The US Navy launched a "floating monster" — the new amphibious assault ship can carry 7 times more than the C-17

LCU 1710 is not just a boat, but a giant from shore to shore

LCU 1710, a new amphibious assault ship capable of carrying more than 1.2 million pounds (about 544 tons), was launched at the shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. For comparison: This is seven times more than the C-17 Globemaster aircraft of the US Air Force can lift into the air. Such a ship is not just a means of delivery, but a bridge between the fleet and land, capable of transferring tanks, armored vehicles, building modules and even floating cranes directly to an unequipped shore.

The LCU 1710 is a machine for those tasks where aircraft are powerless and ports are inaccessible.

Austal USA is betting on steel

Austal USA, known primarily for aluminum ships, is now seriously entering the steel shipbuilding market. LCU 1710 is the first ship of this class built by the steel company. This is an important step: steel is cheaper, stronger, and better suited for large, long-lived vessels, especially in heavy-duty environments.

The project is funded under a $91.5 million contract with the U.S. Navy, concluded in 2023. A total of 12 such ships are planned to be built, and LCU 1710 became the first of this series.

What is a ship carrying that is heavier than an airplane?

Imagine: several Abrams tanks, a column of armored personnel carriers, or heavy engineering equipment can be loaded onto the deck of this ship at once. It is capable of operating from LSD or LPD type ships, taking cargo on board in the open sea, and then delivering it directly to the beach — without the need for ports or berths.

Such mobility is critically important for amphibious operations, humanitarian missions, and the deployment of bases in remote areas.

Twelve of them, and the whole army is on the move

Three LCUs are already being built at the Austal shipyard at the same time. The work will continue over the next decade. Each new ship will increase the Navy's operational flexibility, allowing it to respond more quickly to crises, deploy equipment, and support expeditionary forces.

LCU 1710 is not just a fleet upgrade. This is a step towards a new level of maritime mobility.

Sources

1. WorkBoat — start of LCU 1710 construction
2. Army Recognition — launch of LCU 1710 and its role
3. Naval News — LCU 1700 program details and specifications
4. Naval Technology — overview of the Landing Craft Utility 1700-class project

Reconnaissance and strike UAV "Pacer" with containers of X-UAV missiles

The Inokhodets reconnaissance and strike UAV (also known as the Orion-RU in some sources) is a Russian medium—class multipurpose drone that has been actively used since 2019 and improved by 2025.

The main technical characteristics of the "Pacer":

- Length: about 8 meters

- Wingspan: approximately 16 meters

- Take-off weight: about 1000-1200 kg

- Payload: up to 200-250 kg

- Cruising speed: about 180-200 km/h

- Maximum flight altitude: up to 7.5 km (7,500 meters)

- Flight duration: up to 24 hours

- Range: about 300 km (in versions with SATCOM and control room, it can reach 1000 km)

- Engine: reciprocating, with a two-bladed screw made of composite materials

- Retractable landing gear

The Pacer's armament is formed on three suspension units — two under the wings and one under the fuselage. The UAV can carry up to 3 combat containers (ammunition containers), including:

- Correctable aerial bombs KAB-20, KAB-50

- Guided gliding bombs (UPAB-50)

- Small–sized air-to-ground cruise missiles (for example, X-50)

- Kornet and Metis anti-tank guided missiles

- Ammunition weighing from 20 to 100 kg

The Pacer is designed to combine the functions of a reconnaissance and attack drone. The experience of its use has shown that it is able to effectively conduct reconnaissance and strike armored vehicles, artillery positions and mobile targets at a considerable distance, exceeding the range of the enemy's portable air defense systems.

It is also known that the Pacer has been used in combat on the territory of Syria and Ukraine, demonstrating high accuracy of destruction with a deviation from the target of less than 1 meter when using guided munitions.

Thus, the "Pacer" with containers of X-UAV missiles is a modern reconnaissance and strike complex capable of carrying guided missile and bomb weapons in three external containers for strikes against a variety of targets, combining long-term endurance and accuracy.

Belarus to test Adunok combat robots

The Belarusian design bureau "Display" has presented a new line of combat robots "Adunok-M", which have already begun to be tested. This was reported by the State Military Industry Committee of Belarus in its Telegram channel.

These are a number of tracked platforms: "Adunok-M120", "Adunok-M200", "Adunok-M250" and the heaviest — "Adunok-M700". Each model differs in size, weight and load capacity — from 120 to 700 kg, respectively.  

These machines can operate at a distance of up to 2.5 km from the operator, which allows them to be used in high-risk areas without risking the lives of fighters.  

Robots can be used in different tasks.:

- as mobile platforms for machine guns and other fire destruction modules;

- for transportation of ammunition and equipment;

- during the evacuation of the wounded from the battlefield.

Simply put, such devices will help save the lives of the military and at the same time be effective in combat. For example, a robot can carry a machine gun and fire on enemy manpower or destroy unarmored vehicles.

Interestingly, in June it became known that Russia is also actively developing the idea of autonomous systems. In particular, the Tallamho design Bureau announced that they would test the Ronin-2 turret with artificial intelligence in the free zone by the end of 2025. This system is designed specifically to combat drones and is capable of detecting targets at a distance of up to 50 meters.

Belarus is making steady steps towards robotic complexes, and Russia is stepping up the development of autonomous systems with AI. It seems that the future of military technology is already coming — and it is increasingly becoming unmanned and automated.

Adunok-M

USA unveils AIRCAT Bengal MC— the most advanced autonomous warship with a payload capacity of 44 tons

The presentation of the AIRCAT Bengal MC, the world's most modern autonomous naval vessel, which promises to radically change the perception of the capabilities of military fleets, took place in the United States. This multipurpose ekranoplane, created in collaboration with the American company Eureka Naval Craft and Australian experts on maritime autonomy, stands out for its unique payload capacity of 44 tons and advanced missile launch systems.

Main Features of the AIRCAT Bengal MC

- Revolutionary payload capacity: The ability to carry up to 44 tons of weapons and equipment makes the Bengal MC one of the most powerful autonomous warships in the world.

- Multifunctional: The vessel can perform a wide range of tasks, from reconnaissance and patrolling to launching strikes using modern missile systems.

- Ekranoplane: Thanks to the design of the ekranoplane, the vessel can effectively move at low altitude above the water, combining the speed of the aircraft and the stability of the ship.

- Autonomy and Crew: The Bengal MC is capable of operating both fully autonomous and crewed, providing maximum flexibility in a variety of combat scenarios.

- Advanced weapons systems: Integrated missile launch systems allow precision strikes against sea and land targets with high accuracy.

Importance for naval forces

- New tactical capabilities: The AIRCAT Bengal MC opens up new horizons in the strategic application of autonomous vessels, allowing operations to be carried out with lower risks to personnel.

- Cost-effectiveness: Autonomy reduces the cost of operation and maintenance, and high payload increases combat potential.

- Innovation in maritime autonomy: The joint development of the United States and Australia demonstrates the growing role of international cooperation in the field of military technology.

The AIRCAT Bengal MC can become the basis for the creation of a whole class of autonomous combat vessels capable of changing the balance of power in naval theaters of military operations. Its implementation promises to increase the mobility, striking power and survival of naval forces in modern conflicts.

The female pilot of Tengden Technology successfully completed the test of a combat missile from an unmanned helicopter

The Chinese company Tengden Technology, based in Sichuan Province, announced an important achievement in the field of military and civil aviation based on drones. Its first female unmanned helicopter operator, Cheng Sijia, successfully completed a test of a combat missile, part of a broader payload testing campaign conducted in late June by the company's unmanned helicopter group in collaboration with several domestic partners.

The tests were organized to verify the operational characteristics of a vertically ascending unmanned platform developed by Tengden. As part of these exercises, a series of precise missile launches were carried out in real conditions, which made it possible to test the reliability, accuracy and combat effectiveness of both the platform itself and the weapons used. Such events play a key role in the further development of drone technology, especially in the field of their military applications, where autonomy, stealth and high maneuverability are important.

Tengden unmanned helicopters have a number of advantages over traditional fixed—wing UAVs - they are able to take off and land vertically, which makes them suitable for use in remote areas and on limited sites, for example, on ships or in the mountains. This expands the range of their possible applications, from reconnaissance to direct support of ground forces.

In addition, the successful participation of a female operator in such complex trials underscores the growing importance of gender equality in the military-technical field. Chen Sijia has become a symbol of new opportunities for women in China's high-tech and defense industries.

According to the company, the test results will be used to further modernize control systems, weapons and autonomous guidance, as well as to improve interaction between various components of the unmanned complex. These technologies are in line with global trends in the development of the armed forces, where more and more attention is being paid to unmanned, self-driving and energy-efficient solutions, including the use of self-powered sensors and energy-saving systems.

Chinese Cargo Drone CH-YH1000 Completes First Flight with 1.2-Ton Payload

 

CH-YH1000

The unmanned cargo aircraft CH-YH1000, developed by Aerospace CH UAV, made its first test flight in the north-west of the country. The drone is capable of transporting up to 1.2 tons of cargo over a distance of 1,500 km, operating for up to 10 hours without refueling, and landing even on dirt pads or grass. The drone is designed for fast and inexpensive delivery to remote regions such as Tibet and Xinjiang.

The CH-YH1000 cargo drone is a versatile unmanned platform for delivering cargo at medium altitudes. It has the classic look of a cargo plane and two engines. Unlike manned transport aircraft, the UAV weighs less and carries more cargo. Thanks to proven avionics from other CH-series drones, it is well protected from interference and reliable.

The CH-YH1000 can travel up to 1,500 km, stay in the air for up to 10 hours and climb to an altitude of 8000 m. Its load capacity is 1200 kg. It holds four cargo pallets with a volume of one cubic meter each. Loading and unloading is possible through the front, and unloading is possible through the bottom panel, which makes delivery more flexible. The aircraft is also equipped with an on-board 6 kW power supply, which allows you to connect various equipment to perform tasks.

The drone can take off and land over short distances, including conventional roads, rolled-up dirt roads and grass, which allows it to be used in difficult conditions. When a float or ski chassis is installed, it is also capable of operating on water and snow.

The CH-YH1000 can connect large cities with remote areas, providing fast and inexpensive cargo delivery. One of the drone's developers said that the CH-YH1000 is a kind of "aerial pickup truck." According to him, the company's goal is to create efficient air transportation, which will be only slightly more expensive than ground transportation. This will meet the logistical needs of hard-to-reach regions such as Tibet and Xinjiang, where delivery is expensive and time-consuming.

The test flight took place after the drone passed full-load taxiing tests in January. The tests were carried out at the airport in Jinmen city of Zhanghe, located in Hubei Province.

Eurodrone: Airbus' new super-heavy attack drone for patrol and combat operations

 

Eurodrone

The superheavy Eurodrone shock was presented at an exhibition in Berlin.

In size and weight, it is seriously larger than the Su-25, and a number of layout solutions look unusual. The project differs sharply from the Russian S-70 Hunter heavy drone: this is probably due to the fact that European manufacturers, unlike domestic ones, do not plan to use the novelty in the enemy's air defense zone. . But the new combat drone will be involved in patrolling over urban areas of Germany.

At the ILA 2022 air show in Berlin, the European concern Airbus presented the general appearance of the projected Eurodrone heavy drone, and showed the weapons intended for use on it. Its role is played by Hellfire missiles and Paveway laser-guided bombs. This is a rather unusual decision, because the Eurodrone does not look like a low-visibility aircraft. Combined with its large size and weight (wingspan — 26 meters, length — 16 meters, weight — up to 11 tons), it should be expected that it will be vulnerable to air defense.

Hellfire missiles of the types deployed today have a range of no more than 11 kilometers, and Paveway bombs should be used from even shorter distances. It turns out that in order to defeat the Eurodrone enemy, it is necessary to approach it noticeably closer than the radius of destruction of the Thor (16 kilometers) or Pantsir-C1 (20 kilometers). The flight ceiling of the new machine is 13.7 kilometers, which is less than the altitude range of the Pantsir-S1 (16 kilometers), although slightly more than that of the Tor (12 kilometers).

Meanwhile, both of these complexes effectively hit even the much less radio-visible Bayraktar. It is not entirely clear exactly how Eurodrone will be able to hit its targets in such a situation.

A possible reason for the striking lack of modernity in the capabilities of the new drone is the date when its creation was conceived. Airbus signed a contract with European government agencies to create the device on February 24 this year, still being influenced by previous ideas about the tasks facing Western drone strikes. For wars like the Afghan or Iraqi wars, vulnerability to serious air defense was irrelevant, since the population of countries where Western armed forces were fighting had practically no such air defense.

But Eurodrone has a serious combat load of 2,300 kilograms. Theoretically, this allows over time to adapt not only the "short-armed" Hellfire, but also cruise missiles such as the Norwegian NSM with a range of up to 190 kilometers. In this case, even a device as large and radio-visible as the new drone will have a chance to be used in combat operations without immediate defeat by the enemy.

The US Navy is collaborating with PteroDynamics to develop the XP5 long-range attack drone

 

The U.S. Navy has announced a new partnership with the aerospace company PteroDynamics, based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to develop a promising drone XP5. The move was part of the Pentagon's efforts to strengthen its unmanned group and expand the capabilities of naval reconnaissance and strike operations in remote theaters of war.

The new XP5 drone has impressive features:  a wing width of 19 feet, the ability to carry  payloads up to 50 pounds, as well as the ability to fly over  a distance of more than 400 nautical miles. Such parameters make it a universal tool both for performing reconnaissance tasks and for delivering pinpoint strikes.

Special attention was paid to ** flight range, autonomy and compatibility with shipboard systems**, which allows the XP5 to be used with various types of surface ships and submarines. This is especially important in the context of the current strategy of the US Navy, aimed at increasing flexibility and rapid response in potential conflict zones.

PteroDynamics already has experience in creating high-performance UAVs for civil and military purposes. Taking into account the new contract, the company intends to accelerate the testing process and enter the mass production stage no later than 2027.

The XP5 development is part of a broader U.S. Navy modernization program that focuses on **integrating commercial technologies into military systems** while ensuring maritime superiority in the face of growing challenges from China and Russia.

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.

Chinese breakthrough: Hongjianglong amphibious drone demonstrates unique capabilities

 

Hongjianglong amphibious drone

China continues to amaze the world with its innovative developments in the field of unmanned technologies. The recently introduced Hongjianglong spacecraft ("Hongjiang River Dragon") has set a new standard for multifunctional drones by successfully completing a test flight over a distance of 2,800 km with landing on the water surface. This achievement confirmed not only the high reliability of the device, but also its ability to work in difficult conditions.

Record-breaking flight and unique features

The tests took place in the Jintang area, where the Hongjianglong took off and landed on a narrow river, demonstrating its maneuverability and versatility. The wingspan of the drone is 12.4 meters, and the payload reaches 200 kg. The device's autonomy of up to 16 hours makes it an ideal choice for long missions without the need for frequent refueling or recharging.

Special attention is drawn to the device's ability to launch and land on various types of surfaces: water, grass, asphalt and other flat areas. This adaptability makes it possible to use Hongjianglong even in hard-to-reach areas where there is no developed infrastructure.

Wide range of applications

The amphibious drone opens up new horizons in various fields. It can be used in search and rescue operations, forest fire control, monitoring of water resources and environmental research. Due to its versatility, Hongjianglong can also be used in tourism projects, providing video footage of remote regions and delivering real-time data.

China's technological advantage

Hongjianglong's development highlights China's desire to take a leading position in the field of unmanned technologies. The unique design and extensive capabilities of the device allow it to compete with analogues from other countries, offering more flexible solutions for various tasks.

Experts note that this approach to creating multifunctional drones may become a new trend in the global aviation industry. Minimizing dependence on specialized infrastructure makes Hongjianglong especially attractive for developing regions and emergency situations.

The future of amphibious drones

The success of the Hongjianglong trials opens up new prospects for its use both domestically and abroad. In the near future, such devices may become an integral part of global monitoring, research and rescue operations systems. China continues to prove that the technology of the future is already here, and Hongjianglong is a prime example of this.

Eureka Naval Craft and Greenroom Robotics presented a new project for a fast modular military vessel AIRCAT Bengal MC

 

The American defense company Eureka Naval Craft and Australian autonomy specialists Greenroom Robotics have presented a new project for a fast modular military vessel, the AIRCAT Bengal MC, capable of performing autonomous operations and launching missiles.

The AIRCAT Bengal MC is a 36—meter Surface Effect ship positioned as a multi-purpose platform combining high speed, significant payload capacity and advanced software tools for autonomy. This ship is capable of speeds in excess of 50 knots (depending on cargo) and has a cruising range of up to 1,000 nautical miles. It can carry up to 40 tons of cargo, equivalent to two 40-foot ISO modules, and can be used for various missions, including launching Tomahawk cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles.

The ship can be operated both with a crew and in a fully autonomous mode. It can also be used as a transport vessel for amphibious assault, drones, electronic warfare, and mine operations.

The ship's autonomous capabilities are provided by GAMA (Greenroom Advanced Maritime Autonomy) software from Greenroom Robotics. This software has already been successfully tested on the Australian patrol ship Sentinel and provides an advanced system for autonomous navigation, situational awareness and fleet coordination.

The Bengal MC AIRCAT project will be presented at the upcoming Sea Air and Space exhibition in Maryland. Eureka Naval Craft Company plans to offer this ship to the US Navy, the US Marine Corps, as well as US allies, including the AUKUS and NATO countries.