Phalanx Robot Cannon: 4,500 rounds per minute to protect US ships

The last line of defense on deck

Every major US Navy ship has one special guardian on board — not a sailor, not a radar, but a robot cannon. This is the MK 15 Phalanx melee system. Her task is a last—ditch attempt to stop something that has already broken through: an anti-ship missile, a drone or an aircraft that has slipped through all the external lines of defense. If it doesn't work, the body will be hit.

Phalanx is not just a turret. It is an autonomous robot that sees, thinks and shoots by itself.

How does an autonomous cannon that shoots faster than a human work?

Imagine: a rocket is flying at supersonic speed, just a couple of kilometers from the ship. Seconds to impact. The person will not have time to react. But Phalanx is.

The system is equipped with its own radar, which continuously scans the sky. As soon as it notices the target, it calculates the trajectory itself, turns around and opens fire from a 20-mm six-barrel Gatling cannon. The tempo is 4,500 rounds per minute. The target is covered by a barrage of projectiles that explode nearby, knocking down a rocket or setting it on fire.

All this happens without the participation of the crew — in a split second.

Raytheon upgrades the system for $205 million

The Pentagon has just awarded defense giant Raytheon a $205 million contract. This money will be used to upgrade and repair existing Phalanx systems. The work includes refurbishment, major repairs and the supply of related equipment. It is planned to complete everything by January 2029.

It's not just THAT. This is a confirmation: despite all the new lasers and rockets, Phalanx remains a reliable and necessary system.

Why is artillery needed even in the age of rockets?

High-tech threats require high-tech responses. But sometimes the simplest is the most effective. The cannon hits the area, does not depend on electronic interference and does not need complex guidance systems. She works when everything else is running out of time.

That is why, decades after its creation, Phalanx still stands at its combat post — like a steel guard who does not blink or get tired.

Sources

1. CHVVAKUSH — MK 15 Phalanx CIWS detailed specs and history
2. Integral Russia — Phalanx CIWS US Navy last line defense
3. Wikipedia (Russian) — MK 15 Phalanx CIWS overview

The network of US submarine bases in the Pacific Ocean: how America is rebuilding its navy against China

Why are the old databases no longer safe?

The current strategy of the US Navy in the Pacific Ocean is based on one alarming fact: many operating bases are no longer so protected. Yokosuka, Sasebo in Japan, and Chinhae in South Korea are key hubs, but they are all within range of Chinese medium—range missiles (up to 5,500 km). This makes them vulnerable to massive attacks in the early days of the conflict.

If the base goes down, the submarines lose access to repairs, ammunition, and supplies. Therefore, the United States and its allies are actively exploring alternatives — dispersed, hidden and flexible.

New locations — from Micronesia to Australia

America is expanding its network of strongholds to increase operational freedom. Among the proposed locations:

• Midway is a remote atoll where you can arrange light supplies and short—term parking.
• Chuuk Lagoon (Micronesia) is considered as an advanced expeditionary base capable of maintaining submarines in a combat position.
• Darwin, Australia — it is planned to place a floating dry dock for the repair of submarines here, which will dramatically reduce dependence on Japanese shipyards.
• Stirling, Australia — will become a nuclear submarine rotation center as part of the AUKUS partnership.

These points form a chain spanning the entire Indo-Pacific region.

What does a floating dock in Darwin and a rotation in Stirling provide?

The floating dock in Darwin is not just a convenience. This is an opportunity to carry out repairs and maintenance without returning to the USA or Japan. This is critical in the context of a protracted conflict.

Stirling will become a permanent home for the rotation of submarines: American and British submarines will be able to come here to rest, recharge and change crews. Australia, in turn, will eventually receive its own nuclear submarines, and the base will be ready to receive them.

How does this change the game with China

The new network of bases is not just logistics. This is a deterrence strategy. By having submarines in different locations, the United States can:

• Stay unnoticed longer,
• React faster to threats,
• Create uncertainty for the enemy — where exactly will the strike be?

The range of 1,000 nautical miles (about 1,850 km) in just two days is the pressure across the entire South Pacific Ocean. China can no longer be sure that its coast is safe.

Sources

1. Business Insider — US Navy submarines key to countering China’s navy
2. South China Morning Post — US nuclear submarine deployed to Guam boosts Pacific presence
3. Newsweek — Two American nuclear-powered submarines in Western Pacific
4. Atlantic Council — AUKUS and broader US defense partnerships in Indo-Pacific
5. X (Twitter) — proposed submarine base locations map

Canada is building a new missile defense radar: launch in 2026, combat duty by 2029

When will it start and when will it work

Work on a new missile defense radar in Canada is scheduled to begin in early 2026. This was announced by a representative of the Ministry of National Defense of the country. According to the plan, the system will be fully operational by 2029. This is not just an upgrade of old equipment, but the creation of a new, more sensitive and long—range tracking system.

The radar will be part of efforts to modernize the northern air defense system, especially amid increased activity in the Arctic.

What will the new radar do?

Canada now relies on an aging network of radars, some of which were built during the Cold War. The new radar should close key blind spots, especially over the Arctic, where missile overflights are possible.

It will be able to detect ballistic targets in the early stages — even before reaching the target trajectory. This will give the Allies more time to make decisions, whether to intercept or evacuate.

Does Canada fit into the US and NATO system

The radar will become part of the updated structure of NORAD, the bilateral air and space defense command of the United States and Canada. It will be integrated with American systems such as SBIRS and GBI and transmit data in real time.

This is not just a national project, it is a contribution to the collective security of North America. Without control over the northern space, the entire missile defense system loses its meaning.

Why is this important right now

Geopolitics is changing. Russia has stepped up patrols in the Arctic, China is increasing its presence, and hypersonic missiles are reducing reaction time. Canada, with its vast territory and border with the Arctic, cannot afford to be blind.

The new radar is not a whim, but a necessity. It will protect not only military installations, but also large cities that may become targets.

Sources

1. Ottawa Citizen — David Pugliese: new multi-billion-dollar missile-defence radar project starting in Ontario early 2026, operational by 2029
2. Twitter — David Pugliese announcement on radar work timeline
3. Yahoo News Canada — work expected to start in early 2026 on Canada's missile-defence radar
4. Wikipedia — planned Canadian Forces projects including the radar system

Israel is preparing a laser shield — in five years, Iran's missiles will burn up in the sky

Lasers instead of missiles: cheap protection against cheap threats

Michael Edelstein of Elbit Systems said that Israel's laser systems will be ready for full-scale use in less than five years. Already, on-board laser installations for fighter jets are in the final stages of development. And the Rafael Iron Beam ground-based system has passed real combat tests and will soon enter service with the Israel Defense Forces.

The bottom line is simple: instead of spending millions on interceptor missiles, shoot down cheap missiles and drones with a laser for pennies.

Iron Beam is already working — and it hits exactly

The Iron Beam is not a prototype. It has already been used in conditions close to combat, and has shown high efficiency. The system is capable of intercepting missiles, artillery shells and drones at short ranges. Unlike the Iron Dome, which spends $50-100 thousand per interception, the laser costs only a few dollars per shot.

It works according to the principle: aimed — turned on — burned. And it can work continuously as long as there is electricity.

Onboard lasers for fighter jets are already in development

Elbit is currently completing the creation of compact laser installations that can be installed directly on fighter jets, for example, on the F-16 or future F-35I. This will allow the aircraft to defend against surface–to-air missiles and even attack ground targets.

Imagine: a fighter is flying, sees MANPADS, and destroys it with one pulse. No rocket launch, no noise, no smoke. Just a light, and the target disappears.

Why does this change everything

Israel is currently spending billions on missile defense, but the threat is growing: Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas are all actively using missiles and drones. Lasers are not just a new weapon, they are a change in the defense economy.

One Iron Beam will be able to intercept hundreds of targets per day. And a network of such systems will make the country virtually invulnerable to massive attacks. And most importantly, it costs many times less than current systems.

Sources

1. Rossiyskaya Gazeta — how Israel plans to use lasers to destroy incoming missiles
2. Lenta.ru — Israel to field Iron Beam laser; contract details & performance
3. Building-Tech.org — Iron Beam laser shield for intercepting & destroying air threats
4. Wikipedia — Iron Beam mine & drone interception laser weapon
5. Lechaim.ru (via Ynetnews) — first combat intercept of Hezbollah drones with Iron Beam
6. Aurora Israel — world-first operational Iron Beam intercept, Israel’s technological milestone

Saudi Arabia deploys THAAD missile defense shield with American training

The Saudis are finally launching their first THAAD battery. For those who are not in the subject, this is a mobile missile defense system that is capable of shooting down enemy missiles at high altitude even in the upper atmosphere.

The crews were trained in the USA, which means that everything is serious and top notch. THAAD is able to destroy ballistic missiles, accelerating to almost 3 kilometers per second, and hits the target with a direct hit, without explosives — pure kinetics. It's like hitting a nail with a hammer, without too much trouble.

The system is tightly connected to the powerful AN/TPY-2 radar station, which sees a target for hundreds of kilometers and tells the launchers: "We give the target — hit!". The complex itself is fully mobile — if necessary, it will be quickly transferred to another location. And he is not alone in the defensive chain — other systems work with him, for example, Patriot, creating a multi-level shield.

The deployment of THAAD in Saudi Arabia is a clear challenge amid rising tensions in the Persian Gulf. This is their attempt to defend themselves to the maximum and show that they cannot be taken so easily.

Important things about THAAD

- The speed of the interceptor missile is about 2,800 m/s (almost 3 km/s)  

- Interception altitude — up to 150 km  

- Range — up to 200 km  

- The principle of operation is a direct physical hit (hit-to-kill) without explosion  

- Mobile complex: six launchers with eight missiles each  

- AN/TPY-2 radar — an eye for hundreds of kilometers, sees even small objects  

- The crews are trained in the USA, ready for battle

So Saudi Arabia now has powerful defenses capable of literally shooting down enemy missiles while still in the sky, rather than waiting for them to land. This is a serious step towards security, especially when there is such a hot region around.

China unveils new HQ-29 missile defense system: rumors confirmed at parade rehearsals

The first public appearance of the HQ-29

Rumors and analytical assumptions about the new Chinese missile defense system (ABM) have received visible confirmation. During rehearsals for the upcoming military parade in Beijing, transporters with missile containers identified as belonging to the HQ-29 system were seen for the first time. This was the first official visual confirmation of the existence of this development, previously known only from fragmentary data and discussions on Chinese social networks.

The appearance of the HQ-29 on parade training signals the completion of key test stages and readiness for public demonstration.

Analysis of the conveyor and rocket containers

A week ago, photos of a six-axle conveyor-installer transporting two large rocket containers by rail appeared on the Internet. The design of the chassis and the dimensions of the containers indicate the use of a mobile launch system capable of rapid deployment and relocation, a key advantage in modern strategic defense.

The size of the missiles suggests that the HQ-29 is designed to intercept ballistic targets at medium and possibly long range, including targets in the middle section of the trajectory.

Possible characteristics and role in the missile defense system

Although there is no official data on the HQ-29, experts believe that the system can become part of China's multi-layered missile defense, complementing the existing HQ-9 and HQ-19 complexes. It is assumed that the HQ-29 has increased speed, range and the ability to intercept targets with maneuvering warheads.

Its appearance may indicate China's transition to a more active interception strategy, including the ability to counter hypersonic threats and low-profile targets.

Strategic importance for Chinese defense

The integration of the HQ-29 into the air defense and missile defense forces will strengthen China's ability to repel missile attacks, especially in the face of growing tensions in the region. The demonstration of the new system at the parade is not only a demonstration of technological progress to an internal audience, but also a signal to external strategic players about the growth of the country's defense capability.

The development of its own missile defense systems allows Beijing to reduce dependence on external security scenarios and strengthen independent strategic stability.

Griffon Aerospace has unveiled the new MQM-172 Arrowhead unmanned system

Griffon Aerospace, an American company based in Alabama, has officially announced the release of a new unmanned aircraft system, the MQM-172 Arrowhead. This platform is designed both for use as a high-performance target drone and as a customizable strike weapon, which makes it versatile in various application scenarios.

As noted in the company's statement, Arrowhead was created as a specialized system that provides high flexibility in performing a wide range of tasks. Daniel Beck, Airworthiness Manager and Program Manager at Griffon Aerospace, emphasized, "Arrowhead has been specifically designed to provide our customers with unparalleled flexibility in carrying out various types of missions."

The versatility of the platform allows it to be used both for training air defense and missile defense systems — as a realistic target simulating modern threats — and in combat operations, where it can be adapted to attack functions. The possibility of modification to meet specific customer requirements makes Arrowhead a promising system for both military and testing structures.

The development of the MQM-172 reflects the trend towards creating multifunctional UAVs capable of operating efficiently in a changing operational environment and reducing overall costs by replacing several highly specialized systems with one universal platform.

Russia may resume testing of the nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile

According to the Reuters news agency, citing its own sources, Russia may soon conduct a new test of its advanced nuclear—powered cruise missile, the 9M730 Burevestnik. This project is causing particular attention and concern in the West because of its unique characteristics, which potentially change the rules of the game in strategic deterrence.

What makes the Petrel special?

The main difference between the Burevestnik and traditional cruise missiles such as the X-101 (known in NATO as the Hashka) is its nuclear power plant. Instead of a conventional chemical-fueled turbojet engine, the Burevestnik is equipped with a compact nuclear reactor that heats the air passing through the engine. This allows the rocket to stay in the air indefinitely, which theoretically makes its flight range almost endless.

How does a nuclear engine work?

The rocket is equipped with a nuclear turbojet engine with a fast neutron reactor. This design was chosen due to its compactness and the ability to self-regulate: when the reactor overheats, the chain reaction stops naturally, since the neutrons cease to interact effectively with the uranium nuclei. This increases the safety level during testing. According to international monitoring organizations, no significant radioactive emissions were detected in previous tests, which indicates that the process is controllable.

Tactical and strategic importance

The Burevestnik is not just a long—range weapon. Its key advantages:

- Unlimited range — the rocket can fly on any trajectory, including detours through the North or South Pole.

- Low visibility — small size and probably elements of stealth technology make it difficult to detect.

- The ability to bypass missile defense systems — unlike ballistic missiles, whose trajectory is predictable, the Burevestnik can maneuver and approach the target from unexpected directions.

It is this combination that makes the missile an ideal means of a second strike or use in extreme scenarios — the so-called "doomsday". Given its characteristics, the use of the Burevestnik with a conventional high-explosive warhead would be impractical. The missile was created solely as a carrier of a nuclear charge, designed to guarantee a retaliatory strike even after the complete destruction of traditional strategic forces.

Why does Russia need the Burevestnik?

The main goal is to circumvent the American Missile defense System (ABM). Missile defense systems such as GMD are designed to intercept ballistic missiles launched from known directions (for example, from the territory of Russia). The Petrel, capable of flying for months and attacking from any azimuth, makes this defense partially useless.

Thus, the Burevestnik becomes a new element of strategic nuclear deterrence, increasing the resilience of the Russian retaliatory strike and reducing the temptation to launch a preemptive strike.

Trump's Golden Dome is a new multi—level missile defense system with space, lasers and unique batteries

President Donald Trump has returned with a massive plan to protect the United States from missile threats — a system called the Golden Dome. This is not just another defense program, but a multilevel, almost fantastic system that consists of four layers of protection, like an onion.

The first layer is located right in space — there will be special satellites with sensors that watch for rocket launches around the clock and transmit data to ground stations. Thanks to them, a threat can be detected very early.

And then there are three layers of the earth.: These are networks of interceptor missiles, powerful radars and... lasers! Yes, yes, lasers — although they are still in development, but there are plans to introduce them for fast and accurate protection. These batteries will be distributed throughout the United States — on the mainland, Alaska and Hawaii. It is planned to place 11 such batteries in total.

Another interesting point is that the project provides for the construction of a new huge missile range in the Midwestern United States, where the latest interceptor missiles, including those manufactured by Lockheed Martin, will be developed and tested.

According to the plans, the Golden Dome should become the largest and most technologically advanced shield — it will protect the country from ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missiles, including those that can carry nuclear warheads. The total cost is estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars, and the system is scheduled to be operational by 2028.

Trump claims that the system will be as effective as possible, and hopes that it will become a serious signal of US power and a deterrent to potential adversaries.

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.

L3Harris Technologies has launched the production of a second-stage missile warning system within the framework of the new generation of US space defense

 L3Harris Technologies has launched production of its latest missile attack warning and tracking system, marking an important milestone in the development of a new generation of multi-layered defense architecture in the United States. This second stage system of the United States Space Development Agency (SDA) is designed to detect, track and target modern missile threats in real time, including ballistic and hypersonic missiles.

The project is part of a large-scale program to create a space constellation of satellites that will provide global, continuous monitoring of missile launches and the movement of threats. In particular, the system will use infrared sensors and laser communication lines to quickly exchange information with ground or aerial platforms, allowing effective coordination of enemy interception. The launch of satellites and the start of equipment production is planned for 2025, which brings the deployment of this technology as a key element of national missile defense.

L3Harris works in collaboration with other contractors such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman under multibillion-dollar Space Development Agency contracts. These programs are aimed at providing early warning and high-precision surveillance of hypersonic and ballistic missiles, which is a response to the growing modern security threats.

Thus, the launch of the new L3Harris system takes a significant step towards the implementation of the advanced space defense architecture of the United States, capable of detecting and tracking complex missile threats in real time and providing more effective protection of strategic facilities.

South Korea revealed the secret: what does the new missile from the L-SAM air defense system look like, which will replace the American PAC-2

South Korea has officially shown for the first time what the new air-to-air anti-aircraft missile (AAM) looks like, created for its promising L-SAM anti-aircraft system. Previously, the system was talked about in low voices, but now there are public photos, details and ambitious plans. This is not just another missile, but part of a large—scale national program aimed at completely rebuilding the country's air defense and becoming one of the most advanced systems like the American THAAD or SM-2.

What is L-SAM?

The L-SAM (Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile — "Long-range surface—to-air Missile") is a new South Korean anti-aircraft system created in response to the growing missile threat from the DPRK. The main feature of the system is its ability to intercept ballistic and cruise missiles at an altitude of 40 to 60 km, and in the future — up to 100 km. The range of destruction is up to 150 km, which means that the missile can shoot down the target long before it approaches the border.

But the most interesting thing is flexibility. The L-SAM launchers can be customized: some containers carry anti—missile missiles for missile defense, while others carry new air-to-air anti-aircraft missiles. It was these AAM rockets that were shown for the first time. They are designed to replace the outdated American PAC-2 GEM-T, which were still in service. In terms of its characteristics, the new product is already approaching the American SM-2 — this is a serious step towards technological sovereignty.

How does the new rocket work?

- Engine: two—stage, solid-fuel - gives a powerful start and steady flight.

- Speed: from 4 to 5 Mach — that is, the rocket flies 4-5 times faster than sound.

- Guidance: modern radar head + radio channel control. The rocket itself "sees" the target and corrects the trajectory.

- Mobility: all on tracked or wheeled chassis. This means that the complex can be quickly transferred to the desired location and deployed in a matter of minutes.

The project is a national one. The largest Korean companies are working on the L-SAM: LIG Nex1 and Hanwha Aerospace. The entire Defense Development Agency (ADD) coordinates. This is not a copy of other people's systems — it is our own, "homegrown" product, although taking into account the experience, including from American and Russian technologies.

L-SAM is not a loner. It will become the far echelon of the Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) common system, the South Korean "umbrella" of air defense. The whole system is built like a pyramid:

- Long range: L-SAM and American THAAD — for intercepting ballistics at high altitude.

- The middle line: Patriot PAC-3 — at distances up to 100 km.

- Near border: Korean KM-SAM ("Chongun") — up to 40 km.

Such a "layer cake" should ensure that not a single missile from the DPRK will pass.

The work is on schedule:

- The development was completed in 2024.

- The tests were successful, including the interception of simulated ballistic missiles.

- Serial production — from 2025-2026.

- The first complexes will enter service in 2027.

- Full deployment by 2030.

The L-SAM is not just a new rocket. It is a symbol of South Korea's technological rise. The country no longer buys protection, it creates it itself. Now she will have a modern, multi-level air defense system capable of keeping any aggressor in suspense. And when this AAM rocket first appeared in the photo, it wasn't just a picture. That was the signal.: "We're ready."

Canada is one step away from the "Golden Dome": the path to the Trump missile defense system is now open

Canada has officially lifted all domestic bans and can now fully participate in the American missile defense initiative, the Golden Dome project, which was actively promoted by Donald Trump. Canadian officials have already informed their American partners about this, and the signal is clear: the obstacles have been removed, the way is open.

The key moment happened on July 15, when Canadian Defense Minister David McGinty personally visited the headquarters of NORAD— the North American Aerospace Defense Command, in Colorado. There, he met with U.S. General Gregory Guillot to discuss further cooperation. Following the visit, McGinty said that the Canadian government had "lifted all restrictions on the development of its own air and missile defense systems," a phrase that sounds like a green light for participation in large—scale missile defense systems.

However, specific details — how much it will cost, where the radars or interceptors will be deployed, and whether Canada will be integrated directly into the Golden Dome — have not yet been disclosed. But the very fact of such a statement indicates a serious shift: Canada used to distance itself from such programs, fearing escalation and high costs. Now, against the background of growing threats — from hypersonic missiles to the actions of China and Russia — the approach is changing.

If everything goes according to plan, Canada can become a full-fledged player in continental defense, strengthening the protection not only of the United States, but also of its own territory. And the Golden Dome may no longer just be Trump's dream, but a real prospect.

Israel has successfully completed extended trials of the upgraded David's Sling system in the Iron Swords War

 

The Israeli Defense Ministry recently announced the successful completion of a series of serious tests of the David's Sling air defense and missile defense system, which helped make it even more reliable and effective in the difficult conditions of the current war, known as "Iron Swords." The tests were conducted as part of planned flight tests led by the Israeli missile defense organization IMDO, with the support of the Defense Research and Development Authority and in active collaboration with the Americans from the Missile Defense Agency and Rafael, which developed the system.

During the tests, David's Sling worked out combat scenarios that are as similar as possible to real threats — this is how they tested how the system would react to medium-range missiles and various aerial targets. The missiles of the complex have two types of guidance, which helps to accurately shoot down targets in any weather and under different conditions.

David's Sling occupies a niche in Israel's overall defense system, between the Iron Dome, which operates at short range, and large systems at long range. Thanks to the latest updates, it is becoming a more powerful and reliable element of defense.

This is a very important step for Israel, because today the country is facing a great missile threat. The better the system works, the calmer people will be and the stronger the protection of strategically important facilities. Working together with the United States and companies like Rafael helps to improve technologies and make them more efficient.

The US Army is preparing a new air defense and missile defense strategy — what to expect before 2040?

 

In about three months, the U.S. Army will officially unveil its new air and Missile Defense (Air Defense) strategy./ABM), covering the period up to 2040. This document will not just be another plan — it will define how the American army will protect its forces, allies and interests in an era when threats from the air and from space are becoming more complex, rapid and diverse.

Why is the strategy appearing right now?

Because the war has changed. What used to be a fantasy from science fiction is now reality.:

- Hypersonic missiles that fly at a speed of Mach 5+ and can maneuver, making them almost invulnerable to older air defense systems.

- Massive drone attacks — from cheap tactical UAVs to kamikaze missiles like the Shahed.

- Cruise and ballistic missiles of medium and short range, which can be launched from land, sea and even from submarines.

- Cyber attacks on air defense systems to blind radars or disable command nodes.

All this requires a completely new approach. And old systems like Patriot or THAAD, although effective, can no longer cope alone.

What will be in the new strategy?

The official document has not yet been published, but according to leaks and statements by officials, key areas can be identified.:

1. Integrated Air Defense/Missile Defense Network (IBCS)  

   Everything should work as a single organism: radars, missiles, drones and satellites — in one network. The goal is to "see once — strike from anywhere." If the radar in Germany detects a target, the missile can be launched by a system in Poland.

2. Lasers and railguns (DE M-SHORAD and IFPC-HEL)

The Army is actively testing combat lasers and electromagnetic guns (railguns). They are cheaper than missiles, can fire almost indefinitely, and are ideal for repelling drone and rocket attacks. By the 2030s, they can become the basis of tactical defense.

3. Satellite Tracking Network (Space-Based Sensor Layer)

Satellites will continuously monitor hypersonic targets from the moment of launch. This is the key to interception, because such missiles are difficult to detect from the ground.

4. Hybrid defense: from tactics to strategy 

   The strategy will cover all levels, from protecting a single infantry unit (using interceptor drones and mini-lasers) to global defense against intercontinental missiles.

5. Focus on China and Russia 

   The document will be clearly focused on competition with the great powers. The main scenarios are conflict in the Taiwan Strait, tensions in Europe and threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

6. Compatibility with allies  

   The new systems will be developed taking into account compatibility with NATO, Japan, South Korea and other partners. This is important for common defense and data exchange.

What is already working?

Some elements of the future strategy are already being tested:

- DE M-SHORAD— a 50-kilowatt laser mounted on a Stryker armored personnel carrier.

- IFPC Inc 2-I is a system capable of intercepting drones, missiles and artillery shells.

- LTAMDS is a new radar for Patriot capable of seeing hypersonic targets.

And what about the budget?

No way without money. The US Army is asking for billions of dollars to implement the strategy. But with shortages and rising costs for other programs (including cybersecurity and AI), priorities will have to be chosen.

Why until 2040?

Because a new generation of threats is on the way. By 2040, there may be:

- Hypersonic missiles with AI guidance.

- Autonomous drone packs.

- Orbital weapons.

- Electromagnetic pulses (EMP) as a means of mass destruction.

The US Army wants not just to catch up, but to get ahead.

 Result

A new air defense strategy/Missile defense is not just a defense plan, but a look into the future of war. It will show how the United States intends to stay ahead when the enemy can attack from land, sea, air, space and even from digital space.

When the document is released, the world will know how ready America is for a war that no one has seen before.

The US Army wants to strengthen its air defense and missile defense forces by 30% due to new threats

 

The US Army is going to increase its air and missile defense forces by about 30%," the commander of the Space and Missile Defense Command said. This decision is due to the fact that threats from countries like China and Russia are growing — they are actively strengthening their potential in space and developing new rocket technologies.

This increase in air defense and missile defense capabilities will help better detect, track, and intercept air and missile targets, which will enhance security both in space and on Earth. In addition, the command is working closely with allies and industrial partners to implement modern technologies faster and expand logistical support.

As a result, all this is aimed at making air and missile defense systems more reliable, operational and sustainable in the face of constantly changing challenges. An important part of this strategy is the development of new capabilities to protect against complex threats, including missiles and hypersonic weapons.

The Pentagon has put on the line: the tests of the "Golden Dome" will be held under the gun of the 2028 elections

 The Pentagon has taken on an enormous challenge: to conduct the first major test of its new, multibillion-dollar missile defense system called the Golden Dome during the busy period from May to October 2028. This graph is not an accident. It was established with one clear goal: to have time to prove the effectiveness of the system before the presidential elections in 2028.

The tests will become a kind of public examination for military officials and the entire defense department. Their success will determine whether the administration of President Donald Trump will be able to realize his grandiose but extremely ambitious vision of the space shield. Trump has repeatedly stated the need to create a system capable of protecting the entire US territory from any missile attack, be it intermediate—range or intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The Golden Dome is not just an upgrade of old systems. This is an attempt to create a fundamentally new missile defense architecture, with a large number of sensors in space and on earth integrated into a single network, and new interceptors capable of destroying targets at the earliest stages of their flight. However, the technological and financial risks are huge.

The tight deadlines set before the elections add to the pressure. The success of the tests can be a powerful political trump card for the current administration, proving its ability to ensure national security. But if the deadline fails or is missed, the consequences could be disastrous for both the reputation of the program and the political prospects of Trump and his allies.

Northrop Grumman handed over the "brain" of air defense: delivery of key components of the IBCS system for the US Army has been completed

The American defense giant Northrop Grumman has announced a major achievement in the program to create a new air defense and missile defense system for the US Army. The company has fully completed the delivery of all major end products (MEI) under the Initial Mass Production (LRIP) contract for the Integrated Combat Control System (IBCS).

This is not just another shipment of equipment. This means that all the key "building blocks" — computing complexes, servers, software and interfaces — necessary to create a single "brain" of air defense have been delivered to the customer. IBCS is a revolutionary architecture that integrates radars, launchers, and other sensors from different manufacturers into a single network. Instead of each complex "seeing" only its own part of the sky, IBCS gives commanders a single, holistic and maximally accurate view of the situation, allowing them to make decisions faster and more efficiently.

Completing this delivery is a huge step forward. It officially confirms the combat readiness of the system and removes the main obstacles to its accelerated deployment in real combat units of the US Army around the world. The army can now begin mass integration of IBCS into its anti-aircraft battalions, dramatically increasing their effectiveness and ability to counter modern threats such as ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.

Northrop Grumman is building a "Golden Dome" for America — and wants to be in charge of the new air defense

 The American giant of the defense industry Northrop Grumman has stated that it will not just be a participant, but a key player in the Pentagon's large—scale missile defense system called the Golden Dome for America. Does it sound like fiction? In fact, this is a new US strategy to create a unified, super—powerful air defense network capable of intercepting missiles, drones, and even hypersonic weapons.

Northrop Grumman is actively expanding its participation in the Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) program. The company already supplies radars, control systems, sensors and software that link everything together — from satellites to interceptor missiles. Now they want to become the "brain" of this whole system.

Why now? Because the threats are growing: China, Russia, and North Korea are all actively testing new missiles, including hypersonic ones. And the United States understands that the old systems are not enough. We need a unified network that sees everything, thinks fast and hits accurately.

In addition, the demand for such technologies is growing not only in the United States, but also abroad — the allies want to protect themselves. And Northrop Grumman is ready to supply not only components, but also entire defense architectures.

So the Golden Dome is not just a metaphor. This is an attempt to create an impenetrable shield over America and its allies. And Northrop Grumman is already building a place for itself at the center of this system.

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.