phases proceed, Germany could acquire up to 5,500 new Boxers by around 2040, in addition to the 861 vehicles already ordered by the Bundeswehr. The programme will cover multiple Boxer configurations, including the Schakal infantry fighting vehicle and RCH 155 self-propelled howitzer. Other planned or considered variants include command vehicles, driver-training platforms, artillery reconnaissance vehicles, armored personnel carriers, medical evacuation vehicles, bridge systems and air-defense vehicles equipped with the Skyranger 30 turret. Rheinmetall Backlog The Arminius programme comes as Rheinmetall reports a record €80.4 billion order backlog at the end of the second quarter. Quarterly sales rose nearly 70% to €3.289 billion, while operational results increased 115% year over year. Quarterly order intake increased 476%, with about 70% of the backlog consisting of firm orders.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-06 13:54:56
U.S
REDMOND, Wash. — Kymeta has received a $20 million order from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for more than 100 Osprey u8 satellite communications terminals, along with bundled multi-orbit connectivity services through the company’s Kymeta Broadband network. The specific DoD branch receiving the terminals was not disclosed because of operational security considerations. Kymeta said the latest order brings the total value of terminals and connectivity services delivered to the same unnamed DoD branch in 2026 to more than $30 million. Multi-Orbit Satellite Connectivity The Osprey u8 is a flat-panel, electronically steered satellite antenna that uses metamaterial technology and does not require moving mechanical components to maintain satellite connections. The terminal features a ruggedized enclosure and is designed around low size, weight and power (SWaP) requirements. Kymeta developed the system for mobile operations and challenging environments where reliable communications are required. The new order combines the physical terminals with Kymeta Broadband connectivity. The service provides access through both geostationary orbit (GEO) and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks. Another capability of the Osprey u8 is support for switching between transmission security (TRANSEC) and non-TRANSEC networks. This allows the terminal to operate across different network configurations based on operational requirements. Supporting Resilient Military Communications Kymeta's systems are designed to support the military PACE communications model, which stands for Primary, Alternate, Contingency and Emergency communications. The approach provides multiple communication options so forces can maintain connectivity when their primary communications path becomes unavailable. The company is also developing this concept through its AutoPACE intelligent communications platform. According to Kymeta, AutoPACE is intended to automate the selection and switching of available connectivity sources, reducing the need for operators to manually change between satellite feeds or networks when connectivity is disrupted or affected by jamming. The company said its work with multiple DoD branches reflects its focus on providing connectivity for distributed forces operating in contested and rapidly changing environments. Expanding Defense Business The latest order adds to Kymeta's existing defense business and its focus on military and government communications. The company said its satellite communications solutions are now available to U.S. forces for operational requirements. “This order is an affirmation from the military community that Kymeta can deliver on its promise to provide dependable connectivity for mission-critical operations,” said Manny Mora, CEO of Kymeta. “With our partners across national security, we are continuing to build steady and solid momentum as a trusted and valued partner.” Kymeta was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Redmond, Washington. The company develops electronically steered flat-panel satellite antennas using metamaterial technology, with products aimed at mobile and challenging operating environments. The Osprey u8 is designed for military and government applications and supports multi-orbit and multi-network connectivity. The value and scale of the latest DoD order make it another significant contract in Kymeta's expanding work with the U.S. military.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-05 16:44:33
World
KYIV — Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence has officially confirmed that Swedish-supplied ASC 890 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft have entered combat operations over Ukrainian airspace. The confirmation appeared in a ministry publication titled “Air Force Capabilities Coalition: How Partners Are Helping Build the Future of the Ukrainian Air Force.” The ministry said Sweden announced the transfer in May 2024, formally confirmed the delivery in August 2025, and the aircraft began its first combat sorties over Ukraine in March 2026. Sweden Supplied Two ASC 890 Aircraft Sweden pledged two ASC 890 aircraft, also known as the Saab 340 AEW&C, as part of a military aid package worth approximately €1.16 billion ($1.25 billion). The package was announced in May 2024 and was Sweden’s largest military aid package to Ukraine at the time. The ASC 890 is based on the Saab 340 airframe and is designed to provide airborne surveillance and command capabilities. Sweden said the aircraft would help Ukraine detect and identify targets at long range. Erieye Radar Provides Long-Range Surveillance The aircraft’s main sensor is the FSR 890 Erieye radar, installed in the distinctive rectangular “balance beam” fairing above the fuselage. The radar is an active electronically scanned array (AESA) system operating in the S-band and incorporates gallium nitride (GaN) components. According to the specifications provided in the supplied information, Erieye can track up to 1,000 air targets and 500 surface targets simultaneously. Its instrumental detection range is about 450 kilometres, while the range against fighter-sized aircraft is approximately 350 kilometres. Operating at around 6,000 metres (20,000 feet) gives the aircraft an elevated view that can help detect low-flying cruise missiles and drones from several hundred kilometres away. Ground-based radars face limitations against such targets because of terrain and the radar horizon. Flying Radar and Command Post The ASC 890 does more than detect targets. It can also act as a flying command post, collecting surveillance information and passing tracking data to other aircraft and air-defence units. Ukrainian F-16 fighters have been modified to exchange data with the ASC 890. This allows pilots to receive information from the airborne radar and can reduce the need to activate their own radars when engaging detected targets, helping limit the risk of revealing their positions. The aircraft is operated by a crew of six or seven, including flight personnel and mission specialists such as mission control, combat control and surveillance operators. It typically operates at speeds of around 300 km/h and altitudes between 2,000 and 6,000 metres, with higher altitudes used when greater radar coverage is required. The Erieye system uses fixed side-looking radar arrays, providing approximately 120–150 degrees of coverage on each side. Part of Ukraine’s Network-Centric Air Force Ukraine’s Defence Ministry said the ASC 890, together with F-16, Mirage 2000 and Gripen fighters, forms the foundation of a modern network-centric air combat system aligned with NATO standards. The aircraft is part of the wider Air Force Capabilities Coalition, involving 14 partner nations and supporting Ukraine’s transition from Soviet-era aviation systems to Western standards. Ukraine began receiving F-16s in 2024 from Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Belgium. France began delivering Mirage 2000 fighters in 2025, while Sweden has committed to transferring 16 Gripen C/D fighters. A newer Gripen E variant is planned for delivery by early 2029. Sweden previously operated two ASC 890 aircraft, and both were transferred to Ukraine. The transfer also required preparations and data-sharing modifications to enable integration with Ukraine’s F-16 fleet. A video that appeared on a Russian Telegram channel on 20 March 2026 appeared to show an ASC 890 in flight with Ukrainian voices in the background, but its exact date and location could not be independently verified at the time. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence later officially confirmed that the aircraft had begun combat sorties in March 2026. The ASC 890 now provides Ukraine with an airborne surveillance and command capability that can extend detection of low-altitude threats and support coordination between Western fighter aircraft and Ukraine’s wider air-defence network.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-05 16:33:10
U.S
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Army has moved its Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN) program from prototyping into production, awarding delivery orders worth a combined $192 million to Palantir Technologies and Anduril Industries. The awards, made on August 31, include $127 million for Palantir and $65 million for Anduril. The contracts cover the procurement and integration of eight initial production TITAN systems, consisting of four TITAN Advanced and four TITAN Basic variants. The systems are scheduled for delivery over the next 18 months. AI-enabled battlefield intelligence system TITAN is an artificial intelligence-enabled, mobile ground station designed to collect, process and distribute information from space, high-altitude, aerial and terrestrial sensors. The system uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to combine information from multiple sources, create a common intelligence picture and generate target coordinates. The Army says this is intended to improve the speed of target recognition and geolocation while reducing the time between sensor detection and engagement through automated target nominations. TITAN is being developed to support Multi-Domain Operations, Joint All-Domain Operations and Long-Range Precision Fires. Its ability to process information from different sensors is intended to help battlefield units turn large amounts of intelligence data into usable targeting information more quickly. Two TITAN variants The initial production order is divided equally between the two versions. TITAN Advanced: Four systems will be produced in the Advanced configuration. These systems are mounted on the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles and are intended for higher-level formations, including corps, military intelligence brigade theater and multi-domain commands. The Advanced version provides greater processing and integration capabilities and has access to space-based intelligence. TITAN Basic: Four systems will be produced in the Basic configuration. The more mobile version is designed for lower-echelon and division-level operations and is mounted on platforms including the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. The Army is also continuing integration work involving the Infantry Squad Vehicle-Utility. Palantir and Anduril roles Palantir is the prime contractor and will lead overall production and integration of the TITAN systems. Its team includes L3Harris Technologies, Sierra Nevada Corporation, Strategic Technology Consulting and World Wide Technology, which are providing capabilities and technologies for the program. Anduril is responsible for critical hardware and shelter integration. Its work includes ruggedized vehicle-mounted systems and the integration of power, thermal, control and operator subsystems. Anduril has supported TITAN since 2021 as the program's lead hardware systems architect, with hardware production taking place at its facility in Costa Mesa, California. Production follows four years of prototyping The move to production follows four years of prototyping and testing with Army soldiers using TITAN systems in different configurations and operating environments. Army officials said soldier feedback was used to refine the system. Col. Jonathan Lipscomb, Project Manager for Intelligence Systems and Analytics, said the program has improved the speed of target recognition and geolocation from multiple sensors and reduced sensor-to-shooter timelines through automated target nominations and fusion of the common intelligence picture. The Army currently retains nine TITAN prototype systems for operational use. The eight production systems from the new orders will join those prototypes once delivered. The Army expects to award additional production orders for TITAN systems in fiscal year 2027.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-05 16:24:14
U.S
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon subjected roughly 50 members of the U.S. military’s Joint Staff to polygraph tests in August as part of an investigation into suspected leaks of classified information to journalists, according to U.S. officials briefed on the matter. The inquiry focused in part on disclosures about reduced U.S. munitions inventories during the war with Iran. Military officers and civilian employees were questioned about whether they had provided classified information to members of the media, including information concerning the depletion of key U.S. weapons stocks. The tests followed several reports about reduced inventories of long-range missiles and air-defense interceptors, including Patriot and THAAD systems. The Joint Staff has between 1,500 and 2,000 military and civilian personnel and is responsible for helping coordinate military operations, policy and war planning with the U.S. combatant commands. The polygraph testing did not cover all senior officials. Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was not among those tested, according to a senior Pentagon official. Some personnel from U.S. Central Command and other combatant commands were also included in the broader testing effort. The scale of the testing has been described as highly unusual. Retired Rear Adm. Donald J. Guter, a former Navy judge advocate general, said he had not seen polygraph testing used this broadly or at this level of seniority. The tests were conducted by military investigators, rather than the FBI. Two sources said none of the personnel tested failed questions specifically aimed at determining whether they had leaked information to the media. Investigation focuses on munitions disclosures The leak investigation followed reports about the rapid use of U.S. air-defense and other advanced munitions during the conflict with Iran. CNN reported in August, citing sources familiar with inventory data, that the U.S. military had used close to 80 percent of its THAAD interceptors and about half of its Patriot interceptors compared with pre-war levels. A separate analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated that Patriot interceptor inventories had fallen from about 2,330 before the war to between 759 and 827 by late July 2026. Its estimate for THAAD interceptors was a decline from about 452 before the war to between 234 and 278. CSIS said Patriot inventories were below 1,000 and THAAD inventories were around 250 in its July assessment. CSIS has also assessed that rebuilding some depleted missile inventories could take years because of production rates and the time required for new weapons to reach the military. U.S. officials have disputed descriptions that the military lacks sufficient weapons and have emphasized efforts to increase production and replenish inventories. President Donald Trump has also said that some types of munitions were in tighter supply than before the war while maintaining that the United States had substantial ammunition available. Concern over access to classified information The investigation also examined how information about the munitions inventories reached the media. According to one source, investigators were concerned because access to the specific stockpile information was limited, raising questions about whether a foreign intelligence asset could potentially have been involved. The broader investigation is intended to identify the source of unauthorized disclosures and prevent additional classified information from reaching the media. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell declined to discuss the internal investigation. In a statement, he said the department does not comment on internal personnel or investigative matters but takes leaks of classified national security information seriously and investigates them. He added that protecting classified information is critical to the security of the United States and U.S. troops deployed around the world. The polygraph testing comes as the Pentagon continues efforts to address concerns over U.S. munitions inventories following the expenditure of large numbers of weapons during operations involving Iran. Sourec : CBS
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-05 16:19:16
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy is moving forward with plans to integrate Lockheed Martin’s Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) interceptor with the Aegis Combat System on guided-missile destroyers. The Navy is targeting initial operational capability (IOC) in 2028, according to an August 27 Congressional Research Service (CRS) report. PAC-3 MSE Integration The PAC-3 MSE is currently used with land-based Patriot air and missile defense systems and the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. The Navy plans to launch the interceptor from the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) installed on its destroyers. Lockheed Martin plans to conduct an initial land-based test in early 2027. The integration will require software modifications to both the Aegis combat system and the PAC-3 MSE. The CRS report does not specify the number or class of destroyers that will receive the capability. It also does not provide the planned shipboard missile inventory, procurement cost or a timetable for at-sea testing. Navy Contract and Missile Procurement In April 2026, Lockheed Martin received a Navy contract to develop, integrate and test PAC-3 MSE within the Aegis architecture and Mk 41 launcher. The initial phase was reported at about $93 million, while the broader development, integration and testing effort could be worth up to about $200 million. Lockheed Martin had previously invested its own resources in Mk 41 compatibility. The Navy's fiscal year 2027 budget request includes 405 PAC-3 MSE interceptors. The Navy had ordered 12 missiles the previous year to support integration activities. How the PAC-3 MSE Works PAC-3 MSE is the current generation of the PAC-3 family and belongs to the MIM-104F branch of the Patriot system. It uses hit-to-kill technology, destroying targets through direct impact rather than a conventional explosive warhead. The interceptor is designed to engage tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial systems and other air-breathing threats. The missile has an onboard active millimeter-wave seeker for terminal guidance. Under the planned Aegis integration, the ship's AN/SPY-1 or AN/SPY-6 radar can provide midcourse updates before the missile's own seeker takes over during the terminal phase. This differs from earlier Patriot interceptors. PAC-2 and PAC-2 Guidance Enhanced Missiles use blast-fragmentation warheads and were designed mainly to engage aircraft and cruise missiles, with a more limited role against tactical ballistic missiles. Production and Supply Pressure The PAC-3 MSE integration is taking place as demand for Patriot interceptors increases. The CRS report said Congress is examining Patriot costs, availability, production capacity and supply-chain issues, with demand affected by the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. Concerns include access to critical materials, supply-chain bottlenecks and whether production rates can meet U.S. and international requirements. Lockheed Martin is expanding production under multiyear agreements, with annual output planned to increase from roughly 600 interceptors to more than 2,000 over seven years. Army and International Demand The U.S. Army currently operates 15 active-component Patriot battalions and plans to add three more between fiscal years 2029 and 2031. A four-battery Patriot battalion equipped with the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) and Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) has an estimated procurement cost of $1.792 billion. International demand is also putting pressure on delivery schedules. According to the CRS, Denmark abandoned a planned Patriot purchase in favor of the Franco-Italian SAMP/T system, partly because of shorter delivery times. Switzerland has also considered European alternatives amid potential Patriot delivery delays of four to five years. 2028 Operational Target The CRS report does not determine whether production and supply-chain pressures will affect the Navy's Aegis integration schedule or its 2028 operational target. It also does not confirm whether the Navy has established formal requirements for the shipboard PAC-3 MSE capability. Beyond the planned early-2027 land-based test, the report does not identify additional development milestones before the 2028 IOC target. If the current schedule is maintained, PAC-3 MSE will add another interceptor option to Aegis-equipped Navy destroyers for defense against a range of missile and aerial threats.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-05 16:02:15
World
Washington, — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said Saturday that American forces struck three Iranian crude oil tankers after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles toward two U.S. Navy warships operating in the region. According to CENTCOM, the two U.S. warships, identified as an aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer, successfully evaded the incoming missiles. No U.S. personnel were injured, and CENTCOM did not publicly identify the ships involved. In response, U.S. forces permanently disabled two Iranian crude oil carriers and completely destroyed a third. The vessels identified by CENTCOM were: M/T Downy (IMO 9218480) — struck off the coast of Kharg Island and permanently disabled. M/T Stark 1 (IMO 9171450) — struck near Jask and permanently disabled. M/T Kylo (IMO 9189146), also known as Noxen — completely destroyed in the Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM said the three tankers were part of what it described as a multibillion-dollar shadow network that generates revenue for the IRGC and its regional proxy groups. The command said the Kylo was unladen when it was targeted. Its crew was directed to abandon the vessel before U.S. forces struck multiple critical locations on the ship, according to the CENTCOM account. The action was intended to render the tanker inoperable. Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, said the United States would continue to defend its forces and could target Iran's oil fleet when necessary. The strikes followed the latest confrontation between U.S. and Iranian forces in waters around the Gulf region. CENTCOM has previously reported U.S. operations against Iranian military and maritime capabilities as part of Operation Epic Fury, which began on February 28, 2026. Earlier this week, CENTCOM said U.S. forces had completed another wave of strikes against IRGC targets in Iran, including air-defense positions, radar systems, maritime assets, mine-laying capabilities and communications sites. The command said those strikes followed attempted Iranian attacks against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. personnel. The latest tanker strikes add another maritime dimension to the ongoing U.S.-Iran confrontation. CENTCOM has not yet provided further details on the condition of the tanker crews or reported any Iranian casualties from the latest operation. Iran had not issued an immediate official response to the U.S. announcement at the time of reporting. Reports from the region said a tanker near Kharg Island had been hit, while accounts also emerged of U.S. military radio warnings being issued to a tanker before it was struck.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-05 14:52:46
World
Malan, Xinjiang, China — New photographs and satellite imagery have provided the clearest public view yet of a large Chinese flying-wing drone unofficially known as the WZ-X. The latest images confirm that the aircraft has an unusual stepped-wing configuration that was difficult to identify in earlier satellite imagery. The aircraft was first identified in commercial satellite imagery taken on May 14, 2025, at the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) test facility near Malan in China’s Xinjiang region. At the time, it was unclear whether the apparent breaks in the wing outline were actual design features or artifacts caused by the imagery. New ground-level photographs and a recent satellite image now show that the changes in wing shape are part of the aircraft’s design. Unusual stepped-wing configuration The WZ-X has a broad-chord inner wing that transitions abruptly into a much narrower outer section. Instead of continuously tapering from the center fuselage toward the wingtips, the outer sections become significantly longer and thinner. This creates a distinctive stepped-wing appearance and produces a shallow, semi-sawtooth trailing edge. The aircraft also has a diamond-like central fuselage with long outer wing sections. The configuration is different from the continuous flying-wing layouts seen on aircraft such as the U.S. B-2 Spirit. The reason for the unusual wing arrangement has not been officially explained. The long outer wings give the aircraft a high aspect ratio, a configuration generally associated with efficient flight and reduced induced drag. However, the effect of the specific stepped geometry on the aircraft's radar signature remains uncertain. Large aircraft with a roughly 173-foot wingspan The WZ-X is the largest Chinese flying-wing aircraft identified to date. Recent imagery supports an estimated wingspan of approximately 170 to 173 feet (52 to 53 meters), making it roughly comparable in span to the 172-foot B-2 Spirit. Aviation specialist Andreas Rupprecht estimates the aircraft's length at approximately 46 feet (14 meters). The central fuselage appears relatively spacious compared with the aircraft's overall thickness and could provide room for fuel, sensors and communications equipment, although the exact internal configuration has not been confirmed. Images from the rear also show large landing-gear doors and split rudders positioned toward the outer wing areas. Slot-like openings at the rear of the center section have led analysts to assess that the aircraft is likely powered by two engines. A dorsal antenna visible on the aircraft has also been assessed as being associated with satellite communications. Possible high-altitude, long-endurance role The WZ-X's size and aerodynamic configuration have led analysts to associate it with high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) missions. Its large central body and inner wing sections provide considerable space for fuel and mission equipment, while the unusually long outer wings could support efficient cruise flight. The aircraft has therefore been assessed as potentially suited to long-range surveillance and communications or networking missions. However, its exact mission has not been officially confirmed. Some analyst estimates place its normal cruising altitude between 59,000 and 66,000 feet and its range at more than 12,000 miles (about 20,000 kilometers). Reported estimates also put its cruise speed in the Mach 0.5–0.65 range. These performance figures remain unconfirmed by official Chinese sources. A strike role has also been discussed by analysts, but there is currently no publicly confirmed information establishing the WZ-X as a strike aircraft. Malan has become an important Chinese UAV test location The aircraft is being tested at the Malan facility in Xinjiang, which has become an important location for China's unmanned-aircraft development. Satellite imagery has shown extensive activity and infrastructure at the site, including multiple large aircraft and hangars. In March 2026, satellite imagery captured the WZ-X and another large flying-wing aircraft outside their hangars at the same time. The second aircraft, unofficially referred to as the GJ-X, has a different cranked-kite wing configuration and an estimated wingspan of about 137 feet (42 meters). It was subsequently observed in flight, although its official designation and mission also remain unclear. The presence of several large tailless and flying-wing aircraft at Malan indicates that China is testing multiple uncrewed aircraft configurations rather than relying on a single design. Official designation remains unknown Despite the growing amount of imagery available, the aircraft's official designation, manufacturer, propulsion details, confirmed performance and primary mission have not been publicly confirmed. The name WZ-X is an unofficial designation used by observers to identify the aircraft. The latest imagery, however, provides considerably more information about its physical configuration, particularly the distinctive stepped outer wings and shallow serrated trailing edge. The aircraft's approximately 170–173-foot wingspan also establishes it as one of the largest known Chinese uncrewed flying-wing platforms and places the WZ-X among the largest stealth-oriented UAV designs currently identified through publicly available imagery. Source : TWZ
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-05 14:46:46
India
HYDERABAD — The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL) is developing a vehicle-mounted jammer designed to counter cognitive radio-based military communication systems. Three units of the new system are currently under development. According to the project details, each jammer will provide 360-degree detection and jamming coverage across a frequency range of 30 MHz to 6 GHz. The system is designed to operate at ranges of up to 20 km. A key feature of the jammer is its response time of less than 5 microseconds. This capability is intended to allow the system to track and jam radios that rapidly change their operating frequencies, including systems capable of frequency hopping at up to 2,000 times per second. The jammer is being developed as a mobile electronic warfare system. The complete system can be deployed from its vehicle in less than one hour, allowing it to be used for tactical operations and relocated when required. Delivery and testing of the three units are scheduled to be completed within 21 months. Following completion, the units will be evaluated for their ability to detect and disrupt cognitive radio threats within the specified frequency band and operational range. DLRL’s Role in Electronic Warfare DLRL, based in Hyderabad, is one of DRDO’s laboratories working on electronic warfare technologies for the Indian armed forces. Its work covers areas including communications intelligence (COMINT), electronic support measures (ESM), electronic countermeasures (ECM), digital receivers and jamming systems. DRDO’s technology roadmap specifically lists smart jamming against software-defined radios (SDRs) and cognitive radio-based military communication radios as an electronic warfare development area assigned to DLRL. Cognitive radios can adapt their transmission characteristics according to the surrounding electromagnetic environment. This can include changing operating frequencies, making them more difficult to counter with conventional jamming approaches. The new system is therefore focused on responding to rapidly changing communication signals. DRDO describes electronic warfare as the use of electromagnetic energy to determine, exploit, reduce or prevent hostile use of the electromagnetic spectrum. Electronic countermeasures include jamming and deception intended to prevent or reduce an adversary’s effective use of the spectrum. The development of the vehicle-mounted jammer adds to DLRL’s existing work in mobile electronic warfare systems and digital signal-processing technologies. DRDO has also established dedicated system integration and evaluation facilities at DLRL for testing communication and non-communication electronic warfare systems. The three systems under development will provide an opportunity to evaluate the jammer against cognitive radio-based communication threats and assess its performance across the specified frequency band and range.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-05 14:30:00
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin Space a $90.2 million contract modification to continue design and development work for the Trident II D5 Life Extension 2 (D5LE2) program. The cost-plus-fixed-fee modification covers what the Navy calls “SSP Alteration Advanced Design and Development.” The work is being managed by the Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) office and is part of the second life extension of the Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missile. The Trident II D5 provides the sea-based leg of the United States’ nuclear triad. The Navy’s ongoing D5LE2 program is intended to modernize the missile and support its continued operation as the service transitions from the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines to the Columbia class. Work to continue through 2030 Under the new contract modification, about 68% of the work will be performed at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. Another 25% will take place at Cape Canaveral, Florida, while the remaining work will be divided between facilities in Bangor, Washington, and Denver, Colorado. The contract is scheduled to run through September 30, 2030. The Navy is obligating the full $90.2 million from fiscal year 2026 weapons procurement funds at the time of the award. The funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, with the Navy determining that Lockheed Martin had the unique capabilities required to meet the program's requirements. Trident II D5 modernization The Trident II D5 entered service in 1990 and is carried by U.S. Ohio-class and U.K. Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines. An earlier D5 life extension program was completed in 2017. The missile weighs approximately 130,000 pounds (58,967 kilograms) and has a stated range of about 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 kilometers). Its reported speed exceeds Mach 20. According to Lockheed Martin, submarine-launched ballistic missiles account for roughly 70% of the United States' strategic deterrent capability. The Navy has described D5LE2 as the next-generation version of the Trident II D5. Official Navy testimony says the program is intended to maintain the Trident system's required performance and provide flexibility for future requirements. D5LE2 program receives earlier major contracts The latest $90.2 million award follows earlier funding for the D5LE2 program. In January 2025, the Navy awarded Lockheed Martin a $383 million contract modification to begin development of the upgraded missile. Lockheed Martin said the D5LE2 is being developed for deployment aboard Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines and is intended to remain credible through 2084. In April 2026, the Department of War announced an additional $850 million modification for continued D5LE2 design and development. Lockheed Martin publicly disclosed the award in July 2026. The D5LE2 will eventually support the transition to the U.S. Navy's Columbia-class submarines and the U.K.'s planned Dreadnought-class boats, replacing the Ohio- and Vanguard-class submarines. New production facility in Florida Lockheed Martin is also expanding its production infrastructure for the program. The company is constructing an approximately 225,000-square-foot (20,903-square-meter) facility at its Titusville, Florida, campus to produce D5LE2 components. The facility is expected to be ready in 2027 and is expected to create approximately 300 new jobs. Lockheed Martin said the facility is being developed alongside the D5LE2 program to support future production requirements. The Navy also conducted four test flights of unarmed Trident II D5LE missiles from an Ohio-class submarine off Florida's east coast in September 2025, supporting continued testing of the existing life-extended missile system. The latest contract modification continues the development work required to move the Trident II D5 system into its second major life-extension phase while preparing the missile system for the transition to the Columbia-class submarine fleet. Source : defence-blog
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-05 14:19:22Search
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