A team from 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, complete the
first Javelin missile firing in India as part of Yudh Abhyas 09 in Babina, India - October 23. Photo: US Army

Current news: Aerospace | Land Systems | Missiles | Electronics | Navy | Unmanned Systems | Homeland Security

Japan Completes Testing of Missile Defense Destroyer
Israel, U.S. Embark on a Joint Air-Defense Exercise
AGM-114R Multi-Purpose Hellfire II Conducts Test
U.S. Army to Study Cluster-Munitions Alternatives
Raytheon Awarded Stunner Missile, Launcher Contract
Australian Defence Firepower to Receive Major Boost
Land-Based Air and Missile Defense at AUSA 2009
Russia Tests Submarine Launched Nuclear Missiles
Lockheed Martin Awarded Over $1 Billion for AEGIS
U.S. Army High Energy Laser Passes Major Milestone

Israel, U.S. European Command Embark on Juniper Cobra Joint Air-Defense Exercise

Tel Aviv - 22 October 2009: Israel and the United States have launched today, Wednesday October 21, their first day of the three-week Juniper Cobra 10 air defense exercise, being the largest ever joint-military exercises in missile defense, to be held by the two nations. About a thousand U.S. troops, from all four branches of service, will work alongside an equal number of Israel Defense Force personnel, taking part in computer-simulated war games intended to ensure the two countries can jointly respond to a crisis. The two countries have held five such exercises since 2001. The Joint Task Force commander is Rear Admiral John M. Richardson, deputy commander of the U.S. Sixth Fleet. The exercise began October 21st and will last through November 3rd, 2009. (read more...)

U.S. Army to Study Cluster-Munitions Alternatives

The U.S. Army awarded development contracts to Aerojet, ATK and General Dynamics OTS for the demonstration of new submunitions technology that could be used to replace the current bomblets used in cluster munitions which leave dangerous unexploded ordnance.

Raytheon Awarded Stunner Missile, Launcher Development Contract

Raytheon has received two contracts worth in excess of $100 million from RAFAEL for the design and development of the Stunner missile and associated firing unit, as part of the 'David's Sling' Weapon System (DSWS). RAFAEL is the prime contractor for the DSWS development, a joint program between the Missile Defense Agency and the Israel Missile Defense Organization. The system will defeat short-range ballistic missiles, large-caliber rockets and cruise missiles in their terminal phase of flight.

Land-Based Air and Missile Defense Systems at AUSA 2009

AUSA, Washington DC, October 2009: Improving early warning and protection of forward operating bases is urgently needed by many armies. The advanced lightweight counter-mortar radar providing early warning on incoming mortar attacks, and new, very-short-range interceptors, designed to defeat such threats before they hit their targets.. Other missile defense systems being fielded under the U.S. Army control include enhanced PAC-3 combined air and missile interceptor, and THAAD missile defense system are being developed under the U.S. Missile Defense Initiative, to protect forward deployed forces from short and medium missile attacks.

U.S. Army High Energy Laser Passes Major Milestone

The Boeing managed High Energy Laser Technology Demonstrator (HEL TD) program has completed a critical design review in July 09 leading to the development and integration of the rugged beam control system on a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT). The CDR followed a system functional review in June addressing key enablers for fielding of the futuristic solid-state laser weapon system. According to Gary Fitzmire, vice president and program director of Boeing Missile Defense Systems' Directed Energy Systems unit, the new system's speed-of-light and ultra-precision capability will increase the warfighter's ability to counter rocket, artillery and mortar projectiles beyond today's capabilities. Launched in 2008, HEL TD demonstration program will support the transition to a full-fledged Army acquisition program.

AGM-114R Multi-Purpose Hellfire II

Lockheed Martin is developing a multi-functional version of the Hellfire II missile designated AGM-114R. The new missile has recently scored a direct hit during a 'proof of principle' test at Eglin Air Force base. The new missile incorporates a 'multi-purpose' warhead that enables a single missile to cover all of the target sets currently covered by four different types of laser-guided Hellfire II variants. Utilizing an integral inertial measurement unit, the new missile can be launched at high aspect rations, considerably shortening firing preparation process. Other modifications have dealt with system obsolescence. By replacing hardware circuits with software controlled functions, the missile designers are reducing weight, improving reliability and enabling better through life support.

Australian Defence Firepower to Receive Major Boost

The Australian government has approved an A$493 million procurement program to modernize the Australian Army artillery systems. The first phase of the Artillery Replacement Project (Land 17) will provide the Army with four batteries of 35 M777A2 155mm Lightweight Towed Howitzers. These air-mobile towed guns can be delivered sling loaded by CH-47 Chinook helicopters. The second phase of the program will include the procurement of a yet-to-be determined self propelled artillery system.

Russia Tests Submarine Launched Nuclear Missiles

Two Russian nuclear-powered strategic submarines have test-launched RSM-50 (NATO codename: SS-N-18 Stingray) intercontinental ballistic missiles on October 6 and 7. The missiles were launched from the Sv Georgii pobedonosets and the Ryazan Delta III nuclear powered missile submarines, from positions the Pacific Ocean, hitting their designated targets in the north of Russia. The RSM-50 is a two-stage, liquid propellant, submarine-launched ballistic missile. Each Delta III carries up to 16 RSM-50 missiles. The missile has a range of up to 8,000 km and the capacity to carry from one to seven nuclear warheads.

Lockheed Martin Awarded Over $1 Billion for AEGIS BMD

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency awarded Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors over one billion US$ for continued development and engineering of Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Combat System over the next five years.

Japan Completes Testing of Missile Defense Destroyer

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the United States Missile Defense Agency (MDA) performed the third and final missile intercept test from the new Japanese destroyer JS Myoko. Before returning to Japan, the vessel will be loaded with a full complement of SM-3 Block IA missiles, extending Japan missile defense capability with the new sea-based system. (read more...).