SOF Week 2026: How SOF Operators Are Driving the Future of Battlefield Communications (Video)
At SOF Week 2026, Octane Wireless President Austin Farnham highlighted how direct input from special‑operations forces is shaping the next generation of battlefield communications. The company is rolling out lightweight airborne antennas and ruggedised ground systems to boost performance for military drones and tactical radio networks. Farnham noted a surge in demand for wider bandwidths, multi‑band radios and electromagnetically efficient antennas to cope with increasingly complex operational environments. These innovations aim to deliver more reliable, high‑capacity links for U.S. and allied forces.
Sweden Looks to Commercial World to Meet Military UGV Needs
Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) is expanding its search for small uncrewed ground vehicles (SUGVs) beyond the Milrem Robotics THeMIS prototype, targeting commercial solutions that can carry up to 500 kg across challenging terrain. The procurement call emphasizes reduced operator cognitive...
The Shift Away From Chinese Drone Technology Presents Supplier Opportunities
Countries are increasingly distancing themselves from Chinese drone manufacturers, opening a market for domestic alternatives. Europe is fast‑tracking programs to replace DJI‑based UAVs, while the United States is auditing supply chains to swap out Chinese motors, cameras, batteries and microelectronics....
Are Counter-Drone Systems for Dismounted Troops Emerging as the Next Procurement Battle?
The rise of small drones and loitering munitions is forcing militaries to protect foot soldiers as much as fixed installations. At the Modern Day Marine expo, US Marine Corps officers highlighted the need for a layered counter‑uncrewed aerial system (CUAS)...
UH-60M Black Hawk: Export Demand Underpins $13 Billion Market Opportunity
Sikorsky’s UH‑60M Black Hawk, the latest iteration of its widely used medium‑lift helicopter, is poised to tap a $13 billion global market driven by strong export demand. The platform, in service since 2006, is undergoing modernisation that adds upgraded engines, a...
NATO’s Crystal Arrow Factors in Ukrainian UGV Lessons as European Interest Grows
NATO’s Exercise Crystal Arrow evaluated uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) by incorporating battlefield lessons from Ukraine. The drill featured the Ark‑1 UGV as a one‑way effector and examined platforms such as Milrem’s THeMIS for logistics, reconnaissance, and casualty evacuation. Over 150...
SOF Week 2026: Galvion Unveils Cortex Evo Integrated Combat Helmet
Galvion introduced the Cortex Evo, an intelligent combat helmet that embeds power, data pathways and processing within its ballistic shell. The system consolidates sensing, visual augmentation, audio communication and energy management, eliminating the need for external modules. It can link...
Why Cost-Effective Flexible Networks Are the Key to C-UAS Success
The article argues that cost‑effective, flexible networks are essential for counter‑UAS (C‑UAS) success as traditional layered defenses prove unsustainable against massed drone swarms. Recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Gulf illustrate both economic asymmetry—where inexpensive drones can challenge richer adversaries—and...
MARSOC Selects Upgraded Shark Marine Dive Navigation System
MARSOC has awarded a sole‑source contract for Shark Marine’s Dive Tablet 2, the second‑generation underwater navigation system, to equip its Raider units during combat diving training and missions. The purchase closes a four‑year capability gap by delivering sub‑surface positioning, sonar integration,...
SOF Week 2026: NSW Expands Commercial UxS Push to Maritime Platforms as USASOC Advances FPV Drone Effort
The U.S. Naval Special Warfare (NSW) command has broadened its Commercial Solutions Opening to include uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs), adding maritime platforms to its earlier focus on air‑borne drones. The solicitation calls for reconfigurable, man‑packable...
SOF Week 2026: DroneShield Moves to Double Its Production Capacity in the US
DroneShield’s U.S. subsidiary is accelerating a multimillion‑dollar effort to double its domestic production capacity, cutting the original two‑year timeline by at least four months. The expansion, slated for completion within six to nine months, aims to meet surging demand for...
SOF Week 2026: US Navy USV Completes Record Eight-Day Autonomous Mission
The U.S. Navy’s MARTAC T38 Devil Ray uncrewed surface vessel completed a record‑setting eight‑day autonomous mission, sailing roughly 400 nautical miles and operating continuously for 192 hours without crew or escort. The trial, conducted off California’s coast, demonstrated the USV’s...
NATO Demonstrates Equipment and Prototype Innovations in Crystal Arrow Exercise
NATO’s Crystal Arrow 2026 exercise in northern Latvia combined traditional red‑on‑blue training with live demonstrations of uncrewed ground and aerial vehicles. The event highlighted a new NATO‑run marketplace for counter‑uncrewed aerial system (CUAS) weapons, aiming to simplify cross‑alliance procurement. Baltic...
UK Finally Signs $1.35 Billion British Army Howitzer Deal but with Scaled-Back Numbers
The UK Ministry of Defence has signed a £1 billion (US$1.35 billion) contract for 72 RCH 155 155 mm remote‑controlled self‑propelled howitzers. The purchase expands the British Army’s artillery from 14 Archer SPGs to a fleet five times larger, though still below the 116...
SAHA 2026: Turkey Markets Modular Undersea Systems to European Buyers
At SAHA 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey’s defence sector showcased a new modular undersea platform aimed at European buyers. Datum AŞ, in partnership with Istanbul Technical University, unveiled the Multi‑Purpose Mini Submarine, which completed its first uncrewed dive off Karamürsel on...
Next-Generation Tactical UAS: Advancing European Defence Capabilities
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA‑ASI) unveiled Gambit 6, a next‑generation modular UCAV designed for air‑to‑ground, electronic warfare and SEAD missions, complementing the MQ‑9B fleet already operating in Europe. The Gambit series shares roughly 70% of its components, lowering unit costs and...
Indonesia Strengthens Turkish Defence Ties with Kizilelma Drone Order
Indonesia has signed a deal for 12 Bayraktar Kizilelma unmanned aerial vehicles, with options for an additional 48, creating up to five drone squadrons. The agreement, signed with Baykar and local partner Republikorp, includes domestic production and a maintenance centre,...
Brazil Air Focus: Army Set to Dominate Country’s $631.67 Million UAV Market From 2028
Brazil’s uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) market is projected to reach $631.67 million by 2028, making it the largest in South America. The Brazilian Army is set to lead spending, with a forecast of $279.15 million from 2026, surpassing the Navy’s $227.51 million allocation....
AI-Enhanced Combat Radios: How to Turn Comms Networks Into an EW Advantage
Bittium has teamed up with Finnish AI specialist MarshallAI to embed artificial‑intelligence into its tactical radios, converting them into edge electronic‑warfare (EW) sensors. The Integrated Spectrum Situational Awareness upgrade lets existing radios automatically monitor the spectrum, detect unknown emissions and...
Saab Barracuda Update Prioritises Drone Protection on Modern Battlefield
Sweden’s Saab has expanded its Barracuda camouflage portfolio with two new products aimed at counter‑uncrewed aerial system (CUAS) protection. The additions include a CUAS net designed to shield personnel and equipment from drone‑borne threats and a personal soldier poncho that...
Saab to Begin Delivering New Missile Variant for RBS 70 Air Defence System in 2027
Swedish defense firm Saab Dynamics announced that its upgraded Bolide 2 missile for the RBS 70 short‑range air‑defence system will enter delivery in the second quarter of 2027. The new projectile carries a larger warhead and replaces the copper nose cone with...
SAHA 2026: MKE Sets Its Sights on the Turkish Army’s Self-Propelled Guns
At SAHA 2026, Turkey’s state‑owned defence firm MKE showcased plans to replace the army’s aging self‑propelled howitzers. The Turkish Land Forces currently operate about 750 SPHs, a mix of legacy U.S. models (M44TI, M107, M110) and the domestically‑licensed Firtina, a K9...
Industrial Capacity Under Scrutiny as US Approves Further $8.6 Billion Middle East Arms Sale
The United States approved an $8.6 billion emergency foreign military sales package for Gulf allies as the Middle‑East conflict enters its third month. The deal features a $2.5 billion Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) for Kuwait, designed by Northrop Grumman, alongside additional...
Saab Unveils New Round to Defeat Explosive Reactive Armour
Saab unveiled the HEAT 758, a new high‑explosive anti‑tank round featuring a tandem warhead that defeats explosive reactive armour (ERA) at distances up to 600 meters. The round is fired from the standard Carl‑Gustaf M4 launcher and was demonstrated on 5 May at Saab’s...
Intelligence Innovation: From Data Overload to Decision Advantage (Podcast)
Militaries are shifting focus from data collection to delivering rapid, actionable intelligence. Advances in AI, machine‑learning, and large language models are enabling real‑time sensor fusion across land, sea, air, space and cyber domains, breaking traditional data silos. Rafael’s Director Y and...
HHI Poised to Start Submarine Production in Peru Pending Election Outcome
South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) is poised to begin production of its HDS‑1500 submarine for the Peruvian Navy, pending approval from the new government set to take office in July. The company displayed a model at the Sea...
India’s High-Altitude Logistics Drone Push Drives Demand as BonV Aero Launches Air Orca
BonV Aero has launched Air Orca, a heavy‑lift cargo drone engineered for extreme‑altitude operations, directly targeting the Indian Army’s high‑altitude logistics UAV programme. The Army plans to acquire 570 drones to close last‑mile delivery gaps in Ladakh and western border...
Baykar’s Akinci: Local Participation and Export Freedom Drive $4.63 Billion Success Story
Turkey’s Baykar has turned its Akinci unmanned combat aerial vehicle into a $4.63 billion export success. Launched in 2019 and fielded by the Turkish Armed Forces in 2021, the UCAV relies on domestically produced subsystems, which eases export restrictions. Baykar’s co‑production...
SpearUAV to Deliver 1,000 Loitering Munitions to Extend Armoured Vehicle Capability
Israeli defense firm SpearUAV announced it is manufacturing and delivering approximately 1,000 Viper loitering‑weapon system units. The Viper can be mounted on tracked or wheeled armored vehicles, providing integrated surveillance, target recognition, and strike capability. Its Multi‑Canister Launcher enables battalion‑and‑below...
Lithuania Air Focus: Majority of $235.98 Million Drone Investment to Be Spent Before 2030
Lithuania’s Ministry of Defence has earmarked €200 million (≈ $236 million) for uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) programmes through 2029, with more than $54 million already deployed. The initial spend included a €36 million ($39 million) purchase of three drone systems, notably the home‑grown Hornet XR mini‑fixed‑wing UAV....
SAHA 2026 to Convene the Global Defence Ecosystem
From 5‑9 May 2026, SAHA 2026 will convene the global defence and aerospace community in Istanbul, featuring more than 1,700 exhibitors across a 100,000 sqm floor. The event targets participants from over 120 countries and 53 industry sectors, offering B2B, G2B and G2G meetings,...
Laser Weapon Solutions Are Emerging as Europe Confronts Air Defence Cost Imbalance
European defense planners are turning to laser directed‑energy weapons as a cost‑effective answer to the surge of cheap drones. Traditional missile interceptors, while capable, become prohibitively expensive when used against high‑volume UAVs, a problem highlighted by the Russia‑Ukraine conflict and...
“A Dominant Force”: Empowering Europe’s Airborne ISR in a New Era
Amid rising drone and missile threats, L3Harris is accelerating the conversion of certified business jets into airborne ISR, AEW&C and electronic warfare platforms for NATO members. Its AERIS X family, built on Bombardier Global 6500 and Gulfstream G550 airframes, offers advanced...
ARX Robotics Expands in UK Following British Army Backing for Uncrewed Platforms
German‑based ARX Robotics has opened a manufacturing facility in the United Kingdom to produce its autonomous ground vehicle, the Gereon UGV. The British Army recently placed an order for an undisclosed number of Gereon units to support reconnaissance‑strike experimentation under...
Japan’s Terra Drone Expands Ukrainian Ties to Break Into Global Defence Market
Terra Drone, a Japanese UAV maker, has invested in Ukrainian startup WinnyLab to develop the fixed‑wing Terra A2 interceptor drone, adding long‑range capability beyond its 30 km Terra A1. The partnership follows an earlier tie‑up with Amazing Drones and aims to...
Textron Unveils a Smaller, Low-Cost Variant of the Ripsaw Family of UGVs
Textron Systems and its subsidiary Howe & Howe Technologies introduced the Ripsaw M1, a smaller, lighter and lower‑cost uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) aimed at U.S. Marine Corps littoral missions. Unveiled at the Modern Day Marine 2026 expo on April 28, the M1 is...
What Opportunities Remain for European Airborne Early Warning Requirements?
European air forces are reassessing airborne early‑warning needs as NATO looks to replace its aging AWACS fleet. Saab’s GlobalEye and Airbus’s C295‑based AEW platform have emerged as the leading contenders after the E‑7 Wedgetail programme was shelved. Both manufacturers are...
NHI’s NH90: Europe’s Multirole Helicopter Strives to Maintain Relevance (Updated 2026)
The NH90, a joint European‑led multirole helicopter, continues to anchor NATO‑aligned air fleets across Europe and the Middle East. Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo and GKN’s NHIndustries delivered the NFH Sea Tiger to the German Navy in December 2025, marking the latest milestone in...
Japan’s First Warship Sale Opens Door to Future Exports but Comes with Strings Attached
Japan has signed its first post‑war export of a major surface combatant, delivering three upgraded Mogami‑class frigates to Australia under the SEA 3000 programme. The contract, inked on 18 April between the Australian government and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, targets delivery by 2029....
Bundeswehr Launches Loitering Munition Spending Spree with $2.16 Billion Unassigned
Germany’s Bundeswehr has opened a €2.4 billion (≈US$2.75 billion) framework for loitering‑munition systems, kicking off with a €300 million (US$344 million) contract to Rheinmetall for its FV‑014 autonomous reconnaissance‑strike drone. The deal, delayed for months, schedules qualification in Q2 2026 and initial deliveries in the...
FY2027 Budget Request Highlights Shift in USAF’s Future Aerial Refuelling Priorities
The U.S. Air Force signed a $2.4 billion contract with Boeing for 15 additional KC‑46A tankers, reinforcing its current fleet. While the Next‑Generation Aerial Refuelling System (NGAS) study remains active, the FY2027 budget request omits any funding for the program. Instead,...
Lockheed Martin Confirms 2029 Target Date for US Navy’s Aegis/PAC-3 MSE Integration
Lockheed Martin confirmed that the U.S. Navy’s Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system will be integrated with Patriot Advanced Capability‑3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC‑3 MSE) interceptors by 2029. The company secured a $90 million contract on April 21 to launch the first phase of...
US Seeks 32% Boost for Missile Defence Budget with $23 Billion Earmarked for Interceptors
The Pentagon has asked for $52.8 billion for FY 2027 missile‑defence programs, a 32 percent increase over the current $40 billion request. Of that, $23 billion is dedicated to new interceptors, including a 683 percent jump in Patriot PAC‑3 MSE rounds and a 365 percent rise in...
Can Laser-Guided Rockets and Light Aircraft Help Tackle the CUAS Cost-Curve?
The article examines how laser‑guided rockets mounted on low‑cost turboprop aircraft, such as Embraer’s A‑29N, could provide an affordable counter‑uncrewed aerial systems (CUAS) capability. Portugal’s recent purchase of the A‑29N marks the first European acquisition of this light attack platform,...
Ireland Targets Improved Anti-Drone Capability Before Mid-Year Ahead of EU Presidency
Ireland is accelerating its procurement of counter‑uncrewed aerial systems (CUAS) and radar under the Military Radar Programme, targeting operational capability by the first half of 2026. The rollout is timed to coincide with Ireland’s six‑month EU Council presidency beginning in...
How and Why Europe Is Replenishing Tube Artillery in the Drone Warfare Era
The Russia‑Ukraine war highlighted a shortfall in Western tube artillery, prompting European armies to modernize their fire support. South Korea’s Hanwha K9A1 155 mm howitzer has become the leading choice, with multiple orders slated through 2028. New purchases emphasize longer range,...
Industry Makes Strides on CCA Programme as USAF Makes Nearly $1 Billion Funding Request
The U.S. Air Force has lodged a nearly $1 billion funding request for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme, aiming to field a next‑generation combat‑effective force multiplier. Anduril’s YFQ‑44A successfully completed Increment 1 experimental testing, while Northrop Grumman’s YFQ‑48A secured an engine selection...
Raytheon Unveils Land Version of the Next Generation Jammer
Raytheon has built a ground‑based demonstrator of the U.S. Navy’s Next Generation Jammer (NGJ). The land version is designed to create an “invisible shield” by jamming surveillance radars, target‑tracking systems, drones and other airborne threats. While the naval NGJ equips...
US Army Pursues 600 ISV-Hs to Boost Mobility and Sustainment for Manoeuvre Brigades
The U.S. Army plans to acquire up to 606 Infantry Squad Vehicle‑Heavy (ISV‑H) units to equip its manoeuvre brigade combat teams. The heavy variant will provide enhanced mobility, transportability and onboard power for tactical operations across sea, air and land....
Hormuz Mines Reopen the MCM Capability Question
On 11 April 2026 US Central Command launched a mine‑clearance mission in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps laid mines that effectively closed a chokepoint handling roughly 20% of global oil shipments. The destroyers USS Frank E. Peterson (DDG‑121) and...