India and France are intensifying their cooperation in defence and security sector, expanding ongoing aerospace activities to anti-piracy, maritime security and air defense fields.
A bilateral statement published by the two governments after a recent meeting between India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and French President Nicolas Sarkozy in December 2010,
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the two countries reaffirmed the support for joint research and development, specifically addressing the Indian ‘Short Range Surface to Air Missile’ program and Kaveri aircraft engine program.
A new procurement policy that will implement ‘drastic steps’ to decrease India’s dependence on imported defense platforms, all naval vessels procurement for the Indian Navy in the future will mandate shipbuilders to build the vessels in India.
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Part of these contracts will be open to private shipbuilders, allowing the private sector to compete with public sector shipyards for defense contracts. According to Defense Minister A K Antony, almost 70 per cent of India’s defense equipment is currently imported.
As the aircraft banked, it entered a stall from which recovery was not possible. USAF Video
As the aircraft banked, it entered a stall from which recovery was not possible. USAF Video
A U.S. Air Force investigation of a fatal crash of a C-17A Globemaster III aircraft on July 28, 2010 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska was caused by pilot error.
The accident occurred when the aircraft (tail number 00-0173) practiced for the Arctic Thunder Air Show scheduled at the base on that weekend. After the initial climb out and left turn, the pilot executed an aggressive right turn. As the aircraft banked, the stall warning system activated to alert the crew of an impending stall. Instead of implementing stall recovery procedures, the pilot apparently continued the turn as planned, and the aircraft entered a stall from which recovery was not possible.
The aircraft was assigned to the 3rd Wing based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The integrated crew on board consisted of a pilot, copilot, safety observer and loadmaster, from both the 249th and 517th Airlift Squadrons.
The investigation, directed by General Gary North, Pacific Air Forces commander, determined the accident was caused by pilot error. “The pilot violated regulatory provisions and multiple flight manual procedures, placing the aircraft outside established flight parameters at an attitude and altitude where recovery was not possible.
The investigation found that, in addition to the pilot errors, the co-pilot and safety observer did not realize the developing dangerous situation and did not make appropriate inputs. In addition to multiple procedural errors the board determined that the crew of the flight deck ignored caution and warnings and failed to respond to various challenge and reply items. All four aircrew members died instantly.
“Channelized attention, overconfidence, expectancy, misplaced motivation, procedural guidance and program oversight substantially contributed to the mishape” The board stated.
Charles Garnett, left, Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division Electromagnetic Railgun project manager, briefs Vice Adm. Kevin McCoy, commander of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Brian Persons, NAVSEA deputy commander, and Rear Adm. James Shannon, commander of Naval Warfare Centers, following the world record-setting 33 mega-joule shot of the Office of Naval Research Railgun. The railgun is being developed for use on a wide range of ships, whether the vessel has an integrated power system, such as DDG 1000, or a non-integrated power system such as DDG 51. (U.S. Navy photo by John F. Williams)
On a recent test firing of a U.S. Navy experimental electromagnetic rail gun the Office of Naval Research (ONR) claimed the world record for the muzzle energy. The test, carried out on December 10, 2010 at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division achieved a world-record 33-megajoule muzzle energy shot – over three times the previous world record also claimed in 2008 by ONR.
Charles Garnett, left, Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division Electromagnetic Railgun project manager, briefs Vice Adm. Kevin McCoy, commander of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Brian Persons, NAVSEA deputy commander, and Rear Adm. James Shannon, commander of Naval Warfare Centers, following the world record-setting 33 mega-joule shot of the Office of Naval Research Railgun. On the right, High-speed camera image of the Office of Naval Research Electromagnetic Railgun firing a world-record setting 33 mega-joule shot, breaking the previous record established Jan. 31, 2008. The railgun is being developed for use on a wide range of ships, whether the vessel has an integrated power system, such as DDG 1000, or a non-integrated power system such as DDG 51. (U.S. Navy photo by John F. Williams)
“The 33-megajoule shot means the Navy can fire projectiles at least 110 nautical miles, placing Sailors and Marines at a safe standoff distance and out of harm’s way, and the high velocities achievable are tactically relevant for air and missile defense,” said Rear Adm. Nevin Carr, chief of naval research. A 33-megajoule shot, could potentially reach extended ranges with Mach 5 velocity, five times the speed of sound.
The Navy is developing the rail gun to equip future surface combatant ships, such as the DDG-1000 Zumwalt destroyers. At full capability, a future rail gun will be able to fire a projectile more than 200 nautical miles (ten times farther than current Mk 45 five inch guns) at a muzzle velocity of mach seven and impacting its target at mach five.
These high velocity projectiles will be able to destroy targets by kinetic energy, rather than with conventional explosives. This feature of railgun technology will improve safety for sailors and marines because it will eliminate the need for a high-energy explosive warhead and traditional gun propellants. Removing explosives and chemicals will reduce the munitions logistic chain.
Several prototypes of the XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement (CDTE) weapon Systems were recently deployed to Afghanistan for operational evaluation with combat units. Production weapons could be fielded by 2014. Photo: US Army PEO SOldeir
The U.S. Army is moving forward with an operational evaluation in Afghanistan, of the new, XM-25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement (CDTE) weapon system. Following this current evaluation, the Army will decide on the future procurement of 12,500 CDTE systems to be issued beginning in early 2014.
Under the recent evaluation several XM-25 prototypes arrived in Afghanistan in November. These weapons are being carried actively on patrols, and in various combat outposts. According to Lieutenant Colonel Chris Lehner, CDTE Project Manager personnel from the Army PEO Soldier conducted new equipment training with select units and are monitoring the use and performance of the systems during the assessment period. “Feedback from soldier will allow the Army to make engineering refinements to the system and will assist the Army in making future decisions regarding budget, tactics, basis of issue, and other improvements Soldiers want to see in the weapon system.” Lehner added. The next phase for the XM25 program is to build a large quantity of production representative weapons and ammunition in 2011 to deploy into Afghanistan for further combat assessments. Under the planned procurement the new weapons will be issued to Special Forces team and to infantry squads, to receive one XM-25 each.
Several prototypes of the XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement (CDTE) weapon Systems were recently deployed to Afghanistan for operational evaluation with combat units. Production weapons could be fielded by 2014. Photo: US Army PEO SOldeir
“For centuries, combatants have been trained to protect themselves from direct fire by seeking cover behind a rock, tree, wall, trench, or anything that could stop a projectile. Soon this rule will no longer apply. ” said Lehner, “The XM25 removes an enemy’s protective cover because it fires a High Explosive Airburst (HEAB) round that can be programmed to detonate at precise distances past the cover and next to the enemy. The HEAB round also has a point detonation capability so whether the enemy is behind cover or in the open, they can be neutralized.”
Parallel to the development of the weapon system, ATK is also developing a new family of ammunition. L3 Communications is the subcontractor in charge of the weapon’s optronic fire control system.
Six types of ammunition are in development for the XM-25 CDTE, from upper left to lower right: high explosive shaped charge armor piercing (red), less than letha - (airburst) round (green), door breeching projectile (orange), High Explosive - airburst (HEAB) in yellow, another less than lethal (blunt) round (green), and 25mm training ammo pained blue. Photo: U.S. Army PEO Soldier
Brazil’s Aerospace company Embraer announced the creation of Embraer Defense and Security, a subsidiary focusing on defense and security markets worldwide.
“Brazil has a growing relevant role on the global geopolitical scenario and has established a long-term vision for strengthening its defense industry,” said Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer President & CEO. “Embraer, with its technological-industrial capabilities and 40 years of experience in defense programs, both in Brazil and abroad, is fully committed to support the Brazilian Government in ensuring the advanced technological base the Country needs.”
Luiz Carlos Aguiar will be the President of Embraer Defense and Security. He currently serves as Embraer’s CFO. According to Aguiar, the new company is expected to generate a turnover of R$ 1.5 billion (US$872 million) in 2011. The new focus will further expand its activities over the coming years, both from domestic and export sales. “We will expand and improve our capabilities through this new corporate configuration,” Luiz Carlos Aguiar stated.
Embraer currently operates with more than 30 defense forces worldwide, supporting trainers, special mission aircraft and light transport planes with larget military transports coming along soon (KC-390). In recent years, Embraer has also expanded its activities in the defense sector beyond aircraft and airborne systems, offering integrated solutions for training, Communication, Computer, Command, Control and Intelligence (C4I).
Eight Italian Tornado strike fighters deployed to Israel Air Force (IAF) Base at Ovda for eight days. The visit came two weeks after elements from four IAF squadrons deployed to Sardinia for two weeks of training.
The aircraft were part of the 6º ‘Alfredo Fusco’ Tactical Fighter Wing from Ghedi and the 50º Stormo ’Giorgio Graffer’ (50th Wing) based in Piacenza. The later deployed Tornado ECR (electronic combat and reconnaissance) from the 155º Gruppo ETS (Electronic Warfare and Tactical Suppression Squadron).
The 155º squadron operates 16 Tornado ECR aircraft, equipped with air defense suppression weapons (AGM-88) and electronic combat and the Israeli Reccelite aerial recce pods.
Ovda is located in the southern Negev desert near the city of Eilat, where they ‘fought’ against the IAF ‘Flying Dragon’ playing the ‘red team’ aggressor squadron.
The Italians were able to experience unfamiliar desert areas, simulating potential contingencies. The area around IAF Base Ovda is instrumented to represent realistic targets typical of full scale conflist as well as asymmetric (hybrid) warfare, along with air defense threats, providing a high level of realistic training unavailable in Europe. Training in such conditions effectively introduces NATO pilots to potential missions.
Italians Tornado ECRs and AMX fighters, along with German Tornado ECRs and Dutch F-16s, are operating the Reccelite pods in Afghanistan, supporting counter-IED operations in support of ISAF ground operations.
Italian Air Force Tornado strike fighter takes off from Ovda air force base in the Southern Negev. Photo: Nehemia Gershoni, www.ngphoto.biz
Eight Italian Tornado strike fighters deployed to Israel Air Force (IAF) Base at Ovda for eight days. The visit came two weeks after elements from four IAF squadrons deployed to Sardinia for two weeks of training. The aircraft were part of the 155º Gruppo ETS (Electronic Warfare and Tactical Suppression Squadron), part of the 50º Stormo ‘Giorgio Graffer’ (50th Wing) based in Piacenza and 6º ‘Alfredo Fusco’ Tactical Fighter Wing from Ghedi. The squadron operates 16 Tornado ECR (electronic combat and reconnaissance) aircraft, equipped with air defense suppression weapons (AGM-88) and electronic combat and the Israeli Reccelite aerial recce pods.
Ovda is located in the southern Negev desert near the city of Eilat, where they ‘fought’ against the IAF ‘Flying Dragon’ playing the ‘red team’ aggressor squadron.
The Italians were able to experience unfamiliar desert areas, simulating potential contingencies. The area around IAF Base Ovda is instrumented to represent realistic targets typical of full scale conflist as well as asymmetric (hybrid) warfare, along with air defense threats, providing a high level of realistic training unavailable in Europe. Training in such conditions effectively introduces NATO pilots to potential missions.
Italians Tornado ECRs and AMX fighters, along with German Tornado ECRs and Dutch F-16s, are operating the Reccelite pods in Afghanistan, supporting counter-IED operations in support of ISAF ground operations.
An Indian Agni II Plus missile failed on its first test launch December 10, 2010. This photo shows an earlier Agni II missile launched on another flight. Photo: DRDO
Test launch of India’s latest nuclear capable ballistic missile failed this morning, after the Agni II Plus (A-2) ballistic missile plunged into the Bay of Bengal few seconds after liftoff from India’s Integrated Test Range(ITR) at Wheeler Island at the eastern state of Orissa.
Agni II Plus is a two-stage solid fuelled missile, the most advanced version of India’s surface-to-surface medium range Agni missile, designed to carry nuclear warheads. This model has a maximum range of 3,000 km, 20% beyond the current range of the Agni II Prime (2000-2500 km), while carrying a heavier warhead. It solid-fuel propulsion system is believed to be more efficient and, with the introduction of improved navigation system, is promising to be more accurate.
This is the missile second launch failure in recent months, after another nuclear capable Indian missile Prithvi-II failed to take off during a test fire on September 24. Two test flight of Agni II missile failed last year (May and November 2009). An Agni-I missile was successfully test fired in October 2010.
The Agni missiles family is being developed by India’s Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) as a deterrent against nuclear-armed neighbors such as Pakistan and China.
The recent Agni II Plus test is one of several test launches of indigenous Indian missiles scheduled by DRDO for the upcoming weeks. Two previous launches – an Agni I and Brahmos Block III missiles were successful. Another Agni II Prime is scheduled for launch next month, in addition to a fourth attempt to launch the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) missile, intercepting a ballistic missile target. The previous test was scheduled in March 2010 but at the time the missile failed to take off.
The Aeropak fuel cell system recently tested with Elbit System's Skylark 1LE could double the mission endurance of this electrically powered mini UAV. Photo: Elbit Systems
Elbit Systems has tested the Aeropak fuel cell system with a Skylark I-LE mini-UAV. The suitability of the fuel cell as a power supply for UAVs evaluated in the recent test was conducted in Israel, using an operationally configured system carrying full mission payload (comprising of a stabilized EO payload, avionics and communications datalink). According to Singapore based Horizon, the fuel-cell powered Skylark I-LE is expected to double the current endurance (around 3 hours), delivering 900Wh net usable energy per liter of fuel.
The Aeropak fuel cell system recently tested with Elbit System's Skylark 1LE could double the mission endurance of this electrically powered mini UAV. Photo: Elbit Systems
Simulating real battlefield conditions and an actual payload in order to test the operational mission performance of the new fuel cell technology, Skylark’s new AEROPAK-enabled propulsion system was subjected to a number of operating scenarios. Tests included repeated take-offs and abrupt landings on various terrains, to determine the fuel cell’s durability and ruggedness, withstand rough landing impact. The UAS was also flown in windy and turbulent weather to gauge the fuel cell’s capability to sustain continuous high power drain from the aircraft’s motor. The Skylark I-LE system is currently operated with the Israel Defense forces ‘Skyrider’ unit, and with several international military users.
Designed as a drop-in replacement for lithium-polymer battery packs used in 5-10kg class UAVs, Horizon’s standard first generation AEROPAK is capable of delivering 600W peak power and 900Wh net usable energy, at less than 2kg total system weight. It uses hot-swappable cartridges that eliminate the need for battery chargers in the field.
The Aeropak fuel sell system has already been demonstrated on several mini-UAVs. The fuel cell has doubled the mission endurance of the Israeli IAI Birdeye 650LE from three to six hours, while the endurance of the South Korean RemoEye-006 experimental mini-UAV was increased from 2 hours to five, using Aeropak energy source.
The gimbaled multisensor that is the visible component of Northrop Grumman's new Airborne Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Minefield Detection System (ASTAMIDS) as mounted below the nose of Northrop Grumman's MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Unmanned Air System helicopter. ASTAMIDS is being developed for the Army under its Countermeasures and Explosive Ordnance Devices and Command and Control Systems program offices. Photo: Northrop Grumman
An airborne electro-optical laser sensor designed to detect minefields has demonstrated the ability to detect simulated improvised explosive devices. The Airborne Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Minefield Detection System (ASTAMIDS) developed by Northrop Grumman, demonstrated this capability during an Army evaluation of the new system. The system was flown on the MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aerial system.
The Northrop Grumman Airborne Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Minefield Detection System (ASTAMIDS) flew for the first time aboard an unmanned air vehicle on Friday, Sept. 12, 2008. It was taken aloft by a company-owned MQ-8B Fire Scout. ASTAMIDS is being developed for the Army under its Countermeasures and Explosive Ordnance Devices and Command and Control Systems program offices. Photo: Northrop Grumman.
ASTAMIDS combines multi-spectral electro-optical sensors employing different sensing methods, including texture analysis and change detection, to spot recently buried objects suspected as mines or IEDs. In addition to its primary counter-mine and counter-IED mission ASTAMIDS also provides reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition capability. The system’s laser can also designate targets for laser guided munitions. Under the Army evaluation the system successfully designated targets for three Hellfire missiles.
Through a recent test series conducted in September 2010, ASTAMIDS flew 12 missions on an Army UH-1 and the Northrop Grumman owned MQ-8B unmanned vehicle. These flight tests evaluated the system’s C-IED nadir step stare, off-nadir road following and large area precision mapping capabilities.
These capabilities were supported by the new ‘ASTAMIDS Ground Exploitation Station’ (AGES), integrated with the systems’ ground control segment for the test. AGES processed streaming telemetry data obtained from the airborne sensor, enabling operators to identify target locations in near real-time.
The core of the system is the gimbaled, lightweight, multi-spectral, electro-optical and infrared imaging sensor designed to be flown on both manned and unmanned aircraft. The airborne payload weighs about 36 kg (80 pounds). Integrated with AGES processors and software, the system detects, locates and identifies ground targets, minefields, obstacles and IEDs, determines ranges to ground targets, and, as proven in the tests, designates targets for attack by laser-guided munitions.
According to the U.S. Army PM Close Combat Systems, “ASTAMIDS will give Army Brigade Combat Teams unprecedented situational awareness and target designation capabilities.” The near-real time response of the system is critical for counter-IED missions, as it provides warfighters with actionable intelligence minutes after a specific area is analyzed.
“These tests proved we’ve achieved our goal with ASTAMIDS – we can identify ground threats and deliver targeting-quality data to adjacent warfighters to destroy the threats and do that in near real time” said Dan Chang, Northrop Grumman vice president of Maritime and Tactical Systems.
The gimbaled multisensor that is the visible component of Northrop Grumman's new Airborne Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Minefield Detection System (ASTAMIDS) as mounted below the nose of Northrop Grumman's MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Unmanned Air System helicopter. ASTAMIDS is being developed for the Army under its Countermeasures and Explosive Ordnance Devices and Command and Control Systems program offices. Photo: Northrop Grumman
This modernized Stryker was displayed with the Javelin missile attached to its CROWS weapon station at AUSA 2007 exhibition. Photo: Defense Update
Integration of the FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile with the U.S. Army Kongsberg Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS II) is underway. The first firing test was conducted recently by Javelin Joint Venture – the missile manufacturer with three Javelin missiles fired from the CROWS II station, mounted on a Stryker Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) in a near-tactical configuration.
The missiles impacted their targets at 500 and 1,000 meters (1,640 and 3,280 feet) downrange, confirming the successful integration of the combined system. The integration comprises a new launch box installed in the vehicle, interfacing the fire control unit and remote weapon system.
This modernized Stryker was displayed with the Javelin missile attached to its CROWS weapon station at AUSA 2007 exhibition. Photo: Defense Update
“The integration of the Javelin Weapon System with the Stryker IFV will give a precision fire capability that is organic and immediately available to the warfighter,” said Duane Gooden, program director of Raytheon’s Javelin program and president of the Javelin Joint Venture. “This enables soldiers to stay protected inside the Stryker while still employing Javelin against a broad array of targets.”
The infantry squad carried by the Stryker IFV has been equipped with Javelin missiles since the Stryker’s fielding but the missiles firing was conducted in a dismounted or manual method, requiring exposure of the missile operator.
The Javelin integration is part of a comprehensive upgrade program proposed for the CROWS II as part of the Stryker’s lethality upgrade program. This capability is considered as part of increment I, to include the introduction of gun shot detection system and ‘slew to cue’ function reload under armor, non-line of sight and far target location / handoff capability.
Next Month, Unmanned K-MAX to Begin Operations in Afghanistan. Photo: Lockheed Martin
The U.S. Navy decided to split the cargo unmanned aircraft (Cargo-UAV) between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, splitting $75.7 million between the two teams. Lockheed Martin received $45.8 million while the Boeing/Frontier team received $29.9 million. The contracts provide funding for the development and fielding of two Cargo UAS systems and three ground control systems, plus option for six months of cargo delivery services in support of Marine Corps forces in Afghanistan.
The Navy plans to use these Cargo UAVs to augment ground and air logistics operations, supplement rotary-wing assets and reduce warfighters’ exposure to Improved Explosive Devices in theater.
Lockheed Martin and Kaman are also competing on the U.S. Marine C-UAS program, proposing the manner/unmanned capable K-Max helicopter from Kaman. Photo: Lockheed Martin
In order to meet the operational needs of the Marine Corps, the Navy made a decision to award two contracts to reduce potential deployment delays and inability to meet performance requirements. The Navy will conduct a QRA in summer 2011 to prove systems’ ability to sustain cargo-carrying capability in an operational environment. Immediately following a successful Quick Reaction Assessment (QRA), one contractor’s in-country service option will be exercised and their system will deploy to OEF. The Navy intends to field Cargo UAS in fall 2011 for a six-month deployment. After the initial deployment, Navy and Marine Corps leadership will assess the value of the capability and determine if an extension or re-compete contract should be pursued.
“We are trying to get this much needed capability to the warfighter as quickly as possible,” said Rear Adm. Bill Shannon, Program Executive Officer for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons. “By evaluating two different systems, we have the ability to accelerate development of technology and use it immediately to support the warfighter while maintaining competition.”
According to Capt. Tim Dunigan, Program Manager for Navy and Marine Corps Multi-Mission Tactical Unmanned Air Systems (PMA-266), the Navy intends to deploy only one system after a successful QRA, but could be keeping the second system for future operational missions and/or science and technology development, should it also meet performance requirements.
A Russian Proton-M rocket failed to launch three Glonass satellites into orbit today. The Proton-M carrier launcher, took off from the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan riding on a DM-3 booster, went off course by 8 degrees. The DM-3 booster with three Glonass-M satellites landed northwest of Hawaii. The satellites failed to reach their planned orbit. Glonass is the Russian equivalent of a U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS). The network requires 18 operational satellites for continuous navigation services covering the entire territory of Russia and at least 24 satellites to provide navigation services worldwide. Currently 26 satellites are in orbit, but three of them are inoperable. The recent launch was scheduled to replace those inactive satellites and maintain reserve assets providing for some redundancy.
Russia is planning to revamp its Glonass-M network with eight new satellites to be launched into orbit in the 2011-2013 time frame, to ensure the effective operation of the satellite navigation network. The network operator, Information Satellite Systems (ISS) company is already developing the next generation ‘Glonass-K’ satellite, which will have a lifetime of 10 to 12 years. It will also be lighter, weighing about 750 kg each. These satellites will gradually replace the Glonass-Ms currently employed with the network.
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® and XTEND have achieved a major milestone in JADC2 by integrating the XOS operating system with the MDCX™ autonomy platform. This technical breakthrough enables a single operator to simultaneously command multiple drone classes, eliminating the friction of mission handoffs. From "marsupial" drone deployments to operating in GPS-denied environments, explore how this collaboration is abbreviating the data-to-decision timeline and redefining autonomous mission execution.
As traditional defense primes face mounting competition from agile “neoprimes” such as Anduril, Palantir and Helsing, the balance of innovation is shifting toward software-defined warfare and scalable, dual-use technologies, while global industry consolidation—marked by Boeing’s integration of Spirit AeroSystems and other strategic mergers—signals an intensified race to secure control over the defense technology value chain. Our Defense-Tech weekly report highlights these trends.
In early October 2025, a coordinated wave of unmanned aerial system (UAS) incursions—widely attributed to Russia—targeted critical infrastructure across at least ten European nations. The unprecedented campaign exposed the fragility of Europe’s air defenses...
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The past week (September 18-25, 2025) represents an inflection point where strategic defense concepts have transitioned from doctrine to tangible reality. An analysis of global events reveals four primary, interconnected trends shaping an...
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The Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE) 2025 crystallized around four dominant strategic themes that collectively illustrate Taiwan's comprehensive approach to defense modernization amid escalating regional tensions. Based on a detailed report by Pleronix (available upon request). Includes a Podcast discussion on TADTE 2025's highlighting Taiwan's four strategic themes beyond the post's coverage.
Israel’s Iron Beam 450 high-power laser system has completed final testing, marking a major leap in air defense. Developed by Rafael, it offers precise, cost-effective interception of rockets, UAVs, and mortars, and is set for IDF deployment by 2025.
India and France are intensifying their cooperation in defence and security sector, expanding ongoing aerospace activities to anti-piracy, maritime security and air defense fields.
