Defense Tech

NATO Tests Unmanned Ground Vehicles in Latvia
NATO recently put unmanned ground vehicles to the test in Latvia's forests as part of its Crystal Arrow 2026 exercise, and our Europe reporter Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo was there to witness the action firsthand.

Air Force Delays Next-Gen Fighter Jet Engine Prototyping to 2031
The Air Force has pushed back the prototyping timeline for its Next-Gen Fighter jet engine to 2031, allowing for more rigorous testing and evaluation of the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion program. This delay enables the service to thoroughly investigate test findings and ensure the program's success.

South Korea Accelerates Nuclear-Powered Submarine Development Plan
South Korea is set to make waves with its ambitious plan to launch its first nuclear-powered submarine in the mid-2030s, with the goal of having it enter operational service later that decade. The development roadmap, unveiled by Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, marks a major milestone in the country's naval modernization efforts.

Pentagon Taps Perennial Autonomy for $500M Counter-Drone Contract
The Pentagon has taken a major stand against the growing threat of drones, awarding a $500 million contract to Perennial Autonomy for cutting-edge, AI-powered counter-drone systems. This game-changing deal is part of the US military's broader Drone Dominance initiative to stay ahead of the curve in modern warfare.

USAF Deploys Upgraded ULTRA Surveillance Drones to Middle East
The US Air Force has taken a major leap forward with its ULTRA Surveillance Drones, successfully completing a 60-hour flight at 25,000 feet and 100 knots - now, a turbocharged variant is set for operational testing in the Middle East. This next phase will see the drone put through its paces in a real-world setting within US Central Command's area of responsibility.

HAVELSAN Expands Global Reach with Hürjet Simulator Export to Spain
HAVELSAN is breaking new ground with its export of the Hürjet simulator to Spain, marking a significant reversal of a long-standing trend. The Turkish company will deliver its cutting-edge Flight Simulation and Mission Planning System, along with a Full Mission and Flight Training Simulator, to support the Hürjet program for both the Turkish Air Force and Spain.

China's 'Bohai Sea Monster' Emerges with Apparent Combat Capabilities
Newly surfaced images of China's mysterious Bohai Sea Monster reveal a surprising detail: four turboprop engines, each driving a three-bladed propeller, hinting at a more complex role and extended range than initially thought. This game-changing feature has analysts reevaluating the capabilities of this enigmatic craft.

Pakistan Air Force Targets UCAV Development with Baykar's Kızılelma
The Pakistan Air Force is taking a giant leap in aerospace innovation with its focus on developing unmanned combat aerial vehicles, as seen in its engagement with Baykar's cutting-edge Kızılelma technology. This move reflects a shared vision with Türkiye to pioneer next-generation defence technologies.

PLA Unveils Upgraded Bangalore Torpedo
Meet the GBP113A, a game-changing upgrade to the century-old Bangalore torpedo, now with a rigid-flexible combination design that lets it curve, snake, and blast its way into previously hard-to-reach areas. This innovative device delivers the same powerful punch as its predecessor, but with added maneuverability and flexibility.

China's J-16 Fighter Bomber Sees Continued Production Run
Get ready to take a closer look at China's formidable J-16 Fighter Bomber, now rocking a record-breaking 10-missile loadout in a jaw-dropping air-to-air configuration. A stunning photo reveals the aircraft's impressive arsenal, featuring 2 short-range and 8 long-range missiles.

Pakistan Air Force Explores Bayraktar Kizilelma for Autonomous Combat Architecture
A dramatic photo of Pakistan's top air chief standing beside a cutting-edge stealth drone, fresh from a successful test firing a long-range missile, marks a significant turning point in the country's military capabilities. This powerful image signals a major leap forward in Pakistan's pursuit of autonomous combat technology.

US Navy to Test Aircraft Carrier as Floating Nuclear Power Plant
This summer, the US Navy will pioneer a groundbreaking experiment, using an aircraft carrier as a floating nuclear power plant to energize Norfolk Naval Base. The innovative test aims to demonstrate the Navy's ability to deliver reliable, mission-critical power to its installations.

China's Ekranoplan Program Takes Shape with Turboprop-Powered Flying Boat
China's Ekranoplan program just got a fascinating update: new photos reveal a turboprop-powered flying boat design, contradicting earlier reports of a jet-powered behemoth. This changes the game in terms of acoustic signature, fuel consumption, and operating capabilities.

Turkey Unveils Integrated Steel Dome Air Defence Architecture
Witnessing a major milestone in air defence technology, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and defence leaders from 50 nations gathered to unveil Türkiye's revolutionary Steel Dome architecture in action. For the first time, the multi-layered air and missile defence system was showcased in a live-fire demonstration, leaving a lasting impression on its international audience.

China Unveils Heated Armored Troop Transport for Tibetan Plateau
Meet China's latest game-changer for high-altitude warfare: an armored troop transport that can safely carry 22 fully armed soldiers across the rugged Tibetan Plateau in style and comfort. This cutting-edge vehicle boasts a heated, insulated cabin - a vital upgrade for troops battling harsh, cold environments.

Pakistan Wrestles with JF-17's Industrial Future
As Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder aircraft proves its mettle in combat, a new question takes center stage: will this successful jet remain just a procurement prize or become the cornerstone of a thriving domestic aerospace industry? With over 170 JF-17s produced and export interest soaring, the country's defence planners must decide how to take the reins of this high-flying program.

Lockheed Expands Munitions Production with New Alabama Facility
Lockheed Martin is betting big on future demand, investing in a new 87,000-square-foot production facility in Troy, Alabama, that nearly doubles its current production space for THAAD interceptors. The move is a bold bet that production certainty will follow capital outlays, paving the way for a significant ramp-up in THAAD output.

A-10 Warthog Deploys Advanced Aerial Refueling Capability in Middle East
In a major upgrade, the A-10 Warthog has successfully deployed an advanced aerial refueling capability in the Middle East, allowing it to seamlessly switch between boom and probe refueling in just hours. This game-changing adapter transforms the aircraft's existing air-refueling receptacle, giving it enhanced flexibility for mission-critical operations.

Indonesia Secures KIZILELMA Unmanned Fighter in Baykar's First Export Deal
Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar just announced that Indonesia has become the global launch customer for the cutting-edge Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned fighter aircraft, securing a deal for 12 aircraft with deliveries starting in 2028.

US Special Ops Helicopters Require Overhaul for Stealth Missions
US Special Ops is pushing for a major helicopter overhaul to enable stealthier missions, driven by lessons learned from Operation Absolute Resolve, where a large fleet was needed to achieve the desired effect. The goal is to make future missions quieter and more efficient with fewer aircraft.

Tejas Mk1A Delays Mount as Integration Hurdles Persist
The Tejas Mk1A program faces mounting delays due to persistent integration hurdles, particularly with combining the Israeli EL/M-2052 radar with the fighter jet's electronic warfare suite and mission computer. This setback has pushed the crucial HAL-IAF review meeting to June 2026, with no firm date in sight.

Israel Aerospace Unveils Diamond Naval Concept
Meet Diamond, a game-changing naval concept from Israel Aerospace Industries that supercharges frigates and small vessels with modular, containerized technology, empowering rapid deployment, flexibility, and firepower. This innovative solution slashes operational timelines and costs while future-proofing against emerging threats.

China's PLAAF Advances with PL-17 Missile Integration on Legacy J-11 Jets
The PL-17 missile, touted as the successor to the PL-15, has entered a crucial integration phase and is being fitted to both cutting-edge and legacy fighter jets, including the J-11. This move signals a significant upgrade to China's air combat capabilities.

Loitering Munitions Take Center Stage at SOF Week Expo
Teledyne FLIR's Rogue 1 Block 2 boasts an impressive upgrade, doubling its range to over 20 kilometers and packing a powerful shape charge jet payload to take down hardened vehicles. This game-changing lethal unmanned aerial system was showcased at SOF Week 2026, highlighting its advanced communications and electronic warfare capabilities.