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24 Apr 25. Thales Challenges US Patriot with Ground Fire 300 Radar Soon Operational in Europe’s SAMP/T System. At a time when aerial and ballistic threats are becoming more numerous and diverse, the French group Thales has unveiled the Ground Fire 300 (GF300), a new-generation multifunction radar designed to meet the growing needs of armed forces in surveillance and interception capabilities. Developed in France, the system represents a significant technological advancement in air and missile defense, aiming to directly compete with established American systems, particularly Raytheon’s Patriot. The GF300 is based on a 4D AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) antenna using gallium nitride (GaN) modules, enabling digital beamforming at the element level. This advanced technology offers full hemispherical coverage—360° in azimuth and 90° in elevation—with a detection range of up to 400 kilometers. The radar can simultaneously track up to 1,000 targets, including drones, stealth aircraft, supersonic and subsonic missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles. It also provides autonomous detection of ballistic missiles and supports missile guidance, including for the Aster missile family, within integrated air defense or missile defense systems. Designed from the outset for operational flexibility, the GF300 stands out for its high mobility and rapid deployment capability. It is housed in a 20-foot ISO container weighing less than 11 tons, suitable for transport by truck, train, or tactical aircraft (such as the C-130 or A400M). On-site deployment takes less than 15 minutes, with disassembly possible in under 10 minutes—an essential feature for deployed forces or volatile environments. The system is also optimized for fast maintenance, incorporating redundancy in all critical components (transmit-receive modules, motors, ventilators, power supplies), a built-in test system (BITE), and an interactive digital manual to support field diagnostics. Operationally, the GF300 performs well in complex environments, thanks to advanced Doppler processing and its counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar (C-RAM) capability. It can detect small objects in congested airspaces and is adaptable to emerging threats, such as swarms of mini-drones or hypersonic missiles. Its software-defined architecture allows for continuous upgrades to meet evolving battlefield requirements. In comparison, the Patriot system, although well-proven in combat scenarios, relies on the AN/MPQ-65 radar, which is a PESA (Passive Electronically Scanned Array) type with a limited 120° azimuth coverage. It requires mechanical repositioning or multiple radars to achieve full surveillance. Moreover, the Patriot’s modular architecture includes a command post (ECS), a mobile power station (EPP-III), and a communication antenna unit (AMG), results in a heavier and more complex logistics footprint. However, Raytheon is currently upgrading the system with the development of the LTAMDS radar, which features 360° coverage and similar technologies to those found in the GF300, indicating a convergence toward the standards Thales is now promoting. The selection of the GF300 to equip the next-generation SAMP/T NG air defense system is a clear acknowledgment of its performance. This radar is set to replace the Arabel system currently used by the French armed forces as part of a modernization initiative led by the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) and coordinated with OCCAR. The radar recently passed factory acceptance testing, with first deliveries expected to the French Air and Space Force by 2026. This program is part of a broader industrial momentum: since 2022, Thales has tripled its radar production rate—from 10 to 28 units annually—with a target of 35 units by 2025. The radar segment now generates €1.2 billion in revenue, making it a strategic pillar for the group. With the launch of the Ground Fire 300, Thales is introducing more than a new radar—it is establishing a European benchmark in air defense, designed to meet the demands of high-intensity conflict and to integrate with multi-domain defense architectures. In the context of renewed state-level threats and accelerated European defense initiatives, the radar offers a technological and operationally sovereign solution. (Source: Google/armyrecognition.com)
23 Apr 25. USMC deploy drone-killing MADIS system for Balikatan drills. U.S. Marines will test one of the service’s newest counter-drone defense systems during this year’s Balikatan military exercise in collaboration with the Philippine military, according to the Marine Corps. Marines with the 3rd Littoral Anti-Air Battalion’s Ground-Based Air Defense Battery will conduct live-fire training with the ground-based Marine Air Defense Integrated System, or MADIS, a short-range, surface-to-air system that specializes in the detection and destruction of unmanned aircraft systems, at the annual joint drills currently underway in the Philippines. The exercise will mark MADIS’ second live-fire training, following training in January at the Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island of Hawaii, and the first time the system has been deployed outside the United States with a U.S. Marine Corps unit.
“The MADIS is a unique weapon system that enhances both the survivability and lethality of [the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment] by extending the reach of the airspace over which the formation has control, and by giving tactical flexibility to the friendly elements operating within our area of operations,” said Col. John G. Lehane, commanding officer of the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, in a release.
During an integrated air and missile defense event, U.S. Marines will perform a demonstration of the MADIS alongside Philippine Marines and soldiers, who will also utilize their own counter-drone systems. With MADIS, Marines don’t have to exit their vehicle to manually target and take out an unmanned aerial vehicle. The system, mounted to a tactical vehicle, comes equipped with radar and weapons capable of identifying aerial threats and neutralizing them out of the sky with jammers, Stinger missiles and a 30mm cannon. The system replaces a cumbersome legacy platform Marines have long used to defend the skies: The Man-Portable Air Defense System, or MANPADs. MADIS will replace a previous aerial defense system called the Man-Portable Air Defense System, or MANPADs, which includes a fire unit vehicle, section leader vehicle and a Stinger shoulder-fired missile as its primary weapon system, according to the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps — which requested $130 m for 13 MADIS Increment 1 systems in its fiscal 2024 budget request — will seek to field 190 MADIS systems through 2035 to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Low-Altitude Air Defense Battalions and the 3rd, 4th and 12th Marine Littoral Regiments. This year’s Balikatan, running through May 9 on the Philippine islands of Luzon and Palawan, marks 40 years of joint drills aimed at fortifying the Indo-Pacific. U.S. and Philippine troops will conduct coordinated military operations across land, sea, air, space and cyber domains for the exercise. The I Marine Expeditionary Force Command Element, 1st Marine Division, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, 1st Marine Logistics Group, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing will participate in the event.
“The MADIS continues to exceed expectations, and the more repetitions we get to integrate it with the [Philippine Marine Corps] in training, the more it will enhance our collective lethality,” said Lt. Col. Matthew E. Sladek, commanding officer of the 3rd Littoral Anti-Air Battalion. (Source: Defense News)
23 Apr 25. Ireland to Get First Radar Able to Detect Stealth Aircraft. Ireland is set to welcome its first primary military radar system capable of detecting aircraft engineered to evade traditional detection, including those with advanced stealth technology. Defense Minister Simon Harris confirmed the development in an interview with national broadcaster RTÉ, stating that the system is expected to be rolled out in 2026 amid growing regional and global security concerns.
“Year on year, indeed month and month from next year, we’ll be in an enhanced position,” he stressed.
The new radar will allow the Irish military to detect not only stealth aircraft but also planes that have been hijacked or are flying with their transponders deliberately disabled — a tactic often used by drug smugglers and other illicit actors. Currently, Ireland lacks the capacity to independently monitor such threats within its airspace. Once deployed, the radar is expected to become a cornerstone of Ireland’s national security strategy, providing early warning and real-time tracking in and around Irish-controlled skies.
Preparing for Modern Threats
Plans to deploy a primary radar system first emerged in 2022, following a key recommendation from Ireland’s Commission on the Defence Forces. The move is part of a broader initiative to develop a modern air defense system that integrates seamlessly with the Irish military’s existing assets. Although Dublin is not considered a direct target in current global conflicts, officials have emphasized the need for greater preparedness and improved self-defense capabilities.
“On radar and subsea awareness capabilities, and particularly given the current security environment in which Ireland resides, the state is not immune from the current geopolitical security environment,” Harris noted.
The radar system is expected to be fully operational by 2028. (Source: News Now/https://thedefensepost.com/)
23 Apr 25. U.S. F-22 Raptor Fighter Jet Upgraded with Infrared Sensors to Shoot Down Enemies Before Detection. Following the release of its Q1 2025 financial results on April 23, 2025, Lockheed Martin announced a pivotal enhancement to the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jet program: the integration of a system of next-generation infrared sensors aimed at increasing the aircraft’s survivability and lethality. This strategic move reinforces Lockheed Martin’s commitment to maintaining U.S. air superiority and highlights the continued evolution of the F-22 as a dominant force in modern aerial warfare. The U.S. Air Force’s F-22 Raptor receives a cutting-edge upgrade with the integration of next-generation infrared sensors, enabling the stealth fighter to detect and engage enemy aircraft before they can detect it. The U.S. F-22 Raptor is widely regarded as the world’s most advanced air superiority stealth fighter jet and serves as a cornerstone of the U.S. Air Force’s tactical air power. Developed by Lockheed Martin under the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program, the F-22 entered service in 2005 with a unique combination of stealth, speed, agility, and situational awareness. It was the first operational aircraft to incorporate supercruise capability—sustained supersonic flight without afterburners—giving it unmatched reach and engagement speed. Its radar-absorbent materials, internal weapons bays, and sharply angled design ensure a minimal radar cross-section, enabling it to penetrate heavily defended airspace. The F-22 is primarily tasked with securing air dominance by neutralizing enemy fighters, protecting allied assets, and ensuring freedom of maneuver for follow-on forces. It also supports ground attack, intelligence gathering, and electronic warfare roles, making it a versatile and invaluable asset in the U.S. military’s arsenal. At the center of this latest modernization is the Infrared Defensive System (IRDS), a sophisticated passive sensor suite designed to provide a decisive edge in contested environments. Unlike conventional radar systems, which emit signals that adversaries can detect, the IRDS detects and tracks threats using heat signatures, allowing the F-22 to operate under complete electromagnetic silence. This capability is particularly vital in missions where stealth and surprise are essential for mission success. The IRDS provides the F-22 with 360-degree passive infrared surveillance, significantly improving situational awareness. In environments saturated with electronic warfare and where stealth aircraft are becoming more common, this system acts as a crucial second line of detection. It offers early warnings of threats such as enemy fighters and missile launches, even in cases where radar performance is limited by jamming or stealth countermeasures. This layered detection capability enhances both air-to-air and air-to-ground survivability. One of the most strategically valuable aspects of the IRDS is its long-range targeting capability. By detecting thermal emissions, the system allows the F-22 to identify and engage enemy aircraft at great distances—often before the adversary is even aware of the Raptor’s presence. This ability aligns perfectly with the U.S. Air Force’s air superiority doctrine, built on the principles of “first look, first shot, first kill.” Coupled with long-range missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM, the IRDS makes the Raptor a highly effective first-strike platform, particularly in anti-access/area denial zones. In an era when nations like China and Russia are deploying their own fifth-generation fighters, the IRDS serves an equally critical role as a counter-stealth capability. Even the most advanced stealth aircraft emit some level of thermal signature due to engines and onboard electronics. The IRDS allows the F-22 Raptor to track and target these threats, countering the very technologies that are designed to challenge U.S. dominance.
Beyond its offensive benefits, IRDS enhances the F-22’s defensive posture by offering superior missile warning capabilities. It can detect incoming missile signatures and alert the pilot in real time, allowing for evasive maneuvers and the deployment of countermeasures such as flares or electronic jamming. This additional layer of defense is particularly useful during high-speed, high-G engagements where pilot workload is high and reaction time is critical. In some cases, the system can support semi-autonomous responses, providing pre-programmed tactical advice to navigate out of danger zones. Furthermore, the IRDS is designed to integrate seamlessly with the F-22’s advanced sensor fusion architecture. This means data from the IRDS is combined with inputs from radar, electronic support measures, and other onboard systems to produce a unified and coherent operational picture. This fusion dramatically improves threat recognition and response times, enhancing the pilot’s ability to make rapid, informed decisions in dynamic combat scenarios. It also boosts the aircraft’s ability to coordinate with other assets across the battlespace, including legacy fighters, AWACS, and unmanned systems, thus reinforcing its role as a key node in networked warfare. The F-22 Raptor, a technological marvel since its introduction, already excels through its combination of stealth, supercruise, agility, and unparalleled avionics. The integration of IRDS ensures it remains ahead of emerging threats and continues to define what it means to dominate the skies. Though this upgrade was not announced as part of a new contract, it is a major element of a broader modernization roadmap developed in partnership with the U.S. Air Force. This initiative includes enhancements across avionics, electronic warfare, and data networking, and is designed to maintain the aircraft’s tactical superiority well into the 2030s. The addition of the Infrared Defensive System to the U.S. F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jet marks not just an upgrade, but a transformative leap in the F-22’s operational capacity. As global threats evolve and adversaries field more sophisticated air capabilities, the Raptor—with its new infrared eyes—remains a lethal and elusive apex predator in the skies. This modernization underscores why the F-22 continues to be considered the most capable air superiority fighter in the world, and why it will remain an integral part of the U.S. Air Force’s power projection for years to come. (Source: Google/armyrecognition.com)
23 Apr 25. MoD clarifies carrier strike AEW requirements in new update. The Ministry of Defence has issued further clarification on its ongoing market engagement for a next-generation Carrier Strike Airborne Early Warning (AEW) capability, aimed at enhancing the protection of the UK’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers and their strike groups. Published on 22 April 2025, the update to the original tender—first issued on 9 April—adds crucial detail to the scope and intent of the proposed system, while continuing to stress that this is not a formal procurement process. The engagement seeks innovative solutions to deliver persistent surveillance against air and surface threats, potentially replacing or supplementing the current Crowsnest system.
What’s New?
The MOD has now responded to specific clarification questions from industry, revealing that: “The authority expects that the potential solutions could vary greatly with regards to combinations of numbers of platforms, endurance, and sensor performance and do not wish to specify those at present.”
Instead, the goal is to deliver “sufficient time to enact counter-threat measures”—allowing suppliers the flexibility to propose platforms and sensor suites they believe can best achieve this aim.
Additionally, the MOD has confirmed that platforms do not need to be registered on the UK Military Aircraft Register at this stage of engagement: “The RN is currently undertaking broad market engagement… Decisions on how any future demonstrations may take place will be made on the results of this market engagement.”
This is a notable shift from previous MOD engagements, suggesting a greater openness to novel solutions—including uncrewed platforms or hybrid options—not yet certified for UK military airspace.
Timelines and Scope
The proposed contract would be worth between £500 m and £1.5 bn, with service entry estimated between 2030 and 2035. The intended duration of the support arrangement is 5.5 years, with a delivery window between January 2027 and May 2032. (Source: News Now/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
23 Apr 25. IAI and DCX Announce the Establishment of a New JV in India. Named ELTX, the new JV is expected to deliver transfer of knowledge and technology of high-end defense systems’ capabilities such as airborne radars and ground systems for the Indian defense sector. IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries) and DCX Systems Limited, announced today the establishment of a new joint venture (JV) to support the Indian Government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ – ‘Make in India” vision. Named ELTX, the new JV is expected to deliver transfer of knowledge and technology of high-end defense systems’ capabilities such as airborne radars and ground systems for the Indian defense sector. IAI has made substantial investments in India’s defense ecosystem as part of the Company’s long-term commitment to India’s self-reliance goals. These investments are aimed at empowering India to independently operate, maintain and enhance its defense capabilities through job creation, upskilling local Indian workforce and contribution to the growth of the Nation’s defense manufacturing. In recent years, IAI launched its Indian subsidiary – Aerospace Services; announced a partnership with Delhi’s Indian Institute of Technology; demonstrated collaboration with Indian deep-tech startups by launching an Innovation Acceleration Program; and most recently opened a facility in Hyderabad to enhance localized Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul capabilities for advanced radar systems and reduced turnaround times for India’s Armed Forces.
IAI’s President and CEO, Boaz Levy: “This latest strategic partnership marks yet another significant milestone in the deepening defense collaboration between Israel and India. By combining Israeli innovation with India’s growing industrial base, we are proud to co-develop next-generation technologies that address evolving security needs while advancing India’s vision of ‘Make in India’. Through mutual transfer of knowledge and capabilities, we are enhancing battlefield readiness and helping to unlock India’s full potential as a global hub for defense technology and economic growth.”
IAI EVP and ELTA’s CEO, Dror Bar: “IAI/ELTA’s radars, airborne systems, homeland security and intelligence systems are at the forefront of the defense world for the last decades and serve India’s tri-services and Armed Forces. We are proud to significantly increase our commitment to support indigenization of our technologies in India and to establish this local JV, that will enhance the design and development of mutual defense electronics solutions.”
DCX’s Chairman & Managing Director, Dr. H.S. Raghavendra Rao: “We are proud to collaborate with IAI, a world acclaimed defense leader and sign this JV, a testament of our commitment to reinforcing India’s defense capabilities. Through this JV, we will combine IAI’s innovative radar technologies with DCX’s local expertise and production infrastructure in order to deliver cutting-edge systems tailored to the growing needs of the Indian Armed Forces.”
For the past 40 years, IAI built close partnerships with India and its Armed Forces by developing and providing advanced technologies and strategic systems to the Country, including air and missile defense systems, unmanned aerial systems, satellites, radars, training platforms and more. IAI’s cutting-edge systems and technologies are in operational use in India’s tri-services and additional government agencies. DCX Systems Limited specializes in manufacturing RF and other Electronic Systems primarily for the Defense and Aerospace sector with its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bangalore. (Source: ASD Network)
23 Apr 25. Cuashub.com said today that Drone near misses pose a major risk to aircraft at U.S. airports. A drone passed within 300 feet of a commercial airliner on final approach to San Francisco International Airport late last year – so close that pilots said there was no time to react. It was one of several alarming close encounters in recent months between drones and passenger aircraft, raising renewed concerns over the growing threat of UAS in controlled airspace. In another incident near Miami International Airport, a jetliner at 4,000 feet reported a “close encounter” with a drone. Just weeks earlier, a departing flight from Newark narrowly avoided a collision when a quadcopter came within 50 feet of its left wing. All three cases were classified as “near midair collisions,” a category reserved for the most serious close calls. Experts warn that even a small drone could cause catastrophic damage if it struck a jet engine, cockpit or control surface during flight. These are not isolated events. According to an Associated Press analysis of NASA’s Aviation Safety Reporting System, drones accounted for nearly two-thirds of all near midair collisions involving commercial flights at the nation’s 30 busiest airports last year – the highest rate since 2020. Over the past decade, drones were involved in 51% of all reported near misses – 122 out of 240 incidents – with the spike beginning in 2015 as consumer drone use surged.
“The threat has become far more acute,” said William Waldock, professor of safety science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. “You can buy a drone online that reaches altitudes where it has no business being, and many recreational users simply don’t know the rules.”
The risk is greatest near airports, where drone flight paths overlap with those of commercial aircraft during takeoff and landing. Despite FAA rules prohibiting drone flights near airports without authorization, enforcement remains a challenge. The FAA estimates more than a million drones are currently in use across the U.S. It requires registration for drones over 250 grams and mandates remote identification via radio transponders, but compliance is uneven and difficult to verify in real time.
Hannah Thach, executive director of the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence, acknowledged the urgency: “We all know additional changes need to be made to allow the airports to go out and detect and mitigate where necessary,” she said.
The FAA has begun testing counter-drone systems – including signal jammers, GPS interference and even high-powered microwaves or lasers – but full deployment remains years away. Experts have called for tougher measures, including mandatory geofencing to prevent drones from entering restricted airspace. DJI, the world’s largest drone manufacturer, used such software-based barriers until this year, when it replaced them with a pilot alert system after struggling to process ms of override requests.
“We had around-the-clock service, but it became unmanageable,” said Adam Welsh, head of global policy at DJI. “Without a mandate requiring geofencing, we couldn’t continue.”
Meanwhile, enforcement efforts have begun to show results. In December, Boston police arrested two men for flying a drone dangerously close to Logan International Airport. They were tracked using the device’s transponder signal. In January, a drone collided with a firefighting plane in Southern California, damaging the aircraft and grounding it for several days. The drone’s pilot later pleaded guilty to a federal charge. Still, such prosecutions are rare, and aviation experts argue that consistent enforcement is essential to prevent tragedy. https://cuashub.com/en/content/drone-near-misses-pose-a-major-risk-to-aircraft-at-u-s-airports/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
23 Apr 25. ZODIAC: next steps in deploying British Army ISTAR. The UK-US Warfighter exercise next month will offer the British Army a chance to deploy ZODIAC, even if it is still in development. After reaching minimum viable product last year, the future deployment of ZODIAC, the UK military’s Land Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) programme, has been made public in a UK parliamentary written response. On 22 April, Maria Eagle, the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, confirmed that this digital architecture will serve as the “backbone” of the British Army’s divisional ISTAR system in the forthcoming Warfighter exercise (WFX) alongside the United States in May 2025. The British Army has two divisions, the 1st and 3rd divisions, with the latter at continual readiness. Each division comprises as many as 10,000 soldiers across three brigades.ZODIAC integrates sensors, decision-makers, and effectors into a single network for command and control. This ISTAR system will empower British troops during the WFX next month. According to Eagle, the UK Ministry of Defence will acquire a new suite of sensors systems for this ISTAR network. One of these, she added, will include brigade-level small uncrewed air systems (sUAS) developed under Project TIQUILA. This programme has just reached initial operating capability, delivering three trained and equipped detachments into the Joint Aviation Command. TIQUILA is anticipated to reach full operating capability in mid-2026, delivering two types of sUAS to 24 detatchments overall. This project comes just as an ISTAR UAS capability gap opens up after the government put the legacy Watchkeeper programme to rest in November 2024.
A new strategy that hinges on ISTAR
The UK is following in the footsteps of the US Army, which has begun to kit its Brigade Combat Teams with sUAS. Army Technology has learned that industry have delivered at least 300 systems to units so far. These new technologies support a modern Army strategy, informed by the abundance of drones in the Russia-Ukraine war, in which the US Army aim to stop trading blood for first contact. It is in this new context in land warfare that ISTAR plays an integral role in providing a holistic and changing picture of the battlespace. The US Army will also deploy other systems to achieve this end, such as their family of Next Generation Combat Vehicles which come in light, medium, and heavy variants. WFXs are distributed, simulation supported, tactical command post exercises fought competitively against a live-thinking regional adversary in a complex environment to prepare units for future large-scale combat operations.
“It’s the only time our corps and divisions are collaboratively immersed against a near-peer competitor, where they’re forced to really understand and improve their wartime mission,” said US Army Colonel Robert Molinari during WFX 22-1 in 2021. (Source: army-technology.com)
23 Apr 25. Sentrycs, a leader in Protocol Manipulation-based counter-drone technology (often referred to as Cyber over RF), and Xtend, a leader in AI-powered, human-guided autonomous platforms and operating system (XOS), are proud to announce a strategic partnership aimed at transforming drone security and remote operations for defense and security applications. This collaboration brings together Sentrycs’ advanced counter-drone solutions with Xtend’s unique technology, enabling customers to accelerate the threat mitigation cycle, ensure an unparalleled level of protection, and significantly enhance operational efficiency in high-stakes environments. In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the threat posed by unauthorized drones has become a significant concern for defense and special forces operations. The partnership between Sentrycs and Xtend aims to address these challenges by integrating their advanced technologies to offer a robust, comprehensive solution that enhances both security and operational capabilities. The integration of Sentrycs’ counter-drone systems with Xtend’s autonomous platforms and operating system (XOS) creates a powerful synergy that enhances the capabilities of both technologies. This partnership provides a seamless interface for operators to detect, track, identify and mitigate drone threats while managing remote operations with precision and efficiency.
“Our collaboration with Xtend represents a unique approach in advancing drone security solutions,” said Meir Avidan, VP Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at Sentrycs. “By combining our expertise in counter-drone technology with Xtend’s innovative robotics, we are able to offer a comprehensive solution that addresses the evolving needs of our defense and special forces customers, ensuring their safety and operational efficiency.”
“Our mission at Xtend has always been to empower operators with the best tools to manage complex missions safely and efficiently,” said Aviv Shapira, CEO of Xtend. “Partnering with Sentrycs allows us to extend our capabilities in drone security, providing our defense and security customers with a more comprehensive and integrated solution.”
Both Sentrycs and Xtend are committed to continuous innovation and excellence in their respective fields. This partnership underscores their dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions that meet the highest standards of security and operational efficiency.
23 Apr 25. USAF Tests New Air-to-Air Training in Europe Focused on Drones. U.S. Air Forces in Europe is using one of its premier F-16 squadrons to develop and practice new tactics and weapons to counter drones. The exercise stems from the service’s experience in the Middle East, fighting off Iranian and Houthi attacks. The 555th Fighter Squadron, based at Aviano Air Base, Italy, participated in the Weapons System Evaluation Program (WSEP) exercise this month in the United Kingdom. The exercise, commonly known as Combat Archer, is typically held in the United States at ranges at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., and Hill Air Force Base, Utah.
Air Force experts were on hand to assess the air-to-air performance of the squadron.
In a statement, U.S. Air Forces in Europe boss Gen. James B. Hecker said hosting the exercise in the U.K. saves ms of dollars and provides much-needed training for its units in what it hopes is a repeatable model. Traveling to the U.S. for training would normally cost ms of dollars—likely cost-prohibitive as a standalone exercise—and require tanker and airlift support to get equipment and personnel across the Atlantic, USAFE officials said.
“Holding the exercise in the European area of responsibility provides significant strategic advantages, reducing the need for transatlantic aircraft movements, and resulting in substantial cost savings,” Hecker said.
Over seven days of flying this month, the F-16s from the 555th or “Triple Nickel” Fighter Squadron flew approximately 70 sorties, firing off around 10 AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles and over 60 rockets at target drones at the U.K.’s MOD Aberporth range on the west coast of Wales near Cardigan Bay, a USAFE spokesperson said.
The squadron practiced on Banshee Jet 80 and Banshee Whirlwind drones from the British company QinetiQ, a defense tech company that operates the drones and ranges. That’s different from previous Combat Archer exercises in the U.S., which use the QF-16—old F-16s turned into unmanned targets—and the BQM-167A, another high-performance target drone.
“We don’t really want to shoot at a threat that is representative of a jet. We’re looking to shoot at things that are smaller and that are a better threat representation,”
Lt. Col. Eric “Diesel” Kitaif, the commander of the 555th Fighter Squadron, told Air & Space Forces Magazine in a video interview. “They’re much smaller with a lower infrared signature than the traditional drones that people shoot at Archer,” Kitaif said. “For what I am trying to train my squadron to do, the threat that we are fighting out here is perfect. They’re slow, they’re hard to detect with the radar, they’re low IR signature. We actually get to see all those things and we’ve learned a lot from fighting those two threats.”
Pilots, weapons, and maintenance personnel and equipment from Aviano’s 31st Fighter Wing deployed to RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, England, for the exercise, including:
- 555th Fighter Squadron
- 555th Fighter Generation Squadron
- 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron
- 31st Munitions Squadron
- 31st Maintenance Squadron
- 31st Operations Support Squadron.
The rocket system being tested is the AGR-20 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS)—Hydra-70 rockets that have been converted with a laser guidance kit to turn them into precision-guided munitions. It was designed for air-to-ground use but has been used to shoot down Houthi drones in the past year, U.S. officials previously told Air & Space Forces Magazine. The rockets cost less than $40,000, the officials say, a significant advancement in driving down the cost of defeating the hundreds of drone attacks in the Middle East. To shoot down drones, the Air Force has previously used AIM-120 AMRAAM medium-range radar-guided missiles, which cost roughly $1 m each, or short-range AIM-9 Sidewinders, which carry a price tag of hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on the variant, with the costly AIM-9X model commonly used by the USAF.
We’re training to a new threat and a new weapon to handle that threat,” Kitaif said.
To judge the exercise, the 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron from Tyndall brought a 33-person team, fulfilling a pre-deployment air-to-air weapons employment evaluation requirement for the 555th Fighter Squadron, a spokesperson for U.S. Air Forces in Europe said. USAFE has often provided combat airpower in the Middle East in recent years, including F-16s from Aviano’s 510th Fighter Squadron and the 555th Fighter Squadron. The F-15E Strike Eagles from the 48th Fighter Wing at Lakenheath helped defeat Iran’s attack on Israel in April alongside other U.S. Air Force and coalition aircraft, downing dozens of drones. The drone threat is also a real-world concern in Europe, as Russia has used some of the same types of drones seen in the Middle East to attack Ukrainian troops, infrastructure, and cities.
“We were deployed just before them,” Kitaif said of the 48th Fighter Wing. “We were also tasked to do this type of defense against the one-way attack drones. … We did not have the opportunity for the training prior to go to actually see what it would look like in our targeting pod, to run an intercept against something that is that difficult to attack at air speed and shoot missiles at it. Back then, we were loaded up with AIM-9Xs, ready to attack one-way attack drones. Now we are training to the AGR-20 FALCO system. I can carry a lot more of them, and they’re much, much more cost-effective against one-way attack drones.”
One drone was shot down with an AIM-9M, but most shots did not use live warheads and were instead “kinematic” kills so the drones can be reused, a USAFE spokesperson said.
Some Air Force F-16s in the Middle East have been seen fitted with infrared targeting pods and one or two Hydra rocket pods, as well as AMRAAMs and AIM-9s—F-16s can carry 14 rockets per station, up to 28 rockets. To guide an APKWS rocket, the target must be laser-designated or “lazed,” unlike more expensive “fire-and-forget” missiles. This means air-to-air use of the rocket pods is most suited to defeating slow-flying targets such as one-way attack drones. That’s practice the 555th Fighter Squadron needs.
“Employing these is challenging to do,” Kitaif said. An F-16 can employ the rockets on its own, but it must laze the target and fire the rocket, so multiple F-16s make the job easier.
I need to put it in the right regime, and I need to make sure that there is laser energy on the target. And so getting both of those things to happen can be challenging to be the person both employing the munition and the person lazing that munition,” Kitaif said. “None of us have ever trained to [use rockets] air-to-air, and almost all of us have never trained to it air-to-ground either. So it’s beneficial to be able to carry these out here and get to train to it.” (Source: UAS VISION/Air & Space Forces Magazine)
21 Apr 25. Indra Upgrades Air Navigation Radars in the UK With State-of-the-art Technology for More Sustainable Aviation.
- Indra will manufacture and install state-of-the-art radars on ten sites for NATS, the country’s air navigation service provider, combining primary 3D and secondary MSSR radars to monitor aircraft movements throughout the country’s airspace
- Indra’s radars will incorporate technology to allow better mitigation for the interference caused by turbines on wind farms, in turn facilitating the development of renewable energies without compromising flight safety and contributing to NATS’ environmental commitments
Indra has won a contract to upgrade the United Kingdom’s air surveillance network with new state-of-the-art radars. NATS, the country’s air navigation service provider, has awarded Indra this contract, which will incorporate cutting-edge design and technology to cut down on CO2 emissions. Indra will deploy a total of 19 radars in the different locations, each will be equipped with a primary PSR3D and a secondary MSSR radar. Indra will also upgrade the systems of the primary radar currently in operation, previously installed by the company at Lowther Hill, and complement it with an MSSR, in such a way that NATS will have 10 identical sites to standardize its maintenance work. The project includes manufacturing, installing, supporting and maintaining the radars for around 20 years. Indra’s radars comply with the highest technical and safety standards, and they are designed to be managed remotely, a sustainable approach that cuts down on the carbon footprint while optimizing energy consumption by reusing the necessary facilities and improving the efficiency of the buildings where they have been set up. This will be possible thanks to Indra’s control and monitoring system, which will facilitate the maintenance of the radars once they enter operation. Indra’s systems meet the demanding sustainability requirements set by NATS in its environmental commitments including achieving its goal of zero emissions in all of its air traffic operations. Thanks to the incorporation of advanced algorithms, Indra’s radars have capabilities to allow better mitigation for the adverse effects that wind farms can have on radar signals, as they are able to detect and eliminate the interference caused by reflections and common turbine noises that affect air safety. This also means that the use of renewable energies can be compatible with safe and efficient air operations.
Phil Blakemore, NATS’ Surveillance Service Owner, said: “Replacing our radar fleet is the first phase of a major upgrade to the UK’s radar systems. It will ensure we continue to provide excellent coverage for our customers while also reducing energy use by 30-50%, helping NATS meet its sustainability goals. This ambitious project will consolidate Indra as a global flagship in advanced aviation technology and strengthen its close collaboration with NATS in transforming air traffic management in the United Kingdom and, improving the efficiency and sustainability for decades to come. Indra is one of the few companies in the world that’s capable of addressing the comprehensive refresh of an air surveillance network of these characteristics, and the trust placed by major countries such as Germany, Spain and, now, the United Kingdom, three mainstays of the digital European sky, shows that it’s an achievable and more efficient model”, highlighted Victor Martínez, Executive Vice President of ATM at Indra.
Indra has equipped a total of over 11,000 air traffic facilities around the world and it’s one of the few companies in the world with a portfolio of state-of-the-art solutions capable of managing a flight gate-to-gate, from take-off to arrival at its destination. (Source: ASD Network)
22 Apr 25. Maris-Tech Ltd. (Nasdaq: MTEK), a global leader in video and AI-based edge computing technology, announces the launch of Diamond Ultra, a fully integrated hardware-software system designed to enhance situational awareness and airborne threat protection for Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) and critical defense applications. The full-system solution combines a ruggedized processing box with an AI-powered analytics card in one cohesive platform. This integration eliminates compatibility challenges found in separate systems while simplifying deployment and enhancing operational performance in harsh environments. The Diamond Ultra platform provides comprehensive 360° 3D situational awareness, addressing critical challenges such as blind spots, slow threat detection, and integration complexities in modern combat environments. It integrates up to 11 camera inputs (IP, analog, and HD/SDI) and leverages dual AI accelerators (~60 TOPS) for high-speed processing of multiple video streams simultaneously. This ensures instant threat identification and actionable intelligence for defense teams operating in mission-critical scenarios. Designed for rapid installation and low maintenance, the Diamond Ultra system supports LTE/5G connectivity, enabling real-time video transmission and remote monitoring from command centers or other off-site locations. This capability enhances operational flexibility by allowing defense teams to maintain oversight even in dynamic or geographically dispersed combat scenarios. Additionally, its continuous recording functionality supports post-event debriefing and training while also enabling the refinement of AI models through raw video data analysis. This ensures long-term operational improvement and adaptability to evolving threats.
Israel Bar, CEO & Founder of Maris-Tech Ltd., emphasized the system’s groundbreaking capabilities: “Diamond Ultra is a transformative milestone for Maris-Tech, an integrated solution that unites advanced AI-powered software with ruggedized hardware into one seamless platform. This innovation eliminates the delays and complexities often caused by separate systems, enabling faster deployment and ensuring consistent performance in mission-critical environments. By integrating situational awareness and threat detection into a single system, we enhance force safety while providing defense teams with a reliable, future-ready solution that adapts effortlessly to evolving operational demands”.
21 Apr 25. South Korea’s ADD demonstrates AI-based photonic radar technology. The technology holds potential for the detection and identification of small-scale aircraft such as drones. South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD) has demonstrated an AI-based photonic radar technology at the Sejong Electronic Test Site. This technology holds the potential for detection and identification of small-scale aircraft such as drones and the demonstration marks a “new chapter” in defence surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, stated ADD. Developed under the Future Challenge National Defense Technology Development Project since 2022, this AI-based photonic radar technology is designed to meet the needs of defence science and technology. By converting laser light into electromagnetic signals, the technology sends these signals to a target and employs AI to analyse the reflected signals, thereby confirming the target’s presence and identity. ADD Third Technology Research Institute director Jeong Seong-tae said: “As demonstrated through this technology demonstration, I am very pleased that ADD’s AI-based optical radar technology is demonstrating outstanding performance in a real environment.
“We will strive to further develop this technology and provide innovative solutions in the K-defence surveillance and reconnaissance field.”
During the demonstration, ADD announced that it has, for the first time in South Korea, identified small aircraft that are hard to detect with current optical equipment such as cameras. The small aircraft was identified at a distance of several kilometres in an outdoor environment. The demonstration event was attended by officials from various organisations, including ADD, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, and the military. Discussions were also held on the future development and early commercialisation plans of AI-based optical radar technology. ADD’s ongoing efforts include research and development, conducting combat experiments, and identifying subsequent tasks. In February this year, ADD, in collaboration with Korean Air, introduced the Low Observable Wingman Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle System (LOWUS) technology demonstrator. The LOWUS was presented at the Korean Air Tech Center in Busan and is a component in the development of integrated crewed-uncrewed systems. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
21 Apr 25. Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, is transitioning to production of its Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor, or LTAMDS, after completing the U.S. Army’s rigorous flight test program and achieving the Department of Defense’s Major Capability Acquisition Milestone C designation. LTAMDS has completed eight successful flight tests of increasing complexity to stress the radar and prove its capabilities against real-world threats. This led the Army to validate that the radar has reached Milestone C, initiating the production and deployment phase of the program. LTAMDS is now officially designated a program of record by the U.S. Army and ready to support both its U.S. homeland defense and expeditionary missions.
“This is an unprecedented achievement, with a development program of this magnitude transitioning from prototype to production and deployment at an accelerated pace,” said Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon. “Our collaborative partnership with the U.S. Army and our broad base of industry partners has driven the historic execution of the LTAMDS program in record time, delivering advanced 360-degree integrated air and missile defense capability.”
The U.S. Army leveraged Middle-Tier Acquisition authority granted by Congress to rapidly prototype and field LTAMDS. Defense programs of this scale and complexity regularly take more than a decade to achieve Milestone C. Raytheon recently delivered the first six LTAMDS to the U.S. Army funded by a 2019 contract award. The company is currently manufacturing eight additional LTAMDS radars per year and is ramping up annual production to 12 units to meet global demand. Raytheon will deliver radar seven and eight later this year and is producing radars for the U.S. Army and Poland that were contracted for in August 2024. Poland is the first international customer to add LTAMDS to their air and missile defense architecture. A dozen additional countries are requesting information about LTAMDS and receiving pricing and availability estimates. (Source: PR Newswire)
14 Apr 25. US Army issues RFI to support Eastern European air defence and C-UAS capability. The US Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal has issued a sources sought request for information (RFI) to support Eastern European air defence. The requirement for this action is a new contract in September 2025 with a 12-month period of performance. “This effort will provide the necessary software engineering, field support, technical assistance, and interoperability testing to integrate into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) architecture for air defence and counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) in support of their homeland defence,” the RFI states. Responses will be used for a market research analysis that will assist in determining if the contemplated acquisition could be conducted under full and open competition, or if the contemplated acquisition should be set-aside for small business. Funding is provided by Fiscal Year 2024 Building Partner Capacity funds from European Command (EUCOM). The interested party must be able to obtain and maintain personnel and facilities at the SECRET clearance level. They must also comply with the Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting clause at DFARS 252.204-7012 and have a program that follows the National Institute of Standards and Technology framework for improving critical compliance assessments performed by the government. Responses are invited by April 25, 2025. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
15 Apr 25. Trials underway in Sweden for joint UAS/C-UAS military project. The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), Swedish Armed Forces, Swedish Defense Research Institute (FOI), academia, international partners and industry are working together through Demo Ucav, a demonstration project for uncrewed systems and protection against them. Demo Ucav aims to explore and verify central technologies and capabilities, building capabilities and ensuring interoperability within the unmanned domain and between its constituent disciplines (drone, counter-drone and Patrol Robot). The project focuses on testing future technologies at an early stage. An important part of the work is to create a test platform that enables rapid experimentation and evaluation of different technical solutions – from AI-based control systems to next-generation sensor systems.
“Much of the technology development takes place in Ukraine, which has a major impact on our work,” says Johan Pakarinen, project manager at FMV. “We have a continuous dialogue with our Ukrainian partners and have a good understanding of how the systems are used and developed on the battlefield. There is a lot to learn from there.”
Initially established in 2023, Demo Ucav currently involves hundreds of employees from the FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces and FOI. FMV’s role is to coordinate, drive and ensure that the technical capability is developed in line with the needs of the Armed Forces, while the project constitutes an innovation engine for the Swedish defence industry. Parts of the project were demonstrated during the Arctic Strike 25 exercise in Älvdalen at the end of March, and FMV reported on April 14 that trials are underway at several units in the country. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
19 Apr 25. Blighter (www.blighter.com), a pioneering designer and manufacturer of ground-based smart electronic-scanning radars, will be showcasing its border surveillance credentials at this year’s IQDEX Defence Exhibition in Iraq. IQDEX is one of the leading defence exhibitions in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, where the latest technology across land, sea and air sectors will be on show. The event takes place at Baghdad International Fairground, Baghdad, Iraq from 19-22 April 2025.
James Long, CEO at Blighter, says, “We are making our debut at this year’s IQDEX exhibition and are looking forward to meeting with partners and prospective customers to showcase our long-range border surveillance radars. Our smart radars with AI-assisted software are field proven to work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, monitoring for any human, vehicle, or low-flying aircraft incursions.”
The Blighter solid-state, non-rotating, low power and near zero maintenance electronic-scanning radars operate in extreme environmental conditions including the hottest, toughest locations close to the Equator.
“Our radars have a reputation for ultra reliability and monitor national borders in many countries,” says James Long. “Around 100 of our radar units have been successfully guarding the 250km Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) for over a decade in what is considered one of the world’s most mountainous countries with environmental extremes of -30ºC in winter and a humid +40ºC in summer.”
The Blighter B400 series radars are particularly well suited to national border surveillance applications with their long-range detection capability from just 10 m up to 32 km. The 20º wide elevation beam also provides simultaneous hill-top and valley coverage. The radars can detect very small and slow targets such as a crawling person up to 6.4 km away and a walking person up to 15 km, and a vehicle up to 32 km even in cluttered environments.
“We are continuing to win new overseas border surveillance contracts in the MENA region for our ITAR free products,” says James Long. “With the necessary export licenses in place, and a flexible approach to local assembly of certain products to enable indigenous manufacture, we look forward to forging further partnerships at this year’s IQDEX event.”
Since introducing the world’s first, non-rotating, solid-state, electronic-scanning, micro-Doppler ground radar in 2003, Blighter has continued to lead this market with 2D, 3D and 4D smart/cognitive radars and advanced AI (artificial intelligence) assisted software to detect, track and classify small and slow-moving threats in complex environments.
Pattern of life analysis is now used to enhance situational analysis and the speed and efficiency of threat detection. Blighter radars also feature Low-Probability-of-Intercept (LPI) waveforms and are designed for rugged operation at fixed and mobile locations and on the move.
18 Apr 25. Russian Su-35S fighter jets have taken on airborne radar reconnaissance missions in Ukraine, a role traditionally reserved for the larger, specialized A-50U airborne early warning and control aircraft. This development, reported by the Russian aviation-focused Telegram channel Fighterbomber, citing sources within Russia’s military aviation community, underscores the evolving dynamics of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as of April 2025. The move comes as Russia scales back operations of its A-50U fleet, reportedly due to losses and the need to keep these critical assets farther from the front lines. With the Su-35S stepping into this unconventional role, questions arise about the operational and strategic implications for Russia’s air campaign and the broader trajectory of the war. The Fighterbomber Telegram channel, known for its ties to the Russian Aerospace Forces, stated, “The Su-35S has replaced the A-50, although forced to do so, confidently and vigorously. You can see the results in the news.” This claim, while lacking official confirmation from the Russian Ministry of Defense, points to a pragmatic adaptation driven by necessity. Russia’s A-50U fleet, estimated at eight aircraft before the conflict, has faced significant attrition. At least one A-50U was destroyed in January 2024 by a Ukrainian SCALP missile, and others have been targeted at airfields, prompting Moscow to reposition these high-value assets to safer distances. The Su-35S, a multirole fighter renowned for its advanced radar and combat capabilities, has emerged as a stopgap to fill the reconnaissance gap. This shift not only highlights Russia’s resource constraints but also showcases its ability to repurpose existing platforms under pressure. To understand the significance of this change, it’s essential to examine the Su-35S and its capabilities in detail. The Sukhoi Su-35S, NATO reporting name “Flanker-E,” is a single-seat, twin-engine, supermaneuverable fighter jet designed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau and built by the United Aircraft Corporation. An advanced derivative of the Soviet-era Su-27, the Su-35S is classified as a 4++ generation fighter, incorporating modern avionics, enhanced maneuverability, and a robust weapons suite. Measuring 71 feet in length with a 50-foot wingspan, the jet is powered by two Saturn AL-41F1S turbofan engines, each delivering 30,900 pounds of thrust with afterburners. This allows the Su-35S to reach speeds of Mach 2.25 [approximately 1,500 miles per hour] and operate at a combat radius exceeding 900 miles. Its supermaneuverability, enabled by thrust-vectoring nozzles and a sophisticated fly-by-wire system, makes it one of the most agile fighters in Russia’s arsenal, capable of sustaining up to 10 Gs during maneuvers. At the heart of the Su-35S’s new role is its Irbis-E radar, a passive electronically scanned array [PESA] system that forms the core of its N035 avionics suite. The Irbis-E can detect airborne targets at ranges up to 400 kilometers [250 miles] and track up to 30 targets simultaneously while engaging eight. Its ability to scan below the horizon enhances the jet’s capacity to detect ground-based targets, making it a viable, though limited, substitute for the A-50U’s radar capabilities. The Su-35S also features an infrared search-and-track system for passive targeting and can carry a diverse payload of up to 17,600 pounds, including R-77 and R-73 air-to-air missiles, precision-guided munitions, and electronic warfare pods.
Compared to Western fighters like the U.S. F-35 Lightning II, which relies on an active electronically scanned array [AESA] radar and stealth technology, the Su-35S prioritizes raw performance and firepower over low observability. While the F-35’s radar offers superior resolution and jamming resistance, the Irbis-E’s long-range detection makes the Su-35S a formidable platform for reconnaissance and air superiority missions. Historically, the Su-35S has been a cornerstone of Russia’s air operations. First introduced in 2014, it has seen action in Syria, where it conducted precision strikes and escorted bombers, and in Ukraine, where it has been deployed for long-range strikes and air patrols. Its versatility has made it a workhorse for the Russian Aerospace Forces, with approximately 100 Su-35S aircraft in service as of early 2025, according to open-source intelligence from Oryx. However, the jet’s new role as a radar reconnaissance platform is unprecedented. Unlike the A-50U, which uses the Shmel-M radar to provide 360-degree coverage and coordinate large-scale air operations with a crew of 15, the Su-35S is a single-pilot fighter with a narrower radar field of view and limited endurance. The A-50U can loiter for hours, detecting threats like cruise missiles and aircraft at ranges up to 600 kilometers, while the Su-35S, despite its impressive range, is constrained by fuel and pilot fatigue. This gap underscores the compromises Russia must navigate as it adapts to battlefield losses. The A-50U, based on the Ilyushin Il-76 airframe, is a critical asset for Russia’s air strategy. Equipped with advanced radar and infrared systems, it serves as a flying command post, directing missile strikes, coordinating air defenses like the S-400, and providing real-time situational awareness. Its loss or reduced availability creates a significant vulnerability, as evidenced by Russia’s cautious redeployment of these aircraft. The decision to employ the Su-35S in this role suggests a tactical pivot, likely driven by the need to maintain situational awareness over contested airspace without exposing the remaining A-50Us to Ukrainian air defenses. Ukraine has bolstered its capabilities with Western-supplied systems like the Patriot and NASAMS, which have proven effective against Russian aircraft. In February 2024, Ukrainian forces claimed to have downed two Su-35S jets, highlighting the risks faced by Russian pilots operating near the front lines. Operationally, the use of Su-35S jets for radar reconnaissance alters the dynamics of Russia’s air campaign in Ukraine. These fighters are likely tasked with limited reconnaissance missions, such as detecting Ukrainian aircraft or guiding other jets to targets, rather than providing the comprehensive command and control of an A-50U. This shift increases the workload on Su-35S pilots, who already juggle air superiority, ground attack, and escort duties. The added responsibility could strain Russia’s pilot pool and accelerate wear on the Su-35S fleet, which has already suffered losses. Oryx reports at least seven Su-35S jets lost since the conflict began in 2022, either to Ukrainian air defenses, friendly fire, or crashes. The increased exposure of Su-35S jets to contested airspace heightens their vulnerability, particularly as Ukraine employs electronic intelligence and drones to track Russian movements. Ukrainian forces could exploit this change by targeting Su-35S jets during predictable reconnaissance patterns, potentially using long-range missiles or ambushes by newly acquired F-16 fighters. The broader strategic context reveals deeper challenges for Russia’s military aviation. The A-50U fleet’s depletion reflects a broader issue: Russia’s struggle to replace high-value assets amid Western sanctions that restrict access to critical components. Producing new A-50Us, which rely on advanced electronics, is a slow and costly process, exacerbated by supply chain disruptions. This contrasts sharply with NATO’s robust airborne early warning capabilities, exemplified by the U.S. E-3 Sentry and the newer E-7 Wedgetail, which offer superior endurance and coordination. The E-3, for instance, can track hundreds of targets simultaneously and direct complex air operations, a capability Russia cannot fully replicate with the Su-35S. This disparity underscores NATO’s advantage in networked warfare, where integrated sensors and command systems provide a decisive edge. Russia’s adaptation, however, demonstrates a degree of resilience. By repurposing the Su-35S, Moscow is decentralizing its reconnaissance efforts, potentially reducing reliance on vulnerable centralized platforms like the A-50U. This approach mirrors historical precedents, such as the U.S. Navy’s use of F-14 Tomcats with AIM-54 Phoenix missiles for limited air control during the Cold War. While innovative, Russia’s solution is a compromise that cannot fully compensate for the A-50U’s capabilities. The Su-35S lacks the crew and systems needed for sustained, large-scale coordination, limiting its effectiveness in complex operations. Moreover, the jet’s high operational tempo could strain maintenance and logistics, especially as Russia prioritizes the production of new Su-35S and Su-57 fighters to offset losses. The conflict in Ukraine has become a testing ground for military innovation, and Russia’s use of the Su-35S for reconnaissance is a case study of adaptation under duress. Ukraine, meanwhile, is enhancing its own air capabilities. In addition to F-16s, Kyiv is set to receive Saab-340 AEW&C aircraft, which will integrate with NATO’s Link-16 network for improved coordination. These developments suggest an escalating air war, where both sides are adapting to technological and tactical challenges. Ukraine’s ability to exploit Russia’s vulnerabilities, such as targeting Su-35S jets during reconnaissance missions, could shift the balance in key sectors of the front. Looking ahead, Russia’s reliance on the Su-35S for radar reconnaissance raises questions about the sustainability of its air strategy. Can Moscow maintain this improvised approach without compromising other critical missions? Will Ukraine capitalize on this shift to disrupt Russian air operations? The answers depend on factors beyond the battlefield, including Russia’s industrial capacity and Ukraine’s access to Western support. For now, the Su-35S’s new role reflects both Russia’s ingenuity and its constraints, offering a glimpse into the evolving nature of modern warfare. As the conflict progresses, the skies over Ukraine will remain a crucible for testing the limits of technology, tactics, and resilience. (Source: Google//bulgarianmilitary.com/)
20 Apr 25. China Deploys KJ-500 Modern Surveillance Aircraft for First Time in Joint Air Drill with Egypt. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has deployed its KJ-500 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to Egypt for the “Eagles of Civilization 2025” joint air exercise with the Egyptian Air Force (EAF). This is the first time the KJ-500 has participated in an international military exercise, marking a new step in China’s overseas air operations. The exercise also marks the first bilateral air force drill between China and Egypt, aimed at enhancing coordination and operational understanding between the two countries. The KJ-500 is one of the PLAAF’s (Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force) most advanced airborne early warning platforms, developed by the Xi’an Aircraft Industrial Corporation and equipped with a modern phased-array radar system. It is based on the Y-9 medium transport aircraft and features a fixed dorsal radar dome that provides full 360-degree coverage. This radar system allows it to detect and track multiple airborne and surface targets at extended ranges, while also coordinating friendly aircraft during complex operations. The KJ-500 plays a central role in modern network-centric warfare, acting as a flying command and control node that can relay information across an integrated battle space. Operationally, the aircraft can support up to ten onboard mission crew members, managing surveillance, identification, and command tasks simultaneously. It significantly boosts situational awareness, providing real-time intelligence to commanders and improving the coordination of air defense and offensive operations. With its electronic warfare systems, data-link capabilities, and command architecture, the KJ-500 enhances the ability of friendly forces to conduct joint operations across vast areas. This first overseas deployment of the KJ-500 is particularly important because it signals China’s willingness to extend the operational reach of its high-value platforms and showcases the PLAAF’s increased readiness to conduct international missions alongside foreign partners. It reflects the growing maturity of China’s AEW&C fleet and the confidence Beijing has in its strategic aviation assets. Prior to this, Chinese AEW&C aircraft had only participated in exercises or missions within Asia or close to the Chinese mainland. By sending the KJ-500 to Egypt, China is affirming its capability to project power and support complex military operations far from home. The aircraft’s journey to Egypt included a stop at Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates before reaching Beni Suef Air Base in Egypt around April 13–14. The deployment was part of a larger Chinese contingent that included J-10C and J-10S fighter jets, YU-20 aerial refueling tankers, and support helicopters. The “Eagles of Civilization 2025” exercise, taking place from mid-April to early May, is designed to enhance joint operational readiness and promote tactical coordination between the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) and the PLAAF. The exercise includes a range of activities such as air combat mission planning, joint flight operations, theoretical briefings, and practical air maneuvers. These drills aim to develop unified combat doctrines and deepen mutual understanding between the two air forces. On the Egyptian side, MiG-29 fighter jets are participating, enabling both nations to test their platforms’ interoperability in joint sorties and coordinated missions. The involvement of the YU-20 tanker and KJ-500 AEW&C also allows the PLAAF to rehearse long-range, networked operations—skills that are essential for any modern air force seeking a global presence. Beyond the tactical training objectives, the exercise reflects an evolution in defense relations between China and Egypt. Over recent years, Cairo has diversified its strategic partnerships, increasingly turning to China not only for defense equipment but also for joint training and military exchanges. China has become an important supplier of defense technology to Egypt, providing systems such as Wing Loong UAVs and precision-guided munitions. This cooperation is part of a broader strategic framework that includes economic, diplomatic, and military dimensions. This joint drill signals a shift in Egypt’s foreign defense policy posture and underscores the growing appeal of Chinese military technology in global markets. For China, it also marks an important soft-power victory, as the successful overseas operation of a flagship platform like the KJ-500 enhances its image as a provider of advanced and reliable military solutions. The “Eagles of Civilization 2025” drill symbolizes a new chapter in China-Egypt defense relations and reinforces China’s ambitions to become a global military partner. It also marks a subtle shift in the strategic dynamics of the Middle East, traditionally dominated by Western and Russian influence, as regional actors seek more diversified and autonomous security arrangements. This landmark event cements the strategic cooperation between Beijing and Cairo and underscores how China is leveraging joint military exercises to deepen bilateral relations and extend its global military reach. (Source: Google/armyrecognition.com)
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Echodyne is a U.S. designer and manufacturer of advanced commercial radar solutions for defense and national security applications. The company’s proprietary metamaterials electronically scanned array (MESA®) architecture, a rare breakthrough in advanced radar engineering, leverages a physics-design approach to adapt conventional materials and deliver unexpected and beneficial behavior. The result is a solid-state, low-SWaP unit coupled with advanced software capabilities that delivers superior radar performance and unparalleled data integrity, radically improving system performance and enhancing safety for people and machines. With leading positions in counter-UAS, force protection, base security, and portable ISR, Defense Agencies and Suppliers rely on Echodyne radar for extraordinary accuracy and consistent, reliable operation. For more information, please visit: Echodyne.com.
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