Sponsored by Galvion
www.galvion.com
——————————————————————————————————————–
01 Apr 26. Airbus’ uncrewed Bird of Prey interceptor autonomously engages kamikaze drone with Frankenburg missile. The Airbus ‘Bird of Prey’ interceptor drone successfully completed its first demonstration flight at a military training area in northern Germany. In a realistic mission scenario, it autonomously searched, detected and classified a medium-sized one-way attack (kamikaze) drone. After successful identification, the Bird of Prey interceptor engaged the target with a Mark I air-to-air missile developed by defence tech start-up partner Frankenburg Technologies.
“Against the current geopolitical and military backdrop, defending against kamikaze drones is a tactical priority that urgently needs to be tackled,” said Mike Schoellhorn, CEO Airbus Defence and Space. “With our Bird of Prey and Frankenburg’s affordable Mark I missiles, we are providing armed forces with an effective, cost-efficient interceptor, filling a crucial capability gap in today’s asymmetric conflict theatres. The integration of Bird of Prey into Airbus’ air defence battle management suite IBMS acts as a force multiplier.”
“This is a defining step for modern air defence,” said Kusti Salm, CEO of Frankenburg Technologies. ”Together with Airbus, it marks the first integration of a new class of low-cost, mass-manufacturable interceptor missiles onto a drone, creating a new cost curve for air defence and enabling defence against mass aerial threats at a fundamentally different scale.”
The demonstration flight took place just nine months after the project started. Based on a modified Airbus Do-DT25 drone, the Bird of Prey prototype used in the flight features a wingspan of 2.5 metres, a length of 3.1 metres, and a maximum take-off weight of 160 kg. While the prototype was equipped with four Mark I air-to-air missiles, the operational version will be able to carry up to eight of them. The high-subsonic, fire-and-forget missiles have an engagement range of up to 1.5 kilometres, measure 65 centimetres in length and weigh less than 2 kg each, making them the lightest guided interceptors developed to date. They are equipped with a fragmentation warhead designed to neutralise targets at short proximity. This will enable the reusable Bird of Prey to engage and neutralise multiple kamikaze drones per mission, at a comparably low cost per kill.
Bird of Prey is designed to seamlessly operate within NATO’s integrated air defence architecture via established command and control systems centred around Airbus’ Integrated Battle Management System (IBMS). Consequently, the counter UAS (Uncrewed Aerial System) solution Bird of Prey can be an essential, highly mobile and complementary building block of any integrated and layered air and missile defence solution.
Airbus and Frankenburg plan to conduct additional flights with a live warhead throughout 2026 to further operationalise the system and demonstrate its full capabilities to interested potential customers.
30 Mar 26. IWI (Israel Weapon Industries), an SK Group company and global leader in small arms manufacturing, recently delivered thousands of X95 micro-TAVOR rifles to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Engineered with cutting-edge technology and superior ergonomics, the X95 is the ultimate bullpup platform for modern combat scenarios. Designed to address modern terror threats and increasingly complex combat environments, the X95 excels in urban warfare and subterranean operations. Actively deployed in Close Quarters Battle (CQB) and modern combat missions, it offers unmatched reliability and accuracy.
Combat-proven by military and police forces worldwide, the X95 is the standard rifle of the IDF and meets stringent NATO standards. Its operational track record reflects consistent performance under demanding field conditions.
The X95 was developed in collaboration with elite IDF units to meet the evolving realities of asymmetric warfare. Engineered for military, police, special forces and law enforcement use, it integrates advanced technology with practical, field-driven design. Manufactured from a high-strength, impact-modified polymer, the rifle provides a lightweight yet durable platform that withstands harsh operational environments while reducing logistical burden.
Its compact bullpup configuration integrates a long barrel within a shortened overall length, enhancing maneuverability without sacrificing accuracy – an essential advantage in dense urban settings. The closed-bolt gas piston system ensures reliable firing, while fully interchangeable components streamline maintenance and operational readiness. An integrated flip-up backup sight and last-round catch enhance situational preparedness in dynamic situations.
Fully ambidextrous, the X95 accommodates both right-and left-handed operators, and its 360° Picatinny rail enables extensive customization with various attachments. The rifle is easy to maintain, with simple field stripping into just two parts. Its rear center of gravity reduces recoil and offers stable shooting from various positions. With a modular system that adapts to diverse missions and enhances ergonomics, enabling both single-handed and two-handed shooting, the X95 continues to deliver exceptional performance in modern combat.
“With this latest delivery, we are continuing to support the operational readiness of the IDF with advanced, combat-proven systems tailored to the demands of modern warfare,” said SK Group’s Vice Chairman Ronen Hamudot. “The X95 reflects our close collaboration with IDF units and our commitment to equipping Israel’s defense forces with reliable, mission-ready platforms designed for today’s complex battlefield realities.”
IWI (Israel Weapon Industries), part of the SK Group, is the main supplier to the Israeli Army and Israeli Police, with combat-proven products used by military, law enforcement and special forces in over 60 countries across diverse operational environments. Renowned for developing the iconic UZI, IWI continues to set benchmarks in firearm innovation and reliability, developing advanced systems like the ARAD, the NEGEV light machine gun, and the TAVOR. For more information, visit: https://iwi.net.
SK Group, founded by noted Israeli industrialist Samy Katsav, is a leading holding company known for driving innovation across multiple strategic industries. Its portfolio comprises globally recognized companies, such as IWI (Israel Weapon Industries), Meprolight, Camero-Tech, ELVO, Israel Shipyards, Israel Shipyards Port, Uni-Scope Optical Solutions and Oshira. Collectively, these companies employ over 2,000 people, unified by a commitment to innovation and operational excellence. SK Group’s companies serve military, law enforcement and civilian markets in over 60 countries. For more information, visit: https://sk-g.net/.
30 Mar 26. New tech added to RFA Lyme Bay so it can act as minehunting mothership. The Royal Navy is stepping up its mine hunting capabilities with new cutting-edge uncrewed equipment being added to RFA Lyme Bay in the coming days.
The high-tech equipment will be able to detect, identify and neutralise threats and is part of the Royal Navy’s transition to a ‘hybrid navy’.
The move comes after RFA Lyme Bay was brought to heightened readiness several weeks ago.
After being fitted with the technology, Lyme Bay will be able to store, prepare, deploy and recover a variety of autonomous and crewless technology, from underwater drones to minehunting boats – acting as a crewed ‘mothership’ for drone tech.
First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, said: “RFA Lyme Bay preparing for a possible minehunting mothership role is a perfect example of how we are building a Hybrid Navy – one where crewed ships and cutting-edge uncrewed systems work together seamlessly to keep our people safe and our seas secure.
“Mine countermeasures have always been vital work, and by harnessing autonomous technology we are ensuring the Royal Navy remains at the forefront of underwater defence. I am proud of everyone involved in making this capability a reality.”
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Bay-class ship will be fitted in Gibraltar to be ready to be the Royal Navy’s mothership for an array of hi-tech mine countermeasures (MCM) kit.
The RFA plays an important role in supporting Royal Navy operations across the globe and turning into a command centre for the innovative technology showcases another way the service can contribute to operations.
With a plug-and-play Command and Control system, the technology can be deployed where needed and the RFA ship makes an ideal base for future MCM operations.
While at the Rock, Lyme Bay will also undergo inspections to ensure she is ready for more time at sea.
Captain Mark Colley, the Commanding Officer of Lyme Bay, added: “The RFA is a crucial support arm of the Royal Navy and being able to act as an MCM mothership once again shows how we can adapt to the operational demand where needed.
“I am proud of the work my ship’s company has done to prepare RFA Lyme Bay, and be ready to embark this kit. Having recently returned to high readiness, we have been put through our paces but I know we are ready to support this autonomous uncrewed kit so as to play an important role in its use.”
The Royal Navy’s use of autonomous and uncrewed minehunting kit comes as it continues to forge ahead with its bold ambitions of a Hybrid Navy – where crewed and uncrewed systems operate seamlessly together on the front line.
30 Mar 26. Drones using AI to spot explosive dangers and help keep soldiers safe. AI-powered drone technology has been successfully trialled to identify landmines and explosive ordnance.
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) led a major trial on behalf of the British Army, which allowed bomb-disposal experts to conduct their mission faster through rapid detection.
The trial demonstrated that AI models can be rapidly retrained to recognise new threat types and adapt to different environments. And so UK military personnel could be better protected on the battlefield as a result of these trials.
[Explosive Ordnance Disposal
Using Drones and AI to clear threats](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuzZlWLJEww)
More about the trial
Conducted with 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search) at their Essex base, the trial took place over several weeks and saw dozens of replica mines and ordnance placed across varied terrain and land environments.
Data captured by sensors onboard small uncrewed aerial systems was relayed to Army operators, who used AI tools to locate and identify the munitions.
The trial also successfully demonstrated the ability to rapidly retrain AI models to recognise emerging threat types and adapt to different environments – a capability that is critical in fast-evolving modern warfare. This has also been seen in Ukraine, where drones and explosive devices are reshaping the battlefield at pace.
Through the Strategic Defence Review this government is doubling investment in autonomous platforms, from £2bn to £4bn this parliament.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said:
This trial is exactly the kind of innovation the Strategic Defence Review calls for – harnessing AI, drones and autonomous systems to boost deterrence and make our Armed Forces stronger.
We’re on a mission to exploit new technologies, removing our people from harm’s way while increasing the speed and effectiveness of their operations. This is defence innovation working at wartime pace, and it is delivering exciting results.
What the trial demonstrates
The trial demonstrates how AI, human-machine teaming, robotic and autonomous systems, and advanced sensors can reduce risk to Armed Forces personnel.
Next steps
Building on these results, further trials will take place this year to mature the technology and guide the procurement of a deployable capability that can be placed directly into soldiers’ hands.
The government has committed to the British Army delivering a tenfold increase in lethality over the next decade by harnessing:
- firepower
- surveillance technology
- autonomy
- digital connectivity
- data
The trial is part of a broader transformation of UK defence capability, driven by lessons from the conflict in Ukraine and set out in the SDR. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
02 Apr 26. US Army and Navy Continue Tests of Hypersonic Missile. The U.S. Army’s Portfolio Acquisition Executive Fires, in partnership with the U.S. Navy’s Portfolio Acquisition Executive Strategic Systems Programs, conducted a successful launch of a common hypersonic missile from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, on March 26, 2026.
The Army and Navy partnership to field a common hypersonic missile across land- and sea-based platforms supports the National Defense Strategy by accelerating timelines, reducing costs, and delivering a highly survivable capability to defeat time-sensitive, heavily defended, and high-value targets at speeds exceeding Mach 5. (Source: U.S. DoD)
31 Mar 26. The US Navy brought a ‘one-of-a-kind’ laser weapon back from the dead. The U.S. Navy spent at least six months resurrecting a high-energy laser weapon that previously graced the bow of a warship for a new military exercise last year, the service recently revealed.
The Navy’s Directed Energy Systems Integration Laboratory, or DESIL, a Naval Base Ventura County, California, facility that evaluates laser weapons in a maritime environment, “ramped up efforts to restore critical functions” to the service’s “one-of-a-kind” 150 kW Solid State Laser Technology Maturation (SSL-TM) demonstrator starting in early March 2025, according to recently published ‘year in review’ bulletin from Naval Sea Systems Command.
Initiated in 2012 and officially known as the Laser Weapon System Demonstrator Mk 2 Mod 0, the SSL-TM demonstrator was originally installed aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Portland in 2019.
The system, described as the successor to the 30 kW AN/SEQ-3 Laser Weapon System — also known as the XN-1 LaWS — that was mounted on the Austin-class amphibious transport dock USS Ponce in 2014, was designed to “provide a new capability to the Fleet to address known capability gaps against asymmetric threats,” such as now-ubiquitous aerial drones and small boats laden with explosives, as well as “inform future acquisition strategies, system designs integration architectures and fielding plans for laser weapon systems,” according to Navy budget documents.
The SSL-TM demonstrator appears to have performed as advertised. The system successfully destroyed a drone target during at-sea testing in the Gulf of Aden in May 2020 — an engagement that yielded one of the most vivid representations of a real-world laser weapon in action to date — and neutralized a small surface target during additional testing in December 2021.
But while prime contractor Northrop Grumman had specifically designed the SSL-TM demonstrator for installation “with minimal modification or additional costs” aboard the Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers, the service initiated the system’s deinstallation from the Portland in fiscal year 2023 after spending nearly $50 million on the effort, the budget documents say. The Defense Department’s final report on the initiative has not yet been made public.
Amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland conducts a high-energy laser weapon system demonstration in the Gulf of Aden, December 2021. (Staff Sgt. Donald Holbert/U.S. Marine Corps)
Following the deinstallation, the SSL-TM demonstrator was presumably mothballed until the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering requested the laser weapon “play a role” in the Pentagon’s new Crimson Dragon military exercise the following September, the NAVSEA bulletin says.
Described as a weeklong, multi-unit DESIL test event, Crimson Dragon convened 20 defense contractors “in a simulated combat environment” to test the effectiveness of their drones, counter-drone systems and sensors “in scenarios that simulated military base defense, long-range fires and integrated [ballistic missile defense],” according to the bulletin.
The SSL-TM demonstrator successfully shot down four drone targets during the exercise, the bulletin says.
While it’s unclear which scenarios the SSL-TM demonstrator participated in during Crimson Dragon, an annual assessment of U.S. military weapon systems from the Pentagon’s Director, Operational Test & Evaluation released on March 16 states that part of the exercise “focused on the sea point of departure defense venues against all-domain maritime air-and-sea threats,” which suggests the system may have provided air defense for a simulated port or staging area where troops and equipment embark onto ships.
But beyond these brief mentions in recent U.S. military publications, no additional information is available regarding the current status of the SSL-TM demonstrator, its performance during Crimson Dragon and the Navy’s future plans for the system. NAVSEA, OUSD(R&E) and the Office of Naval Research did not respond to requests for more details from Laser Wars.
Without more context, it’s difficult to infer where the return of the SSL-TM demonstrator fits into the U.S. military’s expanding directed energy ambitions.
The Pentagon has not indicated whether OUSD(R&E)’s request was driven by the urgency of real-world threats — the demonstrator was first tested in the very waters where Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen had spent more than a year targeting U.S. warships and commercial shipping — or simply an opportunistic use of a capable system sitting in storage.
But the system’s restoration for Crimson Dragon potentially points to a broader challenge: despite years of testing and high-profile demonstrations, relatively few high-energy laser weapons are actually available for the kind of realistic, large-scale exercises needed to refine tactics and validate how these weapons are used in combat.
Indeed, it’s not like the Pentagon has bunch of spare laser weapons floating around to play with.
The U.S. Army’s four 50 kW Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD) systems have been completely demilitarized, while the service’s Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) systems are preoccupied downing drones on the U.S.-Mexico border.
The Marine Corps returned its five Compact Laser Weapon System (CLaWS) to Boeing. The Navy’s AN/SEQ-4 Optical Dazzling Interdictor, Navy (ODIN) laser weapons are all installed aboard active warships at sea; meanwhile, the service’s 60 kW High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) system has had a challenging year on its own.
As a result, it appears that previously retired prototypes that might otherwise remain museum pieces are being called back into service to keep the U.S. military’s counter-drone experimentation moving forward.
The Pentagon may be racing to field laser weapons at scale, but for now it’s still relying on yesterday’s prototypes to figure out how they’ll actually fight tomorrow’s wars. (Source: Defense News)
01 Apr 26. Boeing [BA] and the U.S. Department of War (DOW) have agreed to a seven-year framework to triple production of PAC-3® seekers to meet global demand for air and missile defense to protect service members, civilians and critical infrastructure. The effort is a cornerstone of the Arsenal of Freedom, a national initiative to strengthen the defense industrial base and secure a future of peace through strength.
Boeing-built seekers enable U.S. and allied PAC-3 interceptors to identify, track and defeat advanced threats ranging from hostile aircraft and hypersonics to ballistic and cruise missiles. The framework agreement enables a massive increase in the supply of seekers needed to expand the protection provided by the world’s most advanced air defense system.
Boeing has invested more than $200 million since 2024 to expand PAC-3 seeker production capacity in Huntsville, Alabama, including a 35,000-square-foot facility expansion. The framework paves the way for additional, cash-neutral Boeing investments throughout the production value stream, providing certainty to meet growing demand.
“Across the nation and around the world, we’re making significant investments in people and facilities to meet the evolving security needs of the United States and its allies,” said Steve Parker, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “The administration’s Acquisition Transformation Strategy empowers industry to invest and accelerate the delivery of complex systems at scale and strengthen the Department’s Arsenal of Freedom. With this framework, we’ll be able to produce and deliver more advanced seekers and enhance our military’s advantage.”
Boeing’s Arsenal of Freedom investments are focused on three key areas:
- Modernizing Manufacturing: The company has invested more than $200 million since 2024 to upgrade and expand its Huntsville footprint, including a new 35,000 square-foot facility.
- Workforce Development: This agreement allows Boeing to rapidly grow its highly skilled workforce, creating high-paying, specialized jobs and fostering innovation through local community partnerships.
- Strengthening the Supply Chain: This framework paves the way for additional, cash-neutral Boeing investments throughout the production value stream. The company is committed to a Made in America approach, prioritizing partnerships with domestic suppliers, creating a more secure and resilient industrial base and providing certainty to meet growing demand.
Under the agreement, Boeing, the DOW and PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) prime contractor Lockheed Martin will immediately begin production ramp-up and negotiate toward a multi-year contract award later this year.
“This agreement paves the way for us to scale rapidly to deliver increasingly sophisticated seekers,” said Bob Ciesla, vice president, Boeing Precision Engagement Systems. “In 2025, we increased deliveries by over 30% and we’re excited for the opportunity to grow our highly skilled workforce and our presence in Huntsville as we now triple production.”
31 Mar 26. MGI Engineering Ltd (MGI) today announced the successful first flights of its TigerShark uncrewed deep strike platform. The milestone marks the first time Europe has successfully tested a new system of this range in over a decade, capable of reaching speeds of 750 km/h, operating effectively in GNSS-denied environments, carrying a 300 kg payload, and striking targets at ranges exceeding 1,000 km.
The TigerShark platform has been engineered to meet the evolving demands of modern high-intensity operations, combining MGI’s expertise in rapid prototyping and advanced systems engineering with Auterion’s industry-leading open software ecosystem.
Developed in close strategic partnership with Auterion, the TigerShark integrates an open, software-defined architecture that enables faster deployment cycles, continuous capability upgrades, and seamless interoperability across a wide range of mission profiles.
Mike Gascoyne, CEO of MGI Engineering, commented: “The successful launch of TigerShark is a defining moment for MGI. This platform exemplifies our approach to engineering excellence—rapid, agile, and mission-focused.
“Partnering with Auterion has allowed us to integrate world-class autonomous capabilities into a system designed from the ground up for flexibility and future growth. Together, we are delivering a solution that meets today’s needs while anticipating tomorrow’s challenges.”
James East, UK General Manager at Auterion, added: “TigerShark marks a breakthrough moment for the development of European autonomous systems. By combining MGI’s innovative platform design with Auterion’s open and secure software stack, we are enabling a new class of autonomous systems that can evolve at the pace of software.
“This partnership highlights how collaboration can drive meaningful advancements in capability, speed, and interoperability for end users.”
The TigerShark platform is designed to support a wide range of applications, from defence and security operations to complex autonomous missions, with a strong emphasis on adaptability and ease of integration.
Its open systems approach ensures compatibility with third-party payloads, sensors, and software, providing operators with unprecedented flexibility and control.
This launch marks the beginning of a broader roadmap for continued collaboration between MGI and Auterion, focused on expanding autonomous capabilities and delivering operational advantage through innovation.
About MGI Engineering Ltd
MGI Engineering is a UK-based engineering firm specializing in rapid product development, advanced mobility solutions, and high-performance systems engineering across aerospace, defence, and automotive sectors.
About Auterion
Auterion is a leading provider of open software-defined solutions for uncrewed systems, enabling scalable, interoperable, and secure autonomy across air, land, and sea domains.
——————————————————————————————————————-
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.
——————————————————————————————————————