Other Regional Defense Updates:
Afghanistan | Australia | Brunei | Bangladesh | China | India | Indonesia | Japan | Malaysia | Myanmar |
North Korea | Pakistan | Philippines | Singapore | South Korea | Sri-Lanka | Taiwan | Thailand | Vietnam.
- Defense-Update Weekly Summary Sep 6, 2024
Dive into the latest global defense and military technology developments with Defense-Update Weekly News. Visit Defense-Update to dive deeper in this week’s news: Highlights: New Russian EO/IR payload for drones Ukraine’s “Dragon’s Breath” FPV drones India’s acquisition of Rafale Marine fighter jets Kongsberg’s strategic partnership in Australia Scaled Composites’ Model 437 Vanguard’s first flight For detailed news by topic, refer to the following reports: Ukraine War Tech News Aerospace News Land Systems News Unmanned Systems News Naval Tech News Defense Exhibitions and Airshows News In this episode, we cover: 00:00 – Introduction 00:30 – Drone Warfare Innovations in Ukraine 02:15 – Advancements in aerial munitions 03:45 – Air defense systems and international support 05:00 – Naval aviation developments 06:30 – Global fighter jet acquisitions 08:15 – Military transport and medical evacuation advancements 09:30 – Kongsberg’s expansion in Australia 11:00 – Land warfare news 12:30 – Unmanned systems and radar technology 14:00 – Remote-controlled armored vehicles 15:15 – Model 437 Vanguard experimental aircraft 17:00 – Geopolitical developments 18:30 – Conclusion Stay informed on the latest defense technology, geopolitical shifts, and military innovations. Whether you’re a defense professional, technology enthusiast, or simply curious about global security, this update provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of modern warfare. #DefenseTechnology #MilitaryInnovation #DroneWarfare #AviationTechnology #GlobalSecurity #DefenseIndustry #MilitaryNews For more in-depth analysis and defense updates, visit our website: https://defense-update.com DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only. All information presented is based on publicly available sources and should not be considered professional military or strategic advice. - Drones and Smart Bombs: Ukraine-Russia’s Deadly Exchange Sep 5, 2024
Defense-Update from the Russo-Ukraine War. Following are some of this week’s military technology news highlights from the Russo-Ukraine conflict Ukrainian Forces and Russian Laser Threats Ukrainian sources have reported sightings of green light rays on the battlefield, which were identified as a new threat from Russian forces. These rays, visible only at night, are thought to be emitted by an EO/IR payload developed by Russian drone maker ZALA. The Z-16IRQ-V/L uses an HD thermal imager and a video camera with an integrated laser rangefinder and designator. The laser is effective at distances up to 1,500 m. Laser designation is used to guide guided ammunition with semi-active laser homing. The visibility of these laser beams, which typically operate in the infrared range, is considered a drawback as it unmasks the user platform. The green light is probably the laser used as a spotter beam. Ukraine and Russia Use Drones with Incendiary Payloads Russian and Ukrainian drones now use incendiary payloads. Ukraine’s “Dragon’s Breath” FPV drones employ thermite incendiary munitions that can reach temperatures exceeding 2,400 degrees when ignited. Thermite consists of a mixture of iron oxide and aluminum powders. Maiden Flight of the Model 437 Vanguard Drone Interceptors Appear on the Russo-Ukraine War Both Russia and Ukraine have recently displayed First-Person View (FPV) drone video footage showing intercepts of reconnaissance drones by FPV drones. One of these events shows an intercept of a Russian reconnaissance UAV, Zala Z-20, in the lens of Ukrainian FPV kamikaze drones. This UAV has a longer range and can guide the Lancet to a target at a distance of 70+ km. Russia Extends Range of UMPC Bomb Glide and Guidance Kit Russia has reportedly upgraded its UMPC (Universal Planning and Correction Module), bomb guidance, and range extension kit with larger wings and tail area, enabling the weapon to glide over longer distances. ... - New Acquisition Plans for MBT, AIFVs in Europe Sep 5, 2024
Land Warfare Weekly Defense-Update Netherlands to Acquire Leopard 2A8 Tanks and Spike LR 2 Anti-Tank Missiles The Netherlands has announced plans to procure Spike LR 2 anti-tank missiles from Israeli defense company Rafael. The Spike LR 2 is an advanced multi-purpose missile system known for its precision and versatility in various combat scenarios. The new missiles will replace earlier generation Spike missiles that have been in service for 20 years. The Dutch army will reinstate part of its heavy armored force with the induction of 50 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks. The move could be part of the Netherlands’ increasing contribution to NATO following the withdrawal of its heavy armored force, including relatively advanced Leopard 2A7 tanks, in 2011. The Dutch army leased some German tanks and stationed them in Germany but did not deploy their units. Pre-Production Challenger 3 is Here The first pre-production variant of the Challenger 3 main battle tank in the United Kingdom was unveiled at Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land, RBSL, the manufacturer’s site in Telford, UK. The tank’s prototypes undergo field trials under operational conditions to validate and refine their performance before another 140 are built and delivered to the British Army. Maiden Flight of the Model 437 Vanguard Greece Declines U.S. Offer of Bradley Fighting Vehicles In a surprising decision, the Greek Army has declined an offer from the United States to receive decommissioned Bradley Fighting Vehicles. This decision comes amid Greece’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military forces. The Bradleys, a staple of U.S. armored forces, were offered as part of a broader military aid package. However, Greece cited logistical and operational concerns, including the cost of maintenance and integration into their existing systems, as reasons for the refusal. Greece currently operates several versions of the Leopard 2 and tanks with the Leonidas, a locally produced armored vehicle. Croatia’s Acquisition of ... - UK, Australian Naval Milestones: Type 26 and Arafura Advance Sep 5, 2024
Following is the Defense-Update naval news summary for this week Australia’s First Arafura-Class OPV Begins Sea Trials Australia’s naval capabilities are set to expand with the commencement of sea trials for its first Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV). This milestone marks a significant step in Australia’s naval modernization program. The Arafura-class OPVs enhance Australia’s maritime border protection and patrol capabilities. The successful completion of these trials will pave the way for integrating the new patrol vessels into the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet, strengthening its ability to respond to various maritime challenges. UK’s Second Type 26 Frigate Enters Water The United Kingdom has achieved a significant milestone in its naval modernization efforts with the launch of its second Type 26 frigate. This event marks a critical step in the Royal Navy’s plan to enhance its surface fleet capabilities. The Type 26 frigates are designed for anti-submarine warfare and are equipped with advanced sensors and weaponry to address modern maritime threats. They are expected to be pivotal in securing maritime trade routes and supporting international security operations. For weekly more news by topic, refer to the following reports: Ukraine War Tech News Aerospace News Land Systems News Unmanned Systems News Naval Tech News Defense Exhibitions and Airshows News - Kongsberg secures $95 Million JSM Order from Australia Sep 5, 2024
The Norwegian KONGSBERG Defense company secured a $95 million contract to supply Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) for Australia’s F-35A aircraft, enhancing the country’s long-range strike capabilities. Australia joins Norway, Japan, and the United States in adopting the JSM, highlighting its significance in the Pacific region. The Australian Government also announced plans for a KONGSBERG strike missile factory in Newcastle, strengthening domestic defense production. Kongsberg has been named a Strategic Partner in Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise, backed by a $16-21 billion government commitment over the next decade. The company announced today an expansion of its Australian presence with a new AUD 25 million ($16.5 million) facility in Adelaide, supporting defense programs including the Naval Strike Missile, National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS), CORTEX C4 for Protected Mobile Fires, and Protector Remote Weapon Stations. The 2,500 square meter site will focus on strike missiles, air defense systems, and remote weapon stations for the Australian armed forces. - Major Fighter Jet Acquisition Programs Brewing in Azerbaijan and India Sep 5, 2024
Maiden Flight of the Model 437 Vanguard Defense-Update Aerospace Weekly News Azerbaijan to Buy Chinese JF-17 armed them with Turkish Air/Air Missiles Azerbaijan is set to significantly enhance its air force capabilities by acquiring 24 JF-17 Thunder fighter jets from Pakistan in a $1.6 billion deal. To be delivered in the latest Block III configuration with improved avionics and weaponry, these aircraft will be equipped with Turkish-made Bozdoğan and Gökdoğan air-to-air missiles. The Bozdoğan, a short-range missile with a 25-kilometer range, and the Gökdoğan, a medium-range missile effective up to 65 kilometers, will provide Azerbaijan with advanced air-to-air combat capabilities. This procurement marks a significant upgrade for Azerbaijan’s air force, introducing modern, versatile combat aircraft capable of various missions, including reconnaissance and close air support. Integrating Turkish missiles with Pakistani-made aircraft underscores the growing defense cooperation between these nations. Deliveries are slated to begin next year, with the full order expected to be completed by 2027, significantly boosting Azerbaijan’s military capabilities in the region. India Set to Purchase 26 Rafale Ms for its Aircraft Carriers India’s Defense Acquisition Council is poised to approve the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy in a deal estimated at over 6 billion euros. These advanced aircraft are set to replace India’s aging Russian-made MiG-29K fighters and will be deployed on the country’s two aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. The acquisition, which began negotiations in November 2023, is considered urgent due to the deteriorating strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific region. The French offer includes options to integrate Indian weapons, such as the Astra air-to-air missile. However, India has opted against incorporating an experimental AESA radar developed by DRDO due to cost and potential delays. This acquisition would elevate India into an elite group of nations operating carrier-based 4.5th generation fighter aircraft alongside the US, ... - EagleEye Ready for the new Gray Eagle Sep 5, 2024
Following is the Defense-Update unmanned systems news summary for the current week. General Atomics’ EagleEye Enters Production General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has announced the production of its first EagleEye multi-mode radar, set to enhance the U.S. Army’s Gray Eagle Extended Range Unmanned Aircraft Systems capabilities. This radar is designed to provide high-resolution imagery through various atmospheric conditions and is a critical component of the new Gray Eagle 25M UAS. The EagleEye radar features improved range and multi-mode performance, tailored for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), and includes advanced technologies such as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and real-time AI/ML software for enhanced target detection. The development of EagleEye represents a significant advancement in radar technology, offering capabilities such as Moving Target Indication (MTI) and Maritime Wide Area Search (MWAS) mode for tracking vessels. This radar system supports the U.S. Army’s strategic goals, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, and is expected to improve situational awareness and operational effectiveness in various global theaters. Maiden Flight of the Model 437 Vanguard Last week, Scaled Composites performed the first flight of its Model 437 Vanguard experimental aircraft, demonstrating Northrop Grumman’s digital pathfinder wings. The Model 437 Vanguard is a crewed variant of the original concept powered by a single Pratt & Whitney 535 engine with approximately 3,400 pounds of thrust. The aircraft has a wingspan of 41 feet and is 41 feet long with a gross takeoff weight of 10,000 pounds. Northrop Grumman defined, developed, built, and verified the removable wing assemblies using advanced digital tools and processes as part of their Digital Pathfinder effort. The aircraft will have a range of approximately 3000 nautical miles and an endurance of 6 hours. It can carry up to 2,000 pounds of payload in multiple locations, including an internal weapons bay sized to accommodate two AIM-120s. While flown by a ... - This Week’s Highlights from Defense Exhibitions Sep 5, 2024
MSPO 2024, Kielce, Poland The Korean Hyundai Rotem company displayed the K2EX main battle tank at MSPO. This is a more advanced variant, equipped with the Trophy active protection system. Another tank version also appeared at MSPO, fitted with a soft kill countermeasure system utilizing warning sensors and directional smoke dispensers. Rak mortar with new M69 turret system mounted on the Borsuk chassis HSW presented a model of the RAK mortar mounted on a Borsuk armored vehicle platform. This new configuration uses the modernized M69 turret with a lower profile. Until now, the RAK was mounted on a wheeled APC. With a tracked chassis, the Borsuk platform matches the needs of the Polish army’s armored and mechanized divisions. New Attack Drones from WB Group, Poland The Polish WB Group unveiled several new loitering weapons and One-Way Attack (OWA) drones. The largest OWA developed in Poland is Warmate 50, capable of striking at distances over 1000 km. Another loitering weapon on display was the Warmate Z, equipped with an anti-tank warhead. Additionally, the tube-launched Warmate TL/R was displayed in two variants: reconnaissance and attack, mounted on the Lewiatan, a 6×6 unmanned wheeled platform. (read more) PIAP Showcases a Casualty Evacuation Robot at MSPO The Polish company PIAP displayed its IBIS robot in the transport and medical evacuation version at the MSPO 2024 expo. The 6-wheeled mobile platform uses adaptive suspension for offroad mobility. In place of the manipulator, the vehicle in this version carries a basket with a stretcher mount. Egyptian International Airshow 2024, Al Alamain, Egypt Egypt’s International Airshow is taking place at the new Al Alamein International Airport this week. The airshow highlights the country’s massive investments in aerospace and defense acquisitions, focusing on aircraft, missiles, UAS, and electronics. The event attracted impressive participation from China, Turkey, South Korea, the UAE, the USA and Europe. Chinese ... - WB Group Debuts Warmate 50 One Way Attack Drone at MSPO Sep 4, 2024
Polish defense technology company WB Group unveiled many new systems at the MSPO 2024 exhibition, emphasizing broadening its activities across many new fields. The company unveiled two new long-range drones: WARMATE 50, capable of carrying a payload weight of 50 kg and striking targets at distances up to 1000 km. The WARMATE 20 carries a 20 kg warhead to a range of several hundred kilometers. A new rotary-winged loitering weapon and ISR drone called X-Fronter. The 1.15kg drone can be hand-launched or thrown; it has semi-autonomous flight capabilities and can carry a payload of 35o gr, roughly the weight of a hand grenade. The company also showcased the Lewiatan tube-launched Warmate TL-R reconnaissance and loitering missiles. Unlike first-generation Warmate variants, the TL / TL-R is configured as an encapsulated system, with the wings and V-tail open after the vehicle clears the launch tube. WB Group also showcased the WARMATE Z variant at MSPO, which is equipped with an anti-tank warhead. The sensor is placed above the shaped charge warhead to prevent disturbance of the shaped charge flow. - Defense Update Weekly Report – 30.8.2024 Aug 31, 2024
The following are recent defense updates from the previous week. A concise version of this report is also available in the Defense-Brief podcast. Main topics in this report Russia-Ukraine War Land Warfare News Aerospace News Unmanned Systems & Robotics News Russia-Ukraine War. Back to top Ukraine Tests First Domestically Produced Ballistic Missile, Experts Suggest Extended Range Ukraine has successfully tested its first domestically produced ballistic missile, as announced at the “Ukraine 2024. Independence” forum. President Zelensky commended the Ukrainian defense industry for this achievement. While official details are undisclosed, defense experts speculate it may be a modified Hrim-2 (Thunder) missile with an extended range of 700-1000 km, significantly surpassing the original 450-500 km design. This development, coupled with the recent deployment of the long-range, jet-powered Palianytsia one-way attack (OWA) drone, underscores Ukraine’s efforts to enhance its offensive capabilities. Ukraine Deploys F-16s for Missile Defense, Reports First Combat Loss Ukraine has begun deploying F-16 fighter jets for air defense missions, primarily targeting cruise missiles and drones. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed this on August 27. The F-16s offer significant advantages over Soviet-era aircraft and even ground-based air defense systems in intercepting cruise missiles due to their advanced radar capabilities, mobility, and ability to operate above the radar horizon limitation. However, Ukraine reported its first F-16 loss on Thursday when one crashed while repelling a Russian air strike, resulting in the pilot’s death. U.S. Air Force Unit Enhances Electronic Warfare Systems for F-16s Bound for Ukraine The US Air Forces’ 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing’s 68th Electronic Warfare Squadron (EWS) has successfully reprogrammed PIDS+ electronic warfare systems embedded in weapons pylon. TERMA originally produced the system for F-16 fighter jets transferred from Denmark and the Netherlands to Ukraine. Working collaboratively with Danish and Norwegian counterparts, the 68th EWS adapted to unfamiliar systems and tight timelines to optimize the F-16s’ EW capabilities against evolving Russian threats. This ...
