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- The PLA’s Global Power Play: A Deep Dive Into China’s Military Strategy and Ambitions Dec 18, 2024
The US Department of Defense’s annual report on Chinese military and security developments was presented to Congress today. In this post and podcast, we dissect the report, which isn’t just another geopolitical overview. It’s a deep dive into the PRC’s strategic ambitions as viewed by the West, a review of China’s military modernization efforts and implications for the international order. Loading the Elevenlabs Text to Speech AudioNative Player… We’ll start by exploring the core tenets of the PRC’s national strategy, focusing on its long-term goal of achieving “the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” by 2049. We’ll then analyze how this overarching strategy influences the country’s foreign, economic, and defense policies, including its view of the international system and its relationship with the United States. Then, we’ll shift our attention to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), examining its modernization goals, current capabilities, and future aspirations. We’ll discuss the PLA’s aims to become a “world-class” military and the key milestones along this path—specifically the 2027, 2035, and 2049 objectives. This will include an assessment of the PLA’s progress in areas like: Hypersonic missiles and Ballistic Missiles Naval expansion and its transition to “open seas protection” Air Force modernization AI integration into warfare Cyber warfare and cognitive domain operations Space and counter-space capabilities Nuclear force modernization, including developing a sea-based nuclear deterrent and an increasing nuclear stockpile. We’ll also address China’s growing global presence through overseas military activities, including its counterterrorism strategy, expanding military logistics, and basing infrastructure. We’ll examine the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its sub-efforts and consider how the PRC uses its economic policies and foreign influence to advance its strategic goals. We’ll discuss the PRC’s efforts to shape international perceptions through influence operations, including disinformation and cognitive warfare. Finally, we will address the critical issue of military-to-military communication between the United States and the PRC and the challenges to maintaining ... - Greece’s Land Forces to Get Switchblade Loitering Weapons and Advanced Rocket Launchers Dec 18, 2024
Greece is actively modernizing its military capabilities with two significant procurements. Firstly, the Government Council for Foreign and Defense Affairs, known as KYSEA, has approved the purchase of approximately 590 U.S.-made Switchblade loitering munitions, commonly called “kamikaze drones.” These include the Switchblade 300 and Switchblade 600 models, designed for precision strikes against personnel, light vehicles, and armored targets. This acquisition costs around €75.2 million, with Greece contributing €25 million and the remainder financed through U.S. foreign military funding. In addition to the drone procurement, Greece is in advanced discussions to acquire 36 PULS rocket artillery systems from Israel. The PULS, or Precise and Universal Launching System, developed by Elbit Systems, is a versatile rocket artillery platform capable of launching various rockets with ranges up to 300 kilometers. This deal, estimated between €600 and €700 million, also includes provisions for constructing components within Greece, fostering local industry collaboration. These acquisitions align with Greece’s broader strategy to modernize its armed forces and enhance its defense posture amid regional tensions. After transferring older Soviet-era equipment to Ukraine, Greece will also replenish and upgrade its military inventory. Greece has provided Ukraine with various military aid, including BMP-1A1 infantry fighting vehicles, RPG-18 grenade launchers, Kalashnikov rifles, and 122mm rocket artillery rounds. This support is part of international efforts to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid ongoing conflicts. With these acquisitions, Greece ensures its military remains robust and capable by replacing outdated systems with advanced technology like the Switchblade drones and PULS artillery systems. Simultaneously, transferring older equipment to Ukraine underscores Greece’s commitment to supporting allies and contributing to regional stability. Loading the Elevenlabs Text to Speech AudioNative Player… In summary, Greece’s strategic acquisitions and equipment transfers reflect a dual approach: strengthening its defense capabilities while supporting international partners in need. This balanced strategy enhances Greece’s military readiness and reinforces its role ... - Weekly News Summary – Week Ended 15 December 2024 Dec 16, 2024Preparing to continue our weekly review, we are utilizing AI systems to organize, process, and present a weekly news summary covering defense tech. There is still a long way to go; we’d like some topics to delve deeper, others placed in different order, but overall, we were impressed. Even at this early stage, we feel that the results are incredible. So ,we decided to upload the discussion and let you decide. Is it worth 22 minutes of your time? I certainly enjoyed listening. Send your comments to: Have a comment? send us an email!
- Deep Dive – Oreshnik IRBM Nov 23, 2024
Multiple sources reported today on Russia’s use of a new medium-range ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, based on the existing RS-26 Rubezh. The Oreshnik, described as experimental and hypersonic, was used in a strike on Dnipro, Ukraine. Controversy exists regarding Russia’s notification of the launch to the U.S., with differing statements from Russian and U.S. officials. The RS-26, originally an ICBM, has a history shrouded in secrecy, with development starting before the INF treaty’s collapse and its later purported cancellation. The missile’s capabilities, including its payload and range, remain partially unclear. This three-part podcast covers this alarming and unexpected development in detail. This episode utilizes AI-generated audio based on Defense-Update research and analysis of the recent Russian missile attack using six Oreshnik Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBM) using 36 warheads on Dnipro, Ukraine. Using a conventionally armed IRBM is likely a Russian response to recent US and its allies (France and UK) recent decisions. It delivered a clear message all over Europe. - Diehl’s Sky Sphere set to Defeat UAS, OWA Drones Head-On Nov 9, 2024
Diehl Defence has teamed up with Skysec to develop a drone interceptor. Diehl works with Skysec’s subsidiary, Skysec Defence, to modify the original civilian-oriented net-arresting interceptor into a hard-kill system suitable for military missions. Armasuisse, the Swiss Federal Office of Armaments, backs the program. Sky Sphere has undergone initial test flights without a live warhead. According to company sources, the system could be matured within 18-24 months. Earlier this month, Diehl displayed an innovative C-UAS system called ‘Sky Sphere.’ Using a kinetic effector designed specifically for this mission, this system complements other air defense capabilities by engaging small, slow, and low-flying targets such as unmanned aerial vehicles, one-way attack drones, and multi-rotors. The weapon relies on target data from a radar or EO system that detects, classifies, and tracks the flying object as hostile. Launched from a container/launcher, the interceptor accelerates toward the target through the midcourse flight, flying at a 200 km/h speed using the high RPM electrical engine. Reaching the target vicinity, it activates its active RF seeker to maneuver the end game. Onboard battery power supports 4-5 minutes of flight at this speed, enabling successful engagements beyond five kilometers, close in, and maneuver toward the target to engage it head-on. The high-explosive fragmenting warhead is optimized to defeat soft targets such as OWA UAVs within a 10-meter sphere. The seeker is at the front, followed by the rotor, engine, power source, and electronic circuitry. The warhead is situated at the rear end of the airframe, optimizing the lethal effect of a relatively small charge on the target. The original (non-kinetic) interceptor developed by Skysec utilized a net and parachute to neutralize a small drone flying over a restricted area, such as an airfield, with minimal collateral risk. At a length of 700 mm and diameter of 300 mm, it weighs 1.8 ... - Defense Update Weekly News Summary Oct 13, 2024
Welcome to the latest episode of Defense-Update News Summary! In this episode, we dive into this week’s developments in defense technology, military acquisitions, and strategic partnerships worldwide. Some of this week’s highlights include: Elbit Systems Address US Army Artillery Modernization with Sigma 155×52 Wheeled Howitzer Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Program Launches as Part of Rafale F5 Standard Steadicopter Unveils Golden Eagle HS ATGM Launching Aerial Platform Air Defense & C-UAS Innovations at the AUSA 2024 Exhibition View last week’s News Summary For more in-depth analysis and defense updates, visit our website: https://defense-update.com - Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Program Launches as Part of Rafale F5 Standard Oct 13, 2024
The French Ministry of Armed Forces has officially launched the Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) program as part of the Rafale F5 standard development. This event marks the beginning of a new era in aerial combat capabilities for the French Air and Space Force and Navy. The UCAV program aims to develop a combat drone that will operate alongside the Rafale fighter jet, enhancing its capabilities and expanding its operational range. This UAV will complement the Rafale and be suited to collaborative combat. It will incorporate stealth technologies, autonomous control (with man-in-the-loop), internal payload capacity, and more. It will be highly versatile and designed to evolve in line with future threats. As part of the Rafale F5 program, the UCAV will fully integrate into the fighter jet’s systems, allowing seamless coordination and data sharing. This integration will enable the Rafale to extend its sensor reach, engage targets at greater distances, and perform high-risk missions without putting pilots in harm’s way. The program is set to leverage advanced technologies in artificial intelligence, secure communications, and autonomous systems to ensure the UCAV’s effectiveness in complex operational environments. The UCAV will benefit from the achievements of the nEUROn program, Europe’s first stealth UCAV demonstrator. Initiated in 2003, the nEUROn program brought together the aeronautics resources of six European countries, with project management by Dassault Aviation. nEUROn completed its maiden flight in December 2012. More than 170 test flights have been conducted to date. The nEUROn program has lived up to all its promises regarding performance levels, lead times, and budget. Saab and KAI Partner to Offer GlobalEye AEW&C System to South Korea Saab and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on offering the GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF). This partnership ... - Steadicopter Unveils Golden Eagle HS ATGM Launching Aerial Platform Oct 13, 2024
Steadicopter is modifying its Golden Eagle Rotary Unmanned Aerial Systems (RUAS) to operate as an anti-tank and anti-material aerial system. The company is introducing the Golden Eagle Heavy Strike (HS) at AUSA 2024, armed with a Spike SR and Spike LR2 anti-tank Guided Missiles (ATGM). This new application is developed in collaboration with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the developer of the Spike missile. Integrated with those missiles, the Golden Eagle HS integrates the Golden Eagle HS, which has a total takeoff weight of 50 kilograms. Encapsulated into its launcher container, Rafael’s Spike SR weighs 10 kg and can engage targets up to 2.5 kilometers away. It has a Fire and Forget guidance and uses a tandem warhead penetrating heavy armor. Spike LR2 weighs 13 kg, can extend engagement range to 5,500 meters, and has a multi-effect warhead, suitable for anti-armor, concrete penetration capability. The missile uses a fiber-optic link for two-way communications, enabling the operator to correct and retarget the missile in flight. According to the manufacturer, the missile can extend its range to 10,000 meters using an RF link. Steadicopter unveiled another RUAV, the Golden Eagle LS, unveiled last year. It is equipped with the SmashDragon, a seven-kilogram remotely operated weapon station from Smartshooter. Compared with multirotor drones, Golden Eagle offers more efficient flight and hovering capability, with up to one hour of hovering and 1.20 hours of flight endurance. It can operate under high wind conditions and take off or land at a wind speed of 25 knots. Its datalink range is 150 km. The HS model’s performance may differ from the LS, due to the higher weight. Like the Golden Eagle LS, the HS includes advanced sensor suites with high-definition day/night EO/IR payloads and target trackers. RAFAEL’s SightX AI technology can enhance this payload with target acquisition, tracking, and classification ... - Air Defense & C-UAS Innovations at the AUSA 2024 Exhibition Oct 13, 2024
Army Air Defense Undergoes Significant Modernization to Counter Drone Threats The U.S. Army’s air defense branch has experienced its most substantial modernization and growth in over four decades, primarily driven by the need to counter the rapidly evolving threat of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Col. Glenn Henke, commandant of the Army Air Defense Artillery School, highlighted the publication of the Army’s first techniques manual for counter-UAS operations, which is now on a 12-to 14-month revision cycle to keep pace with technological advancements. The proliferation of drones at a commercial scale has become a significant concern for military planners. Adversary nations are increasingly investing in these cost-effective systems, which can be used to harass, confuse, and complicate U.S. military operations. The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have provided valuable insights into drone warfare, with Col. Nicholas Ryan, director of the Army capability manager for unmanned aircraft systems, describing these conflicts as “the best innovation lab we could ask for.” As the Army adapts to this new reality, it focuses on integrating new capabilities into its formations rather than acquiring new equipment. This approach requires constant updates to doctrine, processes, and procedures to match the rapid pace of technological change. Retired Lt. Gen. Anthony Crutchfield, now vice president of Army systems at Boeing, emphasized the need for ongoing discussions and adaptations, stating, “The problem that we solve today will not be the problem to face tomorrow.” The impact of these evolving threats extends beyond technology, fundamentally altering battlefield dynamics at every level. Col. Ryan noted that even platoon leaders now can affect and control three-dimensional battle space, highlighting the expanding responsibilities across all echelons of command in the air-ground littoral. This shift in battlefield geometry underscores the comprehensive nature of the changes facing the Army’s air defense capabilities as it evolves to meet ... - Elbit Systems Address US Army Artillery Modernization with Sigma 155×52 Wheeled Howitzer Oct 13, 2024
Elbit Systems of America showcases the Sigma Next Generation Howitzer at AUSA 2024, where competing systems from Sweden, South Korea, France, and Germany are likely to be presented, some in models, others in full size. Before the event, the company sheds light on the new Self-propelled, automated artillery system that will soon enter operational service with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and is proposed for the US Artillery of the Future. Mounted on the Oshkosh MAP 10×10 platform, the system allows simple operative mobility without tank carriers while maintaining good tactical all-terrain mobility. The highly automated system is operated and controlled remotely by three crew members seated in a protected cab. With a 155mm 52 Cal barrel, the gun is coupled to an automatic loading system, feeding continuous fire at eight rounds per minute on high-volume fire missions. Fully automatic loading and gun laying enable the crew to engage in two missions simultaneously with a single gun unit. Onboard fire data calculations enable quick fire dispersion and a short response time of less than 60 seconds from travel to fire. The system can use a ‘Digital Area Fires’ method that reduces traditional artillery engagement and supply bottlenecks, providing fully automated mission assignments, target data, and ammunition supply. AM General Showcases Advanced Tactical Vehicles at AUSA 2024 AM General is introducing its new JLTV A2 general-purpose 4-passenger vehicle at the AUSA 2024 exhibition. According to the company, it is an upgraded version of the first-generation model. This vehicle boasts improvements in powertrain, noise reduction, and corrosion protection. The vehicle has a 2024MY L5P Duramax engine, the same model powering commercial heavy-duty trucks. A new transmission gear coding improves shifting and optimizes fuel efficiency without compromising performance. A single 24V Lithium-Ion battery replaces the two 12V batteries in A1 models, saving weight and space. The ...
