The Israel Navy conducted a successful test firing of the Barak anti-missile system, featuring an improved version of the missile that includes upgrades to its missile interception capabilities. The improvement of the Barak point-defense missile system is part of a modernization process the Israel Navy is going through. The vessel taking part in the test was INS Lahav, a Sa’ar 5 type corvette which successfully engaged a target simulating an anti-ship missile employing the new Barak. The Barak missiles are currently used by the Israel Navy and a number of international customers, including the Indian Navy, and other navies in Asia and Latin America. The system was jointly developed by IAI and Rafael in the 1980s. The two companies are currently working on the development of a new model of the Barak, designated Barak 8, capable of intercepting targets at ranges of 60-70 km.
From Ukraine to Taiwan: The Global Race to Dominate the New Defense Tech Frontier
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.
Europe’s “Drone Wall”
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...
Weekly Defense Update & Global Security Assessment
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...
U.S. Air and Space Forces Push Next-Gen Programs at the AS&C 2025 Conference and...
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.
TADTE 2025: Reflecting Taiwan’s Strategic Themes
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.
Iron Beam 450 Completes Testing, Soon to Join With Operational Air Defense Units
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 Unveils Future Task Force Concept at MSPO
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.
