Stormwatch Defense has launched mass production of a jet interceptor — now it's not a prototype, but a reality

Three years of testing — and the release of the series

The American company Stormwatch Defense has announced the start of mass production of its jet turbine interceptor. This is an important stage: after almost three years of development and many flight tests, the drone has ceased to be an experiment and has become a product ready for delivery. Now we are not talking about single copies, but about a large—scale release - for the army, special forces and, possibly, allies.

What started as an adventurous idea is turning into a combat reality.

Glider as a construction kit: what can be hung on this drone

The company calls its device a "universal glider" — and it's not just beautifully said. The design allows the integration of almost any weapon and payload. If you want a machine gun, hang it up. If you need rockets, fasten them. More range is required — hang up the tanks. All this is on the same glider.

This approach dramatically reduces the cost and time needed to adapt to a specific task. You do not need to order a separate attack drone and a separate scout — you can reconfigure the same device in hours.

Picatinny rail in the sky — the weapon connects like on a stormtrooper

The special feature is the integrated Picatinny rails directly on the fuselage and wings. These are the same guides that are used on tactical weapons. Only here they are not for scopes, but for full-fledged weapons. At the same time, the straps provide not only mounting, but also power supply, as well as data transmission — the drone "understands" what is hanging on it and can control the guidance system.

Imagine: a drone with a machine gun that chooses its own firing mode, or with missiles that receive real-time targeting. It's not just a platform anymore — it's an automated combat system.

Your engine and your production

Stormwatch doesn't stop at the glider. The company has confirmed that it has started manufacturing tooling for its own 180N jet engine, manufactured in the USA. This is an important step towards complete independence from suppliers. The turbine engine gives the drone high speed, good altitude and resistance to interference, unlike electric multicopters.

Now they have both an airplane and a power plant. All that remains is to adjust the flow and start deliveries.

Sources

1. Building-Tech.org — next-gen StormWatch interceptor UAV

Rostec has released a smart compass for airplanes: new navigation without satellites

 

Rosel Holding, part of Rostec State Corporation, has introduced a new generation of equipment for satellite-free navigation. This equipment is designed for airplanes, helicopters and drones and will be a real salvation in cases when the usual GPS or GLONASS stop working.

The main advantage of the new product is that it works where satellite communications are unreliable or non—existent. These can be remote remote regions, dense forests, gorges, or, what is especially important in modern realities,  zones of active signal suppression (jamming). The device is capable of acting as a full-fledged autonomous backup system, providing accurate measurement of the speed and angle of demolition of the aircraft, even if all satellite systems have failed.

The developers have paid great attention to reliability and accuracy. The device has increased durability and resistance to vibrations and temperature fluctuations. And the accuracy of the readings has been significantly improved through the use of modern digital signal processing methods. According to Rostec, the new product significantly surpasses both existing Russian and foreign analogues in its key characteristics.

The equipment has already passed flight tests on various types of aircraft and has shown excellent results. Now it is ready for mass production and implementation. Its use is critically important not only in peaceful conditions (for flights in hard-to-reach areas), but also in the military, especially against the background of the growing threat of cyber attacks and large-scale electronic jamming, which can disarm equipment that is completely dependent on satellites.

Rostec, as Russia's largest machine-building holding, which unites more than 800 enterprises, emphasizes that such developments are part of a strategy to ensure technological independence and increase the combat readiness of military equipment.

Pentagon gave Raytheon 32.5 million for the production of new missile systems for the Marines

MRIC (Medium-Range Interception Capability)

On July 24, 2025, the Pentagon officially announced that Raytheon Missiles and Defense had received a $32.5 million contract, and this was a serious bid for the future. The money will be used to support the MRIC (Medium-Range Interception Capability) program, a medium—range interception system that the US Marine Corps is actively developing.

What exactly did you buy? 44 sets of so—called LLI products with a long production time. Simply put, these are the key parts and components that take a long time to make, but without them you cannot assemble a full-fledged system. Now they are being purchased for future use, so that they can quickly launch mass production of MRIC without delay.

In addition, the contract includes an additional amount of LLI — some will be used for spare parts, some for the modernization of already delivered prototypes. That is, not just new systems, but the refinement of old ones so that everything works clearly and according to a single standard.

What does it mean? And the fact that the Marines are seriously preparing for a new generation of air defense. MRIC is a step towards autonomy: the ability to turn around quickly, detect a threat and destroy it at medium range, regardless of army or air force structures. Raytheon, as always, is at the center of events — and, apparently, we will hear more about MRIC in the coming years.

European MBDA Develops New Attack UAV: Simplicity and Mass Character are the Key to Success

The European company MBDA is developing a promising unmanned aerial vehicle called One Way Effector. The goal of the project is to create the simplest and cheapest UAV that could be mass—produced and used in combat conditions. This approach promises new opportunities and advantages.

The course of simplification

MBDA recently presented its new project at the Paris International Air Show. They revealed its goals and features, and also showed an advertising image demonstrating the group use of these UAVs.

The One Way Effector project is being created by order of the French armed forces, who were impressed by the Russian massive strikes using the Geranium series UAVs. Last year, the French military conveyed its wishes to MBDA, and the company began working on a new concept. By now, the shape of the future UAV has already been formed, and technical work is underway.

Simplicity and mass character

The OWL UAV will be as simple and cheap as possible, which will allow for its mass production and group use. Due to the large number of UAVs, it is planned to break through and suppress the enemy's air defenses. Massive OWL raids will help uncover enemy radar and firepower positions, which will be used to suppress them. Some of the UAVs will take over the fire, use up enemy ammunition, and the remaining drones will be able to reach their targets with less risk. After the enemy's air defenses are weakened, other forces, such as tactical aircraft with their air-to-ground ammunition, will take part in the strikes.

Plans for the future

The design of the OWL began at the end of last year and is nearing completion. The first flights of the prototype are scheduled for this fall. In the near future, MBDA plans to present the results to the French Ministry of Defense and begin negotiations on possible purchases. Upon receipt of the contract, the company is ready to launch mass production no later than 2027, assembling up to 1,000 OWL products per month.

MBDA is also in talks with an unnamed automotive company about joint production of UAVs, which may be related to the OWL project.

The suggested look

MBDA showed what the promising OWL UAVs will look like. The device will have a torpedo-shaped fuselage and a mid-mounted triangular wing with V-shaped tips. The airframe will be made of plastic and composites. It is assumed that the UAV will have limited radar visibility due to the use of some "stealth technologies".

The UAV will be equipped with a small-sized short-life turbojet engine with an air intake on the upper surface of the fuselage. Flight characteristics have not yet been announced, but the propulsion system will achieve high subsonic speeds and a range of hundreds of kilometers.

Control and launch

The UAV control system will be simple and cheap, using satellite navigation to plot a course to the target. Communication with ground facilities and the formation of a "swarm" are not provided. The UAV will launch from a catapult or an inclined guide mounted on suitable self-propelled platforms, which will ensure rapid and massive launch preparations.

Borrowed ideas

Russian attack UAVs "Geran-2" have become one of the main novelties used during the Special Operation to protect Donbass. Their successes attracted the attention of foreign armies, and France decided to create its own version of an attack drone similar to Russian and Iranian models.

The concept of an inexpensive and simple OWL attack UAV looks promising and has a great future. However, its real prospects depend on MBDA's ability to create a design that meets all specific requirements. The tests will begin in the fall, and then it will be possible to draw the first conclusions about its success.

Chinese J-35 stealth fighter goes to sea: aircraft carrier tests coming soon

 J-35

China is actively preparing for combat duty its new fifth—generation fighter, the J-35, which is already undergoing limited mass production. This is not just another military aircraft — it is a full-fledged carrier-based stealth fighter designed to be based on aircraft carriers. And, apparently, there is very little left before full-fledged admission to the Chinese Navy.

What is the J-35?

It is an inconspicuous fighter with a streamlined body, modern electronic warfare systems and powerful weapons. It is compact in size — about 17.3 meters in length and 11.5 meters in wingspan. That is, he is maneuverable, fast and at the same time a serious fighter.

Its maximum speed is up to Mach 2 (about 2200 km / h), which is higher than that of the American F-35 (1.6 Mach). The combat range is about 1200-1300 km without outboard tanks, and with them — up to 2100 km.

Armament: What can it carry?

The J-35 can carry up to 8 tons of payload.:

- 6 suspension points inside — to keep it unobtrusive;

- 6 more are outside if more weapons are needed.

In his arsenal:

- PL-10 melee missiles,

- PL-12 medium-range missiles,

- anti-ship and anti-radar missiles.

That is, it is capable of destroying both air, land and sea targets.

How is the J-35 better than others?

- Two engines, rather than one, as in the F-35 — this gives better maneuverability and safety margin.

- More combat load, especially in the inner compartments.

- The speed is higher than that of the F-35.

- The wings are folded, which means it is convenient to place on the deck of an aircraft carrier.

- The ability to take off from a catapult is an important condition for naval aviation.

The J-35 is currently being prepared for testing on the Liaoning aircraft carrier. If everything goes well, it will be officially adopted and used in real combat missions.

This is a step forward for the Chinese navy: aircraft carriers will receive serious air support, and China will be able to assert itself more strongly in the Asia-Pacific region.

The J-35 is not just a copy of the F-35. It is a full-fledged competitor that can give China an advantage in maritime operations. It will be interesting to follow his tests on an aircraft carrier.

China accelerates serial production of J-35 fighter jets: CCTV 13 showed footage from the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation factory

J-35 in the background of the frame

On July 8, 2025, China's state television channel CCTV 13 broadcast a program dedicated to aviation, presenting footage from the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation production facility, which captured several fifth-generation J-35 fighters in advanced assembly stages. These shots were an important confirmation that the J-35 has moved beyond the prototype stage and has begun mass production.

The video showed at least five or six J-35 airframes at various stages of configuration. Some of the aircraft had identifiers such as "040070", which indicates that they belong to the fourth production batch and indicate the transition of the project from an experimental to a full-fledged production stage. This aroused considerable interest from military experts and analysts, as there had previously been doubts about the pace of development and scale of production of this promising multi-role fighter.

The J-35 fighter jet, also known as FC-31 outside China, is positioned as a competitor to Lockheed Martin's F-35 and is designed for use on both ground bases and aircraft carriers. The program also demonstrated elements of its integration with new electronic warfare systems, AESA radars and new generation weapons.

These events are taking place against the backdrop of the active modernization course of the Chinese Air Force and Navy, including the development of the aircraft carrier fleet and the creation of new generation strike groups. It is assumed that the J-35 will be paired with the heavy fighter J-20 as part of the concept of network-centric warfare and air superiority.

Thus, the publication of such materials on the official state channel is a signal of both internal confidence in the project and an external demonstration effect in the context of increasing geopolitical tension in the Asia-Pacific region.

The US Army begins mass production of Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) in Increment 1 configuration

The US Army has announced the start of mass production of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) high-precision tactical missile in the Increment 1 configuration, which marks an important stage in the modernization of the country's armed forces. This step became part of a broader strategy to strengthen combat capabilities, increase mobility and reduce costs when purchasing modern weapons.

The PrSM missile was developed as a replacement for the outdated ATACMS complexes and has an extended range of up to 500 kilometers. It is capable of hitting both stationary and mobile targets with high accuracy. The Increment 1 configuration provides for a non-nuclear warhead and guidance systems that can effectively counter modern threats on the battlefield.

Serial production has been launched as part of transformational initiatives aimed at creating a more flexible and combat-ready army. Earlier, Defense Minister Pete Gasteg announced the need for a large-scale reorganization, which includes the reduction of some units, the cancellation of a number of purchases and the redistribution of resources in favor of technologically advanced systems. The launch of the PrSM series was one of the first results of this policy.

In addition, this decision highlights the efforts of the US Army to strengthen its transition management system, including training personnel to work with new types of weapons and organizing logistical support. In this context, programs such as the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), which help soldiers adapt to changes within the structure of the armed forces, play an important role.

PrSM will become a key element in the strategy of "Multi-Domain superiority" (Multi-Domain Operations), as it provides a quick and accurate impact on deep-lying targets, especially in the face of intense opposition from potential opponents.

Return to Soviet scale: Russia is on its way to mass production of T-80 and T-90 tanks

The Russian defense sector is actively modernizing, striving to return to the production levels of armored vehicles typical of the late Soviet era. According to the Conflict Intelligence Team, by the middle of 2028, the production volume of new main battle tanks could reach 1,000 units per year, and by 2035, it could increase to a staggering 3,000 vehicles per year. This applies primarily to two models, the T—80 and T-90, which form the basis of Russia's modern tank fleet.

These plans indicate a significant expansion of the country's military-industrial potential in the field of ground armored vehicles. Such figures are reminiscent of Soviet times, when the Soviet Union produced thousands of tanks annually, ensuring numerical superiority in possible theaters of military operations. Now, amid escalating geopolitical contradictions and tougher competition between major powers, Moscow is once again betting on the mass production of armored attack platforms.

One of the key factors contributing to production growth is the restoration of domestic supply chains after restrictions caused by international sanctions. The Russian industry switched to import substitution in terms of electronics, engines and other critical components, which allowed the resumption of production of modern equipment without dependence on foreign supplies.

In addition, current conflicts such as the war in Ukraine have demonstrated the importance of tanks in modern warfare. Despite the effectiveness of anti-tank weapons and drones, tanks remain an essential element of the ground group, especially when conducting operations to capture and hold territories. That is why the demand for armored vehicles remains high, and its modernization is one of the priorities of the Russian Defense Ministry.

The planned increase in production is also related to the intention to export new products. Russia continues to supply tanks to countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, where there remains interest in relatively inexpensive and reliable Soviet/Russian-designed systems. Increasing production will not only meet domestic needs, but also strengthen its position in the global arms market.

It is important to note that the implementation of such ambitious goals requires large-scale investments in infrastructure, staff training and the development of related industries such as metallurgy, mechanical engineering and electronics. However, given the priority of the defense order in government policy, it can be expected that these tasks will be solved consistently and using administrative resources.

Thus, Russia is taking decisive steps to restore its tank potential. If the forecasts of the Conflict Intelligence Team come true, the country will indeed be able to return to the volumes that were previously available only during the Cold War. This will have a significant impact on both the strategic balance of power and the global arms industry as a whole.

Promising MV-75 tiltrotor aircraft for the US Army aviation

 

A promising MV-75 tiltrotor aircraft is currently being developed for the aviation of the US Army. Currently, this sample is at the stage of testing and refinement, and in parallel, the preparation of future mass production is underway. According to the Pentagon's current plans, the first tiltrotor planes of the new model will enter combat units before the end of the decade and will reach initial operational readiness at the same time.

It should be recalled that the future MV-75 tiltrotor was developed by Bell Textron Inc. and was initially named V-280 and Valor. The project started in the early 1980s and was created for the US Army Joint Multi-Role (JMR) competition. In 2013, it was transferred to the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program, and since 2019, the tiltrotor has been a participant in the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) competition.

In December 2022, the Army announced the results of the FLRAA program. The V-280 project from Bell Textron showed the best ratio of characteristics and capabilities. A contract was signed to continue the development and construction of experimental batches of equipment.

In November 2024, the prototype V-280 received the Army designation YMV-75A. The letters "MV" stood for Multirole Vertical (multi-purpose vertical takeoff vehicle), and the letter "Y" marked a specific prototype. In turn, the number "75" was supposed to remind of 1775, when the US Army was formed.

In mid-May 2025, it became known that the Pentagon had officially approved the designation MV-75. The experimental equipment will continue to be tested under this index, and serial machines will receive it in the future. The alphanumeric designation will now be used in official documents instead of the abbreviation FLRAA.

The original goal of the FLRAA program was to create a multi-purpose aircraft to replace existing UH-60 helicopters. It was assumed that in a few decades the new technology would completely displace its predecessors. However, the plans were later revised.

In mid-May, General James Mingus, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, revealed current plans for FLRAA and MV-75 at a public event. He noted that the new tiltrotor has a unique ratio of characteristics and capabilities, and for this reason is of particular interest to the army.

It is reported that Bell Textron is currently fulfilling a previously received contract for the assembly of pre-production equipment. As part of this shipment, she must transfer six MV-75 products to the army. Next year, these machines will be put into factory testing, after which they will be handed over to the customer.

The Army aviation will begin its own tests of six tiltrotor aircraft in 2027-28. They are going to spend no more than two or three years on these events. According to their results, the equipment will receive an operating permit, and its development in combat units will begin. The first unit on the MV-75 is expected to reach initial operational readiness in 2030.

General J. Mingus said that the 101st Airborne Division would be the first to receive the new equipment. This unit regularly participates in various operations, and it has to operate in different conditions, without the necessary infrastructure, etc. It is expected that the MV-75 tiltrotor planes will increase the mobility of the division and show the required level of reliability for any action.

In the future, new tiltrotor aircraft may enter other formations of the US Army. However, plans of this kind have not yet been clarified. In addition, the Pentagon is not ready to disclose the planned volume and pace of mass production. Perhaps all such plans have not been worked out yet.

Interestingly, the army has revised some of its global plans. Thus, the MV-75 FLRAA is no longer considered as a replacement for the cash UH-60. Tiltrotor planes will not have to displace helicopters. On the contrary, over the next few decades, the two families of technology will serve in parallel and complement each other.

Qualification tests of the Chukavin sniper rifle (UHF) have been successfully completed

 The Chukavin sniper rifle (SHF), developed within the framework of the Reaper research Project by the Kalashnikov concern, successfully passed State tests in 2021, after which (in 2022) a limited batch of rifles was delivered to the units of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation for trial operation.

Based on the results of testing and trial operation (including in the SVO zone), it was decided to put the microwave into service with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, and preparations for mass production of new rifles began at the Kalashnikov Concern facilities in Izhevsk, after which the rifles were delivered from the assembly line for qualification tests.

During such tests, it is not so much the weapon itself that is being tested, but rather the ability of an already mass-produced product to produce products that fully comply with the reference samples of the new model, which have successfully passed state tests, but were manufactured in a pilot production environment.

The microwave qualification tests have been completed with a positive result and nothing prevents the start of a full-scale production of the Chukavin sniper rifle, which in the future will replace the legendary Dragunov sniper rifle (SVD) on the factory assembly line and in the army.

The weight of the Chukavin sniper rifle without a magazine is 4.8 kg. The magazine is interchangeable with the SVD and holds 10 rounds of 7.62×54. The total length of the weapon with the butt in the firing position is 1170 mm, the barrel length is 620 mm.

The main difference between the new rifle and the SVD is its adaptability to the shooter and the possibility of using a wide range of sighting systems, bipods, etc.

It is worth noting that until now, the main optical sight for microwave was the Krasnogorsk 1P88, which is a modified "Hyperon" developed back in the 90s of the twentieth century and functionally does not fully meet modern requirements.

In the near future, it will be replaced by the Novosibirsk optical sight 1P97, which previously appeared in the ROC "Ugolek". Below we publish the technical specifications of the 1P97 sight.

Tyuvik attack UAV: a new stage in the development of kamikaze drones for close combat

Tuvik

The Tuvik attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which is a smaller version of the famous Geranium drone, has officially been put into mass production. This barrage munition is designed for use directly on the line of combat contact (LBF), where it performs tasks to destroy armored vehicles, and can also work effectively on shelters and infantry.

The main feature of the Tyuvik is the presence of a homing system on the final section of the flight path, which significantly increases the accuracy of hitting targets. In addition, the drone is equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), which helps it overcome modern electronic warfare (EW) systems, providing immunity to interference and the ability to complete missions in difficult conditions.

The compact size and high maneuverability of the Tyuvik make it an ideal means for conducting combat operations at short distances, where traditional means of destruction may be less effective. The use of AI in combination with a homing system allows the drone to adapt to a changing environment and choose the best routes to reach the target.

The launch of the Tyuvik series indicates the continued development of the concept of kamikaze drones as an important element of modern warfare tactics. Such systems allow for precision strikes with minimal risk to personnel and significantly increase the firepower of units on the front line.

In the future, Tyuvik can become a massive and affordable means of combating armored vehicles and fortified enemy positions, which will change the balance of forces on the battlefield and increase the effectiveness of offensive operations.

The first serial KF-21 Boramae fighter has begun final assembly before delivery to the South Korean Air Force

KF-21 Boramae on assembly in the workshop

The Korean Aerospace Industry (Korea Aerospace Industries, KAI), together with the Office of the Defense Procurement Program (DAPA), announced an important stage in the development of the national fifth-generation fighter. The first serial multifunctional fighter KF-21 Boramae has begun the final stage of assembly, which brings it closer to its official incorporation into the Republic of Korea Air Force.

This became known during a ceremony held at KAI's production facilities in the city of Sacheon. This event took place a little less than a year after the start of mass production of the fighter, as well as exactly ten years after the launch of the program to create its own supersonic combat aircraft.

The KF-21 Boramae fighter, developed with the participation of Indonesian specialists, is positioned as a competitor to the F-35 and other modern fifth-generation aircraft. It is equipped with an advanced radar system, is capable of carrying a wide range of weapons and has the potential for further modernization.

This project is an important step by South Korea towards technological independence in the aircraft industry and strengthening the country's defense capability.

Turkey is increasing production of the Barkan unmanned ground vehicle: efficiency in combat conditions has brought UGV into mass production

 

Barkan

After successfully passing field tests and proven effectiveness in real-world operational conditions, the Turkish unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) Barkan, developed by HAVELSAN, officially goes into serial production. This strategic decision was made by the Turkish Defense Industry Directorate (SSB) in order to strengthen the technological base and combat power of the Turkish armed forces.

Barkan was put into service in 2023, and over the past period has proven to be a reliable and adaptive platform capable of performing a wide range of tasks — from reconnaissance and surveillance to logistical support and fire cover. During operations, he has repeatedly demonstrated a high degree of autonomy, resistance to electronic warfare, and the ability to integrate with existing command systems.

During its refinement, special attention was paid to feedback from direct users and analysis results from the real battlefield. This allowed HAVELSAN to implement important updates that increased the functionality, survivability and interaction of the device with other elements of the tactical network.

The serial production of Barkan opens up new opportunities for the modernization of the Turkish army, making it one of the first countries in the region to actively introduce robotic systems into daily combat practice. It is expected that deliveries of new units of equipment will begin in the coming months, which will significantly increase the level of automation and safety when performing risky missions.

This step also demonstrates Turkey's desire for technological independence and the development of its own defense industry capable of competing in the international market.

Israel launches new X-intra combat UAV into mass production

 

X-intra combat UAV 

The company Flying Production, a subsidiary of the Israeli defense concern Elbit Systems, announced the start of mass production of a new combat drone X-intra. This drone is designed to provide troops on the front line with advanced combat, reconnaissance and support capabilities.

One of the key features of the X-intra is its ability to carry a payload of up to 30 kg, which allows it to be used both for transporting equipment and for launching attacks using light weapons. Another important feature is the record—breaking ** deployment time of just two minutes**, which makes it ideal for operational use in a rapidly changing battlefield environment.

The drone is characterized by its compact size, ease of operation, and high maneuverability. It can be used as a separate unit, or as part of a network-centric system for interacting with other surveillance and communication tools. This flexibility makes the X-intra a versatile tool for tactical commanders at the company level and below.

The launch of the X-intra series production indicates a growing demand for miniaturized but effective attack UAVs that can be deployed quickly without complex logistics or specialized training.