Sponsored by Galvion
www.galvion.com
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
06 Jun 25. Brazilian marine commander details artillery upgrades. The Brazilian Navy’s Marine Corps is developing efforts to strengthen the field artillery and air-defence capabilities of the Marine Fleet Force, Commander of Marine Material Command Rear Admiral Cláudio Lopes de Araujo Leite told Janes on 21 May. The upgrade of the field artillery principally includes procurement of four batteries of a 155 mm/52 lightweight towed howitzer around 2033, as well to soon refurbish the existing 39 L118 Light Gun howitzers at the Brazilian Army’s War Arsenal of São Paulo, he said. The Marine Artillery Battalion is principally equipped with the 105 mm/39 L118 Light Gun, the 155 mm/23 M114A1 towed howitzers, and the Astros II Mk 6 FN multiple rocket and missile launching system. The Aerial Combat Battalion fields the Mistral 1 manportable very-short-range air-defence (VSHORAD) system and the Saber M60 mobile L-band 3D low-altitude radar. The Marine Corps Technological Center is converting the third and final Avibras (AV)-LMU (Lançadora Múltipla Universal) Mk 6 6×6 multiple rocket launching unit of the Astros II Mk 6 FN system for the coastal defence role by adding the Brazilian-made MANSUP (Míssil Antinavio Nacional de Superfície) anti-ship missile capability. To deliver protection against aerial threats, the marines seek to acquire a new VSHORAD system, or to upgrade the Mistral 1 to the Mistral 3 standard, as well as to procure mobile air surveillance and search radar system, Rear Adm Leite said. The Brazilian Marine Corps is also looking to receive a battery of a ground-based medium-range air-defence system as part of the Sis AAAe Me Altu (Sistema de Artilharia Antiaérea de Média Altura) project. (Source: Janes)
06 Jun 25. BAE Systems test-fires automatic turret for ATLAS CCV. BAE Systems Australia has test-fired the Vantage automatic turret system (ATS), which the company jointly developed with Slovenian defence manufacturer Valhalla Turrets for its 8×8 Autonomous Tactical Light Armour System (ATLAS) Collaborative Combat Variant (CCV) vehicle. BAE Systems said on 5 June that the Vantage ATS can engage with targets at a range of 750 m. It added that the turret will return to Australia from Slovenia, where the tests were undertaken, to be integrated with ATLAS, which will enable “further vehicle dynamic testing and subsystem integration”. No details about the additional testing or the integrated subsystems were provided.
Kisa Christensen, director of Integrated Defence and Autonomy Systems at BAE Systems Australia, said, “We’ve seen the performance of Vantage successfully verified during the conduct of the Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) period.” According to BAE Systems, the Vantage ATS completed its FAT in May 2025.
Christensen said the vehicle offers a lower acquisition cost through “the adaptive reuse of legacy cannons already in service”. This refers to the M242 Bushmaster 25 mm chain gun fitted to the Vantage ATS. The M242 is also operated by the General Dynamics Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV).
BAE Systems said the turret features “scalable architecture” enabling ATLAS to operate larger calibre armaments such as 120 mm automated mortar systems. According to BAE Systems, the turret features the company’s passive Multi-Spectral Automatic Target Detection, Tracking and Classification System (ATTCS) to enable multiple engagements and reduced probability of detection. BAE Systems unveiled an ATLAS prototype in September 2024 at the Land Forces exposition in Melbourne, Australia. (Source: Janes)
06 Jun 25. Baowolf C-UAS munition to start USAF trials in Q3 2025. Counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) maker Kinard Technologies is making significant progress towards full-scale production of its Baowolf munition, CEO Dane Pigott has told Janes . Kinard describes Baowolf as a single-use ‘last line of defence’ C-UAS weapon, primarily intended to stop the kind of first-person view (FPV) attacks on troops that have become widely seen on social media from fighting in Ukraine. Weighing 1.13 kg, the 3D-printed system houses a single steel barrel that fires the equivalent of eight shotgun cartridges’ worth of tungsten steel pellets in a single shot. This enables the munition to engage fast-moving drones within a 50 m range, said Kinard. At 20 m, the system provides a 2 m-wide shot pattern against fast-moving FPV UASs. The system has a simple safety catch towards its front and a trigger mechanism at its rear that can be operated in under a second. The Baowolf can also fill trench-clearing and counter-ambush roles in under-barrel or standalone configurations. The system is now entering full-scale production and beginning trials with US and NATO allies at a current estimated cost of USD5,000 per unit, Pigott said. He added that there is significant scope to bring down these costs through advancements in 3D printing technology. The US Air Force (USAF) is due to trial the system from the third quarter (Q3) of 2025, with a pack including three single-use munitions, a standalone mount, and a carry case. This particular configuration will be deployed in light vehicle units patrolling airbases and protecting strategic aircraft assets. The system is also being marketed for government use, protecting people seen as high-value targets at civilian and political events. (Source: Janes)
05 Jun 25. British Army to increase lethality over the next decade while Royal Navy steps up innovation in NATO. British Army and Royal Navy to invest in innovative new programmes, through increased investment in drones and novel technologies to transform warfighting capability The Government is ramping up investment in new and emerging technologies for the Army and Royal Navy to provide a major boost in lethality and the effectiveness of their military operations around the world, following the Strategic Defence Review. The Army will deliver a tenfold increase in lethality over the next ten years by harnessing firepower, surveillance technology, autonomy, digital connectivity, and data – leading the way in NATO in its use of technology to change how it fights, improving speed and accuracy. The Royal Navy will also ramp up new drone systems as part of an evolution in how it fights, moving towards a mix of crewed, uncrewed, and increasingly autonomous capabilities to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and NATO. The Defence Secretary will outline the Government’s plan for the biggest transformation of the Armed Forces in memory and its approach to put NATO first during a meeting of NATO Defence Ministers in Brussels today (Thursday). Following the Prime Minister’s commitment to the largest sustained increase to UK defence spending since the end of the Cold War, the Ministry of Defence will move to spending at least 10% of its budget on drones and novel technologies. This delivers on the government’s commitment to invest £5bn on new drone and laser weapon technology, supporting thousands of jobs around the country, as part of the Government’s Plan for Change. Key to increasing Army lethality will be the ability to rapidly find and strike enemy targets. Prioritisation of the ‘Digital Targeting Web’ will increase the pace and scale of change already being tested through Army initiatives like ASGARD, which is being delivered to British troops deployed with the NATO Forward Land Forces (FLF) in Estonia. In the last week, the government launched procurement for a new open framework to encourage defence companies to submit concepts for new digital systems that could be integrated into ASGARD. The aim is to exploit advanced technologies such as AI and uncrewed capabilities, enabling the development of advanced digital ‘Decision’ making on the battlefield.
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: “We will invest in technology to give our troops the edge in the battlefields of the future; transforming our Armed Forces and boosting our warfighting readiness. This will increase our lethality, provide a powerful deterrent to our adversaries, and put the UK at the leading edge of innovation in NATO. We will back UK business to innovate at a war time pace; creating highly skilled jobs and fast-tracking the weapons of tomorrow into the hands of our warfighters, as part of our Government’s Plan for Change. The government’s Strategic Defence Review plan will commit the UK to step up on European security by leading in NATO, with strengthened nuclear, new tech, and updated conventional capabilities – learning the lessons from the battlefield in Ukraine.”
As part of our commitment to NATO, during his visit, the Defence Secretary will confirm for the first time that UK military liaison officers will join the development of NATO’s Forward Land Forces (FLF) Finland. These officers will work with both Sweden, as the Framework Nation, and Finland as they develop FLF Finland – a vital component to strengthening the Alliance’s deterrence posture on the Eastern Flank. On the sidelines of the meetings, the Defence Secretary is expected to join defence ministers from Canada, Denmark, Norway and Poland who will sign a document to join the UK-led NATO Flight Training Europe project, that delivers a network of training campuses to train pilots for jet fighters, helicopters, and transport aircraft. To boost the Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier operations, the government will invest in the cutting-edge of NATO capability—moving to have the first ‘hybrid’ carrier airwings in Europe, where the aircraft carrier’s F-35B jet fighters are complemented by autonomous collaborative platforms in the air and drones. The Navy is moving towards a “New Hybrid” fleet that exploits autonomy and uncrewed systems – along with conventional warships – for a mix of equipment and weapons. The UK’s Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers are two of the most powerful warships the UK has ever built and, following the Strategic Defence Review, the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike programme will evolve into ‘hybrid’ carrier airwings, exploiting the latest technology to combine crewed and uncrewed platforms to make the carrier an even more potent form of deterrence. On major deployment to the Indo-Pacific, HMS Prince of Wales is heading up the Carrier Strike Group right now with uncrewed air systems onboard. In the future, the carriers’ crewed air wings will be further augmented with more uncrewed systems. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
03 June 25. Trump asked Japan to help with Golden Dome missile shield, Nikkei reports. U.S. President Donald Trump discussed cooperating with Japan on developing technology for his planned Golden Dome missile defence shield during a phone call with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba this month, the Nikkei reported. The two countries are expected to work together on systems to intercept incoming threats, and Tokyo’s participation could serve as a bargaining chip for it to win concessions in ongoing tariff negotiations with Washington, the paper said, without citing its sources. Trump this month said he had selected a design for the planned $175bn defence shield and appointed U.S. Space Force General Michael Guetlein to head the project, which he wants to complete by the end of his term in 2029. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that Golden Dome could cost $831 bn over two decades. (Source: Reuters)
05 Jun 25. UVision Air Ltd., a global leader in loitering munition systems, announces a major milestone in operational flexibility with a new aerial launch of its Hero-120 loitering munition from a variety of utility and attack helicopters. This advanced capability reflects UVision’s ongoing commitment to developing adaptable precision strike solutions for modern battlefields. Developed in collaboration with U.S.- based defense integrator Fulcrum Concepts LLC and Mistral Inc., the new launch configuration allows rotary-wing platforms to deploy the Hero-120 without the need for deep integration into the aircraft’s avionics or fire control systems. This modular approach enables rapid adaptation and deployment and reduces both cost and integration time, making the system suitable for a wide array of current helicopter models as well as future vertical lift programs, including those led by U.S. Government. The new helicopter launch capability provides a range of tactical benefits, including the ability to hand-over control of the Hero Loitering Munitions (LMs) to ground forces for beyond-line-of-sight, enhanced target engagement, and improved interoperability between air and land units. The system supports swappable warheads and payloads, enabling on-the-fly mission adaptation for anti-armor, soft-target, or ISR operations. Additionally, it is compatible with a wide variety of Western and NATO-standard helicopters, from legacy platforms to next-generation rotorcraft, allowing for broad operational integration without requiring major aircraft modifications.
“This is a breakthrough in rotary-wing lethality,” said Dr. Ran Gozali, CEO of UVision. “For the first time, helicopters can provide multiple forces across the battlefield with loitering munitions, enabling real-time target transfer and expanding the range of mission capabilities-all without costly aircraft modifications.”
The Hero-120 is a mid-range loitering munition designed for high-precision strikes against armored vehicles, soft targets, and other high-value threats. It is equipped with a multi-purpose warhead and supports additional payload configurations, delivering pinpoint accuracy and controlled lethality from the air. The new helicopter launch builds on UVision’s extensive experience with airborne deployment of loitering munitions, including successful test campaigns and integrations with international partners. These systems have been validated under diverse operational conditions, demonstrating their reliability, effectiveness, and tactical flexibility when launched from rotary-wing platforms. Emphasizing modularity and adaptability, the Hero-120 is deployed using mission-configured launch systems that allow for rapid integration on a broad range of helicopters, making it a practical solution for special operations forces, expeditionary missions, and conventional units alike.
03 Jun 25. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace hosted its 15th PROTECTOR Users Working Group (PUWG), bringing together global defense partners, military operators and industry stakeholders for three days of strategic collaboration, knowledge exchange and innovations focused on the world-leading family of PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Stations and Remote Turrets. The PROTECTOR remote weapon systems family has revolutionized the way the U.S. and its allies fight, giving protection to gunners by allowing them to remotely operate weapon systems from within an armored cab rather than perched outside and exposed, above the roof of the vehicle. In total, more than 29,000 systems have been fielded to 31 nations worldwide. Behind the walls of the Italian American Cultural Society, military personnel from 15 countries will discuss current and emerging threats on the battlefield – like drones – and how best to defeat them. What is being learned on the battlefields in Ukraine is changing the concept of operations for all militaries and those in attendance are poised to set the stage for superiority and overmatch, equipping allied forces with best-in-class detection and defeat with greater standoff and enhanced soldier safety.
“The battlefield is changing constantly and now more than ever, it is vital that information be shared in real-time forums, like the PROTECTOR Users Working Group, that we have created for our customers and industry partners, and we are proud to have hosted this event for a 15th time” said Jørgen Bull, vice president, Land Systems, Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace. “This event continues to serve as a vital forum for operational users and KONGSBERG’s engineering teams to engage directly, driving user-centric innovation and continuous and more rapid capability development. The feedback and collaboration from our customers are invaluable as we advance PROTECTOR remote weapon stations and remote turrets and ensure they remain the most capable and trusted solutions on the battlefield.”
Held in Detroit, Mich. June 2-4, this year’s PUWG marked a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between KONGSBERG and the growing community of PROTECTOR users. This unique forum brings together defense acquisition, user and maintenance organizations of PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Systems, to meet and share their practical system knowledge and experience, as well as receive new information regarding the PROTECTOR family of systems. Among the highlights of the event were demonstrations of the latest iterations of the PROTECTOR family, including advancements in lethality, multi-sensor integration, counter-UAS capability, and the growing role of remote weapon capabilities in combat and robotic vehicle operations. The event also featured hands-on workshops, technology showcases, and in-depth discussions focused on future capabilities, user feedback, and operational integration. The technology showcase included the following systems:
– US Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle with Kongsberg 30mm turret (ACV-30)
– AM General Future Driven HUMVEE with Kongsberg’s CROWS Remote Weapon Station-Tech Refresh and Spike Missile
– Robotic Combat Vehicle with Kongsberg RS6
– Tactical Vehicle with Kongsberg CROWS-Tech Refresh and combat management system
For more information about the PROTECTOR RWS and KONGSBERG’s defense solutions, please visit https://bit.ly/KongsbergRWS.
03 Jun 25. British carriers to get ability to fire long range missiles. The UK’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers will be equipped with deck-launched long-range missiles and uncrewed aerial systems as part of sweeping upgrades to their strike capabilities, the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) has confirmed. Framed as a shift to a more powerful yet cost-effective fleet, the SDR outlines the Royal Navy’s move toward hybrid carrier air wings that pair traditional crewed combat aircraft with autonomous platforms and strike weapons launched directly from the flight deck.
“Carrier strike is already at the cutting-edge of NATO capability but much more rapid progress is needed in its evolution into ‘hybrid’ carrier airwings, whereby crewed combat aircraft (F-35B) are complemented by autonomous collaborative platforms in the air, and expendable, single-use drones. Plans for the hybrid carrier airwings should also include long-range precision missiles capable of being fired from the carrier deck,” the review states.
This marks a defining shift in the role of the UK’s carriers from purely launching jets to becoming multi-domain strike platforms capable of delivering long-range missile firepower. It represents a step-change in operational flexibility and lethality, with the carriers positioned as central assets within NATO’s evolving maritime posture. The plan builds on the UK’s ongoing Future Maritime Aviation Force programme, which has explored a variety of uncrewed systems for carrier operations. The Mojave short take-off drone trial in 2023 was an early indicator of this trajectory, demonstrating the feasibility of launching large uncrewed aircraft from a carrier deck. Recent exercises have also seen the integration of smaller drones for surveillance and logistics. (Source: Google/UKDJ)
02 Jun 25. Major £5bn technology investment accelerates UK defence innovation in a European first. More than £4bn drive towards autonomous systems to shape UK military future and boost export potential, supporting the Plan for UK troops and warships will be protected by drone and laser weapon technology through a major £5 bn investment, as the UK seeks to become the leading edge of innovation in NATO under the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) and driven by lessons from Ukraine. The major funding package includes more than £4bn for autonomous systems and a further investment of nearly £1bn for Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) this Parliament – including the iconic DragonFire laser – boosting frontline capabilities while creating 300 skilled jobs across the country. DragonFire is set to be the first high power laser capability entering service from a European nation, with the first Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer due to be fitted in 2027. The SDR recommends that an immediate priority for force transformation should be a shift towards greater use of autonomy. To help achieve this, it says Defence must incorporate uncrewed and autonomous systems in high numbers over the next five years and make targeted investment in the development of novel directed energy weapons. Today’s autonomous systems investment – of which more than £2 bn is new funding following the Government‘s historic uplift in defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from 2027– will see autonomous systems, including drones improve accuracy and lethality for our Armed Forces, and boost UK export potential. It comes after major announcements ahead of the SDR publication, including: the building of up to a dozen new attack submarines for the Royal Navy; up to 7,000 new UK-built long-range weapons to procured; at least six new munitions and energetics factories in the UK; more than £1.5bn to improve the state of military housing; and more than £1 bn for pioneering technology to spearhead battlefield engagements. The new DEW capabilities will give the UK an edge, creating low cost and sustainable alternatives to missiles to shoot down targets, such as drones, at the speed of light, reduce collateral damage and have a low-cost per shot, reducing reliance on expensive ammunition. The systems will be tailored to the conditions in which they will operate – whether at sea, on land, or in the air – and will work alongside crewed assets, such as current and future fighter jets. Both investments reflect the SDR’s vision for UK innovation to be driven by the lessons from Ukraine – harnessing drones, data and digital warfare to make our Armed Forces stronger and safer. The SDR sets a path for the next decade and beyond to transform defence and make the UK secure at home and strong abroad. It ends the hollowing out of our Armed Forces and will also drive innovation, jobs and growth across the country, allowing the UK to lead in a stronger NATO as part of this Government’s Plan for Change.
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: “These investments will mean the most significant advance in UK defence technology in decades. We will ensure our Armed Forces have the cutting-edge capabilities they need to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. We are delivering the Strategic Defence Review’s vision to put the UK at the leading edge of innovation in NATO, by backing British industry and fast-tracking the kit of the future into the hands of frontline troops. This Government’s Plan for Change will harness the benefits of technology, create hundreds of new jobs and make defence a powerful engine for economic growth.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said: “A strong economy needs a strong national defence. That’s why we are delivering the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War—putting innovation and industrial strength at the centre of our national security strategy. Additional funding for autonomous systems maximises the defence industry’s potential to drive long term economic growth and productivity – helping us deliver our Plan for Change while keeping the UK safe.”
A new DEW will be created for the British Army this decade, alongside DragonFire being integrated on four Royal Navy warships, with the first ship due to be fitted in 2027, forming part of a layered air defence system to better protect UK forces while reducing collateral damage and reducing reliance on expensive ammunition. DEW technology already supports 200 high-skilled UK jobs, with a further 300 positions to be created across the Ministry of Defence and industry partners. It’s another example of defence as an engine for UK economic growth, delivering on the Plan for Change. In addition, a new Drone Centre will be established to accelerate exploitation of small, uncrewed air systems across all three military services, helping to deliver them to the front line faster. The Centre will provide a central knowledge base to tackle any emerging legislative changes, develop best practice and better manage the interaction with industry. Crucially, it will apply battlefield lessons from Ukraine where drones now kill more people than traditional artillery. Detailed organisational arrangements will be developed over the coming months. During the SDR process, 1,700 individuals, political parties, and organisations submitted more than 8,000 responses. 200 companies provided written contributions, more than 120 senior experts took part in the review and challenge panels, and nearly 50 meetings took place between the Reviewers and our senior military figures. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
01 Jun 25. Czech Army Acquires MARS Air Defense Vehicles Armed with SAAB RBS 70 Missiles. According to information published by the Praise The Steph X account on May 30, 2025, the Czech Ministry of Defence has confirmed its intention to procure 24 mobile air defense vehicles configured as M-SHORAD (Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense) systems, based on the Czech-manufactured MARS 4×4 armored platform. The vehicles will be equipped with a remote-controlled weapon station integrating three Swedish-made SAAB RBS 70 surface-to-air missile launchers, offering enhanced short-range air defense capabilities tailored to the needs of modern battlefield environments. The contract will supply three complete M-SHORAD batteries, each consisting of eight vehicles, for deployment with the 25th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment. The platforms will be produced by Czech defense manufacturer SVOS, which will deliver the armored MARS chassis and integrate the specialized turret, enabling the deployment of up to three RBS 70 NG surface-to-air missile launchers per vehicle. The turret system is designed to allow quick dismounting of the missile units, enabling operators to relocate launchers to advantageous positions, such as elevated rooftops or terrain features, for maximum targeting effectiveness and flexibility during operations. M-SHORAD, short for Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense, refers to mobile, agile systems capable of protecting forward-deployed and maneuvering ground units from aerial threats such as helicopters, low-flying fixed-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and precision-guided munitions. Designed for modern high-intensity conflict zones, M-SHORAD systems are a direct response to the growing threat of air attacks on mobile formations and the need for immediate, on-the-move air defense coverage. The MARS 4×4 vehicle platform, developed by SVOS, is a modern multi-role armored chassis designed for high mobility, modularity, and protection in combat and reconnaissance operations. It features a monocoque hull with a high level of ballistic and mine protection compliant with STANAG 4569 standards. The vehicle is powered by a robust Cummins engine, coupled with an automatic transmission, providing high off-road performance and operational reliability. Its modularity allows it to be adapted for a wide range of missions, including reconnaissance, command and control, and weapon integration such as the M-SHORAD configuration. The air defense component, the RBS 70 NG (New Generation), is a man-portable, laser-guided surface-to-air missile system developed by SAAB. It is designed to counter a wide spectrum of aerial threats with precision guidance and high resistance to electronic countermeasures. The system includes a new-generation sight module with integrated night vision and automatic target tracking, enabling accurate engagements in all visibility conditions. The missile itself has a range of over 9 km and can engage targets flying at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters. Its laser beam riding guidance makes it extremely difficult to jam or spoof, making it particularly effective against both conventional aircraft and modern UAVs. The Czech Ministry of Defence is also expected to finalize a supplementary contract in July 2025 with SAAB Dynamics AB for eight additional RBS 70 NG stand-alone launch systems, further enhancing the Army’s flexibility to deploy the system independently of vehicles. The acquisition package includes 80 missiles, training and simulation tools, spare parts, maintenance kits, and comprehensive training for operating personnel. (Source: Google/armyrecognition.com)
02 Jun 25. Belarus strengthens national air defense production with new Buk-MB2K missile system. At the MILEX 2025 international defense exhibition held in Minsk from May 21 to 24, the Belarusian defense enterprise OKB TSP publicly presented the Buk-MB2K surface-to-air missile system, integrated with the newly developed 9M318 guided missile. This marked the first official presentation of the complete system following its earlier appearance in prototype form at the ADEX 2022 defense exhibition in Azerbaijan and the final series of live-fire trials held in December 2024 near the Ukrainian border. The Buk-MB2K is now formally in service with the Belarusian Armed Forces, aligning with Belarus’s stated objective of achieving self-sufficiency in key air defense capabilities. Belarus’ parallel development of systems such as the Buk-MB2K and the 9M318 missile does not reflect a decoupling, but rather a hedging strategy intended to ensure domestic continuity in areas where Russian production has ceased. (Picture source: Telegram/Vodogray) Missile production in Belarus has seen a gradual but strategic expansion over the past decade, aiming to reduce reliance on legacy Soviet inventories and external suppliers, while also fulfilling commitments to Russia and expanding industrial cooperation with China. The country currently produces two known categories of missiles: the 9M318 for the Buk-MB2 and MB3 air defense systems, and rockets for the Polonez multiple launch rocket system, for which production is planned but not yet confirmed to have entered full series output. Belarus is also participating in industrial partnerships that could involve the production of missile components for Russian Iskander or S-300/S-400 systems, although specific volumes or contractual details have not been officially disclosed. Following a path similar to that taken by China several decades ago, Belarus aims to strengthen its industrial sovereignty by gradually developing the capacity to internalize more phases of the missile manufacturing process. A representative from BELPOL estimates that by 2027 or 2028, Belarusian enterprises could be capable of producing up to 300,000 missiles of all types annually. The Buk-MB2K is a mobile, medium-range air defense system intended for the interception of multiple types of airborne targets, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters in hover mode, unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles, anti-ship missiles, and air-launched guided munitions. It is also capable of engaging surface and radio-contrast ground targets. The system is designed to function under conditions of sustained electronic jamming and high-threat airspace saturation. It is mounted on a wheeled platform powered by a 500-horsepower diesel engine, providing a top speed of 60 kilometers per hour and an operational range of 700 kilometers. The phased array radar developed in Belarus allows for the detection of fighter-sized targets at distances of up to 130 kilometers and tracking at 110 kilometers when the target is flying at an altitude of 3,000 meters. In lower-altitude conditions, hovering helicopters at 30 meters can be detected from 8 kilometers. The optoelectronic target acquisition system can passively identify head-on targets up to 40 kilometers away, which is a critical feature for emission-free operations in environments with electronic countermeasures. The system’s engagement envelope spans from 3 to 70 kilometers in range and from 15 meters to 25,000 meters in altitude, allowing it to cover a wide spectrum of conventional and low-observable threats. The command post and launcher units can be interconnected using cable or radio links up to 10 kilometers, or optical fiber lines extending up to 120 kilometers. Each launcher vehicle carries four 9M318 missiles and is capable of achieving full combat readiness within five minutes, reducing vulnerability during rapid repositioning or in response to time-sensitive aerial threats. The system retains interoperability with earlier Buk variants but includes modernized software interfaces and digital subsystems that enable integration into broader air defense networks. The Buk-MB2K is developed as a fully Belarusian system, incorporating both radar and tracking elements manufactured within the national industry, and is offered as an upgrade pathway for states operating Soviet-era Buk platforms without access to newer Russian systems. (Source: Google/armyrecognition.com)
02 Jun 25. Algeria deploys for the first time Russian S-400 air defense system during live-fire exercise. As reported by Clash Report on May 30, 2025, during the tactical live-fire exercise “Al-Sumoud 2025,” the Algerian People’s National Army officially showed for the first time the operational deployment of the Russian-made S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system. The system was visibly integrated into the exercise, with launcher and radar components employed in the scenarios conducted during the drills. This public confirmation follows previous indications, such as satellite imagery and port documentation from 2021, that Algeria had taken delivery of S-400 components. The exercise confirmed both the existence and integration of these systems into the command structure of Algeria’s air defense network. This information had not been previously acknowledged officially, despite repeated reporting on the likely presence of such systems in Algeria. The confirmation occurs in the context of a long-term air defense modernization program pursued by Algeria since the early 2000s. The Territorial Air Defence Forces, established as a separate branch of the armed forces in 1988 after earlier functioning as a directorate under the Air Force, now operate across the national territory. Their structure includes three air defense brigades and five surface-to-air missile regiments. During the period between 2002 and 2014, Algeria implemented a major program of acquisition and upgrading of air defense assets. This included the purchase of new Russian systems such as the S-300PMU-2, Buk-M2, Tor-M2, and Pantsir-S1, as well as the Chinese HQ-9B and Swedish RBS 70. Soviet-era systems such as the SA-2, SA-3, SA-6, SA-8, and S-125 Pechora were retained and upgraded, often with modern electronics from Western or Russian suppliers. Algeria has also established licensed local production of man-portable systems like the Igla and Strela. Radar coverage has been improved through acquisition of systems such as the Kolchuga passive detection network and the 96L6 all-altitude radar. The S-400 Triumf system, developed by Almaz-Antey, is designed to counter a wide range of airborne targets. Each regiment can include up to 12 transporter-erector-launchers (TELs), with four ready-to-fire missiles per launcher. The system is capable of launching multiple types of missiles: the 40N6E with a range of up to 400 kilometers and an altitude ceiling of 30 kilometers; the 48N6DM with a range of 240 kilometers; the 48N6E2 with 200 kilometers; and the 9M96E2 with 120 kilometers. All use radar homing guidance, either semi-active or active, and employ cold launch methods. The system is designed to engage up to 36 targets simultaneously with 72 missiles in flight. Missile velocity varies by type, with the 48N6 series reaching up to 2,000 m/s. These interceptors are capable of engaging fixed-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, cruise missiles, and some types of short-range ballistic missiles. The system is designed for rapid deployment, with readiness from march to engagement within five to ten minutes, and from standby in under three minutes. The S-400 is supported by a network of mobile radar and command units. The 91N6E radar provides target detection with a range up to 600 kilometers under optimal conditions. The 92N6E multifunction radar handles target tracking and missile guidance. Supplementary systems such as the 96L6 all-altitude detector and Kolchuga passive sensors provide early warning and increase resilience to jamming. The entire system is controlled by the 30K6E command system, which coordinates data exchange and engagement decisions. Integration is also possible with legacy systems such as the S-300PMU-2 and mobile point defense systems like the Pantsir-S1 and Tor-M2. The radars operate across L-band, S-band, and VHF frequencies to improve detection of stealth and low-RCS targets. The system supports multi-band and multi-directional engagement strategies, particularly in combination with additional search and tracking radars such as the Protivnik-GE and Gamma-DE. Algeria’s reported inventory of at least one S-400 regiment integrates with existing infrastructure to support layered defense over key zones.
The inclusion of the S-400 system expands Algeria’s defense coverage, offering extended-range interception capabilities not previously available in its arsenal. The 40N6E missile enables engagement of airborne targets at ranges sufficient to cover large portions of Algerian airspace from fixed coastal positions. This includes strategic zones such as the northern metropolitan corridor, oil and gas facilities in the interior, and airfields near border areas. The system increases Algeria’s ability to detect and respond to incursions by aircraft, ISR platforms, and cruise missiles before they reach launch range or target areas. With the ability to intercept at varying altitudes and ranges, the S-400 contributes to the establishment of a layered air defense network. Combined with short- and medium-range assets already in service, this enables Algeria to create overlapping coverage areas and minimize gaps, especially in high-value or contested regions. The system also reinforces Algeria’s ability to operate independently without reliance on external early warning or missile defense architecture. Algeria’s acquisition of the S-400 system reflects the broader scope of its defense cooperation with Russia. Russia has been the primary supplier of Algerian military equipment since independence and currently accounts for approximately 73% of Algeria’s arms imports, according to data covering 2018 to 2022. This relationship has included the 2006 multibn-dollar contract for Su-30MKA fighters, S-300PMU-2 systems, and initially MiG-29SMT aircraft, which were returned in 2008 and replaced by 16 additional Su-30MKA. Algeria also operates Russian-supplied T-90SA main battle tanks, Pantsir-S1 and Tor-M2 systems, Varshavyanka-class submarines, and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles. Licensed local production has included AK-series assault rifles, RPGs, and portable air defense missiles such as the Igla. Russia has also expressed interest in Algeria participating in advanced development projects such as the Su-57 fighter. The acquisition of the S-400 falls within this framework and supports Algeria’s strategy of maintaining strong bilateral defense cooperation while avoiding dependency on Western suppliers. The confirmation of S-400 deployment has implications for regional military balance, particularly in North Africa. Algeria becomes the only country in the Maghreb with a strategic-range air defense system of this class. The range of the 40N6E missile allows Algeria to surveil and potentially interdict aerial activity over parts of Morocco and the western Mediterranean from within its own territory. For Morocco, which has focused its recent defense modernization on Western-supplied platforms such as F-16s, Israeli radars, and American Patriot batteries, the Algerian S-400 represents a serious challenge in terms of range, altitude, and target interception. The Algerian S-400 changes the calculus of potential aerial operations and reinforces Algeria’s ability to enforce air denial in contested areas. More broadly, the presence of the S-400 provides Algeria with a high-readiness capability to monitor and defend its airspace across multiple domains and scenarios. It also enhances its position in regional security dynamics and signals a continued policy of strategic self-sufficiency supported through high-end bilateral partnerships.(Source: Google/armyrecognition.com)
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
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.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-