U.S
WASHINGTON, — The US Department of Defense has signed a framework agreement with BAE Systems to purchase up to 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guidance kits annually for seven years, as the US military increases its focus on affordable precision weapons, particularly for counter-drone operations. Announced on October 19, 2026, the agreement also provides an option to increase annual production to 35,000 kits to support exports to US allies through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The framework requires formal congressional authorization and funding before the planned purchases can take full effect. The total financial value has not been disclosed, and the Pentagon and BAE Systems are expected to negotiate a finalized multiyear procurement contract. APKWS Supports Counter-Drone Operations The APKWS converts standard unguided 2.75-inch (70 mm) Hydra rockets into precision laser-guided munitions. The guidance kit is compatible with existing rocket motors, warheads and fuzes, allowing operators to add precision guidance without replacing the entire rocket. The system is used by all four US military services: the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Its missions include counter-drone operations, air-to-surface, surface-to-surface, surface-to-air and air-to-air engagements. APKWS provides a lower-cost alternative to larger guided missiles when engaging certain aerial threats, including drones. Using expensive air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM against relatively inexpensive targets can increase the cost of sustained air defence. APKWS offers another option for engaging suitable threats with precision-guided rockets. Production Expansion and Supply Chain BAE Systems manufactures APKWS guidance kits at facilities in Hudson, New Hampshire, and Austin, Texas. The company reported delivering its 100,000th APKWS kit in February 2026 and has maintained full-rate production for more than a decade. Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, said the agreement would help maintain production capacity and provide military forces with a steady supply of interceptors. BAE Systems President and CEO Tom Arseneault described the kits as a proven and affordable precision capability for countering evolving threats. The long-term arrangement is intended to give the manufacturer greater certainty about future demand. This can support advance purchases of components, workforce expansion and investment in manufacturing facilities and supply chains, while helping the company respond to increases in demand. Previous Contract and Allied Demand The new framework builds on an earlier agreement awarded by the US Navy in August 2025, a separate five-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract valued at up to $1.74 billion. That contract covers up to 55,000 APKWS kits for US forces and foreign customers, with work expected to continue through 2031. Under the new framework, annual production could rise from 25,000 to 35,000 kits to accommodate additional allied demand through formal Foreign Military Sales requests. The APKWS program provides the US military and partner nations with a precision-guided option for multiple missions while retaining compatibility with existing rocket components and requiring limited additional training and maintenance.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 16:35:59
Europe
BERLIN, — Germany’s Ministry of Defence has dropped plans for a fast-track purchase of Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat collaborative combat aircraft, opting for a competitive evaluation in 2027. The decision delays Germany’s plans to field uncrewed combat aircraft, with operational deployment now expected in the early 2030s. According to Die Welt, Germany had considered purchasing at least 12 drones for more than €800 million, targeting deployment by 2029. However, an assessment concluded that no available system fully meets the Luftwaffe’s operational requirements. Germany has informed Boeing that the direct purchase will not proceed. MQ-28 Requirements and Alternatives Developed by Boeing Defence Australia for the Royal Australian Air Force, the MQ-28 is designed to operate alongside crewed fighters such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, supporting strike, reconnaissance and electronic warfare missions. It has completed more than 150 flights and demonstrated the ability to fire AIM-120 air-to-air missiles. German officials reportedly identified the need to modify the MQ-28 for ground-attack missions and questioned whether the changes could be completed by 2029. German and European alternatives were also considered insufficiently mature at that stage. The 2027 competition is expected to include three main contenders: Boeing and Rheinmetall, working on German integration of the MQ-28; Airbus and Kratos, offering the U740 Valkyrie, based on the XQ-58; and German defence AI company Helsing, with its CA-1 Europa drone concept. General Atomics has also expressed interest. Rheinmetall partnered with Boeing earlier in 2026 to support local integration, including adaptation of sensors, weapons and mission software. German companies such as Diehl Defence were also expected to contribute to software integration and support. Deployment Delayed to the Early 2030s Flight testing under the new evaluation process is expected to begin in 2027, while operational deployment is now anticipated in the early 2030s. Germany continues to target the broader NATO requirement for collaborative combat aircraft by 2035. Boeing confirmed that Germany had notified the company of the change and said it “stands ready to support” further steps with its German customer. The German Ministry of Defence declined to comment on specific procurement projects, citing contracting rules and parliamentary review requirements. Germany had previously considered buying the Ghost Bat as an interim capability while running a parallel competition. The competition-first approach gives European manufacturers more time to develop alternatives and offers Germany greater control over sensitive mission software. The decision comes as Germany introduces F-35 fighter aircraft and develops manned-unmanned teaming capabilities. With the Tornado fleet retiring and the Franco-German Future Combat Air System (FCAS) not expected until the mid-2030s, collaborative combat aircraft are intended to help bridge the capability gap. The 2027 evaluation will determine which platform, if any, advances toward production and operational service.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 16:20:09
Space & Technology
HOUSTON, — Four volunteers participating in NASA’s second Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) mission have completed 365 days living in isolation inside a simulated Mars habitat at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The crew entered the 1,700-square-foot, 3D-printed Mars Dune Alpha habitat on October 19, 2025. Their 378-day mission is scheduled to conclude on October 31, 2026, when they will leave the facility. The crew consists of Ross Elder, mission commander; Ellen Ellis, medical officer; Matthew Montgomery, science officer; and James Spicer, flight engineer. Life Inside the Simulated Mars Habitat During the mission, the volunteers have carried out activities designed to replicate the challenges of living and working on Mars. These include growing crops, conducting scientific research, operating robots, maintaining the habitat, exercising and managing limited resources. The crew has also conducted simulated Marswalks in spacesuits on a red-sand surface area outside their living quarters. The simulation includes restricted supplies, occasional simulated equipment failures and communication delays to reproduce some of the conditions expected during future missions. The volunteers have not met their families or friends in person since entering the habitat. Instead, they have relied on delayed email communications to simulate the time lag experienced when signals travel between Earth and Mars, which can reach tens of minutes in one direction. Studying Human Health and Performance NASA established the CHAPEA program to examine how prolonged isolation, confinement and limited resources affect human health, cognitive performance and decision-making. The findings are intended to help researchers prepare astronauts for long-duration missions in which crews must operate with greater independence from Earth. The research will support planning for future human exploration of the Moon and Mars, including the design of habitats, vehicles and support systems needed for missions beyond low Earth orbit. This is the second year-long CHAPEA mission conducted in Mars Dune Alpha. The first crew completed its mission on July 6, 2024. Mission Ends on October 31 The current crew is scheduled to leave the habitat on October 31, 2026, completing the 378-day experiment. Following their exit, the volunteers are expected to undergo approximately two weeks of post-mission evaluations and debriefings with NASA researchers before reconnecting with their families in person. NASA will analyse the data collected throughout the mission to improve preparations and operational procedures for future human expeditions to Mars.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 16:11:31
Space & Technology
TANEGASHIMA, Japan, — Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has successfully launched its Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft aboard an H3 rocket from Tanegashima Space Center at 4:41:03 a.m. Japan Standard Time. Approximately 71 minutes after liftoff, the spacecraft separated successfully and established communication with ground controllers. The mission aims to study Mars’ two moons, Phobos and Deimos, and return at least 10 grams of samples from Phobos to Earth. Scientists hope the findings will help determine whether the moons are captured asteroids or formed from debris following an impact on Mars. MMX is expected to reach Mars in August 2027 and spend approximately three years studying its moons. In early 2029, it is scheduled to deploy IDEFIX, a 25-kilogram rover developed jointly by France’s CNES and Germany’s DLR, to examine Phobos’ surface and help identify suitable sampling locations. The spacecraft plans one or two landings on Phobos in 2029 or 2030. It will also conduct flybys of Deimos before departing the Martian system around 2030. A return capsule carrying the collected samples is scheduled to land in Woomera, South Australia, in 2031. The international mission is led by JAXA, with contributions from NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), CNES and DLR. If successful, MMX will become the first mission to return samples from a moon of Mars, building on Japan’s previous Hayabusa and Hayabusa2 asteroid sample-return missions.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 15:51:09
Europe
GILCHING, Germany, — German drone manufacturer Quantum Systems has reported that its experimental battery-powered aircraft, the Apex Recordhunter, reached a speed of 777 km/h (483 mph) during a recent speed record attempt. Martin Karkour, the company’s chief revenue officer, confirmed the achievement, stating that the fixed-wing aircraft travelled at more than 200 metres per second. However, the result is not yet an officially recognised record because the required return flight in the opposite direction, which helps account for wind effects, remains pending. Previous Speed Test and Technology The latest attempt builds on a flight conducted on June 26, 2026, when the same aircraft reached 699 km/h (434 mph) in straight and level flight. Quantum Systems described that earlier result as an unofficial world best for a battery-electric flying object at the time. Developed over approximately a year by N3XT, Quantum Systems’ experimental development team, the Apex Recordhunter serves as a technology demonstrator for propulsion, energy management, aerodynamics and high-speed flight control. The lightweight aircraft uses composite materials and specialised high-discharge battery cells supplied by V4Smart, a subsidiary of Porsche, to meet the energy demands of high-speed flight. High-Speed Interceptor Drone Development Although the Apex Recordhunter is not a weapon, data gathered during its flights is contributing to the development of high-speed interceptor drones. Quantum Systems Co-CEO Sven Kruck linked the research to the growing challenge posed by Russia’s jet-powered Geran drones, which he said can fly at speeds of approximately 500 to 600 km/h. Such speeds present challenges for smaller interceptor drones designed to engage slower aerial targets. Electric interceptor drones are attracting interest as a potentially lower-cost alternative to traditional missile defence systems, offering defence forces another option for countering incoming aerial threats. Order for 15,000 Strila Interceptor Drones Quantum Systems has secured an order for 15,000 Strila interceptor drones, produced by Kyiv-based WIY Drones through their joint venture, Quantum WIY Industries. The interceptors are intended for Ukraine’s National Guard and are designed to engage fast and manoeuvring aerial targets. The development comes as Ukraine increases its use of interceptor drones against Russian aerial attacks. Available figures indicate that Russia launched more than 3,000 jet-powered drones at Ukraine in September alone, while Ukrainian manufacturers have introduced faster interceptor designs in response. Quantum Systems Expands Defence Operations Headquartered in Gilching near Munich, Quantum Systems is known for its Vector reconnaissance drone, which has been widely used by Ukraine’s military. In July 2026, the company announced a $1.2 billion Series D funding round, valuing it at approximately $8 billion. The round was co-led by Blackstone, Noteus, Airbus and Advent International to support the company’s aerospace and defence operations. The Apex Recordhunter’s latest flight represents the company’s continued work on high-speed electric aircraft technology. However, its reported speed of 777 km/h will require the completion of the return leg and formal certification before it can be recognised as an official record.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 15:40:44
World
TEHRAN, — Russia has reportedly offered to deploy a squadron of Sukhoi Su-35 multirole fighters and an S-400 long-range air defence system to protect Iran’s capital, Tehran, following losses to Iranian air defence assets during the 2025 and 2026 conflicts. According to defence analyst Babak Taghvaee, who cited sources within the Iranian Air Force in a post on X, the proposal was discussed on October 19 during meetings in Tehran involving a Russian government delegation led by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Neither the Russian nor Iranian government has officially confirmed the reported offer. Su-35 Fighters and S-400 System Proposed According to Taghvaee’s sources, the proposed deployment would include a squadron of Russian Aerospace Forces Su-35 fighters and one S-400 air defence system to strengthen the protection of Tehran’s airspace. The proposal follows the reported destruction of Iranian assets previously assigned to defend the capital. These included MiG-29B interceptors belonging to the Iranian Air Force’s 11th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Mehrabad International Airport and two S-300PMU-2 air defence batteries positioned south and west of Tehran. The losses reportedly occurred during Israeli and US attacks in 2025 and 2026. Russian Warships and Submarines Also Discussed The same sources said the discussions also covered the possible deployment of Russian warships and submarines to Iran’s 1st Naval Base at Bandar Abbas, in southern Iran. The reported proposal comes after extensive losses weakened the Iranian Navy’s ability to defend the country’s waters. However, no details have been officially confirmed regarding the number or types of Russian naval vessels that could be deployed. Lavrov’s Visit and Russia-Iran Relations Lavrov visited Tehran on October 19 and held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and President Masoud Pezeshkian. Official statements said the discussions covered bilateral cooperation, economic and energy projects, and the regional crisis following US and Israeli military action against Iran that began on February 28, 2026. At a joint press conference, Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s willingness to help find a diplomatic solution to the crisis and said Moscow would honour its economic agreements with Tehran. Araghchi also emphasised the importance of closer cooperation between the two countries. The Russia-Iran Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty provides a framework for closer cooperation and addressing shared threats, but it does not establish a mutual defence obligation requiring either country to defend the other militarily. For now, the reported deployments remain unconfirmed. Official statements from the two governments have focused on strategic cooperation and diplomatic efforts rather than confirming the specific proposed transfers or deployments of Russian military assets.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 15:31:35
U.S
WASHINGTON, — The US Department of State has approved a potential $294 million Foreign Military Sale to the Netherlands for advanced missile countermeasure systems and radar warning equipment to improve the protection of Dutch military helicopters. The requested package includes 16 OT-228/U Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM) systems and 38 AN/APR-39E(V)2 radar warning receivers. US defense company Northrop Grumman, based in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, has been designated as the principal contractor. CIRCM Systems to Protect Dutch Helicopters The lightweight CIRCM system uses directed laser energy to protect helicopters, tilt-rotor aircraft and small fixed-wing aircraft against infrared-guided missiles, including man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). When onboard missile warning systems detect an incoming threat, CIRCM’s optoelectronic unit acquires and tracks the missile before directing modulated laser energy toward its infrared seeker. This disrupts the missile’s tracking mechanism, helping prevent it from accurately targeting the aircraft. The AN/APR-39E(V)2 radar warning receivers will complement this protection by alerting flight crews when their aircraft are exposed to radar targeting, helping address both infrared and radio-frequency threats. Integration on Chinook and Apache Helicopters The Dutch Ministry of Defense has confirmed that CIRCM will primarily be integrated into the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s CH-47F Chinook transport helicopters as part of its ongoing Chinook modernization program. Delivery and operational deployment are planned for 2028. Software updates are also under development to enable future integration of CIRCM onto the Netherlands’ AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. The upgrade is intended to strengthen aircraft self-protection and improve compatibility with systems used by other NATO allies. Support Package and Strategic Significance Beyond the main equipment, the proposed sale includes technical assistance, personnel training, nonrecurring engineering, site surveys, transportation, technical documentation, incidental travel, ancillary equipment and long-term logistical and program support. According to the US Department of State, the sale supports American foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the defense capabilities of a NATO ally, improving deterrence and enhancing interoperability with US and allied forces. The Netherlands is assessed as capable of absorbing the equipment and services without difficulty. No offset agreement has been proposed at this stage; any such arrangement would be determined during negotiations between the Netherlands and the contractor. The implementation is not expected to require additional US government or contractor representatives in the Netherlands, affect US defense readiness or alter the basic military balance in the region. The approval follows Dutch efforts to improve helicopter self-protection and modernize its armed forces. The proposed acquisition is intended to strengthen the survivability of Dutch aircraft against evolving missile threats.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 15:23:00
U.S
WASHINGTON, — The US Navy has awarded L3Harris Technologies an $876.4 million contract modification to advance the development of its Next Generation Jammer Low Band (NGJ-LB) system for the EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft. The modification, valued at $876,440,942, supports continued engineering and manufacturing development, testing and preparation for future production. The award expands an existing development contract originally valued at approximately $587.4 million in August 2024. Issued under contract N0001924C0061, the cost-plus-incentive-fee modification covers specialized tooling and equipment, system demonstration test article pods, cybersecurity and system security development, logistics, and testing and evaluation software support for the Navy. Work is expected to continue through fiscal year 2031, with Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River, Maryland, overseeing the contract. Advancing Electronic Warfare Capabilities The NGJ-LB is an externally carried electronic attack system designed to disrupt and degrade enemy radar and communications operating in lower-frequency bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is part of the Navy’s broader effort to augment and eventually replace the ageing AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System, which remains in service on the Growler fleet. The new jammer uses digital software and electronically scanned array technologies to provide greater jamming capability at longer distances. Its modular, open-system architecture is designed to simplify maintenance and allow hardware and software upgrades as threats evolve. Chris Aebli, president of Communications and Spectrum Dominance at L3Harris, said the programme would improve the ability to counter adversaries operating in lower-frequency bands and help aircrews engage threats from safer, extended standoff distances. US-Australia Cooperation and Contract Funding The NGJ-LB programme is a cooperative effort between the United States and Australia, both of which operate the EA-18G Growler. At the time of the award, the Navy will obligate approximately $3.65 million in fiscal 2026 research and development funds, while the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will contribute approximately $23 million in cooperative funds. About 43 per cent of the contract work will take place in Salt Lake City, Utah, and approximately 14.8 per cent in Hollywood, Alabama. Additional work will be carried out in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Colorado, California, New York, Texas and Australia, which accounts for approximately 3.4 per cent of the work. Mid-Band Jammer Has Entered Production The Navy is developing its Next Generation Jammer in separate increments for different frequency bands. While the NGJ-LB remains in the engineering and manufacturing development phase, the mid-band system, AN/ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band, developed by RTX’s Raytheon, has already entered production. The mid-band programme achieved Milestone C in 2021, allowing it to move into production and deployment. Following a third low-rate initial production contract in March 2023, the first production pods were delivered to the fleet in July 2023. A high-band increment is also planned as part of the broader programme. L3Harris previously received a contract in 2020 for NGJ-LB design and prototype work and has delivered prototype and test articles under earlier contracts. Testing and Future Deployment Testing of the low-band jammer will continue as the Navy works toward its planned delivery schedule. L3Harris will also maintain support for the existing AN/ALQ-99 system to ensure fleet readiness while the new capability undergoes development and testing. The NGJ-LB is intended to give US and Australian Growler crews improved electronic attack capabilities against lower-frequency radar and communications systems. Its modular design is also intended to support future technology integration and upgrades as operational requirements change.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 15:14:54
U.S
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas, — The U.S. Air Force has awarded a $332.8 million contract to Enlighten IT Consulting LLC, a subsidiary of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), to improve military cyber defense through better collection, processing, storage and sharing of network data. The Department of War announced the $332,830,519 firm-fixed-price contract on October 19, 2026. Awarded on September 30 following a competitive process that received seven offers, the contract is scheduled to run through September 30, 2032. Work will be performed at locations inside and outside the continental United States. Integration of Military Cyber Defense Systems Under contract FA8307-26-C-B015, Enlighten IT will provide an enterprise service solution to improve interoperability between the Air Force’s Integrated Defensive Cyber System (IDCS) and the Joint Cyber Warfighting Architecture (JCWA) used by U.S. Cyber Command. The work will connect IDCS with the JCWA’s Common Runtime Stack for Data, which supports data transport, storage and analytics at the network edge. The system is intended to help cyber defense teams collect and analyze network information closer to where sensors gather it, rather than sending all data to a central location. This approach will support faster analysis of network activity and allow military cyber units to share information through a common framework, helping operators identify and respond to potential intrusions. The system will also support U.S. Space Force cyber defense operations, with funding allocated from both Air Force and Space Force budgets. Funding and Contract Management The contract is funded through fiscal year 2026 Air Force operations and maintenance, research and development, test and evaluation funds, alongside corresponding Space Force operations and maintenance and research, development, test and evaluation funds. The Department of War announcement did not specify the amount obligated at the time of award. The Air Force acquired the service through a Commercial Solutions Opening on the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace, a Department of War platform designed to accelerate the adoption of commercial technologies through a streamlined procurement process that can include video-based submissions. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, based at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, is managing the contract. Enlighten IT’s Previous Cyber Defense Work Enlighten IT Consulting, based in Columbia, Maryland, became part of HII through the defense contractor’s acquisition of Alion Science and Technology. The company has previously supported several military cyber programs. In 2025, it secured a $53 million contract to support the JCWA’s Common Runtime Stack for Data and its Rapid Analytic Deployment and Management Framework. Enlighten IT has also worked on the Air Force’s Integrated Defensive Cyber System data fabric and the development of the Joint Cyber Command and Control system. The new contract expands the company’s role in military cyber infrastructure, focusing on connecting defensive systems and improving how the Air Force and Space Force process and share data to protect their networks.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 15:02:43
World
ADELAIDE, Australia, — Swedish defence and security company Saab has launched the Allied Mission System (AMS), a cloud-based software platform designed to monitor, analyse and respond to activity in space. Developed in Australia for global deployment, the system combines space domain awareness, mission management and command-and-control capabilities within a single operational interface. Cloud-Based Platform for Space Operations Delivered as Software as a Service (SaaS), AMS combines data from integrated sensors and third-party assets to support faster, more informed decisions. Its automated analysis provides operational insights, while its command-and-control tools allow operators to coordinate space assets, assign tasks and manage active missions. The platform features a modular, open architecture that allows data services, mission management tools and applications to be upgraded independently. This enables users to integrate new technologies as operational requirements and threats change, without replacing the entire system. AMS also incorporates artificial intelligence capabilities for self-diagnosis and is designed to integrate with broader multi-domain operations (MDO) systems. Its SaaS model allows defence and commercial customers to scale and customise the software according to their operational needs. Saab Highlights Australian Development Andy Keough, Managing Director of Saab Australia, said the platform would help users operate in an increasingly congested and contested space environment. “Almost everything we do relies on space in some way and we have designed our new AMS platform to give the user the capability to act in this highly congested and contested domain. This innovative and purpose driven technology leverages Saab’s experience delivering trusted multi-domain command and control systems and exemplifies our commitment to ongoing sovereign capability development,” Keough said. The launch also highlights South Australia’s growing role in the aerospace and defence industry. Chris Picton MP, South Australian Minister for Defence and Space Industries, said the platform demonstrates the advanced technologies being developed in the state. “As space becomes an increasingly important domain for national security, South Australian based companies like Saab are helping develop the sovereign capabilities Australia needs while creating high-skilled jobs and strengthening our defence industry,” Picton said. Launch Event and Saab’s Space Expansion The AMS was formally launched at an event in Adelaide attended by Saab Australia Managing Director Andy Keough, Chief Technology Officer Graham Smith, Senior Systems Architect Travis Bessell, Australian Space Agency Head Enrico Palermo and Minister Picton. Saab, headquartered in Sweden, supplies surveillance and command-and-control systems for military forces worldwide across sea, land and air domains. The Australian-led AMS programme expands the company’s activities into space command-and-control software while supporting the development of Australia’s sovereign defence and space capabilities. By bringing sensor data, automated analysis and mission management together in one platform, AMS is designed to help defence and commercial operators adapt their space operations as requirements evolve.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 14:42:26
U.S
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama, — Cummings Aerospace has successfully demonstrated the vehicle-based launch and simultaneous control of two 3D-Printed Hellhound S3 jet-powered drones using a new multi-pack launcher mounted on a Polaris utility vehicle. The test took place on August 25, 2026, at the Pendleton UAS Range in Oregon, and the company announced the results on October 12. During the demonstration, a company engineer launched two drones sequentially, with less than 90 seconds between launches. Both carried inert payloads and followed different preprogrammed autonomous flight paths at varying speeds. A single operator used a handheld fire control system to monitor both drones in real time, with the ability to adjust or abort either mission. The operator programmed the drones’ flight paths, altitudes and waypoints before launch. Cummings Aerospace reported that the test met all its primary objectives. The demonstration marked several firsts for the Hellhound S3 programme: its first vehicle-based launch after more than a dozen man-portable tests, the first use of the new launcher designed to hold up to eight drones, the first sequential ripple-fire launch, and the first simultaneous control of multiple Hellhounds by one operator. Hellhound S3 Capabilities The Hellhound S3 is a compact, approximately baseball-bat-sized drone weighing around 6 kilograms (13 pounds). Powered by a turbojet engine, it can fly more than 60 kilometres (37 miles) at speeds of up to 618 km/h (384 mph). The system uses 3D-printed components and commercially available electronics to support rapid, lower-cost manufacturing. Cummings Aerospace says it can produce more than 100 units per month. The S3 features a modular payload system with four interchangeable mission modules: armour-piercing, blast-fragmentation, electronic warfare and decoy. The modules can be changed in under two minutes without tools. Depending on its configuration, the drone can serve as a loitering munition, precision-guided weapon, one-way attack drone or counter-drone interceptor. In its man-portable configuration, the drone, launch canister and ground controller weigh less than 11 kilograms (25 pounds) combined, allowing a single soldier to carry the system. Cummings Aerospace CEO Sheila Cummings said the system would allow one soldier using a single fire control system to deploy multiple Hellhounds against separate targets, increasing the capabilities of a small operational unit. Launcher Development and Future Testing The new multi-pack launcher can hold up to eight Hellhound S3 drones. Designed to be lifted by two personnel, it can be integrated into different crewed and uncrewed military vehicles. Cummings Aerospace plans further salvo-launch tests, including demonstrations from uncrewed ground vehicles and uncrewed surface vessels at sea. The company has not announced any official military production orders following the recent test. Larger Hellhound S4 Variant Cummings Aerospace is also developing the Hellhound S4, a larger variant first unveiled at SOF Week in 2025. The tube-launched drone measures 1.47 metres (58 inches) in length and weighs approximately 20 kilograms (45 pounds) in its canister. It is designed to reach targets 130 to 140 kilometres (81 to 87 miles) away and remain airborne for more than 1.5 hours. The company is positioning the S4 as a potential low-cost cruise missile alternative and a surveillance asset for the US military’s Golden Dome missile defence programme. Founded in 2009, Cummings Aerospace is a Native American woman-owned defence company based in Huntsville, Alabama. The latest demonstration advances the Hellhound S3’s development from man-portable operations to vehicle-based deployment, with further launcher integration and testing planned.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 14:36:26
U.S
PACIFIC OCEAN, — The US Navy has demonstrated its ability to remotely command an MQ-25A Stingray unmanned aerial refueling aircraft from an aircraft carrier more than 2,100 miles (3,379 kilometres) away, marking a step forward in integrating unmanned aircraft into carrier operations. During a preliminary sea trial on October 19, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) established a beyond-line-of-sight connection with an MQ-25A test aircraft at Boeing’s facility in Mascoutah, Illinois. The connection used a proliferated low-Earth-orbit (pLEO) satellite network. The aircraft remained at the Illinois facility and was not launched from the carrier. The Navy did not specify whether the drone was airborne during the test. MD-5C System Enables Remote Control Operators aboard USS Ronald Reagan used the ship’s Unmanned Air Warfare Center and MD-5C Ground Control Station to establish and exercise command and control of the aircraft. The MD-5C combines the Navy’s command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) network with Lockheed Martin’s MDCX hardware and software, along with other government-developed equipment. The demonstration focused on validating the satellite connection and command-and-control capabilities rather than conducting flight operations from the carrier. USS Ronald Reagan is the second US aircraft carrier equipped with an operational Unmanned Air Warfare Center. The first was installed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in March 2026. Installation and integration of the MD-5C system aboard Ronald Reagan were completed in August 2026, following 11 concurrent ship modifications carried out over 17 months during a scheduled maintenance period. MQ-25A to Extend Carrier Aircraft Range The MQ-25A Stingray is the US Navy’s first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft, designed primarily for aerial refueling. By taking over tanker duties, it is intended to allow F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters to concentrate on strike missions while flying farther and remaining airborne longer. The aircraft is designed to deliver fuel at distances of several hundred nautical miles from the carrier. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao highlighted the aircraft’s role in extending the operational range and endurance of Super Hornets. Capt. Daniel Fucito, PMA-268 program manager, said the first underway connection between a carrier’s Unmanned Air Warfare Center and an MQ-25A demonstrated progress toward the Navy’s future carrier air wing. Testing and Future Deployment The October 19 demonstration was part of a series of exercises to validate the procedures, networks and system interfaces needed to operate unmanned aircraft safely. The PMA-268 Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System team conducted the work alongside the MQ-25 Integrated Test Team, which includes personnel from the US Navy, Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Earlier pier-side and at-sea tests had also been conducted. The Navy’s MQ-25A program currently calls for 76 aircraft, with an estimated total cost of $13 billion. Boeing is expected to deliver the first operational aircraft in 2029. The MD-5C control system and satellite connection are key elements of the Navy’s planned Air Wing of the Future, which aims to integrate unmanned aircraft more extensively into routine carrier operations. The latest test demonstrated remote command-and-control capability over a long distance, although it did not involve launching or recovering the aircraft from the carrier.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 14:16:58
U.S
WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, New Mexico, — Lockheed Martin is moving its Extended-Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (ER GMLRS) into production after the US Army granted Milestone C approval, following successful soldier-led operational tests in September and October. The company announced the progress on October 19, 2026, marking the transition from development and testing toward manufacturing and military fielding. ER GMLRS Extends Range to 150 Kilometers The ER GMLRS is designed to strike targets at distances of up to 150 kilometers, more than twice the approximately 70-kilometer range of the standard GMLRS. It achieves the extended range through an enlarged rocket motor and uses GPS-aided inertial guidance for precision targeting. During operational tests at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, US soldiers fired multiple rockets in succession from an M270A2 launcher. Both the Unitary Warhead and Alternative Warhead variants successfully completed their flight tests. The Unitary Warhead uses high explosives against specific targets, such as buildings and military installations, while the Alternative Warhead uses fragmentation against targets spread across wider areas. Earlier tests in late 2025 and early 2026 demonstrated performance beyond 100 kilometers, including a 112-kilometer flight from a HIMARS launcher at White Sands Missile Range. Compatible With Existing Launchers The extended-range rockets are compatible with the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and tracked M270 launchers, allowing operators to add longer-range capability without purchasing new launch vehicles. Sabrina Barnes, vice president of Lockheed Martin Precision Fires Rockets, said: “The value of ER GMLRS is not only the additional range. It is the ability to add capability within an existing precision fires architecture – an approach that provides a common foundation for U.S. and international operators.” Production and Deployment Lockheed Martin is expanding manufacturing capacity and strengthening its supply chains to meet anticipated demand. However, the company has not announced specific production targets, delivery schedules or a confirmed operational deployment date. The programme began as an engineering change proposal for the existing GMLRS family and progressed through system qualification and operational testing. Lockheed Martin continues to manufacture GMLRS rockets at facilities supporting its precision-fires production line. ER GMLRS will join the company’s precision-fires portfolio, which includes standard GMLRS, the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). These weapons serve different range and mission requirements while sharing elements of a common launcher ecosystem. The programme comes as the United States and its international partners increase investment in artillery rockets and precision-guided munitions.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-20 14:00:53
U.S
WASHINGTON, — The United States is considering military strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub to pressure Tehran into making concessions on its nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by UAE-based outlet Erem News, citing American diplomatic sources close to senior White House officials. US President Donald Trump has reportedly discussed the options with senior advisers from the War Department and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The discussions come ahead of the US midterm elections on November 3, 2026. However, no final decision to attack the island’s oil infrastructure has been reported. Kharg Island’s Strategic Importance Located approximately 25 to 30 kilometres off Iran’s coast in the Persian Gulf, Kharg Island handles around 90 per cent of the country’s oil exports. Its facilities include storage tanks, pipelines and tanker-loading terminals, with estimated storage capacity of around 30 million barrels. The island serves as a major export point for crude oil shipments, particularly to Asian markets. US military options reportedly include precision strikes on oil storage tanks, pipelines and loading facilities, as well as military installations on the island and at other locations in Iran. The objective would be to increase economic and military pressure on Tehran and influence its negotiating position. Previous Strikes and Regional Tensions Earlier in 2026, US forces struck military targets on Kharg Island while leaving its oil facilities intact. Trump acknowledged the operation on social media and warned that oil infrastructure could be targeted in future. In August, an Iranian oil tanker was reportedly struck by a US projectile approximately four miles from the island’s anchorage. The latest discussions could mark a significant escalation if Washington moves from targeting military installations to attacking Iran’s main oil export infrastructure. Nuclear Talks and Strait of Hormuz Negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain stalled. The United States is seeking concessions on Iran’s nuclear program and guarantees of free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has sought a ceasefire across regional fronts, the release of frozen assets and an end to US military and economic pressure before reopening the waterway. Mediation efforts involving Qatari intermediaries have not produced an agreement. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy route through which oil and liquefied natural gas shipments travel. Disruptions could affect international energy supplies, shipping and prices. On October 8, Trump publicly said the United States would not attack Iran before the midterm elections and described diplomatic contacts as productive. Separately, reports indicated that the Pentagon had directed US Central Command to prepare for possible major operations against Iranian energy infrastructure, other infrastructure and nuclear targets. Iranian actions affecting commercial shipping in the strait have continued in recent weeks. Potential Economic and Military Impact A strike on Kharg Island’s oil facilities could significantly reduce Iran’s export capacity and government revenue. It could also affect global energy markets and increase the risk of Iranian retaliation against regional energy infrastructure or commercial shipping. For now, the reported discussions indicate that Washington is examining additional military options while diplomatic disagreements remain unresolved. Whether the United States proceeds with strikes will depend on decisions by the Trump administration and developments in negotiations with Iran.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-19 16:27:30
U.S
WASHINGTON, — The U.S. Army has ordered 385 additional FD-1 drone interceptors from Florida-based Mountain Horse Solutions, expanding its acquisition of the system following operational evaluations and upgrades based on soldiers’ feedback. The Army’s Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD) awarded the contract on October 8, 2026, under an Other Transaction Agreement. The company announced the award on October 12. According to statements at the AUSA 2026 exhibition, the initial order covered 300 systems, bringing the total across both orders to 685. The contract value has not been disclosed, and deliveries are scheduled to continue through November 2026. The FD-1 is already fielded with Army units. FD-1 Capabilities and Performance Developed by Mountain Horse Solutions, a subsidiary of Global Ordnance based in Sarasota, Florida, the FD-1 is a compact, man-portable unmanned aircraft system designed for aerial interception and ground-attack missions. It can engage Group 1 to Group 3 and larger unmanned aircraft, from small quadcopters to platforms weighing several hundred kilograms, as well as ground targets such as armored vehicles. The interceptor cruises at approximately 72 km/h (45 mph) and exceeds 165 mph (265 km/h) during its terminal attack phase. Testing has reportedly recorded speeds above 314 km/h (195 mph). Its range is approximately 6 kilometres with FPV goggles and a controller, extending beyond 20 kilometres with an external tripod-mounted antenna. The system uses a digital first-person-view (FPV) camera and Pixel-Lock terminal guidance, allowing the operator to visually identify and lock onto a target before the system continues its final approach. It also features frequency switching and a low radio-frequency cross-section to support operations in electronic warfare environments. A single soldier can set up, arm and launch the interceptor in under two minutes. It can operate independently or integrate with existing detection and tracking systems. The company says a human authorizes every shot and the operator maintains positive control throughout the engagement. Payload options include C4, binary energetics and fragmentation packages, with associated munitions supporting proximity, command or impact detonation. Testing, Upgrades and Future Plans The FD-1 won first prize in the U.S. Army’s xTech Counter Strike competition in November 2025. It has been evaluated by G-TEAD, the 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade and the Army Test and Evaluation Command, which has completed its technical review. Mountain Horse Solutions reports 13 hardware upgrades, including thermal cameras and improvements to range and endurance. The company says it incorporated soldiers’ feedback and delivered upgrades within five weeks of operational assessments. G-TEAD uses Accelerated Capability Events to move technologies from concept to transition within 180 days, and the FD-1 programme has remained within that timeline. The 409th Contracting Support Brigade supported the awards. Company president Bill Allen said the process allowed rapid improvements without waiting for traditional requirements cycles. Mountain Horse Solutions says it can increase production to meet additional U.S. Army orders and potential demand from allied and partner nations. A further assessment focused on ground-strike missions is planned with the Army’s 10th Mountain Division.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-19 16:17:03
Europe
UNITED KINGDOM, — UK-based defence startup Stratonex Defence Technologies has unveiled VARAN, a modular unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) designed to operate autonomously in battlefield environments affected by GPS jamming and electronic warfare. Presented as a concept around October 18, 2026, the four-wheeled platform is intended for reconnaissance, logistics, force protection, electronic warfare and counter-drone missions. Passive Navigation and Stealth Features VARAN uses visible-light cameras, thermal imaging and 3D computer vision to navigate without relying on GPS or other satellite navigation signals. Its passive sensing approach avoids the need for active radar or LiDAR emissions for navigation, helping reduce its electromagnetic signature. The vehicle is also designed to maintain low visual, thermal and acoustic signatures. Payload and Mobility The modular platform features an open systems architecture that allows mission equipment to be integrated or changed in the field. Its intended roles include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), logistics, electronic warfare and counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS). Technical information associated with the wider STRATUM family indicates a payload capacity of approximately 400–500 kg, towing capacity exceeding 1,000 kg, a maximum speed of around 70 km/h (45 mph) and endurance of approximately four hours. The platform is also listed as capable of handling gradients of up to 60 per cent and side slopes of up to 40 per cent. Independently driven wheels support manoeuvrability, including turning on the spot, while design features aim to maintain mobility if a wheel arm is damaged. These figures have not been confirmed as final VARAN specifications. Development and Industry Context Stratonex focuses on autonomous systems, mission software and sovereign defence capabilities. The company was co-founded by Ben Everitt, a former Conservative MP for Milton Keynes North. In July 2026, Nasdaq-listed VisionWave Holdings appointed Stratonex as its non-exclusive commercialisation and integration partner for the UK and Europe, covering autonomous systems, sensing and counter-drone technologies. On September 24, 2026, VisionWave announced that it had accepted a purchase order for 200 STRATUM VARAN vehicles, with a stated aggregate base purchase price of $20 million. Production and delivery remained subject to conditions, including demonstration and technical requirements, while final configurations and specifications were still to be established. The development reflects growing military interest in unmanned ground vehicles for logistics and support missions in GPS-denied environments. Stratonex is seeking feedback from potential users to prioritise capabilities as development continues. A complete final specification sheet and confirmed production and delivery schedule have not been released.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-19 16:01:13
U.S
PASCAGOULA, Miss., — The U.S. Navy has awarded Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) a $99.1 million contract modification to conduct sea trials and system testing for the Zumwalt-class destroyer USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002), which is being upgraded to carry hypersonic missiles. Announced by HII on October 19, the modification increases the ceiling of an existing contract. Approximately 95 percent of the work will take place at HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding facility in Pascagoula, Mississippi, with completion scheduled for October 2028. The Navy obligated approximately $59.3 million from fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2026 shipbuilding and conversion funds at the time of the award. Sea Trials Follow Modernization Work Built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Maine, the USS Lyndon B. Johnson was christened in April 2019 and arrived at Ingalls Shipbuilding in January 2022 for combat-system installation, activation and testing. It entered dry dock in January 2025 to begin installation of the large missile tubes required for its modernization. Brian Blanchette, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding, said the award reflects the Navy's confidence in the shipyard's ability to conduct essential testing and sea trials under the service's phased delivery approach. “Our shipbuilders are proud to help deliver DDG 1002 and prepare her for future fleet operations,” Blanchette said. Sea trials test a warship's propulsion, steering, combat systems and other equipment under operating conditions before delivery. Although earlier Navy statements targeted commissioning around 2027, the current contract schedules completion of the work for October 2028. Hypersonic Missile System Replaces Original Guns The modernization includes integration of the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) hypersonic weapon system, making the USS Lyndon B. Johnson the Navy's second CPS-equipped platform after USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000). The Zumwalt-class ships were originally designed with two 155 mm Advanced Gun Systems for land-attack missions. However, the Navy cancelled the specialised ammunition for these guns in 2016 because of its high cost and later decided to replace the guns with CPS missile launch tubes. The conversion involves four large-diameter launch tubes in the original forward gun positions. Each tube accommodates three missiles, giving the destroyer a total capacity of 12 CPS missiles. The weapon is designed to travel faster than Mach 5 and reach targets thousands of kilometres away. CPS uses a common hypersonic glide body shared with the U.S. Army's Dark Eagle long-range hypersonic weapon programme, providing a shared technical foundation for the Navy's sea-based and Army's land-based systems. Zumwalt-Class Fleet Upgrade The USS Zumwalt, the lead ship of the class, completed its conversion and builder's sea trials in January 2026 after nearly three years of work at Ingalls. The second ship, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), is scheduled to receive CPS during a future shipyard period. Zumwalt-class destroyers feature an integrated electric propulsion system, a wave-piercing tumblehome hull and a stealth-oriented design intended to reduce radar visibility. Their planned missions include deterrence, power projection, sea control and command and control. The hypersonic upgrade is intended to add long-range strike capability to these stealth destroyers. The USS Lyndon B. Johnson must complete its testing and sea trials as part of the Navy's phased delivery process, with the current contract work scheduled to finish in October 2028.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-19 15:50:52
Space & Technology
TOKYO, — Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is preparing to launch its Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission on October 20, 2026, at 4:41 a.m. Japan Standard Time. The uncrewed spacecraft will lift off aboard the H3 rocket from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex at the Tanegashima Space Center, aiming to collect samples from Phobos, one of Mars’s two moons, and return them to Earth. The launch is scheduled for 19:41 UTC on October 19, with a backup launch window extending into early November in case of weather or technical delays. The H3 rocket will be conducting its 10th flight. Mission Objectives and Scientific Equipment MMX aims to collect approximately 10 grams of material from Phobos to help scientists determine whether Mars’s moons formed from captured asteroids or debris produced by a major impact on Mars. Phobos measures about 22 kilometres across, while Deimos, the smaller moon, measures roughly 13 kilometres. The spacecraft, with a launch mass of approximately 4,480 kilograms, consists of propulsion, exploration and return modules. It carries scientific instruments, including spectrometers and imagers, to study the moons’ surfaces and composition. MMX is expected to reach the Martian system around August 2027, after approximately one year of travel. It will then enter a quasi-satellite orbit around Phobos and spend roughly three years studying both moons. In early 2029, the mission will deploy IDEFIX, a 25-kilogram rover developed jointly by France’s National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) and Germany’s German Aerospace Center (DLR). The rover is expected to operate on Phobos for about 100 days, examining its surface and helping identify suitable sampling locations. Due to the moon’s extremely low gravity, the rover’s weight there will be equivalent to approximately 15 grams on Earth. NASA is contributing to the mission through scientific equipment and sample-return support. Its MEGANE instrument will study Phobos’s elemental composition by measuring gamma rays and neutrons. Sample Collection and Return to Earth In 2030, MMX is scheduled to land on Phobos once or twice and use two sampling systems. A mechanical corer will collect material from at least two centimetres below the surface, while a pneumatic sampler will use pressurised gas to collect loose surface material. The target is at least 10 grams of regolith. After sampling, the spacecraft will conduct a flyby of Deimos for additional observations before departing the Martian system in late 2030. The return capsule is expected to reach Earth in 2031 and land in Australia’s Woomera region. The samples will be transported to Japan for laboratory analysis, with portions intended to be shared with international partners, including NASA. International Cooperation and Future Exploration Led by JAXA, MMX involves contributions from NASA, CNES, DLR and the European Space Agency (ESA). The mission aims to improve understanding of the origins of Mars’s moons and the evolution of the Martian system. If successful, MMX will deliver the first samples collected from a moon of Mars to Earth, allowing scientists to analyse the material directly. The mission will also help develop technologies for future round-trip missions to the Martian system and support planning for later robotic and human exploration.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-19 15:44:36
India
NEW DELHI, — The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has shortlisted Bengaluru-based SSS Defence and the Kalyani Group as Development cum Production Partners for an indigenous 20mm aviation gun and turret system for India’s Rudra and Prachand helicopters. The project is being led by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), which signed a memorandum of understanding with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) last year to collaborate on the programme. The new gun is intended for the ALH Mk-IV Rudra and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand. It will provide a domestic alternative to the 20mm turret gun system currently used on the Prachand, which is sourced from European defence manufacturer KNDS. The development phase is expected to take around two years. Following development and acceptance trials, production orders will be divided between the two selected companies. The lowest bidder (L1) will receive 60 per cent of the order, while the other company will receive the remaining 40 per cent. The project marks an important step towards developing an aviation medium-calibre gun entirely in India and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. Both helicopters are designed to operate with a combination of guns, 70mm rocket pods and missiles to engage ground targets during combat operations and support troops.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-19 15:37:24
Europe
BUDAPEST, — Hungary has successfully tested a prototype of a domestically developed laser weapon designed to detect and neutralise unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The demonstration took place on October 17 at the Nullponti training and firing range near Várpalota during the two-day Honvédelmi Innovációs Szemle (Defence Innovation Review). Hungarian Defence Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi and Chief of the Defence Staff General Zsolt Sándor attended the demonstration. According to the Hungarian Ministry of Defence, the system detected, tracked and neutralised a drone representing an enemy aerial target. However, official reports did not identify the specific drone model used. Operational Deployment Targeted for 2027 Ruszin-Szendi said the Hungarian Armed Forces could receive an operational version of the laser weapon within a year, potentially in 2027. The system is intended to destroy different types of drones at a defined distance. He described the successful demonstration as evidence of the capabilities of Hungarian engineers and domestic defence industry companies. The weapon's official name, developer, power output and effective engagement range remain undisclosed. Its performance against faster or more manoeuvrable targets and under different weather conditions has also not been publicly established. The next stage will involve the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff working through the Defence Innovation Research Institute (VIKI) to define military requirements and approach companies for procurement or joint development. Hungary aims to strengthen domestic defence capabilities and reduce dependence on external suppliers. Defence Innovation Exhibition Showcases New Systems The two-day exhibition brought together nearly 50 Hungarian defence industry participants. The first day featured static displays, while the second included live demonstrations of autonomous aerial and ground systems, including reconnaissance, interceptor, cargo and medical evacuation drones, as well as unmanned ground vehicles. Developers also presented fixed-wing and multirotor drones informed by observations from the Russia-Ukraine war, a NATO-compatible electronic drone defence system with a reported range of approximately 10 kilometres, and various logistics and medical platforms. Growing Interest in Laser-Based Drone Defence Militaries are increasingly exploring directed-energy weapons to counter drone threats. Laser systems use concentrated energy to engage targets, but their effectiveness depends on system design, target characteristics and operating conditions. Hungary's demonstration marks progress in developing a domestic counter-drone laser capability. Further testing and development will be required to establish the weapon's full operational performance and confirm its deployment timeline. The Ministry of Defence has indicated that work on the system and other domestic defence technologies will continue in the coming months.
Read More → Posted on 2026-10-19 15:32:07Search
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