The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) recently issued a notice seeking innovative missile defense system technologies, architectures, and concepts aimed at developing low-cost interceptors or systems. The October 10 request for information (RFI) specifically calls for exploring technologies and prototypes to significantly reduce the cost per kill, excluding directed energy systems like high-energy lasers and high-power microwaves. The MDA expressed interest in using spiral development processes in two- to three-year sprints, beginning as early as 2025, to incrementally introduce new technologies and system builds for more affordable solutions. Final briefing papers for the RFI are due by November 15. Original […]
Year: 2024
Israel Launches Competition For Defense Companies To Develop Defensive Measures Against Drones
Israel’s government has initiated a competition among eight companies to enhance its military’s ability to intercept drones, particularly those launched by Iran and Hezbollah. The Defence Ministry aims to rapidly develop and deploy new operational capabilities within months, selecting top technologies after evaluating trial results. This effort responds to growing drone threats, such as Hezbollah’s recent “swarm of drones” attack that evaded Israeli air defenses. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant highlighted the need for a concentrated national effort to counter UAV threats originating from Iran and its regional allies. Major defense firms like Elbit Systems, Rafael, and Israel Aerospace Industries are […]
Italy’s Leonardo (LDOF.MI) and Germany’s Rheinmetall (RHMG.DE) launched a joint venture on to develop and manufacture military combat vehicles
Italy’s Leonardo and Germany’s Rheinmetall have launched a 50:50 joint venture, named Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV), to develop and manufacture military combat vehicles. This partnership is seen as a significant step toward European defense sector consolidation, especially within the framework of the Atlantic Alliance. The venture will focus on developing Italy’s new main battle tank (MBT) and the Lynx platform for the Armoured Infantry Combat System (AICS), with first deliveries expected by 2025. It is projected to benefit from €24 billion in Italian government orders for 1,500 vehicles by 2040, with operations primarily based in Italy. The JV also […]
Sikorsky to install Matrix on US Army’s MX Black Hawk aircraft
Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky has been awarded a $6 million contract by DARPA to equip the US Army’s experimental UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter with the Matrix flight autonomy system. The Matrix system aims to improve flight safety, reliability, and efficiency for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft under DARPA’s Aircrew Labour In-cockpit Automation System (ALIAS) program. The upgraded UH-60M, designated as MX, will feature autonomy capabilities that allow for single-pilot or fully autonomous operation. Sikorsky’s integration of the system, scheduled for next year, will help the US Army assess autonomy features, including obstacle detection and sensor integration. These advancements align with […]
Poland prepares for AH-64 Apache arrival
Following Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and worsening NATO-Russia relations, Poland initiated the Kruk attack helicopter replacement program. The 2022 invasion of Ukraine accelerated Poland’s military spending and equipment modernization efforts. In September 2022, Poland announced plans to purchase 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopters, formalizing the deal in August 2024 through the US Foreign Military Sales program. These Apaches will replace Poland’s aging fleet of Soviet-era Mil Mi-24 Hinds, significantly enhancing the country’s attack helicopter capabilities. Once delivered, Poland will have the world’s second-largest AH-64 fleet, marking a substantial upgrade in its military power. Original news
Norway edges closer to long-range precision fires selection
Norway is progressing towards selecting a new long-range precision fires system, with a decision expected by the summer of next year and operational service targeted for 2027 or 2028. The selection process involves evaluating offers from multiple industry competitors, including Lockheed Martin’s HIMARS and Hanwha Aerospace’s K239 Chunmoo. Norway is focusing on a self-propelled system with a range exceeding 300 kilometers, compatible with its C4I systems. This is part of Norway’s broader defense modernization effort, which includes a historic defense spending increase, although the majority of funds are directed toward the Royal Norwegian Navy. Despite this, the Norwegian Army remains […]
USAF Releases Footage Of F-35A Roadway Landing In Finland During NATO Exercise
The U.S. Air Force has released cockpit footage of a Lockheed Martin F-35A stealth fighter landing on a roadway in Finland during NATO’s Baana 2024 exercises. Two F-35As from the USAF’s 48th Fighter Wing, stationed in the UK, landed on a designated roadway near Ranua, Finland, marking the first roadway landing of a U.S.-owned fifth-generation fighter in Europe. The footage captures the jets performing landings, touch-and-go maneuvers, and takeoffs, showcasing the USAF’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) strategy. This approach aims to mitigate risks associated with large air bases in potential conflict zones by enabling operations from dispersed and unconventional locations. […]
Lukashenko Supports Russia’s Expanded Nuclear Policy Amid ATACMS Concerns
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has endorsed Russia’s recent changes to its nuclear weapons policy, calling them overdue and likely to curb Western provocations. Lukashenko, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, said Moscow’s nuclear warnings had already been heard by the West before the policy update in September. Putin announced that Russia would expand the scenarios for using nuclear weapons, including responding to large-scale attacks involving aircraft, missiles, or drones, particularly those supported by nuclear powers. This shift came as a response to U.S. and U.K. discussions about permitting Ukraine to use long-range missiles, such as the U.S. ATACMS, to […]
NATO Pilots Compare Eurofighter, F-35 In First Dogfight Competition
NATO fighter pilots from Germany and the U.S. recently participated in a dogfighting competition at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, featuring a Eurofighter Typhoon and an F-35A. German 1st Lt. Alexander Grant piloted the Eurofighter, while American Capt. Patrick Pearce flew the F-35A. Despite the F-35’s advanced stealth, Grant’s Eurofighter outmaneuvered the F-35, securing a simulated gun kill from behind. Pearce acknowledged the Eurofighter’s agility but emphasized that the F-35’s strength lies in long-range, beyond-visual-range combat. The event included over 30 jets from nine NATO nations. Original news
Businesses reposition amid growing demand for solid rocket motors
#analysis After acquiring Aerojet Rocketdyne in July 2024, L3Harris became a significant player in the missile and rocket propulsion market. Ross Niebergall, the new division chief, has been working to streamline production processes and address supply chain bottlenecks, particularly for critical weapons like the Javelin and Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System. The acquisition positions L3Harris to meet the rising global demand for rocket motors, driven by conflicts in regions like Ukraine and the Pacific. Other companies, such as Anduril Industries and X-Bow Systems, are also expanding into the rocket propulsion market, highlighting growing competition and innovation. Analysts predict the market […]
NATO holds annual nuclear exercise: Steadfast Noon
NATO’s annual nuclear exercise “Steadfast Noon” began on October 14, 2024, involving over 60 aircraft conducting training flights across western Europe. The two-week exercise focuses on testing NATO’s nuclear deterrence capabilities without the use of live weapons, emphasizing preparedness and defense. It involves 2,000 military personnel operating from eight airbases, and features a variety of aircraft, including nuclear-capable jets, bombers, and reconnaissance planes. This year’s exercise includes participation from thirteen Allies, with flights over Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, the UK, and the North Sea. NATO continues to enhance its nuclear deterrent, highlighted by the readiness of Dutch F-35A fighters for […]
Ukrainian Army Deploys AI-Guided Drones In Combat
A Ukrainian soldier from the 118th Mechanized Brigade tested a new AI-assisted FPV drone, resulting in a direct strike on a Russian soldier in southern Ukraine. The incident demonstrated the enhanced precision and lethality of Ukraine’s evolving drone technology, which uses artificial intelligence to improve targeting in the final moments of flight. Both Ukraine and Russia have been deploying thousands of FPV drones each month, transforming modern warfare by targeting vehicles, trenches, and individuals. Ukrainian operators, often more skilled than their Russian counterparts, are adapting quickly to new technologies to maintain their edge in drone warfare. Commander Robert Brovdi stated […]
NATO Plans Space System Targets by October
NATO is working through its Defense Planning Process to set space system targets for its 32 member countries by October next year. Currently, the focus is on assigning capability targets, with member nations expected to give feedback by the end of the month. Maj. Gen. Devin Pepper from NATO’s Strategic Warfare Development Command noted that they are in Step 3, where nations are reviewing the assigned targets. Additionally, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Frank Calvelli has directed program managers to engage with subcontractors to resolve delays in GPS modernization efforts. These efforts include upgrades to the GPS Next-Generation Operational […]
General Dynamics Unveils New Tactical Vehicles
General Dynamics Land Systems will debut the Stryker Mission Command on the Move (MCOTM) and two robotic vehicles at the upcoming Association of the United States Army trade show. The Stryker MCOTM is a hybrid electric vehicle that provides a mobile and agile command post with a 300-mile range, silent mobility, and reduced fuel consumption. It is equipped with the Iron Fist Active Protection System to defend against threats. The accompanying robotic vehicles include the MUTT XM, featuring spoofing technology, and the TRX Defender, designed for ground-to-ground security. GDLS hopes these innovations will lead to future Army demonstrations and field […]
Rafael to unveil new battlefield air defense solution
At the upcoming AUSA (Association of the United States Army) annual meeting, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will unveil new unmanned air defense systems designed to offer ground troops comprehensive protection and enhanced combat capabilities. Among the systems being showcased are the laser-based Lite Beam and the 30 mm Samson remote weapon system, both mounted on four-wheeled vehicles. These systems will provide ground forces with flexible and extensive defense against advanced aerial threats, including UAVs. Rafael will also highlight the enhanced capabilities of its Trophy active protection system for military vehicles, which has demonstrated its effectiveness against various battlefield threats in […]