This image of the Japan's Fukushima nuclear power station was taken on March 26 by the Israeli Eros B satellite, after all personnel were evacuated from the area as radiation levels spiked 10,000 times higher than the average at the site, as the #2 reactor was undergoing partial meltdown. Later it was announced that the high reading was taken by error. Photo: Imagesat
Fires, explosions and radiation leaks have repeatedly forced Japanese rescue workers at the nuclear power plant to suspend work, including on Sunday when radiation levels spiked to 100,000 times above normal in water inside reactor No. 2 at the Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) plant. A partial meltdown of fuel rods inside the reactor vessel was responsible for the high levels of radiation at reactor No. 2, but the radiation had mainly been contained in the reactor building. Following the spike in radiation over the weekend, the reactor cores appeared to be cooling down. The plan now is to dry out the plant, get power restored and start cooling it down.]
A satellite image of the Fukushima 3 and 4 nuclear power plant units, taken March 18, 2011, showing the damaged reactor buildings. Photo: Digitalglobe.Another image of Fukushima #2 reactor, taken by Eros B on March 26,, showing a close-up view of the damaged site. Photo: ImagesatThis image of the Japan's Fukushima nuclear power station was taken on March 26 by the Israeli Eros B satellite, after all personnel were evacuated from the area as radiation levels spiked 10,000 times higher than the average at the site, as the #2 reactor was undergoing partial meltdown. Later it was announced that the high reading was taken by error. Photo: Imagesat
As traditional defense primes face mounting competition from agile “neoprimes” such as Anduril, Palantir and Helsing, the balance of innovation is shifting toward software-defined warfare and scalable, dual-use technologies, while global industry consolidation—marked by Boeing’s integration of Spirit AeroSystems and other strategic mergers—signals an intensified race to secure control over the defense technology value chain. Our Defense-Tech weekly report highlights these trends.
In early October 2025, a coordinated wave of unmanned aerial system (UAS) incursions—widely attributed to Russia—targeted critical infrastructure across at least ten European nations. The unprecedented campaign exposed the fragility of Europe’s air defenses...
Executive Summary
The past week (September 18-25, 2025) represents an inflection point where strategic defense concepts have transitioned from doctrine to tangible reality. An analysis of global events reveals four primary, interconnected trends shaping an...
At the 2025 Air, Space & Cyber Conference, U.S. Air Force and Space Force leaders unveiled major updates on next-generation fighters, bombers, unmanned systems, and space initiatives, highlighting both rapid innovation and critical readiness challenges as the services race to outpace global competitors. A short version is available here, with a more detailed version for subscribers.
The Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE) 2025 crystallized around four dominant strategic themes that collectively illustrate Taiwan's comprehensive approach to defense modernization amid escalating regional tensions. Based on a detailed report by Pleronix (available upon request). Includes a Podcast discussion on TADTE 2025's highlighting Taiwan's four strategic themes beyond the post's coverage.
Israel’s Iron Beam 450 high-power laser system has completed final testing, marking a major leap in air defense. Developed by Rafael, it offers precise, cost-effective interception of rockets, UAVs, and mortars, and is set for IDF deployment by 2025.
WB Group unveiled its Future Task Force (FTF) at MSPO, a new warfighting concept integrating manned, unmanned, and autonomous systems. Combining hybrid-electric vehicles, loitering munitions, and AI-enabled command tools, the FTF is designed to sustain firepower and autonomy while reducing battalion size and logistical footprint.
