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Defense Tech

Researchers work on a prototype device in a brightly-lit defense technology laboratory.

Defense Tech Firms Accelerate Innovation to Meet Expanding US Warfighter Needs

As threats escalate daily, defense tech firms are racing to innovate and meet the growing needs of US warfighters. Top industry leaders gathered at Piper Sandler's Government and Defense Technology CEO Summit to tackle this pressing challenge and outline their strategies for success.

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Military personnel monitor satellite communications in a calm, professional control room setting.

Governments Adapt SATCOM Systems for Dynamic Space Environment

The Australian Department of Defence scrapped its plans for a single-orbit SATCOM system in 2024, recognising that a rapidly changing space landscape and emerging threats demanded a more adaptable approach. Instead, they're prioritising resilient, multi-orbit communications systems to keep missions connected in an increasingly dynamic environment.

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Naval officer stands at ribbon-cutting ceremony for new command center.

Navy Launches Robotics Warfighting Center to Accelerate Autonomous Systems Integration

The Navy's new Robotics and Autonomous Systems Warfighting Development Center will harness expertise from across the country to revolutionize naval power, says Rear Adm. Melvin Smith. The center's mission is to connect and accelerate the development of unmanned systems, driving innovation and dominance in the field.

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Large vessel under construction at shipyard with partial hull and superstructure.

China Builds Mothership for Large Uncrewed Submarines

China is taking its uncrewed submarine program to the next level with the construction of a massive mothership, as evidenced by satellite images of a boxy vessel taking shape at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai. This new, specialized ship is a significant upgrade from the floating docks currently used to house China's XXLUUV prototypes.

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Militia gun detachment with twin-35mm anti-aircraft gun on rugged shoreline overlooking Laizhou Bay.

China Mobilizes Militia for Counter-Drone Defense

China's People's Militia is trading in its Cold War-era rifles and machine guns for a new role: defending the skies against drones with advanced air-defense systems. The shift is part of a larger trend, with recent drills and reports showcasing the militia's growing focus on counter-drone warfare.

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JF-17 Thunder aircraft on a runway with hangar and ground support equipment in background.

Pakistan's Air Power Export Strategy Gains Traction

The JF-17 Thunder is gaining momentum as a top air power export, with Azerbaijan reportedly landing a $4 billion deal for 40 jets, plus extensive infrastructure and training support. Turkey's Aselsan has also successfully integrated its advanced radios into the JF-17, paving the way for more third-party subsystem collaborations.

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Radar equipment stands on a rugged Arctic hillside amidst sparse trees and rocky formations under a vast, cloudy sky.

Canada Adopts Australian Radar Tech to Bolster Arctic Surveillance

Canada is stepping up its Arctic game with a C$2.5 billion deal to acquire cutting-edge Australian radar technology, giving it long-range surveillance capabilities to monitor the Arctic and northern approaches. This game-changing tech transfer will help Canada safeguard its northern borders like never before.

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Ukrainian artillery position with howitzer and camouflage netting, with a drone visible in the background.

Ukraine Revamps Artillery Tactics to Counter Drone Dominance

The game has changed: with drones dominating most strike roles, Ukraine's artillery tactics have evolved, shifting away from traditional massed fire barrages to a more strategic, targeted approach. Now, cannons play a vital supporting role, handling tasks that drones can't, and delivering precision firepower when it matters most.

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J-36 stealth jet prototype on a runway, showcasing three engines and two seats.

China's J-36 Stealth Jet Exposes Advanced Design Features

Get ready to take a closer look at China's cutting-edge J-36 Stealth Jet, as recent test footage reveals stunning new views of this advanced aircraft's design features. Fresh videos show multiple prototypes in flight, showcasing a sleek, three-engined, two-seat configuration that's leaving experts buzzing.

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Mobile gun system with 105mm gun on eight-wheeled vehicle in outdoor setting.

Taiwan Unveils 105mm Mobile Gun System Amid China Threat

Taiwan just took a major leap in its defense capabilities with the unveiling of a powerful 105mm mobile gun system, boasting eight wheels, six-wheel steering, and a serious punch. This impressive vehicle was put through its paces in a live-fire demonstration, showcasing its ability to take down moving and stationary targets with ease.

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US military researchers work on a reentry capsule surrounded by scientific instruments.

US Military Accelerates Orbital Cargo Delivery Research

The US military is fast-tracking its orbital cargo delivery research, shifting focus from large rockets to smaller, agile reentry capsules that can rapidly unload 30 tons of logistical supplies at remote sites. This pivot enables more flexible and efficient delivery of vital goods to a wider range of hard-to-reach locations.

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Military personnel from various countries in a briefing room with a tactical map display.

Australia's Military AI Push Exposes Interoperability Gap with Indo-Pacific Partners

As Australia ramps up its military AI capabilities, a pressing concern emerges: can its Indo-Pacific partners keep pace, and more importantly, work together seamlessly when it matters most? The success of AI-powered military tools hinges on the people using them understanding how their partners make critical decisions.

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F-16 fighter jet on a runway with subtle hints of electronic warfare equipment.

Northrop Grumman Bolsters F-16's Electronic Warfare Arsenal

Northrop Grumman's electronic warfare upgrades are set to supercharge the F-16's defenses, ensuring the fighter jet remains a formidable force on the battlefield. By bolstering its EW capabilities, the F-16 will stay relevant and survivable in an increasingly complex combat landscape.

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A high-speed aircraft silhouette displayed on a screen in a conference setting with blurred attendees in the background.

NASA Teases High-Speed X-Plane Concept

NASA is revving up its X-plane ambitions, with Administrator Jared Isaacman teasing a radical new design that echoes the legendary SR-71 Blackbird. The surprise reveal has sparked intense curiosity about the future of high-speed flight.

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Ukraine Shifts to Unguided Artillery Shells, Redefines Accuracy Paradigm

Ukraine Shifts to Unguided Artillery Shells, Redefines Accuracy Paradigm

Ukraine's 7th Artillery Brigade is ditching high-tech guided shells for good old-fashioned unguided rounds - and finding accuracy in an unlikely partnership with FPV drones. By shifting the accuracy burden to the gun itself and leveraging drone tech, they're redefining what's possible with traditional artillery.

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Unmanned submarine launches torpedo at naval test range with personnel observing.

US, UK Navies Successfully Fire Torpedo from Unmanned Submarine

The US and UK navies have made a groundbreaking achievement, successfully launching a torpedo from an unmanned submarine in a recent test at the British Underwater Test & Evaluation Center in Scotland. This milestone marks a significant step forward in developing autonomous undersea capabilities, showcasing the power of alliance-driven innovation.

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French Navy ship with Modular Rampart Launcher installed at sea.

France Deploys Modular Rampart Launcher At Sea

The French Navy has taken a significant step forward with the Modular Rampart Launcher, spotting it installed on a Mistral-class amphibious assault ship off Toulon - a first glimpse of the system in action at sea. This marks a major milestone, moving from land-based tests to experimental shipboard trials.

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Worker in uniform and safety gear surrounded by industrial equipment and machinery in a well-lit machine shop.

Pentagon's Industrial Base Sputters on Qualification Bottleneck

The real bottleneck in the Pentagon's industrial base isn't a lack of funds, but a shortage of qualified suppliers - it can take months or even years to turn a shop into a certified producer of parts that meet program standards. This qualification process is a major hidden hurdle that's slowing down the defense industry's ability to mobilize and deliver.

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Portable satellite terminal on outdoor surface in remote environment.

Boeing taps Lite Coms for Australian BLOS SATCOM terminals

Lite Coms is thrilled to be supplying its cutting-edge LITE SAT 1.3A satellite terminals to Boeing Defence Australia, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in the industry. The terminals will enable secure, high-performance connectivity for mission-critical operations.

Analyst 207
Military personnel gather around a high-tech briefing table with multiple screens.

Army Accelerates Digital Overhaul with AI-Powered Cyber Push

The Army is turbocharging its digital transformation with an AI-powered cyber push, and the stakes are high. At TechNet Augusta 2026, military leaders gathered to tackle the toughest challenges and share key insights on the future of digital battlefield strategy.

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AFA Conference Unveils Key Developments in Air, Space and Cyber

AFA Conference Unveils Key Developments in Air, Space and Cyber

Get the inside scoop on the most shocking and significant developments from the 2026 AFA Conference in air, space, and cyber - tune in to this week's episode of The Break Out for expert insights and analysis. Deputy Editor Lee Ferran and Air Warfare Reporter Michael Marrow dish out the highlights and surprises from the conference floor.

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Pakistan Counters Drone Threats with Escalating Two-Way Warfare Tactics

In a concerning escalation, Pakistan faced 405 small-scale drone attacks in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in 2025, with insurgents creatively repurposing affordable commercial quadcopters like the DJI Mavic 3 to deliver explosive charges and deadly payloads. These cheap yet lethal drones have become a growing threat, accounting for nearly one in every 13 terrorist incidents across the country.

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Drone flies in formation with fighter jet and military aircraft over desert landscape.

USAF Tests Collaborative Combat Aircraft with Fighter Jets

The US Air Force is revolutionizing its fleet with a goal of 500+ collaborative combat aircraft by 2032, and the exciting tests are already underway with impressive results. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems just delivered a new FQ-42 Vengeance drone to Creech Air Force Base for continued evaluation and testing alongside F-35A and F-15E fighter jets.

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President Trump steps onto VH-92A helicopter on White House helipad.

VH-92A Helicopter Debuts on New White House Helipad

President Donald Trump took to the skies in style, marking the maiden voyage from a brand-new granite helipad on the South Lawn with a thrilling helicopter ride aboard the VH-92A Patriot. He boarded Marine One, cutting the ribbon just moments before, and soared to new heights, first to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, and then on to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

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