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17 Oct 25. Thailand boosts its close air support with AT-6TH Wolverines. The AT-6TH Wolverine is well suited for delivering close air support in permissible and lower-intensity environments. (RTAF) The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) formally commissioned its eight Beechcraft AT-6TH Wolverines into service on 4 September, four years after placing an order for the light attack and armed reconnaissance aircraft. Announced in November 2021, the US$143 million acquisition made the country the first international customer of the type. The AT-6TH is Thailand’s designated variant of the AT-6E, an armed version of the T-6 Texan II turboprop trainer of which the kingdom also operates twelve for basic pilot training. The aircraft are in service with the RTAF’s 411 Squadron, part of the 41st Wing based at Chiang Mai Air Base. The AT-6s replace Aero Vodochody L-39ZA/ART Albatros aircraft that the unit once operated, and which were phased out in 2021. The initial pair of AT-6THs was actually delivered to the RTAF in July 2024, and they have flown in support of operations such as border patrol, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) as well as counterinsurgency. It was reported by then-RTAF commander Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul at an interview session at the commissioning ceremony that the AT-6THs had been involved in the Thai-Cambodian border skirmishes in July 2025. While he did not elaborate, the commander highlighted the aircraft’s ability to transmit real-time battlefield imagery. Weapons that the RTAF AT-6THs can carry include FN HMP-400 12.7mm machine gun pods, LAU-131/A 70mm rocket pods, as well as GBU-12 Paveway II 500lb laser-guided bombs and AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles. ISR and targeting is enabled by a belly-mounted L3 Wescam MX-15D sensor, which features colour and infrared cameras, a laser designator, laser illuminator and laser rangefinder. The AT-6TH is understood to be integrated within the RTAF’s national data link system known as Link-T, which allows data transmission and reception with other surface or air assets. Due to its lower speed and reduced agility compared to fighter aircraft, the AT-6TH is better suited for supporting operations in permissible and lower-intensity environments. Its significantly lower operating costs relative to fast jets help reduce the operational burden on higher-end combat aircraft too. The platform’s persistence also enables it to loiter over target areas for extended periods, delivering sustained ISR and close air support as needed. The boost in the RTAF’s close air support capability comes as Thailand signed a deal to procure four Gripen E/F fighter aircraft from Sweden on 25 August. That was the first in a phased acquisition of a dozen new fighters. The new jets will supplement the RTAF’s existing fleet of eleven older Gripen C/D jets. (Source: AMR)
16 Oct 25. L3Harris, IAI offer Blue Sky Warden light attack turboprop to Israel. L3Harris Technologies and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have teamed to offer the Blue Sky Warden intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and light strike aircraft to Israel. The two companies announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 15 October, whereby IAI will integrate Israeli-specific systems into the L3Harris Sky Warden (designated OA-1K Skyraider II in US Special Operations Command service) aircraft that itself is based on the Air Tractor AT-802U airframe.
“As part of the agreement, the L3Harris-IAI team will produce a unique Israeli configuration called Blue Sky Warden. The aircraft will include an IAI open architecture mission computer to host Israeli-specific software and special capabilities. IAI will also supply and integrate its mission equipment and lead flight tests and airworthiness campaigns with the Ministry of Defense and the Israeli Air Force (IAF),” the companies said in a joint communiqué.
The Blue Sky Warden is the latest offering from the Air Tractor airframe that traces its lineage back to an agricultural crop sprayer created by Leland Snow in the 1950s. The single-engined turboprop has a top speed of 180 kt, a maximum payload of 3,161 kg, an endurance of 10 hours, a range of 2,414 km, a service ceiling of 25,000 ft, a minimum landing strip requirement of 122 m (with propeller reversal on landing), and costs between USD7.5 m and USD13 m to procure and under USD400 per hour to operate. (Source: Janes)
15 Oct 25. IRIS-T SLM naval variant hits targets in German frigate test-firing. The IRIS-T SLM system demonstrated its capabilities at sea, successfully meeting all objectives for MFE 2025. Diehl Defence said that it has successfully tested the navalised version of its IRIS-T SLM ground-based air defence system during the German Navy’s Maritime Firing Exercise 2025 (MFE 2025). The exercise, codenamed “Andøya,” represents the largest missile firing drill conducted by the German Navy in 30 years. It provides an essential platform for naval crews to evaluate advanced weaponry under conditions that closely mimic operational scenarios. In a collaborative effort with the German Navy, Diehl Defence developed an Anti-Air Warfare module (AAW module), which was integrated onto the C-Deck of the frigate Baden-Württemberg, a type F125 vessel. The transitions from concept to live-firing demonstration of the demonstrator was completed within a span of less than 10 months, Diehl Defence said. The IRIS-T SLM system, which has previously proven its effectiveness in Ukraine, demonstrated its capabilities at sea by meeting all predefined objectives for the MFE 2025.
“The navalised version of the combat-proven IRIS-T SLM system delivered another outstanding performance during a successful test-firing from a German Navy Frigate, hitting multiple targets,” Diehl Defence said in a post on X.
With this test, Diehl Defence has successfully trialled a naval variant of an air defence system using an IRIS-T family missile for the first time, achieving a “high hit rate”. This successful demonstration is expected to facilitate the serial introduction of the IRIS-T SLM system for naval applications. In March 2024, Diehl Defence and Northrop Grumman signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to investigate integrating the IRIS-T SLM into Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Battle Command System network. (Source: naval-technology.com)
13 Oct 25. Moog Unveils the Lightweight Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform at AUSA 2025 The LW RIwP is engineered to meet the U.S. Army’s M-SHORAD Increment 4 requirements. Moog Inc. (NYSE: MOG.A and MOG.B) a worldwide designer, manufacturer and systems integrator of high-performance precision motion and fluid controls and control systems, today announces the launch of its latest innovation in turreted weapon systems, the Lightweight Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (LW RIwP), at the AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C. The LW RIwP, the newest member of the proven RIwP family of products, is purpose-built to meet the evolving requirements of the U.S. Army’s M-SHORAD Increment 4 program. LW RIwP is engineered with unmatched firepower, mobility, and commonality for light force formations. The LW RIwP is designed to equip lighter vehicle platforms, such as the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), offering the maximum firepower capacity in its class including the integration of a 30mm cannon and multiple missile effectors. Its compact form factor enables efficient airlift and sling load transport, enhancing strategic mobility and operational flexibility across diverse theaters. With increased onboard ammunition capacity, the LW RIwP ensures extended engagement duration and mission endurance. The LW RIwP maintains full commonality with Moog’s fielded Standard RIwP turret, currently deployed in M SHORAD formations. The lightweight design includes shared software architecture, training protocols, user interfaces, and sustainment infrastructure, all of which streamlines integration and reduces lifecycle costs. Built on the trusted performance of Moog’s RIwP system, the lightweight variant delivers the same pinpoint accuracy and battlefield reliability proven in the U.S. Army’s SGT Stout and M-LIDS programs. “The Lightweight RIwP is a direct response to the Army’s call for more agile, lethal, and interoperable solutions for light force formations,” said Mike Gruver, Group Senior Vice President, Moog. “We’ve engineered a system that not only meets the mission, but elevates it—delivering more effectors, more ammo, and more flexibility in a smaller, transportable package.” Visit Moog in Hall DE, Booth #7807 during AUSA to experience the future of mobile firepower.
10 Oct 25. Rafael Unveiled L-SPIKE 4X Launched Effect at AUSA 2025. Rafael USA introduced the L-SPIKE 4X Launched Effect –member of the SPIKE Missile Family- for the first time at the AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, D.C. L-SPIKE 4X introduces missile-grade loitering capability to the SPIKE family, combining high-speed transit, seeker precision and mission persistence for contested operational environments. L-SPIKE 4X is a missile designed with loitering built in — not a UAS retrofitted with a warhead. The system is intended for engagements at ranges of up to 40 km and is launchable from legacy SPIKE NLOS launchers on air, land and naval platforms. It will be offered in two primary warhead configurations: Tandem HEAT and Multi-Purpose. A jet propulsion system delivers mission flexibility: in higher-speed dash profiles L-SPIKE 4X can reach the 40 km engagement envelope in five minutes, markedly faster than most electric loitering effects; in loitering profiles the missile provides on-station persistence of up to 25 minutes. (Source: ASD Network)
10 Oct 25. WB Group reveals Lanca cruise missile with payload capacity of hundreds of kilograms. Poland’s WB Group revealed a demonstrator of its Lanca (Lance) cruise missile at the MSPO 2025 defence exhibition in Kielce, Poland, in September 2025. The Lanca is designed to be built with Polish-made components and delivered by WB Group and local partners, WB Group spokesperson Remigiusz Wilk told Janes on 8 October. Due to its foldable wings Lanca can be launched from both vertical launching systems (VLSs) and containerised horizontal launchers. It could be deployed from both land-based and sea-based platforms. Janes learnt during MSPO 2025 that Lanca could carry payload weights in the “low hundreds” of kilograms, and that its expected range is several hundred kilometres. The missile is fitted with a turbojet engine combined with a solid fuel rocket booster for starting thrust, WB Group told Janes at the event. Lanca’s navigation is based on the inertial and global navigation satellite services (GNSS) systems. Janes has learnt that it could navigate in a GPS-denied environment, and that the missile is equipped with an electro-optical sensor, which will be used for navigation (waypoint recognition) and target identification. The targeting system will be artificial intelligence (AI)-augmented to improve navigation and accuracy. (Source: Janes)
12 Oct 25. Lumberjack Jet-Powered Modular Missile is Possible Armament for XQ-58 Valkyrie Drones. Northrop Grumman has been doing detailed design work that lays a path to air-launching its Lumberjack loitering one-way attack drone from Kratos’ stealthy XQ-58 Valkyrie uncrewed aircraft. Multiple manned and unmanned aircraft are being eyed as potential platforms for employing Lumberjack, which is already being tested in surface-launched modes and will have the ability to drop its own smaller precision munitions. In a statement to TWZ, Northrop Grumman confirmed that “Valkyrie is one of the multiple platforms we’re doing detailed design work for to ensure compatibility with Lumberjack” and that “Valkyrie is a good representation of a possible use case.” The XQ-58 is prominently featured in the Lumberjack product card available on Northrop Grumman’s website at the time of writing.
Northrop Grumman’s Lumberjack. Northrop Grumman
Since being first unveiled in April at this year’s Modern Day Marine conference, Lumberjack has
“participated in both of the T-REX events this year. So, those are the technology, readiness, and experimentation events hosted by OUSD(R&E) [the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, also now referred to as the Office of the Undersecretary of War for Research and Engineering],”
Michael Bastin, Northrop Grumman’s director of programs for Lumberjack said.
“Those are really valuable for us. We got a chance to get operators to look and engage with the system, [and] actually do an end-to-end simulated mission in a relevant type of environment with a lot of capabilities that people were looking for.”
A very basic overview of what T-REX offers to the U.S. military, as well as allies and partners. DOD
At the T-REX events, Northrop Grumman also demonstrated Lumberjack’s
“ability to launch from two different styles of [ground-based] launchers, the electric rail launcher and the pneumatic launcher,” both provided by other companies, he added. “We are launcher agnostic. So we don’t really develop the launchers ourselves. We just show up to the ride.”
When it comes to current plans for air-launched applications,
“Lumberjack is the size, the length anyway, of the Small Diameter Bomb. So, we’re looking to be compatible with a wide variety of aircraft, [fixed-]wing and rotorcraft, manned and unmanned,” Bastin said. “Effectively, we’re looking at anything that could carry a Small Diameter Bomb.”
“We’re designing that [Lumberjack] for multiple BRUs. So, a couple different BRU installations are compatible against that sort of Small Diameter Bomb length,” he continued, using the U.S. military-standard abbreviation for Bomb Rack Unit. “We are working with two different customer communities right now, working through large plans and experimentation for next year. So that’s part of our flight test plan that we’re developing for next year.”
The GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) is a 250-pound-class precision-guided glide bomb that is just under six feet (1.8 meters) long. Northrop Grumman’s website says Lumberjack has a very similar form factor, but has a maximum gross weight of around 290 pounds.
Lumberjack’s weight is payload-dependent, which Northrop Grumman’s website says could include a “combination of kinetic and non-kinetic sub-munitions, or ISR [intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance] sensors.” Without any payload or fuel for its small jet engine, the core system, with its composite material structure, only tips the scales at around 79 pounds, according to the product card.
How heavy a Lumberjack might be would also impact its range in both air and surface-launched modes. So far, Northrop Grumman has only said that the system is expected to be able to fly “several hundred” nautical miles. The company has also said that it will be able to cruise at around Mach 0.3 (some 230 knots) at an altitude of 20,000 feet.
“We have done testing with both kinetic and non-kinetic [payloads],” Bastin said. “Hatchet is certainly a candidate. It’s not the only type of kind of sub-munition that we’d be interested in being able to deploy. So, as I said, if customers come with whatever kinetic effect they want, as long as it fits on the center bay, we’re capable of integrating it.”
In any configuration, Lumberjack already offers the ability to reach target areas at standoff distances. Its ability to launch unpowered gliding payloads like Hatchet, or even potentially small powered ones, only extended its operational reach. This would all be further magnified by pairing it with an aerial launch platform like the XQ-58. The Valkyrie has its own internal payload bay, said to be able to carry at least two SDB-sized stores, and can also carry payloads under its wings. Lumberjack’s range would also help keep the launching platform further away from threats. A full operational scenario might see a Valkyrie or similar launch platform use its own survivability to get close to an especially high-threat part of the battlespace before launching a Lumberjack, which then delivers munitions into the highest risk area. This could even involve taking out hostile air defense assets that threaten the launching aircraft.
Lumberjack can also make use of its range for other purposes, including launching kinetic or non-kinetic attacks on geographically separated targets during a single sortie, as well as just loitering in a particular area. Equipped with a stand-in jamming capability and/or sensor packages, the drones could be used to form temporary force protection picket lines, and do so rapidly.
There is also a cost factor, with Lumberjack’s design being focused on a low unit cost and producibility, with a heavy emphasis on commercial and modified commercial components
“For every pallet that I would ship a fixed number of Small Diameter Bombs on, we can ship the same number of lumberjacks on, but each lumberjack performs multiple effects, multiple missions, and can go on multiple vehicles,” Bastin explained. “So it helps drive down that cost, as I said, within a Lumberjack, because we designed it with open architecture and a very modular center bay.”
Northrop Grumman previously told TWZ that it is targeting between a “cost per effect” of $75,000 to $100,000 for Lumberjack, somewhat nebulous figures that factor in things beyond basic unit price. It is also worth noting here that while Lumberjack is intended to be a one-way system when used operationally, work is being done to improve its recoverability when used in training. Being able to reuse the drones for training, as well as test and evaluation activities, would also offer cost advantages.
If Northrop Grumman keeps to its current test schedule, we may get actual looks at Lumberjacks launched from XQ-58s and/or other aircraft in the coming year. (Source: UAS VISION/The War Zone)
12 Oct 25. Hanwha presents auto-loading K9A2 wheeled howitzer to meet US Army modernization needs.
- At AUSA 2025, Hanwha showcased a wide range of advanced defense solutions — from artillery and armored vehicles to modular charge systems and counter-UAS capabilities
- Hanwha highlights the future development roadmap of the K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer, unveiling the K9A2 auto-loading wheeled howitzer concept model tailored for U.S. Army requirements
- Hanwha pursues the localization of the 155 mm Modular Charge System (MCS) to strengthen U.S. ammunition supply and production capacity
Hanwha’s defense affiliates unveiled a next-generation defense solutions tailored to the U.S. Army’s modernization priorities — including a new wheeled self-propelled howitzer and the localization of the 155 mm modular charges — at AUSA 2025. Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, and Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA) _ are joining the annual show hosted by the Association of the U.S. Army. The show is expected to attract around 44,000 visitors from 92 countries and serves as the premier venue for global defense companies to showcase land-based military innovations. At this year’s exhibition, Hanwha Aerospace displayed a full-scale K9A1 Self-Propelled Howitzer, presenting the future roadmap of the K9 artillery system, which has been ordered by more than 10 countries worldwide. In particular, the company will unveil for the first time a wheeled K9A2 concept, tailored to meet the U.S. Army’s long-range and high-mobility artillery requirements. The K9A2 features an automated ammunition handling and loading system that increases its rate of fire from six to over nine rounds per minute. As the U.S. Army seeks next-generation artillery systems with enhanced range, precision, mobility, and sustained fire capability, Hanwha Aerospace is proposing the 8×8 wheeled K9A2, integrating the K9A2’s advanced auto-loading turret onto a wheeled platform to deliver greater flexibility and mobility on future battlefields.
Maro Kim, Head of Strategy at Hanwha Defense USA, said : “The K9 howitzer is already operated by more than 10 nations and stands as the world’s most proven tracked artillery system. By mounting the K9A2’s automated turret on an 8×8 wheeled platform, we can meet the U.S. Army’s requirements for long-range precision firepower, rapid deployment, and sustained resupply operations.”
Hanwha Aerospace is also focusing on plans to localize production of the 155 mm Modular Charge System (MCS) in the United States. Manufactured in a world-class smart factory environment, the MCS ensures high consistency, precision, and safety through automated production processes. The system offers excellent compatibility with NATO-standard 155 mm artillery and provides precise control of chamber pressure and range, ensuring superior performance and reliability. Following the war in Ukraine, the global shortage of 155 mm artillery ammunition has become a pressing issue. Hanwha aims to strengthen the supply chain resilience of the U.S. Army and its allies by establishing local MCS production capacity and industrial partnerships in the United States.
Meanwhile, Hanwha Systems is exhibiting its short-range AESA radar and multi-layered CounterUnmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) defense solution, offering integrated electronic systems optimized for homeland security missions in the U.S. The short-range AESA radar is designed to detect and track low-altitude aerial threats, serving as a key sensor to maximize the operational performance of Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) systems. It can also be mounted on various platforms, including wheeled armored vehicles, ground surveillance systems, and small naval vessels. The multi-layered C-UAS system is designed to counter the growing threat of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles on modern battlefields. By integrating detection, identification, and neutralization capabilities, it provides a comprehensive defense architecture for protecting critical infrastructure — including potential applications in U.S. border surveillance and facility protection.
Jaeil Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems, said: “Through AUSA 2025, Hanwha aims to reinforce its position as a global defense company by showcasing an integrated suite of next-generation solutions across artillery, munitions, and defense electronics. We will continue to expand customer-tailored solutions and global partnerships to meet the modernization needs of the U.S. Army and strengthen the defense capabilities of allied nations.”
13 Oct 25. Leonardo DRS and KNDS have entered into a strategic teaming agreement to offer a high-performance, self-propelled howitzer system to the U.S. defense market. The team intends to present the U.S. Army with the CAESAR® Self-Propelled Howitzer, a combat-proven and reliable system that addresses the U.S. Army’s needs for greater range and improved mobility. It is a powerful and combat-proven system built for accuracy, adaptability and rapid worldwide deployment. The agreement brings together two leading defense companies with deep experience in developing and delivering mobile tactical capabilities: Leonardo DRS, a global leader in platform integration, which will be the prime contractor, and KNDS, a global leader in developing mobile artillery systems and complete range of ammunition.
“The ability for soldiers to rapidly and reliably put artillery on target is a crucial mission the U.S. Army is addressing, and we are proud to use our deep experience in integrating best-of-breed capabilities to support this future mission,” said Aaron Hankins, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Land Systems business unit. “By teaming with KNDS, we are offering the service a mature, accurate, and high-performing solution.”
The CAESAR® Self-Propelled Howitzer’s advantages can fulfill the Army’s immediate need for more capable artillery systems. The platform is engineered to deliver effective, longer-range artillery support with precision and responsiveness. Its rapid firing capability offers sustained support during engagements while its high mobility provides users the ability for quick positioning in virtually any terrain.
“KNDS is proud to team with Leonardo DRS to offer the U.S. Army an affordable solution based on a very robust, accurate, and combat-proven artillery system,” said Olivier Travert, chief sales officer of KNDS France. “This weapon is particularly suited to address the challenges that warfighters will face in the coming decades. CAESAR®’s 52 caliber ordnance has a superb, demonstrated safety record in combat conditions, in all climates, after firing hundreds of thousands of rounds. The lessons learned in three years of combat in Ukraine – where 120 CAESAR® are now deployed, provides us an outstanding position to offer the United-States Army a state-of-the-art weapon which can be integrated on a U.S. tactical truck.”
Teaming to pursue this emerging U.S. Army requirement underscores Leonardo DRS’s leadership and proven experience in identifying, developing and delivering innovative, integrated systems for new critical-need markets. The company’s deep complex integration capability spans all domains to support force protection, computer networking, C5I, and naval power and propulsion systems.
13 Oct 25. US Army accelerates PrSM output as ATACMS nears sunset. The Army is finding ways to accelerate its new Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) as it begins to field it more widely to the force while sunsetting its 40-year-old tactical missile system, Maj. Gen. Frank Lozano, program executive officer for missiles and space, told Defense News. The service is expecting a production contract for the first increment of PrSM by the end of the month, with Lozano noting, “We will put Lockheed Martin under contract for 400 missiles.” The Army has been working with Lockheed Martin, the missile’s producer, to increase production capacity in the lead up to the major production deal. The first set of PrSMs was delivered in December 2023, as the Army began to replace the legacy Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS). The missile — which can launch from both the HIMARS and the M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System — will be critical to the service as it seeks a deep-strike capability that can counter Russian and Chinese technologies. Both European- and Indo-Pacific-based U.S. commanders have been eager to receive the capability that can hit targets at standoff locations greater than 400 kilometers (249 miles). Lockheed delivered the first 26 missiles throughout 2024 and the Army is set to receive another 54 this year, totaling 100 missiles. The PrSM production line will significantly ramp up and the Army expects to see production increase to 400 by the fourth quarter of fiscal 2027 and into 2028, according to Lozano.
“We’ve been very deliberate and aggressive in increasing that capacity very steadily,” Lozano said.
To be able to do that, the Army is focused on phasing out the ATACMs production. The ATACMS and PrSM production line share the same facility, noted Lozano. “I want to create enough PrSM capacity to be able to address both [foreign military sales] requirements as well as U.S. requirements, so I need to sunset ATACM sales,” he added. The service is rapidly finalizing plans to implement an exportable version of PrSM Increment 1 to sell on the international market instead of ATACMS.
Lockheed’s current production line for ATACMS is building missiles for Taiwan.
Once ATACMS production closes out in roughly the next 24 months, “I can take over the entirety of the PrSM production facility and we can continue to increase capacity,” Lozano said.
The Army is planning capability improvements in subsequent increments, including an enhanced seeker to better defeat moving targets at sea as well as technology to provide increased lethality and extended range. The priority for the PrSM in the near term is to pursue a maritime, ship-killing capability. Lockheed, RTX and a Northrop Grumman team will compete to develop a subsequent increment called the Long-Range Maneuverable Fires program, which focuses on dramatically extending the range of the missile, possibly from its planned 499 kilometers (310 miles) to more than double that distance.
14 Oct 25. LMT Defense has entered into a long-term license agreement for the production and distribution of the 7.62mm Bushmaster® Chain Gun®. This partnership brings together leaders in defense innovation, combining LMT’s manufacturing excellence with a legacy of reliability and combat-proven performance.
Key highlights of this agreement:
- LMT Defense will manufacture the 7.62mm Chain Gun for both U.S. military and partner forces, with production and testing at our Eldridge, Iowa facility.
- The weapon features advanced capabilities, including multiple mounting options, 600 rpm sustained fire, automatic malfunction clearing, and electric drive for unmatched reliability.
- LMT will provide comprehensive service, training, and remote customer support for the life of the agreement.
- This initiative aligns with our strategic objective to deliver extremely reliable small-caliber systems for remotely operated and autonomous applications—a rapidly growing sector in modern defense.
This partnership is the latest in a series of notable successes for LMT Defense in 2025, including contracts with the Swiss Armed Forces and USSOCOM for our MARS®-H battle rifle platform.
14 Oct 25. Turkey sees nascent ‘Steel Dome’ as deterrent, export money maker. Turkish defense-electronics company Aselsan has detailed its integrated air-defense suite “Steel Dome,” describing it as a multi-layered, multi-domain system that combines kinetic and non-kinetic effectors with advanced decision-support algorithms. The company presented the concept during an international press day held at its Gölbaşı facility in Ankara. Aselsan positions Steel Dome as a response to evolving threat environments that include small drones, maneuverable ballistic trajectories and increasingly diverse sensor networks. The concept emphasizes a “smart layers” methodology that integrates soft-kill techniques, electronic jamming, directed energy and kinetic measures to engage targets according to operational requirements. At the core of Steel Dome is a command-and-control layer built around Aselsan’s HAKİM airspace management system, which integrates radars, communication systems, intelligence feeds. The software uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to produce a single, fused air picture for engagement decisions. HAKİM was developed in accordance with NATO command-and-control standards. It is intended to support the systems currently used by the Turkish Air Force. Developer Aselsan is part of an alliance effort to design components for a ground-based air defense system on a modular basis. Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Thales, and Raytheon are also part of that project. The Steel Dome Project was approved at the Defence Industry Executive Committee (SSİK) meeting held on Aug. 6, 2024. Almost 50 elements of the system entered the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces on Aug. 27, 2025, with a total value exceeding $460m. An additional procurement agreement for air-defense systems was signed between Aselsan and the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), valued at €1.65 bn ($1.92 bn). Deliveries are scheduled between 2027 and 2031. (Source: Defense News)
14 Oct 25. Next Generation Squad Weapon continues fielding, seeing upgrades. The Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon continues to field to units and see upgrades, including a carbine version that’s currently under development. The M7 and M250, both of which fire a new 6.8mm-caliber round, are the Army’s replacements for the M4 and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, respectively, among the close combat force. Col. Jason Bohannon, program manager for soldier lethality at Program Executive Office Soldier, told Army Times in a recent interview that in addition to ongoing fielding of the weapons systems, some are already having upgrades applied. The platforms will soon field a new suppressor, for example, that comes equipped with a heat shield. Additionally, improved slings and a new buttstock are on the way, each item developed based on soldier feedback. Also under development is a carbine version of the M7, which weighs about the same as its M4 predecessor — just over 6 pounds. So far, more than 2,000 M7 rifles and over 900 M250 automatic rifles have been fielded to units. One unit to recently field the new weapons was the Minnesota Army National Guard’s 34th Infantry Division, which received some of the first M250s ever issued to the Guard. Col. John McRae, who oversees training statewide for the Guard, told Army Times that the fielding was a notable example of the total force working together. Soldiers with the 34th Infantry Division receive instruction on the M250 automatic rifle during a New Equipment Training fielding at Camp Ripley, Minn., September 15, 2025. (Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Hamlin/Army)
“The squad is now a more lethal organization because they have the M250,” McRae said. “They can multiply the effects of the squad on the battlefield, engage high-value targets and at a greater range than before.”
The Army Marksmanship Unit’s Instructor Training Group conducted the new equipment training for soldiers, emphasizing fundamental marksmanship but also guiding users on the new optic.
“The optic ensures every soldier has the capability to make first-round hits at distance, whether in single shot or burst,” Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Riegel, ITG’s primary instructor said in a release. “And the cartridge’s terminal performance is incredible — it will defeat pretty much anything they come across.”
Program Manager Soldier Lethality also joined Guard personnel in the fielding. Sgt. 1st Class Karl Nelson fired the weapon as part of the fielding and said it was a far superior system when comparing it to the M249.
“It just shows that the Minnesota Guard is at the forefront of the Army force, not just the Guard,” Nelson said.
Having the new M250 automatic rifle, meanwhile, helps soldiers continue to maintain overmatch at all levels, McRae said, adding that getting a new weapon such as the M250 ahead of even active duty units was a big shot in the arm for soldier morale.
The move shows that expectations meet reality for guardsmen who join to deploy and conduct real-world training and missions, he noted. (Source: Defense News)
13 Oct 25. NATO-Approved Skydio Drones Now Feature Pearson Engineering’s AI Tech; Threat-Sense, for Advanced Battlefield Mine Detection. Leading UK battlefield mobility firm, Pearson Engineering, has collaborated with Skydio, the leading U.S.-based manufacturer of autonomous drones, to integrate its cutting-edge Threat-Sense technology; an AI-powered mine detection system into Skydio’s secure drone platform. Approved for NATO use, the collaboration delivers enhanced battlefield awareness by enabling drones to scout ahead of ground forces, identifying and mapping explosive surface-laid threats in real-time. This marks a significant step forward in battlefield safety and autonomous reconnaissance for allied forces.
Pearson Engineering CEO, Ian Bell commented, “Threat-Sense was designed to give soldiers critical situational awareness in mine-threat environments. Partnering with Skydio allows us to extend that capability into the air, offering a new layer of force protection and intelligence that’s both autonomous and operationally proven. This is another example of our ongoing programme of innovation in robotics and AI delivering vital tactical advantage to allied forces.”
Skydio welcomed the collaboration and looked forward to strengthening frontline operations with secure, AI-enabled aerial platforms.
Mark Loader, MBE, National Security Account Manager – UK/EU at Skydio commented, “This collaboration with Pearson Engineering marks a significant leap forward in battlefield autonomy. By integrating Threat-Sense with our X10D NATO-approved drone platform, we’re delivering a secure, AI-powered capability that protects soldiers and enhances mission effectiveness, without compromising on component integrity.”
This collaboration marks the continuation of a number of robotics and AI collaborations for Pearson Engineering to develop the next generation of technologies to protect lives, support humanitarian recovery, and strengthen allied defence capabilities. This includes recent partnerships with the DSTL on WEEVIL, the new uncrewed minefield breaching concept aiming to shield soldiers from danger. As well as last month’s strategic partnership between Milrem Robotics, Overwatch Aerospace, and MSI- Defence System to deliver UK-Specific THeMIS Combat UGV specifically designed to meet the needs of customers in the UK.
13 Oct 25. Anduril Partners with GDLS, Advancing Layered Defense for Ground Forces. On today’s battlefield, every movement by a maneuver element — from armored vehicles to missile launchers to command posts — introduces new threat vectors. Loitering munitions, one-way attack drones, and autonomous swarms can strike from multiple directions with little warning. Salvos of precision missiles can stop vehicle movements in their tracks. Many attacks are orchestrated and executed faster than existing systems can detect or respond. Advanced technology can help. Spark radar is Anduril’s answer to maneuver protection. Through Anduril’s Spark radar, we’ve developed a system that detects both air and ground threats with class-leading range, speed, and fidelity, while using Lattice to pass threats on to other radars and command nodes, ensuring formation based protection. Today Anduril is announcing a partnership with General Dynamics Land Systems to bring Spark radar into military platforms and maneuver networks, starting with armored vehicles and expanding to command posts, missile launchers, and fires elements. As one of the world’s most experienced and forward-leaning companies in the design, development and production of tracked and wheeled military equipment, General Dynamics Land Systems brings deep understanding of how modern vehicles operate — and how they need to evolve. Pairing this expertise with Anduril’s software-driven sensors and battle management technologies is a critical step toward enabling distributed, formation-level protection future conflicts demand. Our goal is to enable the entire formation — not just individual platforms — to detect, track, and respond in real time. Through this partnership, General Dynamics Land Systems will ensure that Spark is built into platforms from the start—not bolted on after the fact. That means tighter integration, better performance, and a clear path to scalable protection across fleets. This is a deliberate move to shift survivability from platform-specific defenses to coordinated, multi-vehicle systems of systems. This is a shared commitment to the importance of ground vehicles in future fights by advancing how they detect and respond to threats. By integrating Spark radar into General Dynamics Land Systems platforms from the outset, we’re laying the groundwork for more cohesive, layered defense across maneuver formations. It’s a step toward ensuring warfighters have the protection they need to maneuver and survive on today’s battlefield. (Source: ASD Network)
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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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