Tag: military technology
357 articles
US Military Expands Counter-Drone Tech with Smart Shooter Deals
The US military is stepping up its counter-drone game with cutting-edge tech from Smart Shooter, a company that's revolutionizing the way soldiers take down small, fast-moving drones. Their innovative Smash 2000LE system, a rifle-mounted fire control tool, digitally identifies and engages targets with pinpoint accuracy.
Pentagon Unveils Agentic-AI Tool to Rapidly Generate Targeting Options
The Pentagon has launched Agent Network, a game-changing AI tool that rapidly analyzes vast amounts of data to deliver actionable targeting options to commanders in mere seconds. This innovative technology empowers commanders to make informed decisions, with AI-driven insights at their fingertips, while ensuring humans remain in the decision-making driver's seat.
Army's Light Squad Vehicle Tests Role as Battlefield Drone Charger
As the army ramps up its use of technology, power generation is becoming a major headache - especially when batteries drain faster than they can be replaced or recharged. The 3rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team recently tested a game-changing solution: using a lightweight vehicle to charge drones on the battlefield.
Crypto-Agile Infrastructure Bolsters US Military's Edge in Space Domain
In the high-stakes world of space domain warfare, the US military's edge hinges on its ability to sift through vast amounts of data in seconds, enabling leaders to make smarter decisions faster than the enemy can react. By pairing rapid AI-enabled analysis with equally rapid cryptographic protections, the military can gain a decisive advantage.
Pentagon seeks $5B to overhaul 'deteriorating' research labs
The Pentagon's research labs are in a state of disrepair, posing safety risks and technical limitations that threaten the US military's ability to stay ahead of the curve. A recent review led by Assistant Secretary for Science & Technology Joseph Jewell calls for a $5B overhaul to modernize these critical facilities.
UK Tests Low-Cost Deep-Strike Weapons for Ukraine
The UK has successfully tested three low-cost, long-range strike weapons designed to give Ukraine a powerful defense boost, with the goal of delivering a cheap and effective deep-strike capability. These British-made weapons can fly over 500 km and pack a 225 kg punch, all at an affordable price tag of around £400,000 each.
Baykar and Leonardo Test C-UAS Teaming with M-346 Control
In a groundbreaking test, a Leonardo M-346 fighter jet successfully took control of a Baykar Kızılelma combat drone in mid-flight, marking a major milestone in C-UAS teaming technology. This innovative demonstration brings the future of unmanned combat air vehicles one step closer to reality.
Kendall Warns of Lethal Autonomy Control Challenges
The challenge with lethal autonomy control is that it's incredibly hard to define - and therefore regulate - because its core capabilities exist on a spectrum with no clear boundaries. This makes it nearly impossible to draw a line between acceptable and banned systems, leaving us with a daunting question: how can we create an effective arms control regime?
Army Tests AI Limits in Tactical Planning, Finds Mixed Results
The US Army's 3rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team experimented with AI in tactical planning for a year, with Col. Ryan Bell revealing that while AI showed promise, it had limitations - particularly with large language models struggling to grasp three-dimensional space. By training AI on military doctrine, the team aimed to speed up planning and response times.
General Atomics Upgrades Ground Stations for MQ-9B Drone Compatibility
General Atomics is upgrading its Block 30 ground control stations to ensure seamless compatibility with its latest MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian drones, addressing a key concern for current MQ-9A operators. The company will fund the upgrade research and development and plans to begin flight testing by the end of the year.
UK Industry Partners Miniaturize DragonFire Laser for Type 45 Destroyer Debut
The UK's naval industry is making strides in laser technology, with QinetiQ, MBDA, and Leonardo teaming up to miniaturize the powerful DragonFire laser system for its debut on a Type 45 destroyer by 2027. This innovative partnership is shrinking the hardware to make the high-energy laser more feasible for naval deployment.
MQ-28 Ghost Bat Drone Deploys in Major Pacific Combat Exercise
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone made its debut in a major Pacific combat exercise, demonstrating its cutting-edge capabilities as a force multiplier that can fly alongside crewed fighters and extend their reach. This milestone marks a significant step forward in human-machine teaming and showcases the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Army to Unify Divisions with Next-Gen Command and Control System
The Army is taking a major step forward in modernizing its operations by implementing a next-generation command and control system, uniting its divisions under a single, cutting-edge configuration. Anduril will lead the charge in bringing together two prototype divisions, the 25th Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Division, onto this common platform.
Army Launches Low-Cost Interceptor Program to Counter Affordable Drone Threats
The Army is shaking up its defense strategy with a new Low-Cost Interceptor program, aiming to take down affordable drone threats with scalable, budget-friendly solutions. This move is set to revolutionize air-defense systems by providing a cost-effective alternative to multimillion-dollar solutions.
Poland Bolsters Naval Forces with Shield AI's V-Bat UAVs
Poland is set to supercharge its naval capabilities with Shield AI's cutting-edge V-Bat UAVs, which have already proven their mettle in challenging environments. The $16 million deal will see several V-Bat systems deployed aboard Polish Navy vessels by year's end, bolstering maritime intelligence and surveillance operations.
China's J-15 Fighter Expands Reach with Y-20A Tanker Refueling
China just took a major leap in its military capabilities, showcasing its J-15 fighter jet refueling mid-air from a Y-20A tanker - a game-changing advancement in aerial reach and endurance. This remarkable footage was quietly released in a recent People's Daily YouTube video.
Defense Industry Must Adapt, Scale and Accelerate Capability
The defense industry faces a harsh reality: taking down affordable drones with expensive interceptors just doesn't add up. To stay ahead, industry leaders must adapt to changing operational needs, scale up production, and accelerate innovation to deliver proven, scalable capabilities that meet today's demands.
Autonomy Shapes Future of Battlefield Drones
As battlefield drones become more prevalent, the line between automation and autonomy is drawing a lot of attention, with experts like Palladyne AI's Ben Wolff insisting that true autonomy requires artificial intelligence that can respond in real-time without human intervention. Automation may be just table stakes, but autonomy is what will truly shape the future of these drones.
Australia Urged to Rapidly Develop Cheap Drone Interceptors
In a chilling display of modern warfare, Russia's 900-strong drone assault on Ukraine in 2026 has sounded alarm bells - will Australia be prepared to counter the threat of cheap, destructive drones? Shahed-class drones, with their 50kg high-explosive warheads, have proven capable of devastating effects, from leveling apartment blocks to crippling critical infrastructure.
Rheinmetall, Vantor to Bolster German Military's Spatial Intelligence Capabilities
Rheinmetall and Vantor are joining forces to supercharge the German military's spatial intelligence capabilities with a cutting-edge platform that can analyze and deploy critical insights in real-time. Their new joint venture will be based in Germany, supporting the country's defense needs and collaborating with European ISR programs.
Air Force Awards Contracts for Drone Wingmen to Anduril, General Atomics
The Air Force has taken a major leap forward in drone technology, awarding production contracts to Anduril and General Atomics for its first collaborative combat aircraft, also known as drone wingmen. This move enables the rapid deployment of semi-autonomous systems to stay ahead of emerging threats.
US Army Tests Robots in Breach Exercises to Spare Soldiers
In a bold move to protect its soldiers, the US Army recently tested robots in high-risk breach exercises, sending uncrewed systems forward to tackle heavily defended obstacles instead of troops. This game-changing tactic could revolutionize the way the military approaches combat, keeping soldiers safer in the process.
Malaysia Procures 18 Caesar Self-Propelled Howitzers from KNDS
KNDS is proud to equip the Malaysian Army with 18 cutting-edge Caesar self-propelled howitzers, further solidifying its position as a trusted partner in delivering top-notch artillery systems. This deal marks Malaysia as the 15th customer to join the Caesar family, and KNDS will collaborate with local partner Advanced Defense System to ensure seamless delivery.
DIU Awards Contract to Mach Industries for Long-Range Strike Drone
The Defense Innovation Unit has partnered with Mach Industries to develop Atlas, a game-changing, long-range strike drone that can take off and land like a helicopter but fly like a plane, requiring minimal infrastructure. This innovative aircraft is set to revolutionize expeditionary strike capabilities with its unparalleled control simplicity and efficiency.