Trap of War

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...

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’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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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 ...

In a significant development for Harmattan AI and its Gobi interceptor drone, the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) has awarded the startup a major contract to advance the system’s deployment and integration into national defense capabilities. This contract marks a notable endorsement of Gobi’s unconventional design and its potential role in France’s broader counter-UAS strategy. Gobi interceptor drone. Harmattan AI The Gobi interceptor drone, developed by French startup Harmattan AI, represents a novel approach to countering the growing threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in modern warfare. Unlike traditional air defense systems that rely on explosive warheads or electronic jamming, Gobi is designed to neutralize enemy drones through direct kinetic impact. This concept, while unconventional, is rooted in a broader effort to create scalable, cost-effective, and autonomous defense solutions that can adapt to rapidly evolving battlefield conditions. Gobi is a compac...

The United Kingdom is advancing its maritime defense capabilities through the construction of a $477 million facility dedicated to producing AI-powered underwater drones known as SG-1 Fantom gliders. This initiative, led by German defense technology firm Helsing, is part of a broader strategic response to increasing underwater threats, particularly from Russia. The facility, located in Plymouth, is expected to begin operations later in 2025 and will serve as a cornerstone of the UK’s efforts to enhance underwater surveillance and infrastructure protection. SG-1 Fantom. Helsing The SG-1 Fantom gliders represent a significant evolution in underwater monitoring technology. Originally developed for marine biology applications such as whale tracking, these autonomous vehicles have been repurposed for defense through the integration of the Lura artificial intelligence system. This system enables the gliders to detect and classify underwater acoustic signatures with high precision, reportedly...

In July 2025, Romania officially announced its intention to acquire the Israeli-developed Iron Dome air defense system, becoming the first European country to do so. This decision marks a significant development in Romania’s defense strategy and reflects broader trends in NATO’s eastern flank security posture. The announcement was made by Romanian Defense Minister Ionuț Moșteanu during an interview with the national broadcaster TVR, where he emphasized the strategic necessity of enhancing Romania’s short-range and very short-range air defense capabilities. Iron Dome. Rafael The Iron Dome system, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries, is designed to intercept and neutralize a range of aerial threats including rockets, artillery shells, mortars, and low-flying cruise missiles. Operational since 2011, the system has demonstrated a high success rate in combat conditions, reportedly exceeding 90% in intercepting hostile projectiles. E...

In July 2025, Leonardo’s Miysis Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) system was selected to equip the German Air Force’s fleet of C-130J aircraft, marking a significant development in airborne defense technology integration. The decision followed a competitive selection process led by Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the C-130J Super Hercules, and reflects Germany’s strategic emphasis on enhancing survivability in high-threat operational environments. C-130J Super Hercules. Lockheed Martin The Miysis DIRCM system is designed to counter infrared-guided missile threats, particularly those posed by Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS). These threats are prevalent in the low-altitude, slow-speed flight profiles typical of tactical airlift missions. The Franco-German Binational Air Transport C-130J Squadron (BATS), which operates the aircraft, conducts missions in austere environments where such threats are considered credible and persistent. Germany’s C-130J fleet comprises ...

The delivery of the USS Pierre (LCS 38) to the U.S. Navy in July 2025 marked the formal conclusion of the Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program, a two-decade endeavor that began in the early 2000s. As the 19th and final vessel of its class, Pierre represents both the culmination of a complex shipbuilding initiative and a transitional moment in the Navy’s approach to littoral warfare capabilities. USS Pierre (LCS 38). Austal USA USS Pierre is an Independence-class LCS, characterized by its aluminum trimaran hull designed for high-speed operations in near-shore environments. The ship measures 127.4 meters in length, with a beam of 31.6 meters and a draft of 4.27 meters. It displaces approximately 3,104 metric tons when fully loaded and is powered by a hybrid propulsion system consisting of two gas turbines, two diesel engines, four waterjets, a retractable azimuth thruster, and four diesel generators. This configuration enables sprint speeds of up to 47 knots and a crui...

The proposed cancellation of the U.S. Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail radar jet program has sparked a multifaceted debate involving strategic priorities, budgetary constraints, and congressional oversight. Originally intended to replace the aging E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), the E-7 Wedgetail was seen as a modern solution for airborne early warning and control. However, recent developments suggest a shift in defense strategy that could significantly alter the trajectory of this program. E-7 AEW&C Airborne Early Warning & Control Aircraft. Boeing The E-7 Wedgetail, based on Boeing’s 737 airframe and equipped with advanced radar systems, was selected in 2022 to serve as the successor to the E-3 Sentry. The Air Force had planned to acquire 26 units by 2032, with initial operational capability expected by 2027. Despite its technical capabilities and adoption by allied nations such as Australia, South Korea, and Turkey, the program has faced delays and cost esca...

The United Kingdom has announced a significant shift in its defence strategy, marked by a £5 billion investment aimed at integrating autonomous systems and drone technologies across its armed forces. This initiative, unveiled in June 2025, reflects a broader ambition to modernize military capabilities and adapt to emerging technological trends in warfare. Helsing Central to this overhaul is the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which identifies autonomy and artificial intelligence (AI) as immediate priorities for transforming conventional forces. The review outlines a “high-low” mix of capabilities, combining advanced platforms with scalable, cost-effective systems such as first-person view (FPV) drones and disposable sensors. This approach is intended to enhance operational flexibility while managing costs and risks associated with traditional military assets. Of the total £5 billion investment, £4 billion is earmarked for autonomous systems, with the remaining £1 billion allocated to d...

In July 2025, Rheinmetall publicly demonstrated its Squad Support Weapon 40 (SSW40) at the Unterlüß test center in Germany, marking a significant development in infantry support armaments. The SSW40 is described as the world’s first automatic, magazine-fed, shoulder-fired grenade launcher chambered for 40 mm medium-velocity (MV) ammunition. This event provided defense media representatives with firsthand experience of the weapon’s capabilities, including its compatibility with both traditional low-velocity (LV) and the newer MV ammunition types. SSW40. Rheinmetall The SSW40 is engineered to bridge the operational gap between handheld LV grenade launchers and crew-served high-velocity (HV) systems. MV ammunition offers increased range up to 900 meters and a higher payload capacity, including programmable airburst capabilities. This positions the SSW40 as a versatile platform for engaging targets behind cover and countering aerial threats such as drones. From a design perspective, the SS...