The German Army Puma armored infantry fighting vehicle showing the MUSS system elements with jammer mounted on top of the commander's sight,one of four sensors on the side and smoke launchers at the rear. The Puma was display by PSM at Eurosatory 2018
The HENSOLDT company has delivered the 300th active protection system (soft kill) equipping the German Puma infantry fighting vehicle. In total, the company is under contract to deliver 342 MUSS equipment sets by 2020 to PSM, the vehicle manufacturing JV.
MUSS has also been selected for testing by the UK Defense Science & Technology Lab (DSTL) under the MEDUSA APS study, delivered by QinetiQ in the UK and Australia. In addition, MUSS was successfully integrated by BAE Systems onto its version for the British Army Challenger 2 MBT modernization capability and extensively trialed by serving British Army personnel during the Op User Trials.
Similar defensive aid systems (DAS) used on aircraft and helicopters, soft-kill APS such as MUSS increase the platform’s level of protection without adding significant weight. MUSS drastically reduces the likelihood of a hit by antitank guided missiles or laser-guided ammunition. It achieves a level of protection which is not possible for the same total weight with passive armor while avoiding collateral damage.
Elix-IR threat detection sensors are part of the new protection system for the RAF Shadow R1. Photo: Defense-Update
The UK Ministry of Defence has chosen Leonardo/Thales protection system to protect the RAF Shadow ISTAR fleet. This single-source selection by the MOD follows the recent SALT III international trials hosted by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration in Sweden. There, the integrated Miysis/Elix-IR system, using a jamming waveform developed by the UK MOD’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, proved its ability to defeat Infra-Red missiles in live-fire exercises.
The UK Ministry of Defence has chosen Leonardo and Thales, under a single-source procurement, to deliver an integrated Defensive Aids System (DAS) under an Urgent Capability Requirement, equipping the eight RAF King Air 350CER Shadow R1 aircraft. The new system will enhance the protection of those intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft that have been exposed to advanced, latest generation heat-seeking man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) and another surface to air threats. The UCR will be delivered by a combined MOD/Leonardo/Thales team under a Leonardo prime systems integration contract, with the equipment being integrated with the platform by Raytheon UK. Initial Operating Capability is targeted for early 2021.
The suite consists of a combination of four elements – a threat warning and defensive aids system, comprising a DIRCM and countermeasures dispenser. Thales’ Elix-IR threat warning system was selected, with the Miysis Directed Infra-Red Countermeasure (DIRCM) from Leonardo and the Vicon countermeasure dispensing system, also from Thales.
Elix-IR is constantly on the lookout for missile and gunfire threats, providing long-range, rapid and accurately-located alerts when they occur.
The DAS Controller is able to assess multiple threats to the aircraft and prioritize the appropriate response using the Countermeasure Dispensing System (CMDS) and Miysis DIRCM.
The Miysis DIRCM from Leonardo provides an agile and effective countermeasure against most known heat seeking missiles. It operates with flare dispensers providing the conventional countermeasures against such missiles.
The dual-head fit of the Miysis DIRCM provides 360-degree protection and the ability to defeat multiple threats simultaneously by accurately directing a jamming laser onto the missile’s seeker, confusing its guidance system and steering the missile away from the aircraft. The integrated and optimized threat-warning/threat-defeat chain ensures that sequential incoming missiles are thwarted quickly and effectively.
The British Royal Air Force (RAF) has selected Leonardo to support the next stage of their research and development program, exploring the current and future threat posed by hostile drones, and evaluating a range of technologies for counter-drone capability. The three-year program will commence in early 2020. Leonardo counter-drone technology has already seen use with the RAF and is under contract for the Italian Army and Air Force. In 2018 and 2019, following drone sightings at Gatwick and Heathrow airports, elements of Leonardo’s counter-drone technology were deployed by the RAF to allow airport operations to resume.
The rapidly evolving drone industry rapidly creates a significant challenge for organizations which need to secure themselves against the misuse of such aircraft. The RAF’s research program will inform how the Air Force will respond to current and future threats, and keep pace with technology over time, examining how operators will be able to detect, track, identify and defeat rogue drones. The study will help the RAF understand the requirements for a potential future core capability which will be able to respond to the rapidly-evolving threats posed by hostile drones.
The RAF’s research program will draw on this experience and build on previous collaborative C-UAS research to understand and meet the threat of rogue drones. In the long-run, the research and development program will help understand and inform requirements for a core RAF counter-drone capability, which would then be used to protect RAF Bases.
Covering 60 degrees by 10, POPSTAR is mounted on a gimballed base that enables the system to cover up to 180 degrees in high elevations. Photo: IAI
An electro-optical passive surveillance system designed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is the latest sensor innovation developed by Israel’s defense industries in their effort to contain the cross-border harassment by Palestinians militants in Gaza.
What began as innocent kites and balloons carrying messages, gradually turned to arson attacks using lighter than air incendiary devices, booby traps transferred over the border by balloons and, most recently, multirotor drones hacked into ‘flying IEDs’. All these threats utilize a known gap in situational awareness, that, until now, ignored small, slow and low targets that appeared to be what they should be – birds, balloons, kites or small drones operated by hobbyists, not improvised aerial weapons.
Named as innocent as the targets it is designed to detect, ‘POPSTAR’ uses passive EOIR sensors to automatically detect and track small, flying or moving targets in the air and on the ground, track those targets and designate the targets deemed suspicious and dangerous for engagement by countermeasures or weapons. Using multiple high-resolution cameras operating in the visual, low-light and IR, POPSTAR performs continuous surveillance of a wide area, in daylight and at night. The system successfully completed an operational evaluation and was demonstrated to customers in Israel and abroad.
High Mobility Integrated Fires Capability demo on HMT Extenda: Photo: Supacat
Supacat, Rheinmetall Defence and SCISYS have partnered to showcase at DSEI 2019 the ‘High Mobility Integrated Fires Capability’. A mobile fire support capability for light forces, the partnership demonstrates the system on a Supacat’s 6×6 HMT platform mounted with Rheinmetall’s MWS81 mortar system. The target acquisition and integrated fire support platform is networked with SCISYS GVA compliant platform and mission software.
The weapon benefits from the superior off-road performance of the HMT, which allow users to conduct high tempo operations and deliver indirect fire from off-road firing positions. The vehicle on display is Supacat’s HMT Extenda Mk2 Special Forces vehicle, which is made its show debut at the show.
The MWS81 mortar, used here for its first integration on a light vehicle, allows for rapid entry into firing position. The system integrates the Vingmate sight, providing target acquisition, and self-location during day and night, with targets being shared over the battlespace data network enabling Support Weapon effects to be directed precisely onto targets.
The SCISYS developed GVA compliant platform and mission software shares data and video around the platform to each crew member’s display and into the battlespace networks, enhancing shared situational awareness and speed of decision making. The displays are supplied by Leonardo. “This enhanced capability is a first for light forces and offers a solution to a number of potential requirements among the green army and Special Forces”, said Phil Applegarth, Head of Supacat.
Hybrid, Optionally Manned Autonomous ATMP
On a different venture, Supacat experiments with an optionally manned and autonomous hybrid vehicle, designed for extreme off-road mobility. The Technology Demonstrator (TD) addresses logistical requirements of dismounted forces, deployed in remote areas where vehicles are required to move in rough terrain and unpredictable routes. The Technology Demonstrator uses the Supacat All Terrain Mobility Platform (ATMP), as its base vehicle. The hybrid vehicle retains the ATMP payload carrying capacity of up to 1,600g.
The company plans to demonstrate the new vehicle’s performance at its Devon facility over the next six months and is actively seeking new mission challenges that will benchmark its performance and level of autonomy in conducting realistic tasks.
Supacat developed the TD in collaboration with the University of Exeter as part of an Innovate UK-supported Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). “We have focussed our efforts on designing open system architectures, allowing extensive use of commercial off the shelf (COTS) components, which we see as key to a successful and sustainable military solution in a rapidly evolving technology sector”, explains Steve Austen, Engineering Director of Supacat parent, SC Group. “Our approach uses a common electric drivetrain, each of which can be customized through different powering options depending on the mission, range, payload, and operating environment.
“We are exploring, developing and incorporating autonomous technologies in a way that will permit the level of collaboration and control from human to vehicle or from vehicle to vehicle to be altered depending on the complexity of the work being undertaken. “Few autonomous vehicle projects focus on highly technical off-road terrain. The challenge here is to manage and reduce the volume of data needed about the unpredictable non-linear environment around the vehicle to assure effective, safe and predictable performance without having to import and export masses of data from it”, Austen noted.
The ‘optionally manned’ demonstrator utilizes a terrain detection and response system for enhanced mobility and optimized endurance, an object categorization, and response system for obstacle clearance or avoidance during technical off-road driving, which can be tailored to the capabilities of the vehicle, driver or a remote operator, and a path planning and motion behavior system using simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) for the navigation of lead and follow on vehicles. Use of Machine Learning, supported by Neural Networks will continue to allow the system to develop and be adapted to different off-road vehicles and applications.
A mission profile could be a mixture of on-road and off-road operations, with a need for silent operation for a percentage of the time. The proportion of these components will determine whether series or parallel hybrid options are employed, or if full electric propulsion is needed. Photo: SupacatAs battery or fuel cell technology advances and diesel engine development responds to legislation, these options will blend into the ATMP. Photo: Supacat
Two satellite images taken before and after the attack show the amount of damage caused to fortified structures protected by earth revetments. Photo; ISI
Few days after Fox News reported about extensive construction of a new military base near the Syrian border crossing at Albukamal-Al-Qaim, the site suffered an airstrike that destroyed some of the site’s protected structures, allegedly providing forward storage for Iranian ballistic missiles. The new site, like others, that recently struck in Iraq and Syria, was manned by the Iranian sponsored Popular Mobilization Force (PMF).
An intelligence report backed by satellite images released by Imagesat International indicates extensive damage at the base, located five kilometers to the official border crossing of Albukamal-Al-Qaim, on the Syrian-Iraqi border. The satellite images were taken on the morning following the attack, show damages in two storage areas. Some of the structures have been completed, others were under construction. Some of the targets indicate marks of residual fires caused by ordnance or ammunition.
According to Fox News, the facility would be used to house thousands of troops. The classified Iranian project, called the Imam Ali compound, was approved by the top leadership in Tehran and is being completed by the Iranian al-Quds Forces. Using a civilian satellite company, Fox News verified the information and obtained images that show a base being constructed on the Syria-Iraq border.
If indeed it is an Iranian base, it is probable that the strike is part of the struggle with Tehran to prevent the establishment of a land corridor from Iran to its allies in Syria and Lebanon.
Some of the recent attacks attributed to Israel, along the Iranian ‘land bridge’ from Iran to Lebanon. Map: ISI
Fox quoted analysts at Image Sat International (ISI) who reviewed the images say that precision-guided missiles could be housed at five different newly constructed buildings that are surrounded by large dirt mounds. Other facilities, located in the northwest part of the base, have less external protection. The analysts said that construction could be completed over the next few months and the base would be operational shortly after.
On the night of September 8-9, an air attack was directed at the base, destroying some of the heavily protected storage facilities likely prepared for the missiles. Local observers reported several people were killed in that attack. Since mid-July, five arms depots and training camps belonging to the Popular Mobilization Forces have been targeted in apparent attacks. The PMF has blamed both Israel and the US for the recent string of blasts and drone sightings at its bases but Israel and the US have not responded to these allegations.
A satellite image showing the general area of Abulkamal al Qiam, both new (not yet operational) Syrian facility and nearby Iranian installation, also under construction. Photo: ISIThe second target group at Abulkamal al Qiam, struck on the night of 8-9 September. Photo: ISI
A tank destroyer platform based on the K9, carrying 24 Brimstone missiles. Photo: MBDA
MBDA and the Polish defense enterprise PGZ have unveiled at MSPO 2019 two configurations of tracked tank destroyers armed with Brimstone precision strike missiles. The initiative comes in response to Poland’s requirement for a Tank Destroyer able to counter massed armor formations on its Eastern border with Russia. The Polish Army currently operates BRDM-2 wheeled vehicles carrying four 9P133 Malyutka (Sagger) remotely controlled anti-tank missiles.
These vehicle and missiles are both considered obsolete, as the engage targets at short range (up to three kilometers) and require continuous guidance, making the launch platform extremely vulnerable. The tank destroyer destined to replace these assets would be able to engage targets beyond line-of-sight and at extended range, thus covering a larger area with improved survivability and combat effectiveness. HSW and Obrum have both announced plans to compete for this opportunity.
The two variants introduced with the recent announcement include tracked vehicles carrying 12-24 missiles in self-contained launch modules carrying multiple missiles. One platform is the BWP-1, based on a locally modernized BMP-1 Puma modernized infantry fighting vehicle. This vehicle carries one launch module containing two stacks of six missiles (for a total of 12 missiles). The launcher is elevated before launch, providing optimal position for line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight engagement.
The BWP-1 tank destroyer platform proposed by PGZ carries 12 Brimstone missiles. Photo: MBDA
Another platform provided by HSW SA and Obrun is the K9 chassis used with the Krab self-propelled howitzer. This larger vehicle accommodates three launch modules containing eight missiles each (for a total 24 missile count). The missiles rely on targeting data relayed to the vehicle over standard secure military networks, fully interoperable with NATO. The Brimstone supports long-range, all-weather performance, against stationary and moving targets. It has the ability to defeat targets defended by active protection systems (APS), by using salvo-firing.
Other candidates for the tank-destroyer program at MSPO2019:
According to MBDA, the flexible integration and ease of integration with the existing Polish targeting systems make multiple types of Polish platforms available for the Brimstone integration in various configurations. These including platforms from WZM SA, HSW SA, and Obrum.
“Pairing the combat-proven MBDA Brimstone missile with the diverse range of current and future Polish platforms provides the ability to deliver rapid military capability for Poland and for wider markets, whilst strengthening our co-operation with PGZ Group on missiles.” Adrian Monks, MBDA Sales Director in Poland, said. On that occasion, PGZ Companies and MBDA have signed a statement of co-operation to confirm readiness to co-operate on offering this solution to Poland and export markets. Under the agreement, MBDAs is ready to transfer Brimstone missile technology and know-how to Poland, with MESKO SA to be responsible for missile production.
According to Monks, Brimstone’s flexible platform approach provides armed forces users with a “one missile, multiple platform” capability, for surface launch, fast jet, remotely piloted air systems (RPAS), attack helicopter, land, and maritime platforms, all utilizing the same missile.
Widely used in recent combat by coalition forces in Syria, Libya, and Afghanistan, Brimstone has proved to deliver effective, surgical strikes in time and collateral critical missions.
Designed with a friendly, ’Point & Shoot’ interface developed by General Robotics, managing the robot inside a building is simple and intuitive. Photo: General Robotics by Oren Cohen
General Robotics brings the new Dogo Mk II tactical robot to DSEI 2019. The new robot is optimized to assist SWAT teams and close-quarters combat (CQB), inside buildings and underground. With a faster Point & Shoot interface, DOGO can accurately move, designate and use lethal or non-lethal means simply by clicking on the screen.
According to Shahar Gal, CEO of General Robotics, until now the robotics market was dominated by robots that were designed to handle explosives (EOD). “Technological advancements now make robots more responsive, accurate and lethal without compromising safety.”
According to Gal, DOGO is used by special forces and SWAT and close quarter combat (CQB) operators, as a means of surveillance and as a pioneer, sent into a fatal funnel to provide situational awareness and remote engagement capability thus increase the survivability of the entire team. Until DOGO, the only way to obtain such capabilities was to send a team member into the potentially deadly situation, risking them suffering enemy and friendly fire.
Weighing 12 kg, Dogo Mk II has two front extenders, enabling it to overcome obstacles and stairs, using a stair climbing mechanism. Photo: General Robotics
Designed with a friendly, ’Point & Shoot’ interface developed by General Robotics, managing the robot inside a building is simple and intuitive. I was able to control the robot across several rooms and corridors, spot and track targets and shoot, after a few minutes of training.
Weighing 12 kg, Dogo Mk II has two front extenders, enabling it to overcome obstacles and stairs, using a stair climbing mechanism. The robot includes eight video cameras that provide 360° live video and boresight views and can communicate in hostage situations. As an unmanned element spearheading the assault team Dogo Mk II can be equipped to carry both non-lethal pepper spray, or dazzling light module attachments, effective at a range of five to 10 meters.
DOGO MK II It also retains the integral pistol mount, enabling the user to engage targets with lethal fire. Photo: Defense-Update
It also retains its integral pistol mount, enabling the user to engage targets with lethal fire. DOGO also has a built-in loudspeaker and mike to enable the combat team to picket and negotiate with the suspect or hostages. The robot uses a laser designator and Near IR illumination to operate in dark or underground spaces.
According to Gal, DOGO Mark II has already been delivered to special forces among which are NATO members and has been pre-ordered by several other customers.
The dazzler is effective particularly in a dark enclosure’ using high-intensity flashing light and noise to distract a target at distances up to 10 meters. Photo: Defense-UpdateThe pepper spray non-lethal effect module is effective to five meters. Photo: Defense-Update
Rheinmetall has partnered with WB GROUP of Poland to provide dismounted troops with high precision strike capabilities using loitering munitions, by integrating Rheinmetall's 8x8 all-terrain Mission Master UGV with WB's WARMATE Loitering Munition System. Photo: Rheinmetall
Rheinmetall has partnered with WB GROUP of Poland to provide dismounted troops with high precision strike capabilities using loitering munitions. Rheinmetall and WB are displaying a new version of Rheinmetall’s 8×8 all-terrain Mission Master UGV carrying the WARMATE Loitering Munition System. Operators can command both the Mission Master UGV and the WARMATE, from a mobile ground control station. Rheinmetall Command and Control Software can be installed in the user’s battle management system, including the standard handheld control unit, used with the Rheinmetall’s Argus.
Rheinmetall has already integrated rocket launchers and a remotely operated weapon station on the Mission-Master. The addition of WARMATE micro combat unmanned air vehicle (UAV) opens up a range of new offensive and observation capabilities.
As an unmanned aerial observation platform Warmate can be used for scanning the battlefield, detecting and determining exact enemy positions. Using the system in its loitering weapon capacity, users can pursue and attack those targets. When an attack is aborted, the WARMATE can be recalled, continue loitering, or be directed at another target.
Given the Mission Master’s payload capacity, the UGV can be loaded with six WARMATE launch tubes that can be used in individual attacks or as a coordinated ‘flock’ of guided loitering munitions.
“The use of micro combat UAVs on our Mission Master UGVs is an incredible opportunity for ground commanders,” says Alain Tremblay, Rheinmetall
Canada’s vice-president for business development. “Being able to observe hidden targets and conduct precise identification before initiating a surgical strike with minimal collateral damage is a real tactical advantage on today’s battlefield. And since both the Mission Master and the WARMATE are able to conduct certain autonomous operations, it reduces the number of military personal required and lets troops focus on mission success”, explains Tremblay.
Magnification of the image showing some of the S-400 radars. Photo: ISI
ImageSat International – ISI released today an intelligence report indicating what seems to be the first deployment of the new Turkish S-400 air defense unit. The deployment spotted on August 29, 2019, at Murted Akinci airbase in Ankara shows the S-400 battery in an operational mode deployment, including radars (‘Grave Stone’ engagement radar and ‘Cheese Board’ early warning and primary acquisition and ‘Big Bird’ acquisition radars), communications equipment, and missile launchers (on this event the launchers were not loaded with missile canisters). The first shipment of the S-400 unit was delivered by Russia in July, followed by a second shipment delivered in late August. According to the ISI intelligence assessment, the deployment at the airbase could be a trial before the unit is delivered to its permanent site. Photos and report Courtesy of: ImageSat International – ISI
Magnification of the image showing some of the S-400 radars. Photo: ISI
RADA's eCHR is seen here with Elbit Systems' COPAS remotely controlled weapon sights, peripheral cameras for local situational awareness, and SupervisIR wide area persistent surveillance IR system.
RADA unveils at DSEI 2019 two new radars addressing the acute threats that land forces are facing in the modern battlefield. Both radars – the aCHR and xMHR, provide the central sensor element in mobile active protection capabilities – both APS and mobile SHORAD, are based on the company’s modular software-defined radar platform.
Optimized for APS, VPS and HFD applications, RADA’s aCHR comes as an armor-protected sensor designed to survive harsh battlefield conditions. Photo: RADA
The ‘advanced Compact Hemispheric Radar’ – aCHR, is a part of active protection systems (APS) representing the company’s most advanced radar platform for APS, vehicle protection systems, and Hostile Fire Detection (HFD) solutions. “The demand requirements include high accuracies, multi-mission, operation under a cluttered and saturated environment, low probability of detection, ballistic protection, and other high-end requirements.” Dov Sella, RADA CEO said.
RADA’s new extended multi-mission hemispheric radar (xMHR) is designed for land-mobile air defense applications such as the mobile C-RAM/SHORAD capability represented by this IDOME system from Rafael.
The ‘extended Multi-mission Hemispheric Radar’ – xMHR, is RADA’s next-generation radar platform for Mobile Short-Range Air Defense (MSHORAD) solutions for the maneuver force, providing enhanced fire control and air surveillance capabilities. In view of current and future tactical threats on the maneuver force, including short-range indirect fires and drones, the MSHORAD is a revived critical need among western forces, mainly the USA and NATO. The xMHR is broadening RADA’s family of on-the-move, multi-mission hemispheric radars, comprised of the drum-shaped MHR and ieMHR, that have been well accepted in numerous C-UAS and mobile-VSHORAD applications.
Dov Sella, RADA CEO, commented, “in recent years RADA has taken a leading role in the new and emerging market of tactical radars for the maneuver force, introducing software-defined radar platforms, showing a superior performance-to-price ratio and extreme maturity in battlefield conditions. This was achieved through anticipation of market needs and heavy investment in R&D efforts. We are committed to maintaining and further building our leadership in the market segments of APS/VPS and MSHORAD, as demonstrated by the introduction of these cutting-edge new radar platforms and additional ongoing new developments”.
Lockheed Martin and Dynetics Technical Solutions (DTS) have both won contracts to develop and supply hypersonic weapon systems to the US Army. Lockheed Martin will be the prime contractor for the land-mobile Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) system, while Dynetics primes the development and integration of the arrow-shaped Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) the LRHW carries.
A flight test of the Advanced Hypersonic Weapon (AHW) concept in November 2011. The Army has since combined programs with the Air Force and Navy to develop a joint hypersonic weapon, which will undergo its first flight test next year. Photo: US Army
Hypersonic strike weapons, capable of flying speeds in excess of Mach 5, are a key aspect of the long-range precision fire modernization effort for the Army and the national security strategy to compete with and outpace potential threats. LRHW will be able to travel at speeds of over 1.7 km per second (3,800 mph), dodge above the atmosphere and hit targets anywhere in the world within minutes.
LRHW includes the development of the missile (34.5-inch in diameter) that carries a single C-HGB, and the design and integration of a vertical launcher onto a trailer. Each trailer will carry two canisters. Lockheed Martin won a $352 million contract to develop and build the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) system. The company’s LRHW team includes Dynetics Technical Solutions (DTS), Integration Innovation Inc. (i3), Verity Integrated Systems, Martinez & Turek, and Penta Research. The project work will be located at Lockheed Martin’s Alabama, Colorado, California and Texas facilities and is expected to deliver the first systems for testing in two years.
“Lockheed Martin is driving rapid technical development for these national priority programs,” said Eric Scherff, vice president for Hypersonic Strike Programs for Lockheed Martin Space. “There are natural synergies with our industry teammates. We believe our relationships offer the Army unmatched expertise and put us in the best position to deliver this critical capability to the nation.”
DTS won a separate contract worth $352 million to build the arrow-shaped Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB), which will be the LRHW hypersonic payload and warhead. As a common hypersonic body, C-HGB could be integrated into additional weapon systems as the design and technology mature.
At the recent missile defense symposium held in Huntsville Alabama on August 2019, The US Army plans to deliver the first battery of LRHW by 2023. Lt. General Neil Thurgood, director, Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) said the Army plans to field a prototype LRHW battery under the US Army Strategic Fires Battalion. The new unit will become part of the Army multi-domain task force. Initially, the battalion will be fielded without the live rounds for training purposes in 2022. The unit will operate four transporter erector launcher (TEL) vehicles, each having two launcher-canisters and a battery operations center including eight missiles. The battalion will use the standard Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System 7.0 (AFATDS) artillery command and control system, although more advanced computational tools are expected to be fielded to support the hypervelocity weapons.
Dynetics’ to lead a team to develop the Common Hypersonic Glide Body for the US Army Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon system. Illustration: Dynetics
The Common-Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) is a weapon system that uses a booster rocket motor to accelerate to hypersonic speed and then jettisons the expended rocket booster. The glide body continues to fly at hypersonic speed, bouncing over the upper atmosphere and into space in a series of ‘leaps’, each leap changes the trajectory of the glide body, thus determines the final impact point. Flying at the edge of the atmosphere makes detection and tracking highly difficult, which makes the hypersonic glide body extremely difficult to intercept from. The glide body is designed to survive the extreme temperatures and pressure changes encountered during reentries and deliver its payload on target with high precision.
“The common hypersonic glide body is a vital component in the [US] National Defense Strategy that includes weapons with increased power. Our team is pleased the Army saw that our highly-skilled engineers and technicians can bring this technology rapidly and affordably to the warfighter,” said Steve Cook, DTS President.
Under the contract, DTS will produce 20 glide body assemblies for use by the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and the Missile Defense Agency, with an option for additional quantities. The Navy leads the design of the C-HGB, while the Army will lead production and build a commercial industrial base. This cooperation enables the services to leverage one another’s technologies as much as possible while tailoring them to meet specific design and requirements for air, land, and sea.
Until now, researchers have used hypersonic test vehicles that were manufactured and assembled by hand by expert engineers at research labs. C-HGB intends to move that technology to production, providing the Army with weapon prototypes that can be serially produced, operated and maintained by military personnel.
“We have selected a strong team with varying skillsets to help the U.S. counter the threat from Russian and Chinese advances in hypersonic weapons. Each of these companies will bring decades of experience and will join science and technological capabilities to make a modern prototype and eventually become a program of record,” Cook added.
C-HGB is breaking new grounds in the manufacturing of hypersonic weapon systems. The DTS led team also includes General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. As the prime contractor for the C-HGB, DTS will provide program and supplier management; procurement; assembly, integration, and testing; electrical and mechanical manufacturing; and systems engineering for the C-HGB.
Raytheon will deliver the control, actuation and power-conditioning subassemblies that control the flight of the new common hypersonic glide body. The company will also help assemble and test the glide body.
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems will provide engineering, program management, and production support related to cables, electrical and mechanical manufacturing.
As the prime contractor of the LRHW platform that will eventually carry the glide body, Lockheed Martin also has a role in the manufacturing, assembly, integration, test, systems engineering, and analysis.
In this development, DTS will collaborate with Sandia National Laboratories, for the development and production of the glide body. Sandia is one of the leading authorities in boost-glide hypersonic research, development, and production of glide bodies. In addition, Sandia has recently established an Artificial Intelligence center that will recommend new methods for mission planning.
Sandia is also working on technology solutions for mission planning and flight control for hypersonic weapons. Illustration: Sandia
Such methods will generate flight plans within minutes, instead of months, a semi-autonomous vehicle could self-correct in flight to compensate for unexpected flight conditions or a change in the target’s location. Human monitoring the flight could regain control by turning off the course-correcting function at any time.
Researchers at the lab’s AutonomyNM venture plan to create a computing algorithm designed specifically for high-speed vehicles that compress 12 hours of calculations into a single millisecond, all on a small, onboard computer.
Advanced Hypersonic Weapon has been in development for several years. Sandia National Laboratory has been working on the AHW for several years. AHW made the first launched in November 2011. Illustration: Sandia National Lab
In recent years Russia has gained extensive combat experience using small and tactical drones, particularly in Syria, on reconnaissance, target acquisition, and battle damage assessment. With a growing emphasis on reconnaissance and aerial operations, Russia has increased the role of UAS in the conflict in Crimea and Ukraine and the Syrian war. Since the beginning of operations in Syria, some 70 Russian drones are operating in the country have accumulated 140,000 flight hours in 23,000 sorties.
Although the drones operated in the Syrian theater proved highly effective in those missions, but the Russian forces acknowledge they were trailing behind other nations operating much more capable systems in the theater. These include the U.S. led coalition, Turkey, Iran, and Israel). While operations of small tactical UAS (Orlan 10), and Forpost (a former Israeli Searcher II, now assembled in Russia) proved effective, other nations deployed much larger and more versatile drones in the theater, with wider versatility and better mission effectiveness. Specifically, most of these drones, such as the American MQ-9, Turkish Anka and Bayraktar, and Iranian Shahed 129 are armed, and therefore capable of performing armed-reconnaissance missions, engaging targets of opportunity through quick ‘sensor-to-shooter’ cycles.
Apart of being light and unarmed, Russian drones are also limited in their capabilities – mission endurance, range, and payload versatility, limited their operation to visual flight rule – clear sky, day or night. Those drones are relatively small, are operate at medium to low altitude and do not have the capacity to carry weapons.
Guided and funded by government and industry, the Russian effort to match the capabilities of adversary nations and market competitors is gaining momentum, aiming to improve existing systems and introduce new platforms. This effort represents a major improvement in capabilities, as it leverages Russian knowhow in aeronautical design, radio-electronic, electro-optics, and electronic design, overcoming the inherent limitations of Russian technologies that are denied access to advanced capabilities by the sanctions imposed by the US government.
Following are some of the new and improved platforms based on this combat experience, introduced by Russian companies at the MAKS 2019 exhibition.
Orlan-10 – Over 1,000 units have been fielded and provide the most common UAS operating with Russian military land forces.
A view of the Orion-E at MAKS 2019 showing the multi-sensor payload, pilot view forward camera and upper and lower data links. Photo: Defense-Update
Forpost M – an improved version of Forpost, has an improved EO/IR payload and the capability to carry a maritime and ground surveillance radar, improving the drone’s all-weather capability in maritime and coastal surveillance. Forpost M maintains the wing-span of 8.50 meters but adds two hardpoints supporting weapon carrying of small guided munitions.
Orion-E – has a wing-span of 16 meters it is designed to operate at a maximum altitude of 22,000 ft (7,500 m), and a range of 250 km (300 with enhanced control link) and mission endurance of 24 hours. At a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of one-ton, an Orion-E can carry a payload of 200 kg. More information on Orion is available here.
A view of the Orion-E at MAKS 2019 showing a fire retardant dispersion payload proposed for use on firefighting missions. Photo: Defense-Update
Orion-2 – KT also developed a larger version, known as Orion-2, designed to operate at higher altitudes (up to 40,000 ft). This version will have an MTOW of 5,000 kg carrying one-ton of payload at a speed of 350 km/h. Orion-2 will be able to fly missions exceeding 24 hours, or 5,000 kilometers range using a satellite communications terminal. KT displayed a full-scale model of Orion-2 at MAKS 2019, the company expects to fly the prototype in 2020-2021. According to company officials, most of the airframe and wings of Orion-E and Orion-2 are made composites, both structural and skin elements.
The model displayed at MAKS2019 shows a typical MALE platform powered by a single-engine. A twin-boom design coupled with an inverted V tail, clearing the necessary space for a six-swept-tip blade propeller. The large dorsal air intake and the propeller details indicate the use of a turboprop. The turboprop performs better at high altitude and is believed to offer a better economy, reaching cruising altitude and maybe when descend and ascending several times on a mission.
This side view shows some of the unique features of Orion-2 – the large engine intake, six-blade propeller, and inverted V tail. Photo: Defense-UpdateAltius-M HALE drone shown on a test flight in 2017.
Altius – Since 2011 Sokol (Simonov design bureau) has built three prototypes of the Altius heavy HALE drone also designed for up to 5 to 7-ton MTOW. Operating at an altitude of 40,000 ft (12,000 m) and mission range of 10,000 km. Altius has a high-wing solution with a 28.5-meter span and a V-shaped tail. With the conclusion of the evaluation program, Altius could enter the prototype stage by early 2020.
The Altius HALE UAV is powered by two RED A03 turbocharged diesel engines, each delivering 500 hp.Korsar tactical UAV on Korsar tactical UAV on display at the Army 2019 defense expo at the Patriot Park in Kubinka. Photo
Korsar – a new platform developed from tactical missions as a weaponized combat drone. At a 200 KG MTOW, the drone has a wing-span of 6.5 meters and an inverted V-tail. It is designed for operation at medium-low altitude at a range of 120 km. Korsar is designed to carry several payloads (EO/IR, electronic combat) and weapons on missions of up to 10 hours.
Korsar tactical UAV on display at Army 2019 showing an outsized fairing covering the radar and electronic payload module on the drone. Note heavy duty retractable landing gear enabling the drone to operate from temporary forward fields. Photo: Defense-Update
Frigate – The Kronstadt group has also developed an innovative tilt-rotor drone powered by two propfan units that provide vertical lift for takeoff and landing and transition to forward flight at higher altitude. Dubbed ‘Frigate’ the design also combines the wing and inverted V-tail to form a unique bi-plane configuration that adapts well to the convertible rotor.
A small model of the Frigate drone on display at MAKS 2019. Photo: Defense-Update
Su-70 Okhotnik B – the Russian Sukhoi design bureau has recently flown the UCAV technology demonstrator designed to become an element in a future manned-unmanned team operated by the Russian Air Force. Read our full report here.
Lessons learned through ongoing military operations in Syria are shaping operational concepts, tactics, and technologies employed by the Russian military, and specifically by the Air Force and Naval Aviation.
While the deployment of military equipment decreased over time, the number of personnel rotated to support missions in Syrian increased. About a third of the active personnel of the Russian air defense forces rotated to combat deployment in Syria, two-thirds of the aircrews of strategic air forces, and almost all personnel of the military transport. Su-24 and Su-34 are the two platforms carrying most of the operational burden, with Su-24M flying over half the missions and Su-34 flying 26 percent. The remaining activity performed by Su-25 close air support aircraft, and Su-30 and Su-35 multi-role fighters each type flying about eight percent of the combat missions.
The lessons learned in this conflict shape Russian priorities concerning technology development, procurement and export activities.
One of these priorities is the likely withdrawal from the ‘heavy/light’ platform mix that once ruled the Russian military aerospace market. Light and low-cost fighter jets have always been popular in Russia (and the former Soviet Union), represented by MiG-15, MiG-17, MiG-21, and MiG-29. Heavier, more capable but much more expensive platforms, such as MiG-19, Su-15, MiG-25, Su-27, and MiG-31 provided the core of long-range aviation and air defense capability, tasked to protect the homeland from enemy bombers.
The last generation of ‘heavy/light’ mix was the MiG-29/Su-27. The unification of Russian aerospace industries under the United Aviation Corporation (UAC) brought the long-standing competition between MiG and Sukhoi design bureaus under one roof, thus settling debates at home, rather than at the Ministry of Defense (MOD).
Furthermore, the realization that modern warfare is more about precision and measured effects, rather than grouping large masses are leaning toward the bigger, more sophisticated, versatile and mature Sukhoi (Su-30SM, 35S, and 57), rather than the MiG-35 struggling to complete flight testing and certification. MiG-35 began flight testing in 2018 and expected to complete certification in 2021. The Russian MOD committed to ordering 14, but only six were contracted so far, part of them are destined for state trials and others will eventually replace the MiG-29s of the air forces’ aerobatic team (Swifts). These orders emphasize the Russian reluctance and seem to assist exports. Egypt, Myanmar, and Bangladesh were among the interested countries.
Realizing the political cost of indiscriminate mass attacks, and their questionable outcome, Russian air operations tend to be more precise over the recent years, a trend that further reduced the use of legacy platforms such as Su-24M and Su-25SM. These aircraft were designed for conventional attack with unguided weapons, and their modernization to a level that will support such ordnance would be too costly to pursue. An exception was the installation of SVN-24/SVP-24 weapon delivery systems in Su-24M, Su-25BM, Tu-22M3 and recently in Su-34.
While 4+ and 4++ generation fighters remain the Russian the export priority, the newly exportable Su-57E variant is becoming the most advanced Russian 5Gen fighter, competing for orders from leading air forces that seek advanced 5Gen capabilities.
The export release of Su-57E represents a change of wind in Moscow since both military export agency Rosoboronexport and manufacturer (UAC) positioned 4+/4++ for export rather than the new Su-57 that has yet to match the level of stealth and performance of US and Chinese competitors. The recent commitment to field three air regiments (76 aircraft) with Su-57 by 2028 has marked the Air Forces’ new priority, representing a firm commitment by Moscow with foreign customers shouldering the burden. While the cost of Su-57 has decreased by about 20 percent, fulfilling export orders will enable UAC to maintain cost and achieve the technology level the Russian Air Force expects.
In the past, China and India were both interested in joining the development program, but after few years of cooperation, India lost interest due to lack of transparency by Russia, unwilling to share the aircraft source codes. China has also developed its own 5Gen fighter, the J-20, considered to be superior to the Russian Su-57E.
Such a move could be the introduction of Su-70B Okhotnik UCAV – unmanned combat aerial vehicle an unmanned platform being developed by Sukhoi will join the Su-57 as an unmanned ‘wingman’. The Su-70B prototype has recently begun flight test is expected to become stealthier, and eventually use the same powerplant as the Su-57, thus streamline joint operations with the Su-57.
Another new capability that could be in favor of Su-57 export is having a version of the KH-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile integrated on this platform.
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...
Executive Summary
The past week (September 18-25, 2025) represents an inflection point where strategic defense concepts have transitioned from doctrine to tangible reality. An analysis of global events reveals four primary, interconnected trends shaping an...
At the 2025 Air, Space & Cyber Conference, U.S. Air Force and Space Force leaders unveiled major updates on next-generation fighters, bombers, unmanned systems, and space initiatives, highlighting both rapid innovation and critical readiness challenges as the services race to outpace global competitors. A short version is available here, with a more detailed version for subscribers.
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.
WB Group unveiled its Future Task Force (FTF) at MSPO, a new warfighting concept integrating manned, unmanned, and autonomous systems. Combining hybrid-electric vehicles, loitering munitions, and AI-enabled command tools, the FTF is designed to sustain firepower and autonomy while reducing battalion size and logistical footprint.
