Saab’s Training and Simulation unit is expanding its Gamer live-training system to include maritime applications and broaden its user base. At the 2024 I/ITSEC conference in Orlando, Hans Lindgren, Saab’s head of business development, showcased the system’s indirect fire simulation, now ready for deployment to the Royal Netherlands Army. Saab is also enhancing the system to simulate loitering munitions and beyond-line-of-sight weapons, attracting interest from multiple customers. The Gamer system has integrated live drone capabilities, currently used by the British Army for experimentation, with Saab hinting at an upcoming new customer. These advancements highlight Saab’s commitment to providing cutting-edge, realistic […]
Category: USA
Palantir’s Mike Gallagher Says Tech Startups Are Key to DoD Overhaul
Palantir’s head of defense, Mike Gallagher, called for urgent reform in the U.S. Defense Department’s procurement process to keep pace in the modern technological arms race. Highlighting the growing importance of AI and drones, Gallagher criticized the current system as inadequate, stating, “The status quo isn’t cutting it.” Palantir has deepened its military ties, securing contracts to develop an intelligence hub and expand AI initiatives, with its stock value surpassing traditional defense giants like Lockheed Martin. Gallagher is also spearheading the FedStart program, designed to help startups navigate government contracting and build a stronger defense tech ecosystem. The article notes […]
The US Air Force needs to learn the way of the Finns for the war of 2027
Finland, a NATO member since 2023, has ordered 64 F-35 stealth fighters to replace its aging F/A-18C/D Hornets. Major General Juha-Pekka Keränen emphasized that Finland’s proximity to Russia requires a unique defense strategy, including the use of civilian airfields and highways as airstrips to evade Russian missile strikes. The F-35’s advanced stealth capabilities are seen as vital for air safety, though its high maintenance demands pose challenges for Finland’s austere operational bases. In September, U.S. F-35s successfully landed on Finnish highways, demonstrating the fighter’s adaptability to unconventional locations. This acquisition highlights Finland’s commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities and ensuring […]
Hypersonic Missiles at Center of New US Arms Race Against Russia and China
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 […]
Poland and General Atomics Reach Deal on SkyGuardians
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. announced on Monday the sale of three MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones to Poland. The agreement also includes two Certifiable Ground Control Stations and a three-year SkyGuardian Global Support Solutions package. The MQ-9B model is widely utilized by military forces such as the U.S. Navy and the Royal Air Force, reflecting its global operational significance. Original news
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 […]
Lithuania Attracts Defense Firms with Streamlined Ammo Production Rules
Lithuania has streamlined regulations for foreign defense companies to establish local production, attracting major Western manufacturers. New legislation grants large-scale defense projects “pressing national security needs” status, allowing regulatory exemptions. Germany’s Rheinmetall is building a 155mm artillery ammunition plant in Baisogala, set to begin operations in 2026, while Northrop Grumman will produce 30mm medium-caliber ammunition in Vilnius alongside Lithuania’s purchase of Boxer-Vilkas combat vehicles. Additional interest includes a Ukrainian firm planning an explosives plant, signaling Lithuania’s rise as a regional defense manufacturing hub. Collaboration between Lithuanian and Ukrainian authorities on drones, naval systems, and electronic warfare highlights a strategic effort […]
How Pentagon’s Dark Eagle Hypersonic Missile Compares to Putin’s Oreshnik
The Pentagon’s recent test of the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station marks a pivotal step in advancing U.S. military technology. Developed by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, the missile is designed to bolster U.S. global military dominance, as emphasized by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. The Dark Eagle, capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 17 with a range of 1,725 miles, is being developed for the U.S. Army, though its nuclear capabilities remain unspecified. This test comes amid heightened concerns over Russia’s Oreshnik hypersonic missile, which recently demonstrated its nuclear-capable potential by […]
Poland buys Sky Guardian drones as it readies to launch ‘Drone Force’
Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz signed a $310 million agreement on December 12 to procure MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones for the Polish Armed Forces, advancing the establishment of a new Drone Force set to launch on January 1. The MQ-9B drones will replace the currently leased MQ-9A models, providing enhanced capabilities for Poland’s security and strengthening ties with the United States. The Ministry of National Defence plans to integrate the drones into its arsenal by the first quarter of 2027. This procurement reflects Poland’s response to increased regional demand for UAVs amid security challenges posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. […]
Saab to Deliver Giraffe 4A Radars to US Air Forces Europe
Saab has secured a $48-million contract from BAE Systems to supply Giraffe 4A radar systems to the U.S. Air Forces in Europe, with deliveries beginning in 2027. The Giraffe 4A, launched in 2021, offers 3D long-range surveillance and air defense capabilities, including 360-degree coverage and a range of up to 300 kilometers. Erik Smith, Saab’s U.S. President and CEO, emphasized the radar’s role in modernizing airfield surveillance and addressing critical sensing needs for overseas operations. The system is designed to detect drones, missiles, and high-speed aircraft, with flexible configurations for mobile or stationary use, remote operation, and a high mast […]
MDA conducts first-ever ballistic missile intercept test from Guam
In a recent test, the Aegis Guam System successfully intercepted a Medium Range Ballistic Missile target using the AN/TPY-6 radar and a Standard Missile-3 Block IIA interceptor. The radar, specifically designed for Guam’s defense architecture, was delivered earlier this year and incorporates advanced technology from MDA’s Long-Range Discrimination Radar in Alaska. This demonstration highlights the capability of integrating cutting-edge radar systems with interceptors to defend against ballistic missile threats. The Long-Range Discrimination Radar in Alaska is scheduled for its own operational testing next year to further validate its capabilities. These developments underscore advancements in missile defense technologies critical to regional […]
Lockheed Martin will collaborate with Norwegian companies on advanced technologies
Lockheed Martin has partnered with five Norwegian companies to develop advanced aviation and defense technologies, emphasizing innovation and local economic growth. The projects include AI-driven repair solutions for air vehicles (Empact), pilot hydration sensors (ModeSensors), efficiency-enhancing collaboration platforms (Jotne), specialized propellers for UAVs (Alva Industries), and ice protection solutions for rotorcraft and UAVs (UBIQ Aerospace). These partnerships aim to improve flight readiness and mission capabilities for military and commercial customers while leveraging Norway’s technological expertise. With contracts valued at $8 million over 24 months, the collaboration strengthens Lockheed Martin’s global supply chain and supports economic development in Norway. This initiative […]
Cybersecurity and Supply Chain Concerns Shape SDA’s Satellite Development Priorities
The U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA), led by Derek Tournear, is focused on deploying a resilient Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture of low Earth orbit satellites to enhance rapid sensor-to-shooter connections. While not overly concerned about anti-satellite attacks, Tournear emphasizes the critical threats of cybersecurity vulnerabilities and supply chain fragility, which could undermine the network’s effectiveness. SDA has faced delays in satellite launches due to supply chain issues, such as shortages of resistors and optical communication terminals. To mitigate risks, the agency prioritizes sourcing U.S.-developed software and ensuring the provenance of all satellite components. Tournear and other defense leaders, including Gen. […]
Saab to supply Giraffe radars to US Air Force in Europe
Saab will deliver multiple Giraffe 4A radar systems to the US Air Force in Europe (USAFE) under a $48 million contract from BAE Systems, with deliveries starting in 2027. The systems will enhance long-range surveillance and air base defense in a mobile configuration for USAFE operations. USAFE oversees seven main air bases in Europe, including Poland’s 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask. This base hosted 12 F-22 Raptors from the 90th Fighter Squadron in 2022, reflecting its strategic importance. The radar deployment underscores ongoing efforts to bolster U.S. and allied air defense capabilities in Europe. Original news
Ukrainian Small Launcher Finds Refuge in the US
Ukrainian launch company Promin Aerospace has opened an office in Brunswick, Maine, to hire U.S. engineers and complete its first rocket by mid-2026. Originally planning to launch from the Black Sea, the company relocated operations to the U.S. due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. CEO Misha Rudominski highlighted the need for faster development and the resources available in the U.S. as key factors in the move. Promin plans to conduct its first suborbital flight test from Maine, leveraging its new base to advance its ambitions. Despite the challenges of war, the company is determined to expand globally and achieve its […]