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13 Mar 25. US, allies rush to refit their big guns with GPS protections. The war in Ukraine has jump-started a scramble to fortify artillery systems against GPS jamming and spoofing, with a technology previously used primarily on airborne platforms playing a key role. The rush to inject new defenses into cannon and rocket artillery systems, in particular, represents the latest round of a cat-and-mouse game in the electromagnetic spectrum. Invisible to the human eye, its mastery determines not only whether projectiles find their intended targets; but in some cases whether weapons will function at all. The American-made HIMARS rocket launchers, for example, touted as a game changer after they were delivered to Ukraine, quickly faced problems that stemmed from GPS jamming, senior U.S. officials have admitted. The Washington Post was the first to report the story last year, based on a confidential report on the effectiveness of weapons in combat. The verdict was damning: After the initial success and hype, HIMARS was now deemed “completely ineffective” at the hands of Russian jamming by the Ukrainians using them along the front line. Multiple rocket launcher systems such as HIMARS rely on clear GPS data to operate effectively. For one, the vehicle must be able to detect precisely where it located in order to determine its relative position to the target. It also must be able to determine the location of GPS satellites in the sky above it, as this is vital information that is uploaded – along with other guidance data – to the missile right before launch in the form of what is referred to as an “almanac.” Once the missile leaves the launcher, it is typically on its own. Some self-propelled howitzers, including French CAESAR and Swedish Archer types, are now also banking on GPS in their fire control systems.
Air-to-ground equipment
Buried in the U.S. Army budget request for fiscal year 2025, there are several mentions of upgrades to the GPS system of the service’s fleet of mobile missile launchers, amounting to a total of $75 million. The Army has bought a total of 376 anti-jamming kits for its HIMARS rocket launchers over the past two years, the documents show. A further 284 for both HIMARS and also the fleet of M270A1 vehicles are slated to be bought between 2025 and 2029. The kit in question, the Digital GPS Anti-Jam Receiver, or DIGAR, is sold by BAE Systems and was originally intended for air warfare, where it has already found wide application – including being retrofitted onto American F-16 and F-15 fighter jets. Recently, it has also been slated for integration into Eurofighter Typhoons. The more modern F-35 fighter jet goes with a competing solution by contractor Lockheed Martin, which also makes the plane.
“Integrating on a land vehicle does not require any more effort than going from one platform to another,” a BAE Systems spokesperson told Defense News. The main difference, according to the company, lies in the terrestrial environmental conditions in the form of dust, debris and rocket residue.
The roughly laptop-sized silver box has become a preferred way of countering electronic warfare targeting GPS signals, which even under the best of conditions are remarkably faint owing to the tens of thousands of kilometers of distance between the satellites and the surface of the Earth. According to one industry insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the technology, testing by the U.S. Air Force had shown that “if a user was still being jammed even after fitting DIGAR, then the enemy transmitter would be so close you could engage it with a rifle.”
Other nations also are focusing on the threat of GPS interference to their heavy weaponry. In Denmark, the procurement of new, Israeli-made MLRS systems to replace those that were sent to Ukraine ended up mired in controversy after a report by the country’s public broadcaster alleged they were vulnerable to GPS attacks – a claim that was refuted by the manufacturer. The U.K., for its part, has bought over 1,000 of Raytheon’s Landshield anti-jamming systems, which are roughly the size of a hockey puck. And Israel has been developing anti-jamming technologies, including for undisclosed foreign customers, using the new military M-Code GPS standard, which was designed to be resistant to interference.
“All the internationals are going to get DIGAR,” the industry insider said, referring to foreign users of American-made HIMARS launchers. In the case of European users, some had already started shipping their launchers to the U.S. to be taken apart, upgraded and then reassembled. All the newly manufactured HIMARS will get DIGAR right from the assembly line, the insider said.
While Lockheed has publicly announced that it will upgrade M270 launchers – the bigger, tracked version of the weapon – for “global partners,” there is to date no matching statement regarding HIMARS. (Source: Defense News)
13 Mar 25. Turkish submarine test-fires ‘Atmaca’ anti-ship missile. The Turkish Navy has conducted a successful firing test of the submarine-launched variant of the Atmaca anti-ship missile, according to Haluk Görgün, head of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB). The test took place on March 12, 2025, from the submarine TCG Preveze off the coast of Mersin in the Mediterranean Sea, as detailed in a press briefing by the Turkish Ministry of Defense. The missile was encased in a watertight capsule equipped with a propeller, designed to fit the submarine’s 533 mm torpedo tube. After launch, the capsule propelled itself away from the submarine before the missile ignited and exited the capsule. Footage shared on social media indicated that the missile was not carrying a live warhead, as there was no impact observed. A critical aspect of the test was the submarine’s ability to launch the canister from its torpedo tubes. Developed and produced by Roketsan, the Atmaca missile serves as the primary offensive weapon of the Turkish Navy, gradually replacing the Boeing RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile. It is currently deployed on Ada-class corvettes and frigates undergoing the Barbaros mid-life upgrade. International interest in the Atmaca missile has grown, with Indonesia and Malaysia among its export customers. In November 2022, Indonesia signed a contract to procure 45 Atmaca missiles, marking its commitment to enhancing naval capabilities. Malaysia has also opted for the Atmaca missile system, planning to integrate it into its three Littoral Mission Ship (LMS) Batch 2 vessels, which are based on the Turkish Ada-class corvette design. (Source: Defense News)
14 Mar 25. Australia moves to arm troops with anti-ship missiles as China threat looms. Australia is scrambling to deploy new long-range missiles as the recent arrival of powerful Chinese warships off the Australian coast delivers a sharp reminder of Beijing’s growing naval muscle. In a move to boost military firepower, Canberra plans to arm Australian soldiers with anti-ship missiles and advanced targeting radars to protect the country’s vast maritime approaches, according to contract announcements as well as a flurry of recent official speeches and ministerial statements. Two new types of advanced anti-ship missiles for the army fired from mobile launchers are under evaluation with a decision expected by the end of the year, the government has said. Australian government officials have said that future versions of one of the contenders, Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile, were expected to have a range of up to 1,000km and could be fired from High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers. Australia has 42 HIMARS launchers on order from the United States, with launchers expected to be in service from 2026-27, according to the defense department. The U.S. Army in June used two Precision Strike Missiles to successfully attack a moving target at sea during an exercise in the Pacific, the army said in a statement. China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) jolted Australia’s security services with the deployment of three warships – one of its most potent cruisers, a frigate and a replenishment ship – close to the country’s biggest cities of Sydney and Melbourne late last month. Air traffic between Australia and New Zealand was disrupted with 49 flights diverted on February 21 when the Chinese flotilla held what appeared to be a live fire exercise in the Tasman Sea without notifying authorities in Canberra or Wellington. The office of the Australian defense minister didn’t respond to questions for this story. The new missiles for the Australian army would deliver a potent strike capability and act as a deterrent to potential adversaries, according to Mick Ryan, a retired Australian army Major General.
“You could put a HIMARS launcher with a maritime strike missile in Sydney and it would have the potential to hit one of those ships,” Ryan said.
New missiles for the Australian army are a key element of Canberra’s plan to prepare for a more assertive Chinese military presence in waters around Australia. They could also be deployed to support allied forces defending strategically important islands in the Asia-Pacific region in the event of conflict, military experts told Reuters. New long-range missiles are also on order for Australia’s navy and air force. To counter what senior Australian officials describe as the “greatest strategic uncertainty” since World War Two, Canberra will spend up to AUD$74 billion ($47 billion) over a decade on targeting technology, long-range strike capacity, missile defense and manufacturing of missiles and explosives, according to official speeches and defense planning documents. Canberra is not alone turning to these long-range strike weapons to counter the threat from China. The U.S. and most of its key allies in Asia, including the Philippines, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, are also modernizing and expanding their missile forces. They are deploying new missiles, accelerating research on hypersonic weapons and other new technologies, re-purposing older projectiles and expanding production lines. Asked how China viewed the decision by Australia and other countries to boost their missile arsenals, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Beijing was pursuing “a defensive national defense policy,” and China shouldn’t be used “as an excuse to exaggerate tensions” and “incite arms races.”
For some of America’s regional allies, this quest for new missiles is likely to take on new urgency with growing uncertainty over the Trump administration’s commitment to traditional security ties, according to Ross Babbage, a former Australian government defense official and now a senior non-resident fellow at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments.
In response to questions from Reuters, a Pentagon spokesperson cited Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as having said that deterring China was a priority for his department. “One of the ways we do that is by building and maintaining a strong network of allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific,” said Pentagon press secretary John Ullyot. “There should be no doubt to our commitment to the safety and stability of the region.”
PRESSURE TO INCREASE SPENDING
Allies like Australia with modest defense outlays are already under pressure from a Trump administration that is showing open frustration with countries it believes should be spending more. U.S. President Donald Trump’s nominee for Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Eldridge Colby, told his Senate confirmation hearing earlier this month that Australian defense spending was well below the target of 3% of GDP suggested by NATO leadership for its members. He said Canberra faced a far more powerful challenge from China. Australia currently spends about 2% of GDP on defense. Some critics of Australia’s defense spending say successive governments have allowed urgent military programs to languish, including the introduction of new missiles.
“This deserves a high degree of priority,” said Babbage, referring to the deployment and manufacture of missiles. “We ought to be really turbo-charging this.”
Babbage said if there was conflict in the Indo-Pacific region, it was likely to become protracted and allied forces would need deep stocks of missiles and the capacity to produce more. Security officials in Canberra anticipate that Chinese warships will become regular visitors off the Australian coast and in bigger numbers. And, like the fleet that exercised off Australia’s coast, these exercises would test Canberra’s political resolve and the surveillance capabilities of the Australian military. Australia’s Director General of National Intelligence, Andrew Shearer, told a parliamentary inquiry on February 24 that some of the Chinese fleet’s activities seemed “designed to be provocative,” while acknowledging it had complied with international law. Shearer said that after the biggest and least transparent military build-up since the Second World War, China now had the capability to project military power into Australia’s region and intended to do so more often. China has “repeatedly briefed” about its naval exercises, the foreign ministry spokesperson said. These exercises are “fully in line with international law and international practices,” the spokesperson said. Canberra’s embrace of missiles echoes that of earlier military planners in Beijing. Decades ago, when the PLA was a backward ground force with obsolete weapons, it began to build a massive missile force as the cheapest and fastest way to bridge the gap with the U.S. and its allies. Missiles are relatively cheap but pose a deadly threat to high-value targets such as warships, strike aircraft, military bases and logistics centers. This makes these weapons a natural choice for weaker militaries confronted with much stronger adversaries. Now that China can rival American military power in Asia, outgunned regional rivals are following the same blueprint. A key objective of this allied response is the deployment of longer-range missiles that match or exceed the reach of those in the PLA arsenal. In December, Canberra announced it would choose either the Naval Strike Missile, developed by Norway’s Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, or Lockheed’s Precision Strike Missile for two new army regiments tasked with maritime defense.
U.S. Marines in the Indo-Pacific region are already using the Naval Strike Missile fired from a ground-based launcher. In early January, the government announced a contract of more than AUD$100 million ($63 million) for Thales Australia to deliver 40 command and control vehicles for the new missile regiments. To detect threats, the army’s missile regiments will be equipped with new radars. Last month, Canberra ordered up to 14 multi-mission phased-array radars from Canberra-based CEA Technologies in a contract worth AUD$272 million. One of the advantages of these land-based mobile missile systems is that they can be easily dispersed and concealed but still pack the punch of a much more expensive warship and strike aircraft.
“It’s a truck,” said Ryan. “You can park it under a tree and come out to fire it and move back again. They won’t find you.” (Source: News Now/https://www.asahi.com/)
13 Mar 25. QinetiQ showcases Australia’s high-power laser tech prototype. QinetiQ is now focused on developing a full-scale prototype of the technology in H1 of this year. QinetiQ, in partnership with the Australian Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), has showcased a scalable high-power laser optical chain prototype at QinetiQ Laboratories (QLabs) in Adelaide. This demonstration marks an Australian-first laser technology, aimed at strengthening defence capabilities. QinetiQ and DSTG are now closer to identifying potential pathways for developing sovereign directed energy defensive systems to address both current and future threats from uncrewed aircraft, including drones. The event comes after a $12.9m contract awarded by the Australian Department of Defence to QinetiQ Australia in 2023, aimed at co-developing the laser system prototype for deployment across various operational environments. QinetiQ Australian sector chief executive Gary Stewart said: “This achievement is an Australian-first. Our aim is to accelerate the development of sovereign High Energy Laser technology so it can be offered to the Australian Defence Force, enhancing their ability to manage current and emerging threats.” The partnership allows QinetiQ to combine its expertise with DSTG, and also draw on the knowledge from QinetiQ in the UK. The company is part of the DragonFire consortium for the UK Ministry of Defence. The company notes that the integration of high-power laser amplifiers with QinetiQ’s beam combination technology has advanced the progress of sovereign capabilities and expertise. The amplifiers have been designed by DSTG and constructed by QinetiQ. Directed energy is recognised as one of the six strategic priorities under the Defence Innovation, Science and Technology (IS&T) framework. According to QinetiQ, the collaboration exemplifies how DSTG is activating the Defence IS&T ecosystem to swiftly convert technological innovations into practical capabilities for the Australian Defence Force.
Stewart said: “Once matured, Directed Energy Defensive Systems will provide a lower-cost way to counter the threats posed by uncrewed aircraft compared to existing methods currently used within defence.”
QinetiQ is now focused on advancing to the next phase of the project, which involves developing a full-scale prototype of the technology in the first half of 2025. (Source: army-technology.com)
13 Mar 25. Russian-Owned Factory in Oregon Falsified Armor Plate Testing for US Military Vehicles. Employees at a Russian-owned steel plant in Oregon falsified critical quality control tests on armored plating used in military vehicles, including the U.S. Army’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), according to a new report by Bloomberg. An internal investigation, cited in the report, revealed that between 2017 and 2019, workers at Evraz North America’s Portland facility skipped required hardness tests and recorded false results for approximately 12,800 armor plates, some of which showed “signs of cracking.” Evraz initiated the investigation in late 2019 after allegations emerged that quality control requirements had been bypassed, raising concerns about the integrity of the manufacturing process for vehicles critical to troop safety. The falsified tests reportedly involved plates supplied to Oshkosh Defense, a primary manufacturer of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV). The JLTV, used by the United Kingdom, Israel, Romania, and other allied nations, serves as the U.S. military’s successor to the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle also known as Humvee. Since 2024, Oshkosh has produced over 22,000 JLTVs, each expected to have a service life of 20 years. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)
12 Mar 25. F-35B conducts captive-carry test with Lockheed Martin AGM-158C LRASM. Lockheed Martin’s AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) has made a captive-carry flight aboard an F-35B, the short-take-off-and-vertical-landing (STOVL) version of the aircraft, the company announced on 4 March. This follows the September 2024 flight of an F-35C carrying the munition. What the company described as “an initial flight test” was conducted by the F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force, the US Navy (USN) unit that conducts much of the F-35’s weapons testing for the US Department of Defence (DoD). A photograph released by Lockheed Martin appears to show an F-35B conducting a conventional landing with a single LRASM on an inboard wing weapon station; the munition is too large to fit in the F-35’s internal weapons bay. The missile is intended to be integrated onto the F-35 Block 4 standard, according to Lockheed Martin. The company is currently building a predecessor version, designated Technical Refresh-3 (TR-3), intended to provide processing and electronic cooling capacity for the Block 4. However, TR-3 has run into significant teething issues, and the company’s current deliveries are not combat-capable. Chauncey McIntosh, Lockheed Martin’s F-35 general manager, told Janes during a 3 March interview that the company is planning a new TR-3 software release in boreal summer this year, but he declined to specify when either TR-3 or the subsequent Block 4 configurations might be combat-capable. (Source: Janes)
12 Mar 25. RoK Proposes K9 Howitzer as Alternative to US Artillery in Canada’s Modernization Plan. According to information published on March 10, 2025, by the Canadian Daily Newspaper Ottawa Citizen, a delegation of a dozen South Korean defense industry and government officials visited Ottawa on March 5 and 6, 2025, to discuss potential defense equipment sales with the Canadian government. The delegation presented a range of proposals, including the supply of advanced K9 howitzers, training aircraft, rocket launchers, and submarines, as part of South Korea’s broader effort to enhance military cooperation with Canada. This visit comes on the heels of a significant announcement from the Canadian government, which recently initiated the procurement process for its Indirect Fires Modernisation (IFM) program. This program is aimed at bolstering the capabilities of Canada’s land forces, with a particular focus on acquiring new artillery systems. The inclusion of South Korea in the bidding process marks a potential shift away from traditional American suppliers, amid strained political relations between the United States and Canada, exacerbated by former US President Donald Trump’s controversial rhetoric and policies during his tenure. The ongoing deterioration in political relations between the two North American neighbors has created an opening for South Korea to offer its cutting-edge K9 Thunder 155mm self-propelled howitzer as a replacement for American combat equipment under the IFM program. The K9 Thunder, developed by South Korea’s Hanwha Defense, is considered one of the most modern tracked self-propelled howitzers in the world today. With a 155mm main gun capable of delivering extended-range firepower of up to 40 kilometers, the K9 boasts exceptional mobility, firepower, and protection. The system is powered by a robust 1,000-horsepower engine, which ensures superior speed and maneuverability on the battlefield, while its fully automated loading and firing systems allow it to engage targets with high precision rapidly. Additionally, the K9 features advanced armor for crew protection and is equipped with state-of-the-art command and control systems that enhance operational efficiency. The self-propelled howitzer’s design also ensures it can operate in various environmental conditions, from hot deserts to extremely cold regions, making it highly versatile for global deployments. With its NATO-compatible systems, the K9 provides the added advantage of interoperability with allied forces, particularly in joint operations with NATO members, such as Canada. Today, the South Korean K9 self-propelled howitzer is in service with several countries from all over the world, including Australia, Egypt, Estonia, India, Poland, and Turkey under the T-155 Firtina program. These nations have relied on the K9 to modernize their artillery capabilities and enhance the effectiveness of their armed forces. One of the key advantages of the K9 is its ability to operate in extreme weather conditions. This makes it particularly attractive to nations like Canada, which face harsh winter environments and cold-weather operational requirements. In fact, the K9 is currently undergoing rigorous winter and cold-weather tests in Finland and Norway, two countries with climates similar to that of Canada. The K9’s performance in these conditions will be a crucial factor for the Canadian military, which operates in some of the most extreme weather in the world. Another significant advantage of the K9 self-propelled howitzer is its NATO compatibility. As Canada is a member of NATO, the integration of foreign defense equipment that aligns with NATO standards is a critical consideration for the Canadian Armed Forces. The K9 is fully compatible with NATO 155mm artillery ammunition, making it an ideal choice for Canada’s modernization efforts. Its interoperability with other NATO forces will ensure that Canada can work seamlessly alongside its allies in multinational operations, a key aspect of the country’s defense strategy.
South Korea’s offer to Canada also aligns with the current trend of diversifying military equipment sources, as Canada looks to reduce its reliance on American defense suppliers. This move could potentially allow Canada to strengthen its defense ties with South Korea, a country with a strong track record in producing high-quality, battle-tested military systems. In light of the ongoing tensions between Canada and the United States, the South Korean offer presents a strategic opportunity for Canada to diversify its defense procurement. The K9 self-propelled howitzer is not only a proven and reliable artillery system but also an opportunity for Canada to strengthen its defense relationships with South Korea, a partner with shared democratic values and security interests. The South Korean delegation’s visit to Ottawa is seen as a step toward deepening the bilateral defense cooperation between Canada and South Korea, and it could open the door for further sales of advanced defense equipment, including air defense systems, missile launchers, and other key technologies. As the Canadian government moves forward with its Indirect Fires Modernisation program, the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer is positioned to be a strong contender in the bidding process. With its robust track record of global exports, NATO compatibility, and proven performance in extreme cold-weather environments, the K9 may very well be the right choice to enhance Canada’s artillery capabilities in the years to come. The global success of the South Korean K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer speaks to its broad appeal and versatility. Aside from its current service in multiple NATO and non-NATO countries, the K9 has been included in various international defense tenders and is being actively considered for procurement by other nations seeking to modernize their artillery capabilities. With its advanced features, superior firepower, and high mobility, the K9 self-propelled howitzer is set to remain a key player in the global artillery market, and it could play a significant role in strengthening Canada’s military defense strategy moving forward. As the Canadian military looks to modernize and equip itself for future challenges, the South Korean K9 self-propelled howitzer offers a powerful and reliable solution that could meet the nation’s needs for both domestic defense and international cooperation. (Source: Google/https://armyrecognition.com/)
12 Mar 25. BAE Systems Hägglunds to deploy Clavister CyberArmour on CV90 IFV. These solutions are tailored to meet the demands of new military operations, ensuring secure communications, system resilience and defence against cyber threats. These cybersecurity solutions are tailored to meet the demands of new military operations, ensuring secure communications, system resilience and defence against emerging cyber threats. The latest contract spans three years, with initial deliveries expected to begin in early 2027. There is an option for further procurement of Clavister CyberArmour products, which could increase the total value of the contract to Skr96m. Clavister CEO John Vestberg stated: “As nations continue to expand and upgrade their CV90 fleets, they face an increasingly complex cyber threat landscape. Our highly integrated cyber defence solutions are designed to provide the highest level of security, ensuring the operational resilience of these critical platforms in the most demanding battlefield conditions.” (Source: army-technology.com)
12 Mar 25. New Milkor missile in the exploratory phase. At the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 exhibition, Milkor revealed a mockup of a new missile fitted to its Milkor 380 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), drawing a significant amount of attention from expo attendees. Milkor’s Marketing and Communications Director, Daniel du Plessis, told defenceWeb that “the Milkor missile system and the missile division is something that we are exploring at the moment.”
He said a missile “will add quite a lot of value to the platform itself if we can offer it with a weaponizsd solution that is locally or indigenously developed in South Africa.”
Although the project remains in its exploratory phase, and there have been no formal commitments made to the project to date, du Plessis remains optimistic about the potential benefits such a project could have not just for Milkor, but for South Africa.
“I think we are going to sell quite a lot of these UAV systems with or without missile systems that are developed in this country.” He said it would be ideal if local missile programmes that have been dormant could be revived, with some obsolescence issues being solved and missiles being integrated onto the Milkor 380.
“I think it will be good for the economy; it will be good for the entities involved in those things. So, hopefully we can come to some sort of agreement with the Department of Defence and the various state-owned entities responsible for that,” du Plessis said.
Milkor was the Platinum Sponsor for the Public-Private Partnerships for Defence & Security Conference held on 7 March. The company’s participation in the event was in part due to seeking partnerships on missile development, for example.
“I think the one of the positive attributes towards partnering with a private defence company like ourselves, is that we have a global footprint, reputable image on the global market, and also an internal capability to do not just integration work but also development work at a rapid cycle, spearheading innovation specifically in the unmanned aerial sector. This is to say, partnering with a company like Milkor and reviving some of the internal capabilities and strategic capabilities in the missile sphere might be a good option,” du Plessis said.
He also told defenceWeb that Milkor is willing to work with state entities in South Africa or internationally or as well as other private companies who shared a similar outlook and that could add value to the missile project.
The Milkor 380 medium-altitude, long endurance (MALE) UAV can carry up to 400 kg under the fuselage and 230 kg under each wing. Previously, the aircraft has been spotted with Al Tariq-X guided bombs and Desert Sting 25 glide weapons, amongst others. Fitted to the Milkor 380 at AAD 2024 were four mockups of the new missile with Milkor branding.
The Milkor 380 has a wingspan of 18.6 metres and a maximum take-off weight of 1 300 kilograms. Endurance is 35 hours (when flying at 60 knots and an altitude of 10 000 feet above mean sea level) and range is over 2 000 kilometres, making it ideal for long-range missions such as border surveillance, maritime patrols, and even combat operations. The maximum service ceiling is 30 000 feet, though this is often limited by the operational capabilities of its onboard sensor systems. The UAV is equipped with dual redundant Line of Sight (LOS) communications systems that can maintain contact with its control unit for up to 250 km, with seamless transition between Line of Sight and Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications, such as SATCom. Milkor has partnered with leading companies, such as Germany’s Hensoldt, to integrate sophisticated sensor suites, including the ARGOS II HDT and ARGOS-15 airborne gimbals. These sensors are designed for precision targeting in combat operations and enhance the UAV’s intelligence-gathering and electronic warfare capabilities. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
07 Mar 25. HERO Defense Systems, a leader in non-lethal self-defense innovation, is revolutionizing personal safety with the launch of MAXIMUS™, the next-generation defense round featuring proprietary Crush Factor™ Technology. Engineered for unmatched stopping power, precision, and affordability, MAXIMUS™ is setting a new standard for non-lethal protection.
Meet the new standard for effective, reliable, and affordable non-lethal projectiles.
Available in Active and Trainer formats, MAXIMUS™ rounds are built with industry first Crush Factor™ Technology.
“Traditional non-lethal projectiles are flawed—they rely on hard plastic shells that often fail to break on impact, reducing their effectiveness,” says David Clemons, CEO of HERO®. “We knew we had to do better. MAXIMUS™ is the solution: a groundbreaking round designed to incapacitate threats instantly and reliably.”
Why MAXIMUS™ is a Game-Changer
Unlike conventional non-lethal projectiles, MAXIMUS™ is built with breakthrough engineering to maximize effectiveness, ensuring users can defend themselves with confidence. Key innovations include:
- Crush Factor™ Technology: Pre-formed breakpoints across 360 degrees ensure maximum fragmentation on impact, dispersing irritants instantly.
- Superior Irritant Cloud: A proprietary anti-clumping formula keeps irritants suspended in the air longer for enhanced effectiveness.
- Exceptional Aerodynamics: Textured shell design reduces drag, increasing accuracy and distance for superior performance.
- Universal .68 Caliber Compatibility: Works seamlessly with any reloadable .68 caliber non-lethal launcher, making it an accessible and cost-effective upgrade.
- Unmatched Affordability: Priced significantly lower than existing non-lethal rounds, MAXIMUS™ makes self-defense more accessible to everyone.
- Advanced Stopping Power: A powerful irritant blend ensures reliable incapacitation. Every batch undergoes rigorous High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) testing for verified effectiveness.
- Training Ready: Available in inert training rounds so users can safely practice and prepare.
- Eco-Friendly: Made with biodegradable materials to minimize environmental impact.
“MAXIMUS™ isn’t just another self-defense round—it’s a paradigm shift,” Clemons adds. “We’ve redefined non-lethal defense by making it more effective, reliable, and affordable than ever before.”
MAXIMUS™ is now available for purchase on the HERO® website and through authorized resellers. (Source: PR Newswire)
11 Mar 25. Lockheed Martin unveils Common Multi-Mission Truck modular cruise missile. Lockheed Martin has unveiled a new cruise missile, called the Common Multi-Mission Truck (CMMT), intended to be manufactured inexpensively and at scale, company officials said on 3 March at the 2025 Air & Space Force Association (AFA) Warfare Symposium. CMMT has been under development for roughly two years using internal funding, Mike Rothstein, vice-president for strategy and requirements at Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control division, told Janes on 5 March, building on unspecified programmes initiated by the company’s high-technology Skunk Works division. The missile is designed to meet cost and specification thresholds for the US Air Force’s (USAF’s) Franklin programme, which seeks to develop long-range missiles that cost USD150,000 or less per round. Missiles developed through Franklin are intended to complement larger, more expensive weapons such as Lockheed Martin’s AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), adding what USAF officials call ‘affordable mass’ to strike missions. The USAF is experimenting with launching a mass of munitions at once via the Rapid Dragon programme, under which missiles are stacked on pallets and rolled out of the rear cargo ramp of a transport aircraft for near-simultaneous deployment. Rothstein said that Rapid Dragon could launch as many as 25 CMMTs in one mission. The first instantiation of CMMT is also sized to fit inside the F-35’s internal weapons bay. (Source: Janes)
10 Mar 25. Indonesia ministry says no decision yet on buying missiles from BrahMos Aerospace. Indonesia has not yet made a decision on buying missiles from BrahMos Aerospace in India, a spokesperson at the country’s defence ministry told Reuters on Monday. Multiple missile systems are being considered by Indonesia, not just those from BrahMos, spokesperson Frega Wenas said after Indonesia’s defence minister met with his counterpart from Vietnam, although he declined to name the other companies. In 2023, BrahMos, a company co-owned by the Indian and Russian governments, told Reuters it was in advanced discussions with Jakarta on a deal worth $200m to $350m.
“For now it is one of our considerations to review, but I cannot give an official statement when there’s no formal contract,” Wenas said on Monday.
BrahMos did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Indonesia has been in protracted talks with BrahMos to procure a shore-based version of its mid-range missiles and a version that can be mounted on warships. (Source: Google/Reuters)
07 Mar 25. Palantir delivers first 2 next-gen targeting systems to Army. Palantir Technologies announced Friday it has delivered the first two Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node systems to the U.S. Army — a next-generation ground system meant to strengthen the link between data-gathering sensors and weapons in the field. The Army awarded the firm a $178 m contract in March 2024 to build 10 next-generation, AI-defined ground systems, known as TITAN.
“One year after being granted a prime agreement for TITAN’s development and delivery, the first TITAN systems of this phase are complete on time and on budget, a significant milestone for the Army’s modernization priorities,” the company said in a statement.
TITAN is designed to help the Army strengthen the connection between its data-collecting sensors and the weapons and decision-makers on the ground, improving the accuracy and speed of its long-range targeting capabilities.
Palantir declined to confirm when it’s next delivery is scheduled, but the company expects to complete all 10 systems by 2026, after which the Army will decide whether to carry TITAN into full-rate production. Although the service hasn’t said how many systems it will buy, officials have estimated between 100 and 150 units.
Of the TITAN systems Palantir is delivering in this initial contract, five will be advanced variants that can integrate with tactical trucks and receive data from space sensors. The other five will be basic variants that will be installed on the Army’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. Although it won’t have a direct space downlink, the basic version will be able to access some data from space sensors. The company told Defense News it handed over one of each variant as part of its initial delivery. The company is partnering with several other firms on the effort, including Anduril Industries, Northrop Grumman, Pacific Defense, Sierra Nevada Corporation, Strategic Technology Consulting, World Wide Technology and L3Harris. The team has been working closely with Army units, and a Palantir spokesman said the company has “integrated a wide range of soldier feedback” over the last year to improve TITAN’s baseline hardware and software. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)
10 Mar 25. Rheinmetall starts Australian MASS assembly in support of Royal Australian Navy. Rheinmetall Defence Australia has commenced Australian assembly of the first Multi Ammunition Soft Kill (MASS) shipsets destined for installation onto Royal Australian Navy vessels. The MASS system is an ‘off-board’ countermeasure system to defeat incoming missile and asymmetric threats with a tailored soft kill and screening effect for naval vessels. MASS, will initially be used to equip six platforms and could potentially be fitted to Navy’s future fleet. The countermeasures initiated by the system generate a decoy target, which the incoming missile then interprets to be a higher-value asset, ultimately causing the threat to veer off course. MASS sends these countermeasures autonomously, taking into account wind and the ship’s navigation data as well as information concerning the nature of the threat.
Nathan Poyner, Rheinmetall Defence Australia Managing Director, said that following extensive trials, MASS was selected on its unique capabilities. “This is the Group’s single-biggest order ever for ship protection technology and could potentially grow to equip Australia’s entire fleet. Rheinmetall Defence Australia assembles the systems in Australia, before installing and commissioning them on-board the Navy’s seagoing surface combatants. The Australian MASS contract has secured more than 30 new jobs at MILVEHCOE for the shipsets. While the contract end date is 2027, Rheinmetall Defence Australia is responsible for the sustainment of these countermeasure units beyond that time. The MASS systems ordered by the Royal Australian Navy are assembled and tested at Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s centre of excellence for military vehicles. This will result in new possibilities for expanding the Group’s Australian supply chain. MASS offers potential partners in the Australian defence sector the chance to cooperate with Rheinmetall and the Royal Australian Navy in realising this important defensive capability. Rheinmetall is committed to building Australian Industry Capability and creating advanced manufacturing Australian jobs in trades including Mechanical, Electrical, Ammunition and Software. Our partnership with the Royal Australian Navy is a key element of our long-term investment in Australia’s Defence capability, and we are proud to be part of the Australian Government’s work to develop a robust, sustainable, and globally competitive defence industry.”
07 Mar 25. UK withholds details on artillery buy amid negotiations. The UK government has declined to disclose details on the procurement and domestic manufacturing share of the RCH 155, citing commercial sensitivities and ongoing negotiations, according to written parliamentary responses from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
James Cartlidge, Conservative MP for South Suffolk, submitted several questions to the MoD on 3rd March 2025, seeking information on:
- The number of RCH 155 platforms the government plans to procure.
- What proportion of the system will be manufactured in the UK versus Germany.
- Whether the proportion of UK involvement has changed since 5th July 2024.
Responding on 6th March 2025, Maria Eagle, Minister of State for Defence, confirmed that the Mobile Fires Project (MFP)—which is delivering the RCH 155—is still in its Assessment Phase, with the number of units subject to ongoing commercial negotiations and the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review. She stated:
“I am withholding further information relating to the number of RCH 155 platforms being procured as it is commercially sensitive.”
On the issue of UK versus German manufacturing workshare, Eagle said that the exact proportion of British involvement will be determined through contractual agreements with industry partners. However, she emphasised that the government is seeking to maximise the UK’s industrial contribution as part of its Land Industrial Strategy, stating:
“Throughout this process, the Department will seek opportunities to maximise the nation’s workshare in support of UK prosperity and realisation of benefits to the Land Industrial Strategy.”
The lack of firm details on procurement numbers and UK industrial participation has raised questions about how much of the project will benefit British industry. With contractual negotiations ongoing, further details on procurement and production workshare are expected to emerge once agreements with industry partners are finalised. However, until then, the government is keeping specifics under wraps. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/ https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
07 Mar 25. Romanian Land Forces fire Chiron MANPADS for first time. Members of Romania’s 348th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion fired the South Korean Chiron manportable air-defence system (MANPADS) for the first time at the Capu Midia Training Range this week, the Romanian Land Forces announced on its website on 3 March. The service said that this represented an important step in developing Romanian defence capabilities and preparing for future missions. Romania received the Chiron MANPADS in June 2024, according to Janes Land Warfare Platforms: Artillery & Air Defence . The system was developed by the South Korean state-controlled Agency for Defence Development and LG Innotek (now LIG Nex1). The Republic of Korea Army (RoKA) signed an initial contract worth more than USD100 m in October 2005 to launch serial production of the system, which entered service with the RoKA later the same year. Indonesia became the second Chiron customer in 2014. Chiron is a tripod-mounted MANPADS designed to be used by infantry or to be mounted on land, sea, or air platforms. The missile’s two-stage solid rocket propellant motor gives it a maximum range of 7 km and allows it to reach an altitude of 3.5 km. It has a two-colour infrared homing guidance system and is armed with a high-explosive blast-fragmentation warhead with an impact and proximity fuze, with the latter activating 1.5 m away from its target. (Source: Janes)
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About Galvion:
Galvion designs, develops, and delivers mission critical head, face, and torso protective solutions as well as intelligent power and data management systems for the world’s most demanding military and tactical teams. Founded in 2002 as Revision Military, a foundational belief in calculated investment and capability expansion led to a strategic refocus, resulting in the divestiture of the protective eyewear business, along with the Revision name, in 2019. Rebranded as Galvion, the company’s products and technology continue to evolve beyond purely passive protection, focusing instead on active systems that enhance performance and survivability, with an eye to the ever-changing demands of the modern battlefield. Through advanced design, keen end-user insight and intelligent integration, Galvion engineers uniquely customized solutions that go beyond what was once thought possible.
Privately owned with ISO 9001:2015 certified facilities in Vermont, Massachusetts and New Hampshire in the US, Montreal in Canada and Bristol in the UK, Galvion’s team of 400+ employees work proactively to solve the problems left unsolved by others.
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