The French Defense Procurement Agency has installed the STRIKE firing system on NH-90 TTH "Caïman" helicopters to improve the accuracy of the French army

 The French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) has officially announced the installation of the STRIKE firing system on one of the most modern multipurpose helicopters of the French Army light aviation (ALAT) — NH-90 TTH "Caïman". This solution is aimed at improving the accuracy and stability of aerial fire in difficult flight conditions. STRIKE (Stabilisateur de Tir Réglable d'Intervention Kinésique et Équilibré) is a stabilizing mechanical system that reduces vibrations and reduces the weight of the weapon on the shooter, allowing accurate shooting from a moving platform.

The system has already been integrated on Gazelle, Cougar and Fennec helicopters and has passed a technical and operational assessment with the participation of armed units. Flight tests were conducted for the NH-90 with various weapons options, including a 12.7 mm M3M machine gun, an HK 417 assault rifle, a PGM Hecate II sniper rifle, and a long-range surveillance system. STRIKE can also be equipped with a telephoto camera to support aerial reconnaissance operations.

In addition, the NH-90 Cayman Standard 2, introduced in April 2025, has improved performance, including powerful engines, increased range and payload, as well as advanced combat control and surveillance equipment. 18 such helicopters are expected to be delivered between 2026 and 2029 to the 4th Separate Regiment of Special Operations Helicopters (4e RHFS) in Pau.

The integration of STRIKE significantly expands the capabilities of the French airmobile forces, allowing for more efficient high-precision fire support in dynamic and unstable conditions of action.

China has accepted the fourth universal amphibious assault ship of project 075, Hubei (tail number 34), into the Navy

China has officially accepted the fourth universal amphibious assault ship of the Hubei project 075 - UDC with tail number 34 into its Naval Forces. This ship was launched on December 14, 2023 at the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding shipyard in Shanghai, after which it was tested in 2024. In August 2025, the Hubei officially joined the PLA Navy, and has already participated in joint exercises with other ships of the Chinese navy.

Hubei was named after the Chinese province of Hubei. This amphibious helicopter carrier of project 075 is a large vessel with a displacement of about 35-40 thousand tons, a length of more than 230 meters and a width of 36 meters, comparable in size to its American counterparts. The ship is capable of transporting a large number of Marines, helicopters, and armored vehicles for amphibious operations.

Previously, three UDC systems of this project were accepted into the Chinese Navy — Hainan (in 2021), as well as Guangxi and Anhui (in 2022). Hubei represents a further expansion of the capabilities of the Chinese amphibious assault forces and strengthening the amphibious capabilities of the PLA.

Key data:

- Name: Hubei

- Project: 075

- Tail number: 34

- Displacement: 35-40 thousand tons

- Length: more than 230 m

- Width: 36 m

- Launched: December 14, 2023

- Commissioned into the Navy: August 2025

- Shipyard: Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, Shanghai

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

GMARS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The French Rafale has passed a "technical inspection" before going into production: DGA has completed tests of the F4 standard.3

 

Rafale F4.3

The General Directorate of Armaments of France (DGA) has put an important point in the development of the Rafale fighter. It has successfully completed a large—scale campaign to assess the operational capabilities of the aircraft in its future standard configuration, the F4.3. All tests took place at the DGA flight Test center in Istres, which is a key testing ground for new French military equipment.

This campaign was not just a formality. Its goal is to thoroughly test all the new features and improvements that are included in the F4.3 standard to ensure that the aircraft is fully operational. The successful completion of these tests is a critical step towards official certification of Rafale according to this new standard. After certification, all new Rafales will be produced in the F4.3 configuration, and the existing fleet aircraft will be gradually upgraded to this level.

The F4.3 standard is designed to significantly enhance the combat capabilities of Dassault Aviation's flagship fighter, making it an even more deadly and technologically advanced player on the modern battlefield.

BAE Systems tested point bombs from the Malloy T-150 drone

TRV-150

BAE Systems has recently taken a big step forward in the world of military drones: they have successfully tested precision-guided munitions launched from a multi-rotor drone. We are talking about a modified version of the Malloy T-150 quadcopter, which was renamed the TRV-150. This device has long attracted attention for its lifting capacity and stability in the air, but now it has also become shock-resistant.

What is impressive is that the drone was able to accurately drop small guided munitions on the target, demonstrating high accuracy and reliability. Such ammunition is designed specifically to minimize collateral damage — that is, to hit exactly the target and not cause havoc around. This is especially important in urban combat or when working near civilian facilities.

The TRV-150 is not just a toy. This is a heavy drone with the ability to carry a payload, and now it can also perform combat missions. Its advantage is vertical take—off and landing, like a helicopter, but with easier controls and less visibility. And the modular design allows you to quickly change the payload: from cameras to weapons.

BAE Systems is positioning this as part of a new concept of "hybrid mobility" — where a drone can both scout and strike while remaining flexible and responsive to changes on the battlefield. This is especially true for units that need to respond quickly to threats without using heavy machinery.

The tests were successful, and now the company is looking towards partnerships with armies and law enforcement agencies. The ability to use precision weapons from a relatively cheap and maneuverable drone can change the tactics of warfare at the tactical level.

In general, the world of drones is getting more serious — and the TRV-150 from BAE Systems clearly claims to be one of the main players.

The United States continues to attempt to create hypersonic missiles: what is behind the HASTE program

The United States continues its offensive push in the hypersonic weapons race. In July 2025, the American company RocketLab conducted another test launch under the HASTE program, a suborbital hypersonic vehicle that should become the closest analogue of the Russian Avangard rocket. The launch was scheduled for July 12-13 from NASA's Wallops Island test site, and aroused great interest from both the military and analysts.

What is HASTE?

HASTE is a hypersonic vehicle developed by RocketLab for the Pentagon, which is intended to serve as a platform for testing technologies needed to create hypersonic gliders. The construction uses carbon composites, modern 3D-printed parts, as well as miniature electronics of the latest generation. This is not just a flying tube — it is a technological prototype of the future.

However, unlike the Russian Avangard, which has been on combat duty since 2019, HASTE remains at the experimental stage. That is, if Russia already has a combat system, then the United States still has a technology demonstrator.

 Contract with Dynetics and prospects

In 2023, the US Department of Defense signed a contract with Dynetics to conduct several HASTE launches in 2024-2025. These tests will be used to develop the LRHW (Dark Eagle Rocket) and CPS programs, promising hypersonic gliders for land and marine systems. If all goes according to plan, the US will be able to equip its new Sentinel intercontinental missiles with hypersound, as well as future Trident-II replacements on submarines.

The rebirth of the ARRW

In addition to HASTE, the United States has resumed the ARRW (Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon) program, which is developing the AGM-183A air-launched hypersonic missile. This missile is launched from an airplane, gains altitude and speed on the upper stage, and then separates and flies to the target at a speed of about Mach 5, maneuvering and bypassing the air defense systems.

The main advantage of the ARRW is its compactness. Due to its small size, it can be equipped with both nuclear and non-nuclear warheads, making it a versatile tool for rapid response.

HACM program: a new generation of cruise missiles

Another interesting project is HACM (Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile), developed by Raytheon. It will be the world's first hypersonic cruise missile with a ramjet engine and hypersonic combustion. Gorenje Its claimed speed is up to Mach 8, which makes it extremely difficult to intercept.

However, the implementation of the project still raises questions: no one has yet mastered technologies of this level in mass production. But if the United States succeeds, it will be a new era in hypersonic weapons.

The United States clearly does not intend to lag behind in the hypersonic weapons race. The HASTE, ARRW and HACM programs are different branches of an ambitious project aimed at creating a full range of hypersonic systems — from ground and underwater to aviation.  

However, despite technological superiority and financing, the United States still remains in the role of catching up. Russia and Avangard have already shown that they can create working combat systems, while American projects are still at the stage of testing and refinement.

Northrop Grumman successfully tested an air-launched ballistic missile for the US missile defense system

 

The American company Northrop Grumman conducted a successful test of a ballistic target missile dropped from a C-17 transport aircraft. This test was an important milestone in the development of US missile defense capabilities, demonstrating the effectiveness of air launch to simulate modern threats.

The target missile is a new class of high-precision ballistic threat emulators designed for comprehensive testing of integrated missile defense systems. Advanced technologies were used during the test, including:

- Modern avionics for flight control  

- Modular vehicle upgrade kits  

- Solid-fuel rocket engines  

- Special payloads simulating real combat elements

The air launch test allows for a more realistic simulation of ballistic missile attacks, improving the quality of verification and improvement of missile defense systems. Using a C-17 transport aircraft to drop a target provides flexibility and responsiveness in conducting tests under various conditions.

The development and improvement of missile defense systems remains a priority for the U.S. Department of Defense in the face of growing threats from potential adversaries. Northrop Grumman tests contribute to improving the reliability and efficiency of systems, ensuring the protection of national security.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The German military is testing anti-drone mesh installations on armored vehicles to protect against small UAVs

The German Armed Forces are testing anti-drone mesh installations mounted on armored vehicles in order to assess the effectiveness of passive protection against the growing threat from small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The photographs taken at the Folkach facility show armored vehicles of the 4th Logistics Regiment equipped with various types of improvised drone protection. Among them, the Marder infantry fighting vehicle stands out, around which grids of various sizes are installed, arranged in a circle to maximize vulnerable areas.

The tests are aimed at determining to what extent such grids are capable of preventing the penetration and impact of small drones, which are increasingly being used for reconnaissance and attacks in modern conflicts. Passive protection using nets can be an effective and relatively inexpensive way to increase the survivability of armored vehicles on the battlefield.

This approach reflects the trend in the military sphere towards the development of integrated anti-drone systems combining active and passive protection methods.

China has successfully tested a prototype hypersonic engine with an oblique shock wave

 

China has successfully tested a prototype RAMJET with an oblique shock wave

The technology, which was rejected by the US military decades ago, has been successfully tested in China. A group of engineers from the country's leading aerospace research centers has achieved a breakthrough in the development of an oblique shock wave hypersonic engine powered by conventional liquid fuel. An experiment simulating flight conditions at a speed of Mach 8 and an altitude of 30 km proved the technical feasibility of the concept for military use.

The ground test was conducted by scientists from the Chinese Research Institute of Rocket Technology (CALT) and Northwestern Polytechnic University, the details were published in the May issue of the Journal of Aerospace Power. After ignition, the engineers observed explosive waves in the combustion chamber of the engine for more than two seconds. This test simulated the operation of a ramjet engine with oblique standing detonation (Sodramjet) at a speed of Mach 8 and an altitude of 30 km. Aviation kerosene of the RP-3 brand was used as fuel.

The conducted test is a significant technical achievement, according to the SCMP. In December 2023, the Chinese Academy of Sciences reported a similar experiment, but then the detonation lasted only 50 milliseconds and was classified as an anomaly by a number of experts. This time, the detonation was steady and lasted 40 times longer.

The sensors showed a pressure surge after detonation to 272 kPa, which is more than ten times the pressure before ignition. The results of the chemical simulation coincided with the results of real tests and confirmed the creation of significant thrust. According to Yang Yang, the group's lead researcher, the gorenje zone remained stable during the 2.2-second test period.

The tests confirmed the possibility of practical use of liquid-fuel RAMJET engines with oblique standing detonation. With this type of detonation, the shock wave propagates at an angle of the surface and can "stand" in one place without moving. Theoretically, the concept can find application in new varieties of RAMJET engines.

This idea was first proposed in 1958 by scientists from the University of Michigan with the support of the US Air Force. NASA then studied it in the 1970s, hoping to achieve hypersonic speeds. However, development has stalled due to difficulties in maintaining stable detonation and controlling the mixing of fuel and air under extreme conditions.

In May, the American company Venus Aerospace announced successful flight tests of a rotating detonation rocket engine (VDD), promising to reduce fuel costs and make passenger hypersonic flights affordable. So far, airborne missiles have never taken off over the territory of the United States.

The US Air Force has successfully tested a lightweight version of the QUICKSINK anti-ship aerial bomb

On June 4, 2025, the US Air Force successfully tested a new lightweight version of the QUICKSINK anti-ship munition at the Gulf Test Range at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. During the test, the B-2 Spirit strategic stealth bomber dropped a 500-pound (about 226 kg) high-precision aerial bomb, demonstrating its flexibility and expanding the arsenal of weapons to defeat naval targets.

The QUICKSINK program is aimed at creating inexpensive, but powerful and accurate weapons capable of effectively hitting both stationary and moving surface ships. The new lightweight version of the munition expands the operational capabilities of combat unit commanders, allowing them to quickly respond to threats in the marine environment.

Dan Lehoski, Commander of the 53rd Air Wing, described QUICKSINK as an "affordable and revolutionary solution" for neutralizing naval targets. The project is being implemented jointly by the US Air Force Research Laboratory, the Air Force Combat Test Center and the Air Combat Operations Command.

The tests took place against the backdrop of the build-up of China's naval forces, which has the world's largest fleet, which poses serious challenges to US dominance in the Pacific Ocean. The development of QUICKSINK is designed to increase the effectiveness of American forces in countering such threats.

The new Nemesis self-propelled artillery: the return of an old concept at a modern level

 

Nemesis

In 2004, the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (now KNDS Germany) introduced the artillery combat module Artillery-Geschütz-Modul (AGM). It was a turret with a 155 mm howitzer and other equipment, which was proposed to be mounted on different chassis. It was assumed that the AGM would be of interest to customers, and new self-propelled guns would be created on its basis. In 2008, a new self-propelled gun Donar was shown at one of the European exhibitions. It was built on the basis of the ASCOD 2 tracked chassis from the Spanish company Santa Bárbara Sistemas (now General Dynamics European Land Systems) and equipped with an AGM module. The self-propelled gun "Donar" was repeatedly shown at various exhibitions, and it attracted attention. However, it was not possible to find customers for such equipment. KMW / KNDS Germany has started developing other versions of self-propelled guns based on a unified module. To date, several similar samples have been presented, and the last one was shown just the other day.

On May 12-14, the international military technical exhibition FEINDEF 2025 was held in Madrid, Spain. KNDS Germany and GDELS presented their new joint development, the Nemesis self—propelled artillery gun. In terms of overall appearance, architecture, and the choice of key components, the promising Nemesis product is not fundamentally different from the old Donar. At the same time, this project uses updated chassis and combat module, as well as a number of other modern systems. It is assumed that this will make it possible to more fully utilize the technical potential of the combat vehicle and obtain improved combat characteristics.

The developers of the new ACS do not deny some continuity with the previous project, but note that the two self-propelled guns are in different conditions. So, the Donar project could not interest customers, because in his time not enough attention was paid to the development of artillery. The situation has changed in recent years, and the armies of different countries are once again willing to rearm their artillery units. In the current situation, the two companies decided to return to the old concept, implement it at a modern technical level and offer it to customers again.

It should be noted that the development of a new ACS required some effort. In accordance with the updated requirements, the existing chassis had to be redesigned, the combat module improved, and other measures taken. However, by now the two companies have successfully completed the design and built the first prototype. The prototype of the Nemesis ACS will be sent for testing in the near future. Details of the existing plans have not yet been announced. It is unknown how soon the experienced self-propelled gun will make its first shots and show fire characteristics. However, it is clear that the entire test cycle may take several years. The commercial prospects are also unclear. According to some reports, GDELS offered Nemesis to the Spanish Ministry of Defense. The agency is currently considering the possibility of updating the fleet of self-propelled artillery and replacing the existing M109SP self-propelled guns. So far, it cannot be ruled out that they will purchase the new Nemesis.

The overall architecture of the new Nemesis ACS is quite simple and unchanged from the old Donar project. The combat vehicle is built on the ASCOD 2 tracked chassis, modified to meet specific requirements. The AGM module in its modern version is mounted in the aft part of the chassis. The length of the ACS with the forward cannon exceeds 10 m, the width and height are about 3 m. The combat weight has reached 40 tons. For comparison, the Donar machine had similar dimensions, but weighed about 35 tons. The weight gain is mainly due to increased protection.

The chassis of the new ACS has an armored hull with a bulky cabin in the bow. The habitable compartment is protected from bullets and shrapnel. It is also possible to install additional protection against more serious threats. At the same time, level 4 is achieved according to the STANAG 4569 standard.

The new Chinese KJ-3000 long-range radar detection aircraft is presented in unique image

KJ-3000

The newly released image show China's new KJ-3000 long-range radar detection and control aircraft, which will become a key element in the rapidly expanding armada of aerial surveillance assets of the People's Liberation Army of China. The plane was captured on the ground at one of the airfields in China, its body is covered with a layer of primer, and the serial number 7821 is clearly visible on the front of the fuselage.

The KJ-3000 is positioned as a high-tech platform for long-range radar detection, capable of significantly enhancing the capabilities of the Chinese Air Force in airspace control and combat operations management. This aircraft will become the "pearl" in the line of Chinese early warning and control aircraft, expanding the ability to detect air and sea targets at long distances.

At the moment, it is known that only one completed copy of the KJ-3000 has been submitted, which indicates that the project is at the stage of testing and refinement. It is expected that after successful completion of the tests, the aircraft will be put into production and put into service.

The development of the KJ-3000 reflects China's desire for technological superiority in the field of aerial reconnaissance and control, which is an important element of the national defense strategy. The appearance of such an aircraft will allow China to more effectively control its air borders and respond quickly to potential threats.

Israel's Iron Ray missile defense system is preparing for crucial tests

 Iron Beam

The flagship of the Israeli military industry, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, will soon conduct crucial tests of the Iron Beam tactical laser missile defense system. This innovative system is designed to intercept ultra—short-range missiles - up to 10 kilometers, as well as to combat mortar shells and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The Iron Ray uses a powerful laser beam with a power of about 100 kilowatts, which focuses on the target, causing it to heat up and destroy. The system is capable of automatically detecting and defeating threats using artificial intelligence-based algorithms, which ensures high reaction speed and accuracy. The main advantage of the Iron Beam is its cost-effectiveness: the cost of a single laser shot is only 5-10 dollars, while launching an Iron Dome rocket system costs about 30 thousand dollars.

Tests scheduled for 2025 will determine the possibility of adopting the system for the IDF in the last quarter of this year. The main technical difficulty remains the attenuation of the laser beam due to weather conditions - clouds, fog and rain reduce the efficiency of the system. In addition, the Iron Beam is capable of hitting only one target at a time, which requires its integration with other air defense systems, such as the Iron Dome, for comprehensive protection against massive attacks.

The system is available in three versions: mobile, stationary and marine, which expands the possibilities of its application. There has already been interest in Iron Beam from countries such as the USA, Singapore and the UAE, which indicates the high international potential of this technology.

The Iron Ray will be an important addition to Israel's existing air defense systems, strengthening protection against missile and drone threats and reducing defense costs. Development began in the early 2010s, and the first combat tests took place in 2022, including the successful interception of a mortar shell.

Thus, Iron Beam represents a technological breakthrough in the field of directed energy weapons and sets new standards in missile defense.

The United States has successfully tested the Talon-A reusable hypersonic vehicle

 

The Talon-A reusable hypersonic vehicle has exceeded the speed of sound by five times

For the first time, the United States has conducted tests of a reusable hypersonic aircraft. An autonomous drone developed by Stratolaunch exceeded the speed by Mach 5 numbers during a test flight in March 2025. The Talon-A hypersonic vehicle launched from a carrier aircraft, flew over the Pacific Ocean and landed safely at the Space Forces base in California. 1.5 months later, the Pentagon revealed the test data.

In 1968, NASA, the US Air Force and the US Navy closed the X-15 program for the development of a rocket plane for hypersonic and suborbital flights, which lasted for almost 10 years and studied extreme speeds. Then the experimental aircraft set a speed record for manned vehicles — Mach 6.7.

Its successor, the Talon-A, was designed by Stratolaunch, founded in 2011 by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. The flights were conducted as part of the MACH-TB program, a Pentagon initiative aimed at accelerating the development of hypersonic weapons through the use of commercially available test platforms. According to Stratolaunch representatives, the company's reusable platform offers a cheaper and faster alternative to traditional one-time systems, allowing faster data acquisition and retesting.

The Talon-A2 was launched over the Pacific Ocean from under the wing of a huge Roc carrier aircraft with two twin fuselages and a wingspan of 117 meters, which also belongs to Stratolaunch. The drone accelerated to speeds exceeding Mach 5 and landed at the Vanderberg Military Space Base in California.

During the flight of the first single-use Talon-A model, which took place in March 2024, a supersonic speed of just under Mach 5 was achieved. The new version, TA-2, is fully reusable. The Talon-A2 is equipped with a Ursa Major Hadley rocket engine. It is a reusable 2.3-ton rocket engine powered by liquid oxygen and oxygen-enriched kerosene with a hybrid combustion cycle designed for small launch vehicles and hypersonic vehicles.

The success of these trials marks a turning point for Stratolaunch, which has been struggling financially since Allen's death in 2018. The company, originally created for the aerial launch of orbital rockets, was bought in 2019 by Cerberus Capital Management, and has since begun to engage in hypersonic testing. This turnaround was a lifesaver for the company, as it attracted attention and funding from the Pentagon.

The Royal Air Force has begun testing FPV drones from Chinook helicopters for night operations

The Royal Air Force (RAF) has begun testing drones with a first-person view (FPV) launched from a Chinook helicopter.

According to a recent Royal Air Force update, these FPV drones are being tested due to their proven effectiveness in recent conflicts, their tactical advantages on the battlefield, and their ability to integrate quickly with minimal training.

The Royal Air Force emphasizes that unmanned aerial vehicles with the FPV function, especially those equipped with thermal imagers, can significantly expand the capabilities of night operations, reducing risks., related to the performance of manned missions in conditions of poor visibility.

Chinese microwave cannon has made a breakthrough: 10,000 shots have confirmed the effectiveness of the new technology

Chinese military engineers have made significant progress in developing directed energy weapons, successfully completing tests of a powerful microwave cannon. The new system, capable of hitting drones, missiles and other targets, has demonstrated its reliability by firing 10,000 rounds during testing. This breakthrough was made possible by the introduction of innovative vacuum technology, which significantly increased the efficiency and durability of the device.

A microwave cannon is a device that emits powerful electromagnetic pulses that disrupt the electronic systems of targets. Unlike traditional weapons, such systems do not require ammunition and can continuously attack multiple targets, making them particularly effective against drones and precision missiles. 

During the tests, the Chinese cannon successfully shot down drones, disabled electronic systems and demonstrated high accuracy of aiming. It is especially important that the new vacuum technology has allowed to increase the service life of the equipment, ensuring stable operation even with intensive use.

The development of directed energy weapons is becoming a key focus in the modern defense industry. China, which is actively investing in this area, seeks to strengthen its position as a leader in the creation of advanced military technologies. The microwave cannon can be used to protect strategically important facilities such as military bases, airports, and energy centers from massive drone or missile attacks.

 Successful testing of the 10,000—round system is an important step forward compared to previous prototypes. This performance allows us to talk about the technology's readiness for practical use.

Nevertheless, the Chinese authorities emphasize that their developments are aimed at protecting national interests and ensuring the country's security. This statement, however, does not reduce tensions among neighboring States and world Powers.

Successful tests open up broad prospects for the use of a microwave cannon not only for military purposes, but also in the civilian sphere. For example, such systems can be used to protect against terrorist attacks using drones or to ensure security at mass events.

In addition, the technology can become the basis for the creation of new generations of weapons capable of countering future threats. China continues to actively develop this sector in an effort to maintain its leadership in innovation.

"Lotos": state trials are coming

 The latest self-propelled artillery piece "Lotоs" has been sent for state testing.

Lotos is a derivative of the Zauralets project and is expected to replace it. According to the Zauralets project, it was planned to develop a new self-propelled artillery system for the Airborne Forces.

In August 2022, the preliminary tests of the 2C42 Lotоs were successfully completed. During the tests, the machine was tested on land and in water, and was also air-dropped from various heights and from different angles.

After completing the tests, the developer began to eliminate the identified shortcomings. In particular, it was necessary to improve the on-board electronics, the projectile loading system and the chassis.

In addition, the lessons learned from the military operations in Ukraine were taken into account.

In accordance with the technical parameters, the Lotоs is significantly superior to its predecessor, the Nona complex, in terms of such characteristics as movement speed, firing range and security level.

This artillery piece can be used as a mortar or howitzer. The breech-loading mortar is mounted on a chassis based on the Sprut-SDM-1 (BMD-4M) light airborne tank. Improvements were carried out in the 120 mm mortar compartment, which significantly automated the preparation and conduct of firing operations.

The rate of fire of this gun ranges from 6 to 8 rounds per minute. The firing range reaches 13 kilometers. The armor-piercing projectile is capable of piercing a 600-650 mm thick steel plate at a distance of 1,000 meters.

In addition, these weapons can use Kitolov-2M laser-guided projectiles. The maximum range of such projectiles is 10 kilometers, and the probability of hitting is about 80-90%.

The Lotоs is a waterfowl combat vehicle.

 The IL-76 military transport aircraft can accommodate two such guns with a crew.

The adaptation of the chassis after testing has improved the speed and power reserve: the car can reach speeds of up to 70 km/ h on roads and 40 km/ h on rough terrain.

Throughout 2023, the Lotоs was tested again, including in Ukraine, and in 2024, images of the Lotоs transportation to the combat area were published. In the course of recent tests, it was decided to integrate a powerful electronic warfare (EW) system into the ACS to protect against drones. Also, as passive protection, the crew can use special aerosol-forming ammunition ("Rainbow") optoelectronic countermeasures, within a few seconds a cloud is created hiding the equipment from the enemy.

The Lotоs pre-test program includes more than 80 different items. The tracked self—propelled installation must travel 600 kilometers, of which 50% of the way will have to be covered on dirt roads, 30% on roads with cobblestone and gravel surfaces, and 10% off—road. You will also need to walk 10% of the way through the water.

Specifications

- Combat weight, kg: 18,000

- Maximum speed on the highway, km/h: 40

- Power reserve on the highway, km: 500

- Armament: 1 x 120mm cannon

- Crew, people: 4

Lotоs

China is testing new tailless combat aircraft

 Chinese tailless combat aircraft Shenyang J-XD and Chengdu J-36 have been spotted during flight tests since December 2024.

New images of Chinese tailless stealth aircraft Shenyang J-XD and Chengdu J-36 have appeared, demonstrating in more detail the features of their design.

The fact that both aircraft participated in flight tests first became known in December 2024 after videos of the tests appeared on Chinese social networks. Since then, the J-36 (provisional designation) has apparently conducted additional flight tests. However, the J-XD was no longer publicly seen in the air until three new photos and videos of the aircraft appeared on Chinese social media in April.

The Royal Navy and the Commando Logistics Regiment are Testing Ghost UAS Drones in Arctic Conditions

 

Tests of the Ghost UAS single-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)

The 700X Naval Aviation Squadron of the Royal Navy (NAS), together with the Commando Logistics Regiment (CLR), is testing Ghost UAS single-rotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Norway. The purpose of these tests is to evaluate the drones' capabilities to scout routes, identify vulnerabilities, and raise operational awareness in difficult Arctic conditions.

The Commando Logistics Regiment, which provides essential support to advanced commando units, is testing how the Ghost UAV can enhance the effectiveness of troops in extreme natural conditions. As part of the tests, drones provide real-time intelligence, helping military personnel better navigate difficult terrain, as well as identify potential threats.

The Ghost UAS is a compact and maneuverable drone, ideal for use in mountainous and frozen terrain where classic systems may encounter technical limitations. These drones are capable of operating in harsh weather conditions, which makes them especially valuable for operations in the Arctic, where temperatures can reach critically low values, and the terrain creates additional difficulties for the movement of troops.

One of the key tasks of the Ghost UAV is to provide intelligence information in real time. Drones allow commanders to make more informed decisions based on up-to-date information about the terrain, the enemy's location, or potential dangers. This is especially important for units that operate in remote areas where communication with the main headquarters may be difficult.

The use of drones also reduces the risk to the lives of military personnel, as they can perform reconnaissance missions without having to send people to potentially dangerous areas. For example, drones can explore suspected troop movement routes, detect minefields or other obstacles, and track enemy movement.

The tests in Norway demonstrate the readiness of the Royal Navy and the Commando Logistics Regiment to adapt to new technological capabilities and conditions of modern conflicts. The Arctic is becoming an increasingly strategically important region, and the availability of reliable intelligence assets in such conditions is becoming critical to ensure security.

According to representatives of the 700X squadron, the test results already show the high efficiency of Ghost UAS drones. Their ability to quickly adapt to changing conditions and provide accurate data makes them an important tool to support operations in any climate zone.