Defense Technology

On 2 December 2022, the US Air Force publicly unveiled its new bomber, the B-21 Raider. The aircraft is the first new, long-range strike bomber in a generation; it is designed to be the multifunctional backbone of the modernized bomber fleet. Although the B-21 will be the most expensive aircraft in history, it is designed to be more affordable to operate over its service life.

The Israeli UAV maker Aeronautics is introducing its Orbiter 4 Small Tactical Unmanned Aerial System (STUAS) modified into a Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) platform. The VTOL system comprises a kit that can be added to any Orbiter 4, enabling users to operate the drones without ground support (pneumatic launcher, parachute, and airbags). The VTOL kit includes four electrically driven rotors mounted on booms attached under the wings, which also have batteries to drive those rotors. The new attachment enables users to launch and retrieve the Orbiter 4 with a full payload from any flat surface. The kit can be used with any Orbiter 4, including operational aircraft that would need minor adjustments to the wing.

General Robotics is introducing at Eurosatory 2022 a new version of its PITBULL RCWS equipped with Smart-AI features. With the new AI-driven capabilities, armored vehicles and unmanned platforms substantially improve situational awareness, response rate, and firepower.

Hungary will soon operate improved Gripen fighter jets similar to those used by the Swedish Air Force, following the modernization of its leased aircraft to the latest version MS20 Block 2 version. This upgrade brings several improvements in sensors, weapons, and avionics. The Swedish Air Force first introduced this upgrade in 2016.

Elbit Systems has received an order from the UAE to supply J-MUSIC Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) systems to protect the country’s Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) fleet. The Deal Marks the First Transfer of Such Sensitive Technology to an Arab Country. The order announced by Elbit Systems is likely a part of a comprehensive upgrading of the UAE's A330 MRTT fleet of 3+2 aircraft.

New Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFV) are equipped with turrets that not only mount the main weapon systems but add many new features, including optronics, battle management, active protection, guided missiles, and drones. Our podcast discusses the trends and future of such systems.

The U.S. Army has selected Oshkosh Defense to integrate and build SAMSON unmanned turretS for its Stryker combat vehicle. The new Medium Caliber Weapon System (MCWS) will subside the current unmanned turrets on Stryker Dragoon in service since 2016.

Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) and Hellenic Ministry of National Defense have signed an expansive agreement of approximately NIS 5.5 billion (€1.375 billion) for the establishment and operation of an international flight training center for the Hellenic Air Force. Further expansions also include cooperation between the Israeli flight academy and Hellenic Airforce Academy and adding military helicopter pilot training at the facility. The goal of the new center is to train fighter pilots of the Greek Air Force and foreign armed forces, similar to the Italian Air Force/Leonardo International Flight Training School (IFTS).

The Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF) has completed a successful firing of Rafael's SPIKE LR missiles in a demonstration in Slovenia, December 2020. During the demonstration, the Slovenian Army also fired SPIKE missiles using the new dismounted digital SPIKE launcher ICLU. Both launchers includes a provision for the use of the more advanced SPIKE LR2.

A unit of the Russian Guard Tank Army based in the Western Region received the first batch of T-90M tanks in March 2020. The tanks are the latest, most advanced upgraded versions of the T-90 family. The Russian Army expects to receive about 400 tanks, some will be refurbished and the others new built.

Gearing to respond to Israel's needs fighting the Coronavirus IAI established an open innovation framework to leverage its connections with startups and accelerator ecosystems. The company leveraged the infrastructure built in recent years that allowed the company to be more flexible and agile shifting operations to fight the epidemic in Israel.

Israel’s Ministry of Defense revealed today a major achievement in a high energy laser program undergoing with the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D). Investments in laser technology made by the department have led to the ability to precisely focus laser beams on long-range targets, overcoming atmospheric disturbances.

The Raytheon Company announced it has been selected to provide the US Army with its next-generation, 360-degree capable radar – known as the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS). Deployment of sensors like LTAMDS is expected to close the vulnerability of sectorial air defenses that was clearly demonstrated in the failure of Saudi Arabian air defenses to detect and warn of the Iranian cruise missile attack.

The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the completion of a successful firing test of the Onix ground-launched, supersonic anti-ship cruise missile at a naval target floating at the Arctic Sea, 200 kilometers from the Chukotka Peninsula. The test reinforces the Russian claim to control this new, strategic sea route that has opened as a result of global warming effects.