Britain will be the first in the world to purchase ultra-long-range artillery shells with a jet engine

Tiberius Aerospace and the artillery revolution

Tiberius Aerospace has announced a contract with the UK Department of Defense for the development and testing of its new Sceptre artillery shell. This makes Britain the first customer of the technology, which the company calls "revolutionary." The projectile, officially designated as TRBM 155HG, is capable of flying faster than sound, rising above 20 km and hitting targets at a distance of up to 150 km.

And this is not fiction — these are already real tests, which are supervised even by the US Department of Defense Innovation.

Sceptre is not just a projectile, but a flying rocket

An ordinary 155-mm projectile flies along a ballistic trajectory — it's fired, and then it just falls. Sceptre works differently. After firing a standard cannon, it turns on a liquid-propellant ramjet engine (RAMJET), which accelerates it to Mach 3.5 and allows it to fly at almost space altitude — more than 20,000 meters.

Such a flight gives a huge advantage: less air resistance, longer range and, most importantly, the ability to adjust the trajectory in flight. Even with weak GPS, the system maintains accuracy of less than 5 meters (circular probable deviation).

Why did the UK become the first

Britain is actively investing in technologies that provide an advantage on the battlefield without increasing the number of troops. The Sceptre fits perfectly into this strategy: it is compatible with all major 155 mm NATO systems, from the AS-90 to the self—propelled "Large" ones.

By becoming a launch customer, the UK gets access to cutting-edge development ahead of others. This will not only strengthen her army, but also increase her influence in the alliance. Even the American DIU oversees testing and validation — a sign that the technology is serious.

How RAMJET engine changes the rules of the game

A ramjet engine is not just an accelerator. It allows the projectile to maneuver, avoid interference and choose the optimal trajectory. In an environment where the enemy is jamming GPS, this is critical.

Artillery can now hit targets that were previously out of reach. This means that there is less risk for your own, faster reactions and more chances to win in a fire duel. This is not modernization, it is a paradigm shift.

Sources

1. Tiberius Aerospace — official press releases
2. Tiberius Aerospace — project Sceptre page
3. TechCult — Sceptre functionality & trials overview
4. HighTech Plus — ramjet technology & NATO artillery potential
5. Overclockers.ru — UK artillery round with ramjet, rocket-like range
6. Podolyaka.ru — TRBM-155HG Sceptre tech details & trials
7. Ryb.ru — ramjet engine advantages & projectile specs

British Jackal reconnaissance vehicles on parade in Warsaw: a demonstration of NATO's strength and solidarity

British Jackal reconnaissance vehicles drove through Warsaw as part of the parade dedicated to the Day of the Polish Armed Forces. The move highlighted the close cooperation between the UK and Poland within the framework of NATO, demonstrating both interoperability and a clear demonstration of solidarity between the allies.

Close cooperation between Great Britain and Poland within the framework of NATO

The participation of British Jackal reconnaissance vehicles in the Warsaw parade has become an important symbol of cooperation between the UK and Poland. These vehicles were taken from the British Ground Forces Advanced Combat Group in Poland, deployed by NATO to strengthen deterrence on the alliance's eastern flank. Their presence in the Polish capital underlined not only the military might, but also the deep mutual support between the two countries.

Interoperability and demonstration of solidarity

The UK Ministry of Defence mission to Poland noted that Jackal participated under the banner of BG Poland's Advanced Ground Forces. This participation demonstrated "UK-Poland defense cooperation during the Polish Armed Forces Day parade." Such a demonstration of strength and unity is important for strengthening NATO's position on the eastern flank, where tensions remain high.

The significance of Jackal's participation in the parade

The participation of British cars in the parade was not only symbolic, but also of practical importance. It showed that the allies are ready to work together and can effectively interact in various scenarios. This is especially important in the context of modern threats, where interoperability and rapid response play a key role.

Prospects for further cooperation

The Warsaw parade was an important step in strengthening cooperation between the UK and Poland. In the future, we can expect further development of joint initiatives aimed at improving defense capability and readiness to respond to potential threats. Such cooperation will help strengthen NATO's position and ensure stability in the region.

British "Workwitch" retires: a competition has started to replace them — the Corvus project

 

The British Ministry of Defense has officially launched the process of replacing the aging fleet of Watchkeeper drones in the army. The new project is called Corvus, and it is intended to become the next generation of tactical UAVs for the ground forces. The contract for the development and supply of the system was published on July 31 and is estimated at 130 million pounds.

This major contract, which will be managed by Bristol-based Defense Equipment and Support (DE&S), is for the first five years, starting in May 2026. Now there is a competition among manufacturers, and the winner will get a chance to supply the army with a new, more modern system.

The main task for the new Corvus drone is to provide tactical deep reconnaissance. It should be able to carry out round—the-clock and continuous surveillance over long distances, supporting operations at the highest level - at the level of divisions and even corps. This means that the Corvus should have a longer flight range, a longer stay in the air, and advanced reconnaissance systems compared to the current Watchkeeper.

The Corvus project is not just an upgrade of equipment, but a serious step towards modernizing the intelligence capabilities of the British army in the context of current and future conflicts.

The British Ministry of Defense supports the export of Typhoons due to the lack of new orders

Despite the fact that the UK has no plans to purchase new Eurofighter Typhoon fighters for its own Air Force, the country's Ministry of Defense actively supports export deals involving these aircraft. This is due to the fact that the aircraft manufacturing plant in Wharton, where the Typhoons are assembled, must remain busy, and the production lines must work without stopping.

BAE Systems, the British partner of the European consortium Eurofighter GmbH, has been promoting Typhoons on international markets for a long time. However, there have been no recent new orders from the British military themselves. Instead, all attention is focused on finding foreign buyers in order to preserve not only production, but also the jobs associated with this project.

The Typhoon is one of the most famous fourth—generation fighters created by the joint efforts of Great Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain. It combines the capabilities of both an air combat fighter and a carrier for striking ground targets. However, with a shrinking budget and growing interest in the more expensive and technologically advanced F-35, the Typhoon now needs external demand to remain relevant in the military aviation market.

Several countries are currently showing interest in a possible purchase, including:

- Indonesia — in 2023 , it signed a preliminary agreement for the supply of 42 aircraft .  

- Saudi Arabia and Qatar — both countries are already operating Typhoons and may expand the fleet.  

- Negotiations are also possible with Greece, which has recently renovated its fleet, but does not exclude further purchases.

The British authorities emphasize that the export of Typhoons is not just the sale of weapons, but part of a broader strategy: keeping the defense sector in working order, supporting the country's export potential and strengthening ties with allies.  

In addition, the Ministry of Defense sees this as an economic interest: saving jobs, developing a technological base and stimulating the defense sector, especially in regions where the aviation industry is one of the key employers.

If new contracts can be concluded, production at Wharton can continue until the 2030s, which will make it possible to safely plan the transition to new projects, including the upcoming sixth-generation Tempest fighter, which is under development.

Thus, the Typhoon remains an important part of the British aviation industry, even if the UK itself no longer buys them for itself. An active export policy allows not only to support business, but also to strengthen military cooperation with partners around the world.

The UK has reached an important stage in the Challenger 3 tank program

The British Ministry of Defense has announced that it has reached a key production milestone as part of the Challenger 3 main battle tank modernization program. Four prototypes of the new tank have already been built, and four more are under assembly. This event highlights the progress in efforts to strengthen the country's ground forces and provide them with modern weapons.

The Challenger 3 program aims to replace the outdated Challenger 2 tanks that have been in service with the British Army since the 1990s. The new tank has received a number of improvements, including modern fire control systems, reinforced armor, a more powerful engine and the integration of advanced digital technologies. These changes make the Challenger 3 significantly more efficient and competitive on the modern battlefield.

The creation of eight prototypes is an important step in the process of testing and preparing for mass production. The prototypes will be used for testing in various conditions to ensure their reliability, maneuverability and combat capability. The successful completion of these tests will allow the start of mass production of tanks for the British army.

The Challenger 3 will be one of the most advanced tanks in the world, capable of facing new threats, including anti-tank missiles and drones. Its implementation will allow the UK to maintain its leadership in the field of armored vehicles and strengthen NATO's defense capabilities.

In addition, the program is important for the British defense industry, as it creates jobs and promotes the development of high-tech production facilities in the country. It also demonstrates the UK's commitment to investing in its own military technology, especially in the face of growing geopolitical challenges.

The first production models of the Challenger 3 are expected to enter service with the British army in the coming years. This tank will become a key element of the mechanized units and will play an important role in ensuring the security of the country and its allies.

The UK invests 3.5 million pounds in the Warrior combat vehicle crew training system

 The British Ministry of Defense has signed a contract worth 3.5 million pounds with CAE (UK) Plc to develop a military training system (WTS) that will provide continuous training opportunities for crews of the British Army's Warrior armored fighting vehicles.                                    

 The contract, signed on February 27, 2025, is designed for one year with the possibility of extension for another three years, that is, it can be valid until 2029.

Warrior armored fighting vehicle

F-35B and Meteor missile: A milestone in the integration of British weapons onto an advanced American platform

The F-35B fighter successfully conducted the first test flights with the Meteor air-to-air missile

In the world of modern aviation, the achievement associated with the successful test flights of the F-35B fighter jet with the MBDA Meteor air-to-air missile represents an important step in the development of international cooperation and technological progress. These tests, carried out from the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, opened a new chapter in the integration of British weapons systems onto one of the most advanced aviation platforms in the world.

The event, held at the Patuxent River base, was the culmination of a long-term project to adapt the British Meteor missile for use on the fifth-generation F-35B fighter jet. During the tests, an inert version of the rocket was launched, which was used to collect environmental data and verify the compatibility of the system with the aircraft's on-board computers. This stage of testing is part of a broader program aimed at ensuring the full combat readiness of the complex.

Meteor is a long—range supersonic missile developed by the European consortium MBDA. It is equipped with an active radar homing head and a ramjet jet engine, which allows it to maintain high speed and maneuverability even over long distances. The integration of this missile on the F-35B significantly expands the fighter's air combat capabilities, especially against modern threats.

The successful completion of the tests demonstrates the effectiveness of cooperation between the United Kingdom and the United States in the field of defense technology. The F-35 program is one of the largest international projects in the history of the aviation industry, and Britain's participation in it underscores the strategic partnership between the two countries.

For the UK, the integration of the Meteor missile into the F-35B means strengthening its own air defense and attack capabilities. It also strengthens the country's position as one of the key developers of advanced weapons systems in Europe. For the United States, this event shows the flexibility and versatility of the F-35 platform, capable of working with various types of weapons from various partner countries.

This success was made possible by close cooperation between several parties.:

- The British Ministry of Defense: Provided financial and organizational support to the program.

- MBDA: Was responsible for the development and adaptation of the Meteor rocket for installation on the F-35B.

- Lockheed Martin: Performed work on the integration of the missile with the aircraft's onboard systems.

- The US Department of Defense: Provided access to the necessary resources and infrastructure for testing.

Such a partnership serves as an example of how international efforts can lead to the creation of truly global solutions in the defense sector.

Taking into account Meteor's unique characteristics, such as a range of up to 100+ km, high maneuverability and the ability to intercept targets at extreme speeds, the F-35B gets a significant advantage in aerial battles. This makes it an even more dangerous opponent for potential threats, especially in a complex electronic warfare environment.

Moreover, the use of a British missile on an American fighter jet opens up new horizons for other countries operating the F-35. Now they can consider installing similar systems to adapt the aircraft to their specific requirements.

The integration of the Meteor missile into the F-35B has become an important milestone in the development of modern aviation technology and international defense cooperation. This project demonstrates how technologies can be combined to create powerful and flexible systems capable of ensuring the security of allies in a changing world. The success of the tests not only strengthens the position of the UK and the USA as leaders in the defense industry, but also underlines the importance of collective efforts to address global challenges.