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03 Oct 25. Cyprus unveils Serbian MRLs. The Cypriot National Guard revealed that it has acquired Serbian-made Tamnava multiple rocket launchers (MRLs) during the parade marking the country’s 65th anniversary of independence on 1 October. Three Tamnavas were included in the parade in Nicosia, all of them carrying reusable pods for 122 mm unguided rockets rather than the 262 mm munition that is also advertised for the system. Yugoimport, Serbia’s defence export agency, said the 122 mm rocket has a range of 40 km compared with 70 km for the 262 mm. The system is capable of carrying two additional 128 mm pods that it can load onto its launcher using its own crane. Yugoimport described the Tamnava as a fully automated system that integrates an advanced fire-control system, inertial navigation, a meteorological sensor, and radios capable of transferring data. The Cypriot Tamnavas are slightly different from the Serbian ones as they use a MAN TGS 8×8 truck with a different cab, not an 8×8 made by Serbia’s Fabrika automobila Priboj (FAP). The 155 mm Nora B-52 self-propelled howitzers that Serbia delivered to Cyprus in 2019 are on FAPs. It is unclear if the Tamnava is in service with the Serbian Land Army. A Serbian official said in 2024 that the Tamnava would replace the 128 mm M-77 Oganj MRL. However, it was not included in the artillery section of the parade held in Belgrade on 20 September, but at the end of the parade where systems that are still in development were displayed. (Source: Janes)
02 Oct 25. Significant step made to arming Royal Navy attack helicopters with ship-busting missiles. A significant milestone towards arming Royal Navy maritime attack helicopters with ship-busting missiles has been achieved. Initial Operating Capability (IOC) has been met for the anti-ship Sea Venom missile, meaning it can now be deployed with Wildcat helicopters on front-line duties. A Wildcat can carry up to four Sea Venoms, giving it the ability to strike multiple targets in a single sortie or unleashing a salvo against one target. It carries enough destructive power to target larger warships – like corvettes and patrol ships – while the Wildcat also carries the lightweight Martlet missile for taking out boat swarms and smaller vessels. IOC was achieved during Operation Highmast – the Royal Navy’s global mission to the Indo-Pacific led by flagship HMS Prince of Wales. Four Wildcats from 815 Naval Air Squadron are armed with Sea Venom on the deployment, spread across the Carrier Strike Group on carrier HMS Prince of Wales, destroyer HMS Dauntless and Norwegian frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen.
Commanding Officer of 815 Naval Air Squadron, Commander James Woods, said: “The introduction of Sea Venom is a step-change in our combat power. It delivers a lethal combination of precision, reach, and flexibility that allows us to strike decisively against a wide spectrum of threats in the maritime, coastal, and land domains. Most importantly, it gives us the ability to neutralise those threats at range. This is a transformational capability for the Fleet Air Arm, and ensures that we are ready to defend and protect NATO and Allied interests at home and abroad.”
Sea Venom provides the long-range armament of the Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapon (FASGW) programme, with the short-range capability delivered by the Martlet missile, which is already in service. It is an advanced weapon, which can utilise an ‘operator-in-the-loop’, who can make real-time adjustments mid-flight to control the trajectory of the missile. An infra-red image is transmitted from up to four weapons simultaneously back to the operator, allowing them to control targeting. The missile is optimised for use against large coastal patrol vessels and corvettes. It is also capable of engaging coastal installations and land-based targets with a high degree of accuracy.
Commander UK Carrier Strike Group, Commodore James Blackmore, said: “Achieving Initial Operating Capability with Sea Venom is another milestone in ensuring the Carrier Strike Group remains a world-class, combat ready force. It strengthens our ability to safeguard the maritime environment, reassure allies, and deters adversaries. This capability ensures our aircrew can operate with confidence against a wide spectrum of threats, reinforcing the UKs commitment to delivering decisive air power at and from the sea.”
Commander of the Wildcat Maritime Force, Commander Andrew Henderson, added: “The integration of Sea Venom into a Ship’s Wildcat Flight at sea represents a significant enhancement to the Royal Navy’s lethality via its ability to strike targets at range. It’s precision, range, and versatility ensures that our frontline crews are equipped to meet the challenges of a multi domain and complex environment.” (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
01 Oct 25. Ace Link Armor, a leader in advanced personal protection solutions, today announced the official launch of its groundbreaking Thermacore™ Heat Dispersion System, scheduled to debut at SHOT Show 2026 (Jan 20–23, 2026) at Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, NV.
“A Heat Highway for Protection” – By combining graphene and PCM technology, Thermacore creates a thermal pathway that moves heat away from the body with unmatched efficiency. – Jakub Dabrowka, CEO.
Designed to tackle one of the most overlooked challenges in body armor—heat stress under ballistic protection—the Thermacore™ system represents a major leap in operator safety and comfort.
The innovation combines a next-to-skin Thermacore T-shirt—featuring 37.5® Technology and Outlast® Fresh2Skin Mint Bath—with a ballistic vest carrier engineered with phase-change molecules (PCM) and highly oriented graphene layers. Together, the system regulates body temperature, wicks sweat at the vapor stage, and transfers heat away from the wearer with unmatched efficiency.
A Revolution in Armor Design
“This is not just an incremental upgrade; it’s a revolution in body armor design,” said Jakub Dabrowka, CEO of Ace Link Armor and inventor of Thermacore™. “For decades, carriers were passive holders of ballistic plates. With Thermacore, we’ve transformed them into active participants in physiological well-being. By reducing heat buildup and keeping core temperature at an optimal 99.5°F, we’re ensuring operators remain sharp, cool, and mission-ready—even in the harshest environments.”
Backed by Science
Thermacore™ has undergone rigorous testing, including laboratory hot plate evaluations and independent human subject trials at AITEX (Spain). Results confirmed significantly lower skin temperatures, reduced sweat retention, and faster recovery times compared to traditional vests.
“Innovation at Ace Link Armor is always about combining materials science with real-world performance,” said Paulo Almeida, R&D Leader at Ace Link Armor. “Graphene is one of the most conductive materials known, and by integrating it into a ballistic vest, we’ve created a thermal ‘highway’ that moves heat away from the body without batteries, motors, or added weight. It’s a passive solution with active results.”
Meeting the Needs of Modern Operators
Heat stress is a critical but often underestimated risk for military, law enforcement, and security personnel. By addressing it, Thermacore™ enhances overall survivability—not just ballistic protection.
The system reduces risks of heat stroke, cognitive fatigue, and physical exhaustion, ensuring users stay protected and effective for longer missions in extreme climates.
Official Launch
Ace Link Armor will showcase Thermacore™ at SHOT Show 2026, Booth 30012, Venetian Level 2 – Law Enforcement Area. Live demonstrations and technical presentations will highlight the system’s performance and groundbreaking design. However a Thermacore Base Layer Cooling T-shirt is already available commercially at Ace Link Armor website.
About Ace Link Armor
Ace Link Armor is a U.S.-based manufacturer of advanced ballistic protection, dedicated to innovation in defense and security. From hard and soft armor to helmets and carriers, the company provides cutting-edge solutions to armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and civilian users worldwide.
For more information, visit www.acelinkarmor.com (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
01 Oct 25. Pakistan Army test launches new Fatah-IV missile. The Pakistan Army has conducted a training launch of its newly developed and inducted Fatah-IV land-attack surface-to-surface cruise missile. The Pakistan militaryʼs Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced the launch on 30 September, officially confirming the existence of the missile for the first time.
“A successful training launch of [the] newly inducted indigenously developed Fatah-IV ground-launched cruise missile was conducted today by [the] Pakistan Army at a range of 750 km,” ISPR said.
ISPR also confirmed that the missile, which it said is equipped with new avionics and navigational aids, forms part of the Pakistan Army’s newly established Army Rocket Force Command (ARFC).
“This weapon system is capable of evading [the] enemy’s missile defence system due to terrain-hugging features and engaging targets with high precision,” ISPR said.
“As part of [the] Army Rocket Force Command, Fatah-IV will further enhance the reach, lethality, and survivability of [the] Pakistan Army’s conventional missile systems.”
ISPR provided no additional information about the Fatah-IV missile. Unofficial images of the Fatah-IV emerged on social media for the first time in August 2025 at an event held by the Pakistan Army marking Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day. However, these images were not released by the Pakistan Army, ISPR, or any official agency. These images also showed an information board next to the missile that indicated that Fatah-IV has a range of 750 km, a maximum altitude of 50 m, a length of 7.5 m, and a weight of 1,530 kg. (Source: Janes)
01 Oct 25. MBDA Italy unveils Harpax family of loitering munitions. MBDA Italy unveiled the Harpax family of loitering munitions at the Seafuture 2025 expo in La Spezia, Italy, on 30 September. Scale models of both the Harpax ‘Mini’ and ‘Small’ configurations were presented with designs based on the “operational needs” of the Italian Army, a company representative confirmed to Janes . The hand- or ground-launched Harpax Mini is a quadcopter design with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 2.5 kg (inclusive of a 500 g warhead). Measuring 86×86×30 cm, the vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) solution has an endurance of 20 minutes and an operational range of 5 km with a cruising speed of 50 km/h. Meanwhile, the tube-launched Harpax Small features collapsible wings and measures 100×13×13 cm when folded. The airframe has a 25 minute endurance, 15 km range, and 200 km/h cruise speed. With an MTOW of 8 kg, the loitering munition carries a 1.5 kg warhead, the representative said. Both products are targeting emerging requirements from the Italian Army, although the representative said additional operational needs are also emerging from the Italian Navy and Air Force.
“Harpax has been designed to perform better [in terms of] lethal capabilities, particularly against hidden threats, while minimising collateral damage,” the representative said, confirming both solutions feature electro-optical cameras and can be controlled autonomously or through “piloted FPV [first-person view]” flight modes.
The Harpax Small nosecone can also be swapped out to feature alternative payloads, including a radio frequency jammer, he added. (Source: Janes)
30 Sep 25. US Army reignites self-propelled howitzer competition after ATI pause. Though the Army said “the scope and organization of a soldier experiment for self-propelled artillery is still being defined,” the RFI suggests that the service is primarily looking for US-made and -manufactured solutions. After months of pauses and uncertainty, the Army released a request for proposal for its self-propelled howitzer competition, indicating that the service is prepared to launch forward with its mission to modernize its field artillery portfolio.
“Over the past 8 months, the US Army has been re-evaluating its objectives for modernization and adjusting those objectives to best support the new Army Transformation Initiative (ATI) strategy. Comprehensive analysis has confirmed the importance of 155mm self-propelled artillery system-of-systems to the Army,” read the request for proposal posted Monday. “Consequently, the US Army is considering opportunities to rapidly conduct soldier experimentation.”
After scrapping development of its Extended Range Cannon Artillery platform, Army officials embarked on a world tour last year searching for existing self-propelled howitzers. After seeing the offering of five companies — BAE Systems, Elbit Systems, General Dynamics, Hanwha and Rheinmetall — the service announced it was launching a competition to pick an existing platform. The competition was planned to kick off with the release of a Phase I request for proposal in mid-February, Breaking Defense reported in January. However, it was one of the programs put on hold as a result of ATI. Monday’s RFI is the first document that the service has published in regards to the long-awaited competition since it was paused earlier this year.
The RFI, authored by the Program Executive Officer for Ground Combat Systems, called on vendors to offer solutions that will “likely involve temporarily” providing self-propelled howitzer systems to brigades participating in the Army’s Transformation in Contact (TiC) initiative — the service’s push to rapidly test new equipment with units both inside the US and abroad to understand how that technology will operate in real-world environments. Though the Army said “the scope and organization of a soldier experiment for self-propelled artillery is still being defined,” the RFI suggests that the service is primarily looking for US-made and -manufactured solutions. For example, the RFI directs respondents to “provide a summary of your current supply chain and current suppliers used in the USA, including a map of major supplier locations. Highlight major supplier locations outside of the USA.”
“If not currently produced in the USA, describe how you would onshore production of the proposed system to the USA, including barrel production. Identify current US manufacturing facilities and sources of supply,” it added.
The RFI goes on to ask industry how long it would take to deliver one US-produced self-propelled howitzer, and how long for the delivery of six. One industry source who has been closely following the program as a potential competitor raised his eyebrows at parts of the RFI, including its tight timeline, especially amid foreign conflicts in which the artillery could be put to real-world use.
“We are not just sitting around on platforms. … I sell those,” the source said. “Do [companies] do a demo or do [they] supply a war in Ukraine or Israel?”
The source continued that it takes about two years to produce something like a howitzer, given the long lead times on parts and forging the barrel. Out of the five companies who participated in last year’s roadshow, several do not currently produce their platforms exclusively in the US. Despite those concerns, the RFI and associated questions in it do not mean the Army will ultimately require interested companies to hand over six howitzers within the next couple of months for a demo. That number and timeframe could shift based on responses that are due back to the Army by Oct. 10.
“This RFI is for informational purposes only,” the Army document said. “The information in this notice is subject to change and is not binding on the USG.” (Source: Breaking Defense.com)
30 Sep 25. Global Military Products has been invited to participate in the U.S. Army’s Transformation in Contact (TiC) 2.0 with its Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar system – under a Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP) contract with the Product Manager for Artillery Mortars and Precision Systems (PdM AMPS). Equipped with government-furnished M253 barrels, soldiers will have the opportunity to experience the latest advancements in mobile mortar technology and contribute to the modernization efforts within the mortar community. TiC 2.0 launches October 20th in Hawaii, where soldiers will first undergo five days of new equipment training from Global Military Products to achieve the operational knowledge and limited safety release required to live-fire the system. Soldiers will then participate in an additional 10 days of tactical scenarios and simulated combat operations with the Scorpion Light Systems. Training and experimentation will also include the Scorpion Light’s rapid-fire control system – designed to elevate operational efficiency with its ability to auto-lay and auto re-aim.
“Soldier touchpoints like the TiC 2.0 serve as an invaluable platform for government and industry to collaboratively review, assess and innovate with the latest technologies. Most importantly, they facilitate the utilization of soldier feedback to inform requirements and expedite the acquisition process for mortar modernization,” said James Knight, senior Manager, Defense Systems and Energetics, Global Military Products. “As a retired Army mortarman, I am intimately familiar with the Army’s requirements for mortar modernization and strongly support the TiC initiative to swiftly enhance the mobility, lethality, operator safety and air transportability of these assets.”
The Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar system can fire eight rounds and relocate in under two minutes, taking just 30 seconds to fire the first round and 30 seconds to displace after firing the last round. The unique, non-seating baseplate allows the system to emplace and displace rapidly and fire on nearly any surface. Its robust design, rugged construction, and resilient technologies make it a durable weapon that can withstand the rigors of combat, extreme temperatures, and harsh conditions, while remaining effective. The Scorpion Light on the IUV, has also been certified in the U.S. to be air-droppable and maintains internal air transportability within a CH-47, supporting expeditionary forces.
The Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar system and 72 mortar rounds will be fully integrated on two GM Defense Infantry Utility Vehicles (IUVs), a variant of the U.S. Army Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV). The modularity of the system, however, is platform agnostic and allows for integration onto any vehicle platform. Integrations have already been completed on a G-Wagon and Polaris MRZR Alpha 4×4 and 6×6 platforms.
Global Ordnance is exhibiting at the 2025 AUSA Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. October 13-15 in booth #943. The display will include a Scorpion 120mm mobile mortar system integrated on a high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV).
28 Sep 25. US Army’s 1st Cavalry Division Conducts First Switchblade 600 Live-Fire Exercise. As part of Pegasus Charge, 1st Cavalry Division’s effort in support of the Army’s “Transforming in Contact” initiative to modernize armored formations, soldiers assigned to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducted Fort Hood’s first live-fire exercise of the Switchblade 600 Loitering Munition System, Sept. 15. The Switchblade 600 — a tube-launched, unmanned aircraft system — has already seen extensive use by Special Operations Forces, light infantry units and foreign partners. The 1st Cavalry Division is among the first armored units to field the system.
“This is the first time for all of our soldiers to see these munitions fired, and you can feel the excitement in the air,” said Army Capt. Jeffrey Weller, Multifunctional Reconnaissance Troop commander, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. “The Switchblade enables the brigade to engage targets with precision between 5 and 15 kilometers in front of our forward line of troops, extending our reach and lethality.”
Modernizing the Fight
The Army’s broader Transforming in Contact initiative aims to overhaul how armored formations fight by integrating new technologies, particularly drones and advanced communications.
“A huge thing the Army has seen across multiple battlefields, whether in Ukraine or elsewhere, is the rapid modernization and high usage of drones,” Weller said. “We’re taking those lessons learned and revamping our systems to stay ahead of adversaries.”
Roughly 5 feet long and weighing 75 pounds, the battery-powered Switchblade 600 resembles a drone, but carries a Javelin multipurpose warhead. It has a flight time of 40 to 45 minutes, a range of up to 27 miles and delivers a 5-pound explosive payload.
“It’s a remote-controlled missile that flies like a drone until it gets to the target,” explained a flight operations supervisor with the system’s manufacturer. “The operator uses onboard cameras to identify, select and engage the target.”
Once launched from its tube, the Switchblade can navigate through waypoints, loiter over the target area and strike with precision. Operators also retain the ability to wave off a strike mid-flight if conditions change.
“The Switchblade allows us to target vehicles or small groups of personnel from much farther away than before,” Weller said. “It increases our lethality, minimizes collateral damage and helps protect soldiers on the front lines.”
Before the live-fire exercise, soldiers completed a five-day training course with the manufacturer, during which they learned to set up, arm and program the drones for flight and strike missions.
Army Spc. Drake Cross, a Switchblade operator who has flown RQ-7 Shadow and RQ-28 Quadcopter drones for the division, said this was his first experience with a munition-carrying UAS.
“Everything else I’ve flown has been for surveillance and target acquisition,” Cross said. “This is the first one where I can actually deliver a round. It’s exciting because it saves soldiers’ lives by hitting targets without putting us in danger.”
Cross said the system was user-friendly and similar to other UAS platforms, adding, “There’s not much of a learning curve. Once you identify and lock onto a target, you can adjust right up until impact to make sure you’re hitting what you want.”
Looking Ahead
Weller said the Switchblade is just one example of how Transforming in Contact is reshaping the 1st Cavalry Division’s armored formations. He noted that the unit will use the system during their upcoming rotation at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California.
“The battlefield is constantly changing, and the Army has to modernize to keep pace,” he said. “Seeing systems like the Switchblade in action shows us the future of how our formations will fight. It’s a big step toward keeping our soldiers safer and more lethal.” (Source: U.S. DoD)
29 Sep 25. EOS Unveils Atlas Space Control Capability at IAC 2025. Electro Optic Systems (EOS) today debuted its new Atlas Space Control capability at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2025 in Sydney. The Atlas family of ground-based high energy laser space control assets is designed to counter growing threats to satellites in an increasingly contested and congested domain. Scalable to mission needs, Atlas is offered in fixed, mobile and relocatable configurations that can be deployed globally to ensure freedom of action in orbit. With world-leading telescope and dome designs tailored to detect, track and characterise on-orbit objects in real time, Atlas provides deep space domain awareness both day and night, including for dim and hard-to-find objects. The system delivers scalable power levels that allow operators to adjust effects for different mission needs, from deterrence through to active engagement. Atlas also integrates with space domain awareness and multi-domain joint operations to strengthen intelligence and decision making.
“Space is now a contested domain, and the satellites that enable both defence and civilian life are increasingly at risk. Atlas has been designed to safeguard these assets by giving operators scalable, deployable options for deterrence and space control,” said Dr Andreas Schwer, CEO of EOS. “Atlas builds on EOS’ four decades of experience in space domain awareness and laser technology. It is a capability that combines proven expertise with operational flexibility, ensuring that allied forces have reliable options to maintain freedom of action in orbit.”
Atlas was unveiled earlier today on the EOS Space Systems stand (457) at IAC 2025 and will remain on display for the duration of the event. (Source: ASD Network)
26 Sep 25. Allen Control Systems (ACS), a leader in autonomous precision robotics, today announced it has been awarded a contract in collaboration with defense contractor ManTech to integrate its Bullfrog™ autonomous weapon system onto U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) maritime platforms directly supporting the warfighter. ACS is building the next generation of autonomous weapon systems to meet the demands of modern conflict. Its flagship product, Bullfrog™, uses artificial intelligence, computer vision, and proprietary control systems to enable any legacy or modern weapon to achieve precise engagements at any target and significantly increases the accuracy of existing battlefield systems.
Widely regarded as one of the most technologically advanced and operationally demanding missions in the U.S. military, SOF’s adoption of Bullfrog validates the system’s readiness, reliability, and strategic relevance during the most challenging engagements.
“Maritime SOF units operate in some of the most complex and high-stakes environments our military faces, and as such they are among those units on the forefront of adopting mission-critical technology,” said Mike Wior, co-founder and CEO, ACS. “Their selection of Bullfrog reflects an urgent need for adaptable systems deployable across land and maritime platforms and trusted to defend against the expanding drone threat. We are honored to be part of this unit’s mission.”
The rapid proliferation of low-cost weaponized drones is reshaping modern combat, demanding an entirely new approach to defense. Bullfrog is currently the only autonomous weapon station on the market capable of effectively neutralizing hostile drones and is needed by every organization responsible for national security. ACS is working alongside defense partners to ensure U.S. and allied forces can decisively counter emerging threats with unmatched speed, accuracy, and affordability. By combining advanced autonomy and precision robotics into deployable systems like Bullfrog, ACS ensures militaries are equipped to win in the next era of warfare.
About Allen Control Systems
Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a defense technology company that creates autonomous precision weapon systems to safeguard our military and partners, ensuring dominance on every battlefield. ACS is ushering in a new era of battlefield security, equipping U.S. and allied forces with the next generation of counter-drone technology. The company’s first product, Bullfrog, is a first-of-its-kind AI-powered robotic weapon station that enhances battlefield effectiveness by transforming legacy or modern weapon systems to achieve unmatched accuracy and impact. ACS is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with offices in Alexandria, Va. and Huntsville, Ala. For more information, please visit https://www.allencontrolsystems.com. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
26 Sep 25. Germany pursues multi-pronged quest for long-range missiles. Germany is prepared to host advanced U.S. missiles meant to deter Russia under a Biden-era plan, but final confirmation of the move by the Trump administration is still outstanding. At issue is the future of a July 2024 declaration by Germany and the United States, made on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Washington, that said Germany would facilitate “episodic deployments,” beginning in 2026, of long-range fires capabilities belonging to the U.S. Army’s Wiesbaden, Germany-based Multi-Domain Task Force. Fourteen months on, with a new U.S. administration in charge, officials at the defense ministry in Berlin told Defense News they believe the plan is still on.
“The federal government has no indications that the U.S. side has reneged from the temporary stationing of long-range cruise missiles in Germany,” a spokesman wrote in an email last week.
It’s unclear, however, whether the machinations of a global posture review conducted by the Pentagon under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will reflect what U.S. defense officials had in mind when announcing the agreement with Berlin last year. Specifically, the final location of the long-range fires unit attached to the Germany-based 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force is still up in the air. The formation, the 3-12 Field Artillery Battalion, is currently based at Fort Drum, New York, and in the process of receiving the kinds of weaponry meant to boost NATO’s deterrence chops from the heart of Germany. The U.S. Army plans to activate the unit on Oct. 16 a spokesperson for the service’s 56th Theater Multi Domain Command told Defense News. The plan is to grow the formation from 240 soldiers now to a final total of 540. Once fully established, the battalion’s arsenal is envisioned to include HIMARS rocket artillery, the Typhon launcher — which can fire Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles — as well as hypersonic missiles.
“At this time, we do not have any further information regarding unit rotation,” the spokesperson said, using military-speak to describe the formation’s location on the globe.
Col. Jeffrey Pickler, who commands the 2nd MDTF near Wiesbaden, told Defense News last month, the HIMARS rocketry is closest to being delivered to the stateside long-range fires battalion. As for the more advanced — and far-reaching weapons — like Typhon, he said soldiers will take more time to learn the system’s operation, looking for lessons from a sister unit devoted to the Pacific, which already has the capability. During various multinational exercise deployments in the Philippines, Australia and Japan, the Army’s Typhon launcher, dubbed Mid-Range Capability (MRC) in the service’s nomenclature, has already attracted the attention of China. The system can launch missiles with ranges of up to 2,000 kilometers, putting military installations in the Russian and Chinese hinterlands at risk that those countries would use to stage threats against Ukraine and Europe, as well as Taiwan, respectively. Lockheed Martin, which makes the Typhon, is under contract to make four batteries for the Army, which each include four launchers with four cells each, for a total of 16 missiles loaded at once. The company began production of the fourth battery over the summer, Edward Dobeck, program director of launch systems at Lockheed Martin, told Defense News in an interview in July. That’s where Berlin’s second avenue for getting a long-range missile system comes into play. (Source: Defense News)
26 Sep 25. China Converts Soviet-Era J-6 Fighter Jets into High-Speed Combat Drones. China has unveiled combat drones converted from retired J-6 fighter jets, confirming years of speculation about the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) plans to repurpose its Cold War–era fleet. The drones made their first public appearance at the Changchun air show in northeast China. The J-6 was a second-generation supersonic fighter with a top speed of Mach 1.3 (1,600 kilometers/995 miles per hour), a combat range of 700 kilometers (435 miles), and a capacity for 250 kilograms (550 pounds) of munitions. To convert the aircraft into drones, engineers removed all crew-related systems, including cannons, auxiliary tanks, and ejection seats, and added autonomous flight control, autopilot, and terrain-matching navigation. Additional weapon stations were also installed, increasing payload flexibility while retaining most of the original structure, which lowers cost and speeds up production. Exhibitors said the platform could serve as a strike aircraft, a training target, or a single-use kamikaze drone.
Potential Bigger Roles
Taiwanese lieutenant-general Shuai Hua-ming suggested that the repurposed jets could be used in swarm or saturation attacks against Taiwan, which lies within their combat range. Their speed and size reportedly make them harder to counter than smaller drones, and their outdated avionics may render them less vulnerable to jamming and directed-energy systems. The drones could also act as decoys, forcing Taiwanese radar systems to activate and reveal their positions. If used in kamikaze-style strikes, they could damage high-value ground targets at supersonic speeds.
Strategic Implications
China built thousands of J-6 fighters from the 1960s to the 1980s, and analysts estimate the PLA still has roughly 3,000 units available. According to military commentator and former PLA instructor Song Zhongping, repurposing them into drones offers a low-cost way to expand unmanned strike capacity at scale.
“The simplest and most cost-effective conversion would be to use it as a kamikaze drone,” Zhongping said, as quoted by the South China Morning Post. “If used as a reconnaissance drone, the conversion cost would be much higher.”
The conversion also reflects a broader PLA strategy to integrate legacy equipment into modern operations rather than rely solely on newer platforms. (Source: UAS VISION/NextGenDefense)
26 Sep 25. Lithuanian Startup Granta Autonomy Unveils X-WING Loitering Munition System. Lithuanian drone innovator Granta Autonomy has unveiled its new X-WING loitering munition system. The X-WING combines the vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) of a quadcopter with the efficient, fixed-wing flight of an airplane, giving it a range of up to 50km. This design provides front-line units with a portable, modular, and easy-to-deploy system for precision strike missions. Designed to be a „shooter“ to Granta’s „sensor“ Hornet XR reconnaissance drone, the X-WING also uses artificial intelligence (AI) for autonomous flight, even when GNSS or GPS signals are unavailable or spoofed. The X Wing system integrates Granta Autonomy’s robust micro gimbal systems, which feature powerful cameras that capture clear daytime images from long distances and provide thermal vision for nighttime operations. Granta’s Datalink solution ensures compatibility with most ground control station software, and an AI-based targeting system can help guide the UAV to heavily camouflaged targets. The X-WING carries a 4kg hybrid warhead, which was chosen for its versatility. It can penetrate heavily armoured vehicles while also producing a large number of fragments, making the UAV effective against softer targets like radars and anti-aircraft systems.
Gediminas Guoba, CEO and Founder of Granta Autonomy, said: “The X-WING is a direct result of our battlefield-tested philosophy. We’ve taken the lessons learned from providing thousands of drones to the front lines in Ukraine and used that invaluable experience to create a sister system to our Hornet XR recon drone that is ideally suited for modern combat. The X-WING’s unique VTOL-fixed-wing design gives it the tactical flexibility that units need, while its AI-powered autonomy and robust data systems ensure mission success in the most challenging electronic warfare environments. Like all Granta products, X-WING, from the first sketch, was designed for highly scalable manufacturing, allowing the UAV to be produced in thousands per month. We’re proud to bring a system to the market that is a battle-field proven, reliable, cost-effective force multiplier for allied forces.“
Founded in 2015 by Lithuanian engineers Gediminas Guoba and Laurynas Litvinas, Granta Autonomy specializes in unmanned aerial systems and related technologies. The company’s technology is developed as part of Lithuania’s broader initiative to enhance its defence capabilities and support allied nations. Granta Autonomy has profoundly impacted the war in Ukraine by supplying thousands of FPV and reconnaissance drones. The company stands out for creating highly capable drones that not only meet military needs but also withstand the intense electronic warfare at the front lines. To ensure their systems are effective and offer a strong price-to-value ratio, Granta’s engineers and Ukrainian military units that operate the drones regularly test them together on the front lines. Today, Granta Autonomy supplies forces across Europe with its UAVs, while also providing its proprietary Datalink solution and reconnaissance gimbals to a range of partners. The X-WING project follows the company’s earlier development of its UAV range, including the Granta GA-10FPV-AI quadcopter and the Hornet XR reconnaissance drone. (Source: UAS VISION/Monch)
29 Sep 25. Royal Navy completes first firing of new ship-busting missiles.
- HMS Somerset successfully conducted the Royal Navy’s first firing of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) in Norway.
- The NSM, capable of striking targets over 100 miles away, marks a significant upgrade in capability, replacing the older Harpoon system.
- This milestone highlights the strong UK-Norway partnership and the Royal Navy’s commitment to enhancing its operational lethality.
A Royal Navy warship has completed the first firing of new ship-busting missiles capable of taking out enemy vessels at ranges of more than 100 miles. Plymouth-based frigate HMS Somerset headed to Norway’s Arctic rocket range in Andøya to unleash the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) during an exercise – known as Aegir 25 – alongside Norwegian and Polish allies. The successful missile launch marks a major milestone on the journey to make the Royal Navy more lethal – and is demonstration of the strong bilateral cooperation between the UK and Norway. The 400kg NSM can be used against warships or land targets and is 20 years newer, has greater range and is a far more capable successor than the Harpoon system on Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard said: “The NSM is one of the most advanced missiles in our naval arsenal. It will give the Royal Navy and our allies an edge against our enemies.” This milestone, achieved through our exemplary international partnership with Norway, significantly enhances our maritime deterrent and underscores the Government’s dedication to investing in the technologies that will maintain Britain’s secure.”
Commander Matt Millyard, Commanding Officer of HMS Somerset said: “I am very proud of the team following the successful first of class firing of the Naval Strike Missile. This is not something that comes together easily and has involved an incredible amount of work by the crew and staff from across the defence enterprise. The professionalism and teamwork demonstrated by all throughout the planning and execution has been exemplary.”
The successful firing was the culmination of months of dedicated work, which involved meticulous planning and thorough tuning of the system – including alignment and sea acceptance trials.
Staff from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace – who manufacture NSM – were on board HMS Somerset supporting prior and during the firing.
The NSM, which is also in service with the Norwegian, US and Polish navies, travels close to supersonic speeds (Mach 1) and can strike targets more than 100 miles away, evading detection by skimming on the sea.
It will be a complementary weapon for the ‘Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon’, which will become the Fleet’s premier long-range, heavy duty anti-ship missile, carried by the Royal Navy’s next-generation warships fitted with the Mk41 vertical launch system (including the new Type 26 and 31 frigates).
Commander Matthew Cox, NSM Programme Director said: “This programme showcases the strong UK-Norwegian strategic partnership, enabling the UK to achieve its first ship installation within 12 months of business case approval – an unprecedented pace for a complex weapons programme.
“The UK’s first NSM firing, hosted by Norway at Andøya, further highlights this enduring collaboration.”
Currently NSM is fitted to HMS Richmond, HMS Somerset and HMS Portland. Norwegian-led Aegir 25 continues to the end of September as allies conduct firings – including from land-based launch systems and by Norway’s Coastal Ranger Command. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
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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.
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