DSEI 2025 showed a new British BMP — Ajax with a Lockheed Martin turret and a 40 mm cannon

Not just an upgrade — an elongated case and more space

At DSEI 2025 in London, General Dynamics Land Systems–UK, together with Lockheed Martin, presented a new version of the Ajax infantry fighting vehicle. It's not just cosmetics — the car has received an elongated body: 30 centimeters longer than the basic Ares model. This means more internal space, more convenient for the crew and paratroopers.

The vehicle is designed for three crew members and eight fighters. Now it will be easier for soldiers to move inside, and the equipment will be placed without compromising comfort.

A turret without a crew — and a cannon that hits further

The main innovation is a new uninhabited tower, developed in the UK by Lockheed Martin. It is completely enclosed, controlled remotely from inside the car. The crew keeps their heads down, doesn't take any risks, but at the same time sees everything through cameras and thermal imagers.

The turret is equipped with a 40 mm CTA (Cased Telescoped Armament) cannon, which has already been tested in other army projects. It is more powerful than the old 30mm and allows you to fire on heavy equipment, fortified positions and even light armored cars.

What does the 40mm CTA do and why do we need a missile bay?

40mm shells are a serious increase in firepower. They penetrate more armor, deal more damage to infantry, and can be used in urban combat. The cannon is compatible with smart ammo, which increases accuracy.

Another find is a separate compartment for anti—tank guided missiles. Now the infantry fighting vehicle can not only fire a cannon, but also launch missiles at enemy tanks without leaving cover.

Tracks, protection, and why it's important for the Army

The vehicle is equipped with composite rubber tracks from the Canadian Soucy Defense. They are quieter, wear out more slowly and do not damage roads — an important advantage when moving around the city or in the rear.

An active protection system has also been announced, which means Ajax will be able to repel ATGM and grenade attacks. All this makes the car not just a transport, but a full-fledged combat unit.

Sources

1. TopWar — Track or wheel: the eternal dilemma
2. TopWar — Which track is better?
3. MySeldon — News digest on tracked systems
4. Army Guide — Comparative review of track technologies
5. Army Guide — Track durability and maintenance analysis
6. Focus.ua — South Korea unveils upgraded K9A2 SP howitzer for British Army

Lockheed Martin is making a single digital stream for the US Army so that commanders can see everything at once

 

What is the integrated data layer?

Lockheed Martin has received an order to create a prototype of the so—called "integrated data layer" - in fact, a single digital network for army units. The work is carried out within the framework of the OTA (Other Transaction Authority), a mechanism that allows the army to cooperate more quickly with innovative companies, including those who have not worked with the Ministry of Defense before.

The goal is simple but ambitious: to erase the barriers between different systems. So that data from drones, radars, sensors on armor, and even soldiers' tablets can be collected in one place, in the same format, and in real time.

Why does the 25th Infantry Division need a new system

The pilot unit will be the 25th Infantry Division, one of the most mobile and ready for rapid deployment. It is she who will test the new system in real conditions. Currently, commanders receive information from various sources, often with a delay and in incompatible formats. It's like putting together a puzzle when some of the pieces are in another room.

The new level of data should give them a unified picture: where their friends are, where the enemy is, where the threat is, where it's better to move — all on one screen, without unnecessary requests and expectations.

How commercial technology gets into the military

The special feature of the project is the team. Lockheed Martin has attracted not only its in—house contractors, but also "unconventional innovators" - startups, IT companies, and developers from the civilian sector. Their technologies — in the field of data processing, cloud platforms, interfaces — are already working in business, and they are being adapted to the needs of the army.

This approach speeds up development and reduces cost. Instead of inventing everything from scratch, they take the finished product and refine it to the front.

NGC2 is not just an update, but a leap into the future

NGC2 (Next Generation Command and Control) is not another version of the old system. This is an attempt to rebuild the very principle of management. Instead of a hierarchy with a bunch of intermediate links, it's a network where information flows freely and decisions are made faster.

If it works, it will change not only tactics, but also the very logic of combat. The army will become faster, more flexible, more resistant to losses. And the commanders will not just get more data, but will begin to understand the battlefield on a different level.

Sources

1. TAdviser — NGC2 program details and development goals
2. VerumReactor — Lockheed Martin kicks off work and 2025 prototype completion plans

The United States is preparing to introduce a new air-to-air weapon: AIM-260 from Lockheed Martin

After the incident when Pakistan shot down Indian fighter jets with a Chinese-made missile, the United States stepped up its efforts to develop advanced weapons systems. Budget applications for 2025 mention that the US Air Force and Navy may soon receive a new air-to—air missile, the AIM-260, developed by Lockheed Martin. This system, which has been under development for eight years, is now in production, which opens up new horizons for American military power.

Context and reason for development

The development of the AIM-260 was initiated in response to the growing threats in the airspace, especially after incidents involving the use of Chinese technology. Pakistan's success in shooting down Indian fighter jets highlighted the need to modernize American weapons systems. The AIM-260 is designed to replace outdated systems and provide air combat superiority, which is especially important in modern conflicts.

Features and capabilities of the AIM-260

The AIM-260 represents a significant improvement over previous models. It has increased accuracy, increased range and improved maneuverability, which allows it to effectively counter modern and future threats. The missile is also equipped with advanced guidance systems, which increases its effectiveness in various combat conditions. These characteristics make the AIM-260 one of the most advanced air-to-air systems in the world.

Influence on the US military strategy

The introduction of the AIM-260 will significantly strengthen the U.S. position in the field of air defense and attack. This missile will allow the US Air Force and Navy to act more confidently and effectively in various scenarios, whether it is patrolling airspace or participating in combat operations. The AIM-260 will also improve the United States' ability to deter potential aggressors by providing them with air combat superiority.

Future prospects and development

With the introduction of the AIM-260 into service, the United States plans to continue to develop and improve this system. In the future, we can expect improvements in fire control, integration with other weapons systems, and increased range and accuracy. This will allow the US military to remain at the forefront of technology and effectively counter new and evolving threats.

The US Air Force is implementing augmented reality in the F-16 for realistic combat training

The US Air Force is planning to introduce new augmented reality (AR) technology into its F-16 fighter jets. This can significantly change the approach to pilot training, making training more realistic and effective.

The system was developed by the Florida-based startup Red 6. It is called the Augmented Reality Aerial Tactical System (ATARS). It is a special helmet with a visor on which virtual images are projected, such as other aircraft, targets, or environmental elements. To the pilot, it looks like an enemy fighter or a friendly machine is actually in the air next to him.

Red 6 positions ATARS as a technology that combines the advantages of ground simulators and real-world flights. The pilot stays in a real aircraft, performs real maneuvers, but at the same time interacts with virtual objects, which allows him to practice complex aerial combat, maneuvering and tactical scenarios without having to involve additional target aircraft.

This not only reduces fuel costs and equipment wear, but also expands learning opportunities: it is possible to simulate situations that are difficult or dangerous to recreate in reality. In addition, the system allows you to conduct joint exercises with other pilots, whose planes also "appear" in the visor as virtual targets.

Testing and further implementation of ATARS in the F-16 is part of a large—scale program to modernize the training of U.S. Air Force flight personnel using advanced digital technologies.

Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky has begun assembling the first CH-53K Pereh helicopter for Israel under a 12-vehicle contract

The American company Lockheed Martin, together with its subsidiary Sikorsky, has begun the final assembly process of the first CH-53K Pereh heavy transport helicopter for the Israeli Air Force. In total, Israel has ordered 12 such helicopters as part of a major contract under the Foreign Military Sales Program (FMS) concluded between the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the US government.

This helicopter, also known as the King Stallion, is a deep upgrade of the previous model, the CH-53E Super Stallion. The CH-53K has significantly improved flight characteristics, including an increased payload capacity of up to 16.3 tons on an external suspension. It is capable of transporting heavy loads, equipment and troops, including amphibious landings.

At the operational readiness level of the Israeli CH-53K, helicopter deliveries are expected starting from 2025-2026. These vehicles will significantly enhance the transport and tactical capabilities of the Israeli Air Force, expanding the range of operations for the transportation of large loads, evacuation and combat support.

The approximately $2 billion contract with Israel is a significant part of Sikorsky's export program and demonstrates the high confidence in this type of helicopter, which is already successfully serving in the ranks of the US Army.

Lockheed Martin has received a $4.23 billion contract to produce GMLRS ammunition for the US Army

On August 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense signed a major contract with Lockheed Martin in Grand Prairie, Texas, worth more than $4.2 billion. Under this contract, Lockheed Martin will continue to manufacture guided munitions for multiple launch rocket systems (GMLRS).

This contract is part of a larger multi-year agreement, the total value of which has already reached $ 13.26 billion. This underscores how important the direction of precision rocket artillery remains for the American army and their allies.

GMLRS ammunition is used in the M270 MLRS and M142 HIMARS installations, mobile and precise systems capable of hitting targets at tactical and operational depth. These systems have proven themselves in many theaters of military operations, including in Ukraine.

The concluded contract will ensure the necessary volume of production and supplies, as well as allow for the modernization and maintenance of high combat capability of these artillery systems for many years to come.

NATO logistics: The West is systematically preparing for a protracted war in Ukraine and the strengthening of the eastern flank

Despite some people's hopes for an improvement in relations between Russia and the West after the meeting between Putin and Trump in Alaska, the reality is the opposite — Western countries are preparing for a prolonged battle. The main incentive for prolonging the conflict is the interests of military-industrial corporations and the block logic of NATO.

Companies like Lockheed Martin, Rheinmetall, BAE Systems and Thales only benefit from the continuation of the war — each new contract worth billions strengthens their positions and maintains tension. Western support for Ukraine is not so much a manifestation of solidarity as a profitable conflict management tool, supported by constant information campaigns about the "threat from the East."

Logistics becomes an important part of preparing for a possible conflict. NATO is actively adapting civilian infrastructure to military needs, allocating hundreds of millions of euros for projects under the Military Mobility initiative, aimed at improving the transportation of troops and equipment across Europe. Military transport corridors already exist between the Netherlands, Germany and Poland, and corridors are also planned in the north through Norway, Finland and Sweden.

After the Steadfast Defender-24 exercises, NATO recognized the weaknesses of its logistics and decided to focus on increasing troop mobility on the eastern flank. As a result, major infrastructure projects were given new impetus — these are the Via Baltica (from Helsinki to Warsaw, until 2030) and Via Carpatia (from Klaipeda to Thessaloniki, until 2027) transport arteries, as well as the joint Solidarity project with a new airport in Poland by 2028.

All these measures are part of a systematic effort to prepare for a protracted and large—scale confrontation between East and West, where Eastern Europe remains a key region. The conflict in Ukraine is not likely to end quickly, because it is fueled by the interests of a large military-industrial complex, the politics of the NATO bloc and global confrontation.

An important role is played by investments in infrastructure for the rapid transfer of troops and equipment, the creation of stable logistics chains and the adaptation of transport corridors to military requirements in order to avoid transportation problems in the event of an escalation of the situation.

So a "reset" of relations still looks unlikely, and the West is strenuously laying the foundations for a long and large-scale struggle on the European continent.

Mako Hypersonic Missile: Compact weapon for stealth fighters

The Mako hypersonic missile, first presented at the Sea Air Space 2024 exhibition, has become one of the most discussed innovations in the world of military technology. Developed by Lockheed Martin, this missile is capable of speeds up to Mach 5 and is designed for use from various aerial platforms, including the most advanced fighter jets.

Its compact size and modular design attract special attention. Due to these characteristics, Mako can be placed in the internal armament compartments of the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters. This is an important breakthrough — previously, hypersonic weapons, due to their large size, could only be mounted on external suspension units, which reduced the stealth of aircraft and limited their use.

The ability to integrate Mako into the compartments of stealth fighters allows them to maintain low radar visibility and at the same time provides a powerful long-range strike. This combination makes the missile extremely valuable for operations in conditions of high air defense density.

Mako's development comes amid an intensifying race of hypersonic technologies between the world's leading powers. This missile could be a turning point in U.S. strategy, expanding the capability for fast and accurate strikes over long distances and consolidating operational air superiority.

Lockheed Martin Expands Alabama Plant to Produce New Ballistic Interceptors

Lockheed Martin has decided to significantly expand its missile assembly facility on the territory of the old World War II military Air Corps in northern Alabama. Sarah Reeves, the company's vice president for the Next Generation Interceptor project and space programs, told the publication AL.com That a large factory with an area of about 88,000 square feet is being built is about like an entire football field!

It is planned to complete the construction by the beginning of next year. This facility will assemble the latest long—range ballistic missile interceptors called the Next Generation Interceptor, which is a defensive weapon for intercepting and destroying dangerous missiles in the air before they can reach their targets.

Such an expansion is important for improving the country's defense capability, and the Cortland site itself is a convenient historical place where military aircraft used to be based. Modern missiles will now be built at this site to help protect the United States and its allies from missile threats.

GMARS vs HIMARS: The USA and Germany have tested a new super-powerful MLRS with dual ammunition

 

The American-German project of the future, the GMARS (Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System) multiple launch rocket System, has successfully completed its first combat launches, which are close to real combat conditions. The tests took place at the famous White Sands test site in New Mexico, where the system launched two GMLRS medium-range guided missiles. This milestone was an important milestone: it confirmed the combat readiness, accuracy and reliability of the new artillery platform developed jointly by Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall.

GMARS is not just a copy, but a direct competitor and an improved version of HIMARS, which has already proven itself in its area. The main advantage is the Rheinmetall HX reinforced 8x8 chassis, capable of withstanding up to 40 tons. Thanks to this, GMARS can carry two launch modules instead of one, which doubles the ammunition and dramatically increases firepower in one trip.

What can trigger GMARS?  

— 12 GMLRS missiles (range up to 150 km),

— 4 tactical PrSM missiles (up to 400 km),

— or 2 ATACMS ballistic missiles (up to 310 km).  

This versatility makes the system ideal for NATO: it is compatible with the main types of munitions used by the United States and its allies, which simplifies logistics and makes it easy to integrate GMARS into joint operations.

But the innovations don't stop there. GMARS is already being considered as a platform for future cruise missiles, including a modified ground—based version of the JASSM, which will turn it into a true multi-purpose strike system. Its high mobility, survivability and precision make it ideal for tasks:  

— striking deep into the defense,

— air defense suppression,  

— and counter-battery warfare.

The exact cost has not yet been disclosed, but analysts estimate it at $ 15 million — more expensive than HIMARS, but with much greater capabilities. Serial production and export are in the near future. This means that a new artillery "destruction machine" may appear on the battlefields of the future, which will change the balance of power.

The US government has instructed Lockheed Martin to increase production of PAC-3 MSE anti—aircraft missiles for Patriot systems - the current pace has already been achieved

The US government plans to increase production of PAC-3 MSE anti-aircraft missiles for Patriot air defense systems. Under the current contract, Lockheed Martin is required to produce about 650 interceptors per year until 2027, and this goal has already been achieved in recent months. 

Moreover, in April 2025, the US Army Requirements Oversight Board approved an increase in the purchase plans of the PAC-3 MSE by almost four times — from 3,376 thousand to 13,773 units, which significantly exceeds the current production rate. This dramatic expansion is due to the need to quickly replenish the empty arsenal of missiles and the Allied support program, including the allocation of funds for the purchase of missiles for Ukraine.

At the same time, the production of PAC-3 MSE missiles is currently estimated at about 550-650 units per year, and Lockheed Martin plans to increase production by 20% in 2025, which will help increase the rate of replenishment, but it is not worth expecting immediate full satisfaction of large-scale orders yet.

In addition, some of the production processes of the PAC-3 MSE missile components are being transferred and expanded in NATO countries, for example, cooperation with Spain on the production of specialized cables and harnesses, which helps to increase production capacity and create new jobs in the allied countries.

Thus, the US government is actually initiating a continuous significant increase in the production of the PAC-3 MSE in order to upgrade and expand the capabilities of national and allied missile defense, based on Lockheed Martin's current good performance and plans to scale production.

Spain refuses to purchase American F-35 fighter jets in favor of Eurofighter and the European FCAS system

 Spain has officially abandoned plans to purchase American-made F-35 fighter jets and will now focus on choosing between the European Eurofighter and the promising Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a representative of the country's Ministry of Defense said. This decision was the result of Madrid's strategy of prioritizing investments in the European defense industry, which makes the purchase of American aircraft economically and politically impractical.

In the 2023 budget, the Spanish government allocated about 6.25 billion euros for the purchase of new fighter jets, but in 2025 it increased defense spending and at the same time decided to allocate most of the funds (about 85% of the additional budget) to European-made projects. This means that the purchase of F-35s created by Lockheed Martin is now impossible. According to representatives of the ministry, preference will be given to either the existing Eurofighter, manufactured by Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo, or the multifunctional FCAS system, developed jointly by France, Germany and Spain, which is due to enter service by 2040.

The abandonment of the F-35 will affect the plans of the Spanish Air Force and Navy: the Eurofighter will be used to replace the aging fleet of fighter jets, and FCAS is seen as a long-term next-generation solution. At the same time, the Spanish navy has a problem replacing the Harrier AV-8B fighters, since the F-35B was the only available platform with a shortened takeoff and vertical landing — there are no such alternatives now, which creates a potential gap in carrier aviation.

Spain's strategic decision to support European projects caused a negative reaction in the United States, where, in particular, former President Donald Trump threatened to impose additional customs duties on Spanish products due to Spain's refusal to increase military spending to 5% of GDP.

Thus, Spain is betting on strengthening European defense capabilities, focusing on joint production and technology development within the framework of European programs, despite the compromises and challenges associated with the abandonment of the most modern American fighter.

Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin want to build large-scale missile production in Europe together

 

The German company Rheinmetall and the American Lockheed Martin are planning to create a joint venture aimed at establishing large—scale production of missiles directly in Europe. Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger spoke about this in detail during a conference call on the results of the first quarter of 2025. He confirmed that Rheinmetall is going to hold a controlling stake in this new joint business.

The idea is to create a serious European center for the production of advanced missile systems in order to ensure stable supplies and not depend on external factors. Such an enterprise will help accelerate production, improve quality and strengthen Europe's defense capability in the face of growing threats.

Papperger noted that cooperation with Lockheed Martin is an important step, because the American partner has extensive experience and technology in the field of missile weapons. By combining resources and knowledge, companies will be able to work faster and more efficiently, creating modern solutions for NATO and partner countries.

Rheinmetall will retain control over the joint venture, which will allow it to direct the development of the project in line with the interests of European countries and maintain a high level of production. The launch of such a concern is part of Rheinmetall's global strategy to strengthen defense technologies and create reliable arms supply chains in Europe.

All this is happening against the background of an increasing demand for modern missile systems that require manufacturers to be highly technologically advanced and flexible. The Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin joint venture should become a key player in the market, capable of meeting European security needs for many years to come.

Germany and the USA in action: the new GMARS missile system is undergoing fire tests in the White Sands Desert

GMARS

Serious news from the high—tech weapons front: the joint project of two defense giants — German Rheinmetall and American Lockheed Martin - is entering the home stretch. Their brainchild, the Global Mobile Artillery Missile System (GMARS), is no longer just a mock-up on display, but a real combat platform that is currently undergoing rigorous testing at the legendary White Sands training ground in New Mexico, USA.

It should be recalled that GMARS was publicly presented to the world for the first time at the largest Eurosatory 2024 arms exhibition in Paris. Then the system made a splash: compact but powerful, it combines mobility, precision and high speed of deployment. Now, just a few months after the presentation, engineers and the military are already launching rockets in the desert — and this means that the project has moved from the "this will be cool" stage to the "this is already working" stage.

GMARS is a modular system that can be installed on almost any suitable truck or armored personnel carrier. It is capable of launching both rockets and precision-guided missiles, including those developed by Lockheed Martin, for example, systems based on GMLRS (guided missiles). This makes GMARS versatile: from infantry support to the destruction of enemy fortifications hundreds of kilometers away.

What is especially important is that the system was created taking into account modern realities. In an environment where troops must move quickly to avoid becoming a target for enemy drones and reconnaissance, GMARS allows you to "shoot and drive away." It can be deployed in a matter of minutes, strike and disappear from the position, which dramatically increases the survival rate of the calculation.

The White Sands trials are not just a demonstration of capabilities. Everything is checked there: the accuracy of the hit, the reliability of the system in extreme temperatures, the rate of reloading, resistance to vibrations and dust, as well as compatibility with various types of ammunition. Considering that the White Sands test site is a historic place where missiles have been tested since the Second World War, testing there is a sign of high confidence and seriousness of the project.

So far, neither Rheinmetall nor Lockheed Martin have disclosed all the technical details, but they hint that GMARS is already attracting the interest of several NATO countries. Deliveries are possible both to Europe and to the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, where the demand for modern, but at the same time mobile and inexpensive to maintain weapons systems is growing.

In fact, GMARS is the answer to the challenges of modern warfare: fast, accurate, scalable and compatible with existing systems. And if the tests are successful, we may see this system in service with new armies in the next couple of years.

Lockheed Martin received 33.4 million to help Israel with the F-35 — all for the sake of the Block 4

Lockheed Martin has signed a new contract with the US Department of Defense in the amount of $ 33.4 million. The money will be used to support Israel's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, or rather, to help develop its most advanced version, known as Block 4.

What does it mean? The F-35 is not just an airplane, but a flying computer, and its capabilities are constantly being updated with new versions of hardware and, especially, software. Block 4 is the largest upgrade in the history of the program: it will add new combat functions, improve sensors, enhance combat communication between aircraft and other systems, and expand the arsenal of compatible weapons.

Israel, as one of the key international partners of the F-35 program, wants not just to fly these fighters, but to deeply integrate them into its own defense ecosystem. Therefore, some of the design and software work is carried out directly in Israel, with the participation of local engineers and defense companies. This contract is designed to support the second stage of the development and design of systems on Israeli territory.

Such localization is an important step. It gives Israel more control over technology, allows it to adapt the F-35 to its unique tasks (for example, countering enemy air defenses or operations in the dense airspace of the Middle East) and reduces dependence on supplies from abroad in the event of a crisis.

Lockheed Martin will coordinate these efforts by providing access to source codes, technical documentation, and simulation tools. The work ahead is extensive: from software architecture design to testing new combat algorithms.

As a result, although the contract was awarded to an American company, the whole system wins: the United States strengthens its alliance with Israel, and Israel gains more technological independence, and the F-35 becomes even smarter, more powerful and more deadly.

The Pentagon has thrown another 2 billion at THAAD: missile interception missiles are becoming the norm

 

THAAD

The US Department of Defense on Monday made a major adjustment to its missile defense program: Lockheed Martin received a contract worth $ 2.06 billion for the production of interceptors for the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system, the very "shield" that is supposed to catch enemy ballistic missiles on approach.

This is not a new contract, but a modification of an existing one. Now its total value has increased from $8.35 billion to $10.42 billion, a figure that makes one's ears pop. But in the face of growing threats from North Korea, Iran and other countries, the Pentagon considers such investments necessary.

What will Lockheed Martin do? To produce key components of THAAD interceptors at fixed prices — that is, without additional surcharges. Work will unfold at several plants: in Dallas (Texas), Sunnyvale (California), Troy (Alabama) and Camden (Arkansas). This is not only defense, but also jobs — both politics and economics combined.

The THAAD system is one of the most efficient in the world: it intercepts rockets at high altitude, even before they have time to enter the dense layers of the atmosphere. It has already been deployed in South Korea, Guam, Qatar and other hot spots. Now the United States wants to increase its stock of interceptors in case a massive missile attack begins.

The expected completion date is December 1, 2029. At the start of the contract, the Pentagon had already allocated $284.92 million for procurement in 2024-2025.

Interestingly, only one offer was requested for this contract, and one was received. In other words, Lockheed Martin is actually a monopolist in this field. The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) in Huntsville, Alabama, is the customer and is overseeing the process.

Australia fired at a target from 480 km away — and hit: new PrSM missiles went through fire, water and desert

 

The Australian Army has just taken a major step in its military development: in the desert of the Northern Territory, at the Mount Bundy training ground, they successfully tested a new generation of PrSM (Precision Strike Missile) for the first time - and the result turned out to be as accurate as a surgeon. The rocket flew to the target at a distance of more than 480 kilometers (300 miles) and hit the target point without missing.

It was not just a test, but a combat launch — that is, the rocket did not just take off, but completed the real task, destroying the conditional target. Most importantly, these are the first PrSM tests outside the United States, which highlights Australia's growing role as a strategic partner in the Pacific region.

The rocket, developed by the American company Lockheed Martin, was launched from the HIMARS mobile launcher, the one that became a star in Ukraine. Its advantage is high accuracy, long range and the ability to quickly relocate. Now Australia gets a powerful tool to defeat enemy bases, warehouses, air defenses and command posts without exposing its forces to attack.

The Mount Bundy trials are not just a show-off. They are designed to strengthen Australia's strike potential in the face of growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. The further an army can strike, the higher its chance of winning in any conflict.

PrSM is the future of artillery: smart, fast, long—range, and essentially unmanned. And now Australia has it.

America is building a "Golden Dome": the United States launched purchases of $ 151 billion for a super-powerful missile defense system

 The United States has officially turned on the first gear in the race for a new era of missile defense — the country has launched a procurement procedure for the incredible amount of 151 billion dollars for a program called the Golden Dome. Does it sound like fiction? And this is real politics. The goal is not just to intercept a couple of missiles, but to build a large—scale, all—weather, all-pervasive system that can protect the entire continent from a wide variety of threats, from ballistic missiles to hypersonic projectiles.

What is the Golden Dome? So far, this is not one specific system, but a large-scale initiative that combines advanced technologies of the future: lasers, interceptor satellites, artificial intelligence for trajectory analysis, hypersonic sensors and much more. According to the idea, this will not just be an "umbrella" over the United States, but a multi-level shield capable of operating at all stages of the rocket's flight — from launch to the final approach to the target.

The money will be used for everything from R&D (scientific research and development work) before purchasing components, testing, and deploying new systems. It is already known that the project involves both traditional defense giants — Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman — and new players working with space sensors and AI.

Why now? The situation is heating up. China and Russia are actively testing hypersonic weapons, North Korea continues to launch, and threats are becoming increasingly difficult to predict. Older systems like GMD or Aegis can no longer handle it alone. We need something new - faster, smarter, more reliable. So we decided to build a "dome".

Interestingly, the name "Golden Dome" intentionally refers to the Israeli "Iron Dome", but with a difference in scale — there it was about protection from Qassam missiles, and here it was about survival at the superpower level. Just imagine: a network of satellites in space that see the rocket launch in real time, transmit data to earth, where AI instantly calculates the trajectory, and then an interceptor is launched — all in a matter of minutes.

However, critics are already grumbling: $151 billion is a lot of money. Will the project turn into a "bottomless barrel"? Yes, there is a risk. But the Pentagon believes that it is better to overpay now than to be left without protection later.

So the Golden Dome is not just a program. This is a strategic challenge for the future. And if everything goes according to plan, in 10-15 years that invisible but impenetrable shield may indeed appear over America.

L3Harris introduces the "Wolf Pack" — swarm drones with low cost and high efficiency

 

Wolf Pack

L3Harris has introduced a new series of unmanned aerial vehicles called the "Wolf Pack", which is designed to attack an enemy using a swarm of inexpensive paired kinetic and non-kinetic ammunition. This approach puts defenders in front of the need to spend more expensive funds to repel relatively cheap threats, which makes the concept economically beneficial.

These munitions fall into the category of so-called "Launched Effects", that is, disposable or returnable aircraft with a long range and low cost. Such systems make it possible to create an "accessible mass", that is, large-scale attacks using a large number of autonomous devices, which significantly increases the efficiency of operations at relatively low costs.

What is included in the "Wolf Pack"?

The series includes two main types:

- Red Wolf is a kinetic munition designed to directly hit targets.

- Green Wolf is a non—kinetic variant that can be used for electronic warfare, reconnaissance, or jamming.

Both types can be launched as a swarm from various platforms, including aircraft, ships, and ground installations. All devices are equipped with autonomous software that allows them to interact with each other and coordinate actions in real time.

L3Harris is not the only company developing such technologies. Similar developments are being conducted by:

- Anduril Industries — with projects such as Altius and other kamikaze drones.

- Lockheed Martin — with systems integrated into fifth-generation combat systems.

- General Atomics — with unmanned solutions based on MQ-9 and other platforms.

- Zone 5 Industries and other lesser-known companies — within the framework of specialized programs .

However, the Wolf Pack stands out for its scalability, low cost, and flexible application, which makes it particularly attractive to military personnel seeking cost-effective solutions on the battlefield.

According to the company's representatives, such systems have already passed flight tests and are capable of operating at a distance of up to 200 nautical miles (~370 km) with high speed and flight duration (up to 60 minutes or more) . This opens up opportunities for the Wolf Pack to be used in various scenarios, including reconnaissance, air defense suppression, sabotage operations, and pinpoint strikes.

The creation of the "Wolf Pack" from L3Harris is an important step in the development of the concept of autonomous swarm systems that change the rules of combat. Due to the combination of low cost, autonomy and high efficiency, such munitions are becoming a key element of the future of the US armed forces and their allies.

Israel is modernizing the Air Force: 75 F-35I "Adir" are expected by 2030

 F-35I "Adir"

Israel continues to build up its air force and relies on the F-35I "Adir", its unique version of the American fifth—generation fighter F-35A. According to an agreement with Lockheed Martin and the US government, Israel plans to receive 75 such aircraft by 2030.

The first two F-35is were delivered back in 2016, and since then deliveries have been coming in batches. All this time, the aircraft have been building up their combat potential at the Nevatim Airbase, where several squadrons based on them have already been created.

This is not just a copy of the American F-35 — it is a full-fledged joint project in which Israeli specialists have implemented their technologies. For example, the electronic warfare complex from Elbit Systems, its own communication and control systems, enlarged fuel tanks, and even weapons developed in Israel.

Thanks to these improvements, the Adir is considered one of the most advanced F-35s in the world, capable of operating effectively in a complex electronic environment and delivering precision strikes at long distances.

By 2025, the Israeli Air Force already has about 46 F-35I fighters distributed in three squadrons. Deliveries are continuing, and the fleet is expected to reach 75 aircraft by 2030, which will be a major boost for Israeli aviation.

The F-35I Adir program is a key element of the modernization of the Israeli Air Force and an important part of its strategic superiority in the region. These fighters provide not only a qualitative leap in combat capabilities, but also emphasize the close military-technical cooperation between Israel and the United States.