Raw Intel

Russia and India are currently in discussions for the delivery of additional S-400 “Triumf” air defense systems, even as a major data leak has exposed sensitive details of their existing contract and reports have surfaced of the system malfunctioning in the field. The original $5.5 billion deal, signed in 2018 for five S-400 systems, has […] The post Russia and India weigh new S-400 deal first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

South Korea is preparing to take a key step toward propulsion self-reliance, as Hanwha Aerospace begins ground testing of a homegrown engine for Korean Air’s Low Observable Unmanned Wingman System (LOWUS) stealth drone in January 2026. According to Energy Economy News, the new 5,500-pound-class turbofan engine, developed jointly by Hanwha Aerospace and the Agency for […]View the full article

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is seeking industry feedback on a future mobile ground-based radar system intended to strengthen U.S. homeland defense against advanced missile threats. The request, issued as a formal Request for Information (RFI), calls for input on capabilities to support the development of a new radar system under the Mobile Land-Based […] The post Pentagon pursues new radar to track glide and cruise missiles first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Japan’s Ministry of Defense has announced the shipment of an additional 30 Self-Defense Forces (SDF) vehicles to Ukraine. According to a release issued by the ministry on October 14, the shipment includes 28 “1/2-ton trucks” and two high-mobility vehicles, intended for personnel and cargo transport. The latest delivery brings the total number of SDF vehicles […] The post Japan sends 30 more military vehicles to Ukraine first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Denver-based AZAK is positioning itself at the center of a shift in unmanned ground mobility with a chassis-free vehicle built around an autonomous wheel system rather than a traditional frame. In place of axles, drivetrains, and a fixed body, the company designed each wheel as a self-contained power unit that houses the motor, battery, and […]View the full article

British fighter jets have flown their first NATO air defence mission over Poland, a move aimed at reinforcing the Alliance’s eastern flank after Russian drones violated Polish airspace. The Royal Air Force said the Typhoon fighters, operating under NATO’s Eastern Sentry mission, patrolled Polish skies to deter and defend against aerial threats. Two Typhoon jets […] The post British Typhoons patrol Polish skies first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Finland has authorized the procurement of AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) from the United States, a move aimed at equipping the country’s incoming F-35A fighters and aligning Finland’s air combat capabilities with those of its closest allies. According to a press release from Finland’s Ministry of Defence dated December 12, 2025, Minister of […]View the full article

India has conducted the first flight-tests of its new Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced. The trial took place on August 23 off the coast of Odisha, with the system engaging multiple targets simultaneously. According to a release from the Press Information Bureau, the IADWS combines several […] The post India tests multi-layered air defense system first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Take a deep breath, relax, focus, and we’ll get through this together. We don’t have to like what is in front of us, but we do have to accept that it is there. I try to be optimistic, but I’m also a realist. You have what you have, and you have to be an adult about what is placed in front of you. I told you a decade and a half ago, The Terrible 20s were coming. You can only hold back the flood for so long. Math is hard and does not have feelings. Don’t put too much stock in what is said. Look at what is being done. Though most NATO allies have agreed to spend 5% of their GDP on defense, absent a major war, it’s unlikely to happen except in a very few places like perhaps …

A British-designed air defense system developed specifically for Ukraine has successfully intercepted four Russian cruise and guided missiles, including Kh-59 and Kh-101 types, Ukrainian forces said. The Raven system, assembled from existing UK defense components in a four-month accelerated program, continues to exceed expectations in operational use. According to a public statement from Ukraine’s Air […] The post UK-built Raven downs Russian four cruise missiles in Ukraine first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Ukraine is ramping up its use of helicopters as part of its air defense network, after frontline units proved their effectiveness in intercepting Russian long-range drones, according to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. As Militarnyi reported, Syrskyi highlighted that helicopter crews have become a critical element of Ukraine’s layered air defense strategy, often outperforming expectations in drone […] The post Ukraine deploys more helicopters to hunt Russian drones first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) has issued a statement condemning North Korea’s latest round of missile launches, calling them “unlawful and destabilizing actions” that defy United Nations Security Council resolutions. The response came hours after Pyongyang’s state media claimed it had successfully tested a new hypersonic weapon system on October 22. “We are fully aware of […] The post U.S. vows readiness after North Korea hypersonic test first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

The U.S. Special Operations Command has placed an $877 million order with Boeing for additional MH-47G Chinook helicopters to support its rotary-wing operations through 2030. The Boeing Company, based in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, has been awarded a firm-fixed-price delivery order valued at $877,742,891 for the procurement of MH-47G helicopters. The aircraft are being purchased to […]View the full article

Griffon Aerospace, a U.S. defense firm known for its aerial target systems, is promoting a new variant of its MQM-172 Arrowhead drone configured as a low-cost, one-way strike weapon. While originally developed as a realistic target drone for military training, the company now markets the platform’s adaptability for loitering munition roles with configurable payloads and […] The post Griffon Aerospace pushes low-cost strike drone for U.S. Forces first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Hanwha Aerospace has expanded its defense cooperation with Estonia through a new memorandum of understanding with local firm GoCraft OÜ, as additional details emerged about Estonia’s acquisition of South Korean Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher systems and related industrial investments. According to a press release dated Dec. 22, 2025, Hanwha Aerospace signed an MOU with GoCraft […]View the full article

A U.S. Navy vessel operating as part of a coalition task force in the Caribbean issued multiple radio warnings on November 24 to an unidentified aircraft approaching its position in international waters south of Puerto Rico. The aircraft, flying at 18,300 feet and traveling at approximately 278 knots, was tracked on a course of 085º—moving […]View the full article

Fears of a potential Russian military campaign against NATO’s eastern flank by 2027 have gained renewed attention across Europe. But Lithuanian-based security expert Darius Antanaitis — a well-known and influential voice on Baltic defense matters — believes the threat is more likely to materialize around 2030, and only under certain geopolitical conditions. In comments to […] The post Expert: Baltic war would open multiple fronts for Russia first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Russia’s defense industry has delivered another batch of BMPT “Terminator” tank support vehicles to the armed forces. According to a statement from the state-owned Rostec conglomerate, its Uralvagonzavod plant has completed the latest delivery of BMPTs, which it described as “highly in demand” following their combat deployment. The vehicle, developed to accompany and protect main […] The post Russian military receives new batch of Terminator combat vehicles first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Sam LaGrone, editor of USNI News, wrote on Nov. 25 that the United States Navy is canceling most of the Constellation-class frigate program as the service moves toward new classes of small surface combatants that can be delivered more quickly. According to LaGrone’s report, Navy Secretary John Phelan announced the decision Tuesday on social media, […]View the full article

The growing intermeshing of American and South Korea maritime industrial capacity is, rightfully, back in the news. Last week we discussed South Korea leaning in to help build auxiliaries. That’s solid JV ball, but news came out last week that they’ve managed to negotiate an opportunity to play on the varsity. Via Philadelphia Today. President Donald Trump announced last month on social media that the United States will share its nuclear submarine propulsion technology with South Korea, which plans to construct its submarines at the Philadelphia Shipyard, writes Justin Katz for Breaking Defense. “South Korea will be building its Nuclear Powered Submarine in the Philadelp…