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

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

Successful trials and their significance

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

Advantages of the new system

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

Prospects and further development

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

Impact on the combat capabilities of the British Army

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

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

 

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

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

What can trigger GMARS?  

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

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

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

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

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

— striking deep into the defense,

— air defense suppression,  

— and counter-battery warfare.

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

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.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

The C-130J will have "fins" — the US Air Force is testing a new product to save fuel

 

American C—130J Hercules transporters may have strange fins on their tails. The US Air Force, more specifically the Special Operations Command (AFSOC), has begun testing thin keel plates developed by Vortex Control Technologies. They look like small aerodynamic "ears" — but, according to the idea, they should seriously improve the characteristics of the aircraft.

What does this mean? The main goal is to reduce fuel consumption and increase flight range. The plates work according to the principle of controlling air vortices in the tail section of the aircraft — they "smooth out" the flow, reduce turbulence and, as a result, reduce aerodynamic drag.

For C-130J-type transporters, who often fly with heavy loads, at the limit of their capabilities and without fuel reserves, even a small gain in efficiency is already a victory. We may be talking about percentages, but on the scale of a fleet and long—term operation, this means millions of dollars in savings.

Plus, the increased range is especially important for special forces: they often need to fly far, quietly and without refueling. Any improvement is a direct bonus in survival and mission flexibility.

The best part is that the system is cheap and easy to install. No alterations to the engine or fuselage. They just screwed on the plates and flew on, spending less.

If the tests are successful, the entire C-130J fleet can be equipped with such "fins". And who would have thought — the future of fuel economy does not start with a new engine, but with small parts on the tail.

Northrop Grumman is testing space interceptors for the Golden Dome — the race for the contract is underway

The situation around the grandiose American program about the Golden Dome is heating up. Northrop Grumman said it has already begun ground tests of orbital interceptor missiles designed for this system. This is a serious step forward and a clear signal to competitors.: We're in the game, and we're not just drawing on paper anymore.

The Golden Dome program itself is an ambitious plan to create a multi—layered shield against missile threats, including sensors in space, interceptors and powerful control systems. The goal is to intercept ballistic and possibly hypersonic missiles at the earliest stages of flight, right in space. Northrop Grumman, as one of the key contractors, has already received a major contract for this program.

However, so far everything is not so simple. It turns out that the US military itself has not yet fully decided on exactly what characteristics these space interceptors should have. The requirements are still being clarified, which creates some uncertainty. That is why the competition between companies for the right to supply components for the Golden Dome is becoming especially heated. Everyone wants to take their place in this multibillion-dollar project until the rules of the game are finally fixed. It turns out that Northrop Grumman is already testing missiles, but the customer has not yet said exactly which missiles he needs. An interesting situation!

China has revealed how its VU-T10 combat robot is causing hell on the battlefield

 

VU-T10

China continues to actively increase the pace in the development of robotic systems for the army — and the latest striking example is the new tracked unmanned ground vehicle (UAV) VU-T10, which recently passed field tests. Footage from these tests was published by China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), one of the leading Chinese weapons developers.

Imagine: an 11-ton combat robot that maneuvers through difficult terrain without human intervention, accurately identifies targets and strikes them. All this is within the framework of the Chinese strategy for the introduction of robotics in modern and future scenarios of warfare. The VU-T10 is not just a toy, but a full—fledged participant in the battle.

The device is equipped with a remote—controlled modular combat turret armed with a serious 30-mm cannon, which is excellent for both fighting with manpower and for hitting lightly armored targets. A twin 7.62 mm machine gun is mounted next to it, an additional tool for suppressing enemy infantry.  

But that's not all. For self-defense, the VU-T10 has electric smoke grenade launchers, which allow the device to hide from observation or distract the enemy at a critical moment.

The VU-T10 is not just an experimental prototype. This is an important step forward in China's plans to modernize its army. Such vehicles can be used as scouts, firing points accompanying infantry, or even as autonomous attack platforms.  

In addition, all this suggests that Chinese engineers are actively working to make robots not just auxiliary tools, but full—fledged participants in combat operations - without risking the lives of soldiers.

The VU-T10 is a prime example of how rapidly military robotics is developing in China. And if such devices begin to en masse to the troops, it can seriously change the face of modern combat.

The North Korean submarine "Hero Kim Kun Ok" with ballistic missiles has not yet been commissioned

North Korea's first diesel-electric submarine with ballistic missiles (SSB), Ship No. 841, named the Hero Kim Kun Ok, is not yet ready for operation. She was launched relatively recently, in September 2023, but satellite images of recent weeks show that her technical conversion and preparation for service are still ongoing.

The submarine was originally built as a Type 003 diesel-electric attack submarine, but in the process of retrofitting it received ballistic missiles, which significantly increases its strategic importance. Despite Pyongyang's ambitious plans, the ship has not yet set sail for a long time and has not conducted full-fledged sea trials, which indicates continuing technical and organizational difficulties.

If the modernization and retrofitting of the submarine are successful, the Hero Kim Kun Ok will become the first combat-ready carrier of submarine-launched ballistic missiles in North Korea. This will seriously expand the country's strategic deterrence capabilities and complicate the tasks for enemy anti-submarine defense systems.

Experts estimate that North Korea's first fully operational ballistic missile submarine may join the fleet within the next 6-12 months if all technical and organizational issues are resolved in a timely manner.

Technical and operational challenges

- The need to refine launchers and ballistic missile launch systems in conditions of limited resources.

- Long-term testing and fine-tuning of the control system and communication systems of the submarine.

- Crew training and working out interaction with coastal structures.

The appearance of a combat-ready ballistic missile submarine in North Korea will pose a new challenge to regional security, especially for South Korea, Japan and the United States. This could lead to increased anti-submarine measures and requirements for missile defense modernization in the region.

The U.S. Air Force will receive two B-21 Raiders in 2026

The US military has officially confirmed that in fiscal year 2026, the US Air Force will receive the first two B-21 Raider strategic bombers, new stealth aircraft designed to form the basis of the country's nuclear triad potential in the coming decades.  

These vehicles will arrive in the so-called "test configuration", that is, they will not be fully operational immediately. But at the same time, they will meet all production standards and will be able to be quickly put into combat mode — for example, by removing unnecessary equipment such as a test nose beam.

Production of the B-21 will take place at the Northrop Grumman plant in Palmdale, California, which is one of the most closed and technologically advanced aerospace plants in the United States.  

The budget for 2026 allocated 10.3 billion dollars to expand production and accelerate the release of the B-21, of which about 4.5 billion will be spent on increasing the production of these aircraft.  

Currently, it is planned to produce 7-8 bombers per year, and the total number of ordered vehicles may range from 100 to 145 units. It depends on how events develop and how quickly production can be established.

The first B-21s will provide partial combat readiness, and full-scale mass deployment will begin in the following years. This is important because the B-21 is not just an upgrade, but a qualitatively new aircraft capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons, while remaining virtually invisible to radar.

So we can say that the era of new strategic bombers begins next year, and the B—21 Raider will become its symbol.

B—21 Raider

German HX-2 drones are being tested in Europe and are ready for mass production

HX-2

The German company Helsing is actively promoting its HX-2 attack drones, which are currently being tested by several European armies from Germany to the UK. This was stated by the vice president of the company Simon Brunies. However, not all countries are in a hurry to buy these drones: for example, France is likely to abandon purchases, but Germany may make a decision by the end of 2025.

What is the HX-2?

This is not just a drone, but a real "smart" kamikaze with elements of artificial intelligence, capable of finding targets on its own, even if there is powerful electronic suppression around. It flies fast — up to 220 km/ h, can fly as far as 100 km, weighs about 12 kg, and its combat load allows it to hit both equipment and enemy fortifications.

Currently, the plant in southern Germany produces about 450 HX-2 drones per month, but the company wants to increase this number to 1,000 units per month. And if they launch a second plant, then up to 2,500 units per month. However, this requires training new specialists, and it takes time.

Interest in such drones is growing throughout Europe, as armies increasingly realize that modern warfare is impossible without autonomous systems. Especially after such devices began to show themselves on the battlefield.

Who is already using the HX-2?

- Germany is considering the possibility of purchasing these drones — this could be an important step in modernizing its army.

- Other European countries are still testing the HX-2 to see if it suits them in terms of performance and price.

- Ukraine has already received thousands of such drones, and they are actively used on the front line. According to the Ukrainian military, some of them have already been in real battles.

The artificial intelligence in the drone gives it the ability to deceive air defense systems, act independently and even work in bundles — the so-called "swarms". This makes them much more effective than conventional drones and changes the approach to warfare in general. In other words, the future is already here — and it's flying at 220 km/h straight at the target.

If interest in such technologies continues, it can be expected that in a couple of years, HX-2 type drones will become a standard element of the arsenal of any modern army.

MHI and Yamaha have tested a 200×200 hybrid UAV: up to 200 km with 200 kg payload

 The Japanese defense and aerospace company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), together with Yamaha Motor, has completed flight tests of a medium-sized hybrid unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of carrying a payload weighing 200 kg over a distance of up to 200 km. The test flight took place in mid-April 2025 at the MHI UAV Research Center and was an important step in the development of promising unmanned logistics platforms suitable for both civilian and military applications. The prototype of the UAV was first presented to the public at the Japan Drone 2025 exhibition, held at the Makuhari Messe Exhibition Center in Chiba from June 4-6, 2025.

China's mysterious plane and its analogues: new challenges in the aviation industry

AG600

New mysteries are emerging in the world of aviation. One of them is an unknown aircraft, which is supposedly being tested by China. Although there is very little information about it yet, experts have already begun to compare it with other projects in China, especially the amphibious flying boat AG600. This machine is designed to perform a wide range of tasks, from supply to search and rescue operations, especially over the South China Sea.

Apparently, the new mysterious device may also be focused on coastal operations. Some experts suggest that it may be an ekranoplane – an aircraft that uses the shielding effect to move over the water surface. Such devices are ideal for fast cargo delivery, patrols, and even military operations in coastal waters.

Although China has been developing its own aviation technologies for several years, the appearance of the new device has aroused the interest of the international community. Especially if it really has characteristics similar to the AG600. The latter has already proved its effectiveness in test flights and has become a symbol of the country's growing technological potential.

Recall that history knows of many cases of aircraft disappearing without a trace – for example, the missing Boeing 777 Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, the exact location of which became known only a few years later. However, in the case of the new Chinese device, we are not talking about a loss, but about a hidden development, around which many theories are being formed.

Ekranoplanes are expected to be able to become an important element in China's security and logistics system, especially in the strategically important South China Sea. If the information about the testing is confirmed, it could become one of the most significant events in the aviation industry in recent years.

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.

China has made a breakthrough: artillery drones have been successfully tested after 12 years of development

After more than a decade of research, technical difficulties and skepticism from experts, China has successfully tested a fundamentally new class of military technologies — artillery drones** capable of withstanding extreme loads when firing 155 mm guns. These drones were created with the aim of revolutionizing the battlefield by combining the capabilities of drones and the power of modern artillery.

The tests were conducted at the Western test base and included five live firings, during which it was confirmed that the drones are capable of withstanding a launch impact load exceeding their own weight by 3,000 times. For comparison, this is equivalent to a human carrying a mass equal to 35 adult African elephants and still remaining functional.

These drones are designed to cover distances of more than 10 km in a matter of seconds, maintaining stability and controllability even after exposure to ultra-high G-forces when fired. This opens up new horizons for the use of UAVs as part of ground forces, allowing them to be used for reconnaissance, fire correction, or even the delivery of ammunition in intense combat.

The development of such systems began about 12 years ago, when Chinese engineers first thought about whether it was possible to combine lightweight drone designs with harsh artillery conditions. Many experts initially considered this idea impossible, but now China is showing real technological success.

This breakthrough could dramatically change the approach to using drones on the battlefield and make them full-fledged elements of hybrid warfare combining high mobility, precision and firepower. Given the active development of military technology in China, such drones can become a key element of the future army of a new generation.

The US Air Force activates the Nellis squadron to test combat drones with artificial intelligence

On June 5, 2025, the United States Air Force took an important step in the development of modern aerial combat technologies by establishing the Experimental Operations Unit (EOU) at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. The new Nellis squadron will specialize in testing and deploying combat drones equipped with advanced artificial intelligence systems.

The EOU aims to rethink the concept of aerial combat by integrating autonomous drones capable of operating as part of manned and unmanned groups, performing reconnaissance missions and supporting pilots in real time. The use of AI will increase the speed of decision-making, improve coordination and increase the effectiveness of combat operations.

The creation of the unit reflects the desire of the US Air Force to maintain technological superiority and adapt to new challenges in the field of air dominance, where autonomous systems are playing an increasingly important role. Nellis Air Base, known as the center for advanced testing and training, has become an ideal platform for the implementation of this innovative project.

In the near future, a series of tests is expected to be conducted aimed at developing tactics for interaction between manned aircraft and combat drones with AI, as well as evaluating their combat capabilities in various scenarios.

Successful testing of Dome communications on a drone from Roscosmos and Geoscan

Russian specialists of the Roscosmos enterprise — Satellite system Gonets — together with the company Geoscan we have successfully tested a new promising solution called  "Dome communication". This technology allows you to quickly organize a mobile coverage area with a diameter of up to 40 km from a height of only 100-120 meters, which opens up wide opportunities for its use in both the civilian and military spheres.

The technology is based on an unmanned aerial vehicle, which acts as a mobile base station in the air. After rising to a set height, the UAV provides subscribers with real-time access to communication channels, which is especially important in remote or hard-to-reach areas where traditional communications infrastructure is lacking.

During the experiment, the Geoscan-201 drone was used, equipped with an experimental on-board radio engineering complex Gonets and a unique antenna system located in the wing of the device. This solution made it possible to stably transmit the signal throughout the covered area.

Testing has shown high efficiency and reliability of the system, which makes Dome Communications a promising solution for emergencies, logistics operations, as well as for providing communications during special operations.

China unveils Cuantianhou hypersonic drone

 

The Cuantianhou hypersonic drone

China has unveiled the Cuantianhou hypersonic drone with unique engines.

Sichuan Lingkong Tianxing Technology accelerated the development of the Cuantianhou hypersonic drone. Tests of the device with detonation engines will begin in 2026, and its speed will exceed Mach 4.

The Chinese company Sichuan Lingkong Tianxing Technology presented a model of the Cuantianhou hypersonic drone in Chengdu. Weighing 1.5 tons and 7 meters long, the device is equipped with two Jindou-400S detonation engines, which will allow it to accelerate to a speed of 4.2 Mach.

The first tests of Cuantianhou were planned for 2027, but successful prototype tests allowed them to be postponed to 2026. The company has conducted 88 tests over six years, including autumn engine launches on simple models.

Two Jindou-400S detonation engines will be installed on the drone. They are lighter and more efficient than the previous version of the Jindou-400. The new engine weighs 100 kg, has a length of 1.9 m and develops a thrust of 4 kN, consuming only 6 kg of fuel per 50 km flight at a speed of Mach 4.

The principle of operation of the engine is based on explosive detonation of fuel, which creates a more powerful jet stream compared to conventional combustion.

The developers believe that hypersonic civil aviation is already close to reality. Sichuan Lingkong Tianxing Technology plans to take the Da Sheng hypersonic passenger aircraft into the air in 2030.

Cuantianhou resembles the American SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft, but surpasses it in speed and altitude. The SR-71 reached Mach 3.32, and the Chinese drone will accelerate to Mach 4.2 at an altitude of 20 km.

Chinese engineers are confident that their developments are ahead of their competitors. For example, the American Hermeus plans to create a hypersonic aircraft with a speed of Mach 5, but the project is three years behind schedule. Swiss startup Destinus is working on hydrogen-fueled airplanes, but their technology is still far from commercial implementation.

The Pentagon has successfully tested the Leonidas H2O microwave system

 The Pentagon has successfully tested energy weapons against drones.

The American company Epirus, dedicated to the fight against drones, has introduced a new high-energy microwave weapon system. With a single energy pulse, Leonidas H2O can simultaneously hit outboard motors, unmanned surface vessels and unmanned aerial vehicles. The system was tested during the exercises of the US Navy in the Pacific Ocean.

During tests conducted by the US Navy as part of the Coastal Trident (ANTX-CT) Advanced Naval Technology Exercise, the Leonidas H2O system has shown effectiveness in defeating four marine engines with a capacity of 40 to 90 horsepower at record distances.

"The Leonidas H2O prototype successfully completed all four targets at operationally significant distances, despite range restrictions that required testing at about half of the maximum potential power output and with limited waveforms," the company said.

The new system was developed on the basis of a solid-state, programmable, high-energy technology platform HPM, which provides high electronic warfare capabilities. All Leonidas configurations are based on an open architecture, are scalable, have unlimited ammunition, and are capable of non-kinetic effects on targets.

Leonidas H2O

France is developing an alternative to HIMARS by mid-2026

 

France plans to test a domestic rocket-propelled artillery system by mid-2026 as an alternative to the American highly mobile artillery missile system (HIMARS). 

This step could open up new opportunities for allies seeking to gain European capabilities.The French Directorate General of Armaments intends to identify technical solutions that will allow demonstration firing in a year.

DGA is working with the Safran and MBDA consortium, as well as the Thales and ArianeGroup consortium, to develop a tactical strike capability within a radius of 150 kilometers (93 miles).

France is running out of time to replace the Lance-Roquettes Unitaire, a modified version of the M270 multiple launch rocket system. The service life of the nine remaining systems at the disposal of the army is due to end in 2027.

Lawmakers and the military leadership insist on developing a domestic version, rather than purchasing from abroad, in accordance with France's policy of ensuring autonomy in defense matters.

Japan is testing a new railgun on a military vessel

 Several images taken at the Japanese naval base, possibly in Yokosuka, which show something similar to a new version of the railgun installed on the experimental vessel JS Asuka (ASE-6102) of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces. The images show a tower with an angular design, consistent with previous official reports indicating that Asuka conducted the first test firing a railgun on a ship in 2023.

This observation is also consistent with ongoing testing activities involving an electromagnetic weapon system developed by the Japan Agency for Procurement, Technology and Logistics (ATLA).