Counter Terror & Homeland Security

New thrusters system designed for the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) of the Ground Based Interceptor (GBI) missile have passed an important validation test yesterday. The planned test that was originally scheduled for late 2015 did not include a target intercept. The test evaluated the CE-II EKV that demonstrated the performance of alternate divert thrusters in a flight environment. It also performed end-to-end discrimination of a complex target scene through the GMD fire control loop. The next flight test will conduct full intercept of a target simulating an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICMB).

The French Ministry of Defence has launched a modernization program for the country's SAMP/T ground based air defense system. The Aster Block 1 NT (New Technology) programme will cover the modernization of the Aster 30 interceptor and associated SAMP/T air defense system that will evolve with missile defense capabilities.

The first part of a four part series covering the air campaign in Syria and Iraq.

The Israeli David's Sling air and missile defense weapon system (DSWS) successfully completed today the fourth and final series of tests (DST-4), representing the final milestone in the system's development. DST-4 is the final milestone before the IDF declares the David's Sling an operational system. The first of two units is expected to become operational in early 2016.

The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has completed three major missile defense tests this week, a closing accord for an ambitious test plan this year. Two tests performed earlier today included a successful exo-atmospheric intercept test of the Arrow 3 interceptor, and first intercept mission of the Land-Based Standard Missile SM-3 Block IB launched from a land-based site. A third test conducted earlier this week tested the latest, most advanced variant of Standard Missile 3 series, the US-Japanese SM-3 Block IIA.

Israel's Ministry of Defense and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) conducted today the first full system flight and intercept test of the Barak 8 missile system developed jointly by Israel and India. This was the second time that the Barak-8 missile scores a direct hit, a testament of the system's capability to deal with highly maneuverable targets

A collection of new products and technologies for law enforcement, homeland security and defense spotted at the recent Milipol 2015 exhibition by Defense-Update team. All photos: Tamir Eshel, defense-Update

A collection of photos taken at Milipol 2015 depicting new unmanned systems, payloads and robotics spotted by Defense Update team at the event.

A Russian Su-24 strike aircraft was shot down today by Turkish Air Force F-16s. The Turks claim the Russian plane was intercepted on the Turkish side of the Turkish-Syrian border.

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Raytheon have completed the first Program Planning Review on the future Multi-Object Kill Vehicle (MOKV) concept, a key step toward defining critical aspects of its design. This milestone ensures that the development plan is aligned with the MDA's expectations, and on track for an upcoming Concept Review in December.

Portable, hand-held explosive detectors are extending security measures in areas beyond the ‘sterile zones’ defined by rigid gateways and inspection lines, enabling the routine inspection of employees, suppliers and cargo over large operational areas such as airports, container farms, industrial facilities and highways. Unveiled this week at Milipol 2015, Israel's explosive detection specialist, Laser Detect Systems, outlines how these new sensors, deployed to roadblocks and patrols, can cast an intelligence network able to track the ‘evolution of bombs’ and disrupt the stockpiling of precursory materials, thus preventing their transformation into devastating car bombs.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) unveiled today the ELM-2090S Spectra 'mega radar', an 'S band' companion to the Ultra UHF radar system introduced few months ago.

Iran has test fired a new missile equipped with maneuverable, re-entry-vehicle (MARV) warhead, capable of hitting targets with accuracy four times better than previous Shahab and Ghadr missiles.

With the evolution and proliferation of drone technology, ordnance disposal units are now facing a new and worrisome threat, the Flying IED.