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18 Sep 25. RAFAEL & Israel MOD: IRON BEAM 450 Development Completed, Delivery to IDF Soon. The R&D Unit within the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D), the Israeli Air Force (IAF), and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems have successfully completed a series of tests lasting several weeks, demonstrating the capabilities of the Iron Beam high-power laser system, with Elbit Systems serving as a project partner manufacturing the laser source. The test series, conducted at a facility in southern Israel, concludes the development phase and represents the final milestone before delivering the system to the IDF for operational deployment. The system proved its effectiveness in a complete operational configuration by intercepting rockets, mortars, aircraft, and UAVs across a comprehensive range of operational scenarios. The successful trials mark a critical milestone towards operational deployment, with the first systems set to be integrated into the IDF air defense arrays by year-end.
Iron Beam is a ground-based high-power laser air defense system designed to counter aerial threats, including rockets, mortars, and UAVs. It features an advanced targeting system that enables enhanced operational range, high precision, and superior efficiency while maintaining its unique advantage of rapidly neutralizing threats using laser technology at negligible cost. The R&D Unit within the Ministry’s DDR&D has spearheaded the system’s development, working alongside primary developer Rafael.
The Iron Beam system represents a global technological and engineering breakthrough, expected to integrate into Israel’s multi-layered defense array as a complementary capability to the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow air defense systems. The system utilizes Rafael’s unique “adaptive optics” technology, enabling a stable, focused, and precise beam.
As announced last May, operational prototypes of Rafael’s short-range tactical laser systems have been deployed throughout the current war and have successfully intercepted and defeated dozens of threats. Now that the Iron Beam’s performance has been proven, we anticipate a significant leap in air defense capabilities through the deployment of these long-range laser weapon systems.
Defense Minister, Israel Katz: “Achieving operational laser interception capability places the State of Israel at the forefront of global military technology and makes Israel the first nation to possess this capability. This is not only a moment of national pride, but a historic milestone for our defense envelope: rapid, precise interception at marginal cost that joins our existing defense systems and changes the threat equation. I thank all the people in the defense establishment who brought us to this moment. This achievement is theirs, and the people of Israel have much to be proud of. Our enemies from Gaza, Iran, Lebanon, Yemen, and other arenas should know: just as we are strong in defense, we are strong in offense – and we will do everything to protect the security of Israeli citizens.”
IMOD Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram: “Today marks the completion of our high-power laser system development – a historic milestone for Israel’s defense establishment and defense industries. This is the first time in the world that a high-power laser interception system has reached full operational maturity, completing numerous interceptions across various simulated operational scenarios. The high-power laser system will integrate within Israel’s multi-layered defense array, further enhancing multi-layered integration with additional missile interceptors through optimal cost-effectiveness and leveraging relative advantages against threat types, ranges, and environmental conditions.”
Head of DDR&D, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold: “The Iron Beam system exemplifies the exceptional capabilities of our defense industries under the DDR&D’s leadership – combining creativity, innovation, and ingenuity with outstanding management and execution. We’ve achieved global technological superiority through deployment on the battlefield by successfully integrating conventional defense industries and startup companies. Following these successful trials, we’re confident that combining laser and missile interceptors will significantly strengthen our defense envelope against rockets, missiles, UAVs, and emerging threats.”
Head of the R&D Unit, Brig. Gen. Yehuda Elmakayes: “Completing the Iron Beam capability demonstration marks the dawn of the era of widespread laser systems. After years of development and engineering led by our R&D Unit, in partnership with the IAF, Rafael, Elbit, and our defense industries, we’ve reached the stage where high-power laser systems are integral to Israel’s air defense array. Through the R&D Unit’s leadership at the DDR&D, Iron Beam will be the first step toward integrating directed energy weapons across all IDF defense and maneuvering systems.”
Rafael Chairman, Dr. Yuval Steinitz: “Rafael is the first and only company worldwide to successfully transform high-power laser technology into a fully mature, operational interception system capable of intercepting missiles and UAVs. We’re immensely proud of Rafael’s leadership in this operational and technological breakthrough. Today’s complex trial results prove that the talented team behind the Iron Dome is again revolutionizing warfare with what we call the ‘Laser Dome.’ Rafael’s laser system, built on our proprietary adaptive optics technology, will undoubtedly be a game-changing system with unprecedented impact on modern warfare.”
Rafael CEO and President, Yoav Tourgeman: “Rafael proudly concludes this successful, comprehensive laser system trial series, which included numerous complex scenarios that the system handled excellently. Rafael leads the laser interception revolution with operational systems representing the world’s most advanced technology. The ingenuity and boldness of Rafael’s premier scientists and massive R&D investments have produced technological breakthroughs and a globally significant operational-technological achievement. Rafael’s defense and offensive systems continue proving their battlefield effectiveness, contributing significantly to Israel’s security and citizen protection. In the coming months, we’ll deliver the first Iron Beam system from Rafael’s production lines to the defense establishment – a system that will fundamentally change the defense equation by enabling precise, rapid, and cost-effective interception unmatched by any existing system.” (Source: ASD Network)
18 Sep 25. UK Type 31 frigates: naval gun support MoU inked. The Type 31 frigates will introduce two entirely new main gun systems into the Royal Navy once they enter service. Babcock’s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BAE Systems Bofors on a naval gun support package for the Royal Navy’s future Type 31 frigates has shone the spotlight onto the unique 57mm and 40mm naval gun configuration the class will feature.
Detailed in an 18 September release, Babcock said the MoU was signed in anticipation of an in-service support opportunity for the Bofors 57mm Mk3 systems and 40mm Mk4 systems fitted across the Type 31 frigate class.
Each Type 31 frigate will be equipped with a single 57mm main gun and two 40mm secondary weapons systems, offering considerable short-range conventional deterrence against small vessels, drones, anti-ship missiles, and fast attack craft.
Babcock, which is manufacturing the Type 31 frigates at its Rosyth shipyard, is already working with BAE Systems integrating the Bofors weapons systems onto the lead ship in class, HMS Venturer.
Both the 57mm and 40mm naval guns will be newcomers to the Royal Navy, which is undergoing an extensive warships replacement programme in a bid to solve critically low hull numbers and diminished capability.
Babcock currently provides in-service support to Royal Navy naval gun systems including the 4.5” Mk8 gun used across the old Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers, the widely used Phalanx CIWS, and the GSA9 gunfire control system fitted to the Type 45 destroyers.
Type 31 main gun: Bofors 57mm
Also known as the BAE Systems 57mm Mk110, the Bofors 57 Mk3 is typically used for operations in the littoral zone, where warships operate closer to shore and thus potentially vulnerable to onshore threats, as well as combating fast attack craft and patrol boats.
Standard specifications
The system is the deck gun of choice for the US Navy’s Littoral Combat Ships and the US Coast Guard’s large National Security Cutters, the latter of which are a similar size and weight compared to the UK’s incoming Type 31 frigates.
Secondary guns: Bofors 40mm
Intended to complement the single 57mm Mk3/Mk110 on the Type 31 frigates will be two 40mm secondary weapon systems, one mounted in an elevated position just behind the main gun with the second installed aft on top of the helicopter hangar.
In this configuration, the two Bofors 40mm guns will offer a wide arc of secondary defence to complement the 57mm Mk3/Mk110. (Source: naval-technology.com)
18 Sep 25. Babcock and BAE Systems Bofors Coordinate Capabilities for Gunnery Support. Babcock International Group (Babcock), the defence company and BAE Systems Bofors have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to offer a comprehensive package of support for the Royal Navy’s Type 31 Inspiration Class frigates multi-purpose Bofors Guns.
Working collaboratively for the anticipated in-service support opportunity for the Bofors 40 Mk4 and 57 Mk3 naval gun systems, the MOU brings together experts with unrivalled knowledge, technical capability and experience of the design and production of the cutting-edge gun system and wider gunnery support.
Babcock and the BAE Systems Bofors team have an established relationship and are already working closely together as the Bofors guns are being installed on the fleet of five Type 31 Inspiration class ships currently being built by Babcock at its Rosyth facility with the teams overseeing the preparatory integration and UK acceptance to service activities of these gunnery assets.
Babcock’s Mission Systems gunnery team has an impressive track record of international technical and field support, logistics and inventory management, independent safety assessments, maintenance, overhaul and repair. It is also the lead provider of In-Service Support (ISS) to current Royal Navy Maritime Gunnery Systems including the 4.5” Mk8 gun, Phalanx Close-In Weapon System and the GSA9 gunfire control system.
BAE Systems Bofors is recognised globally as one of the leading manufacturers of gunnery systems. As the original equipment manufacturer, BAE Systems Bofors hold the deep technical knowledge and design authority expertise to complement the capabilities of Babcock as the prospective ISS provider and combined this develops an enduring offering for global customers.
Neal Misell, Chief Executive Mission Systems – Babcock said: “These assets will provide a vital part of a ship’s defence and the signing of this MOU brings together our unmatched team of experts to support these critical naval gunnery systems through life. With decades of technological experience and an intricate understanding of both the weapons systems and the platforms they will be operating from, we are geared and ready to provide the most capable and cost-effective support we believe is available for these guns”
Patrik Selling, Director Naval Sales at BAE Systems Bofors said: “We are looking forward to contributing to an In-Service Support solution for our 40 and 57 mm Naval Guns that will fulfil the needs of the UK MOD and the Royal Navy, ensuring that the guns will be in effective service for many decades to come.”
18 Sep 25. IBCS (Integrated Air and Defense Battle Command System). Northrop Grumman and NCSIST Sign MOU to Collaborate on Air and Missile Defense Capabilities The MOU was recently signed at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman) Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) and the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore collaboration on air and missile defense modernization for the Taiwan Ministry of National Defense.
NCSIST is Taiwan’s primary institution for research and development in national defense technologies and focuses on the development, manufacturing and sale of defense technology to strengthen Taiwan’s self-reliant defense capabilities.
“At Northrop Grumman, we understand the crucial role of air and missile defense for Taiwan,” said Jeremy Knupp, vice president of global command and control systems, Northrop Grumman. “By leveraging our experience on programs such as the Integrated Battle Command System, which is the U.S. Army’s program of record for air and missile defense modernization, and NCSIST’s defense technology expertise, we are confident that our joint efforts will help strengthen Taiwan’s readiness to address evolving threats.”
18 Sep 25. Taiwan army to induct T112 sniper rifles. The Republic of China Army (RoCA) is preparing to induct the T112 sniper rifle into service, an official told Janes at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE) 2025 in Taipei during 18–20 September. An official from the 205th Arsenal of the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense’s (MND’s) Armaments Bureau said at the exhibition that development of the 12.7 mm T112 sniper rifle (formerly designated XT112) was now completed, and that full-scale production of the weapon is set to commence. The official said the rifle will soon enter service with the RoCA, where it will equip its special operations forces’ sniper units. The official said the rifle will be delivered in 2025 but he did not elaborate. According to the Armaments Bureau, the T112 is a 12.7×99 mm bolt-action long-range precision rifle. It is fed from a 10-round, detachable, double-stack, steel box magazine, and has an effective range of 2,000 m (2 km). The rifle weighs around 12 kg. It also features a tactical handguard, an aluminium alloy lower body, and a muzzle brake.
The Armaments Bureau also showcased the T112 5.56 mm assault rifle. The rifle carries a 30-round magazine, has an effective range of 600 m, and is equipped with a polygon-thickened barrel, multifunction tactical handguard, integrated picatinny rail, and adjustable stock. (Source: Janes)
17 Sep 25. Taiwan shows off first missile to be jointly manufactured with US arms maker. Taiwan unveiled its first missile to be jointly manufactured with a U.S. company on Wednesday, marking a major step in the fast-growing defence cooperation between Taipei and Washington to counter China’s military threat. Democratically-governed Taiwan is racing to bolster its armed forces as China, which views the island as its own territory, steps up its military pressure, including staging war games and regularly sending warplanes and warships into nearby skies and waters. (Source: Reuters)
17 Sep 25. What missile did a USAF F-22 use to break a fifth-gen record?
Manufacturer Raytheon stated the successful F-22 tests showcase AMRAAM’s extended time of flight but provide little details.
- A USAF F-22 fifth generation fighter broke a new record last year for the longest air-to-air intercept firing
- Neither the USAF nor the manufacturer disclosed the exact variant of the AMRAAM missile used
- The development of beyond visual range air combat capabilities is a key aim for Western militaries
In the fall of 2024, the US Air Force (USAF) conducted the longest known AMRAAM air-to-air missile shot by an fifth-generation air superiority fighter during a series of tests using an F-22 fighter, it has been revealed.
Detailing the development in a 16 September release, AMRAAM manufacturer Raytheon, stated that the tests “demonstrated AMRAAM’s extended time of flight capability” and in doing so, “proving the munition can significantly increase the lethality of a fifth-generation aircraft”.
The programme is the result of the USAF’s form, fit, function refresh (F3R) development effort intended to enhance the performance of the long-serving missile.
“Achieving air superiority in the future, highly contested battlespace depends on the precision and lethality of air-to-air missiles,” said Sam Deneke, president of Air & Space Defense Systems at Raytheon, an RTX business.
In the release, Raytheon stated that AMRAAM air-to-air missiles are now being produced “at a higher rate than ever before”.
F-22 and its missiles: AIM-120D
The missile has been operational from its earliest variants for more than 30 years, and integrated onto 14 platforms in 43 countries, completing more than 6,000 live fires, according to Raytheon.
The latest variants of the AMRAAM, such as the AIM-120D, are flying considerably greater distances and at higher altitudes that early iterations.
Although not specifically disclosed, the missile was likely the AIM-120D variant, which is being integrated onto the USAF’s F-22 fighter under the Increment 3.2B modernization programme, along with the AIM-9X.
Increment 3.2B also incorporates new hardware, enhances Geolocate capability, and expands Intra Flight Data Link functionality, according to the USAF.
Configured in its main air-to-air role, the F-22 could be loaded with up to eight missiles while maintaining its stealth configuration, incorporating six AIM-120s in its main bay, along with a single AIM-9X located either side in the supplementary weapon bays.
The exact range of the AIM-120D is classified, but it is though to have intercept capabilities between 160-180km, enabling beyond visual range combat, utilizing a two-way data link for in-flight updates and retargeting. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
15 Sep 25. UK MoD to upgrade in-service L111A1 Heavy Machine Gun. The .50 Cal is a staple of Western military capability, offering mounted or dismounted fire support at ranges of up to 2km. Guns Platoon, Support Company, 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, operating RWMIK-mounted L111A1 HMGs on exercise in Kenya. Credit: UK MoD/Crown copyright
- UK MoD says ten-year deal will create new jobs and sustain employment at FN UK’s facility.
- Mid-life improvements are designed to overcome obsolescence, improve performance and reliability, and reduce through-life support costs.
- Contract comes as FN UK marks a milestone of 50 years of manufacturing in the UK.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded a new ten-year contract worth £20m ($27.2m) to upgrade and provide through-life support for the UK Armed Forces’ L111A1 Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) will create a handful of new jobs in the UK whilst sustaining 80 existing positions.
Defence Equipment & Support, the procurement arm of the UK MoD, through its Dismounted Close Combat Portfolio team, has awarded the contract to FN UK, the only manufacturer and assembler of machine guns in the UK.
According to a 15 September release, the contract will see FN UK undertake a mid-life improvement programme for the weapon over two years, followed by eight years of in-service support. All upgrade work will be carried out at FN UK’s manufacturing facility in Kent.
Upgrades are expected to commence with 18% of machine guns to be delivered by March 2026, 50% by March 2027, and the remaining 32% by March 2028.
Brig Nick Serle, Head of Military Capability Delivery for the British Army, said: “This mid-life update will further enhance the lethality of our close combatants.”
The contract comes as FN UK marks 50 years of manufacturing in the UK, tracing its origins to Manroy Engineering in 1975, which initially produced machine gun parts for the Ministry of Defence. FN Browning acquired Manroy in 2014 and renamed the company FN UK.
The L111A1 support contract award is separate from another UK programme to introduce a new dismounted assault machine gun in replacement of the L110 A2 Light Machine Gun (LMG), known as the Minimi in UK service, which was axed in 2018.
In the place of the Minimi, infantry sections were tasked to use the L129A1 Sharpshooter and the L7A2 GPMG 7.62mm heavy machine gun.
However, it now appears the UK MoD is seeking an alternative infantry machine gun, chambered in 5.56mm, and more easily carried by dismounted troops.
Specifications: L111A1 12.7mm (.50) HMG
The L111A1 12.7mm (.50) HMG is an updated version of the Browning M2 and serves as the UK military’s small arms fire support weapon, with an effective range of around 1.8km.
Able to be operated from dismounted tripods or fitted to vehicles, the L111A1, also known as the ’50 Cal’, is equipped across British Army platforms, as well as Royal Navy surface vessels. (Source: army-technology.com)
15 Sep 25. US Typhon missile system’s presence in Japan sharpens Asia arms race.
- Summary
- Typhon system showcased in Japan as part of annual Resolute Dragon exercise
- Previous deployment of missile system criticised by Beijing and Moscow
- Typhon’s presence in Japan could provoke stronger Chinese reaction, analysts say
The United States on Monday showcased its Typhon intermediate-range missile system in Japan for the first time, underscoring Washington and Tokyo’s growing willingness to field weapons that Beijing has condemned as destabilising.
The land-based launcher, capable of firing Tomahawk cruise missiles with enough range to strike China’s eastern seaboard or parts of Russia from Japan, will feature in the annual Resolute Dragon exercise. The two-week drill involves 20,000 Japanese and U.S. troops, along with warships and missile batteries.
“Employing multiple systems and different types of munitions, it is able to create dilemmas for the enemy,” Colonel Wade Germann, commander of the task force that operates the missile system, said at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in front of the launcher.
“The speed with which it can be deployed enables us to forward position it when required expeditiously,” he said, adding Typhon will leave Japan after Resolute Dragon. He declined to say where the unit will go next or whether it will return to Japan.
The system’s unveiling in western Japan follows its deployment to the Philippines in April 2024, a move that drew sharp criticism from Beijing and Moscow, which accused the U.S. of fuelling an arms race.
Germann declined to say whether the unit in Japan was the same one that was deployed to the Philippines. Typhon was still in the Philippines when Reuters last checked with the military on August 28.
The U.S. also conducted live-fire exercises in Australia this year but its presence in Japan, closer to China, could prompt a stronger reaction, military analysts say.
China’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Typhon’s latest deployment.
“In the past, these deployments would have been nixed by DC and Tokyo bureaucrats out of fear of the Chinese reaction. You can see that’s less of an issue than it was, say five years ago,” said Grant Newsham, a Japan Forum for Strategic Studies research fellow and retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel who worked alongside the Japanese military.
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‘FIRST ISLAND CHAIN’
The U.S. describes Iwakuni as part of the ‘First Island Chain’, a string of territories and bases stretching from Japan through the Philippines that hems in Chinese sea and air power and complicates its military planning.
Typhon can also fire SM-6 missiles designed to strike ships or aircraft at ranges beyond 200 km (125 miles). Washington is seeking to mass such anti-ship weapons across Asia as it tries to counter China’s growing missile arsenal.
Unlike next-generation missile projects, Typhon draws on existing weapons that are easy to mass-produce. That, military planners say, will make it easier for the U.S. and its allies to catch up with China, which this year plans to increase its defence budget by 7.2%.
Japan is also stepping up military spending. It is buying Tomahawk missiles for its warships and developing its own intermediate-range missiles as part of its biggest military expansion since World War Two. (Source: Reuters)
15 Sep 25. Thales is a major contributor to the success of SAMP/T NG selected by the Danish Ministry of Defence
- The Danish Ministry of Defence has selected SAMP/T NG to strengthen its air defence and ensure interoperability with European and NATO armed forces.
- The SAMP/T NG system is a mobile ground-to-air system designed to intercept and destroy medium range ballistic missiles, aircraft and drones.
- Thales, integrator of the SAMP/T NG system in collaboration with MBDA, also provides the Ground Fire air defence surveillance radar. Produced in series since the beginning of the year 2025, this radar offers revolutionary performance with a range of up to 400 km and panoramic coverage at 360° and 90° elevation.
Initially designed to handle the Aster family’s ammunition (A30 B1 and A30 B1NT), for which Thales provides the seeker, a key element in missile guidance, each Danish section of the SAMP/T NG will rely on Thales’s Ground Fire radar, as well as on the Command and Control (Engagement Module New Generation), for which Thales is the design authority, and which is produced by Thales in cooperation with MBDA.
Based on fully digital active electronically scanned antennas (AESA) technology, the Ground Fire radar offers a high level of performance to detect, track and classify numerous targets, including in the most complex environments such as mountainous regions and high-traffic airspace. This radar offers a refresh rate of only 1 second and a surveillance capacity up to 400 km, with panoramic coverage at 360° and 90° elevation. It is capable of detecting drones, as well as ballistic missiles, taking advantage of the mobility of a tactical radar.
The open architecture of the SAMP/T NG system, designed by Thales, facilitates its integration and interoperability with other European systems, thus enhancing the air defence capabilities of the continent. The Ground Fire ensures strategic autonomy, with high operational readiness. Its design allows a high level of mobility, with reduced installation and dismantling times and compact dimensions equivalent to those of an ISO transport container.
The Ground Fire maximizes the performance of the new generation ASTER 30 and positions France among the leaders in air defence and medium-range antimissile defence.
The SAMP/T NG programme is overseen by the Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement (OCCAR). Eurosam, a joint-venture between Thales and MBDA, is the lead contractor for the entire system.
“Thales is honoured by the choice made by the Danish authorities. With Eurosam and MBDA, we sincerely thank our client for their trust. The Danish armed forces will benefit from a state-of-the-art system to guarantee the protection of their airspace and contribute to the defence of European countries and NATO.” said Hervé Dammann, Executive Vice-President, Land and Air Systems, Thales.
15 Sep 25. Thales eyes more SAMP/T deals after Denmark picks European anti-missile system.
- Summary
- Denmark picked SAMP/T over US Patriot air defence system
- Co-manufacturer Thales sees more potential export deals
France’s Thales (TCFP.PA) and its partners are talking to several European and other nations about potential new SAMP/T deals after Denmark picked the Franco-Italian air defence system over the U.S. Patriot, a senior Thales executive said.
“Air defence is clearly becoming a priority across Europe, not only the eastern part,” Herve Dammann, Executive Vice-President for Land and Air Systems, told reporters on Monday.
Prospects include not only countries that have publicly voiced interest, like Greece and Belgium, but other unidentified markets, he told a briefing on Denmark’s SAMP/T purchase.
Air defences are in focus after Poland shot down suspected Russian drones in its airspace with the backing of aircraft from NATO allies, the first time a member of the Western alliance is known to have fired shots during Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Denmark said on Friday it would acquire air defence systems, including two SAMP/T systems, for 58 bn Danish crowns ($9.1 bn), becoming the first European buyer outside France and Italy and rejecting bids for the widely used U.S. Patriot.
The competition was seen as a test of European efforts to boost purchases of regionally produced weapons, and put ties between two NATO allies further under the spotlight following a recent spat between Copenhagen and Washington over Greenland.
Danish officials have denied any link between the country’s largest ever arms purchase and recent tensions with Washington over U.S. President Donald Trump’s campaign to acquire Greenland, which has been under Danish control since 1721.
“This is not a rejection of Patriot, it is a selection of what is best,” Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen told a news conference on Friday.
DANISH POLITICIANS BACK DECISION TO BUY IN EUROPE
Thales declined to comment on the political backdrop to the competition, saying this was a matter for the Danish government and that SAMP/T had won in part due to its 360-degree coverage.
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SAMP/T was developed by Thales and forerunners to the French and Italian subsidiaries of MBDA (AIR.PA)(LDOF.MI) the world’s second-largest missile maker behind RTX (RTX.N) which developed the Patriot system used by over half a dozen European nations.
The choice between American and European systems has become politically sensitive following a flurry of comments from Trump threatening to annex Greenland over security concerns.
While Danish officials emphasised the decision was based on technical and practical considerations, Danish politicians on left and right painted the procurement as a win for Europe.
“It pays to be a good ally … It has been a strong political desire to buy from reliable and non-threatening partners,” said conservative lawmaker Rasmus Jarlov on X.
“I will not hide the fact that I am incredibly happy that the 58 bn crowns will not go to the Israeli or U.S. arms industry, but will go to the European arms industry,” said Martin Lidegaard, leader of the opposition Social Liberal party.
Denmark is also looking at medium-range defences including the Norwegian NASAMS, German IRIS-T and French VL-MICA.
In a paper on defence readiness earlier this year, the European Commission identified air and missile defences as one of seven priority areas for filling gaps in military capacity. (Source: Reuters)
12 Sep 25. IPG Photonics details laser CROSSBOW C-UAS capabilities. IPG Photonics gave new details of its CROSSBOWTM MINI 3 kW high-energy laser (HEL) system at DSEI 2025.
“IPG CROSSBOW MINI is a patent-pending, compact field-ready laser defence system engineered to counter the escalating threat of unmanned aerial systems (UAS),” said the company in a press statement. “Designed for immediate deployment and scalable integration, CROSSBOW marks a transformative leap in directed-energy defence.
“CROSSBOW MINI 3 kW HEL, featured at DSEI UK, is optimized to neutralize Group 1 and 2 drones with unmatched precision. The CROSSBOW product line also includes CROSSBOW MINI 500 W Dazzler, which is available now, and pre-orders are being taken for the higher-power CROSSBOW MINI 8 kW HEL system.
“CROSSBOW MINI 3 kW HEL operates up to 12 hours on internal battery power and for extended missions with external power supplies. CROSSBOW systems can operate as a stand-alone laser defence system offering advanced tracking and engagement capabilities. In addition, single or multiple CROSSBOW systems can seamlessly integrate with existing command and control networks and radar platforms allowing for distributed protection of critical assets. CROSSBOW systems feature stowable beam directors, are easily transportable via commercial transport, and are capable of rapid deployment.”
“Following successful demonstrations in the field, CROSSBOW MINI 3 kW HEL has already neutralized over 100 drones in realistic scenarios including single and swarm attacks. Unlike complex alternatives, CROSSBOW systems enable turnkey reliability that operators can deploy and maintain without extensive specialized training.”
Lockheed Martin has selected the IPG CROSSBOW as the laser weapon system for integration into its Sanctum C-UAS architecture and has demonstrated its effectiveness at four unique field exercises, showcasing a ready-now capability to address the threat of small UAS affordably, effectively, and at scale.
“The modern battlespace demands integrated and layered defense against small UAS,” said Tyler Griffin, Lockheed Martin’s C-UAS Director. “To address this need, Lockheed Martin developed the Sanctum C-UAS ecosystem with end-to-end capability to detect, track, identify and defeat small UAS.
For more information
https://www.ipgphotonics.com/newsroom/news/ipg-photonics-to-debut-new-field-ready-laser-defen (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
10 Sep 25. Elbit Systems launches AI-based border defence surveillance system. Elbit Systems Ltd has introduced Frontier, a wide-area persistent surveillance system, designed to address the increasing complexity and intensity of border defence challenges. “Presented for the first time at the DSEI 2025 exhibition, Frontier is built to autonomously detect, classify, and assess threats in real-time,” said the company in a press release. “Frontier leverages advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize intelligence gathering and decision-making in land, air, and maritime domains.”
Key features of Frontier include:
- AI Based Adaptive Routine Learning: using cutting edge computing capabilities the system continuously learns and adapts to routine operations by analyzing vast amounts of data to detect anomalies and deviations.
- Autonomous Threat Classification: Leveraging AI, the system autonomously identifies and classifies threats in real-time, enabing fast and accurate responses.
- Smart Decision-Making Support: Frontier prioritizes and assesses the risk of potential threats, providing operators with clear, actionable insights.
- Sensor Integration: Maximizes the capabilities of multiple sensors, turning data overflow into a coherent understanding of the peremiter.
- Operational Efficiency: Reduces the workload on operating teams, and lowers operational costs, while improving mission success rates.
For more information
https://www.elbitsystems.com/news/elbit-systems-launches-frontier-next-generation-ai-based-system-tackle-evolving-border-defense
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
08 Sep 25. General Defence, D-Flight partner to provide C-UAS protection for the Monza Grand Prix. According to a General Defence Linkedin post (translated by google translate):
“On the occasion of the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Monza, one of the most prestigious and followed sporting events in the world, safety was guaranteed not only on the ground but also in the sky. The strategic collaboration between General Defence and D-Flight (ENAV Group) has made it possible to deploy an advanced air protection system, creating a real “anti-drone no fly zone” over the Autodromo Nazionale area.
“Thanks to the implementation of the anti-drone system developed by General Defence, in synergy with the ENAV Group’s expertise in airspace management, it has been possible to monitor and neutralize any threat deriving from the improper use of remotely piloted aircraft. The initiative represented a fundamental step for the protection of the public, professionals and drivers, ensuring the conduct of the event in total safety.
“The system, based on technologies for detecting, identifying and countering unauthorized drones, worked in real time, integrating with civil airspace control procedures. This perfect integration has allowed the creation of an invisible but highly effective security barrier, capable of guaranteeing the protection of one of the most followed sporting events internationally.”
“The partnership with ENAV confirms the importance of creating a system between industrial and institutional players to face new challenges related to aviation safety” – said Francesco Colandrea, CEO of General Defence. – “The Monza Grand Prix was a world-class test bed to demonstrate the effectiveness of our technology.”
For more information
https://www.linkedin.com/company/general-defence/posts/?feedView=all (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
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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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