Defense Tech
F-22 Testbed 'Catfish' Spotted with New Infrared Sensor Pod
Meet the "Catfish," a one-of-a-kind Boeing 757 testbed that's been secretly pushing the boundaries of F-22 technology since the 1990s. Recently spotted with a sleek new infrared sensor pod, this modified marvel is still playing a vital role in advancing stealth capabilities.
Leonardo Accelerates AW249 Combat Helicopter Production for Italian Army
Leonardo is revving up production of its cutting-edge AW249 combat helicopter, with plans to deliver 17 units to the Italian Army by 2028. The company is in advanced talks with the Italian Ministry of Defense to expand the program, which could see a total of 48 helicopters built to meet the Army's needs.
Senate Panel Unveils $1.14T Defense Bill with New Drone Command
The Senate Armed Services Committee has just unveiled a groundbreaking $1.14 trillion defense policy bill that sets the stage for a major overhaul of the Pentagon's approach to unmanned systems and artificial intelligence. At the heart of the bill is the creation of a new four-star combatant command dedicated to robotic and autonomous systems.
Kongsberg Bolsters Cruise Missile Arsenal with Rusty Dagger Acquisition
Kongsberg supercharges its cruise missile capabilities with the acquisition of Zone 5 Technologies, a US start-up that brings cost-efficient design and mass production expertise to the table. This strategic move combines Kongsberg's cutting-edge tech with Zone 5's production prowess, paving the way for affordable cruise missiles in European markets.
Italian Helos, Air Defenses Take Center Stage at Berlin Air Show
Get ready for a deeper dive into Italy's latest helicopter project and the latest air defense systems on display at the Berlin Air Show. With global conflicts on the rise, air defense has taken center stage, drawing intense attention from delegates and media alike.
US Air Force Weighs Restarting C-17 Production Line
The US Air Force may revive the production line of its prized C-17 aircraft, with a House committee requesting a feasibility briefing by 2027. This move comes as the current fleet faces mounting demands from combat, humanitarian, and mobility operations.
Senators Push for New Autonomous Warfare Combatant Command
The Senate Armed Services Committee is pushing for a new combatant command dedicated to autonomous warfare, aiming to revolutionize the future of battle by harnessing the power of unmanned systems. This proposed Robotic and Autonomous Systems Combatant Command, led by a four-star general, could accelerate the development of the US's unmanned force.
Saronic, Castelion Pair MUSV with Hypersonic Capability
Imagine being able to launch a hypersonic vehicle from a medium unmanned surface vessel - it's a game-changer for any adversary trying to anticipate the US military's next move. Saronic and Castelion are teaming up to make this a reality, pairing the Marauder MUSV with Castelion's Blackbeard hypersonic vehicle.
US Army Explores Public-Private Partnerships for Data Center Upgrades
The US Army is seeking innovative partnerships with private industry to upgrade its data centers, with a focus on community engagement and mutually beneficial solutions. The Army has narrowed down over 200 proposals to around 120, with four key installations - Fort Bliss, Dugway Proving Ground, Fort Hood, and Fort Bragg - being considered for new data center builds.
Airbus Forges New Alliance for 6th-Generation Fighter Aircraft
In a bold move, Airbus has joined forces with seven German aerospace and defense suppliers to form Team Gen 6, a coalition committed to taking the lead on developing a 6th-generation fighter aircraft. This strategic alliance comes on the heels of the scrapped FCAS plan, positioning Team Gen 6 as a frontrunner in the next-gen fighter jet landscape.
China Tests Advanced HQ-16F Missile as Pakistan Eyes Export Variant
China just took a major leap in its military tech with the first live-fire test of its advanced HQ-16F missile, showcasing its impressive range and precision in a desert trial over 1,000 km from its home base. The successful intercept of an airborne target at 50 km range marks a significant milestone in the development of this cutting-edge weapon.
Pentagon Explores Small Nuclear Reactors for Military Base Power
Radiant Nuclear is on the verge of a breakthrough, with plans to deploy its innovative one-megawatt microreactors at Buckley Space Force Base in Colorado, providing a reliable and secure energy source for military operations. The company is just 18 months away from delivering its first reactor, with testing set to begin this summer at the Idaho National Laboratory.
Ukraine Unveils $1M Interceptor to Challenge Missile Defense Economics
Meet the game-changing FP-7.x, a $1 million interceptor from Ukrainian missile manufacturer Fire Point, designed to shake up the economics of missile defense with a significantly lower cost per intercept compared to traditional systems like the Patriot PAC-3.
Berlin Air Show Spotlights Space, Defense Tech Advancements
The Berlin Air Show's Space Day stole the spotlight with show-stopping models, including a rocket poised for liftoff and a gargantuan moon complete with orbiting satellites. Exhibits also shed light on cutting-edge human support systems, like an AI-powered exoskeleton that's part of the German Space Agency's innovative projects.
China's Military Deploys QJZ171 Heavy Machine Gun
Meet the QJZ171, a game-changing 12.7×108mm heavy machine gun that's remarkably portable at just 26.4 pounds, and is now being deployed across multiple Chinese services, including the People's Armed Police, to pack a serious punch in border-patrol drills. This powerful yet lightweight gun is set to significantly up the intimidation factor for units patrolling remote frontier stretches.
Boeing, Rheinmetall unveil drone for German air force CCA race
Boeing Australia and Rheinmetall have just unveiled their game-changing MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone at the Berlin Air Show, a cutting-edge collaborative combat aircraft already proven in flight. The innovative drone is being pitched to the German air force as a top contender in the CCA race.
Germany Unveils Cobra 600 Jet-Powered Missile Drone
Meet the Cobra 600, a game-changing jet-powered drone from German start-up Polaris Raumflugzeuge, boasting a range of 250 miles with a fitted missile. This cutting-edge Airborne Launching and Attack System is set to revolutionize the skies.
US Air Force 737 Eyed as NASA's Next Reduced-Gravity Testbed
NASA is on the hunt for a trusty testbed to simulate reduced gravity conditions, and a Boeing 737-73W US Air Force plane has caught their eye as the perfect candidate. The space agency needs to assess the plane's suitability, make necessary modifications, and get it airworthy to support critical research, including validation testing on space suits.
LeoLabs Deploys Mobile Radar to Track Space Objects
LeoLabs has successfully deployed its innovative mobile radar system, Scout Hawaii, which became operational in June 2026, marking a major milestone in tracking space objects. This transportable radar, fitting neatly into a standard container, is already providing valuable data to the company's space monitoring network.
Boeing Unveils Upgraded Ghost Bat Drone with Internal AMRAAM Capability
Boeing has unveiled the upgraded Ghost Bat Drone, now with internal AMRAAM capability, offering Germany a cutting-edge collaborative combat aircraft. The Block 3 iteration boasts a 25% larger wing and 20% more thrust, giving operators unparalleled flexibility to tailor their mission payload and endurance.
Germany Weighs Drone Options Amid FCAS Fallout
As Germany ramps up its military capabilities in an era of rapid change, all eyes are on which drone wingman will be chosen to support its bold new plans. The question hung over the Berlin Air Show, where vendors showcased their top picks for the role.
Space Force Awards $437.7 Million for Anti-Jam Satellites
The US Space Force has awarded $437.7 million to Viasat and Intelsat to develop anti-jam satellites, a crucial component of its resilient communication architecture that will enable tactical warfighters to stay connected in denied environments. This move is a significant step towards countering emerging threats and ensuring secure communication.
Lockheed Martin Offers HIMARS to France with Accelerated Timeline
Lockheed Martin is offering France a game-changing deal: get the advanced HIMARS system within just 18 months if a contract is signed, with a significant portion of launchers set to arrive by 2028.
NRO Boosts BlackSky Contract for AI-Optimized Satellite Imagery
The NRO is supercharging its partnership with BlackSky Technologies, pouring an 8-figure investment into AI-optimized satellite imagery to turbocharge America's intelligence edge. This fresh funding fuels the development of BlackSky's game-changing AROS satellites, blazing a trail for faster, smarter global monitoring.