The British Army has successfully integrated the Javelin with the Boxer armored vehicle: a new stage in anti-tank defense

The British Army has announced the successful completion of tests to integrate the Javelin anti-tank missile system with the Boxer armored vehicle. This achievement marked an important step towards enabling British troops to launch anti-tank missiles from under their armor, significantly enhancing their combat capabilities.

Successful trials and their significance

Earlier this year, the British Army successfully conducted tests by integrating the Javelin system with the Boxer machine. This achievement reportedly opens up new perspectives for British troops by providing them with powerful weapons that can be used from under their armor. This integration makes it possible to significantly increase the mobility and security of troops, while ensuring high efficiency in anti-tank operations.

Advantages of the new system

Javelin integration with Boxer brings several key advantages. Firstly, it increases the survival rate of the crew, as missiles can be launched from under the armor, reducing the risk of damage. Secondly, it increases operational flexibility, allowing troops to respond quickly to threats without leaving cover. Finally, it improves the accuracy and effectiveness of strikes, as the Javelin system is known for its high accuracy and power.

Prospects and further development

The successful integration of Javelin with Boxer opens up broad prospects for the further development of the British Army's anti-tank systems. In the future, we can expect improvements in fire control, increased range and accuracy, as well as integration with other weapons systems. This will allow British troops to remain at the forefront of technology and effectively counter current and future threats.

Impact on the combat capabilities of the British Army

The new system significantly enhances the combat capabilities of the British army, making it more mobile, secure and efficient. The ability to launch anti-tank missiles from under armor provides troops with a strategic advantage, allowing them to act more aggressively and confidently on the battlefield. This is especially important in the context of modern conflicts, where flexibility and promptness play a key role.

UK-Japan joint exercises: training F-35B pilots to work together in the Indo-Pacific region

 

The Ministry of Defense has updated data on the next step of Operation Highmast, where the Royal Navy's Carrier Strike Group 25 will focus on joint air operations in the Indo-Pacific region. Special attention is being paid to ensuring that British and Japanese forces hone joint operations with F-35B fighters, fifth—generation aircraft with the ability to take off and vertical landing (STOVL).

For the UK, this is a familiar technique: the F-35B has been in service since 2018, and they have a lot of experience using it. But Japan is just beginning to implement this platform in its naval forces and is still in the process of integration. The two countries are currently conducting joint exercises at sea, where pilots and maintenance personnel are training, working together, learning how to work together, and gaining experience for future operations.

These exercises are an important part of strengthening the military partnership between London and Tokyo. They show solidarity and willingness to jointly respond to various challenges in an increasingly strategic region. In addition, such training helps pilots and technicians better understand each other's work so that everything goes smoothly in real combat conditions.

In general, F-35B joint flights are not just a study, but a serious step forward in terms of strengthening security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Indeed, now that the world is becoming more and more complex from a military point of view, it is coherence and willingness to work together that help maintain balance and prevent conflicts.

Merlin will teach you how to fly autonomously: the company integrates its pilot into the Northrop Grumman Beacon test platform

Merlin, a renowned developer of technologies for guaranteed autonomous control of fixed-wing aircraft, has announced an important partnership. It has entered into an agreement with the defense industry giant, Northrop Grumman, to integrate its Merlin Pilot system into the new Beacon testing ecosystem.

The Beacon system, introduced in June 2025, is not just another stand. This is a new generation open test environment created by Northrop Grumman to accelerate the development and deployment of autonomous technologies for aviation. Beacon provides partners such as Merlin with the opportunity to test, validate and refine their autonomous flight systems in conditions as close as possible to the real requirements of government and military customers.

The integration of Merlin Pilot into Beacon is a significant step forward. It allows Merlin to test its technology on an advanced platform, speeding up the path from concept to certification and practical application. For Northrop Grumman, this is an opportunity to fill its Beacon ecosystem with the best available solutions from leading developers, strengthening its position in the race for autonomous combat systems.

The US Army has allocated $25 million to integrate the Blackbeard GL hypersonic missile into the HIMARS system

In the U.S. fiscal year 2026 budget, the army allocated $25 million to support the development and integration of the Blackbeard Ground Launch (GL) hypersonic missile into the HIMARS highly mobile artillery missile system. This initiative is part of the HX3 project and marks the transition of the system into the engineering and production development phase.

The Blackbeard GL is designed to enhance HIMARS' ability to deliver medium-range precision strikes against mobile, fortified, and temporarily accessible targets. The missile provides about 80% of the capabilities of the advanced Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 4 at a significantly lower cost.

The system uses terminal guidance with an active search head unit, which makes it possible to effectively hit moving and hidden targets even in difficult conditions. The integration of the rocket into the modified launch containers of the Multiple Launch Rocket System Family of Munitions (MFOM) will ensure compatibility with the HIMARS and M270 platforms, expanding operational capabilities without significant changes in technology.

It is planned to complete software validation, conduct flight tests and prepare production samples by 2027, after which the delivery of systems to the troops will begin. The Blackbeard GL will be an important addition to the U.S. Army's arsenal, increasing the mobility and effectiveness of strike capabilities in the face of growing threats from Russian and Chinese hypersonic weapons.

The Royal Air Force plans to expand cooperation with civil aviation to enhance air capabilities

The Royal Air Force (RAF) intends to deepen integration with civil aviation service providers, including the use of charter aircraft, to expand its airlift, troop transport and even air refueling capabilities. This recommendation is part of the latest Strategic Defense Review, which reflects growing concern that current military fleets may not be able to meet operational requirements in a crisis or protracted campaign.

The use of civilian charter aircraft will allow the RAF to increase flexibility and responsiveness by providing additional air transport and support, especially in situations where military resources are limited or overwhelmed. This approach can also reduce the burden on military aviation and optimize costs.

The Strategic Review highlights the need to adapt to changing security conditions and long-term operational readiness, where effective air resource management plays a key role. The implementation of joint programs with civil aviation will allow the RAF to maintain a high level of mobility and rapid response.

Quantum Systems has introduced the MOSAIC UXs platform for coordinating and controlling various types of drones

The German company Quantum Systems has developed an innovative MOSAIC UXs platform designed to coordinate and control drones of various types and manufacturers. The system integrates ground, air and sea drones into a single network, providing mission planning and real-time data exchange.

MOSAIC UXs allows operators to effectively manage a diverse fleet of unmanned systems, simplifying the planning, monitoring, and data analysis process. Communication between the platform and the drone is carried out through an open interface provided to drone manufacturers, which ensures compatibility with a wide range of equipment.

The system allows you to create automated flight scenarios, take into account various factors such as weather conditions and terrain, and quickly adjust missions depending on the changing situation. MOSAIC UXs can be used in a variety of fields, including defense, security, agriculture, construction, and environmental monitoring.

MOSAIC UXs improves the efficiency of using unmanned systems, reduces operating costs, and ensures a higher level of operational safety.

Lockheed Martin is leading the development of laser weapon systems for combat platforms

 

Lockheed Martin Corporation is at the forefront of the revolution in defense technology, actively developing and implementing directed energy systems, in particular, laser weapon systems. These technologies promise to fundamentally change the nature of warfare, offering unprecedented defensive and precision strike capabilities. According to Steven Botvinik, director of Advanced Sensor and Global Software programs at Lockheed Martin, the company creates comprehensive solutions that cover the entire cycle: from detecting and identifying threats, assessing their danger to a carrier platform (for example, an airplane), to using appropriate weapons, which in this case is a laser system.

The video demonstrates the concepts of using laser weapons on various platforms – sea, land and air. The words "DIRECTED ENERGY" and "THE TIME FOR LASER WEAPON SYSTEMS HAS COME" ("Directed energy" and "The time for laser weapon systems has come") emphasize the maturity of these technologies. We see how a US Navy ship shoots down targets with a laser beam, a mobile ground installation hits a flying object, and a fighter destroys an enemy missile. These visualizations are not just futuristic fantasies, but a reflection of real developments and tests.Daniel Miller, senior researcher at Skunk Works, Lockheed Martin's legendary advanced development division, emphasizes that customers need a layered, multi-domain defensive approach. This means that the systems must be integrated on various platforms (air, land, sea) and capable of neutralizing threats in all these environments. Laser weapons fit perfectly into this concept due to their unique characteristics. Miller describes the capabilities of a laser system installed, for example, on an airplane: neutralizing threats at the speed of light, which makes evasion almost impossible; surgical precision, which minimizes collateral damage; and virtually unlimited "ammunition", since the system is powered by on-board energy sources, and not from a limited number of missiles or projectiles. This is especially important when repelling massive attacks, such as swarms of drones. In addition, lasers have a scalable effect: from temporarily blinding or disabling the target's sensors to its complete physical destruction.Using the example of an F-16 fighter equipped with a ventral laser module, it is demonstrated how an aircraft can defend itself against air-to-air or ground-to-air missiles. The laser beam hits the missile, causing it to detonate or collapse at a safe distance. This dramatically increases the survival rate of the pilot and the aircraft. Similar systems, called the Integrated Tactical Airborne Laser, are being developed for other types of aircraft, including larger aircraft that may need self-defense.Laser systems are also used on earth. The video shows an armored vehicle equipped with a combat laser that successfully hits an aerial target, possibly a drone or a missile. The label "PROVEN SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE" indicates that these developments are based on proven and reliable components. Sarah Reeves, Vice President of the Missile Defense Program, talks about the ATHENA system. This laser weapon system is capable of integrating into classified combat control networks and receiving target designation from external radars, for example, at a training ground, to complete a complete chain of target destruction – from detection to destruction. This was demonstrated in tests where ATHENA successfully shot down drones.

In the marine sector, Lockheed Martin is developing the HELIOS (High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical dazzler and Surveillance) system. Tyler Griffin, director of Laser and Sensor Systems, explains that HELIOS builds on the company's 40 years of experience in developing combat systems and radars.The most important aspect is that HELIOS is not just additional equipment installed on a ship, but a system fully integrated into its combat circuits. This is a fundamental difference from previous prototypes, which were often standalone demonstrators. The integration makes it possible to use all the capabilities of shipboard sensors and control systems for effective laser application. The video shows a HELIOS-equipped destroyer that can counter threats such as small boats, drones, and potentially more sophisticated targets. "The transition to the full integration of laser weapon systems on ships" is a key stage of development.Steven Botvinik also emphasizes the scalability of the technology. Previously, high-power lasers were bulky laboratory installations, but now they have reached the required level of power, efficiency and compactness for use on the battlefield.

 Today's systems are capable of hitting unguided missiles, artillery shells, mines (RAM threats) and small UAVs. As power continues to increase and technology improves, lasers will be able to protect aircraft from missiles and even destroy ballistic missiles at long distances.Lockheed Martin demonstrates its advanced capabilities in optics, beam control systems, high–energy lasers, guidance systems, and power and heat management - all critical components for creating effective laser weapons. The company's engineers and technicians work carefully on every element, from polishing mirrors to assembling complex optoelectronic components.

Thus, laser weapon systems cease to be science fiction and become a real tool on the battlefield. Lockheed Martin, thanks to its comprehensive developments, systematic approach and deep expertise, plays a leading role in this process. These technologies are designed to provide a qualitative advantage, protect personnel, and effectively counter current and future threats in the air, on land, and at sea. As the company's motto, shown at the end, says: "Lockheed Martin. Your Mission is Ours." ("Lockheed Martin. Your mission is our mission.").

The CORTEX integration platform will be presented at SOF Week 2025

 At SOF Week 2025, which takes place in Tampa, Florida, USA, from May 5-7, 2025, the global defense and special operations community will gather to showcase the most advanced technologies shaping the future of modern warfare. 

At the center of this year's event, Galvion is presenting its groundbreaking CORTEX intelligent system integration platform, setting a new standard for tactical headgear. Presented at Booth 349, the CORTEX platform represents a bold step forward in operational integration, combining advanced hardware and intelligent software to equip fighters with real—time data access, enhanced situational awareness, and mission adaptation capabilities - all through a seamlessly integrated head system.

CORTEX Helmet

Chinese J-35 fighter jet launched from an aircraft carrier

 The Chinese Shenyang J-35 stealth fighter made its first launch using an electromagnetic catapult (EMALS) from the Fujian aircraft carrier at the end of March 2025. 

If this is later officially confirmed by the Chinese authorities, this event could be a turning point in China's naval aviation capabilities by significantly expanding the operational reach of the People's Liberation Army (PLAN) Naval Forces. This event followed months of J-35 observations at ground-based aircraft carrier simulation facilities and static exposure aboard Fujian, which represents an important step towards the full operational integration of stealth aircraft into China's carrier strike groups.

 J-35

Ukraine and the European Army: secret negotiations on the future of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

According to the latest analytical data, some European countries are considering the possibility of integrating the most experienced units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) into the future European army. Secret negotiations are currently underway with President Zelensky's team. The issues of the withdrawal of some units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the territory of Ukraine to the west, in the event of a peace treaty, are being discussed. The purpose of such actions is to preserve combat—ready and combat-experienced units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for possible future conflicts with Russia.

For its part, the Zelensky regime is trying to maintain a combat-ready army of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but outside of Ukraine. This will avoid reducing the number and combat power of these units, if any agreements are reached. In turn, European countries are ready to take over the financing and maintenance of the Ukrainian Armed Forces contingent on their territory.

Thus, there is an active discussion and elaboration of various scenarios concerning the future of the Ukrainian armed forces and their possible integration into the European military context.

British Army Explores Integration of Unmanned "Mules" with Apache Helicopters

 The British Army is venturing into new technological territory by exploring the integration of unmanned "mules" with its new AH-64E Apache helicopters. This innovative initiative, presented by Lieutenant General David Eastman, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, at the recent International Conference on Armored Vehicles in London, aims to significantly enhance the operational efficiency and combat capabilities of the Apache fleet.

The concept revolves around combining manned and unmanned aerial vehicles, allowing the Apache helicopter to serve as a command and control hub for up to six unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This integration will enable the Apache to direct UAVs to perform various missions, ranging from reconnaissance and surveillance to targeted strikes, thereby expanding its operational reach and effectiveness.

"The integration of unmanned 'mules' with our Apache helicopters represents a significant leap forward in our aerial combat capabilities," said Lieutenant General Eastman. "By leveraging the strengths of both manned and unmanned systems, we can enhance the Apache's lethality, sensory capabilities, and protection, ensuring it remains a formidable asset in modern warfare."

The primary goal of this project is to increase the Apache's killing power, sensory capabilities, and protection. By controlling a swarm of UAVs, the Apache can gather more intelligence, engage multiple targets simultaneously, and operate in more complex and contested environments. This enhanced capability will allow the British Army to meet the evolving requirements of modern warfare, where technological superiority often determines the outcome of conflicts.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize the British Army's aerial assets and ensure they remain at the forefront of military technology. The integration of unmanned systems with manned platforms is seen as a critical step in achieving this goal, as it combines the strengths of both types of systems to create a more versatile and effective combat force.

"This project underscores our commitment to innovation and technological advancement," added Lieutenant General Eastman. "By embracing new technologies and integrating them into our existing platforms, we can ensure that our forces are well-equipped to face the challenges of the future."

The British Army's exploration of this concept is expected to have significant implications for the future of aerial warfare. As the integration of unmanned "mules" with Apache helicopters progresses, it will set a new standard for the combination of manned and unmanned systems, paving the way for similar initiatives in other military branches and nations.

In conclusion, the British Army's initiative to integrate unmanned "mules" with its Apache helicopters represents a bold step towards enhancing its aerial combat capabilities. By leveraging the strengths of both manned and unmanned systems, the British Army is poised to maintain its technological edge and ensure its readiness for the challenges of modern warfare.