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Airbus and Kratos to Develop XQ-58A Valkyrie for German Air Force

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Airbus Defence and Space has entered into a strategic partnership with Kratos Defense and Security Solutions to develop a European variant of the XQ-58A Valkyrie, an uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) intended for deployment by the German Air Force by 2029. This initiative reflects a broader trend in European defense policy: the acceleration of autonomous and AI-enabled aerial systems to meet evolving security demands. XQ-58A. Kratos Defense and Security  The XQ-58A Valkyrie, originally developed under the U.S. Air Force’s Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology (LCAAT) program, is a rail-launched, low-observable drone capable of operating either autonomously or in coordination with manned fighter aircraft. With a maximum takeoff weight of approximately three tons, the Valkyrie can reach altitudes of up to 45,000 feet and has a range of around 3,000 miles. Its design supports both kinetic and non-kinetic mission profiles, making it suitable for a variety of operational sc...

Franco-Belgian CaMo Program Delivers First Griffon VBMR to Boost European Defense Cohesion

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Belgium’s acquisition of the Griffon VBMR (Véhicule Blindé Multi-Rôle) marks a pivotal moment in its ongoing military modernization efforts. The delivery of the first unit, officially presented on July 15, 2025, in Staden, West Flanders, represents the tangible outcome of the Franco-Belgian CaMo (Capacité Motorisée) program initiated in 2018. This intergovernmental agreement aims to harmonize military capabilities between the two nations through joint procurement, training, and operational integration. Griffon VBMR. Belgian Ministry of Defence The Griffon VBMR is a 6x6 wheeled armored personnel carrier developed under France’s Scorpion program to replace aging VAB vehicles. With a combat weight of 25 tons, the vehicle is powered by a Renault Trucks 6-cylinder turbo diesel engine delivering 400 horsepower, paired with a ZF 7-speed automatic transmission. It achieves a top speed of 90 km/h and offers an operational range of 800 km. The vehicle’s protection meets NATO STANAG 4569 Level 4 ...

Germany to Acquire Typhon Missile System Equipped with Tomahawk and SM-6 Capabilities

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Germany’s recent move to request the U.S.-developed Typhon missile system marks a pivotal moment in European defense strategy. The system, capable of launching Tomahawk cruise missiles and SM-6 interceptors, offers a mobile, land-based solution for deep-strike operations. With a range of up to 2,500 kilometers, it fills a critical gap in Germany’s arsenal and signals a broader shift in NATO’s posture toward long-range deterrence. Typhon missile systems. US Army  This development comes amid heightened concerns over Russia’s missile deployments in Kaliningrad and the Western Military District. German intelligence assessments have warned that existing layered defenses-centered around Patriot and IRIS-T systems-may be insufficient against a saturated, multi-axis strike. The Typhon system’s dual-missile capability is seen as a hedge against such scenarios, offering both ground-attack and air-defense options from a single platform. Germany’s interest in Typhon also reflects a strategic r...

Sentrycs Cyber Over RF Anti-Drone Technology Confirmed Integrated into Rafael’s Drone Dome

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The integration of Sentrycs’ Cyber Over RF technology into Rafael’s Drone Dome system represents a notable development in counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities. This collaboration introduces a protocol-based approach to drone detection and mitigation, diverging from conventional layered or kinetic methods. The Drone Dome, already operational across multiple regions, is designed to provide 360-degree, all-weather protection against aerial threats. It combines radar, radio frequency (RF) and electro-optical sensors, jamming systems, and a centralized command-and-control (C2) center to detect, track, and intercept drones. Drone Dome. Rafael Sentrycs’ Cyber Over RF technology enhances this framework by enabling direct interaction with drone communication protocols. This method allows the system to identify unauthorized drones, assume control, and guide them to a designated landing zone without jamming or physical engagement. The technology operates independently of preloaded ...

HELMA-LP Laser System Integrated into Sherpa Scout’s T1 Hornet Turret for Mobile Anti-Drone Defense

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At Techterre 2025, a defense technology exhibition focused on operational innovation, the integration of the HELMA-LP laser system onto the T1 Hornet remotely operated turret marked a notable development in decentralized anti-drone warfare. This initiative, led by French defense firms CILAS and Arquus, reflects a broader shift toward modular and mobile counter-UAV solutions, addressing longstanding limitations in centralized air defense systems. Sherpa Scout. Arquus The HELMA-LP system is a portable laser weapon derived from the more powerful HELMA-P platform. While HELMA-P was designed for fixed or naval installations and has been deployed in high-profile events such as the 2024 Paris Olympics, HELMA-LP offers tactical portability and is optimized for close-range engagements. It takes the form of a laser rifle based on the AR-15 platform, connected via cables to a backpack containing rechargeable batteries. This configuration enables continuous laser operation for up to 60 seconds, wi...

Next-Generation Arrow 4 System Targets Hypersonic and Ballistic Missiles

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Israel’s Arrow 4 missile defense system is approaching operational deployment, marking a new phase in the country’s multi-layered air defense strategy. Developed jointly by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Arrow 4 is designed to address evolving threats, particularly those posed by advanced ballistic and hypersonic missiles. The system builds upon the capabilities of its predecessors, Arrow 2 and Arrow 3, which have been integral to Israel’s defense architecture since their respective introductions in 2000 and 2017. Arrow 4. IAI Arrow 4 is positioned as a direct evolution of Arrow 3, with enhancements tailored for shorter-range engagements and improved targeting precision. According to IAI CEO Boaz Levy, the system incorporates advanced maneuverability and seeker technologies, along with a redesigned warhead optimized for precision strikes. These features support a “shoot-look-shoot” operational doctrine, enabling mid-course corrections and l...

KC-46 Pegasus Faces Operational Setbacks as Air Force Limits Auxiliary Power Unit Usage

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The U.S. Air Force has issued a directive to significantly reduce reliance on the auxiliary power unit (APU) aboard its KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft. This decision stems from a series of premature APU failures that have raised concerns about operational reliability and maintenance demands. The APU, a small turbine engine located at the rear of the aircraft, is designed to provide electrical power and enable engine startup without external ground support. Its intended role is to enhance the KC-46’s autonomy, particularly in austere environments where ground equipment may be unavailable. KC-46 Pegasus. Af.mil However, the Air Mobility Command (AMC) has acknowledged that the APU’s performance has not met expectations. Instead of reducing dependence on ground crews, the APU issues have necessitated increased use of ground support equipment to mitigate wear and tear. This shift has implications for the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) strategy, which emphasizes rapid dep...

DroneShield Expands Sydney Operations with $13 Million Investment in Counter-Drone Technology Facility

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Australian defence technology firm DroneShield has announced a strategic expansion of its manufacturing and research capabilities through a $13 million investment in a new facility located in Alexandria, Sydney. This move reflects the company’s response to increasing global demand for counter-drone technologies and its broader ambition to scale operations both domestically and internationally. DroneShield The new 3,000-square-metre production site is expected to open in December 2025 and will triple the size of DroneShield’s current production floor. The investment includes a five-year lease and fit-out costs, and is part of a larger plan to raise the company’s total annual manufacturing capacity to $2.4 billion by the end of 2026. In parallel, the existing facility will be repurposed into a 5,530-square-metre research and development hub, enhancing the company’s engineering and laboratory capabilities. DroneShield’s expansion follows a series of significant international contract wins...

Abrams Tanks Assigned Anti-Drone Role in New U.S. Army Tactical Manual

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The U.S. Army introduced a significant doctrinal update that redefines the operational role of its M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks. According to the revised Tank Platoon Tactics Manual published by the Army Publishing Directorate, Abrams crews are now instructed to engage hostile drones using their 120mm main guns equipped with M1028 canister rounds. This development marks a tactical shift in response to the increasing prevalence of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) on the battlefield. Abrams main battle tanks. General Dynamics The M1028 canister round, originally designed for close-range anti-personnel use, disperses hundreds of tungsten balls upon firing, creating a wide-area shrapnel effect. This characteristic is now being repurposed to counter small drones, particularly quadcopters and reconnaissance UAVs that operate at low altitudes and pose threats to armored formations. The manual suggests supplementing the canister round with machine gun fire to establish a layered defense against ...

Denmark Orders 129 Patria 6×6 Armored Vehicles Under CAVS Programme for Defense Modernization

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Denmark has formally completed its integration into the multinational Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme by placing an order for 129 Patria 6×6 armored vehicles. This procurement marks a significant step in Denmark’s defense modernization efforts and reflects broader trends in European military collaboration and standardization. Patria 6×6. Patria Group The CAVS programme, led by Finnish defense company Patria, aims to develop and supply a standardized 6×6 armored vehicle platform for participating nations. Denmark joins Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Germany as the fifth member of this initiative. The country signed the final three agreements required for full membership-the Research and Development Agreement, the Frame Agreement, and the Life Cycle Management Agreement-following its earlier signing of the Technical Arrangement in April 2025. The Patria 6×6 vehicle is a modular, wheeled armored platform designed for versatility across various military roles. It builds upon ...

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