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20 Feb 25. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) and Hanwha have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in connection with the Republic of Korea’s Mine Countermeasures Helicopter (KMCH) program. The agreement supports Northrop Grumman’s longstanding industrial cooperation with the Republic of Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration and defines the work that Hanwha will perform as a supplier. This MOU follows Korea Aerospace Industries’ (KAI) 2023 contract for Northrop Grumman to provide Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) solutions and technical support for the Engineering, Manufacturing and Design phase of the Republic of Korea’s KMCH program. Under the agreement, Hanwha will support the manufacturing of ALMDS hardware components. To date, Northrop Grumman has delivered ALMDS units to the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Janice Zilch, vice president, multi-domain command and control programs, Northrop Grumman: “Industry collaborations with companies such as Hanwha and KAI are key to Northrop Grumman’s approach to technology development across the globe. Our team is committed to delivering advanced solutions to meet the security needs of the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of National Defense.”
Northrop Grumman’s AN/AES-1 ALMDS detects, classifies and locates floating and near-surface moored mines. Mounted onto a variety of helicopter platforms, the system is capable of untethered day or night operations, which allow it to attain high area search rates. ALMDS also provides accurate target geo-location to support follow-on neutralization of the detected mines. Northrop Grumman’s support of the KMCH program leverages the company’s extensive systems integration and digital engineering expertise.
Hanwha Systems is a company that manufactures, develops, and mass-produces defense systems for the defense and civil sectors based on the synergy capabilities of the defense and ICT industries. After its establishment in 1977, it took its first steps into the defense industry by producing night vision goggles, an electro-optical product, in 1978. Currently, it is solidifying its status as Korea’s leading defense company by continuously expanding its scope and capabilities beyond land and marine to aerospace and cyber fields.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our employees define possible every day.
20 Feb 25. IDEX 2025: Kalyani unveils longer-range 4×4 155 mm artillery system. Kalyani Strategic Systems, a subsidiary of Indian defence manufacturer Bharat Forge, has unveiled the 155 mm Mobile Artillery Gun (MArG) 45 at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) 2025 held in Abu Dhabi from 17 to 21 February. Following the development of the MArG 39, the 45 is indicative of a longer 45 calibre gun – extending the combat range of the system. The MArG 45 is crewed by up to six personnel, seated in a two plus four configuration in an armoured cabin at the front of the vehicle. The driver and commander are seated facing forwards, while the rear four personnel are seated back to back with a pair on either side of the cabin. When the vehicle is stationary and needs to become combat-capable, a large stabiliser mounted to the rear of the vehicle is lowered onto the ground. This primarily dissipates the significant forces that are transferred onto the vehicle as the gun recoils and also provides a platform for the loader and space for housing a spare wheel. (Source: Janes)
20 Feb 25. MATARIS: KNDS France Unveils its New Line of Remotely Operated Ammunition.
- Short, medium, and long-range: KNDS France introduces a lineup of four vectors to cover a wide range of operational uses.
- MATARIS is the result of record-time development of projects such as COLIBRI and LARINAE.
At the IDEX 2025 exhibition, KNDS France presents its latest remotely operated ammunition solutions: the MATARIS drone range, named after the Gallic projectile weapon designed to break enemy defenses. MATARIS consists of four types of remotely operated ammunition, covering short, medium, and long-range applications: MT-10, MX-10, MV-25, and MV-100 (the latter currently at the demonstrator stage).
The MT-10 and MX-10 are short-range solutions: a bi-rotor contra-rotating drone and a quadcopter, respectively. They can deliver a 550g controlled fragmentation military payload at a range of approximately 10 km, with an autonomy of 40 minutes. The MV-25, deployable by hand, can deliver the same payload at a range of 25 km thanks to its fixed-wing architecture. The MV-100 demonstrator extends this range up to 100 km, equipped with a turbine for high velocity and a 2.5 kg anti-armor warhead. This demonstrator is designed not only to neutralize heavily armored targets but also to conduct reconnaissance missions.
Versatile, easy to operate, and capable of engaging a wide range of targets, MATARIS represents the latest breakthrough from KNDS France in remotely operated ammunition.
Only two years elapsed between the beginning of the MV-25’s development and its operational deployment in Ukraine. Selected in 2022 as part of the COLIBRI project call by the French Defense Innovation Agency, the MV-25 successfully completed a live-flight test with an active warhead in June 2024.
Recognizing the lack of remotely operated ammunition in the French military arsenal, the Ministry of the Armed Forces identified an urgent need for such solutions. Leveraging its expertise in munitions, KNDS France responded in record time, becoming the first French group—in collaboration with DELAIR, EOS, and TRAAK—to develop and offer this range of solutions, now collectively known as MATARIS. (Source: ASD Network)
20 Feb 25. L3Harris pushes ahead on Arkansas rocket motor factories. L3Harris Technologies said on Thursday it has begun constructing four solid rocket motor production facilities at its Camden, New Jersey, site, as demand for missiles accelerates amid escalating geopolitical tensions. The expansion, part of a $215.6m agreement under the Pentagon’s Defense Production Act program, aims to increase domestic manufacturing capacity through the facilities, which will include propellant processing buildings. The Camden facilities include a 60,000-square-foot space – big enough to optimize the component assembly process, reducing the distances some motors travel during manufacturing by 80%, thus speeding production. Other buildings at the facility include a dedicated mixer building to combine chemicals needed for the motors, and propellant processing buildings to support increased motor production. The defense contractor makes rocket motors through its Aerojet Rocketdyne unit – which it bought in a deal that closed in 2023. (Source: Reuters)
19 Feb 25. Aselsan conduct first test of GÖKSUR VLS for Turkish Navy. The test was conducted from the TCG Beykoz vessel, off the coast of Sinop, in northern Türkiye. Türkiye defence company Aselsan has confirmed a successful first live fire test of its GÖKSUR Vertical Launch System (VLS) from a Turkish Navy surface platform. Conducted on 16 February 2025 from the TCG Beykoz vessel, off the coast of Sinop, in northern Türkiye, the test marks a milestone for the national naval point defence missile system. The GÖKSUR system forms a part of Türkiye’s multi-layered air defence system named Steel Dome. It demonstrated its effectiveness in protecting naval assets against a wide range of threats including anti-ship, cruise missiles, armed and unarmed aerial vehicles, fighter jets, and helicopters. Developed in collaboration with TÜBİTAK SAGE, the GÖKSUR IIR missile within the system is equipped with a bi-directional data link for communication. The company presented the new configuration of GÖKSUR Point Missile Defense System at the Euronaval 2024 exhibition in Paris, which took place in November. The system offers multiple configurations, including the GÖKSUR 100-N VLS, GÖKSUR 100-N/StA with stand-alone operation capability, and the newly unveiled GÖKSUR 100-N with a 20-missile setup. It includes a 360-degree threat neutralisation feature, advanced infrared seeker-guided munitions, and an AI-supported fire control system. (Source: naval-technology.com)
19 Feb 25. IDEX 2025: IAI working on Arrow 5 interceptor. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is working on the Arrow 5 ballistic missile interceptor, Boaz Levy, the company’s CEO told Janes during the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) 2025 held in Abu Dhabi from 17 to 21 February. He said IAI is in talks with several potential customers for the Arrow Weapon System (AWS), which currently uses the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 missiles, now that it has proved itself in combat. “It is not only Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 [we are talking about], there will be Arrow 4 and Arrow 5, which we are working on these days,” he added. The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced in 2021 that work had begun on the Arrow 4, which will replace the Arrow 2, but the existence of the Arrow 5 programme has not been previously revealed. Levy gave few details about the missile, only saying that “Arrow 5 is something for the near future with other capabilities”. He added that this was part of the ongoing development of the AWS to counter threats as they evolve. “Our obligation as IAI is to predict the future and try to be ahead of our enemies,” he said. “We succeeded until now and it is our goal to continue doing that.” While the Arrow 2 was used to intercept an errant Syrian surface-to-air missile in March 2017, the first real use of the AWS in combat came when the Iranian-backed Ansar Allah (commonly known as Houthi) rebels in Yemen started launching ballistic missiles in support of Hamas after its 7 October 2023 attack on Israel. (Source: Janes)
19 Feb 25. Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has unveiled the R500, a next-generation Remote Weapon System (RWS) that introduces new capabilities in remote lethality, enhancing precision and adaptability in complex combat environments. Launched at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) 2025 in Abu Dhabi, the R500 integrates AI-driven targeting, high-elevation Counter-UAS (C-UAS) capabilities, and multi-weapon adaptability to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare. Building on the proven foundation of the R400, the R500 delivers increased lethality, enhanced situational awareness, and greater survivability. Engineered for armoured vehicles and tactical platforms, the system provides superior firepower, the highest stowed ammunition capacity, and greater flexibility in integrating missiles, rockets, and other modern effectors. This makes the R500 an ideal platform for maximising operational effectiveness in high-threat environments.
Dr Andreas Schwer, CEO of EOS, said, “The modern battlefield is evolving rapidly, and armed forces need systems that keep pace with emerging threats. The R500 has been developed with direct operational insights to provide reliability, precision, and adaptability in the most challenging environments. Its introduction at IDEX 2025 reflects EOS’ ongoing commitment to equipping defence forces with solutions that enhance their effectiveness and survivability.”
The system features a high-resolution sensor unit with advanced C-UAS capabilities, including C-UAS radar, AI-driven targeting algorithms, and elevated targeting functionality, ensuring superior situational awareness and threat detection. The STANAG Level 2 add-on armour provides enhanced protection in high-threat environments, while a digital low-latency architecture and high-performance edge AI hardware optimise fire control and command efficiency. The R500 features a modern user interface and is UGV-ready, integrating a new wireless control suite for seamless coordination with unmanned ground vehicles, enabling remote and autonomous operations. EOS’ RWS are world-leading, have been proven operationally, and are in use with militaries from Australia, the Middle East, North America, Europe, and South-East Asia. Renowned for their accuracy and reliability, EOS has sold over 2,500 systems globally, including more than 500 in use by the Emirati Armed Forces. Its Abu Dhabi-based technology centre has served as a regional hub since 2019.
19 Feb 25. Raytheon conducts NGSRI subsystem demos for US Army. The move marks a milestone in the development of the new missile system intended to replace the aging Stinger SAM. RTX’s Raytheon has revealed successful completion of a series of ten subsystem demonstrations of its Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor (NGSRI) solution for the US Army. It marks a milestone in the development of the new missile system intended to replace the ageing Stinger surface-to-air missile (SAM). The NGSRI is engineered to be compatible with the current Stinger vehicle universal launch system and the man-portable configuration. Over the past few months, Raytheon’s industry team has concluded all ten subsystem tests, which included seeker, flight rocket motor, command launch assembly (CLA), and warhead. The advanced seeker assembly of the NGSRI is said to have showcased range acquisition capabilities, surpassing the Stinger in both lab and field settings. The NGSRI’s rocket motor, which is flight-ready, demonstrated its potential to increase the intercept range for short-range air defence manoeuvres. In addition, the man-portable CLA proved its enhanced range for the detection and identification of aerial targets, even in challenging, low-visibility conditions, noted the company. The missile warhead assembly was put to the test in arena trials, where it displayed consistent and precise lethality against a wide array of aerial threats. The remaining six demonstrations dealt with essential missile functionalities, including tracking, guidance, aerodynamic control, fusing, and safety measures.
Raytheon Land & Air Defense Systems president Tom Laliberty said: “These successful subsystem demonstrations are a crucial step in meeting the US Army’s range and performance requirements for this transformational short-range air defence capability. We are confident in our ability to rapidly deliver the Army an affordable, low-risk, highly producible NGSRI solution.”
The programme is now progressing to the next stage, which involves soldier touchpoint exercises. During these exercises, US Army soldiers and Marines will interact directly with Raytheon’s NGSRI solution, providing immediate feedback. A system flight test demonstration is also on the agenda for later in 2025. (Source: army-technology.com)
18 Feb 25. NORINCO’s SH16A self-propelled howitzer combines mobility, protection and precision firepower. Its claimed uniqueness is debatable, however, given similarities to Germany’s RCH-155 which is already in production. China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) has introduced its SH16A 155mm/52-calibre self-propelled howitzer (SPH) to the Middle East market for the first time. The system is mounted on an 8×8 armoured chassis and is designed for high mobility and protection in modern battlefield environments. The SH16A features a remote-controlled turret positioned at the rear of the platform, allowing the crew to operate safely from within the hull during engagements. NORINCO declined to provide any specific details of the SH-16A but claimed “it is the first of its type in the world”. This assertion is questionable, however, as the system shares conceptual similarities with the KNDS-Germany RCH-155 based on the Boxer (8×8) platform. The RCH-155 has already entered production for Ukraine with subsequent deliveries planned for Germany and the UK. The SH16A’s maximum firing range depends on the projectile and charge combination, typically reaching 53km. It can fire conventional 155mm rounds as well as laser-guided and top-attack munitions for precision strikes. For improved cross country mobility the SH-16A features a central tyre inflation system and before engaging the target two stabilisers are lowered to the ground to provide a more stable firing platform. For self-defence, the turret is fitted with electrically operated smoke grenade launchers and an optional remote weapon station. According to NORINCO, the SH16A is fully developed and ready for production upon receiving orders. China transitioned from the 152mm calibre used in Russian artillery systems to the NATO-standard 155mm calibre several years ago. (Source: Shephard)
18 Feb 25. At IDEX 2025, Global Industrial Defence Solutions (GIDS) unveiled the Blaze family of loitering munitions: the Blaze-25, Blaze-50 and Blaze-75. GIDS has been showcasing a range of UAVs at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi this week. The most noteworthy among them was the three newly unveiled members of the Blaze family of loitering munitions. The Blaze-25, weighing 25kg, is the smallest family member. Unlike the other members, it is electrically powered, with the propulsion system giving the loitering munition a range of 75km, an endurance of 60 minutes and the ability to carry an anti-tank warhead weighing between 8kg and 10kg. The Blaze-50 and Blaze-75 are the larger members, both powered by a gasoline engine. The former has a maximum range of 180km, an endurance of 60 minutes and a 20kg payload. The heavier Blaze-75 has a longer maximum range of 500km and endurance of 240 minutes while carrying a 30kg pre-fragmentation warhead. The unveiling of the Blaze loitering munitions comes at a time when the loitering market is flourishing, powered by the proven effectiveness of the capability in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the Russo-Ukrainian War. According to Shephard’s Defence Insight, the market was worth US$817 m in 2022 and grew 123.5% to $1.8 bn in 2024, with Germany’s recent procurement of 10,000 HX-2 loitering munitions for Ukraine an example of the market’s vitality. Among the other products the Pakistani company is displaying in Abu Dhabi have been the UAV Ranger, a twin-boom hybrid VTOL platform, with an endurance of 4,500m and a maximum altitude of 4,500m. It also showed the Beetle, a quadcopter aircraft which can carry, and subsequently drop, three 60mm explosives or surveillance payloads. It has a ceiling of 3500mm, a range of 5–7km, and an endurance of 60 minutes in its surveillance configuration, which is reduced to 40 minutes when loaded with bombs. Finally, GIDS also showcased the Shahpar II and Shahpar III fixed-wing UAVs, the latter of which was first shown at IDEF 2023 in Turkey. (Source: News Now/Shephard)
18 Feb 25. Kalashnikov Will 1st Showcase the Advanced Krona-E Surface-to-Air Missile System. Hostile medium-class drones are the main targets of the system. Kalashnikov Concern first displays the advanced Krona-E short-range surface-to-air missile system for wide area air defence at the IDEX 2025 International Defence Technology Exhibition to be held on 17-21 February in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). The Krona-E is designed to protect critical governmental property and urban infrastructure facilities, special loads in storage areas and facilities on strategic routes of communication against airborne weapon attacks. Hostile medium-class unmanned aerial vehicles are the main targets of the system. The Krona-E is a single system consisting of combined detection/control components and automated mobile combat vehicles or fixed weapon stations equipped with munitions. The surface-to-air missile system uses the 9340 and 9333 guided missiles as munitions. (Source: ASD Network)
18 Feb 25. Oliver Dörre, CEO of HENSOLDT AG, and Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, signed a memorandum of understanding on intended cooperation in the field of aircraft protection technologies at the Munich Security Conference.
”Partnerships are a central element of our corporate strategy, especially in our commitment to deliver our products quickly and reliably to our customers. That’s why this MoU with Saab is another important step in our strategic development. This MoU with Saab is another important step in our strategic development. It is characterised by our positioning as a reliable partner for national and international security and defence programmes and our holistic, cross-domain range of integrated system solutions,“ said Oliver Dörre at the signing of the MoU.
”This MoU reflects the intensification of the successful cooperation already established in various projects. We are very much looking forward to working with the Saab team to exploit further potential for cutting-edge technologies in a targeted manner, thus contributing to the sustainable expansion of the capabilities of our military customers and partners, including opportunities for local value creation,“ Dörre continued.
“This agreement with HENSOLDT enables us to explore new opportunities and to leverage our combined expertise in aircraft protection technologies”, says Micael Johansson, Saab President and CEO. “Together, we will deliver innovative solutions that enhance the safety and effectiveness of our customers’ missions.”
18 Feb 25. Iran Demonstrates AI-Powered Missiles Launched from Drones. On January 26, 2025, Iran showcased its advanced military capabilities during the “Prophet Muhammad” naval exercise organized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This event featured the deployment of cutting-edge combat drones, including the Mohajer-6 and Ababil-5, equipped with Qaem and Almas missiles enhanced by artificial intelligence. These precision-guided systems successfully destroyed simulated targets, delivering a clear strategic message to both regional and international audiences. The exercise took place in the central and northern sectors of the Persian Gulf, spanning three key maritime regions. It included various operations such as ballistic missile launches, naval cruise missile strikes, amphibious maneuvers by IRGC commandos, and air defense simulations. A significant milestone was the use of the Novab air defense missile, launched for the first time from the domestically built Shahid Soleimani vessel. This ship represents Iran’s efforts to modernize its naval fleet and achieve greater military self-sufficiency. The Mohajer-6 drone, operational since 2018, is an ISTAR platform (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance) with a 10-meter wingspan, a 12-hour flight endurance, a maximum speed of 200 km/h, and a service ceiling of 5,500 meters. Capable of carrying payloads up to 100 kilograms, it can deploy Qaem or Almas missiles, making it a versatile battlefield asset. Built with composite materials, it is equipped with advanced navigation systems, electro-optical imaging, and a laser rangefinder, enabling it to perform diverse missions, including electronic warfare. The Ababil-5, introduced in 2022, is the most advanced model of the Ababil series. Powered by a Rotax-914 engine, it boasts a range of 480 kilometers and an operational ceiling of 5,500 meters. It can carry up to four Almas anti-tank missiles, with an effective range of 8 kilometers, or six Qaem precision-guided bombs, each weighing 2.4 kilograms with a range of 6 kilometers. Designed for reconnaissance and strike missions, it reflects significant advancements in Iran’s multirole drone technology. The Qaem and Almas missiles exemplify the diversification of Iran’s precision-strike capabilities. The Qaem, available in air-to-ground and surface-to-air configurations, uses laser or infrared guidance for precision targeting against low-altitude drones, helicopters, or ground objectives. The Almas missile is designed for top-attack trajectories, penetrating light armored vehicles. With ranges of up to 10 kilometers depending on the variant, these systems are adaptable to drones, ground vehicles, and portable platforms, expanding their tactical applications. Their deployment by allied groups in the region, such as Hezbollah, further underscores their strategic significance. During the exercise, IRGC naval forces also showcased a wide array of surface-to-surface and surface-to-sea missiles. Notable among them was an upgraded version of the Qadr missile, engineered to counter electronic warfare systems. These advancements align with Iran’s strategic focus on defending its territorial waters and countering potential foreign aggression. A further highlight was the debut of Navvab air defense missiles, integrated into the Shahid Soleimani vessel’s defense systems. This innovation was complemented by coordinated ballistic and cruise missile launches, demonstrating the operational synergy across IRGC units. Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the IRGC Navy, emphasized the role of Iranian engineers in developing these advanced systems. He noted that integrating artificial intelligence into the Qaem and Almas missiles has significantly enhanced their precision and effectiveness, strengthening the operational capabilities of the Mohajer-6 and Ababil-5 drones. These technological advancements underline Iran’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in a complex geopolitical environment. IRGC Commander Major General Hossein Salami highlighted the primary objective of the exercise as enhancing the operational readiness of naval forces while sending a message of stability to neighboring countries. Despite regional tensions, Iran asserts its capability to address potential threats while advocating for peace in the Persian Gulf. (Source: UAS VISION/Army Recognition)
15 Feb 25. Estonia wants answers from US on HIMARS production, could turn to other options in ‘months.’ Dmytro Kuleba, the former Ukrainian foreign affairs minister, interrupted Breaking Defense’s interview with Estonian defense minister Hanno Pevkur to praise Estonia for its willingness to donate weapons to Kyiv’s aid. Estonia could scrap a plan for a second buy of Lockheed Martin-made M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) if the US government cannot assuage its concerns about lead times and production slots, with a decision likely in the coming months, the Baltic state’s defense minister tells Breaking Defense.
“I would like to speak” with the US government to ask, “are they ready to speed up the production, or are they ready to give us earlier [production] slots because the information we’ve gathered today clearly shows that delivery time is very long and we don’t have so much time,” Hanno Pevkur said in a Friday interview on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
Primarily designed to strike fixed targets, HIMARS have proven to be formidable assets for Ukraine and are credited with success against Russian supply lines, ammunition depots and command and control centers. The US has suppled “more than 40” HIMARS to Ukraine, according to a State Department factsheet. Breaking Defense initially reported on the prospect of a second HIMARS order in October, when another Estonian official disclosed issues linked with delivery lead times and pricing. Dependent on how Washington responds to Estonia’s questions, Tallinn will either go ahead with a second tranche of HIMARS or change course and potentially opt for an alternative. A decision will be made on the preferred platform in a “couple of months,” said Pevkur.
Rocketsan’s Khan, from Turkey, and the Elbit Precise and Universal Launching System (PULS), out of Israel, are known to be in the running, but in his discussion with Breaking Defense, Pevkur only mentioned South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace-made K239 Chunmoo. Poland is already a customer for the Chunmoo, and it is also under consideration with Norway, while Hanwha is also providing Estonia with 36 K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers.
Hanwha “is one of the competitors” involved in the impending artillery equipment decision, Pevkur said, adding that he met with South Korea’s acting defense minister Kim Seon-ho and Hanwha Aerospace officials last month.
Lockheed Martin did not immediately respond to questions on HIMARS production.
“As a matter of policy, we are unable to comment on or confirm potential or pending arms transfers before they are formally notified to Congress,” said a US State Department official on background.
HIMARS And Ukraine
Estonia has needed to invest in long-range fires in part because the country has made major donations of its own equipment to support Ukraine — something Dmytro Kuleba, the former Ukrainian foreign affairs minister, made clear by interrupting Breaking Defense’s interview with Pevkur.
After making sure Pevkur was talking to a reporter, Kuleba said he wanted to underline publicly how much Estonia’s support means to Kyiv.
“Ukrainians appreciate Estonia probably more than anyone else because they gave all the artillery that they had to us… and never complained, [or said] ‘how are we going to survive without howitzers’ like some other much more powerful nations did,” Kuleba said.
To help fill the gap left by those donations, Tallinn has made key progress on a first order of six HIMARS units, a package worth over $200 m that includes several rocket types that can reach a range between 70km and 300km, communications systems, training and logistics.
“Officially, we’ve got the keys,” said Pevkur, in recognition of a HIMARS handover ceremony that took place at Lockheed Martin’s headquarters in Camden, Arkansas last month.
The first six systems “are somewhere, probably in the Atlantic Ocean at the moment, but they will be delivered very soon,” he added.
On other future procurements, Pevkur noted that there is “still some time” to decide on a XA-180 armored personnel carrier replacement acquisition. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)
17 Feb 25. Armed Forces seeking new 5.56mm lightweight machine gun for dismounted troops. Procurement officials at the Ministry of Defence have issued an open tender to purchase a new lightweight assault machine gun for dismounted troops. The notice, under the name Project Troubler, says: “The Authority is running a project to procure a 5.56mm lightweight (current system 7.1kg) assault machine gun capability for the dismounted user.” In 2018 the MOD confirmed it was dropping the use of the L110 A2 Light Machine Gun (LMG), which is better known to personnel as the Minimi. This weapon weighs 7.2kg and saw widespread use in Afghanistan and Iraq. FN Herstal’s latest Mark 3 variant of the Minimi weighs around 8kg and would not meet the criteria of the procurement notice due to its weight. However, some defence commentators have suggested a likely contender to replace the Minimi would be FN Herstal’s brand new FN Evolys Ultralight Machine Gun. This has been developed in two calibres, 5.56x45mm Nato and 7.62x51mm Nato ammunition. According to the manufacturer, the FN Evolys 5.56mm has a much lighter weight of approximately 5.5kg, while the 7.62mm variant weighs 6.3kg.
FN says it “fires like a machine gun, handles like a rifle”.
Nato ammunition refers to the standardised cartridges that are designed to certain size specifications for use by all Nato armed forces members. This reduces the logistical challenge of having to providing many different calibres and in theory means any soldier can be issued with another nation’s ammunition on the battlefield. The new contract is valued at up to £4m and weapons manufacturers and suppliers have until 24 March 2025 to submit their proposals. No details have been given on when any new weapon system will enter service or be trialled, however a contract start date of 1 June 2026 was provided in the notice. (Source: forces.net)
17 Feb 25. LM’s Precision Strike Missile Aces Flight Test. Advances Missile Toward Full-Rate Production. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and the U.S. Army successfully completed another Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) production qualification flight at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. During the test, a HIMARS launched two PrSMs in a long-range flight against a target set, validating the system’s accuracy and readiness. The demonstration follows successful flights in November and the first soldier-led test in December 2024. This series of flight tests is a critical step in Lockheed Martin’s missile development process, ensuring reliability, performance, and effectiveness before it reaches the battlespace.
“We continue to validate production during qualification testing as we approach a full-rate production decision from the Army,” said Carolyn Orzechowski, vice president of Precision Fires Launchers and Missiles at Lockheed Martin. “The recent tests verify operational capability and volume of fires at various ranges, proving PrSM can launch in rapid succession.”
The demonstration follows a contract award worth up to $120m for tooling that will support ramping production capacity to 400 missiles per year. PrSM is the U.S. Army’s next generation long-range precision strike missile capable of neutralizing targets out to more than 400 kilometers. As part of our 21st Century Security® vision, the new surface-to-surface weapon features an open systems architecture design for maximum affordability and flexibility, is modular for future growth, and compatible with HIMARS and M270. (Source: ASD Network)
17 Feb 25. Poland’s Battle-Tested Loitering Munition Exhibited at Aero India 2025. Poland’s largest private defence technology firm, WB Group, showcased its battle-tested Warmate Tube-Launched (TL) Loitering Munition System for the first time at Aero India 2025. In a significant move, the company, through its Indian subsidiary WB Electronics India Pvt Ltd, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an Indian firm. Under this agreement, WB India plans to establish a production line in the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC), reinforcing its commitment to India’s defence sector. As demand for autonomous unmanned aerial systems (UAS) grows in military and security operations, WB India will focus on decentralised collaborative autonomy—an emerging technology enabling multiple drones to operate in coordination with minimal human intervention.
Speaking about the collaboration, Ashish Sharma, CEO of WB Electronics India, said, “At WB India, we take immense pride in the innovative technologies we bring to India’s defence sector. This partnership is expected to drive next-generation autonomous solutions tailored for India’s military reconnaissance, surveillance, and operational needs.”
India’s security forces are investing heavily in drone technology as part of a modernisation push, with the unmanned systems market projected to grow exponentially over the next decade. The Warmate TL Loitering Munition, originally developed as a cost-effective alternative to traditional guided missiles, has emerged as a versatile, precision-strike solution. The company stated,
“Designed for rapid deployment and high survivability in contested environments, the system integrates anti-personnel and anti-tank warheads, offering commanders the ability to tailor strikes to evolving battlefield conditions.”
The Warmate TL features a canister-based pneumatic launch system, allowing integration across land vehicles, naval vessels, and aerial platforms. Once deployed, its folding wings extend mid-flight, enabling it to loiter over a target area with pinpoint accuracy before executing an attack.
“Equipped with daylight and infrared cameras, the Warmate TL can perform real-time reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition, feeding live intelligence back to operators. The fully automated attack capability allows for engagement even in GPS-denied environments, reducing reliance on traditional targeting infrastructure,” the company added.
Unlike conventional missiles that rely on high-speed kinetic strikes, Warmate’s silent propulsion system minimises detectability, making it particularly effective in urban and counter-insurgency operations. Its ability to loiter before executing a strike provides critical flexibility in dynamic combat scenarios where targets may move or change rapidly.
A version of the Warmate loitering munition has already been deployed by the Indian Army under Emergency Procurement measures, reflecting its battlefield efficacy and rapid operationalisation.
Colonel Sandeep Malik (Retd), Vice President of WB Electronics India, highlighted its combat performance: “The Warmate loitering munition has already demonstrated its effectiveness in real-world combat scenarios. With its advanced targeting systems, low acoustic signature, and modular payload capability, it is well-suited for modern warfare, particularly in high-threat environments, especially in an intense electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) environment.”
India’s interest in loitering munitions has intensified in recent years, driven by lessons from global conflicts and the need for greater operational agility in both conventional and asymmetric warfare. Defence experts suggest that the induction of loitering munitions into India’s military doctrine aligns with the country’s modernisation roadmap, providing stand-off engagement capabilities, enhanced situational awareness, and rapid target neutralisation.
Beyond individual systems, WB Group’s participation in Aero India 2025 marks a broader strategic shift towards India. Through its joint venture, WB Electronics India Pvt Ltd, the company is making significant investments in the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, reinforcing its commitment to local production, technology transfer, and long-term engagement with India’s defence ecosystem.
“As India pursues a self-reliant defence sector under Atma Nirbhar Bharat, we see tremendous opportunities to collaborate with Indian defence forces and industry,” said Ashish Sharma.
The ongoing conflicts between Israel and Hamas, Russia and Ukraine, as well as Armenia and Azerbaijan, have highlighted the effectiveness of loitering munitions in modern warfare. Unlike traditional cruise missiles or armed drones, these munitions offer cost-effective precision engagement, making them an attractive option for countries seeking force multipliers in budget-constrained scenarios. (Source: UAS VISION/The New Indian Express)
14 Feb 25. Aero India 2025: Indian Army displays AI-based weapon system. The Indian Army has displayed the Ten AI Weapon System (TAIWS) – an artificial intelligence (AI)-based remote weapon – at the Aero India 2025 show in Bangalore. The new system, which can leverage AI capability to track, detect, and fire, is envisaged to be deployed at India’s Line of Control (LoC) to enhance border surveillance and counter-insurgency operations. The system’s primary weapon is mounted on a tripod and features a 7.62 mm medium machine gun. However, the primary weapon can be changed to suit requirements. The system also includes an optical camera, a thermal imager, GPS, a magnetometer, an inclinometer, and a laser rangefinder.
Colonel Ashish Dogra from the Indian Army’s Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME), which led the development of TAIWS, told Janes that the system has a night mode with a detection and identification range of 700 m and a 40x optical zoom camera for daytime use.
He said TAIWS features a modular design, which enables attachment to a wide selection of sights. Work is currently under way to achieve an IP65 rating to withstand adverse weather conditions. TAIWS also has real-time sensor fusion and threat analysis capabilities. The primary weapon system can be operated manually or on a semi-automatic mode to keep a human in the loop, Col Dogra said. (Source: Janes)
14 Feb 25. As Israel fields Iron Beam, Gulf states are pining for the technology. Interest in direct-energy weapons is rising in the Gulf region, a technology in which Israel has proclaimed itself a leader with the fielding of the Iron Beam. Absent the breakthrough capability, militaries in the region are stuck with the costly proposition of shooting interceptor missiles at incoming threats, an economic calculus untenable for some.
Sasha Bruchmann, a research fellow at the Bahrain office of the International Institute for Strategic Studies think tank, explained that while there is a common allure among Gulf states to directed-energy weapons, there is no joint initiative in place dedicated to researching or developing such systems.
“There has been a shared interest in so far as most would want to have them, they are high on the priority list of most regional states – however, there is no common Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) approach or umbrella that I am aware of to foster this cooperatively or even bilateral cooperation,” he said.
The expert noted that Saudi Arabia is reported to have already purchased a Chinese-made smaller laser counter-drone system and that the United Arab Emirates appears to want to develop these types of weapons through independent initiatives. Janes reported on Saudi efforts to that effect last month.
Mastering the technology of disabling missiles, drones and smaller projectiles with lasers has long been the holy grail of air defense. Few nations have succeeded so far, with Israel and the United States among the ones closest to this pursuit.
Israeli defense company Rafael has been working for over a decade on the Iron Beam – which it is expected to deploy before the end of this year.
The intention is to integrate the system into the Iron Dome, which relies on kinetic interceptors, to render the package more effective. In the setup, Iron Beam would direct a large amount of small beams on the most vulnerable spot of incoming threats, incapacitating them.
At the 2023 edition of the IDEX trade show in Abu Dhabi, Rafael exhibited a mock-up of the Iron Beam, signaling an interest in possibly exporting the system to regional customers in the future.
A company representative confirmed to Defense News that the company will be showcasing additional laser-based capabilities at this year’s event running Feb. 17-21.
Bruchmann views a sale as unlikely right now, given the high political stakes a purchase like this would entail. Gulf states have condemned Israel’s offensive in Gaza, unleashed in response to a cross-border incursion of Hamas fighters.
“There are other hard-kill options that are already in the region that may be less costly politically rather than buying Israeli right now – Gaza is still on everyone’s mind in the Middle East,” he said.
Bruchmann suggested waiting to see how Iron Beam performs once deployed, warning that the range of each laser is as of now limited to a few kilometers. The defensive system “would have to be produced and exported at scale,” to provide sufficient protection for vast areas, he added.(Source: Defense News)
14 Feb 25. Saab and HAL sign agreement for manufacture of laser warning systems in India. Coinciding with the Aero India exhibition, Saab and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering local manufacture of Saab’s LWS-310 laser warning system. The MoU provides for the Transfer of Technology (ToT) “so that HAL will gain the capability to manufacture LWS-310 within India. This includes setting up necessary infrastructure, training programmes and transferring technical expertise from Saab to HAL to ensure long-term support for the system,” Saab said on 13 February.
“This agreement demonstrates Saab’s commitment to providing long-term defence capabilities through strategic collaboration. Our partnership with HAL extends the reach of advanced electronic warfare solutions, not only in India but also in other key markets on HAL platforms,” said Jan Widerström, President and Managing Director at Saab Grintek Defence.
The agreement builds on a strong partnership between Saab in South Africa and HAL that began in 2005 during the development of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) programme.
Saab’s IDAS (Integrated Defensive Aids Suite) has been selected as the electronic warfare (EW) self-protection system for the Indian Air Force and Indian Army Aviation Corps variants of the HAL Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter. Saab Grintek Defence has received multiple contracts over the years for Indian IDAS systems. IDAS warns against radar, laser and infrared (IR) guided threats and automatically deploys appropriate countermeasures. IDAS has been designed for both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. Saab also produces protection systems for both land and naval applications. The LWS-310 laser warning system is a key component of Saab’s self-protection systems for aircraft, land vehicles, and naval vessels. With rapid threat warning and threat classification, LWS-310 enables a combat management system to employ effective countermeasures against laser threats, which further increases situational awareness and self-protection capabilities, Saab said.
The LWS-310 can be incorporated onto land vehicles as part of Saab’s Land Electronic Defence Systems (LEDS), naval vessels as part of its Naval Laser Warning System (NLWS), and aircraft as part of IDAS. Saab has a sizeable presence at Aero India in Bangalore this week (10-14 February), displaying a range of advanced defence solutions with an emphasis on ‘Make in India’ collaborations. The company presented its Gripen E/F fighter, RBS 70 NG man-portable air defence system, Carl-Gustaf M4 multi-role weapon system, AT4 anti-tank weapon, Next-Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW), and Ground Combat Indoor Gunnery Trainer for ground combat weapon systems, amongst others. Saab is offering its Gripen to meet the Indian Air Force’s proposed Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft or MRFA procurement project. Under the MRFA project, the IAF is planning to procure 114 jets through an open tender process.
“Aero India 2025 comes at a crucial juncture of global developments, leading to a greater focus on defence capabilities as well as on developing self-reliance along with the need for robust and modern technology. We are fully committed to supporting the Indian government’s Atmanirbhar approach to national defence capability. To that end, Saab is setting up a manufacturing facility for Carl-Gustaf M4 in India, further strengthening production in the country. The facility will support the production of Carl-Gustaf M4 for the Indian Armed Forces as well as components for users of the system around the world. Saab will also be partnering with Indian sub-suppliers and the products manufactured in the facility will fully meet the requirements of Make in India,” said Mats Palmberg, Chairman and Managing Director, Saab India. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
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