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    Hermeus Quarterhorse Mk 1 hypersonic demonstrator Achieves First Flight at Edwards AFB

    By
    Tamir Eshel
    -
    Hermeus Quarterhorse Mk 1 at Edwards AFB (Photo: Hermeus)

    Hermeus Corporation achieved the first flight of its Quarterhorse Mk 1 hypersonic demonstrator on May 27, 2025. Quarterhorse Mk 1 went from a clean sheet to flight-ready in a little over a year. The primary focus of the test campaign was to validate the high-speed takeoff and landing of a large uncrewed aircraft. The first flight was short but proved the aircraft behavior in transition and the short flight modes.

    The aircraft’s unique configuration — driven by high-speed flight — makes basic operations of takeoff and landing distinctly challenging. Data from the campaign has validated design and performance models, including aerodynamics, stability, and control. Testing also validated the performance of vehicle subsystems, including propulsion, fuel systems, hydraulics, power, thermal management, avionics, flight software, telemetry, flight termination, and command and control.

    Hermeus Corporation successfully achieved the first flight of its Quarterhorse Mk 1 hypersonic demonstrator on May 27, 2025, moving from a clean sheet to flight-ready status in just over a year. Photo: Hermeus

    Quarterhorse Mk 1 is the first in a series of uncrewed aircraft on Hermeus’ iterative development roadmap. The approach emphasizes ‘hardware richness’ – building multiple prototypes in quick succession, allowing the team to take well-managed technical risk.

    The team is actively reviewing data and integrating lessons learned into Hermeus’ next iteration, Quarterhorse Mk 2, currently being manufactured at Hermeus’ headquarters in Atlanta. The scale of an F-16, Quarterhorse Mk 2 is a high-Mach aircraft designed to de-risk uncrewed supersonic flight. It is on-track to fly late this year.

    Hermeus is a venture capital-backed aerospace and defense technology company founded to radically accelerate aviation. In the near-term, the business is focused on building high-speed products that sustainably deliver asymmetric advantage to the Department of Defense and allied partners. Utilizing an iterative development approach to aircraft, Hermeus’ high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft aim to deliver capabilities at a pace not seen in the U.S. since the 1950s.

    India Embarks on Ambitious 5th GEN Fighter

    By
    Tamir Eshel
    -
    A model of India's future AMCA - 5th Gen fighter aircraft

    India formally approved its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, officially joining the fifth-generation stealth fighter market with a stealth, twin-engine advanced fighter jet.

    The new development, approved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, will follow a new path, departing from the mandatory development of the aircraft by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and opening the bid to private sector companies, introducing competitive bidding opportunities to the development process.

    The timing of the decision is critical, following the recent conflict with Pakistan that resulted in losses of advanced fighter aircraft in long-range aerial engagements with Pakistani fighters. Without 5Gen fighters, India could find itself severely inferior to Pakistani and Chinese 5Gen fighters, like the J-20, J-35A, and J36. Relying on Western 5th-generation aircraft, such as the US F-35, the British-Italian-Japanese Tempest, Russian Su-57, or the Korean KF-21, will leave India dependent on foreign support, which Delhi is determined to end in the foreseeable future.

    The roadmap for AMCA is ambitious – the first of five prototypes is expected to be completed in 2027 at a target cost of ₹1,000 crore ($115 million). The first flight is scheduled for 2028, and serial production is anticipated to begin in 2034 at a unit cost below $100 million. This seems an ambitious plan that couldn’t be realized with public sector companies. Whether the private sector can achieve it remains an open question. The program’s emphasis on indigenous development supports India’s objectives of self-reliance while building domestic technological capabilities that can be leveraged for future aerospace projects.

    The successful implementation of the AMCA program will establish India as a significant player in the global fifth-generation fighter market while reducing dependence on foreign military aircraft imports. However, dragging it for decades, as previous programs did, could expose the country to serious challenges.

    Modular Turrets for Localized AFV Manufacturing

    By
    Tamir Eshel
    -
    Patria and General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) initiated ASCOD Infantry Fighting Vehicle assembly of 42 vehicles in Latvia under a €373 million contract. Photo: Patria

    European defense manufacturers are accelerating domestic production capabilities of Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFV) amid ongoing regional security tensions. Patria and General Dynamics European Land Systems initiated 42 ASCOD Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) assembly in Latvia under a €373 million contract, while Tatra Defence Vehicle unveiled its PANDUR II 8×8 EVO at IDET 2025 in the Czech Republic, anticipating domestic procurement plans. Both utilize Elbit Systems’ UT30MK2 turrets, integrating a 30mm canon, countermeasures including Iron Fist active protection systems, optronic systems, and missile launchers on board.

    These developments reflect a broader trend toward technology transfer models and geographic diversification of armored vehicle production, even in small-scale procurement plans. The emphasis on NATO-standard systems with local assembly capabilities addresses both supply chain resilience and domestic job creation imperatives.

    European defense Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) benefit from government policies favoring domestic production. Revenue projections for 2026-2027 should reflect higher-margin local assembly operations and sustained government support. While most nations insist on local production of the vehicles, the mission systems of AFVs, and the most complex part is centered at the turret, often delivered by specialist manufacturers such as Israeli companies Rafael and Elbit Systems, German Rheinmetall, Italian Leonardo, and Turkish Aselsan.

    Such a move has been recently taken by Morocco, which opted to locally produce The Indian WhAP 8×8 IFVs developed by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) and match Elbit Systems’ Elbit turrets, including the UT30MK2 30mm and possibly the Crossbow 120mm mortar.

    This choice reflects the expanding defense relationship between Israel and Arab states following the Abraham Accords framework. The contract, covering approximately 150 Wheeled Armoured Platform vehicles manufactured by India’s Tata Advanced Systems, builds upon Elbit’s previous $370 million ATMOS howitzer deal with Morocco. This trend highlights how Israeli defense firms are successfully competing against traditional European suppliers such as Nexter and Thales in North African markets.

    Operation “Web”: Ukraine’s FPV Drone Strike on Russian Strategic Airbases

    By
    Tamir Eshel
    -
    A screenshot from the drone's vew (FPV) during the attack on Russian Olenya air base, showing a line of Tu-95 "Bear" bombers, some already burning by previous drone attacks.

    On June 1, 2025, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) executed Operation “Web,” the largest long-range drone strike of the Russo-Ukraine War to date. For more than a year, Ukrainian planners discreetly prepared first-person-view (FPV) unmanned aerial systems (UAS) armed with explosive warheads, concealing them inside modified containerized launch modules loaded on trucks. When these mobile cabins reached positions near Russian airfields, remote-controlled hatches opened to release the drones toward parked strategic bombers and airborne early warning aircraft located in those bases, effectively bypassing standard defense measures.

    Operational Overview and Planning

    Under tight secrecy, the SBU repurposed standard cargo containers by installing wooden stowage cells for drones, photovoltaic arrays to maintain battery charging, and satellite communications uplinks. Ukrainian sources confirm that these containers were likely assembled and loaded on Russian soil, masking their true purpose until launch day. The entire operation resembles, in some form, Israel’s “supply chain operations” that provided Hezbollah with explosive personal radios and pagers.

    The drones were also smuggled from Ukraine and most likely assembled in safe warehouses in Russia. Russian sources claim that geolocation indicates the Ukrainian drone assembly facility depicted in these photos was a rented warehouse in Chelyabinsk, a village near the Kazakhstan border.

    Once assembly and setup were completed, the containers were loaded onto flatbed trucks (possibly rented in Russia) and transported across thousands of kilometers, capitalizing on the vastness of Russian territory.

    Once in proximity to the target airbases, remote signals triggered roof-hatch removal, allowing FPV drones to launch in rapid succession toward high-value aircraft parked on the aprons.

    Containers loaded and sealed for shipment, with drones inside. Each module was then assembled into a larger, ISO-sized standard container to camouflage its origin.

    Scope of the Strike

    Simultaneous strikes targeted four major Russian airbases:

    Belaya Air Base (Irkutsk Oblast, Siberia): Approximately 4,300 km from Ukraine, Belaya hosts Tu-95MS “Bear” and Tu-22M3 “Backfire” bombers, alongside A-50 “Mainstay” AEW&C aircraft, critical for Russia’s strategic aviation.

    Olenya Air Base (Murmansk Oblast): Roughly 2,000 km from Ukraine, Olenya supports Arctic-region bomber sorties.

    Dyagilevo Air Base (Ryazan Oblast): Home to Tu-22M3 and Tu-160 “Blackjack” platforms used for long-range missile strikes.

    Ivanovo Air Base (Ivanovo Oblast): A key node in Russia’s power projection network for strategic aviation assets.

    Drone imagery and video shared by Ukrainian authorities show large bombers engulfed in flames and plumes of smoke rising from multiple aprons. Although Russian officials have provided limited confirmation, Ukrainian statements claim that 41 aircraft were neutralized, with estimated losses exceeding $2 billion.

    An FPV attack drone takes off from a container module.

    Execution and Methodology

    Each containerized launch module was camouflaged to resemble a standard freight container. Inside, FPV drones were pre-assembled and pre-programmed with automatic target recognition (ATR) algorithms trained on characteristic signatures of Russian bombers. At launch time, remote commands opened the hatches and released the drones. Under real-time control via video links—augmented by satellite relays or utilizing local Russian cellular networks—the operators guided the drones to lock on specifically vulnerable areas of the parked aircraft. Some sources indicate the use of fiber-optical drones, but this is not evident from the available videos and images. The combination of ATR and FPV control enabled precise kinetic strikes before Russian air defenses could react, demonstrating Ukraine’s ability to project unmanned systems deep into Russian territory.

    Local authorities in Irkutsk and Murmansk acknowledged drone incursions but downplayed their impact. Russian air defense batteries reportedly engaged the swarms, yet eyewitness accounts suggest that the systems were overwhelmed by the speed and number of attacking UAS. Russian media outlets minimized reported losses, while independent analysts noted significant vulnerabilities in Russian rear-area air defenses. Notably, the “Web” operation coincided with a massive Russian drone and missile salvo—over 470 UAS and multiple cruise missiles—launched at Ukrainian targets the same night, indicating reciprocal escalation in multi-domain drone warfare.

    After all the drones cleared the launch pad, the container exploded. According to Ukraine sources, some modules operated fixed-wing drones, but these configurations could not be confirmed.

    After launching all its drones, the container was set to explode, destroying the evidence of the attack.

    Strategic and Operational Implications

    Neutralizing more than 40 Tu-95MS, Tu-22M3, and Tu-160 bombers—as well as at least one A-50 AEW&C platform—strikes at the core of Russia’s long-range strike capability. The A-50 fleet numbers fewer than ten worldwide; losing a third of these assets further degrades Russia’s aerial situational awareness. In the short term, Russia will face reduced sortie rates and limited cruise missile deployments against Ukrainian targets. For Ukraine, Operation “Web” exemplifies an evolved drone warfare doctrine: blending extended operational planning with technical innovation in containerized UAS teams. The success of this mission will likely prompt Russia to redeploy scarce S-400 and S-350 batteries, reinforce base perimeters with additional short-range air defenses, and harden satellite communications links against jamming.

    Operation “Web” occurred just weeks before scheduled peace talks in Istanbul, potentially aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s negotiating position. The reciprocal drone barrages underscore a shifting paradigm in which unmanned systems play a decisive role in strategic leverage. Moving forward, both sides are expected to invest heavily in electronic warfare countermeasures, aerial perimeter defenses, and counter-UAS strategies. The “Web” operation also signals to other actors—state and non-state—that even rear areas once deemed secure are now vulnerable to deep-strike drone tactics.

    As drone technology becomes more accessible, defense planners worldwide must reassess conventional assumptions about rear-area sanctuaries. Operation “Web” stands as a testament to the changing nature of aerial warfare: where a relatively small fleet of FPV drones can inflict outsized damage on critical strategic assets and redefine force-protection priorities across vast distances.

    Israel Achieves World’s First Operational Combat Interceptions with Iron Beam Laser Prototypes

    By
    Tamir Eshel
    -
    Since late 2024 Israel's high power laser weapon prototype, likely of the Iron Beam M class, has been used in combat and successfully engaged multiple enemy suicide drones. Photo: IMOD

    Israel’s Ministry of Defense (IMOD) announced today that its high-energy laser weapons have been used successfully in combat operations since 2024. During the ongoing Swords of Iron War, Israel’s Air Force Air Defense units have been operating several types of high-energy laser weapon system (HELWS) prototypes developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. These HELWS have destroyed dozens of loitering weapons and One-Way Attack (OWA) drones of different types on multiple fronts, demonstrating what Brigadier General (Ret.) Dr. Daniel Gold, Head of the Defense Research & Development Directorate, called “large-scale operational laser interception capabilities.”

    The Technology Behind the Breakthrough

    To understand the magnitude of this achievement, we must examine the sophisticated technology that enables these laser weapons. The systems deployed by Israel employ an innovative approach to HELW, known as inverse adaptive optics, a technique originally developed for astronomical instruments and adapted specifically for military applications.

    The fundamental challenge in developing effective laser weapons has always been atmospheric distortion. When a high-energy laser beam travels through the atmosphere toward a target, it encounters varying air densities, temperature gradients, humidity levels, turbulences, and particulate matter that scatter and weaken the beam. Traditional approaches struggled to maintain beam coherence over meaningful distances.

    Israel’s solution, developed in 2019, represents a paradigm shift in how laser weapons engage targets. Rather than fighting atmospheric distortion, the system uses it as a targeting mechanism. The laser source splits its energy into hundreds of individual probe beams, each with unique parameters, including frequency, phase, and polarization. As these beams propagate through the atmosphere toward the target, they experience different levels of distortion based on the specific atmospheric conditions they encounter.

    Here’s where the inverse adaptive optics technique becomes crucial: some of these probe beams will successfully reach the target and reflect to the laser source. These returning echoes carry vital information about which beam parameters successfully navigated the atmospheric conditions. The laser systems analyze these return signals in a split second, identifying the optimal parameters for maximum energy delivery.

    The system then rapidly adjusts all subsequent laser emissions to match these successful parameters, effectively programming the entire laser array to follow the atmospheric “path of least resistance” to the target. This process occurs continuously, with the system constantly adapting to changing atmospheric conditions to ensure maximum energy delivery throughout the engagement.

    The Rafael Laser Family: From Lite Beam to Iron Beam

    Rafael’s approach to laser weapon development follows a systematic progression of increasing power and capability, with each system designed for specific threat scenarios and operational requirements.

    The compact Lite Beam is a 10 kW laser designed to support tactical deployments. Photo: Defense-Update

    Lite Beam: The 10kW Tactical Solution

    The Lite Beam system represents Rafael’s entry-level laser weapon, designed as a 10kW class high-energy laser optimized for countering low-altitude aerial threats. This system can neutralize up to ten targets simultaneously at ranges up to three kilometers, making it particularly effective against drone swarms and small unmanned aerial vehicles.

    The system’s design philosophy emphasizes tactical flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Lite Beam can be mounted on various platforms, from 4×4 wheeled vehicles to tracked armored fighting vehicles, providing both mobile and stationary protection capabilities. Its relatively compact size and power requirements make it suitable for forward deployment with ground forces, offering point defense for military units and critical infrastructure.

    During recent combat operations, Lite Beam system prototypes have proven particularly effective against loitering weapons launched by Hezbollah. These weapons, designed to hover over target areas before attacking, present unique challenges for traditional air defense systems due to their small size and unpredictable flight patterns. The laser’s ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously while maintaining precision makes it ideally suited for this category of threats.

    Lite Beam is a 10kW tactical system, mountable on vehicles or pedestals to provide rapid, close-range intercept of aerial targets, including suicide drones and quadcopters. Photo: IMOD
    A model of the Iron-Beam high-power laser weapon, 100kW level HELWS. Its advanced beam director incorporates Rafael’s proprietary coherent beam combination technology, enabling multiple laser sources to function as a single, more powerful system while compensating for atmospheric distortion, allowing for engagement with targets up to 10 km away. Photo: Defense-Update.

    Iron Beam: The 100kW Strategic System

    Iron Beam represents the pinnacle of Rafael’s current laser weapon technology, boasting a 100kW class power output that allows for engagement with significantly more challenging targets. This system can neutralize rockets, artillery shells, mortars, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles at ranges of up to ten kilometers. (Read about the system’s new beam director Iron Beam 450)

    The system’s enhanced power level allows it to engage harder targets more rapidly while maintaining the fundamental advantages of laser weapons: speed-of-light engagement, unlimited magazine capacity, and near-zero cost per interception. Iron Beam’s advanced beam director incorporates Rafael’s proprietary coherent beam combination technology, enabling multiple laser sources to function as a single, more powerful system.

    The Iron Beam’s adaptive optics system represents a significant advancement over earlier designs, providing extended tracking and stabilization capabilities essential for engaging fast-moving targets at longer ranges. The system can rapidly retarget between multiple threats, making it particularly effective against coordinated attacks or swarm scenarios.

    A model of the Iron-Beam M was displayed at the recent IDEX 2025 exhibition in the UAE. Photo: Defense-Update

    Iron Beam-M: Mobile Battlefield Integration

    The Iron Beam-M system represents Rafael’s solution for tactical mobility requirements, packaging the essential capabilities of the full Iron Beam system into a mobile configuration. Operating as a 50kW class system with a 250mm aperture beam director, Iron Beam-M provides battlefield commanders with deployable laser defense capabilities.

    The mobile system addresses one of the key operational challenges in modern warfare: the need for close-range air defense systems that can keep pace with maneuvering forces. Traditional missile-based air defense systems require significant logistical support for ammunition resupply and can be overwhelmed by sustained attacks. Iron Beam-M’s unlimited magazine and rapid retargeting capabilities make it particularly valuable for protecting advancing forces and forward operating bases.

    Operational Advantages and Strategic Implications

    The successful combat deployment of these laser systems demonstrates several critical advantages that could reshape military planning and defense strategies.

    Economic Warfare Dynamics

    Perhaps the most strategically significant advantage of laser weapons is their economic impact on asymmetric warfare. Traditional interceptor missiles can cost tens of thousands to millions of dollars each. In contrast, the targets they engage—such as improvised rockets or commercial drones—may cost only hundreds or thousands of dollars. This economic imbalance has long favored attackers who could potentially overwhelm expensive defense systems through sheer volume.

    Laser weapons fundamentally alter this equation. With operational costs measured in dollars per engagement rather than thousands, defensive systems can now economically engage even the cheapest improvised threats. This capability is particularly important in extended conflicts where ammunition stockpiles become critical factors in strategic planning.

    Engagement Speed and Precision

    The speed-of-light engagement capability of laser weapons provides tactical advantages that extend beyond simple reaction time improvements. Traditional kinetic interceptors require time to accelerate to intercept velocities and follow ballistic trajectories that can be calculated and potentially evaded. Laser weapons eliminate flight time entirely, providing commanders with the ability to engage threats at the moment of detection.

    This instantaneous engagement capability becomes particularly valuable when defending against surprise attacks or fast-moving targets that provide minimal warning time. The precision of laser engagement also reduces concerns about collateral damage, allowing defensive systems to operate in environments where traditional explosive interceptors might pose unacceptable risks to nearby friendly forces or civilian populations.

    Magazine Depth and Sustained Operations

    The unlimited magazine capacity of laser weapons addresses one of the fundamental limitations of traditional air defense systems. During sustained attacks, conventional systems can exhaust their ammunition supplies, necessitating either hazardous resupply operations or accepting reduced defensive capabilities.

    Laser systems, constrained only by power generation and cooling capabilities, can maintain defensive coverage indefinitely as long as their supporting infrastructure remains operational. This capability is particularly valuable in siege scenarios or extended conflicts where logistical lines may be compromised.

    Technical Challenges and Solutions

    Despite these advantages, the development and deployment of operational laser weapons required overcoming significant technical challenges that have stymied researchers for decades.

    Power Generation and Management

    High-energy laser systems require substantial electrical power, creating challenges for mobile deployment and sustained operations. Rafael’s solutions demonstrate sophisticated approaches to power management, including battery storage systems recharged by compact generators and power-efficient beam combination technologies that maximize output while minimizing energy consumption.

    Thermal Management

    High-power laser operations generate substantial heat that must be dissipated to maintain system performance and prevent damage. Rafael’s thermal management solutions enable sustained operations while maintaining the mobility and deployment flexibility required for battlefield effectiveness.

    The thermal challenge becomes particularly acute in mobile systems where cooling capacity is constrained by size and weight limitations.

    Atmospheric Compensation

    As discussed earlier, atmospheric interference represents one of the most significant technical challenges in laser weapon development. Rafael’s inverse adaptive optics solution represents a breakthrough that enables effective engagement across operationally relevant ranges under real-world atmospheric conditions.

    The importance of this technology extends beyond simple range extension. By maintaining beam quality and energy density at the target, these systems can achieve rapid target neutralization, reducing the exposure time required for each engagement and enabling rapid retargeting for multiple threat scenarios.

    System Integration

    The successful combat deployment of these systems demonstrates the potential for the integration of laser weapons into existing defense architectures.

    Rather than replacing existing air defense systems, laser weapons augment them by providing additional defensive layers tailored to specific threat categories and operational conditions. This layered approach enables commanders to allocate different defensive systems to their most suitable targets, thereby optimizing overall defensive effectiveness while managing costs and ammunition consumption.

    Laser systems excel against smaller, numerous targets that might overwhelm traditional systems, while conventional interceptors remain optimal for larger, more heavily defended threats. This complementary relationship maximizes the strengths of each system type while compensating for their respective limitations.

    The successful operational deployment required sophisticated integration with existing command and control systems. Rafael’s laser systems can receive targeting information from various detection systems and operate remotely, allowing for seamless integration with broader battlefield management systems.

    This integration capability allows laser weapons to function as part of coordinated defensive responses, sharing target information and coordinating engagements with other defensive systems to prevent redundant targeting and ensure optimal resource allocation.

    Future Implications and Development Trends

    Israel’s successful combat deployment of laser weapons represents the beginning of a new era in military technology rather than its culmination. The operational data gathered during these engagements will inform the next generation of development efforts and likely accelerate adoption by other military forces worldwide.

    The experience gained from actual combat operations will drive improvements. Future systems will likely demonstrate increased power levels, extended range capabilities, and enhanced ability to engage more challenging target sets.

    As with all significant military technologies, the successful demonstration of operational laser weapons will likely accelerate both adoption and countermeasure development. This technological competition will drive continued innovation in both laser weapon technologies and defensive measures, potentially leading to advances in materials science, atmospheric manipulation, and electronic warfare techniques.

    A New Chapter in Warfare?

    As Rafael prepares to deliver the first production of Iron Beam systems later this year, the military community worldwide will be watching closely to understand how these capabilities can be integrated into their defensive architectures.

    The age of science fiction laser weapons has come to an end; the era of operational directed energy warfare has begun.

    Roshel Unveils Canadian-Made Counter-UAS Vehicle at CANSEC 2025

    By
    Tamir Eshel
    -
    Roshel's Senator MRAP equipped with the Falcon Shield C-UAS system from Leonardo. Photo: Roshel

    Roshel has introduced a new mobile counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) platform at CANSEC 2025 in Ottawa, marking its first demonstration of an integrated battlefield-proven solution for detecting, tracking, and neutralizing drone threats. Developed in partnership with Leonardo, the Senator Counter-UAS Vehicle combines Roshel’s Senator Pickup MRAP chassis with Leonardo’s Falcon Shield system, offering both Canadian and allied forces a ready-to-deploy capability against a spectrum of uncrewed aerial systems. Roshel plans to begin production later this year, with initial deliveries to Canadian and select allied customers scheduled for 2026.

    The Senator family has seen extensive operational use in Ukraine, where more than 1,800 vehicles have been supplied to Ukrainian forces since 2022. Roshel’s Ontario facility, which conducts design, engineering, and final assembly, adapted the Senator MRAP to host Leonardo’s Falcon Shield Mobile configuration, enabling on-the-move protection against reconnaissance drones, swarming threats, and weaponized UAS. The platform retains its baseline protection levels—STANAG 4569 Level 2 against ballistic threats and Level 3 blast resistance—while adding a bolted, maintainable armor capsule and mine-protected seating.

    Leonardo’s Falcon Shield C-UAS system. Photo: Roshel

    Falcon Shield Mobile integrates a multi-spectrum radar array with electro-optical sensors, AI-based classification algorithms, and electronic-attack capabilities. The system’s automated command-and-control suite supports both kinetic defeat options and non-kinetic techniques such as protocol manipulation. Leonardo reports that Falcon Shield has already been proven under operational conditions with the Royal Air Force and Canadian Armed Forces in static and convoy-protection roles; its adaptation to a wheeled platform allows for rapid redeployment and remote emplacement when necessary.

    “By integrating Leonardo’s Falcon Shield into the Senator chassis, we can offer a mobile C-UAS capability that meets evolving threat profiles without extensive additional training or infrastructure,” said Roman Shimonov, CEO of Roshel. He emphasized that the vehicle is fully interoperable with NATO command-and-control systems and supports sensor fusion and autonomous meshing with other assets.

    Chris Axcell, Senior Vice President of Leonardo UK’s Integrated Sensing and Protection business, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project: “Falcon Shield has demonstrated its effectiveness in multiple environments. Onboard Roshel’s Senator platform, Falcon Shield Mobile extends that protection to move at convoy pace, detecting and defeating UAS before they can deliver their payloads or gather tactical intelligence.”

    The Roshel-Leonardo partnership underscores a growing trend toward multinational industrial cooperation in the C-UAS domain. The Senator Counter-UAS Vehicle features an open-architecture design that facilitates the integration of future sensors or countermeasures and can function as part of a wider C-UAS network, linking fixed installations, manned units, and autonomous nodes. This flexibility aims to accommodate shifting operational requirements and rapid technological advances in aerial threats.

    DefenseTech Weekly Brief Week of May 26, 2025

    By
    News Desk
    -

    This week’s defense technology landscape is characterized by accelerating unmanned systems development, expanding seabed warfare capabilities, and advancing interceptor technologies. The United States continues to lead in collaborative combat aircraft development while China demonstrates ambitious drone mothership concepts. Meanwhile, the undersea domain emerges as a critical new frontier for strategic competition, and air-to-air missile technology reaches new performance thresholds.

    The Ascent of Autonomous Combat Systems

    The United States Department of the Air Force has achieved a significant milestone in its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, officially commencing ground testing for Increment 1 prototypes. This phase validates critical systems including propulsion, avionics, autonomy algorithms, and ground control interfaces, with flight testing anticipated later in 2025. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Anduril Industries serve as the two prime contractors, developing the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A respectively.

    The CCA program represents a fundamental shift toward scalable force packages and human-machine teaming, designed specifically around Agile Combat Employment principles. A key strategic driver remains affordability, with the program aiming to deliver combat power at a fraction of traditional crewed fighter costs. The rapid progression timeline, including an anticipated competitive production decision in fiscal year 2026, reflects strategic urgency likely driven by adversary advancements.

    The dual-vendor approach serves as a critical risk mitigation strategy, allowing the evaluation of different technological paths while fostering healthy competition. Notably, the operational paradigm for these platforms suggests that an Aircraft Readiness Unit planned for Beale Air Force Base will not require significant daily flight operations to maintain readiness, indicating that software updates, simulations, and ground checks will form the backbone of readiness protocols for these semi-autonomous platforms. (Read the article)

    Parallel to the CCA program, the Defense Innovation Unit, partnered with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, is driving rapid prototyping for long-range, oneway unmanned aerial systems under Project Artemis. These platforms, designed for operation in challenging electronic warfare and GPS-denied environments, represent a direct response to observations from current real-world combat conditions, particularly the conflict in Ukraine.

    Four companies have been selected for Project Artemis: Swan with a Ukrainian partner, Dragoon, AeroVironment, and Auterion with another Ukrainian partner. The program emphasizes ground-launched, affordable, and adaptable systems with operational ranges from 50 kilometers to over 300 kilometers and payload capacities from 10 kilograms to over 25 kilograms. The rapid acquisition process, moving from problem definition to contract awards in just over four months, demonstrates the program’s strategic urgency.

    Project Artemis aligns with the Pentagon’s broader Replicator initiative, aiming to field thousands of autonomous systems for mass deployment to counter massed adversary forces. The involvement of Ukrainian firms provides direct access to recent combat experience and rapidly iterated designs, while the specified payload capacities indicate a strategic shift toward delivering more substantial effects beyond simple intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. (Read the article)

    China is developing its own ambitious approach through the Jiu Tian unmanned aerial vehicle, a high-altitude, long-endurance platform envisioned as an airborne mothership. Developed by AVIC, this jet-powered aircraft features a 25-meter wingspan, 16-tonne maximum takeoff weight, operates up to 15,000 meters altitude, and boasts a 7,000-kilometer range with 12 hours of endurance. Most significantly, it carries a payload capacity of up to six tonnes, designed to deploy up to 100 smaller kamikaze drones or loitering munitions from internal bays.

    Unveiled at the Zhuhai Air Show in late 2024, Jiu Tian’s maiden flight is anticipated before the end of June 2025, followed by operational testing. While Western analysts express skepticism regarding its size and potential vulnerabilities, the core concept of dynamically deploying large swarms of one-way attack drones provides a strategic strike capability by extending range and offering flexible deployment beyond surface launchers. (Read the article)

    .

    Seabed Warfare: The New Strategic Frontier

    The undersea domain, particularly the seabed, is emerging as a critical new frontier for strategic competition and potential conflict. Seabed warfare, defined as operations to, from, and across the ocean floor often targeting critical infrastructure, is gaining prominence due to the vulnerability of vital assets like pipelines and telecommunication cables. Recent events, including the Nord Stream pipeline explosions and Red Sea cable damage, highlight this growing vulnerability.

    Unmanned Underwater Vehicles have evolved from their initial role in mine countermeasures to become versatile platforms for protecting critical undersea infrastructure. Recent investments in UUV-based mine countermeasures include acquisitions by the Republic of Singapore Navy, the joint Belgian-Dutch program deploying systems like Exail’s UMIS toolbox, and the UK Royal Navy utilizing specialized vessels for unmanned mine warfare systems.

    Beyond mine countermeasures, protecting critical undersea infrastructure has become a growing concern, with UUVs used for inspection, maintenance, repair, and defense. The UK’s RFA Proteus Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ship exemplifies this capability, equipped with various UUVs and remotely operated vehicles for seabed operations and critical undersea infrastructure work.

    International initiatives like the European Union’s Action Plan on Cable Security and NATO’s Baltic Sentry mission are leveraging UUVs to patrol cable routes and enhance maritime domain awareness.

    Several nations are developing offensive seabed warfare capabilities. The United States Navy views

    UUVs as crucial for undersea superiority, pursuing offensive capabilities through platforms like Anduril’s Dive-LD AUV, engineered for long-duration, deep-sea intelligence gathering, mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, and seafloor mapping as part of the Replicator initiative. Boeing’s Orca Extra-Large UUV is designed for clandestine mine-laying operations, while upcoming Block VI Virginia-class submarines will have organic ability to employ seabed warfare equipment.

    The United Kingdom is advancing its extra-large UUV capabilities through Project CETUS, resulting in the XV Excalibur testbed for intelligence gathering, sensor deployment, and seabed warfare trials. The Royal Navy seeks autonomous UUVs with over three months of endurance for surveillance, payload delivery, and anti-submarine warfare barrier operations.

    France formalized its seabed warfare strategy in 2022, explicitly including offensive means down to 6,000 meters depth, testing off-the-shelf equipment, and cooperating with the U.S. Navy. Russia maintains significant capabilities through its specialized nuclear submarines and motherships to install sensors, monitor assets, and potentially sabotage infrastructure. Russia’s Poseidon UUV represents a nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed platform of particular concern.

    China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy considers undersea warfare, including seabed operations, essential, leveraging military-civil fusion to develop deep-sea technologies. Notable platforms include the HSU-001 AUV and various surveying platforms, with concepts for heavily armed extra-large UUVs and flying submarine drones.

    The effectiveness of these UUVs relies on technological advancements in sensors, including high-resolution sonar, cameras, and magnetic anomaly detectors, navigation and autonomy incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning, enhanced endurance through advanced batteries, and communication systems, including acoustic modems and optical links.

    Advanced Interceptor Technologies

    As offensive capabilities evolve, defensive systems are advancing to counter emerging threats. Qatar has become the first international customer for the U.S.-developed Fixed Site Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft System Integrated Defeat System, finalizing a $1 billion agreement. Developed by Raytheon in partnership with SRC Inc. and Northrop Grumman, this system is designed to detect, track, and neutralize small, low-flying drones, including swarms.

    The system integrates multiple defensive layers, including radar systems and electro-optical/infrared cameras for detection and tracking, electronic warfare tools for disruption, the Raytheon Coyote Block 2 kinetic interceptor, and the Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control system that integrates sensor data and enables countermeasure selection. The $1 billion deal includes ten systems, 200 Coyote Block 2 interceptors, launchers, and support services. (Read the article)

    In the air-to-air missile domain, the landscape is undergoing intense development driven by new, highly capable systems from China and Russia, with Western powers responding through advanced beyond-visual-range engagement capabilities.

    China’s PL-15 is considered one of the most formidable beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles globally. The domestic variant reportedly achieves ranges up to 300 kilometers, while the export version reaches approximately 145 kilometers. Key features include an Active Electronically Scanned Array radar seeker resilient to jamming, a two-way datalink for mid-course updates, and a dual-pulse solid rocket motor enabling sustained high speeds exceeding Mach 4.

    The PL-15E saw combat deployment by the Pakistan Air Force in aerial engagements with India in May 2025, reportedly downing at least one Indian Air Force Rafale. Debris recovery by India presents a significant intelligence opportunity for analysis by India and Western nations to understand the technology and develop appropriate countermeasures.

    Russia is advancing its long-range capabilities with the KS-172, developed by Novator Design Bureau and currently in evaluation stage for integration with the MiG-31 interceptor. Russian experts claim the KS-172 can engage targets at over 400 kilometers, significantly exceeding the range of existing systems. The missile travels at speeds exceeding Mach 5 and is intended to intercept high-value aerial assets from standoff distances.

    In response to these developments, NATO nations and the United States are developing next-generation long-range missiles. Europe’s MBDA Meteor, operational since 2016, features throttleable ramjet propulsion that maintains high speed into the terminal phase, providing a significantly larger no-escape zone with reported ranges of up to 200 kilometers.

    The United States is developing the highly classified AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, initiated specifically in 2017 to address threats posed by new long-range missiles like the PL-15. Considered the number one air-delivered weapon priority for both the Air Force and Navy, the system is expected to achieve ranges of at least 200 kilometers and reach speeds of Mach 5. A key design goal was maintaining dimensions similar to the AIM-120 AMRAAM for compatibility with stealth aircraft internal weapons bays.

    These developments occur within the broader context of evolving NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence, adapting to heightened threat environments with Russia cited as the most significant challenge. However, concerns exist about capability gaps, with reports suggesting NATO possesses less than 5% of needed air defense capabilities in Central and Eastern Europe. (Read the article)

    The ambitious Golden Dome missile defense initiative, spearheaded by the White House, envisions a comprehensive, multi-layered system against long-range ballistic and hypersonic missiles using technologies across terrestrial, maritime, and aerospace domains, with significant emphasis on spacebased sensors and interceptors. President Trump aims for operational status by 2029, though funding remains unclear as of May 2025.

    International reactions vary significantly. China expresses grave concern, arguing the system is destabilizing and risks space militarization, issuing a joint statement with Russia calling it deeply destabilizing. Russia’s response has evolved from initial condemnation to a more measured approach, though officials maintain their strategic systems can penetrate any defense. Canada remains in active talks but has not made formal commitments, while Japan views it as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with the United States.

    Investor Insights

    Publicly Traded Companies to Watch:

    • General Atomics (Private) – Leading CCA development with YFQ-42A prototype
    • Anduril Industries (Private) – Developing YFQ-44A CCA and Dive-LD AUV platforms
    • AeroVironment (AVAV) – Selected for Project Artemis long-range UAS development
    • Raytheon Technologies (RTX) – FS-LIDS system and Coyote interceptors
    • Lockheed Martin (LMT) – AIM-260 JATM development and various defense systems
    • Boeing (BA) – Orca Extra-Large UUV for seabed warfare applications
    • Northrop Grumman (NOC) – Partnership in FS-LIDS and broader defense systems
    • MBDA (Private) / BAE Systems – BA.L, Airbus – AIR.PA, Leonardo – LDO.MI) – Meteor missile system
    • Teledyne Technologies (TDY) – FLIR systems for autonomous platforms
    • L3Harris Technologies (LHX) – Maritime and defense electronics systems

    Notable Private Companies:

    • Swan – Project Artemis participant with Ukrainian partnerships
    • Dragoon – Project Artemis selected contractor
    • Auterion – Project Artemis participant with Ukrainian collaborations
    • Exail – European UUV systems and maritime technology
    • Kongsberg – Norwegian defense and maritime systems
    • SRC Inc. – Radar and electronic warfare systems

    US Air Force CCA Program Moves into Critical Ground-Test Phase

    By
    Tamir Eshel
    -

    The U.S. Air Force has entered a pivotal chapter in its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program with the commencement of comprehensive ground testing for Increment 1 prototypes. This milestone marks the transition from design to validation, providing crucial data on propulsion systems, avionics integration, autonomy algorithms and ground-control interfaces ahead of first flight trials slated for later in 2025.

    Two industry teams are leading the effort. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is evaluating its YFQ-42A production-representative test vehicle, while Anduril Industries is advancing the YFQ-44A design. Both platforms will undergo exhaustive evaluations to ensure they meet stringent performance and reliability benchmarks before entering the flight-test phase. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin emphasized the importance of this stage, noting that these tests “bridge the gap between design and flight, reducing integration risks, boosting confidence and laying the groundwork for a successful first flight and eventual fielding to the warfighter.”

    At its core, the CCA initiative embodies a broader Air Force strategy to build more agile, scalable force packages underpinned by human-machine teaming and Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts. Increment 1 CCAs are the first aircraft conceived from the outset to operate within ACE-basing schemes, serving as force multipliers that extend reach, augment survivability, and enhance lethality in contested airspace—all at a fraction of the cost of traditional crewed fighters. As Gen. Allvin remarked, “We’re moving fast because the warfighter needs this capability. CCA is about delivering decisive advantage in highly contested environments.”

    The decision to pursue a dual-vendor approach also reflects a deliberate risk-mitigation strategy. By advancing two distinct designs in parallel, the Air Force hedges against development delays or technical hurdles at either contractor. This competitive framework not only incentivizes peak performance from both teams but also provides the opportunity to evaluate divergent technological solutions—potentially combining the best attributes of each platform in subsequent program increments. Work is already underway to define the requirements for Increment 2, which promise to diverge substantially from those of Increment 1, signaling a continuous evolution of CCA roles and capabilities.

    In tandem with prototype testing, the Air Force has chosen Beale Air Force Base, California, as the preferred site for its CCA Aircraft Readiness Unit (ARU). Unlike traditional fighter squadrons, the semi-autonomous nature of CCA platforms will allow readiness to be maintained largely through software updates, simulations, and ground-based checks rather than extensive flight hours. This new paradigm could significantly reduce logistical burdens, airframe wear, and overall operational costs while reshaping personnel training and deployment models for autonomous combat aircraft.

    Initially, CCAs stationed at Beale would be able to join human-piloted aircraft on flight tests off the California coast over the Pacific Ocean and participate in air exercises over Nevada. While CCA assets will be stationed and maintained at Beale AFB, they are expected to be disassembled and deployed, possibly transported by C-17s, to join human-piloted air assets at other bases. These operational concepts are likely to evolve before such aircraft become operational.

    With flight testing on the horizon and a production decision for Increment 1 anticipated in Fiscal Year 2026, the accelerated timeline of the CCA program underscores the Air Force’s urgency in countering emerging near-peer threats. If successful, CCAs will represent a transformative leap in how air power is conceived, procured and employed—paving the way for a future force architecture that seamlessly integrates crewed and uncrewed combat systems.

    China’s “Jiu Tian” HALE UAV Seeks to Redefine Swarm Deployment

    By
    Tamir Eshel
    -

    China has developed the Jiu Tian (“High Sky”), a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) conceived as an airborne “mothership” capable of carrying and releasing swarms of smaller drones, loitering munitions and one-way attack (OWA) systems. Designed and developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and built by Xi’an Chida Aircraft Parts Manufacturing under Guangzhou Haige Communications, the Jiu Tian represents a significant extension of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) unmanned combat reach.

    With a 25 m wingspan and a maximum takeoff weight of 16 t, the jet-powered Jiu Tian is claimed to be able to operate at altitudes up to 15,000 m (≈50,000 ft) and fly missions as long as 12 hours over ranges of roughly 7,000 km. Its dual sideways-opening bays can deploy up to 100 kamikaze drones or loitering munitions. At the same time, eight external hardpoints allow carriage of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-ship missiles, as well as electronic-warfare payloads—all within a six-tonne maximum internal payload.

    Unveiled at the Zhuhai Air Show in November 2024, the Jiu Tian is slated for its maiden flight by the end of June 2025. Following this first sortie, a flight and mission test program will evaluate its systems before formal PLA induction.

    Western analysts have raised concerns over the platform’s large radar and infrared signature, speed limitations, and the effective range of drones launched at high altitudes. They also question trade-offs between carrying a full complement of swarm munitions versus range and endurance. The altitude and speed of this platform make it unlikely to deploy swarms of small multirotor drones over contested areas, given its vulnerability to long-range enemy air defenses. However, deployment of smaller swarms of OWA drones (winged loitering weapons) capable of flights of hundreds or thousands of kilometers is a realistic possibility, as drone swarms will be able to gain additional range and unexpected flight paths during their attacks. Employing such a strategy, Jiu Tian offers the PLA an asymmetric strike option capable of saturating or bypassing advanced air-defense networks.

    The U.S. Air Force’s Rapid Dragon concept—deploying cruise missiles or drones from transport aircraft—demonstrates a parallel approach to airborne mass delivery, while other concepts explore fighter-launched swarms or MBDA’s Multi-Domain Orchestrated Swarm (MBDA’s ORCHESTRATOR) via sea- and ground-based launchers. Compared to these, Jiu Tian’s dedicated design for large-scale, in-flight swarm release is a novel commitment to airborne swarm doctrine.

    As drone warfare rapidly evolves, the Jiu Tian could emerge as a disruptive enabler of massed, networked swarm attacks—overwhelming point defenses through sheer volume and flexibility. Even if early prototypes reveal vulnerabilities in signature management or payload endurance, Jiu Tian’s development path underscores China’s strategic focus on swarm tactics. The West must, therefore, assess this capability on its merits—and accelerate corresponding innovations in counter-swarm defenses should the Jiu Tian enter operational service.

    Industry Teams Advance Rapid Prototyping of Long-Range UAS under DIU’s Project Artemis

    By
    Tamir Eshel
    -

    The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), working with the Department of Defense’s Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment (A&S), has selected four industry teams to develop and demonstrate long-range, one-way unmanned aerial systems (UAS) under Project Artemis. Funded by a dedicated FY24 budget line, the effort will evaluate “attritable” loitering munitions designed to operate in contested electronic warfare (EW) and GPS-denied environments. By combining rapid prototyping with operationally representative testing, Project Artemis aims to field systems capable of delivering strike effects or conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) in demanding conditions.

    Recent combat operations have illustrated the growing role of one-way attack (OWA) drones in modern conflicts. In the Russia-Ukraine war, Ukrainian forces deploy hundreds of commercial-off-the-shelf drones nightly to strike positions beyond the front lines. Similarly, in April 2024, Iran launched several hundred drones—alongside cruise and ballistic missiles—from western Iran toward Israel, covering more than 1,000 kilometers. At unit costs in the tens of thousands of dollars, a swarm of 500 drones represents an expenditure of $50–100 million. Even with attrition rates of 80–90 percent, such swarm attacks can degrade defended targets and overwhelm unprotected assets. These dynamics are reshaping the economics of aerial strikes, shifting procurement toward mass-produced, low-cost systems employed by the hundreds rather than as single, expensive platforms.

    Alongside the drones themselves, operators require rapid-deployment launch solutions. Iran’s truck-mounted launcher for Shahed-136 OWA drones, which fires five vehicles in quick succession, resembles a multiple-launch rocket system in form and function. Israel’s IAI Harop launcher similarly mounts six drones on a vehicle chassis disguised as a commercial container. In both cases, persistent surveillance and intelligence support are needed to detect and characterize these platforms, which blend into civilian logistics vehicles.

    Selected participants in Project Artemis include Swan—a U.S. software developer partnered with a Ukrainian UAS integrator—alongside  with its own Ukrainian collaborator. Each team must deliver ground-launchable vehicles capable of low-altitude flight, beyond-line-of-sight operations, and robust performance in environments with disrupted, disconnected, intermittent, or low-bandwidth communications. These requirements reflect user feedback on the need for systems that can adapt autonomously when conventional networks are degraded or denied.

    To cover a spectrum of mission sets, Artemis defines stringent performance targets. Prototypes must achieve ranges between 50 km and at least 300 km, carry payloads of no less than 10 kg—ideally above 25 kg—and remain affordable for high-volume production. That payload capacity may accommodate a warhead for hardened targets, an EW jamming suite, or an ISR sensor package. Ground-launch capability ensures employment from forward-deployed or expeditionary locations, while DIL-rated communications and navigation systems sustain mission continuity in the absence of GPS or secure data links.

    Project Artemis also employs an expedited acquisition model. In just over four months, DIU and A&S moved from problem definition to contract awards, processing 165 proposals and conducting flight demonstrations to verify performance claims. Awardees are expected to deliver functional prototypes by the close of FY 2025. This streamlined pathway bypasses traditional procurement timelines, reflecting lessons from recent conflicts where the speed of fielding and iterative upgrades have delivered operational advantages.

    Combat experience in Eastern Europe has further driven demand for EW-resilient systems. Ukrainian forces have repurposed commercial UAS into attritable attack and reconnaissance assets, proving the value of flexible, easily manufactured platforms. By pairing U.S. contractors with Ukrainian developers, DIU seeks to harness that frontline expertise and accelerate the maturation of solutions tested under real-world pressures.

    Project Artemis complements the broader Pentagon “Replicator” initiative, which aims to field thousands of autonomous systems across multiple domains to counter massed adversary forces. Artemis’s emphasis on cost-effective, one-way prototypes aligns with Replicator’s goal of scalable attritable platforms. Both efforts expand the defense industrial base by incorporating non-traditional suppliers and international partners, reinforcing the Department’s commitment to more agile and distributed procurement.

    Among the Artemis demonstrations, Dragoon Technology integrates Teledyne FLIR’s Prism Supervisor and Prism SKR software into its Cinder UAS prototype. Prism SKR delivers automatic target recognition (ATR) for infrared and visible sensors on low-power processors, enabling real-time detection, identification, and tracking. Prism Supervisor provides end-to-end autonomy and mission oversight, linking navigation systems with AI-driven observations through a streamlined planning interface. Together, these capabilities reduce operator workload and support increasingly complex mission profiles.

    As prototypes reach maturity, Project Artemis will generate data on performance, reliability, and cost metrics in contested settings. Those insights will inform follow-on acquisition decisions and guide integration into joint force structures. By prioritizing rapid prototype delivery and leveraging combat-proven partnerships, Artemis marks a shift toward faster, more scalable UAS procurement—balancing urgent operational needs with the requirement for proven, effective capabilities.

    Long-Range Air Dominance: The Rise of Next-Generation BVR Missiles

    By
    Tamir Eshel
    -

    The race to achieve air dominance is entering a new phase, defined by the rapid development and deployment of long-range beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles (AAMs). These next-generation weapons—capable of intercepting high-value targets hundreds of kilometers away—transform aerial combat doctrines, operational planning, and defense procurement strategies. Featuring cutting-edge propulsion systems, onboard radar seekers, and networked communication capabilities, these missiles extend engagement envelopes far beyond the traditional dogfighting range and introduce complex new dynamics into the battle for control of the skies.

    This shift is being driven by strategic competitors such as China and Russia, whose latest missile programs—alongside counter-developments by the United States and its NATO allies—are reshaping the air combat landscape.

    Key Systems Redefining BVR Engagement

    China’s PL-15: Strategic Reach and Networked Targeting

    Developed by the China Airborne Missile Academy, the PL-15 is a long-range missile engineered for extended-range engagements against key aerial assets such as fighters, airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, and aerial tankers. With a range of up to 300 kilometres in its domestic variant and approximately 145 kilometres for export (PL-15E), the missile features an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar seeker, a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, and a two-way datalink. These capabilities enable the missile to operate in complex electromagnetic environments while receiving midcourse guidance from launch platforms or other command and control (C2) assets.

    The PL-15 has seen combat use by Pakistan, marking the first known operational employment of this class of Chinese weapon outside its domestic forces. This event not only demonstrated China’s readiness to export advanced weapons but also highlighted the potential proliferation risks associated with such capabilities.

    Russia’s KS-172: Strategic Aerial Sniper

    Russia’s KS-172 (also referred to as the K-100 or R-172) is designed to intercept high-value airborne targets—including AWACS, electronic warfare platforms, and tankers—at extreme ranges beyond 400 kilometres. It uses a tandem solid-fuel rocket booster and active radar guidance in the terminal phase. With a reported top speed exceeding Mach 5, the KS-172 transforms platforms like the MiG-31 “Foxhound” into strategic interceptors, capable of neutralizing enemy force multipliers from outside the engagement range of defending fighters.

    Although still in evaluation, the KS-172 is emblematic of Russia’s approach to anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) strategies and underscores the importance of long-range AAMs in denying adversaries the ability to project air power through enabler platforms.

    Europe’s Meteor: Sustained Power with Ramjet Propulsion

    The MBDA Meteor, a collaborative European missile, has been operational since 2016 and introduces throttleable ramjet propulsion to the BVR missile category. This feature enables the Meteor to maintain high energy through flight and enhances its “No Escape Zone”—the area within which a target cannot outmaneuver or evade the missile.

    With a maximum speed above Mach 4 and a range approaching 200 kilometres, the Meteor integrates a two-way datalink and active radar seeker, allowing mid-course updates and terminal accuracy. The missile is deployed across platforms such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, and Saab Gripen, and it is planned to integrate into the F-35.

    USA’s AIM-260 JATM: Future-Proofing Air Combat

    Developed by Lockheed Martin, the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) is the United States’ answer to the PL-15 threat. Still, in its initial production phase, the AIM-260 is designed to eventually replace the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). Thanks to its compact dimensions, it is expected to exceed 200 kilometres in range, reach speeds up to Mach 5, and be compatible with stealth fighters like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.

    The JATM features inertial guidance, a two-way datalink, and an active radar seeker, positioning it for full participation in a networked battlespace. Its design emphasizes data sharing and dynamic targeting, aligning with emerging doctrines of collaborative air combat.

    Implications for Doctrine, Tactics, and Platforms

    The emergence of these long-range AAMs is catalyzing a doctrinal transformation in air combat:

    • Standoff Engagements Become Normative: With missile ranges exceeding 300 kilometers, air engagements are now shifting to standoff distances, where adversaries may never visually acquire each other before launch. Pilots and unmanned operators must rely on datalinked sensor networks and electronic surveillance rather than visual confirmation.
    • Network-Centric Warfare Is Essential: Missiles like the PL-15, Meteor, and AIM-260 rely heavily on two-way datalinks for in-flight updates, enabling cooperative targeting. This requires robust, encrypted, resilient communications between aircraft, airborne C2 platforms, and ground or space-based assets.
    • Airspace Deconfliction is Critical: Engaging long-range targets necessitates precise airspace management to prevent fratricide or civilian casualties. Dynamic airspace deconfliction tools and improved situational awareness are becoming operational imperatives.
    • Uncrewed Platforms as Combat Multipliers: The rise of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)—unmanned systems designed to accompany manned fighters—is particularly relevant. These unpiloted platforms can act as sensor nodes, datalink relays, refueling assets and missile carriers, allowing manned fighters to maintain stealth and survivability while extending their reach.
    • Targeting High-Value Assets (HVAs): The new generation of AAMs is optimized for neutralizing enablers such as AWACS, electronic warfare aircraft, and tankers. Removing these from the battlespace could cripple an adversary’s ability to coordinate operations, creating an asymmetric advantage for the attacker.
    • Vulnerability of support elements: With long-range weapons employed by stealthy aircraft or drones, Airborne early warning (AEW) and aerial refuelling assets flying in support of Combat Air Patrols (CAP) or strike packages hitherto considered safely positioned outside the range of enemy air defenses are becoming primary targets for opposing forces. While flying radars (AEW) cannot become invisible, aerial SIGINT, communications support, and flight refueling platforms could shift to stealthy and unmanned platforms to become more survivable.

    Strategic Outlook

    The technological and operational advancements embodied by these BVR missiles represent incremental evolution and a paradigm shift in air warfare. Their ability to reach, track, and destroy targets at unprecedented distances introduces opportunities and challenges.

    As missile range increases, so does the strategic importance of first detection, launch, and kill. In this race, superiority will no longer be decided in the visual merge but far beyond—by the nation that best integrates sensors, shooters, and strategy into a cohesive, resilient force.

    Qatar First International Customer for Raytheon’s FS-LIDS C-UAS System

    By
    Tamir Eshel
    -

    Qatar has finalized a $1 billion defense agreement to acquire Raytheon’s Fixed Site Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft System Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS), becoming the first international operator of this U.S. counter-drone architecture. Announced on May 14, 2025, the contract covers ten FS-LIDS installations, 200 Raytheon Coyote Block 2 interceptors with launchers, and a comprehensive suite of training and support services to maintain system readiness and effectiveness.

    FS-LIDS integrates layered detection and defeat capabilities to address small, low-flying UAS threats. Its sensor suite combines Ku-band Radio Frequency System (KuRFS) and AN/TPQ-50 radar for precision detection, augmented by electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) cameras for target tracking and identification under diverse environmental conditions. On the effector’s side, the system employs electronic warfare tools to disrupt drone control signals non-kinetically, alongside the Coyote Block 2 jet-powered loitering munition for physical interception of drones in flight. Data from all sensors and effectors is consolidated through the Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) system, providing operators with a unified situational picture and engagement options tailored to the threat.

    The acquisition responds to the rapid proliferation of unmanned aerial systems across the Middle East, where both state and non-state actors have employed small drones for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and kinetic attacks. Critical infrastructure—including oil and gas facilities, airbases, and seaports—faces heightened risk from low-cost, attritable UAS operations. By deploying FS-LIDS at fixed sites protecting these assets, Qatar strengthens its defensive posture against evolving aerial threats and aligns with broader regional efforts to bolster airspace security.

    As the inaugural foreign sale of FS-LIDS, Qatar’s procurement sets a precedent for next-generation integrated air defense solutions. The deal underscores the deepening defense relationship between the United States and Qatar, which hosts the Al Udeid Air Base—America’s largest military facility in the Middle East. From a U.S. perspective, the sale supports the domestic defense industrial base, promotes interoperability with partner nations, and may pave the way for subsequent foreign military sales of the LIDS family of systems. It also supports a wider defensive array beyond the base that will enhance the protection of US facilities beyond the perimeter.

    Qatar’s selection of FS-LIDS reflects a broader trend in the C-UAS market toward multi-layered architectures rather than standalone point defenses. The diverse nature of drone threats—varying in speed, size, altitude, operational mode, and control mechanism—necessitates an integrated approach. Radar provides early warning, EO/IR systems enable visual confirmation, EW effectors disrupt susceptible platforms, and kinetic interceptors neutralize drones that pose immediate risks or employ resilient communication links. The FAAD C2 backbone ensures coordinated management of these elements, optimizing engagement decisions in real-time.

    This procurement builds on Raytheon’s expanding production footprint in the UAE, following a November 17, 2023, Memorandum of Understanding with EDGE Group’s engineering arm EPI to produce prototype machined aluminum and assembly parts for the Coyote Block II interceptor and the May 19, 2025 inauguration of a 21,500 sq ft Coyote assembly and testing facility at Abu Dhabi’s Tawazun Industrial Park. These initiatives aim to strengthen local manufacturing capabilities, enhance supply chain resilience, and support the sustained deployment of Raytheon’s C-UAS solutions among U.S. partners in the Gulf.

    The $1 billion FS-LIDS contract marks a significant milestone in the global “drone versus anti-drone” dynamic, fuelling continuous innovation on both offense and defense. As more sophisticated C-UAS systems enter service, adversaries will likely develop countermeasures—such as stealthier airframes, advanced swarm tactics, and hardened command links—triggering an action-reaction cycle in unmanned aerial warfare. Qatar’s investment highlights the growing strategic importance of comprehensive C-UAS capabilities and signals an evolving security environment in which integrated defenses become foundational to national resilience.

    Tiberius Introduce Sceptre – a Liquid Fuelled 155mm Ramjet Artillery Munition

    By
    Tamir Eshel
    -
    Sceptre (TRBM 155HG), a new liquid fuelled, 155mm Ramjet extended-range precision-guided artillery munition developed by Tiberius Aerospace. Image: Tiberius

    Defense technology company Tiberius Aerospace has publicly launched its first product, the Sceptre ramjet-powered artillery munition, marking its emergence from stealth mode after three years of development.

    The Sceptre (TRBM 155HG) is a 155mm extended-range precision-guided munition designed for use with existing NATO artillery platforms. The weapon utilizes ramjet propulsion technology to achieve speeds of Mach 3.5 and can reach altitudes exceeding 65,000 feet, according to the company.

    The munition offers several notable technical features compared to conventional artillery rounds:

    • Range: Up to 150 kilometers depending on payload configuration (maximum warhead weight: 5.2kg)
    • Accuracy: Circular error probability (CEP) of less than 5 meters,
      even in a GPS-denied environment
    • Propulsion: Liquid-fueled ramjet engine compatible with diesel, JP-4, and JP-8 fuels
    • Guidance: GPS and inertial navigation with AI-assisted error correction for operation in GPS-contested environments.

    Several established defense manufacturers, including Nammo and Rheinmetall, have introduced RAMJET-powered, extended-range artillery munitions, yet none have been fielded. Unlike TRBM 155HG, these munitions used solid rockets as fuel.

    The Sceptre system is designed to be compatible with standard NATO 155mm howitzers without requiring platform modifications. The company claims the munition’s design minimizes barrel wear due to limited contact points during firing.

    During the flight, the onboard GPS and inertial measurement unit synchronize and leverage advanced AI to correct errors to desired confidence levels, allowing operation in degraded or GPS-denied environments.  If needed, multiple munitions can communicate in flight to refine the targeting solution further. With active propulsion, Sceptre flies at altitudes in excess of 65,000 feet and remains beyond the enemy EW jamming range for the majority of its flight trajectory.

    The Sceptre announcement comes as military forces worldwide reassess their artillery capabilities. Extended-range precision munitions have become increasingly valuable in modern warfare, offering the ability to strike targets at greater distances while reducing the risk of firing platforms targeted by counterfire by loitering munitions.

    Traditional artillery faces limitations in range and accuracy that newer guided munitions aim to address. However, the first generation of GPS-guided munitions has been challenged by Russian Electronic Warfare. The ability to operate in GPS-denied environments—a key capability Tiberius claims for the Sceptre—has become particularly important as electronic warfare capabilities proliferate.

    Tiberius Aerospace was founded in 2022 with what the company describes as “Silicon Valley DNA,” aiming to apply commercial technology practices to defense applications. The timing coincides with a renewed focus on artillery capabilities following recent conflicts, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine and the Indo-Pakistani conflict; both have highlighted the importance of long-range precision fires. Tiberius positions itself as serving the U.S., UK, and allied nations with a “Defence-as-a-Service” model. This announcement coincides with the Future Artillery conference, taking place this week in London on  20-22 May 2025. Chad Steelberg, Tiberius Aerospace’s founder and CEO, emphasized the company’s focus on delivering “next-generation weapon systems of outstanding capability with precision, scale, and efficiency” in announcing the Sceptre system.

    Defense Market Quarterly Review – May 2025

    By
    News Desk
    -
    Leopard 2 tanks in production at Rheinmetall's tank assembly plant. New facilities are being established in automotive plants converted into armored vehicles production facilities. Photo: Axel Heimken, AFP

    This comprehensive market assessment builds upon Defense Update’s previous Q1 2025 market brief, incorporating performance data from mid-tier and international defense companies, emerging technology players, and significant post-period geopolitical developments.

    The first quarter of 2025 confirmed the defense sector’s exceptional momentum across all market tiers, from major U.S. primes to specialized technology providers and international contractors. With significant post-period developments, including potential NATO spending increases and major Middle East defense deals, the sector demonstrates unprecedented strength and a growth trajectory extending well into 2025 and beyond. Check Part I of the Q1 market review published on April 25, 2025

    Track all markets on TradingView

    Defense Market Performance Overview

    The defense market demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth throughout Q1 2025, with several companies achieving record-breaking financial milestones. This performance was underpinned by three primary drivers: continued global security challenges requiring immediate response capabilities, government commitments to defense modernization programs, and accelerating demand for advanced technologies that provide tactical and strategic advantages.

    US Companies Performance Highlights

    Honeywell Aerospace Technologies (HON) delivered outstanding results with a 14% year-over-year sales increase, driven by robust demand across both commercial aftermarket and defense sectors. The company’s total backlog reached a record $36.1 billion, with aerospace and defense representing a substantial portion. The planned spin-off of the Aerospace business signals a strategic focus on enhancing operational agility in this critical market segment.

    Leidos Holdings (LDOS) continued its strong trajectory in defense modernization, intelligence solutions, and advanced technology integration. The company secured significant contracts across integrated defense systems, mission IT, cyber solutions, and logistics capabilities, contributing to a healthy backlog position. Strategic investments in AI, autonomous systems, and digital transformation initiatives position Leidos well for future growth in an increasingly technology-driven defense landscape.

    Palantir Technologies (PLTR) emerged as a standout performer, with government revenue surging 45% year-over-year to $373 million, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of accelerating growth. The company’s success was primarily driven by defense contracts for AI-powered battlefield analysis and automated military functions. A significant NATO contract contributed to a 45% increase in international government revenue, while the AI Platform (AIP) gained traction in complex aerospace applications, including satellite data analysis. The total remaining deal value reached $5.97 billion.

    Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (KTOS) demonstrated robust growth driven by its hypersonic systems, unmanned technologies, and propulsion solutions portfolio. With a hypersonic opportunity pipeline exceeding $12.6 billion, the company is well-positioned in one of the defense market’s most rapidly expanding segments. The Unmanned Systems division showed particular strength with 6.2% organic revenue growth and an impressive book-to-bill ratio of 1.8:1, especially for the Valkyrie drone platform. Overall revenue increased 9.2% year-over-year to $302.6 million, with backlog growing to $1.508 billion.

    Curtiss-Wright Corporation (CW) reported significant growth across both U.S. and international defense markets, driven by modernization programs and new platform acquisitions. Key program wins included contracts for next-generation fighter jets, naval systems, and missile defense platforms. The defense and aerospace segment contributed meaningfully to overall margin expansion while maintaining a strong backlog position.

    Rocket Lab USA (RKLB) achieved impressive Q1 results, with revenue reaching $122.6 million, representing 32% year-over-year growth. The company secured an important position in the defense and government sector through on-ramping to the U.S. Department of Defense’s $5.6 billion National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 program and securing launch contracts with the U.S. Air Force. The implementation of a new holding company structure reflects the company’s expanding national security focus, while a growing backlog of $1.067 billion is increasingly driven by government and defense demand.

    International Defense Players

    International companies, particularly European defense contractors, demonstrated robust performance driven by regional security priorities:

    Thales (HO.PA): Defense sales reached €2.685 billion (up 16.5% YoY), though order intake declined 58% due to an exceptionally high comparison base from Q1 2024’s large contracts (Indonesian Rafale, Middle East air surveillance). Five major contracts worth €707 million were secured, including Dutch defense simulator modernization and French SCORPION program vetronics.

    Saab AB (SAAB.ST) demonstrated strong performance particularly in the European market, driven by evolving regional security priorities. The company reported increased orders across all segments, with notable contracts from Latvia for RBS 70 air defense systems and Germany for ground-based surveillance radars. Order backlog grew 8% year-over-year to SEK 152 billion, with international markets representing 67% of new orders. Defense segment revenue increased 13% year-over-year while operating margins expanded.

    Rheinmetall AG (RHM.DE) delivered exceptional results with defense sales growth of 33%, reaching €1.795 billion. Defense EBIT surged 96% year-over-year to €206 million, resulting in a record defense operating margin of 11.5%. Defense operations now represent 78% of group sales. The company’s record €62.6 billion order book reflects successful strategies including production scalability investments, global footprint expansion, and technological innovation in next-generation air defense and infantry modernization.

    Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) provided important context with record-breaking 2024 results showing revenue of $6.11 billion (up 15%) and net income surging 55% to $493 million. The order backlog reached a historic $25 billion, with military sales comprising 85% of total revenue. The ongoing conflict environment has driven unprecedented domestic and international demand while accelerating innovation and production capabilities.

    Technology and Innovation Trends

    The quarter highlighted several critical technology areas experiencing accelerated development and deployment:

    Artificial Intelligence Integration: Companies like Palantir demonstrated the increasing adoption of AI-powered solutions for battlefield analysis, automated military functions, and complex aerospace applications. This trend represents a fundamental shift toward intelligent, autonomous defense capabilities.

    Hypersonic Systems: Kratos’s substantial hypersonic opportunity pipeline underscores the growing strategic importance of hypersonic weapons and defense systems as nations seek next-generation strike and defensive capabilities.

    Unmanned Systems: Strong performance in drone and autonomous platform segments reflects the continuing evolution of warfare toward remotely operated and autonomous systems, with applications ranging from reconnaissance to combat operations.

    Space and Launch Capabilities: Rocket Lab’s success in securing government launch contracts demonstrates the critical importance of assured space access for national security applications.

    Post-Period Developments and Market Outlook

    NATO Defense Spending Initiative

    Discussions within NATO regarding substantially increased defense spending targets represent perhaps the most significant potential market catalyst. Proposals to raise spending commitments from the current 2% of GDP to potentially 3.5% on direct military spending, with an additional 1.5% on broader security expenditures (totaling 5% of GDP by 2032), would create massive, sustained demand increases across the alliance. This initiative, driven by ongoing Ukrainian conflict dynamics and U.S. pressure, would particularly benefit companies supplying conventional military capabilities, modernization programs, and advanced technologies to NATO member nations.

    Regional Conflict Dynamics

    The brief but intense India-Pakistan conflict in early May 2025, featuring the “first drone battle” between nuclear-armed nations, highlighted several critical market dynamics. The conflict underscored the operational importance of advanced unmanned systems, missile defense capabilities, and border security technologies. Both nations have increased defense allocations following the conflict, creating opportunities for companies specializing in these technologies while also highlighting geopolitical engagement risks.

    Middle East Defense Commitments

    President Trump’s May 2025 Middle East tour resulted in the announcement of substantial defense agreements, including a reported $142 billion defense sales package with Saudi Arabia (the largest in U.S. history) and $42 billion in weapons purchases by Qatar. These deals encompass air force advancement related primarily to Boeing (NYSE: BA), (NYSE: GA), air and missile defense (NYSE: RTX, NYSE: LMT), General Atomics (GA-ASI), maritime security, land forces modernization, and information systems (NASDAQ: PLTR). The agreements reinforce the Middle East as a critical market for advanced military capabilities and represent a significant order influx for U.S. defense contractors.

    Ukraine Conflict Evolution

    While discussions continue regarding potential ceasefire arrangements, the fundamental market drivers remain strong. Even if active hostilities were to pause, the need for extensive NATO and European re-stockpiling, continued modernization based on conflict lessons learned, and long-term strategic competition with Russia would likely sustain high defense spending levels. The focus might shift from immediate battlefield consumables to inventory replenishment, capability upgrades, and long-term deterrence strengthening.

    Market Challenges and Risk Factors

    Despite the strong overall performance, several companies face notable challenges:

    Archer Aviation (ACHR) continues working through significant hurdles including regulatory and certification delays, production scaling challenges, supply chain risks, and the complexities of hybrid powertrain development while operating in a pre-revenue phase.

    Supply Chain and Production Constraints: Multiple companies, including Saab, reported challenges with semiconductor lead times and the need for production line investments and workforce training to meet growing demand.

    Regulatory and Certification Requirements: The increasing complexity of advanced defense systems requires navigation of evolving regulatory frameworks, particularly for new technology areas like autonomous systems and space-based platforms.

    Conclusion and Outlook

    The Q1 2025 defense market review reveals a sector experiencing sustained, broad-based growth driven by fundamental geopolitical and technological forces. Strong financial performances across diverse market segments, from traditional defense contractors to emerging technology providers, demonstrate the market’s robust health and growth trajectory.

    Post-period developments, including potential NATO spending increases, regional conflicts highlighting technology needs, and major Middle East defense commitments, strongly suggest continued positive momentum. While challenges exist in areas such as supply chain management and regulatory compliance, the underlying drivers of increased defense spending—geopolitical risk, technological competition, and modernization imperatives—remain firmly established.

    The defense market appears well-positioned for sustained growth throughout 2025 and beyond, with companies successfully positioned in key technology areas, international markets, and modernization programs likely to benefit most from the evolving security environment and increasing government commitments to defense capabilities.

    This quarterly review is based on publicly available financial disclosures and market analysis through Q1 2025, with post-period developments included for a comprehensive market context.

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