#analysis The rapid growth of space activity has led European militaries to increase their focus on space traffic mapping to address emerging threats. The number of active satellites has more than tripled in the last four years, and most of this activity is occurring in low Earth orbit, creating new challenges for military surveillance systems designed for geostationary orbits. Companies like Safran, Vyoma, and True Anomaly are working with defense departments to improve space awareness and tracking capabilities. Military leaders stress the importance of collaboration between civilian, commercial, and military sectors to enhance space-domain awareness and avoid potential crises. As […]
Author: Veiko Lukmann
What Are JSOWs? Long Range US Glide Bombs Handed to Ukraine – Newsweek
The U.S. is sending Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) long-range glide bombs to Ukraine as part of a $375 million military aid package announced on September 26. These precision-guided bombs, which weigh 1,100 pounds and have a range of over 70 miles, are designed to bypass Russian air defenses when launched from F-16 jets. The JSOW bombs are considered more advanced than the glide bombs used by Russia and are priced at $500,000 each. They use GPS for guidance and feature infrared imaging sensors that are resistant to radio-frequency jamming. This aid package also includes HIMARS, Javelin systems, and other military […]
REPMUS 2024: Portuguese Navy and NATO focus on counter-UAV systems
NATO’s Exercise ‘REPMUS 24’ (Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping with Unmanned Maritime Systems) tested Counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (C-UAV) systems. Michael Stewart, U.S. chairman of NATO Naval Armaments Group, highlighted the challenge posed by low-cost unmanned systems versus expensive countermeasures. Stewart noted NATO and the U.S. are focused on addressing this imbalance, but could not share specifics, referencing efforts to prevent both drones and their operators from launching attacks. Portuguese Navy Admiral Henrique Eduardo Passaláqua de Gouveia e Melo emphasized the economic inefficiency of using costly surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) to counter inexpensive UAVs. He suggested future solutions may involve a combination of […]
US works on workaround for nearly US$6 billion military support to Ukraine
The Biden administration is working on a plan to extend its authority to send $5.9 billion worth of weapons and equipment to Ukraine before the funding expires at the end of September. This authority allows the Pentagon to quickly transfer weapons from its own stocks, which are then replenished with funds. The administration aims to use the remaining assistance over the next few months, although it can’t provide new types of equipment. Pentagon officials believe deliveries can continue beyond the fiscal year if done promptly. The Biden administration is also seeking congressional approval to carry over unused funds to next […]
The 40-year-old troop carrier and other infantry-fighting vehicles have been surprise stars of Ukraine’s campaign
The Wall Street Journal reports that BAE Systems’ Bradley infantry fighting vehicle has gained iconic status among Ukrainian troops for its ability to protect against drones, mines, and antitank weapons. The Bradley offers strong survivability, agility, and versatility in both offensive and defensive operations while being more resource-efficient than tanks. The U.S. Army continues to operate Bradleys equipped with the Iron Fist protection system. The report also highlights the threat posed by UAVs to infantry fighting vehicles, noting that BAE’s CV90 uses a counter-UAS system, while Ukrainian Bradleys employ electronic warfare systems to counter Russian drones. The Bradley’s performance has […]
U.S. approves $920 Million Foreign Military Direct Loan to Romania
The United States has announced a $920 million Foreign Military Financing (FMF) direct loan to Romania to bolster NATO’s Eastern Flank. Romania, a key U.S. partner, is undergoing a significant military modernization program, including purchases of U.S. defense equipment like Abrams tanks and ammunition coproduction. Romania has been a NATO leader, contributing to Black Sea security and assisting Ukraine by transferring a Patriot air defense system and training Ukrainian F-16 pilots. The U.S. is also providing $60 million in FMF grant funding to support the loan, accelerating Romania’s defense modernization. This loan will further enhance Romania’s military capabilities, strengthening NATO’s […]
Exclusive: Russia has secret war drones project in China, intel sources say
Russia has established a weapons program in China to develop and produce long-range attack drones for the war in Ukraine, according to European intelligence sources and documents reviewed by Reuters. The IEMZ Kupol subsidiary of Russia’s Almaz-Antey has developed and flight-tested the Garpiya-3 (G3) drone in China with local expertise. Kupol plans to mass-produce the G3 and other drones in China for deployment in Ukraine. The White House expressed concern over potential Chinese involvement, while NATO and British officials urged China to stop supporting Russia’s war effort. Kupol has already received seven drones, including G3s, from Chinese manufacturers, marking the […]
Rheinmetall receives order from NATO country for mortar shells
Rheinmetall has secured a new order worth tens of millions of euros from a NATO country for a six-digit quantity of mortar shells, with deliveries set between July 2025 and July 2026. The mortar shells will be produced by Rheinmetall Expal Munitions in Spain, accompanied by additional services for the product launch. This follows previous orders from Switzerland, Spain, and a significant 100,000-round order for Ukraine in 2022. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Rheinmetall has received billions in orders for artillery and mortar ammunition as NATO countries replenish their stockpiles and support Ukraine. The company recently announced an order from […]
Dutch Navy to buy armed sidekick ships for its air-defense frigates
The Netherlands plans to purchase two support vessels to enhance the air defense and firepower capabilities of its Navy, with an investment between €250 million and €1 billion. These vessels will assist air-defense frigates by carrying additional missiles to counter anti-ship missile and drone swarms, and support amphibious operations using long-range loitering munitions. Dutch shipyard Damen will build the vessels, equipped with Barak ER surface-to-air interceptors and other systems from Israel Aerospace Industries. These versatile ships will feature modular equipment that can be swapped based on mission needs and will be operational by 2027. The investment is part of a […]
Norway upgrades Ula-class submarines once more before 212CD rollout
Norway’s 212CD submarine program is on track for delivery in the early 2030s, while Norway invests in upgrading its aging Ula-class submarines. To extend the Ula-class’ service life, Norway signed a NOK436 million (US$41.6 million) upgrade agreement with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. The Ula-class, in service since the 1980s, is nearing the end of its operational lifespan, but these upgrades will sustain the fleet until the 212CD submarines are ready. Kongsberg, the original combat system supplier for the Ula-class, is responsible for both hardware and software upgrades. The 212CD program, developed with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, recently completed its critical design […]
Strategic Capability Office targeting non-traditional, autonomous, cyber technology prototypes
The Pentagon’s Strategic Capabilities Office is seeking research proposals for funding to explore “unconventional uses of existing systems.” The aim is to enable new capabilities across five key areas, including autonomy and cyber defense. This request was outlined in a broad agency announcement posted Monday. Contracts for procuring technologies or developing prototypes based on the submissions could result from this BAA. Other transaction agreements for research may also be considered if specific criteria are met. Original news
L3Harris exploring maritime variant of Vampire drone defence system
L3Harris is developing a maritime version of its Vampire counter-drone system to protect ships from airborne threats. Originally designed for ground forces and provided to Ukraine in 2022, the Vampire pairs APKWS rockets with advanced sensors for precision defense. The maritime adaptation aims to offer a low-cost counter-unmanned aerial system (UAS) solution for naval vessels, complementing expensive, limited-quantity missiles like the SM-2 and SM-6. L3Harris is exploring the use of smaller unmanned ships carrying the Vampire system to form a protective perimeter around larger naval vessels. The company has received positive feedback from Ukraine on the system’s performance and is […]
Finland signs for more armoured personnel carriers
Finland’s Defence Forces Logistics Command (DFLC) signed an agreement to acquire 29 additional Patria 6×6 Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) armoured personnel carriers (APCs). This follows an earlier 2023 agreement for 91 APCs, with all remaining purchase options now exercised. The vehicles will be delivered by the end of 2025 as part of the international CAVS joint programme involving Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Germany. The CAVS programme began in 2020, and deliveries to participating countries have been ongoing. Other recent developments include Sweden’s order for 321 CAVS vehicles and Latvia’s receipt of its first CAVS vehicles. Original news
Northrop Grumman Plans Ammunition Production Line in Lithuania
One of the world’s largest weapons manufacturers Northrop Grumman Corporation hopes to build an ammunition production line in Lithuania to strengthen the Baltic nation’s defense industry. Vice-President Stephan O’Bryan signed a memorandum of understanding with the Lithuanian government in the capital Vilnius on Monday to manufacture 30 millimeter ammunition at an existing state-owned facility. Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas expects the production line to be operational within a year, saying that the ammunition would be used for the NATO member state’s infantry fighting vehicles. Original news
Silicon Valley Hasn’t Revolutionized Warfare—Yet
#analysis The book Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley Are Transforming the Future of War by Raj M. Shah and Christopher Kirchhoff explores the Pentagon’s efforts to incorporate commercial technology into military operations. It focuses on the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), launched in 2015, which aimed to bridge the gap between Silicon Valley and the Department of Defense. DIU has faced significant bureaucratic resistance but has achieved notable successes, such as automating air operations and leveraging commercial innovations in military missions. Despite these advancements, traditional defense contractors still dominate Pentagon contracts, and widespread transformation remains elusive. However, DIU […]