Raw Intel

Americas Technology company Shield AI has conducted a “groundbreaking” demonstration of coordinated autonomous flight on two Kratos MQM-178 Firejets. The planes were flown by the company’s Hivemind artificial intelligence pilots, collaborating to execute coordinated maneuvers under realistic combat scenarios. All computing was executed on board, and communication “seamlessly integrated” on board the aircraft, the San Diego-based firm said. The US Army has awarded Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) a $93.5-million contract to lead systems integration for the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program. The deal supports the service’s efforts to employ a n…

Ukrainian forces have released a short video showing what appears to be the first combat interception of a Russian Kh-69 stealth cruise missile using the U.S.-made VAMPIRE counter-UAS system. The video, published by the Ukrainian military, shows the system engaging an incoming aerial target during a recent Russian missile strike on Ukraine. Though the military […] The post Cheap U.S. rocket system downs Russian stealth missile first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

It has been driving me a little nuts the last couple of days, seeing all the gnashing of teeth and rending of clothes about the new National Security Strategy (NSS), not having the time to read it. I mean, come on Sal, it is only 29 pages. I promised a few people I would start the week with my thoughts on it, so after we finished our Midrats Podcast with Bryan McGrath, I decided to give it a read. Really people, take a powder. As I’ve been doing with most of the documents like this the last couple of decades here, let’s look at the word cloud: This…is actually a pretty good representation of its relative macro concerns. Before I dive in to some specifics, there are two l…

Azerbaijan’s Navy has for the first time publicly showcased its Turkish-made “Salvo” unmanned surface vessel (USV), signaling a new phase in Baku’s maritime capabilities amid growing regional security concerns in the Caspian Sea. The debut of the armed drone boat came during recent naval exercises and was noted by Baku-based policy analyst Fuad Shahbazov, who […] The post Azerbaijan unveils armed naval drone first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

L3Harris Technologies has delivered the first production Meadowlands Counter Communications System to the U.S. Space Force Combat Forces Command’s Mission Delta 3 – Space Electromagnetic Warfare unit. According to a statement from the company, the delivery is intended to support Space Force units tasked with electromagnetic warfare missions by providing mobile jamming capabilities that can […]View the full article

Americas Smartshooter has secured a $13-million contract to deliver its SMASH 2000L advanced fire control solutions for the US Army. The devices, also called the SMASH 3000s, are the company’s lightest handheld fire control product and use artificial intelligence, computer vision, and advanced tracking algorithms to assist users, particularly rifle units, in assault operations. It measures 164 millimeters (6 inches) long, weighs 740 grams (1.6 pounds), and is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery pack for up to 72 hours of assisted shots. Saab has signed a contract to provide the Canadian Armed Forces with the Carl-Gustaf M4 man-portable, multi-role weapon system.…

Ukraine’s new Inguar-3 armored vehicle has entered service with the National Guard and already faced a battlefield test, surviving a direct strike from an FPV drone. Video circulated on social media showed the vehicle continuing its mission after the attack, with the crew unharmed. Reports said the drone impact caused a fire at the point […] The post Ukrainian Inguar-3 survives FPV drone hit first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Carson Industries Inc. has been awarded a five-year, $31.5 million contract to perform single battery compartment installations for the AN/PVS-14 Monocular Night Vision Device (MNVD). The award was announced by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Weapons Support office at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland. The contract is structured as an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) agreement, with an ordering […]View the full article

When I was in NROTC, IIRC, Tuesday was the day we had classes. The one day of the week we wore uniforms. The only concern I ever really had was if my gig-line was correct. For the ROTC Cadets (I assume Army ROTC at this point, perhaps we will know more later), the post 911 reality decided to visit them. He allegedly walked into the Old Dominion classroom on Thursday and asked if it was an ROTC class, and when someone answered, "yes," he shot the instructor several times, according to sources. Evans alleged he shouted "Allah Akbar" during the incident. That is the moment. That is when you have an instant to make a call. Fight, flight, or freeze. Character is revealed. To…

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. has opened a new propulsion manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan, aimed at accelerating production of its Spartan family of turbojet engines to meet growing U.S. defense demand for affordable, high-volume air power. The 22,500-square-foot facility includes office space, production lines, assembly areas, and a multi-station test cell designed […]View the full article

One of Russia’s largest drone manufacturers, AO Kronstadt, is on the verge of bankruptcy after months of financial turmoil and mounting lawsuits, Russian media reported. According to CNews, the company has faced dozens of debt claims in recent months, with more than 600 million rubles ($7 million) sought since the beginning of summer. The largest […] The post Russia’s leading drone maker nears collapse first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Turkey’s Pasifik Technology has signed a framework contract with an undisclosed country for a package of 101,035 unmanned systems, headlined by 100,000 FPV kamikaze drones, in what represents one of the largest single drone export agreements publicly announced by a Turkish defense company. The contract covers five distinct unmanned platforms across air and ground domains. […]View the full article

Thales Defence announced on October 23 that Australia’s StrikeMaster missile launch system successfully fired an anti-ship missile test munition in Norway. The test involved the launch of Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM) from a platform based on Thales Australia’s Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle (PMV). In a statement, Thales Australia said, “The Bushmaster now has fangs.” […] The post Thales and Kongsberg test new strike system first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

The first CV90 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) built for the Czech Army has rolled off the production line in Sweden. Representatives of BAE Systems Hägglunds formally presented the vehicle in Örnsköldsvik to Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová and Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson. The Czech acquisition of the CV9030CZ Mk.IV, widely used by NATO allies, […] The post First Czech CV90 rolls out of Swedish plant first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Americas Boeing won a $615.8 million contract for the F-15 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System full rate production. This deal provides for procurement of Group A and Group B kits, system engineering program management, and interim contractor support lay-in material. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri; and Nashua, New Hampshire, and is expected to be completed by December 31, 2030. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas bid farewell to its last T-1A Jayhawk last month, as the Air Force continues its drive to retire the heavy aircraft trainer. …

Thailand has captured a contested hill along its border with Cambodia amid intensifying fighting between the two countries, Thai media reported on Saturday. Thai troops took control of Phu Makkhuea hill, a ridge in the long-disputed frontier zone near the ancient Preah Vihear Hindu temple. The operation reportedly took place early on July 26, with […] The post Thailand captures strategic ridge in border clash first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

The United States Air Force has awarded Boeing a Lot 12 contract for 15 additional KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft, the company confirmed on Tuesday. The agreement, valued at $2.47 billion, continues the service’s long-term effort to expand and modernize its tanker fleet. In a statement, Jake Kwasnik, vice president and KC-46 program manager, said, […]View the full article

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has opened a new effort to develop a class of low-cost interceptors designed to counter massed missile attacks, with the goal of producing modular weapons priced at less than $750,000 each. On August 27, the agency issued a solicitation under its Nimble Options for Buying Layered Effects (NOBLE) program, […] The post Pentagon seeks low-cost missile interceptors first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

German defense technology startup SWARM Biotactics has revealed that its bioelectronic insect-based robotic systems have been field-tested and deployed with paying NATO customers, according to a Feb. 25 statement by company Chief Executive Officer Stefan Wilhelm. The announcement confirms operational progress for programmable cyborg insect swarms developed for sensing and reconnaissance missions. According to Wilhelm, […]View the full article

Hanwha Aerospace opened its exhibition at the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) 2025 today with a broad showcase of ground and air defense systems aimed at deepening cooperation with the Egyptian Armed Forces. The South Korean company is positioning its offerings as comprehensive modernization solutions tailored for Egypt’s operational requirements. At the center of Hanwha’s presentation […]View the full article