U.S
DALLAS — Defense technology startup Covenant has emerged from two years of stealth operations with more than $250 million in venture funding, introducing Anthem, a ground-launched, long-range precision strike cruise missile designed to carry a heavy payload and be produced in large numbers. Founded in 2024, Covenant has more than 200 employees across the United States, Germany and Israel. The company said it has already secured approximately $150 million in orders covering research and development, qualification and production contracts. Anthem Targets the Deep-Strike Gap Anthem is designed to carry a payload of more than 200 kilograms (over 440 pounds) over long distances. Covenant has not disclosed its exact range, but says the missile offers multiples of the range and payload of other systems in its price class. The company is targeting a unit cost in the mid-six figures at full-rate production. Anthem is intended for hardened targets, including ports, runways and weapons facilities. Covenant has developed its own ground launcher, storage and handling systems, along with mission-planning and command-and-control software designed to support coordinated launches of large numbers of missiles. More Than 200 Test Flights Covenant said Anthem first flew in August 2025 and has completed more than 200 test flights. The testing has included trials with the U.S. military in the United States and overseas. A recent demonstration was conducted in August 2026 at a U.S. Army range in Morocco. $250 Million Funding and Military Contracts Covenant raised more than $250 million across three funding rounds, with investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Founders Fund, Lux Capital, 8VC, Aleph and Lightspeed Venture Partners. Reports place the company's valuation at more than $1 billion. The company has an Other Transaction Agreement with the U.S. Army for accelerated testing and qualification. The U.S. Navy's Rapid Capabilities Office also awarded Covenant a roughly $70 million cost-sharing contract to develop a maritime Anthem variant and incorporate Defense Exportability Features for potential sales to U.S. allies. Covenant said additional awards are expected before the end of 2026. Production Designed for Scale Covenant is using commercial off-the-shelf components for Anthem where possible. Where commercial parts were unavailable, the company said it worked with suppliers to establish dedicated production lines. The company has opened a 105,000-square-foot production facility in Grand Prairie, Texas, while a 110,000-square-foot facility in Saxony, Germany, is planned around a predominantly European supply chain. Covenant is also operating a roughly 30,000- to 32,000-square-foot facility in northern Israel. Serial production is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027, with an initial goal of about 1,000 missiles in the first year and a longer-term target of 5,000 units annually. Covenant expects deliveries of German-built systems to an international customer by the end of 2026, while U.S. Army deliveries are planned for 2027. Leadership and Western Strike Requirements Covenant was founded by Michael Kaufman and Ofir Dayan. Kaufman, the company's CEO, is a former investor at Thiel Capital, while Dayan, the CTO, previously worked on systems including Iron Dome. Abby Denburg is President and Chief Growth Officer, and former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks serves as an adviser. Covenant is positioning Anthem around the growing requirement for large numbers of heavy-payload precision weapons against hardened targets. Its approach combines a lower-cost production model, localized manufacturing and integrated launch and mission-planning systems. The company says the priority now is execution—delivering mission-critical capability to customers on time, at scale and with the performance they expect.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 09:13:25
U.S
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — American Rheinmetall has secured a $7.28 million contract to supply the U.S. Marine Corps with 12 Mission Master SP autonomous unmanned ground vehicles (A-UGVs), along with five specialized Marine Kits and related support equipment. Contract and Marine Corps Evaluation The procurement is being executed by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), with ADS Inc. serving as the prime contractor for the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL). American Rheinmetall will lead the project in the United States, while Rheinmetall Canada, the Mission Master SP's original equipment manufacturer and technical partner, will provide engineering and production support. The vehicles will undergo operational evaluation, experimentation and capability development. The program is intended to support the Marine Corps' efforts to expand autonomous logistics, mobility and expeditionary capabilities. Mission Master SP Capabilities The Mission Master SP is a compact, low-profile autonomous unmanned ground vehicle designed to support dismounted troops. It can be configured for missions including logistics, tactical overwatch, fire support and casualty evacuation. The latest configuration uses Rheinmetall's PATH autonomy architecture, which supports autonomous navigation and mission planning in complex and GPS-degraded environments. The vehicle supports modular payloads and can operate in follow-me, convoy and fully autonomous modes. Its lithium-ion battery-powered electric drivetrain supports low-signature operations. The vehicle is also compact enough to be transported internally by CH-47, CH-53 and C-130 aircraft. Amphibious Marine Kit The contract includes five Marine Kits, which are designed to improve the Mission Master SP's ability to operate in littoral environments and perform extended amphibious tasks. Five of the 12 vehicles will be equipped with the kits for maritime mobility testing. “This collaboration between Rheinmetall colleagues enables the U.S. Marine Corps to deploy the Mission Master SP in multi-domain environments and continue to push boundaries of Canadian innovation,” said Pietro Mazzei, president and CEO of Rheinmetall Canada. Four Years of Marine Corps Cooperation The award builds on more than four years of collaboration between Rheinmetall and the Marine Corps. Earlier Mission Master systems were tested in missions including casualty evacuation, resupply and autonomous road marches of up to 50 kilometers. The vehicles also participated in exercises including Talisman Sabre in Australia and Apollo Shield at Twentynine Palms, California. Rheinmetall has also integrated the Fieldranger Remote Weapon Station on an armed Mission Master SP and demonstrated the system during live-fire testing. “This award represents a significant milestone in our long-standing partnership with the United States Marine Corps,” said Matt Warnick, CEO of American Rheinmetall. He said the company has worked with Marines for more than four years to develop and advance autonomous ground capabilities. Support and Future U.S. Production The contract includes engineering support, logistics coordination, program management, operator training, technical documentation and acceptance testing. American Rheinmetall also plans to develop its Maine facility into a future U.S. Advanced Land Autonomy Center of Excellence (ALACOE). The center is planned to focus on PATH integration, local production, sustainment and lifecycle support. The current procurement does not require immediate expansion of the Maine facility, although the company said the planned center could support future U.S. manufacturing, workforce growth and long-term sustainment. The new contract will provide the Marine Corps with additional Mission Master SP vehicles for continued testing and development of autonomous logistics, mobility and amphibious capabilities.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 09:00:27
U.S
PLYMOUTH, Minn. — Northrop Grumman has begun production of its PGK E5 precision guidance kit for the U.S. Army. The upgraded system is designed to maintain the accuracy of 155 mm artillery rounds when GPS signals are jammed or degraded. Production is underway at Northrop Grumman’s facility in Plymouth, Minnesota, with the first deliveries expected in early 2028. The company has not disclosed the specific number or value of PGK E5 kits ordered. The PGK E5 is the latest version of the M1156 Precision Guidance Kit, which has been in production since 2013 and in service since 2015. The kit screws into the fuze well of compatible conventional 155 mm projectiles, allowing existing ammunition to receive GPS-guided course-correction capability without requiring new guided shells or changes to the artillery platform. Anti-Jamming Upgrade The main improvement in the E5 is its enhanced anti-jamming technology, developed to maintain precision when GPS signals are disrupted by electronic warfare. Northrop Grumman said the system recently exceeded the Army’s threshold and objective accuracy requirements during testing in GPS-degraded conditions. The Army lists a threshold accuracy of less than 50 meters circular error probable (CEP) and an objective of less than 30 meters CEP. The E5 maintains the same fit, form and user experience as previous PGK versions. It is compatible with projectiles including the M795 and M549A1 high-explosive rounds and fielded artillery systems such as the M109A6/A7 Paladin and M777A2. The system also retains standard fuze functions, including point detonation and proximity, or height-of-burst, operation. “Today’s threat environment demands speed and innovation and we’re working closely with the U.S. Army to ensure the PGK E5 keeps maneuver forces ready to win in GPS degraded environments,” said Dave Fine, vice president of armament systems at Northrop Grumman. $862.8 Million Production Contract The E5 production follows a $862.8 million firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract awarded to Northrop Grumman by the U.S. Army in September 2026. The five-year agreement covers the manufacture, inspection, testing, packaging and delivery of M1156 precision guidance kits and variants through September 2031. Individual orders will determine work locations and funding. The Army Contracting Command in Newark, New Jersey, manages the agreement. Northrop Grumman has delivered more than 145,000 PGK kits to date, with the system reporting a 98 percent point reliability rate since 2013. PGKs are used by U.S. forces and allied countries, including Australia, Canada and Finland. Finland purchased 5,500 kits in August 2024. The PGK approach allows existing stocks of conventional 155 mm ammunition to receive precision-guidance capability, providing the Army with an anti-jam upgrade without requiring replacement of its existing artillery platforms.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 08:50:21
World
MOCHA, YEMEN — On September 9, Yemen’s Houthi forces have captured the Red Sea port city of Mokha (Al-Makha) and made a rapid advance across parts of western Yemen, taking several strategically important locations from forces aligned with the internationally recognised Yemeni government. The offensive has focused on western Taiz and southern Al-Hudaydah governorates, with Houthi forces advancing through several districts along the western coast. The territorial shift has included the capture of Hays, Al-Khawkhah, Al-Wazi'iyah, Mawza and the Khalid ibn al-Walid military camp. Government forces and the National Resistance Forces led by Tariq Saleh reportedly withdrew or collapsed across a broad section of the front, with some forces falling back toward Aden. The offensive ultimately reached Mokha, where Houthi forces seized control of the city and its main port and airport. Mokha Falls to Houthi Forces Mokha had remained under the control of government-aligned forces since early 2017 and had become an important base for Tariq Saleh’s National Resistance Forces. The city is located on Yemen’s Red Sea coast and is strategically positioned near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a major maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Mokha is roughly 60–75 kilometres north of the strait. The capture therefore gives the Houthis control of an important coastal position closer to the Bab al-Mandab and international shipping routes. The city and port had previously been used by forces supported by the United Arab Emirates before the UAE’s drawdown from Yemen. Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces subsequently maintained control of the area. Wider Territorial Advance The capture of Mokha came after Houthi forces expanded their offensive through western Taiz and southern Al-Hudaydah. Houthi units captured Hays, followed by advances toward and through Al-Khawkhah, Al-Wazi'iyah and Mawza. The seizure of the Khalid ibn al-Walid military camp also removed another important government military position on the route toward the coast. Government and National Resistance forces subsequently withdrew from several positions as the Houthi advance continued. The scale of the offensive has been described as covering roughly 2,600 square kilometres of western Yemen, although the exact area under Houthi control remains subject to further verification. Previous Attacks on Mokha Port The ground offensive followed weeks of Houthi missile and drone attacks around Mokha. In early August, Houthi forces launched multiple attacks involving ballistic missiles and drones against the city and its port. Yemeni military officials said one attack killed seven people, including four military personnel and three civilians, and wounded 30 others. Air defences were reported to have intercepted 11 drones. Mokha port director Abdul Malik Al-Shara’bi later said the port had been struck by more than 25 missiles over several days, causing an estimated $16 million in direct losses. Commercial and maritime operations were suspended following the attacks. The Houthis said the attacks were aimed at a military build-up involving weapons and warships belonging to Saudi-backed forces. Strategic Importance of the Red Sea Coast Mokha's location makes its capture significant for control of western Yemen. The city sits close to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, through which international shipping moves between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Houthi forces have previously carried out attacks affecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea region. Control of Mokha gives the group a stronger position along the western coastline and removes a major government and National Resistance Forces' military and logistical position in the area. The latest offensive also represents a major change in the distribution of territory between the Houthis and government-aligned forces in western Yemen. The situation remains developing as government and National Resistance forces reorganise after the withdrawals and Houthi forces consolidate their positions across the newly captured areas. This is a developing story and may be updated as further verified information becomes available.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 08:41:13
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of War plans to install an advanced nuclear Micro Modular Reactor (MMR) at Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Crane in Indiana no later than September 2028. The project will provide the installation with continuous electricity independent of the commercial power grid. The reactor will be the U.S. Navy’s first shore-based advanced microreactor and the first power-producing nuclear reactor installed in Indiana. The commercially owned and operated reactor is intended to improve the energy resilience of NWS Crane, allowing critical activities to continue during commercial grid disruptions and other demanding conditions, including physical and cyber threats. Nuclear Power for Naval Weapons Station Crane NWS Crane is a major U.S. military installation in southern Indiana. It supports defense technology and weapons-related activities, including weapons development, electronic warfare, strategic missions and expeditionary warfare systems. The installation hosts the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division and Crane Army Ammunition Activity and employs thousands of civilian personnel, including scientists and engineers. The new reactor is intended to provide a reliable source of electricity for critical operations without depending on the civilian power grid. Microreactors are generally designed as relatively small nuclear power systems that can be factory-built and deployed to individual sites. Systems in this category typically produce 20 megawatts or less and are intended to supply power to a specific installation rather than a regional electricity network. The Department of War has not publicly identified the reactor vendor for the Crane project. It also has not released a cost estimate, specific reactor design or power output. Army’s Janus Program Leads Deployment The Crane project is being carried out through the Army’s Janus Program, with the Army serving as the Department of War’s executive agent for nuclear energy at military installations and holding regulatory authority for the unit. The Navy is responsible for establishing the operational requirements for the Crane site, while the Department of War Innovation Unit is connecting the military effort with commercial nuclear technology developers. The program also involves the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies and the State of Indiana. “Janus was designed from the beginning to deliver capability beyond the Army,” said W. Jordan Gillis, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment. He said the effort is intended to create a pathway for resilient nuclear power across the Joint Force. Brendan Rogers, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment, said energy security is directly connected to military capability. He said placing the Navy's first shore-based advanced microreactor at Crane would support efforts to protect shore infrastructure from physical, cyber and commercial-grid vulnerabilities. Part of Wider Military Microreactor Program The Crane deployment follows earlier selections under the Janus Program for other Department of War installations. The Army previously selected five companies and initial locations: Antares Nuclear — Fort Bragg, North Carolina BWXT Advanced Technologies — Fort Campbell, Kentucky General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems — Fort Hood, Texas Radiant Industries — Fort Benning, Georgia Westinghouse Government Services — Fort Drum, New York Those awards have a combined value of up to $2.2 billion. Private funding is expected to support more than 20 reactors across Department of War installations over time. The Crane project is therefore being positioned as an early part of a broader effort to deploy advanced nuclear power at military facilities. Executive Orders Set 2028 Target The project follows President Donald Trump’s executive orders concerning advanced nuclear reactors for national security and rebuilding the U.S. nuclear industrial base. Executive Order 14299, signed in May 2025, directed the Army to operate an Army-regulated nuclear reactor at a domestic military installation by September 30, 2028. Emil Michael, Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, said the department is working to field next-generation energy technologies while strengthening the U.S. nuclear industrial base and ensuring military installations have resilient infrastructure for uninterrupted operations. Mike Dodd, Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies, said his office is focused on moving technologies from development into operational use. He said the office's standard is to field and deploy capability within 24 months or less, with the Crane effort being pursued under the Contested Logistics Critical Technology Area. Indiana Support and Next Steps The Crane initiative follows more than a year of coordination between the Department of War and Indiana officials. The project has received support from Senator Jim Banks, Governor Mike Braun, Senator Todd Young, Representative Erin Houchin and Representative Mark Messmer. Federal, state and local authorities will continue work on the safety, environmental, regulatory and installation requirements needed before the reactor can be deployed. Officials have also said that nuclear safety, physical security, cybersecurity and responsible use of taxpayer funds will remain priorities throughout the project. The initiative is also expected to create skilled employment opportunities and contribute to expansion of the domestic nuclear supply chain. The Department of War has set September 2028 as the deadline for the Crane deployment, but has not publicly provided further details on the specific reactor design, power output or construction schedule.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 08:29:20
World
AMMAN, Jordan — Multiple American military aircraft were damaged in Iranian strikes on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan overnight Tuesday into Wednesday local time, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter who spoke to CBS News. Roughly eight F-15s sustained light damage and were reportedly returned to service, according to the sources, who spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to speak publicly. One A-10 Thunderbolt II, known as the “Warthog,” was struck and was left missing a wing, the sources said. No U.S. deaths have been reported in the strikes on Jordan. More Than 30 Patriot Interceptors Used U.S. forces in Jordan launched more than 30 Patriot missile interceptors while defending against the Iranian strikes, CBS News reported. Jordan's Armed Forces said that its air defenses engaged 20 ballistic missiles fired toward Jordanian territory. Jordan said 18 were intercepted and destroyed, while two fell in unpopulated areas. The reported aircraft damage provides new details about the effects of the attack, although the exact missiles responsible for the aircraft damage have not been publicly identified. Earlier Reporting The CBS report also provides further confirmation of the earlier reporting published by us following the September 8-9 attack. In our September 9 report, we reported that some Iranian ballistic missiles appeared to have reached the vicinity of Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, based on videos showing explosions and apparent impacts around the installation. At that time, the exact number of successful impacts and the extent of damage remained unclear. Our earlier report on the Muwaffaq Salti attack The new CBS report now provides specific details of the aircraft damage, including the A-10 with a missing wing and approximately eight F-15s that sustained light damage. Iran Claims Base Was Hit The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that its missiles successfully struck Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, saying the attack targeted areas associated with the maintenance, preparation and deployment of fighter aircraft, including F-15s. Jordan, however, said that 18 of the 20 ballistic missiles were intercepted and that the remaining two landed in unpopulated areas. The reported aircraft damage confirms that U.S. aircraft were affected, but the full extent of damage to the base and the precise number of missiles that reached the installation remain unclear. Attack Followed U.S. Strikes on Iranian Tankers The Iranian attack followed a U.S. operation on September 8 targeting five Iranian tankers. The U.S. said the operation was carried out in retaliation for Iran targeting a U.S. Navy warship. In response, Iran's IRGC claimed that it launched attacks against eight tankers and two warships, as well as the U.S.-used air base in Jordan. As of September 10, the reported aircraft damage has not been publicly confirmed by U.S. Central Command. The CBS report currently provides the specific details that an A-10 was left missing a wing and approximately eight F-15s sustained light damage and were returned to service.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 08:20:03
Europe
WARSAW, Poland — The United States and Poland have signed a $4 billion Foreign Military Financing (FMF) loan guarantee agreement, providing Warsaw with additional financing for the purchase of U.S. defense equipment. The agreement brings total U.S. support for Poland through the FMF program to nearly $20 billion, according to U.S. and Polish officials. The agreement was signed on September 9 at the Polish Army Museum in Warsaw. Thomas DiNanno, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, represented the United States, while Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz represented Poland. Finance Minister Andrzej Domański and senior officials from Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK) also attended the ceremony. Sixth FMF Agreement The latest agreement is Poland's sixth agreement under the U.S. Foreign Military Financing program. FMF provides financing that enables partner countries to purchase U.S. military equipment and related defense services. The new financing is intended to support the technical modernization of the Polish armed forces and accelerate the implementation of existing defense procurement contracts. Polish officials specifically identified the country's AH-64E Apache helicopter program as one of the areas that could benefit from the financing. The precise allocation of the entire $4 billion package has not been publicly detailed. Polish officials have said that the financing will help move forward with existing modernization programs and purchases of American defense equipment. Growing U.S.-Polish Defense Cooperation Poland has significantly expanded its procurement of U.S. military equipment in recent years. Its American acquisitions include F-35 fighter aircraft, AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, Patriot air and missile defense systems, HIMARS rocket launchers, M1A2 Abrams tanks and advanced radar technologies. The latest FMF agreement follows the delivery of the first F-35 aircraft to Poland in May 2026. The delivery was described by the two countries as an important step in interoperability between the U.S. and Polish air forces. Deliveries from Poland's original order of 32 F-35s are scheduled to continue through 2029. Poland is also implementing its contract for 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters, with the new financing expected to help accelerate the program. Financing Supports U.S. Defense Industry The U.S. State Department said the financing strengthens Poland's defense capabilities while also supporting demand for the U.S. defense industrial base. The agreement therefore links Poland's military modernization plans with continued procurement from American defense companies. BGK Vice President Marta Postuła said the terms of the latest financing are more favorable than those of the previous two FMF loan-guarantee agreements. She attributed part of the improvement to a U.S. government grant that helps subsidize financing costs. The agreement continues a series of U.S. FMF financing arrangements with Poland and adds another major financing mechanism to Warsaw's ongoing military modernization effort. U.S. and Polish officials described the agreement as part of the countries' broader strategic defense partnership and their cooperation on security along NATO's eastern flank. DiNanno described Poland as a trusted and model ally, while Kosiniak-Kamysz said the agreement demonstrated concrete U.S.-Polish cooperation in defense.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 08:03:08
World
NEW DELHI — Russian defense analysts from the Center for Analysis of World Arms Trade (CAWAT) have claimed that export versions of French-made Rafale fighter jets and SCALP-EG cruise missiles supplied to India could contain software and hardware “bookmarks” that might allow their use to be restricted remotely. The claim, reported by RIA Novosti on September 7, comes from an expert study being prepared for publication. CAWAT says the alleged Rafale “bookmarks” could be activated by an external radio-electronic signal and makes a similar claim about SCALP-EG missiles. However, the publicly reported assessment does not provide technical evidence demonstrating that such a remote-disable mechanism exists in India's Rafales or SCALP-EG missiles. What is the basis of the Russian claim? CAWAT's publicly reported argument appears to have two main parts. First, it asserts that export Rafales contain software and hardware “bookmarks” that could be activated by an external signal and that France has a remote capability related to SCALP-EG missiles. Second, it connects this allegation with the May 2025 India-Pakistan fighting, asking whether India's independent use of SCALP-EG could have caused or contributed to the alleged losses of several Rafales. Importantly, CAWAT does not publicly disclose the technical evidence behind the alleged “bookmarks.” The published account does not identify source-code analysis, a tested aircraft system, intercepted activation signals or technical documentation demonstrating the claimed remote-disable function. CAWAT itself says that only competent Indian authorities could determine whether such a connection existed through a detailed investigation. Rafale losses do not establish a “kill switch” CAWAT's reference to alleged Rafale losses therefore cannot by itself establish the existence of a remote “kill switch.” India acknowledged aircraft losses during the May 2025 conflict but did not publicly confirm a Rafale combat loss. A later Indian Air Force support document provides an important piece of indirect evidence: in June 2026, the IAF sought bridge support for its full fleet of 36 Rafales, with the support requirement calculated on the basis of 36 aircraft. Because this document was issued more than a year after the fighting, it is relevant when assessing earlier claims of Rafale losses. it is valid official documentary evidence that the IAF continued to account for and support the fleet as 36 aircraft. India continues to pursue more Rafales India has also continued moving toward the acquisition of 114 additional Rafales under the Multi Role Fighter Aircraft programme. The CAWAT report gives the proposed breakdown as 88 single-seat and 26 twin-seat aircraft, while India's Defence Acquisition Council approved the MRFA procurement process in February 2026. The subsequent procurement process has continued, including India's request to France for the 114-aircraft deal. The decision to continue with a major Rafale acquisition is relevant because India has not publicly indicated that it found a fundamental operational problem with the aircraft following the 2025 fighting. No technical proof of remote deactivation The central issue remains the technical claim itself. CAWAT has not publicly presented source-code analysis, technical documentation, examination of an Indian Rafale, evidence of an external activation signal, or a demonstrated test showing that France can remotely disable India's Rafales or SCALP-EG missiles. Dependence on a foreign manufacturer for proprietary software, updates, maintenance and technical support is not the same as having a remotely activated “kill switch.” Russian defense-market context The assessment also comes as Russia and France remain competitors in India's defense market. This does not prove that CAWAT's claim is politically or commercially motivated, but it makes independent verification important before accepting a serious allegation about French defense equipment. Conclusion The CAWAT assessment remains a hypothesis rather than a demonstrated technical finding. The Russian analysts have not publicly demonstrated that India's Rafales or SCALP-EG missiles contain a remotely activated disabling mechanism. Their reference to alleged Rafale losses during the 2025 fighting also does not establish that any aircraft was disabled by such a system. The later IAF documentation covering all 36 Rafales provides strong indirect official evidence that India continued to account for the complete fleet, while the continued move toward 114 additional Rafales shows that New Delhi remains committed to the aircraft. Without direct technical evidence establishing the alleged mechanism, the Russian “kill switch” claim remains unverified and requires independent examination before it can be treated as an established capability.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 07:58:18
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Air Force has launched the North Star Readiness Campaign to increase the number of mission-capable B-52 Stratofortress and B-1 Lancer bombers available for operations. The campaign was launched on September 8 by Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) in partnership with Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). The effort focuses on reducing logistical delays, improving parts availability, strengthening engineering support and speeding up depot maintenance. The Air Force said the campaign is intended to maintain a ready bomber force capable of supporting global operations. It brings operators, sustainment organizations, logisticians and maintainers together to address problems that can keep aircraft out of service. Faster Parts Delivery One of the main elements of the campaign is the use of daily aircraft-on-ground meetings. These meetings bring together DLA representatives, supply-chain personnel, base logistics units and flight-line maintainers to identify parts shortages and work on solutions. According to the Air Force, some lateral shipments that previously took a week or longer can now reach operating units in two to three days. The campaign has also reduced the number of mission-impacting parts problems, known as MICAPs, from more than 450 to approximately 160. The reduction allows maintenance teams to spend more time working on high-priority backorders and identifying emerging reliability problems instead of responding to immediate parts shortages. Focus on B-1 and B-52 Fleets For the B-1 fleet, the campaign is focused on improving the availability of critical structural and avionics parts while also reducing delays associated with depot-level maintenance. The objective is to return aircraft to the fleet faster and reduce aircraft downtime. The campaign is also supporting the continued modernization of the B-52 fleet. Both the B-52 and B-1 are receiving upgrades intended to allow the aircraft to remain in service for decades longer. The Air Force is also continuing to sustain the B-2 Spirit for maximum combat effectiveness until the B-21 Raider becomes fully operational. Air Force Leadership Emphasizes Readiness Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, said the campaign brings together operators, acquisition and sustainment experts and logistics partners with a focus on operational readiness. “This is a team effort,” Davis said, emphasizing the need to provide maintainers with the parts and support required to keep the bomber force ready. Lt. Gen. Linda Hurry, commander of Air Force Materiel Command, said continued cooperation between Global Strike leadership and logistics organizations has helped improve the supply chain and return aircraft to the fleet faster after depot maintenance. The campaign also uses ideas developed by Airmen working directly on the aircraft. Standardized maintenance playbooks and changes to day-to-day processes are being used to improve the movement of parts and streamline flight-line maintenance. The North Star Readiness Campaign brings together ongoing and new modernization efforts, primarily managed through the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition and Air Force Materiel Command. The Air Force says the coordinated approach is intended to deliver parts, resources and engineering solutions more efficiently and increase the number of B-52 and B-1 aircraft available for operations.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 07:02:44
World
KYIV — Ukraine’s Defense Forces and Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) carried out a coordinated strike against Russian military and infrastructure targets in Krasnodar Krai during the night of September 8–9, with the Novorossiysk naval base among the main targets. Robert “Magyar” Brovdi, commander of the USF, said the operation destroyed or damaged several Russian military vessels, including missile carriers used to launch attacks against Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukrainian forces struck the naval base, military harbor facilities, warships, Kalibr missile carriers and an oil-shipment terminal. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said the operation involved the SBU, USF, Ukrainian Navy, Main Intelligence Directorate and State Border Guard Service. Fuel-oil storage facilities and infrastructure at the Sheskharis terminal were also targeted. Fires and explosions were reported at the naval base and in areas where ships were stationed. NASA’s FIRMS satellite data detected fires near the Black Sea Fleet base and port infrastructure. Open-source analysis reported a fire at the fuel-oil terminal, with at least one storage tank damaged. The terminal handles fuel oil and light petroleum products and has an annual capacity of around 4 million tonnes. Novorossiysk has become a key base for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet after many Russian warships were moved there from Sevastopol following earlier Ukrainian attacks. Ukraine also reported strikes on Russian aviation and air-defense equipment. According to Brovdi, Ukrainian drones destroyed a Russian Su-33 carrier-based fighter and an Mi-8 helicopter near Anapa. Near Gelendzhik, USF operators destroyed a 39N6 Kasta-2E2 360-degree surveillance radar and a 92N6 target-acquisition radar used with Russia’s S-300/S-400 air-defense systems. Ukrainian drone manufacturer Fire Point said FP-1 drones were used in the Novorossiysk operation and struck the fuel-oil terminal, a grain terminal and the naval-base area. Russian authorities confirmed the drone attack and said debris from intercepted drones hit industrial areas and locations near residential buildings. Regional officials reported that four people, including a child, were killed and around 29 injured. Russia’s Defense Ministry said hundreds of Ukrainian drones were intercepted across several regions. Brovdi also reported that Russian personnel losses averaged 411 killed per day in September, compared with 355 per day in August. Between September 1 and 8, the USF claimed to have killed more than 3,300 Russian troops and struck 16,720 Russian military targets. These figures are Ukrainian claims and have not been independently verified. The Ukrainian General Staff said the full extent of the damage from the operation was still being assessed. The strike is part of Ukraine’s continuing campaign against Russian naval, aviation, air-defense and logistical infrastructure supporting military operations against Ukraine. Source : militarnyi
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-09 14:37:50
U.S
WASHINGTON — The U.S. military has confirmed the loss of an uncrewed underwater vehicle in the Strait of Hormuz area, but said the vehicle had malfunctioned more than a day before Iranian forces recovered it. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy announced on September 8 that it had captured a U.S. autonomous underwater vehicle near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media described it as one of the most modern and intelligent unmanned submarines operated by the United States and released footage of its recovery. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the vehicle was an older model that suffered a mechanical failure while surveying regional waters in support of ongoing operations. Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins, a CENTCOM spokesperson, said it did not collect sensitive data or carry classified sonar or radar equipment. He added that U.S. operations in the area are continuing. Vehicle Identified as Anduril Dive-LD Images released by Iranian sources show a vehicle consistent with the Dive-LD, a large autonomous underwater vehicle made by California-based Anduril Industries. Open-source analysis found matching features including the hull shape, flood holes, transparent mast, fastening points, seam lines and X-shaped rudders. Reuters and other defense publications also identified it as a Dive-LD. Anduril confirmed that one of its Dive-LD vehicles had been lost and described the system as an attritable autonomous system, designed for dangerous operations where loss of the vehicle is an expected possibility. The U.S. Navy received Dive-LD systems in 2025 for units operating unmanned underwater vehicles. Dive-LD Capabilities According to Anduril specifications, the Dive-LD is approximately 5.8 meters (19 feet) long, about 1.2 meters (4 feet) in diameter, weighs roughly three tons, and can operate autonomously for up to 10 days. Its maximum advertised operating depth is approximately 6,000 meters. Its modular design allows different payloads and sensors to be integrated. Listed missions include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, mine warfare, seabed mapping, hydrographic surveying, environmental monitoring, and inspection of underwater infrastructure such as cables and pipelines. The system uses direct-drive electric propulsion and can be launched and recovered from vessels and shore facilities. Different Accounts From Iran and the U.S. The IRGC described the recovery as a complex intelligence and operational action and called the vehicle advanced U.S. underwater technology. Iranian officials also said the system had been delivered to the U.S. military in 2025. The U.S. and Pentagon accounts differ, saying the vehicle had malfunctioned more than a day earlier and was an older model without sensitive data or classified sonar or radar equipment. The incident provides a public example of U.S. use of large autonomous underwater vehicles around the Strait of Hormuz. Iran says the vehicle is now in its possession, while U.S. officials maintain that the particular vehicle carried no classified equipment and that U.S. operations continue.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-09 14:32:20
Europe
WARSAW — Ukraine has unveiled its new RK-19 surface-to-air missile at the MSPO 2026 defense exhibition in Poland. Developed by KB Luch, part of UkrOboronProm, the missile is intended to replace the Soviet-era 9M33-series missiles used by Ukraine's Osa-AKM air defense systems. The RK-19 was first shown publicly in April 2026 in a video address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marking the country's defense industry day. Its intended launch platform was not confirmed at that time. The MSPO presentation has now confirmed its use with the Osa-AKM. RK-19 Specifications The RK-19 has a stated maximum engagement range of 10 kilometers and can engage targets at altitudes of up to 5 kilometers. Its maximum flight speed is 600 meters per second, compared with about 500 m/s for the 9M33M3 missile. The missile uses radio-command guidance and carries a 14.3-kilogram fragmentation-high-explosive warhead. The missile and its transport-launch container have a combined weight of 163 kilograms, while the container measures 3,255 × 320 × 303 mm. For comparison, the Osa-AKM's 9M33M3 weighs 126.3 kilograms, including a 15-kilogram warhead. It is 3,158 mm long, has a 206 mm body diameter and a 650 mm wingspan. The Osa-AKM normally carries six missiles. The 9M33M3 has a stated engagement range of 1.5 to 10 kilometers and an altitude range of 25 meters to 5 kilometers. The Osa-AKM radar has a target detection range of up to 45 kilometers, and the missile can engage targets maneuvering at up to 8G. Replenishing Osa-AKM Missile Stocks Ukraine has faced declining stocks of Soviet-era 9M33 missiles, reducing the availability of Osa-AKM systems. Ukrainian forces have also previously adapted some Osa systems to use R-73 air-to-air missiles as an alternative. The RK-19 provides a domestically produced missile designed around the existing Osa-AKM system. Its stated range and maximum engagement altitude are broadly the same as the 9M33M3, while its stated maximum speed is higher. Ukraine has not publicly disclosed the RK-19's production volume or price. Separately, Ukraine displayed the launcher of its new Koral air defense missile system at MSPO. The Koral launcher is mounted on a Czech Tatra truck chassis and is designed to intercept ballistic targets, showing another part of Ukraine's ongoing development of domestic air-defense capabilities.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-09 14:26:07
U.S
WASHINGTON — U.S. officials are increasingly concerned about Iran’s improved missile technology after a series of ballistic missile attacks targeting U.S. Navy ships operating around the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz. Officials are also examining whether Russia or China may be helping Iran track the location of American warships. The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials, reported a previously undisclosed attack on U.S. Navy ships on Monday, following weekend ballistic missile launches directed at a U.S. aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) publicly claimed to have inflicted significant damage on two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, but U.S. Central Command rejected those claims. According to CENTCOM, the targeted warships successfully evaded the incoming ballistic missiles during multiple engagements. The vessels continued their regional patrols without suffering operational damage, and no American personnel were harmed. Advanced Guidance Raises Questions Iranian officials described the (Monday) recent launches as involving improved systems. Major General Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said a specialized ballistic missile had been tested against a U.S. warship. Iran’s messaging in recent days has become more assertive, and a Monday report described the Qassem Basir as a “turning point in Iran’s defense strategy.” It described the missile as having greater range and accuracy and a half-ton warhead. The missile was unveiled last year, when it was described as having at least a 1,200-kilometer (745-mile) range. Iranian state media has presented the Qassem Basir as having enhanced range, accuracy and guidance features, including thermal imaging and electro-optical seekers that allow terminal-phase adjustments. Weapons analysts have noted that missiles fitted with electro-optical seekers can use imagery to adjust their flight path and maneuver toward a moving target, such as a ship at sea, during the final stage of flight. However, even with advanced terminal guidance, Iran would still generally need an approximate location of the target before launch. Concerns about Iran’s ballistic missile program were among the stated reasons the United States and Israel attacked Iran earlier this year, sparking the war. U.S. officials and intelligence assessments over the course of the conflict have pointed to Iran’s use of more sophisticated missile technology. Reports have described improved maneuverability, multi-system navigation that can draw on GPS along with China’s BeiDou and Russia’s GLONASS, and terminal guidance that is less vulnerable to certain forms of electronic jamming. Questions Over Russian and Chinese Assistance The requirement to locate a moving warship before launch has raised questions among U.S. officials and analysts about whether Russia or China may be providing Iran with satellite imagery, location information or other surveillance assistance. Earlier U.S. intelligence reporting indicated that Russia has shared satellite imagery and location information on American ships and installations with Iran. China has been linked to the provision of commercial satellite imagery of U.S. and allied positions, dual-use components useful for missile programs, and access to its BeiDou navigation system. Beijing has also faced U.S. sanctions related to companies supplying imagery that could aid targeting. Russia maintains an advanced space surveillance network capable of providing optical and radar imagery. These developments have raised questions among analysts about whether external assistance has helped Iran obtain better location data on U.S. naval forces operating in the confined waters of the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz. According to officials and analysts, such assistance could support more precise initial targeting information, even if the missile’s final guidance relies on Iranian-developed seekers. U.S. Retaliation Against Iranian Tankers In response to the weekend attacks on U.S. naval assets, the American military launched retaliatory strikes against several Iranian crude oil tankers. CENTCOM said the targeted tankers were part of a “multibillion-dollar shadow network” used by Iran to fund the IRGC and its regional proxies. The operation resulted in the destruction or permanent disabling of multiple vessels off Kharg Island, near Jask, and in the Gulf of Oman. The vessels included the M/T Downy, M/T Stark 1, M/T Kylo, M/T Kaviz and M/T Charminar. Before the strikes, U.S. forces directed the crews to abandon the ships to prevent casualties. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, said the strikes were intended to impose a direct economic cost on Tehran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also stated that Iran continues to try to hit U.S. naval ships and that each such attempt would result in the loss of additional tankers. U.S. Naval Operations in the Region The United States currently has an estimated 19 warships supporting operations in the Middle East, according to a Navy official cited by The Wall Street Journal. The forces are operating in an environment centered on maintaining freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a major maritime chokepoint for global oil and gas supplies. The United States is also maintaining a blockade and economic pressure campaign against Iranian ports. The recent missile attacks and subsequent U.S. strikes on Iranian tankers have added to the confrontation between the two countries. The latest developments have focused attention on both Iran’s improved missile guidance technology and its ability to obtain accurate information on the location of moving U.S. warships. U.S. officials are also examining whether foreign satellite and surveillance assistance could be contributing to Iran’s ability to obtain the initial targeting information required for such attacks.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-09 14:18:09
U.S
MELBOURNE, Fla. — The U.S. Navy has selected L3Harris Technologies to provide its VAMPIRE counter-unmanned systems for littoral, or coastal, defense. The selection, announced on September 8, is part of the U.S. military’s expanding effort to develop layered defenses against small unmanned systems. VAMPIRE, which stands for Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletized Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Rocket Equipment, is a self-contained system that combines reconnaissance and precision-strike capabilities against drones and remotely piloted platforms. The system is designed as a portable kit that can be installed on most vehicles with a cargo bed. It can use the WESCAM MX-10D RSTA electro-optical/infrared sensor mounted on a telescopic mast. The sensor provides high-definition surveillance and laser target designation. VAMPIRE can launch Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) rockets and other laser-guided munitions. When equipped with 70mm APKWS rockets, L3Harris says the system can engage targets at ranges of up to 9 miles (15 km). The company has not disclosed which ammunition will be supplied to the Navy. Adapted for Maritime Operations L3Harris is modifying and ruggedizing VAMPIRE for coastal and maritime conditions so the system can withstand environmental stresses associated with naval operations. “VAMPIRE is a flexible and effective system that meets the unique requirements of the U.S. Navy for littoral C-UxS defense,” said Tony Calderon, president of Targeting & Sensor Systems within L3Harris’ Communications & Spectrum Dominance business. The company has not disclosed the contract value, number of systems or delivery schedule for the Navy order. The wider VAMPIRE family includes sensors, precision weapons, electronic jammers and non-kinetic effectors. It also incorporates artificial intelligence and machine learning to help speed the detection, engagement and defeat of small unmanned threats. The Navy selection follows a separate U.S. Army order worth up to $106 million, announced in June 2026. L3Harris said VAMPIRE systems have supported European combat operations since 2023, logging more than 350,000 operational hours and defeating hundreds of hostile drones. The company began high-volume production at its Huntsville, Alabama, facility in early 2026. L3Harris is also using Wraith Shield software for layered counter-drone operations. The system uses military radios as sensors to identify small unmanned aircraft and can be integrated with VAMPIRE and Drone Guardian systems. The VAMPIRE family also includes VAMPIRE Black Wake, a maritime variant designed for crewed or uncrewed vessels against small drones and fast attack watercraft. Recent work has also included passive AI-based detection software from Shield AI to improve target identification without transmitting signals that could reveal the system’s position. Separately, on September 8, L3Harris announced a seven-year contract valued at up to $4.7 billion from Lockheed Martin to produce solid-rocket propulsion systems for PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-09 13:47:21
Europe
ROME — Italy and Greece have signed an Implementing Arrangement for the transfer of two Italian Navy FREMM frigates, Carlo Bergamini (F-590) and Virginio Fasan (F-591), to the Hellenic Navy. The agreement was signed in Rome on September 8, 2026, between Greece’s General Directorate of Defence Investments and Armaments (GDDIA) and Italy’s General Directorate for Armaments. The ceremony was attended by Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, Italian Navy Chief Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto and Hellenic Navy Chief Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras. Fincantieri was represented by Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Pierroberto Folgiero and Naval Vessels Division General Manager Eugenio Santagata. The agreement follows the Memorandum of Cooperation and Declaration of Intent signed in September 2025 in La Spezia. It finalizes the legal, financial and technical framework for the acquisition of the two Bergamini-class frigates. Transfer of the Two Frigates Under the agreed schedule, Carlo Bergamini is planned to be transferred to the Hellenic Navy in the first half of 2028, while Virginio Fasan is scheduled to follow in the first half of 2029. Both ships were designed and built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for the Italian Navy. The Italian FREMM fleet includes both General Purpose and Anti-Submarine Warfare configurations. Fincantieri identifies the Bergamini-class ships as 144-meter-long frigates with a full-load displacement of about 6,500 tonnes and a range of about 6,000 nautical miles at 15 knots. The Carlo Bergamini is a General Purpose configuration, while the Virginio Fasan is an Anti-Submarine Warfare variant. The FREMM design uses a CODLAG propulsion system and is equipped for different naval missions. Fincantieri to Support Transfer Fincantieri will play a leading role in transferring the vessels and providing initial and long-term lifecycle support. The agreement also provides for the participation of Greek industry in maintenance activities and the integration of new systems on board the frigates. Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero said the transfer could create further industrial cooperation between Fincantieri and the Greek industrial sector, including opportunities across the supply chain. He also described the introduction of the FREMM frigates into the Hellenic Navy as a first step toward greater sharing of expertise, technology and industrial capabilities among countries operating the platform. Part of Greece's Naval Modernization The two FREMM frigates form part of Greece's wider naval modernization programme. The Greek Ministry of National Defence has linked their acquisition with the country's four FDI frigates and the modernization of its MEKO-class frigates. The ministry also confirmed that the agreement leaves open the possibility of acquiring additional vessels in the future. The transfer will therefore add two Italian-built FREMM frigates to the Hellenic Navy, with Greek shipyards expected to participate in maintenance and the integration of new systems as the vessels are prepared for Greek service.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-09 13:38:00
Europe
SAN DIEGO — The Italian Air Force (ItAF) has ordered two additional MQ-9A Block 5 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), expanding its existing MQ-9A fleet. The aircraft are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2027. The purchase is being carried out through a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) with the U.S. Air Force and also includes Ground Control Stations. GA-ASI President David R. Alexander said Italy has been an important partner for the company for more than 20 years. He said the Italian Air Force uses the MQ-9A for a range of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions in Italy, over the Mediterranean and in support of NATO operations. Part of Italy’s MQ-9A Expansion The new order follows a broader U.S. approval from 2024 covering the potential sale of six MQ-9 Block 5 aircraft to Italy. The approved package was valued at an estimated $738 million and included three Mobile Ground Control Stations, 12 AN/DAS-4 Multi-Spectral Targeting Systems and nine LYNX AN/APY-8 Block 20A Synthetic Aperture Radars with Maritime Wide Area Surveillance capability, along with other equipment, training and support. Italy had already begun transitioning its MQ-9A fleet to the Block 5 configuration. General Atomics announced in December 2023 that the Italian Air Force had flown its first new MQ-9A Block 5 on November 9, 2023, as part of a modernization effort that also included a Mobile Ground Control Station. The MQ-9A is operated by the Italian Air Force for ISR missions, including operations over Italian territory and the Mediterranean and missions supporting NATO. Italy officially refers to its MQ-9A aircraft as Predators, rather than Reapers. MQ-9A Block 5 Capabilities According to General Atomics, the MQ-9A Block 5 can remain airborne for up to 26 hours and operate at altitudes of up to 45,000 feet (13,716 meters). It has a total payload capacity of 4,600 pounds (2,087 kilograms), including up to 3,750 pounds (1,701 kilograms) of external stores. For surveillance missions, the aircraft can carry systems providing Full-Motion Video, Synthetic Aperture Radar, Moving Target Indicator and Maritime Radar capabilities. The Block 5 also features automatic takeoff and landing. The aircraft uses a fault-tolerant flight-control system and a triple-redundant avionics architecture. General Atomics says the system is engineered to meet or exceed reliability standards applied to manned aircraft. The additional aircraft will further expand Italy's MQ-9A fleet when they are delivered at the end of 2027, continuing the Italian Air Force's use of the platform for long-endurance ISR missions in support of national and NATO requirements.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-09 13:23:09
World
AMMAN, JORDAN — Iranian ballistic missiles targeted U.S. military facilities in Jordan on September 9, with conflicting reports emerging over the number of American personnel injured in the attack. According to a report by the Times of India, a Jordanian source claimed that a large number of injured American soldiers were being flown to Ramstein Air Base in Germany, with some reportedly suffering life-threatening injuries. However, the claim has not been independently confirmed by the U.S. military. A U.S. official cited by Reuters said all American troops in Jordan were accounted for and described the Iranian strikes as ineffective. Jordanian authorities also reported no casualties from the missile attack. Jordan's Armed Forces said 20 Iranian ballistic missiles were launched toward Jordan. Its air-defense systems intercepted and destroyed 18 missiles, while two fell in unpopulated areas. The military said there were no casualties and that teams were securing locations where missile debris had fallen. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the attack and said it targeted a U.S. military base near Al Azraq. Reports of multiple explosions were also published following the strike, but the extent of damage at the base remains disputed. The reported evacuation of injured U.S. personnel to Germany therefore remains unconfirmed, while Washington's statement that all American troops are accounted for directly conflicts with the casualty claims attributed to the Jordanian source.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-09 10:15:41
Europe
BERLIN — Ukraine will order several thousand additional IRIS-T guided missiles from Germany, with the purchase financed through the defence component of the European Union’s €90 billion loan package for Ukraine. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced the plan on September 8 ahead of a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in the Ramstein format. Pistorius said Germany would continue uninterrupted deliveries of IRIS-T air defence systems and missiles produced by industry. He said the medium-range IRIS-T system has been used successfully by Ukraine since deliveries began in 2022. The exact number of missiles, delivery schedule and total cost were not disclosed. Pistorius said the large order would allow the manufacturer to expand production by adding another production line. The EU loan, approved for Ukraine’s defence and budget needs in 2026 and 2027, includes an indicative €60 billion for military assistance and defence procurement. Germany to Transfer Patriot Interceptors Germany also announced the urgent transfer of PAC-2 interceptor missiles for Patriot systems from Bundeswehr stocks. Pistorius did not specify the number of missiles and called on other Ukraine Defence Contact Group members to examine their own stocks for similar deliveries. Germany will also increase deliveries of air-to-air missiles. Separately, EU member states agreed to allow €3.2 billion from the EU support mechanism to be used for Patriot missile procurement. UK Adds £100 Million Air Defence Package The United Kingdom has committed £100 million (about $135 million) for Ukraine’s air defence under the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL). The package includes Patriot interceptors, as well as large-calibre ammunition and drones. The announcements were made as Ukraine’s international partners met on September 8 to coordinate additional military assistance, with air defence remaining a major focus ahead of the winter period.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-09 10:00:05
World
TEHRAN — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Wednesday claimed that it launched ballistic missile attacks against two U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers operating in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz area. The ships identified by the IRGC were USS Delbert D. Black (DDG-119), a Flight IIA destroyer, and USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53), a Flight I destroyer. Both are equipped with the Aegis combat system and carry cruise missiles. Iranian state media reported the IRGC Aerospace Force’s claim that the missiles caused significant damage to both destroyers. Iran said the attacks were carried out in retaliation for recent U.S. actions against Iranian oil tankers. The IRGC also said it targeted eight oil tankers and other vessels that it accused of entering a prohibited or restricted area of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian forces said the waterway remains under the surveillance and management of its naval forces. However, Iran has not released video, photographs or other independent evidence showing that either U.S. destroyer was hit or damaged. Independent confirmation of the Iranian claim has also not emerged. CENTCOM Says U.S. Ships Evaded Attacks U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said Iranian forces launched ballistic missiles toward a U.S. Navy warship twice over the preceding two days. According to CENTCOM, the ship successfully evaded the attacks, continued its patrol of regional waters and suffered no operational damage. No American personnel were harmed. CENTCOM has described the recent Iranian missile attacks against U.S. Navy ships as unsuccessful. Its September 5 statement also said an American aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer evaded multiple Iranian ballistic missile attacks without casualties or damage. U.S. Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers The latest exchange followed U.S. strikes on five Iranian crude oil carriers on September 8. CENTCOM identified them as M/T Kaviz, M/T Charminar, M/T Horizon 1 and M/T Riesco in the Gulf of Oman, and M/T Derya near Kharg Island. CENTCOM said the crews were ordered to abandon the ships before the vessels were struck and rendered inoperable. The U.S. military described the tankers as part of a shadow network used to fund the IRGC and its regional proxies. This followed a September 5 U.S. operation against three other Iranian crude oil carriers — M/T Downy, M/T Stark 1 and M/T Kylo, also known as Noxen — after the IRGC launched ballistic missiles toward a U.S. aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer. CENTCOM said those U.S. warships also evaded the attacks without injuries or damage. CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said Iran would face higher economic costs through strikes on its oil fleet. The latest exchange is part of an ongoing series of Iranian missile attacks, U.S. strikes on Iranian oil vessels and competing claims over military activity around the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. As of September 9, there is no independent confirmation that USS Delbert D. Black or USS John Paul Jones suffered damage in the reported attack.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-09 09:43:33
U.S
WASHINGTON — The United States is facing significant pressure on its missile inventories after months of combat operations against Iran, with a new analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimating that only about 36% of the country’s pre-conflict Patriot interceptor inventory remains. CSIS estimates that the United States had about 2,300 Patriot interceptors before the conflict with Iran. The remaining inventory is estimated at between 759 and 827 missiles, or roughly one-third of the prewar stockpile. The Patriot inventory is not the only U.S. missile stockpile under pressure. CSIS estimates that 234 to 278 Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors remain from a prewar inventory of about 452, representing approximately 52% to 62%. Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) stocks are estimated at only 10% to 22% of pre-conflict levels. Tomahawk cruise missile inventories are estimated at about two-thirds of their prewar level. Patriot production under pressure The depletion of Patriot interceptors has highlighted the limits of current production capacity. Annual Patriot interceptor production has been around 600 missiles, although the United States is working to increase production. CSIS analysts Mark Cancian and Chris Park said rebuilding depleted inventories will take several years, even with expanded production. The analysts also warned that reduced inventories could force the United States and its partners to take greater risks when defending against ballistic missile attacks because there are limited alternatives to Patriot and THAAD for this mission. War Department Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey said U.S. weapons production lines have reached their current limits and that the production expansion process began during the Ukraine war as the United States recognized that modern conflicts could require larger quantities of munitions. Ukraine transfers also affected Patriot stocks The depletion of U.S. inventories is not entirely the result of the Iran conflict. The Trump administration has also pointed to weapons transferred to Ukraine. CSIS estimates that the United States had around 2,200 Patriot missiles before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. About 600 were subsequently provided to Ukraine, although some of those missiles may have come from U.S. allies. New production later increased the U.S. inventory to an estimated 2,300 Patriot interceptors before the Iran conflict. CSIS has assessed that Ukraine transfers were a relatively minor factor in the overall decline of several U.S. munition inventories, with Patriot being an important exception. Between 2021 and 2025, Ukraine was the largest recipient of major arms globally, with at least 36 countries supplying weapons. The United States accounted for 41% of Ukraine's arms imports during that period, according to the data cited in the report. Allied weapons deliveries face delays The reduction in U.S. inventories is also affecting deliveries to American allies and partners as Washington gives priority to replenishing its own stocks. Japan's planned purchase of 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles has faced delays as the United States works to manage its inventory. Mark Cancian said Japan has been told that its Tomahawk order is being pushed back in the delivery queue. Japan is preparing to operate the missiles from a modified ship, while facing security concerns involving China. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao has also confirmed a temporary pause on certain arms sales to Taiwan to ensure that sufficient munitions remain available for current operations. Representative Michael McCaul, who reviews foreign military sales, said delays in promised weapons deliveries can affect U.S. alliances and the ability of partner countries to protect themselves. The United States is the only country that manufactures the complete Patriot battery, while the United States and Japan have publicly shown that they produce Patriot missiles. Patriot is currently operated by 19 nations, according to manufacturer Raytheon. THAAD and PrSM inventories also under pressure THAAD has also been heavily used during the conflict. CSIS estimates that the United States has 52% to 62% of its prewar THAAD interceptor inventory remaining. The United States, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates operate THAAD systems. Saudi Arabia also has outstanding THAAD deliveries that are expected to continue through April 2028. No official delay to those THAAD deliveries has been reported in the information provided. The PrSM inventory has experienced a sharper reduction. CSIS estimates that only 10% to 22% of the pre-conflict stock remains following expenditures during the Iran campaign. Heavy demand during the Iran conflict The scale of weapons use has contributed to the depletion. CSIS has described Operation Epic Fury as one of the most munitions-intensive U.S. military campaigns in decades, involving large expenditures of both offensive and defensive missiles. CSIS has also noted that the intensity of the later 14-day period of renewed fighting was lower than the initial 39-day air campaign. During the later period, U.S. forces were launching about 80 to 100 strikes per day, compared with roughly 350 strikes per day during the major air campaign. Israel was also conducting hundreds of strikes during the earlier period. Jordan engagement highlights interceptor demand During the night of September 8-9, Jordan reported that its air defenses engaged 20 ballistic missiles launched from Iran toward Jordanian territory. Jordan said 18 were intercepted and destroyed, while two landed in unpopulated areas. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had conducted a missile strike against a U.S. military base in Jordan. Open-source analyst Babak Taghvaee separately claimed on X that U.S. Patriot batteries in Jordan appeared to stop launching interceptors after the first wave of Iranian missiles. He suggested that the batteries may have exhausted available MIM-104D/F interceptors or that one or both batteries may have been targeted. Those claims have not been officially confirmed by U.S. or Jordanian authorities and therefore do not establish that the Patriot batteries had actually run out of interceptors or had been struck. Rebuilding the stockpile will take years The U.S. military still has missiles available for ongoing operations, but rebuilding inventories has become a longer-term challenge. CSIS has warned that the depleted stocks create a period of reduced readiness for potential future conflicts, particularly in the Western Pacific. The situation also illustrates the difficulty of simultaneously supporting U.S. operations, replenishing domestic inventories and fulfilling weapons orders for allies. "We've maxed out the production lines now," Cancian said, describing the limits facing the current production system. The United States is therefore increasing production capacity while prioritizing the replenishment of weapons consumed during the Iran conflict. CSIS estimates that restoring several major missile inventories to desired levels will take multiple years.
Read More → Posted on 2026-09-09 09:40:56Search
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