Trap of War

Anduril Industries has secured a $159 million contract from the United States Army to develop an advanced night vision and mixed reality system under the Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC) initiative, previously known as IVAS Next. This program represents a significant leap forward in battlefield technology, aiming to equip soldiers with a helmet-integrated system that merges night vision, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence. The goal is to enhance situational awareness and decision-making capabilities in high-stakes combat environments. Photo: army.mil The SBMC system is designed to serve as a cognitive extension of the soldier, offering real-time data integration and visual overlays that adapt to changing battlefield conditions. By combining multiple imaging modalities—daylight, thermal, and night vision—the system provides a comprehensive visual feed that allows soldiers to perceive threats and terrain with unprecedented clarity. This fusion of sensory inputs is process...

BIRD Aerosystems has secured a significant contract from the Israeli Ministry of Defense to develop, integrate, and test its advanced Airborne Missile Protection System (AMPS) on the Israeli Air Force’s AH-64A Apache helicopters. This initiative marks a strategic move to enhance the survivability of rotary-wing platforms operating in increasingly hostile environments. The collaboration underscores Israel’s commitment to equipping its aerial assets with cutting-edge defensive technologies. AH-64 Apache. Photo: IDF At the heart of this system lies BIRD Aerosystems’ latest innovation, the Micro Directed Infrared Countermeasure (µDIRCM), which is recognized as the smallest and most advanced infrared countermeasure system in the world. This compact unit is capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralizing incoming infrared-guided missiles using a high-precision laser. Its integrated design allows for seamless operation with minimal false alarms, ensuring reliable protection in high-threat sc...

The successful demonstration of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat’s operational effectiveness marks a significant milestone in the evolution of autonomous air combat systems. Developed by Boeing in collaboration with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), the MQ-28 has proven its capabilities across a variety of mission scenarios, showcasing its readiness for integration into modern air forces. The completion of testing four months ahead of schedule further underscores the maturity and reliability of the technology. MQ-28. Photo: Boeing Throughout the trials, the MQ-28 exhibited advanced autonomous behavior and mission execution, validating its role as a force multiplier in contested environments. The aircraft operated seamlessly in multi-vehicle formations, enhancing combat power through coordinated maneuvers and shared situational awareness. These capabilities are essential for future air combat, where speed, adaptability, and data fusion will define success. One of the most impressive aspects o...

Rheinmetall has officially unveiled the Skyranger 35 for the first time at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2025 exhibition in the United Kingdom, mounted on the formidable Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicle platform. This debut marks a significant milestone in the evolution of mobile air defence systems, showcasing a modular and highly adaptable solution designed to counter a wide spectrum of aerial threats. The Skyranger 35 is engineered to provide rapid, precise, and sustained protection for both static and mobile assets in modern combat environments where the airspace is increasingly contested. Skyranger 35. Photo: Rheinmetall The primary function of the Skyranger 35 is to serve as a mobile and modular air defence system capable of engaging a diverse range of airborne targets. It has been purpose-built to intercept and destroy drones, artillery shells, cruise missiles, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft with exceptional accuracy. By securing air corridors ...

At the MSPO 2025 defense exhibition in Poland, JSC Ukrainian Defense Industry presented detailed specifications of the Palianytsia long-range attack missile, a system that had previously remained shrouded in secrecy. Introduced the previous year, Palianytsia has quickly gained attention for its cost-effective design and impressive operational capabilities. Developed as part of Ukraine’s growing emphasis on affordable yet potent defense technologies, the missile reflects a strategic shift toward scalable and efficient warfare solutions. Palianytsia. Photo: United24 Weighing in at 320 kilograms, including a 100-kilogram payload, Palianytsia is engineered for precision strikes over extended distances. With a maximum range of 650 kilometers, it offers significant reach for tactical operations, particularly in contested or hard-to-access areas. Its top speed of 900 kilometers per hour, enhancing its survivability and effectiveness in dynamic combat environments. The missile operates at alt...

Lockheed Martin has secured a monumental $9.8 billion contract from the United States Army to manufacture 1,970 units of the PAC-3 MSE (Patriot Advanced Capability – 3 Missile Segment Enhancement), a cutting-edge missile interceptor system. This agreement marks one of the largest missile defense procurements in recent history and underscores the strategic importance of the PAC-3 MSE in modern warfare. With this contract, Lockheed Martin is poised to significantly expand its production capabilities and deliver record-breaking quantities of the missile system over the coming years. PAC-3 MSE. Photo: lockheedmartin.com The PAC-3 MSE has demonstrated exceptional performance in combat scenarios, proving its effectiveness against a wide array of threats including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons, and other aerial dangers. Its success in recent engagements has elevated its status as a critical asset not only for the United States but also for allied nations seeking robu...

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel and Hyundai Rotem of South Korea have entered into a strategic partnership announced during the MSPO defense exhibition in Poland. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in international defense cooperation, aiming to integrate Rafael’s Trophy Active Protection System (APS) into Hyundai Rotem’s K2 Main Battle Tank and future platforms for the Republic of Korea. The agreement encompasses full-cycle support including integration, production, marketing, localization, and lifecycle maintenance of the Trophy APS. Trophy APS. Photo: rafael.co.il The Trophy APS, particularly in its Heavy Vehicle (HV) configuration, weighs approximately 820 kilograms and is designed to provide robust protection against a wide range of battlefield threats. Its hard-kill neutralization capability allows it to intercept and destroy incoming projectiles using kinetic countermeasures, effectively detonating or disabling warheads before impact. This active defense ...

The AN/ARC-231A Multi-mode Aviation Radio Set (MARS) from BAE Systems has officially completed its initial installation phase and is now operational on select U.S. Army rotary-wing aircraft. This milestone marks a significant advancement in airborne communication technology, as the AN/ARC-231A system introduces a new generation of multi-band, multi-mission capabilities tailored for modern military operations. Designed to replace the legacy ARC-231 radios currently in widespread use across U.S. and allied forces, the AN/ARC-231A offers enhanced performance, security, and adaptability. Photo: baesystems.com Operating across a broad frequency range from 30 MHz to 2 GHz, the AN/ARC-231A provides exceptional flexibility for a wide array of mission profiles. This expansive spectrum ensures compatibility with both legacy and emerging communication systems, allowing seamless integration into existing platforms while supporting future upgrades. The system’s frequency range is also expandable, o...

The Royal Australian Navy has expanded its arsenal of training tools by acquiring additional units of the AUV62-AT, an advanced autonomous underwater vehicle designed to simulate submarines and other underwater threats. This system plays a crucial role in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercises, allowing naval forces to conduct realistic training without the need for deploying actual submarines. By using AUV62-AT, the Navy significantly reduces operational costs and conserves valuable resources while maintaining high training standards. AUV62-AT. Photo: Saab The AUV62-AT is engineered to mimic the acoustic and movement profiles of submarines, torpedoes, and unmanned underwater vehicles. Its ability to replicate these threats with precision enables ASW teams to practice detection, tracking, and engagement in a controlled environment. This not only enhances readiness but also allows for repeated drills without the logistical complexity of involving manned submarines. One of the key advan...

The modernization of the F-35 Block 4 program has encountered significant delays, with the U.S. Department of Defense now projecting its completion no earlier than 2031. This marks a five-year setback from the original timeline, raising concerns about the program’s long-term viability and strategic implications. The delay reflects broader challenges in defense procurement and technological integration within complex weapons systems. F-35. Photo: af.mil In response to these challenges, the Block 4 program has undergone a major restructuring, resulting in the creation of several subprograms. These subprograms will feature a reduced number of capabilities compared to the initial plan, which originally included 66 distinct upgrades. The final acquisition planning document, expected in fall 2025, will determine which of these capabilities will be retained moving forward. The delay is further compounded by the dependency of certain advanced features on the upgraded F135 engine, which itself...