Swedish chipmaker Sivers Semiconductors is receiving first-year funding of $5.6 million from the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition (NEMC) Hub through the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act under the Microelectronics Commons program, executed through the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division and the National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL). The main challenge is managing self-interference, which can be a billion times stronger than the intended signal, requiring highly precise circuitry. This program, in collaboration with Columbia University, BAE Systems, and other leading institutions, aims to transition the technology to product-ready implementations over the next three years, opening new opportunities in the defense sector. […]
Category: USA
Korean defense firm eyes bigger footing in Europe with homegrown multiple rocket launcher system
Hanwha Aerospace is seeking to export its Chunmoo multiple rocket launch system to Norway, aiming to expand its presence in the European defense market. The company showcased a life-sized Chunmoo for the first time in Europe at the Eurosatory defense show in Paris, highlighting strong interest from potential buyers. Hanwha signed a memorandum of understanding with Norway’s Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace to strengthen collaboration on land-based defense solutions. Norway is exploring options for acquiring long-range precision weapon systems, with Chunmoo and Lockheed Martin’s HIMARS among the leading candidates. Hanwha hopes to build on its existing relationship with Norway, which already […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
US clears F-35 sale to Romania, bolstering NATO’s eastern flank
The U.S. State Department approved a $7.2 billion sale of 32 F-35A Joint Strike Fighters to Romania, including F135 engines and a spare engine. This deal would provide Romania with its first two squadrons of F-35s, with plans to purchase 16 more jets for a third squadron. Romania is expected to receive its first F-35s in 2030, potentially making it NATO’s largest F-35 operator on the eastern flank. The sale aims to enhance Romania’s defense capabilities and interoperability with NATO allies, especially in light of Russian aggression in Ukraine. The deal also includes logistics, training, maintenance support, and weapons systems […]
The EU buys too much defense equipment abroad, especially from the US, a major report says
A new report on EU competitiveness highlights that European Union countries are relying too heavily on foreign defense equipment, particularly from the United States, with nearly two-thirds of purchases coming from abroad. The report, authored by former Italian prime minister Mario Draghi, also notes that EU member states are not sufficiently leveraging Europe’s research and development capacities for military modernization. European defense spending is far behind that of the U.S., hindering the development of stronger domestic defense firms. This issue has become more urgent as the EU struggles to provide sufficient arms and ammunition to support Ukraine in its ongoing […]