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08 Aug 25. South Korea enhances air defence shield with M-SAM improvements. The South Korean government recently took two major steps toward strengthening its air defence shield against attack from North Korea’s ballistic-missile arsenal. Firstly, on 28 July it announced it had deployed a first Medium Surface-to-Air Missile (M-SAM) Block II system after it had been upgraded from a Block I. Then, secondly, on 1 August, the authorities revealed that it had awarded contracts for development of the M-SAM Block III (also known as the Cheongung-III) as its next-generation air defence system. Original Cheongung-I missiles, in a mobile, medium-range system focused on aircraft threats, were fielded in 2016. Since then, the government has pursued a phased improvement programme rather than developing entirely new systems. Thus, the air force formally deployed its first new-build M-SAM Block II batteries in 2023, with each battery containing 32 missiles that possess an anti-ballistic capability. However, the latest milestone covered the upgrade of Block I systems into the Block II. As part of this effort, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) is investing KRW645bn (US$467m) to fully upgrade these existing Block I systems into the improved system by 2027. The agency claimed this upgrade approach offered significant savings compared to developing an entirely new air defence system. The Cheongung-II is a key element of the multi-layered Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) network. It addresses both fixed-wing aircraft and high-speed, manoeuvring missile threats. It has a hit-to-kill capability and improved low-altitude target detection, plus it allows multi-target engagements, thus increasing response to saturation or complex attacks. The Block II system uses a ground-based, multifunction, X-band, 3D, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar with a 100km range; it is capable of tracking up to 40 targets simultaneously. Detection or jamming of the radar is minimised by employing electronic beam steering and reducing sidelobe emissions. The interceptor missiles employ active radar guidance in their terminal phase. Each has a range of 40km at altitudes of up to 15km. An M-SAM Block II battery consists of a truck-mounted AESA radar, a command post vehicle and four eight-cell missile launchers. The upgrade path to the future Cheongung-III, which should be completed by 2034, will realise similar cost savings as occurred with the Block II. The primary contract award to LIG Nex1 involves development of the engagement control system, command-and-control unit, interceptor missile and full system integration. Hanwha, although not selected as prime, will provide missile launchers, propulsion system and multifunction radars. The Block III programme is valued at KRW3 trillion (US$2.2 bn), and it will extend the current system’s capabilities by intercepting envisioned future ballistic-missile threats. It will have five times the operational range and increase the engagement altitude to 30km. The solid-fuel missile will achieve speeds of Mach 4.5, and use inertial guidance and active radar homing to address both short- and medium-range targets. The density and multi-layered structure of the KAMD network reflect Seoul’s clear appreciation of the threat posed by North Korea and its anticipated attack tactics. Continued development of indigenous defence systems also demonstrates the country’s commitment to increased self-reliance and to establishing itself as a top-tier exporter of defence equipment. (Source: AMR)
06 Aug 25. LM Establishes Command and Control Prototyping Hub for Golden Dome for America. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has built a prototyping environment that supports the collaborative development of a Golden Dome for America Command and Control (C2) capability. Leveraging its Center for Innovation facility in Suffolk, Va., better known as The Lighthouse, Lockheed Martin is bringing in a range of existing, combat-proven C2 systems designed to connect sensors, shooters, and platforms across all domains, from seabed to space. C2 capabilities are important to Golden Dome for America as they perform the crucial task of integrating data from various sensors and coordinating direct actions, such as interceptor launches, while also enabling cyber-resilient communications and synchronized decision-making across domains through the fusion of trusted, multi-source data. This is key to enabling fast, more confident responses to threats.
“This rapid C2 prototyping effort is one among many within Lockheed Martin demonstrating how we can support the US Government as a Golden Dome for America mission partner,” said Daniel Nimblett, Vice President of Layered Homeland Defense at Lockheed Martin. “Through a series of demonstrations, we’ll fuse existing C2 capabilities from across industry and government into a scalable baseline that delivers real-time situational awareness and enables informed decision-making to defend the nation. This phased approach reduces risk and delivers capabilities early by accelerating integration, reducing redesigns, and lowering lifecycle costs.”
Pressure Tests for Future Threats
Prototyping is already underway at the Lighthouse, where real capabilities are being tested against current and future threat scenarios, from ground to space. These capabilities include: threat evaluation, battle management, mission planning tools, sensor tasking, AI/ML integration and optimization, joint planning, robust data link sharing and more. These are deliberate technological actions to enable integrated domain awareness, extend decision timelines, and optimize engagements.
“Golden Dome for America is a challenge unlike anything attempted at this scale or on this timeline, and we’re moving fast to bring together connected C2 capabilities that work now,” said Thad Beckert, Golden Dome C2 director at Lockheed Martin. “This prototyping approach is a novel method to provide evolutionary capability for an unprecedented effort. This environment offers the government the ability to experiment and exercise with technologies that weren’t originally built to work together and make them operate cohesively.”
The Lighthouse’s unique infrastructure is optimized for collaborative experimentation and analysis and has supported numerous experiments and analytical efforts with government, academic and industry partners.
The Lighthouse Capabilities Include:
- The ability to perform realistic exercises at multiple classification levels
- Modeling and Simulation
- Wargaming
- Live, Virtual, Constructive (LVC) Experimentation
- Complex, Tailored Demonstrations
- Tabletop Exercises
- Analytical Workshops
What’s next?
Next, Lockheed Martin intends to work with government and industry partners to pull in technologies from across the defense space to facilitate delivery of the overarching C2 layers for Golden Dome for America ahead of 2028.
“We’ve built an environment where multiple companies can come together, collaborate and deliver real mission outcomes fast,” said Beckert. “No one company is going to bring all of the solutions, we are committed to working across industry to help the government succeed in achieving a unified, layered homeland defense that will protect our nation now and well into the future.”
Golden Dome for America
Golden Dome for America is the U.S. government’s effort to build a layered, Integrated Air and Missile Defense architecture to protect the homeland from evolving threats. Lockheed Martin is ready to support Golden Dome for America as a proven mission partner. We have combat proven systems across all domains from seabed to space to provide early warning, sensing, tracking, and weapons systems to eliminate current and future threats. Along with our deep expertise and scale, we will partner with other parts of America’s industrial base to deliver unmatched IAMD to safeguard America. (Source: ASD Network)
04 Aug 25. Slovenia orders additional IRIS-T SLM units. The order marks the first subsequent purchase under the BAAINBw framework within the ESSI programme. The Slovenian Ministry of Defence has signed a purchase contract for two more fire units of the IRIS-T SLM medium-range ground-based air defence system. This acquisition is part of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) framework and was facilitated through a contract with Diehl Defence and the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw). Following the initial purchase of one fire unit in January 2024, this latest procurement includes essential components such as radar, tactical operations centre, missile launchers, guided missiles, and logistic support. Additional elements like mobile workshops, spare parts, and reloading vehicles are also part of the latest order to ensure comprehensive operational support. This marks the first repeat order within ESSI under the BAAINBw framework agreement. The ESSI framework expedites the procurement process and promises significant synergies in training, maintenance, and logistics for participating nations. Currently, ESSI comprises 24 European member states, aiming to enhance Nato interoperability and joint procurement benefits. The IRIS-T SLM system, part of Diehl Defence’s product portfolio, is adept at neutralising threats from aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones within a 40km range and up to 20km altitude. Its features include 360° coverage, high tactical mobility, deployable missile launchers, multiple target engagement capabilities, and efficient operation with minimal personnel. The IRIS-T SLM system has demonstrated its superior performance during operational deployment in Ukraine, achieving high hit rates even when confronted with more than 15 simultaneous targets. With this latest development, Slovenia joins a group of 21 nations that have invested in the IRIS-T family for air-to-air or ground-based air defence solutions provided by Diehl Defence. In July 2025, Germany and Switzerland signed a programme agreement for the procurement of IRIS-T SLM GBAD MR systems under the ESSI framework. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
05 Aug 25. Indra Leads the Development of the New Generation of Full Digital Self-protection Systems for Aircraft and Helicopters, More Effective Against Missile Attacks.
- The company will deliver the first full digital self-protection systems this year, as a preliminary step before flight testing begins, becoming the pioneering company in the development of this technology in Europe
- This breakthrough represents a major technological leap, as these systems can simultaneously scan the entire radar spectrum of interest and detect threats much faster, significantly increasing the effectiveness of countermeasures
- Once again, Indra demonstrates its key role in strengthening European strategic autonomy and sovereignty by designing critical systems that ensure superiority and deterrence capabilities
Indra is advancing in the development of a new generation of self-protection systems for military aircraft and helicopters with a completely digital standard (‘full digital’) that reduces missile attack detection time and enables faster response to neutralize threats. The company has already completed the design phases and produced the first units, ready for platform integration and aiming to deliver the initial systems this year, ahead of flight testing. This marks a bold technological leap that places Indra ahead of the rest of the industry in developing such systems, in a context where many companies have limited their efforts to hybrid solutions combining analog and digital technologies. However, the capabilities offered by the full digital suite are far superior, as they allow simultaneous scanning of the entire radar spectrum, enabling faster threat detection and gaining critical time to respond. Self-protection systems are essential today for any fighter jet, military transport aircraft, or helicopter operating in conflict zones—whether facing technologically advanced adversaries or asymmetric threats such as MANPADS (low-cost, easy-to-use missile launchers operable by a single person). Indra’s self-protection system consists of a suite that includes the ALR-400 Full Digital radar warning receiver for detecting radar-guided missiles or defense radars; the InWarner for detecting laser-guided missiles; and Indra’s InShield DIRCM (Directed Infrared Countermeasure) system, which protects aircraft from ground-to-air and air-to-air infrared-guided missile attacks. This fully modular suite is designed to adapt to the specific needs of each armed force. The solution also integrates the most common expendable countermeasures, such as CFD (Chaff and Flare Dispenser) systems for flares—used to mislead infrared-guided missiles—and chaff, which releases small reflective fibers to confuse radiofrequency-guided missiles. Indra has equipped fighter jets like the F-18, military transport aircraft such as the A400M and C295, and helicopters like the NH90 and Tiger, and is one of the key companies involved in developing the Eurofighter’s self-protection system. With the evolution of these systems, Indra ensures that all these platforms can continue operating at the highest level in the coming decades, as increasingly complex threats emerge. The company also leads or participates in several key European R&D projects focused on cutting-edge technologies for aircraft, such as multifunction systems that combine radar, communications, and electronic warfare in a single device (CROWN and SCEPTER), electronic attack capabilities (REACT and REACT II), and next-generation self-protection systems for aircraft and helicopters incorporating AI (CARMENTA and CARMENTA FP). (Source: ASD Network)
04 Aug 25. Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin Successfully Fire GMARS Launcher for the First Time. White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico – Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin, partners in the Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS) program, successfully conducted the first live fire of the GMARS launcher, demonstrating its capability to launch GMLRS rockets. These are the same munitions used by Germany and allied nations across the globe, reinforcing interoperability and supporting joint operations. The live fire demonstration, held at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, marked a significant milestone in the GMARS development program, which aims to provide military customers with a European-built highly mobile, survivable and versatile long-range precision fires capability. The launcher can be armed with an enhanced loadout of two ATACMS, 4 PrSM, 12 GMLRS Standard Range or 12 Extended Range GMLRS missiles.
“We are thrilled to have achieved this major milestone in the GMARS program,” said Dr. Björn Bernhard, CEO Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems Europe. “The successful live fire showcases the system’s precision and reliability, and we are confident that GMARS will meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
The GMARS launcher, based on the Rheinmetall HX vehicle series, offers a high degree of interoperability and interchangeability with fielded M270A2 and HIMARS launchers, making it an ideal solution for military forces operating in Europe. The system’s ability to launch current and future state-of-the-art long-range and extended-long-range rocket fire missions provides a significant advantage on the modern battlefield.
“Lockheed Martin is committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Paula Hartley, vice president and general manager of Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin. “The GMARS program is a prime example of this commitment, and we are pleased to have successfully demonstrated its capability in this live fire exercise. With this milestone accomplished, we are poised to rapidly qualify and bring this capability to market.”
The GMARS program is a result of the partnership between Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin, which combines their individual strengths to provide a European-centric launcher that maximizes combat-proven HIMARS and M270 components. GMARS offers twice the ammunition capacity and firepower as M270 on the world’s leading tactical truck with the ability to integrate platforms and ammunition from allied nations. For more information on the GMARS program, please visit: https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/products/tactical-wheeled-vehicles/wheeled-armoured-vehicles/gmars
04 Aug 25. U.S. Marine Corps orders RT20 remote turrets from Kongsberg for ACV-30 combat vehicles. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has secured a $117,900,168 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded contract with the U.S. Marine Corps. The agreement covers the delivery of 101 PROTECTOR Remote Turret 20 (RT20) units for integration on the Amphibious Combat Vehicle Medium Caliber Cannon (ACV-30). The contract also includes associated production, fielding and support costs, as well as support and test equipment and spares. This contract modification highlights the U.S. Marine Corps’ continued investment in advanced turret systems for amphibious operations. The RT20 is a compact, lightweight turret developed by the Norwegian defence company, designed specifically for challenging marine environments. It has been selected as the 30mm lethality solution for the USMC ACV programme and is fully marinised for operational durability.
“The RT20 includes the latest KONGSBERG technology within fire control, sensor capability and lethality performance,” the company stated. It is operated remotely from inside the vehicle compartment, enhancing crew protection while maintaining precise firepower.
All variants in the PROTECTOR Remote Turret family – RT20, RT40 and RT60 – are highly modular and can be tailored to specific customer needs. Despite differences in configuration, the turrets share a common fire control architecture and system components. This architecture enables wireless operation when integrated on unmanned platforms, adding flexibility across mission profiles. “The system automatically performs ballistic computations compensating for the lead angle, cant, tilt and vehicle motion, making targeting easier in the most challenging scenarios,” KONGSBERG added. The turret’s design allows reloading and access from under armour, eliminating the need for a traditional basket and freeing up interior space. Additionally, the linkless ammunition handling system offers improved reliability and reduced weight, contributing to better mobility. Kongsberg brings over two decades of experience as a global leader in Remote Weapon Systems to the PROTECTOR family. The RT20’s inclusion in the U.S. Marine Corps’ ACV programme further reinforces Kongsberg’s position in delivering advanced, combat-proven solutions. (Source: Google/DIE)
31 Jul 25. Moog Inc., a worldwide designer, manufacturer, and integrator of precision motion control components and systems, has displayed its larger gun variant of the Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP) in the UK for the first time. On display at the recent British Army Counter-UAS Expo held at Thorney Island in July, RIwP was showcased with the 30x173mm Bushmaster Mk44 chain gun. This powerful configuration – which leverages a number of operationally-proven and high-TRL components – demonstrates the significant flexibility of RIwP, allowing users to select effectors and sensors that suit their requirements. This specific RIwP variant is a low-risk solution and has already gone through live fire exercises with the US Army. The British Army’s Counter-UAS Expo has come at a critical time for the armed forces as drones become one of the main threats on today’s battlefield. Ongoing conflicts continue to show the operational challenges that drones of all sizes pose to friendly forces. The 30x173mm chain gun is a larger weapon than previously seen on RIwP in the UK. RIwP has previously been displayed with the 30x113mm cannon, a compact yet highly-effective gun that has been widely deployed operationally. Both 30mm gun variants are suited for counter-UAS roles, depending on the integration and capabilities required. The availability of both variants on a common weapons hub such as RIwP gives significant flexibility for frontline forces.
Richard Allen-Miles, EMEA Capture Lead at Moog, commented: “The blistering pace at which new threats are appearing and evolving on the modern battlefield demands a weapon system that can evolve at an equally rapid rate – this is ingrained in RIwP.” We look forward to demonstrating the capabilities of RIwP further across a range of mission sets for the British Army.”
With the common base hub of RIwP, users of a 30x173mm RIwP variant would be able to share maintenance, logistics and spares with other units operating RIwP. This would include users for short-range air defence (SHORAD), as well as other roles including Mounted Close Combat Overwatch (MCCO). RIwP provides complete flexibility in terms of swapping out effectors and sensors, allowing forces to keep pace with prevailing threats and maintaining a platform’s operational relevancy throughout its service life. Moog is in the process of equipping a dedicated facility in the UK to manufacture and support RIwP if selected for British Army service, building valuable skills from Moog’s existing US experience. This will leverage Moog’s current footprint in the UK and see the expansion of its British supply chain to support production, therefore boosting economic growth and supporting national security. RIwP is already in operational use as a counter-UAS system – including both hardware and software – as part of two critical US Army programmes of record: SGT Stout and Mobile Low, slow, small, unmanned aircraft, Integrated Defeat System (M-LIDS), which is now delivering Increment 2.1.
29 Jul 25. China’s capabilities advance with SPH and UGV developments. howitzer. The strides being made by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in advancing the capabilities of its ground combat force are illustrated by developments in robotic combat vehicles and a new 155mm self-propelled howitzer (SPH) currently undergoing testing. This modernised, next-generation 155mm tracked SPH is destined to enter service in China’s army. Its nomenclature is as yet unknown, but current trials may result in it being fielded by the PLA within the next two years. The new SPH will eventually replace the PLA’s current PLZ05, which was already considered a capable howitzer. Social media images and the limited information available indicate that it, like a number of Western designs, is highly automated. This may even allow for a minimal two-person crew. It is considered likely that the Chinese tracked system uses the 155mm L/52-calibre gun and turret technology, if not the complete design, already found on the SH16A wheeled SPH. The latter is based on the VN22 8×8 chassis. Interestingly, the wheeled SH16A was displayed at IDEX 2025 in February, where it was promoted as a “modular” gun/turret system suitable for integration on various wheeled or tracked platforms. The term “modular” reinforces this possibility of essentially the same turret appearing on the new tracked SPH. The 155mm L/52 barrel gives the weapon a level of performance and lethality comparable to the world’s most advanced artillery systems. Its maximum firing range is 56km with base bleed rocket-assisted projectiles. With ammunition including conventional, laser-guided, cluster, delivered mines and top-attack munitions, it is able to execute any mission required to support future ground operations. The turret is understood to weigh under 14 tonnes, and it has a 30-round magazine with autoloader. Fully automated fire controls, gun laying, fuse setting and automated loading offer a rapid rate of fire that matches or betters the 8-10 rounds per minute of the current PLZ05. Norinco and Edge jointly exhibited this VU-T10 combat robotic vehicle at the IDEX 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. (Gordon Arthur) In other news, Norinco released a video showing its VU-T10 tracked unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) intended to operate either independently or in coordination with other UGVs or manned combat vehicles. The video clip shows the 11-tonne VU-T10 travelling in open terrain, equipped with a turret mounting a 30mm autocannon, a coaxial medium machine gun and smoke grenade launchers. It clearly possesses a roof-mounted panoramic sight, with the entire system stabilised for on-the-move engagements. Norinco revealed that integration of the Red Arrow 12 antitank guided missile is an option too. Already exhibited at international events such as IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi, this system is available for export, although the technology is presumably being explored by the PLA as well. Both these SPH and combat UGV developments suggest that the PLA is closely watching lessons from the Russo-Ukraine battlefield. It is also matching the technology and development trends of Western militaries, particularly those of European industry. mChina further recognises the importance of the role of artillery and the potential contribution of autonomous systems in enhancing its combat capabilities for future conflicts, as well as remaining competitive in meeting export market demand. (Source: AMR)
04 Aug 25. US Army plans to grow Patriot battalions, plus one for Guam. The Army is planning to grow its operational Patriot air-and-missile defense force from 15 to 18 battalions, plus a composite battalion which includes Patriot capability in Guam, an Army spokesperson told Defense News in a statement. In 2023 the service announced a plan to add a 16th battalion, but it will now bolster a force stretched thin with two additional battalions. Vice Chief of Staff Gen. James Mingus announced earlier this month that the Patriot force would grow by “up to four” battalions. Additionally, the Army is planning to build an Integrated Air and Missile Defense battalion for Guam. The Guam Defense System battalion is a composite battalion that will include the Integrated Fire Protection Capability, or IFPC, and the Integrated Battle Command System-enabled Patriot with the Lower-Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor, or LTAMDS. IFPC is designed to provide defense against rockets, artillery, mortars, cruise missiles and drone threats at fixed and semi-fixed sites. The IBCS system is the newly fielded command-and-control system meant to tie shooters and sensors together on the battlefield. The Raytheon-developed LTAMDS radar, now in low-rate production, is designed to replace the Patriot radar, offering a 360-degree range of protection against various types of missiles.
“The battalion is purpose built for the defense of Guam and not counted in the total number of 18 Patriot battalions,” the Army spokesperson said.
The Raytheon-built Patriot is in ever increasing demand globally. Ukraine has depended on the system for several years as it continues to beat back the Russian invasion which began in February 2022. The U.S. and other countries continue to make commitments to supply additional Patriot systems to the war-torn country. The Patriot system also defended Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar against Iranian missiles in June. All new Patriot systems that come off the line for the U.S. Army will be equipped with the LTAMDS radar and IBCS.
“It greatly expands the range, the altitude, and it’s a 360,” Mingus said recently at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “So you could take those same 15 Patriot battalions we have today, give it IBCS and LTAMDs, and fundamentally when you operationally employ it, it’s immediately doubling that capability. You would have the equivalent of about 30 Patriot battalions because instead of having to deploy as batteries, you can break them up and disperse them in a much more tactical way.” (Source: Defense News)
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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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