The United States conducted a major hypersonic missile test last week, advancing toward the first operational deployment of the weapon. The test featured the common hypersonic All Up Round (AUR) missile, a key component of the Army’s Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon system, also known as Dark Eagle, launched from Cape Canaveral. A U.S. defense official highlighted the milestone as a critical step in delivering hypersonic capabilities to warfighters and preparing for future sea-based deployments for the Navy. According to a Congressional Research Service document, the U.S. plans to deploy the Dark Eagle in Germany by 2026 as part of its Multi-Domain […]
Category: China
Space Investment Had Strong Growth In 2024
The space market in 2024 has experienced significant growth, fueled by strong venture capital investments and a resurgence of space SPACs. Startups from the U.S., China, Europe, and Australia contributed to the year’s 15 largest funding deals, showcasing global interest in the sector. U.S. companies like Astranis, Firefly, and Impulse secured major investments, while European firm The Exploration Company raised $160 million to develop a crewed space capsule. Despite this enthusiasm, investors face challenges in identifying truly promising business opportunities within the rapidly expanding space market. This trend highlights both the excitement and complexity of navigating the space sector’s evolving […]
‘Too early’ to rule out China-Russia cooperation in Baltic seabed cable incident, says Pentagon official
A Pentagon official, Iris Ferguson, expressed concerns over the recent damage to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, noting suspicious circumstances possibly involving a Chinese vessel and raising questions about potential ties to Russia. The incident, involving the Chinese ship Yi Peng 3 reportedly damaging cables near Sweden and Denmark, is under investigation, with no definitive conclusions about whether the act was deliberate. Both China and Russia have denied involvement, though European officials have highlighted the growing threat of hybrid activities in the region. The U.S. and its allies have increased focus on protecting undersea infrastructure, emphasizing its importance in […]
Space Force looks to bulk up against anti-satellite weapons
#analysis The U.S. Space Force is accelerating efforts to counter threats from anti-satellite weapons (ASATs) posed by adversaries like Russia and China, focusing on modernizing its Space Surveillance Network (SSN) and developing advanced defense systems. Efforts include deploying hundreds of smaller, cost-effective satellites in low-Earth orbit to enhance resilience and tracking, while new systems like the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) aim to bolster deep-space monitoring. Partnerships with private industry are being expanded to integrate commercial satellite capabilities into military networks, leveraging innovation for defense. Challenges remain, including outdated infrastructure, funding constraints, and the growing complexity of space threats, […]
The US needs to get real about maneuver warfare in space
#analysis Christopher Stone, Senior Fellow at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies, argues for a U.S. shift toward maneuver warfare in space, advocating for the development of space-to-ground weapons (SGWs). Stone criticizes the current defensive posture, proposing more assertive tactics to address threats like China’s anti-access/area-denial capabilities. He highlights China’s advanced space deterrence strategy, which employs “rapid and destructive” maneuvers to assert dominance. Stone suggests that the U.S. Space Force should evolve from a support role to a primary offensive force to retain strategic superiority. He envisions the Space Force as providing a “decisive advantage” over enemy ground forces through […]
US imposes sanctions on Chinese companies accused of helping make Russian attack drones
The U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions on two Chinese companies for helping Russia build long-range attack drones used in Ukraine. This marks the first U.S. penalties targeting Chinese firms for collaborating with Russian defense companies to produce complete weapons systems. The sanctions aim to disrupt direct ties between Beijing and Moscow, as China’s Garpiya drones have been used by Russia to target Ukrainian infrastructure, resulting in casualties. The Chinese Embassy denied the accusations, calling them false and criticizing U.S. unilateral sanctions. The sanctions also target Russian companies and individuals involved in facilitating the production and shipment of these drones. Original […]
China Is Ready for War?
#analysis Amid China’s economic challenges, such as high youth unemployment and a troubled real estate market, some policymakers believe Beijing will need to cut its defense spending. However, China’s defense industrial base continues to grow rapidly, developing advanced weapons systems to deter and challenge U.S. military dominance. China is now the world’s largest shipbuilder and has significantly increased its production of modern fighter aircraft, warships, and missiles. With its defense industry on a wartime footing, China acquires weapons at a pace five to six times faster than the United States. To keep pace, the U.S. must urgently revitalize its own […]
European militaries rush to catch up on space traffic mapping
#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 […]
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 […]