Japan evaluates Israeli and Turkish Heron-2 and Bayraktar TB2 drones to strengthen defense

Japan is actively working to strengthen its reconnaissance and strike capabilities, while simultaneously testing two advanced unmanned aerial vehicles: the Israeli Heron-2 (Heron MK II) and the Turkish Bayraktar TB2. These tests are being conducted by the Japan Self-Defense Forces as part of a program to expand the UAV fleet and improve overall combat effectiveness.

The assessment is based on several key parameters:

- Flight characteristics — flight duration, altitude, stability in difficult weather conditions;  

- Range is an important factor for covering vast marine and coastal areas;  

- Payload capacity — the ability to carry various payloads, including optoelectronic systems, radars and, if necessary, weapons;  

- Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities — the quality of real-time data collection and transmission.

The Heron-2, developed by the Israeli company IAI, is a high—altitude, long-range UAV capable of being airborne for more than 30 hours at an altitude of up to 45,000 feet. It is widely used for strategic reconnaissance and monitoring of large territories.

The Bayraktar TB2, in turn, is a Turkish—made tactical attack drone that has proven itself in several local conflicts. It is smaller, but has the ability to deliver precision strikes using guided munitions, which makes it a flexible tool at the operational level.

The choice between these two platforms may depend on Japan's emphasis on strategic reconnaissance and long-range patrols (in favor of the Heron-2) or tactical flexibility and strike capabilities (in favor of the TB2).

The test results will form the basis for making a decision on possible purchases, which will be an important step in modernizing the country's defense infrastructure in the face of growing regional challenges.

The US Army is launching an online platform for the quick and convenient purchase of drones like Amazon

This fall, the US Army is going to launch a new online platform for ordering unmanned aerial vehicles — something like Amazon for military technology only. The goal is simple: to simplify and greatly speed up the UAV procurement process for divisions so that they can choose proven drones for price and capabilities directly on the Internet, rather than go through long bureaucratic circles.

This platform will be centralized — all proven and approved drone solutions will be assembled in one place. It will be possible to easily filter options by cost, technical characteristics and performance. The heads of the Office of Aviation Programs emphasize that this approach will help circumvent the complex and protracted procedures of traditional procurement at the Pentagon.

As a result, the army will be able to find and purchase exactly what it needs faster, without unnecessary delays. This is part of a large optimization strategy for the entire supply chain, from drone evaluation to delivery and deployment. So everyone is waiting for a more modern, convenient and fast way to equip combat units with modern unmanned systems.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Taiwan relies on "smart drones": partnership with Anduril to create a network war

 

Taiwan is taking a decisive step in modernizing its defense by entering into an important partnership. The National Chongshan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), Taiwan's leading defense developer, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the American technology company Anduril Industries, known for its advanced artificial intelligence systems and autonomous platforms. The purpose of the agreement is the purchase and, probably, the joint adaptation of a control system called NGC2 (Lattice NGC2) and related unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

What is NGC2? This is not just a program, but a whole network of combat control created by Anduril. Its main task is to dramatically speed up and improve the decision—making process on the battlefield. The system does this by combining data from all available sensors — radars, cameras, and reconnaissance platforms — into a single, overall picture. Then, using powerful AI algorithms, it analyzes this information and provides action recommendations to commanders and combat platforms (shooters), turning the chaos of combat into a coordinated operation. In fact, NGC2 transforms disparate systems into a single, "smart" organism.

This cooperation is a key part of Taiwan's strategy to create an asymmetric force. Given China's huge advantage in traditional weapons, Taiwan is betting on technologies that can offset this advantage: cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and, above all, unmanned systems. Investments in drones are well underway.

The planned drones, which will operate in the NGC2 system, are positioned as "loyal wingmen" for manned aircraft. They don't just fly ahead, but actively participate in combat, performing the most dangerous and difficult tasks: conducting electronic warfare to jam enemy radars, suppressing air defense systems, and even participating in aerial combat. This allows pilots to stay relatively safe by controlling a group of drones and making strategic decisions while the machines perform tactical maneuvers.

Partnering with Anduril is not just about buying equipment. This is Taiwan's attempt to adopt an advanced American approach to network warfare, where speed, data, and autonomy are becoming crucial factors for survival.

China has revealed an "iron man" for drones — an exoskeleton for soldiers of the future

The Chinese company Kestrel Defense has announced a cool thing — a new exoskeleton for soldiers who control drones and other advanced systems. The photo from social networks shows a fighter in an almost fantastic costume standing in position, ready to launch and control small drones.

This exoskeleton is not about super strength, but about endurance. It is designed specifically for those who spend hours sitting or kneeling, controlling UAVs, correcting artillery fire or collecting intelligence. Such tasks require stability and concentration, and an ordinary person quickly gets tired in an uncomfortable position. And here the joints in the legs and arms help: the suit takes on part of the load, holds the pose, not allowing the muscles to contract.

Imagine: an operator can sit quietly on a rock or stand in one place for half an hour without trembling or getting tired. This is critical when the success of a mission depends on accuracy. This is especially true for scouts and gunners who work in the field for several days.

It's not an Iron Man with jetpacks yet, but it's a very serious step. China is clearly betting on "smart" soldiers in "smart" suits — and soon such exoskeletons may become the norm on the battlefield.

Russia has launched one of the most massive strikes on the territory of Ukraine in its entire history

 On July 9, 2025, Russia launched one of the most massive strikes on the territory of Ukraine during the entire time of the special military operation. According to Ukrainian intelligence, about 741 missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles were used during this attack, which became a new absolute record for the number of air attack weapons used by Russia.

This number is significantly higher than the previous peak — almost 200 units more than in previous major airstrikes. However, the effectiveness of the Ukrainian air defense on this day dropped to 41.6%, which is an absolute anti-record since the beginning of the war. Previously, this indicator did not fall below 46%.

The attack covered a wide range of targets, including standard infrastructure facilities such as the airfield in Starokonstantinov, as well as a number of regions throughout Ukraine. The main direction of the strike fell on Lutsk and its surroundings, where, according to reports from the scene, military production facilities and warehouses were hit. The Zhytomyr region is also mentioned as one of the target areas.

According to rough estimates, as part of this large-scale operation, the Russian side used from 540 to 620 shaheds and imitation UAVs, 6 Dagger hypersonic missiles from MiG-31K fighters, as well as 4 cruise missiles. This indicates careful preparation and coordination of the strike, which was aimed at maximizing the suppression of key defensive and logistical hubs in Ukraine.

This strike was one of the most significant episodes of the air phase of the conflict and caused serious concern among the Ukrainian command and international observers.

The US Army is considering using lattice armor to protect tanks from drone attacks

With the development of technology and the increasing number of attacks using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), military departments around the world are forced to rethink their approaches to protecting equipment on the battlefield. In particular, the US Army recently announced plans to modernize about 1,500 tracked combat vehicles by installing lattice armor designed to counter threats from drones.

What is lattice armor?

Lattice armor is a type of protective structure consisting of metal lattices or interlaced elements resembling chain mail. Such armor can be made of lightweight but durable materials and is used as additional protection on top of the main armor body. Its key advantage lies in its ability to destroy or reduce the effectiveness of anti-tank ammunition strikes and, in new conditions, drone attacks.

Why now?

The threat of UAVs on the battlefield has become especially relevant after the massive use of drones in local conflicts in recent years, including the wars in Syria, Libya and Ukraine. Drones equipped with explosive devices or guided missiles can accurately hit even well-protected targets such as tanks. Traditional armor is not always effective against such attacks, especially if the blow is delivered from above or from an unexpected angle.

Therefore, the US Army turned to so-called "add—on" solutions - additional booking kits that can be quickly installed on existing vehicles without significant design modification. The lattice armor is ideal for these purposes.: it is lighter than reactive dynamic armor, less expensive to manufacture and allows you to maintain the mobility of equipment.

Prospects and challenges

However, the introduction of lattice armor is associated with a number of difficulties. Firstly, the addition of external protective elements can complicate access to the internal systems of the machine and increase its overall weight. Secondly, the effectiveness of such armor depends on the accuracy of modeling the likely attack trajectories. Thirdly, it is necessary to conduct a series of tests to determine how well the lattice structures will work in real combat conditions.

Despite this, experts point out that such measures are a logical step in an era of UAV dominance. These cheap defenses, such as lattice armor, can prove extremely effective, especially when protecting leaders and important objects on the battlefield.

Russia has started using a new laser air defense system with a power of 35 kW in its defense zone

 

The Russian Armed forces have introduced a new advanced laser air defense (air defense) system into the special military operation zone, capable of effectively countering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This system is designed to burn out drone cameras and disrupt their control, which significantly reduces the effectiveness of enemy attacks.

Main characteristics of the laser system:

- The laser power is 35 kilowatts, which surpasses similar American developments with a power of 26 kW.

- Attack drones can be destroyed at a distance of 2-3 kilometers.

- Reconnaissance drones are affected at a distance of up to 6 kilometers.

- The system ensures high accuracy and responsiveness to aerial threats.

The introduction of this laser system makes it possible to significantly increase the protection of troops from modern threats from the air, especially from inconspicuous and maneuverable drones, which are actively used in modern conflicts. The ability to remotely disable the electronics and optics of drones reduces the risk of losses and increases the overall effectiveness of defense.

Thus, the new laser air defense system is becoming an important element of comprehensive protection on the battlefield and demonstrates Russia's technological advantage in the field of laser weapons.

Anti-aircraft installations from Maxim machine guns have been created in the LPR to fight Ukrainian drones

Gunsmiths of the volunteer Cossack detachment Oskol in the LPR have set up production of anti-aircraft guns assembled from three Maxim machine guns. This design significantly increases firepower and is designed to effectively combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of the Ukrainian forces.

One Maxim machine gun has a rate of fire of about 600 rounds per minute, which allows the triple installation to fire up to 1800 bullets per minute. The 7.62 mm cartridges used are capable of hitting aerial targets at an altitude of up to 1,400 meters, which makes such installations an effective means of countering drones at low and medium altitudes.

Konstantin Mishustin, commander of the Oskol detachment, noted that such a solution makes it possible to use time-tested weapons with an upgraded design to solve modern air defense tasks. Anti-aircraft installations from Maxim machine guns have already shown their effectiveness in combat conditions.

Roshel and Leonardo present a new mobile anti-drone system Senator

Senator

Roshel, a leading Canadian manufacturer of armored vehicles, together with the British company Leonardo has developed a new mobile vehicle to combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) — the Senator anti-missile vehicle. This innovative platform is designed to protect military convoys and facilities from modern aerial threats and will be officially unveiled at CANSEC 2025 in Ottawa.

The Senator was built entirely in Canada on the basis of the combat-proven Senator Pickup MRAP armored vehicle, which has already proven its reliability and effectiveness in various conflict zones, including Ukraine. The new platform integrates Leonardo's Falcon Shield system, an advanced solution for combating small—sized and low-flying UAVs, which has already been successfully operated by the Royal Air Force of Great Britain and the Canadian Armed Forces.

Falcon Shield is a modular system capable of quickly detecting, tracking, and neutralizing a wide range of threats, including reconnaissance drones, attack drones, and swarms of them. The system uses a combination of specialized 360-degree radars, electromagnetic reconnaissance devices and optoelectronic sensors with artificial intelligence, which ensures high accuracy and responsiveness.

Senator has a level 2 STANAG 4569 ballistic protection level and a level 3 explosion protection, which guarantees the safety of the crew in combat conditions. The vehicle is based on a Ford F-550 chassis with a powerful diesel engine and automatic transmission, which ensures high mobility and maneuverability on the modern battlefield.

The platform is compatible with NATO command and control systems, which facilitates integration into multinational operations. Senator can be used for mobile convoy security, as well as for stationary protection of important facilities and conducting reconnaissance missions.

The Senator's launch into the series and its presentation at CANSEC 2025 reflect the growing need for effective means of countering unmanned threats, which are becoming more widespread and dangerous in modern conflicts. Thanks to the cooperation between Roshel and Leonardo, Canada is strengthening its defense industry and increasing its national security.

Spain is the first country in the world to adopt a complete family of UAVs from Quantum Systems

 

The German company Quantum Systems, specializing in the development of high-tech solutions for unmanned aircraft, announced the conclusion of a historic contract with the Spanish armed forces. According to the agreement, Spain became the first government customer to officially introduce a complete family of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) this company has Vector and Twister .

This strategic acquisition opens up to the Spanish Armed Forces comprehensive capabilities in the field of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR – Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), covering both short and medium range combat missions.  

Characteristics of drones

- Vector is a low—visibility and low-noise UAV with vertical takeoff and landing. It is ideal for short-range tactical reconnaissance and can be used in confined spaces.  

- Twister is a medium—range drone with extended autonomous flight time and the ability to carry a heavier payload. It is designed to quickly collect data and provide command of information in real time.

Combining these two systems makes it possible to create a multi-level aerial reconnaissance architecture that increases overall efficiency and flexibility on the battlefield.

This cooperation marks an important step in strengthening Europe's defense capabilities and moving towards more autonomous management of defense technologies. Given the growing interest in dual-use technologies (applicable for both civilian and military purposes), Quantum Systems continues to actively develop its influence in the international market, especially after attracting 160 million euros of investment and obtaining the status of a European "unicorn".

The contract with Spain also demonstrates the desire of EU countries to modernize their military systems with an emphasis on mobility, stealth and the integration of artificial intelligence into combat processes.  

Tanks of the future: how they are seen at Rostec

Т-90

Russian developers continue to amaze with their innovative approaches to the creation of military equipment. The press service of the Uralvagonzavod concern, part of Rostec, told about new technologies that are already ready for implementation in the tanks of the future. These vehicles promise to be a real breakthrough in the field of armored vehicles.

According to UVZ representatives, the new tanks will receive a number of advanced solutions. Among them is layered protection, which will ensure increased survival on the battlefield. Also, promising models will be equipped with more powerful guns capable of hitting targets at long distances and in difficult conditions.

One of the key features will be the use of standard radar stations (radars) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This will significantly increase the reconnaissance capabilities and accuracy of weapon guidance. 

The tanks of the future will be designed according to the modular principle, which will make their repair and modernization more convenient and faster. In addition, they will receive an optional crew capability — the ability to both be controlled by a crew and operate in a fully autonomous mode. This opens up new horizons for the use of such vehicles in various combat scenarios.

Even with the transition to completely trouble-free solutions, the size of the new tanks is unlikely to decrease significantly. As noted in the UVZ, this is due to the need to deploy powerful weapons of medium and large calibers, as well as to ensure high cross-country capability and maximum protection. Thus, even unmanned tanks will retain dimensions close to modern models.

Rostec emphasized that most of the technologies for the tanks of the future have already been developed. We are currently working on their practical implementation in order to maximize the use of scientific and technical potential. This indicates that Russia is at the forefront of global developments in the field of armored vehicles.

The tanks of the future being built in Russia promise to be a revolutionary step in the development of military technology. Thanks to a combination of advanced technologies such as layered protection, powerful weapons, standard radars and UAVs, as well as a modular principle and optional crew, these machines will be able to effectively perform tasks in the most difficult conditions. It remains to be seen when these technologies will enter mass production and change the rules of the game on the battlefield.

Romania Strengthens Maritime Security in the Black Sea: Acquisition of Eight MQ-35A V-BAT UAVs with US Support

 Romania intends to strengthen its naval capabilities in the Black Sea through the acquisition of eight MQ-35A V-BAT drones.

The Romanian Navy will receive the first V-BAT drone system, consisting of four aircraft, as a donation from the United States through the Maritime Domain Awareness Foundation. This initial kit, worth about $18 million, is expected to be operational by the end of 2025.

Following this donation, Romania plans to purchase two more V-BAT systems, including eight drones, through a direct intergovernmental agreement with the United States worth about $30 million.

 MQ-35A V-BAT

North Korea is testing an improved version of the Global Hawk reconnaissance drone

North Korea is apparently testing a larger version of its Global Hawk surveillance drone. This step is accompanied by accelerated preparations for the deployment of new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) through the construction of a new hangar, which indicates significant progress in the country's military technology.

The new version of the reconnaissance drone, which mimics the American Global Hawk, is expected to have improved performance, including increased range, increased payload, and more advanced surveillance systems. These improvements will allow North Korea to significantly improve its intelligence and surveillance capabilities, which pose a serious threat to regional security.

In parallel with the tests of the new drone, North Korea is actively building a new hangar for UAVs. This step indicates accelerated preparations for the deployment of new unmanned systems. The new hangar will provide the necessary infrastructure for the maintenance and operation of advanced drones, which will allow North Korea to use them more effectively in its military operations.

The development of new unmanned systems and the construction of infrastructure for their deployment are part of North Korea's broader strategy to strengthen its military capabilities. In recent years, the country has been actively investing in the development of advanced technologies, including missile systems, nuclear weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles. These efforts are aimed at increasing the combat capability of the armed forces and ensuring a strategic advantage in the region.

Chinese GL-6 Active Protection System Demonstrates Capability to Intercept Drone-Launched RPGs

GL-6 - Chinese tank active protection system

In a groundbreaking display of modern military technology, the Chinese GL-6 Active Protection System (APS) has been showcased intercepting rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) fired by drones. The tests highlight the increasing importance of active protection systems in safeguarding armored vehicles from evolving threats, particularly those posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other advanced weaponry.

As warfare continues to evolve, so too must the methods used to protect critical assets such as tanks and armored vehicles. Traditional armor plating is no longer sufficient against modern anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), RPGs, and now, drone-launched attacks. This shift has led to the development of active protection systems like the GL-6, which are designed to detect, track, and neutralize incoming threats before they make contact with the vehicle.

The GL-6 APS, developed by China, represents a significant advancement in this field. It is engineered to counter a wide array of threats, including ATGMs, RPGs, and even projectiles launched from drones. The system's ability to handle both top-down and horizontal attacks underscores its versatility and effectiveness in modern combat scenarios.

Recent tests of the GL-6 APS have provided valuable insights into its capabilities. In these trials, conducted under controlled conditions, RPG-7 rockets—both Soviet originals and their Chinese Type 69 variants—were fired at a tank equipped with the GL-6 system. These RPGs were launched not only from traditional ground-level test stands but also from commercial hexacopter drones, simulating real-world attack scenarios where UAVs might be employed.

One particularly impressive demonstration involved the GL-6 system successfully engaging an RPG threat from above while simultaneously switching to defend against another approaching horizontally. This dual-response capability demonstrates the system's advanced sensors, rapid processing power, and precise interception mechanisms.

The GL-6 incorporates several cutting-edge technologies that enable it to perform effectively in diverse situations:

1. 360-Degree Coverage: The system uses radar and optical sensors to monitor all directions around the vehicle, ensuring comprehensive protection.

2. Top-Down Defense: By addressing threats originating from above, the GL-6 addresses one of the most vulnerable aspects of traditional armored vehicles—their roof sections.

3. Quick Reaction Time: With sophisticated algorithms, the APS can identify and engage targets within milliseconds, minimizing the risk of damage.

4. Interception Mechanism: The system deploys small interceptors or kinetic kill vehicles to destroy incoming threats mid-air, preventing them from reaching the protected vehicle.

5. Compatibility with Various Platforms: While tested on the Type 96 main battle tank, the GL-6 could potentially be integrated into other armored platforms, enhancing their survivability.

The successful testing of the GL-6 APS marks a pivotal moment in the realm of defensive military technology. As drones become increasingly accessible and capable, their use in asymmetric warfare poses new challenges for conventional forces. APS solutions like the GL-6 offer a much-needed layer of protection, allowing armored units to operate more confidently in hostile environments.

Moreover, the integration of APS into existing fleets can extend the service life of older vehicles, making them viable contenders on modern battlefields without requiring extensive redesigns or upgrades. For nations investing heavily in unmanned systems, the emergence of effective APS may necessitate further innovation in offensive tactics and technologies.

The GL-6 Active Protection System exemplifies how rapidly advancing technology is reshaping the landscape of armored warfare. Its demonstrated ability to thwart attacks from multiple angles, including those delivered by drones, showcases the system's robustness and adaptability. As footage of the GL-6 tests spreads across social media and official channels, it serves as a reminder of China's commitment to developing state-of-the-art defense technologies.

In an era defined by technological arms races, the GL-6 stands out as a testament to ingenuity and foresight. Its deployment could redefine the rules of engagement, providing critical advantages to those who wield it while challenging adversaries to innovate anew.