Australia is interested in buying 24 MH-60R Seahawk maritime multi-mission helicopters at an estimated cost of US$2.1 billion, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress. The Royal Australian Navy currently operates 32 SH-60B and B-2 Seahawk models. Under Air 9000 Phase 8 plan to replace the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) fleet of 16 S-70B Seahawks and the Seasprites whose acquisition has been cancelled. RAN considers two alternatives for this program – the NH 90 NFH from NH Industries and MH-60R from U.S. based Sikorsky.
The ‘Romeo’ is designed to carry out multiple missions including anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-ship surface warfare, search and rescue. The SH-60R Seahawk could be operating from frigates and helicopter carrying amphibious support ships. It is equipped with a mission package complex combining maritime search radar, electronic support measures (ESM), electro-optical payloads, and various ASW support systems.
Founded in the late 1980s, Controp has evolved from a boutique electro-optical house to a global provider of integrated EO/IR solutions. Leveraging advanced optics, sophisticated stabilization, and AI-driven analytics, the company’s “Defining Clarity” ethos shapes a new era of defense capabilities, offering enhanced situational awareness for air, land, and maritime operations.
Vietnam Defence 2024 showcased the country’s military modernization, defense industry growth, and shift from Russian arms dependency. With key exhibitors from the U.S., Israel, Europe, and Asia, the event highlighted naval defense, air force upgrades, UAVs, and cyber warfare. Israel featured SPYDER air defense and Heron UAVs, while Russia, China, and Iran promoted missile and drone technologies. The exhibition reinforced Vietnam’s commitment to self-reliance, strategic autonomy, and regional security, positioning it as a rising defense player in Southeast Asia.
The British Armed Forces have successfully tested a revolutionary Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW) capable of neutralizing drone swarms at a fraction of conventional defense costs. The system, developed by a UK-based consortium led by Thales, can disable multiple unmanned aerial systems for as little as 10 pence per engagement.
Representatives of the Israeli and Slovakian Defense ministries have Signed a 560 million Euro Agreement to deliver the Barak MX Integrated Air Defense System Produced by IAI. Barak MX and Barak 8 air defense systems are currently operational with several nations. The Slovakian acquisition is important in integrating the BARAK MX system into the NATO air defense network, which could pave the system’s entry into other Alliance members.
XTEND, an AI-driven drone technology expert, has been awarded an $8.8 million contract by the U.S. Department of Defense to supply VR-operated Precision Strike Indoor & Outdoor (PSIO) small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS), a first DoD-approved loitering munition platform for both indoor and outdoor operations. With cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), these tactical drones deliver real-time, high-precision strikes, redefining smart munitions in modern warfare.