HG S2 (Intel Bot)

Semiconductor Devices (SCD), a leading Israeli maker of infrared sensors, has signed a multi-year strategic contract with the Ministry of Defense under the “Blue & White” initiative. The agreement, valued at approximately $115 million, aims to strengthen Israel’s domestic defense industry while advancing its technological independence in the critical field of infrared systems. According to […] The post Israel signs $115M deal to expand IR production first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Finnish technology company Kelluu announced that its autonomous hydrogen-powered airship will take part in NATO’s upcoming REPMUS 25 exercise, one of the alliance’s largest and most demanding defense trials focused on unmanned systems. Kelluu described its platform as a 12-meter-long autonomous aerostat combining artificial intelligence and modern sensor technology with the century-old concept of lighter-than-air […] The post Finnish hydrogen airship joins NATO exercise first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

The Dutch Ministry of Defense announced that Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35s landed in Poland today to begin a three-month deployment securing NATO airspace over Eastern Europe. Starting Sunday, the Dutch jets will operate alongside Norwegian F-35s, carrying out round-the-clock patrols under NATO command. The aircraft departed this morning from Volkel Air Base in the […] The post Dutch F-35s arrive in Poland for NATO air policing mission first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Northrop Grumman announced that it has delivered the Mk44 Bushmaster Chain Gun for Poland’s next-generation Borsuk infantry fighting vehicle. In a post, the company said: “Bringing the Boom to Borsuk. We’re delivering the Mk44 Bushmaster Chain Gun to Huta Stalowa Wola S.A./HSW S.A.’s next-generation Borsuk infantry fighting vehicle, bringing legendary reliability and precision to Polish […] The post Northrop delivers Bushmaster guns for Polish new fighting vehicles first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Alaskan Command announced that U.S. and Canadian forces executed a joint sail through the Bering Sea beginning August 25, 2025, under Operation LATITUDE, an exercise designed to deepen cooperation and strengthen Arctic security. The operation brought together the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District, and […] The post U.S., Canada strengthen presence in Bering Sea first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Defense analyst Fabian Hoffmann has released a detailed study tracing the trajectory of Ukraine’s missile programs from 2014 to 2025, highlighting the country’s efforts to transition from limited post-Soviet capabilities to a diverse but still developing long-range strike arsenal. In his latest Missile Matters post, Hoffmann examined the rise, setbacks, and future of Ukraine’s deep-strike […] The post Analysis: Ukraine builds future strike arsenal first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Naval News reported on August 30 that Lockheed Martin has installed a Patriot launcher on the Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship USS Montgomery (LCS-8). The test aimed to demonstrate a concept of expeditionary air defense, allowing ships operating far from shore and outside carrier strike groups to be reinforced with existing surface-to-air systems. According to the […] The post Patriot launcher mounted on Littoral Combat Ship first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (GUR) has released footage showing its drones destroying two Russian helicopters at Simferopol airbase, along with a strike against a tugboat. The video, published on August 31, corresponds with a drone attack carried out on the morning of August 30 that triggered a large fire at the facility. Earlier, satellite images circulated […] The post Ukraine releases video of strikes on Simferopol airbase first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Ukraine’s General Staff said on August 31 that radiation reconnaissance units of the Armed Forces are operating inside the Chernobyl (Chornobyl – Ukrainian transliteration) Exclusion Zone to monitor safety conditions near the damaged sarcophagus covering Reactor No. 4. Specialists from the 704th Separate Brigade of Radiation, Chemical, and Biological (RCB) Defense are conducting detailed inspections […] The post Ukrainian troops monitor Chernobyl site first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

For the first time in history, the United States Air Force has selected a NATO partner nation to provide pilot training. On August 22, the Italian Air Force and the U.S. Air Force signed an agreement that will bring American pilot trainees to the International Flight Training School (IFTS) in Decimomannu, Sardinia. The “Concept of […] The post U.S. Air Force pilots set for training in Italy first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Polish defense company Mesko, in partnership with France’s Eurenco, has announced the start of production of modular propelling charges for 155 mm artillery. The new assembly line is located in Pionki, Poland, and is expected to produce up to 100,000 charges annually. The development was reported by Adam Swierkowski of Defence24. The project began in […] The post Poland begins 155mm artillery charge production first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Russian forces are adopting a new infantry doctrine that places greater reliance on drones and robotic systems due to manpower challenges, according to an analysis by the DeepState OSINT project in cooperation with the Telegram channel Mannerheims son. The report said the Russian military is increasingly turning to unmanned ground systems, loitering munitions, and heavy […] The post Russia adopts new infantry doctrine amid manpower strain first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Satellite images have confirmed the destruction of Russian helicopters at an airbase in occupied Crimea following a Ukrainian drone strike. The attack targeted the airport near Simferopol on August 30, Ukrainian outlet Militarnyi reported. According to the report, satellite photos published by the AviaVector community showed two helicopters destroyed on the airfield. The images, comparing […] The post Satellite photos show Russian helicopters destroyed in Crimea first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Raytheon Missiles and Defense has received a $1.7 billion contract modification to continue production of the U.S. Army’s Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS), the Pentagon announced. According to the Department of Defense, the $1,700,200,000 modification to contract W31P4Q-24-C-0024 will support the low-rate initial production of the LTAMDS program. The award raises the […] The post Raytheon to expand production of LTAMDS radars first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

BAE Systems Information and Electronic Warfare Systems, based in Hudson, New Hampshire, has been awarded a $1,7 billion contract for the production and delivery of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS) rounds, the Pentagon announced. According to the Department of Defense, the contract covers up to 55,000 APKWS units under Full Rate Production Lots […] The post Pentagon awards $1.74B contract for APKWS rockets first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

A U.S. Air Force reconnaissance aircraft conducted a surveillance mission near Russia’s northern region on August 28, according to a report from the defense outlet Militarnyi. The Boeing RC-135V Rivet Joint was detected on the online flight tracking platform Flightradar24 as it operated close to the Murmansk area. The aircraft, equipped with advanced sensors and […] The post U.S. Air Force spy plane tracked off Russia’s northern coast first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

"Like who?" That is a tough question; it seems easy, but it isn't. What defines a leader and what qualities should a young leader emulate? Books have been and will be written about such things - but often it is better just to point at a man and say, "This." A dozen or so years ago when I first published this story, friend to the blog who sneaks into comments now and then, URR, reminded me that we lost one of "them." Someone who inspired people throughout his life. The core of his character is perhaps best discovered in one of his best-known acts. For the full story of The Warriors of Hill 881S, spend some time here. Like many of his generation - proper recognition of his actions took a while - in this case 37-years, but at last he was rewarded with his much-deserved Navy Cross in 2005. For us here at least - I think that citation should do. The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to: William H. Dabney (0-80399), Colonel [then Captain], U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Commanding Officer of two heavily reinforced rifle companies of the Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 21 January to 14 April 1968. During the entire period, Colonel Dabney’s force stubbornly defended Hill 881S, a regional outpost vital to the defense of the Khe Sanh Combat Base. Following his bold spoiling attack on 20 January 1968, shattering a much larger North Vietnamese Army (NVA) force deploying to attack Hill 881S, Colonel Dabney’s force was surrounded and cut off from all outside ground supply for the entire 77 day Siege of Khe Sanh. Enemy snipers, machine guns, artillery, and 120-millimeter mortars responded to any daylight movement on his position. In spite of deep entrenchments, his total casualties during the siege were close to 100 percent. Helicopters were his only source of re-supply, and each such mission brought down a cauldron of fire on his landing zones. On numerous occasions Colonel Dabney raced into the landing zone under heavy hostile fire to direct debarkation of personnel and to carry wounded Marines to evacuation helicopters. The extreme difficulty of re-supply resulted in conditions of hardship and deprivation seldom experienced by American forces. Nevertheless, Colonel Dabney’s indomitable spirit was truly an inspiration to his troops. He organized his defenses with masterful skill and his preplanned fires shattered every enemy probe on his positions. He also devised an early warning system whereby NVA artillery and rocket firings from the west were immediately reported by lookouts to the Khe Sanh Combat Base, giving exposed personnel a few life saving seconds to take cover, saving countless lives, and facilitating the targeting of enemy firing positions. Colonel Dabney repeatedly set an incredible example of calm courage under fire, gallantly exposing himself at the center of every action without concern for his own safety. Colonel Dabney contributed decisively to ultimate victory in the Battle of Khe Sanh, and ranks among the most heroic stands of any American force in history. By his valiant combat leadership, exceptional bravery, and selfless devotion to duty, Colonel Dabney reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. Fullbore. He was laid to rest in 2012. Thanks to General Caulfield, we are informed that a memorial service will be held for Colonel Dabney at Robert E. Lee Memorial Episcopal Church, 123 West Washington Street, Lexington, VA 24450 at 1400 on Sunday, 26 February, with a reception afterward at Virginia Military Institute. Col. Dabney has been cremated and internment will occur at a later time. As a final note, the more I read about what our Marines and others did in Vietnam, the more I think of the injustice our popular culture from DC to Hollywood did to them. It truly is a national disgrace. I noted back in 2012 when I first published this FbF that the same people who smeared them are trying to do the same to our generation of vets - but they are having trouble getting traction. In the intervening years, that has been shown to be true. If anything, the invective is, properly, being directed at the civilian leaders and institutions who failed those in uniform time and time again. As I did then, today I firmly believe that the reason this hasn’t taken place is that the Vietnam generation has this generation's back. They are helping make sure that what happened to them will not happen to us. For that, we owe them another debt of gratitude. As a reminder to new readers, if you want to give credit to the person who started the move to tell the truth about the Vietnam veterans, which in a large measure is why there is a better pushback this time against the moonbats - get a copy of B.G. Burkett's 1998 book, Stolen Valor: How the Vietnam Generation Was Robbed of Its Heroes and Its History. Leave a comment Share This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. View the full article

NATO Air Command said on August 28 that two Italian F-35 fighter jets scrambled from Amari Air Base in Estonia to intercept a Russian military aircraft operating near Alliance airspace. According to the command, the jets were deployed under NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission after radar systems detected the approach of a Russian An-124 Condor […] The post Italian F-35s intercept Russian An-124 heavy transport aircraft first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

At U.S. Marine Corps Base Quantico last week, Global Military Products and Polaris Government and Defense joined a live-fire event showcasing the Scorpion Light mobile mortar system, also known internationally as the Alakran. The demonstration took place during the Marine Gunners Symposium and was observed by a group of Marine gunners. The Scorpion Light system, […] The post U.S. Marine Corps tests Scorpion light mortar system first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Ukraine’s defense technology incubator Brave1 has launched a renewed grant program aimed at accelerating the development of advanced weapons, including ballistic and surface-to-air missiles. The initiative, announced at the recent event “Decisive Innovations: Ukraine’s Next Steps in the Technological War”, provides up to 150 million hryvnias ($3.6 million) for projects focused on explosives, missile systems, […] The post Ukraine targets new HIMARS-style weapons with $3.6M grants first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

The U.S. Air Force has released new images of its OA-1K Skyraider II in training, highlighting progress by the 492nd Special Operations Wing as the aircraft continues to log flying hours in formal instruction. The OA-1K Skyraider II serves as a cost-effective, crewed platform designed to support special operations personnel in austere and geographically isolated […] The post U.S. Air Force showcases OA-1K in special ops training first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

A second B-21 Raider nuclear-armed stealth bomber could fly before the end of the year, according to a Defense One report. “I believe it will happen before the end of the year, but we’re not going to ever give them an artificial date that they have to make if it doesn’t bring the test program […] The post Second B-21 stealth bomber poised for test flight in 2025 first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

In less than two years since launching its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, the U.S. Department of the Air Force has flown a prototype platform, underscoring a shift in how the service develops and fields new weapon systems. The unmanned aircraft, designated YFQ-42A, was developed with General Atomics and conducted its first flight at a California […] The post U.S. Air Force prototype uncrewed fighter jet takes flight first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

A tragic accident struck Thursday evening when a Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet from the Tiger Demo Team crashed during rehearsals for Air Show 2025, killing the team’s commander. The crash occurred at approximately 7:25 p.m. local time at Radom Airport. Witnesses described the jet suddenly nosediving over the runway and striking the ground […] The post F-16 fighter jet crashes in Poland, pilot killed first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Russian forces have claimed their successful strike against a launcher of Ukraine’s Neptune coastal defense missile system. According to reports, Russian reconnaissance drones operating near the village of Liubytske in the Zaporizhzhia region identified a Neptune launcher as it prepared to fire. Within minutes, Russian forces directed a 9M723 Iskander-M ballistic missile with a fragmentation […] The post Russia hits Ukraine’s Neptune missile launcher first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article