AbramsX is not just a tank, but a robot with armor: how the United States is changing the face of tank troops

Fewer People, more AI — what's changed under the armor

The AbramsX tank is not another upgrade of the old Abrams. This is an attempt to rewrite the rules of the game. Instead of just installing new guns and armor, the Americans revised the concept itself. Now there are not three, but two people in the crew. Artificial intelligence takes over some of their functions: it monitors the situation, filters threats, helps target designation, and can even participate in fire control.

This is no longer just a car with a driver and a gunner — it's a combat module with a man inside.

Stealth that the radar does not see

One of the main advantages of AbramsX is its stealth technology. Yes, exactly like the F-35 fighter jets. The new tank was redesigned to reduce the radar and heat footprint. The shape of the hull, engine shielding, and special coatings all make it harder for the enemy to spot.

On a battlefield where every meter gives you an advantage, being invisible means surviving longer and hitting more accurately.

Cheaper to build and longer to serve

Old tanks are expensive. They are difficult to repair, maintenance swallows money, and spare parts are in short supply. AbramsX is made in a different way. Designers have moved away from monolithic solutions to modular architecture. The blocks can be changed, updated, and equipped with new weapons without redesigning the entire machine.

Plus— a new engine with a hybrid installation. It is quieter, more economical and provides more energy for electronics. All this reduces the cost of ownership and increases the service life.

Why is AbramsX not an upgrade, but a leap forward?

Previously, tanks developed linearly: the cannon was more powerful, the armor was thicker. AbramsX breaks this pattern. He's not just stronger—he's smarter, stealthier, and more adaptable. It can be used as a scout, as a strike platform, as a mobile command post.

The US Army does not want to repeat the mistake of having a fleet of outdated vehicles when the war has already changed. AbramsX is an attempt to get ahead of tomorrow's fight. And if it works, then the next decades of tank forces will be different.

Sources

1. Armored Warfare — AbramsX hybrid power-pack & combat potential
2. MensNow.ru — Weapons & tech overview of AbramsX
3. iXBT.com — Unmanned turret concept & AI integration details
4. Integral-Russia.ru — Special-variant AbramsX with advanced protection systems
5. BMPD — Demo models & future prospects round-up

The US Army has learned how to shoot down drones — during the "Return of the Condor" exercises, armored vehicles became part of the air defense system

Fort Hood Exercises: not just maneuvers, but a new look at combat

On August 27, 2025, an exercise called "Return of the Condor" was held at the Fort Hood training ground, Texas. At first glance, this is another series of tactical maneuvers involving M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. But it wasn't just practice shooting and movement. It was a breakthrough: the U.S. Army officially incorporated anti-drone tactics into armored operations.

Now the fight against drones is not the task of individual units, but part of the daily work of tank crews and driver mechanics.

Drones vs Bradley — how the armor adapts to the threat from above

The exercises simulated the real conditions of modern combat, in which small drones are not uncommon, but a constant threat. The drones dropped explosive imitators, monitored the movement of equipment and adjusted the "fire". In response, the Bradleys used not only smoke bombs and radio suppression equipment, but also active measures: detection, tracking and coordination of strikes.

It is important that the tactics were practiced not in isolation, but as part of a combat team — as part of the overall picture of the battle.

From defense to offensive — now tanks hunt drones

Previously, armored groups simply tried not to get hit from the air. Now they themselves become part of the air defense system. Machine commanders learn how to quickly identify the type of drone, its trajectory, and transmit data to the network. Sometimes they even use a cannon or machine gun to destroy small targets.

This does not mean that the Bradley has become an anti-aircraft installation. But now he's not just waiting to be undermined—he sees the threat and acts.

Why does this change everything on the battlefield

The experience of recent conflicts has shown that drones can destroy even heavy equipment. Ignoring them means signing your own sentence. "The Return of the Condor" is a signal: the US Army will no longer respond to drones as a surprise. It makes the fight against them the very basis of tactics.

Now every crew has to think not only about the enemy on the ground, but also about those flying overhead. And this is a new reality.

Sources

1. SSB Crack — Operation Return of the Condor marks US Army tactical milestone
2. Army Recognition — US Army integrates counter-drone tactics during Fort Hood exercise
3. YouTube — US Army tests Bradleys against drone threats at Fort Hood
4. DVIDS — Images and videos from Operation Return of the Condor
5. DVIDS — 1st Cavalry Division tests counter-UAS capabilities during Operation Return Condor

The US Army has received the first mobile lasers against drones — they are already at the test site

Two prototypes, one laser — how AMP-HEL works

On September 3, AeroVironment officially announced that the US Army has received the first prototypes of mobile laser systems for combating drones. This is not fiction or laboratory testing — two combat samples have already been transferred to the Office of Army Rapid Response Capabilities (RCCTO) as part of the AMP-HEL — Multi-domain, High-Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) program.

The goal is simple — to destroy small and medium-sized drones, which are increasingly becoming a threat on the battlefield.

20 kW, ISV and drones: what's in the build

Each prototype is equipped with a 20 kilowatt LOCUST laser system. This is not the kind of laser that will boil a tank, but it is more than enough to shoot down quadrocopters, reconnaissance drones and even small attack vehicles. The main thing is accuracy and speed. The laser hits the target in seconds, without wasting ammunition and leaving no traces.

All this is installed on the ISV platform, an SUV that the army buys from General Motors Defense. It is lightweight, passable and fits easily into tactical groups. That is, you can take the laser with you, rather than waiting for it to be brought from the base.

Laser on wheels — why is it in the shelf

Previously, anti—drone systems were either stationary or radio-electronic - silencers. The laser is the next level. It doesn't just jam the signal, it destroys the drone itself: it burns through the body, breaks the screws, and disables the electronics.

And most importantly, it's mobile. Imagine: a company is moving forward, and suddenly a reconnaissance drone appears above the forest. After 10 seconds, there is a flash, smoke, and the device crashes. No rockets, no popping. Just a ray of light and the result.

Why is this more important than it seems?

At first glance, 20 kW is not enough. But it's a start. The AMP-HEL program is not about a single laser, but about creating an entire ecosystem of mobile directed energy systems. Today it's 20 kW, tomorrow it's 50, then 100. And not only against drones, but also against missiles, mines and even unmanned boats.

The US Army no longer wants to depend on limited ammunition. The laser works as long as there is electricity. And this is the future of air defense.

Sources

1. Army Technology — AV supplies first US AMP-HEL laser prototypes
2. AeroVironment Press Release — delivery of first two multi-purpose high-energy laser systems to US Army
3. Marketscreener — AeroVironment delivers first two multi-purpose high energy laser systems to US Army
4. Investing.com — AeroVironment delivers first laser weapon systems to US Army
5. Optics.org — AV delivers first two multi-purpose high-energy laser weapons

The US Army has invested $98.9 million in AI for soldiers — now every soldier will get his brain in his pocket

TurbineOne and the contract that changes everything

The U.S. Army has taken a decisive step: it has invested $98.9 million in San Francisco-based startup TurbineOne to turn every soldier into a mobile analytics center. It's not about metaphors. In the coming years, American military personnel will receive handheld devices and portable stations with artificial intelligence capable of analyzing data right on the battlefield.

This is not just a new "program" on the tablet. This is an attempt to rebuild the entire tactics of warfare.

AI without the Internet — how Edge AI works on the battlefield

The main problem of a modern fighter is the lack of information. But it's even worse when the connection is jammed. In the conditions of electronic warfare waged by Russia and China, satellites and radio channels become useless. Headquarters lose touch with the front-line units, and decisions are made blindly.

TurbineOne offers another way — "Edge AI". This is an AI that works offline, without a cloud, without servers. He lives right in the soldier's device. A fighter can run an algorithm to recognize an enemy drone in a photo, determine the best route, or even simulate where the enemy will move — all in seconds, without going online.

From a centralized headquarters to a smart squad

Previously, all information flowed to the headquarters, where it was analyzed, and then orders were issued. Now this process is reversed. Intelligence is distributed by hand. The officer on the ground receives not just data, but ready-made analytics: "here is the goal, here is the risk, here is the best option."

This changes the structure of the divisions. Now the units can act autonomously, without waiting for instructions from above. They don't need to be "held by the hand." They make their own decisions — quickly, accurately, and based on AI.

Why is this important in a war with China or Russia

The Pentagon clearly understands that in a future conflict, the first strike will be the suppression of communications. Those who cannot survive without the Internet will lose. American troops can no longer depend on centralized systems.

Edge AI is a survival technology. It makes the army resistant to interference, fast and flexible. Soldiers with such devices become "nodes" of a single intelligent network — each on its own and at the same time part of the system.

This is not just an upgrade of technology. This is a new doctrine. And it's already starting.

Sources

1. RBC (WSJ) — U.S. Army awards TurbineOne ~$100 M contract for battlefield AI
2. RIA Novosti (WSJ) — real-time drone & hidden-position ID without analytics centres
3. TASS — autonomous AI cuts intel-analysis time from 20 h to 20 s
4. Snob — Pentagon picks new infantry AI solutions, incl. TurbineOne
5. NEWS.ru — nearly $100 M U.S. investment in frontline AI threat-detection
6. Yahoo News (D-Russia) — five-year Frontline Perception System contract

The US Army is installing new smart radios from BAE Systems on all helicopters

Why are old radio stations no longer trending?

If in the 90s a regular radio was enough for the "arrived at the point" report, now the picture is different. Modern battlefields are not only bullets and missiles, but also dense electronic warfare. Enemy systems jam frequencies, determine location by signal, and simulate transmissions. Older radio stations operating on fixed bands are becoming easy targets.

The US Army understood this. And now it's changing all helicopter communications to something smarter and more resilient.

MARS AN/ARC-231A is not just a communication, but a real—time adaptation

The new MARS (Multifunctional Advanced Radio System) AN/ARC-231A radio station from BAE Systems is not just a "voice transmission". It is a software-defined system that can change frequencies, modes, and protocols on the go. Imagine: a helicopter enters an area with strong interference — the radio station itself switches to a clear band, changes power, masks the signal.

It supports secure communication, operates in the UHF/VHF bands, is compatible with existing systems and, most importantly, allows you to transmit not only voice, but also data — coordinates, maps, video.

How a software-defined radio station works

The bottom line is that the hardware remains the same, but the brains are in the program. Instead of physically reconfiguring the circuit, the radio station changes its behavior using software. It's like a phone: it doesn't change the antenna when you switch from 4G to Wi-Fi, but just switches inside.

The AN/ARC-231A is able to work in conditions of strong signal suppression, use frequency hopping (FHSS), encrypt the channel, and even synthesize speech for automatic messages. All this is in one compact unit, which is already being installed on UH—60, CH-47, AH-64 and other machines.

Why is it necessary in battle

In a real mission, every second counts. The pilot cannot wait for the connection to "get better." He must speak, see, and transmit data — immediately and without interruption. MARS provides exactly this: a stable channel that does not disappear due to interference and does not give away the location.

In addition, when all helicopters are connected to one modern communication platform, they begin to work as a single network. One noticed the target and passed it on to the others. One came under fire — the system automatically redirects traffic. It's not just a connection anymore — it's part of a combat network.

Sources

1. Defence Industry Europe — U.S. Army deploys BAE Systems’ advanced MARS radios
2. Military Embedded — radio communications set fielded on U.S. Army rotary-wing craft
3. Wikipedia — AN/ARC-231
4. BAE Systems — mission-critical software-defined radios for rotary-wing fleet
5. BAE Systems — AN/ARC-231A RT-1987 datasheet (PDF)

The US Army is looking for contractors for the new Abrams M1E3 tank — production will be large-scale

What is changing in the new Abrams M1E3

The US Army has officially moved on to the next stage of creating the next—generation main battle tank, the Abrams M1E3. Instead of just updating old models, the military is now looking for industrial facilities capable of mass production. This means that we are not talking about dozens of cars, but hundreds. And not about another upgrade, but about a system that will differ in architecture, energy, and capabilities.

The new tank should be lighter, faster, with a powerful electrical network to pull lasers, active protection, and AI systems.

Who will be able to supply — and what is expected of him

The request has already been posted in the federal system through the office of PEO GCS (Program Contractor for Ground Combat Systems). Companies that want to participate must confirm their experience in the production of tracked combat vehicles — not just assembly, but a full cycle: from the hulls to the transmission and turrets.

General Dynamics (the creator of Abrams) and BAE Systems remain the main players, but now other manufacturers can join them. The main thing is to be ready for scale. The army doesn't want delays, as it did with other programs.

Why is it more important than just updating

M1E3 is not just a new version. This is an attempt to change the very logic of tank forces. Instead of driving more and more armor, the emphasis is on survivability: active protection, electronic suppression, optical masking. The new generation electrical system will allow for the installation of lasers and powerful radars in the future.

Another focus is maintainability. In a real battle, a tank must recover quickly on the field, rather than going to the rear for months.

What kind of tank will the army have in 10 years?

If all goes according to plan, the first M1E3S will enter service in the late 2020s. They will replace the obsolete M1A1 and partially replace the M1A2. The main goal is not just to keep up with Russian and Chinese tanks, but to stay ahead of them in terms of flexibility and adaptability.

The US Army understands that the future does not belong to heavy monsters, but to smart, resilient and quickly adaptable machines. And the Abrams M1E3 is the first step in this direction.

Sources

1. Topwar.ru — M1E3 project after SEPv4 cancellation
2. Calibre Defence — U.S. Army 30-month fielding plan for the M1E3 upgrade
3. Overclockers.ru — PEO GCS seeks industry partners with tank-production experience for M1E3
4. HigherGov — official PEO GCS market-research announcement
5. Telegram “btvt2019” — additional commentary
6. VK post — community discussion
7. Dzen article — further analysis

Lockheed Martin is making a single digital stream for the US Army so that commanders can see everything at once

 

What is the integrated data layer?

Lockheed Martin has received an order to create a prototype of the so—called "integrated data layer" - in fact, a single digital network for army units. The work is carried out within the framework of the OTA (Other Transaction Authority), a mechanism that allows the army to cooperate more quickly with innovative companies, including those who have not worked with the Ministry of Defense before.

The goal is simple but ambitious: to erase the barriers between different systems. So that data from drones, radars, sensors on armor, and even soldiers' tablets can be collected in one place, in the same format, and in real time.

Why does the 25th Infantry Division need a new system

The pilot unit will be the 25th Infantry Division, one of the most mobile and ready for rapid deployment. It is she who will test the new system in real conditions. Currently, commanders receive information from various sources, often with a delay and in incompatible formats. It's like putting together a puzzle when some of the pieces are in another room.

The new level of data should give them a unified picture: where their friends are, where the enemy is, where the threat is, where it's better to move — all on one screen, without unnecessary requests and expectations.

How commercial technology gets into the military

The special feature of the project is the team. Lockheed Martin has attracted not only its in—house contractors, but also "unconventional innovators" - startups, IT companies, and developers from the civilian sector. Their technologies — in the field of data processing, cloud platforms, interfaces — are already working in business, and they are being adapted to the needs of the army.

This approach speeds up development and reduces cost. Instead of inventing everything from scratch, they take the finished product and refine it to the front.

NGC2 is not just an update, but a leap into the future

NGC2 (Next Generation Command and Control) is not another version of the old system. This is an attempt to rebuild the very principle of management. Instead of a hierarchy with a bunch of intermediate links, it's a network where information flows freely and decisions are made faster.

If it works, it will change not only tactics, but also the very logic of combat. The army will become faster, more flexible, more resistant to losses. And the commanders will not just get more data, but will begin to understand the battlefield on a different level.

Sources

1. TAdviser — NGC2 program details and development goals
2. VerumReactor — Lockheed Martin kicks off work and 2025 prototype completion plans

The American company received 1.7 billion for the production of APKWS point missiles

From Hydra to Smart Weapon

Hudson, New Hampshire-based Warfare Systems has received a $1.7 billion contract from the Pentagon. The money will be used for the production and supply of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS) projectiles. We are talking about upgrading the old 2.75-inch unguided Hydra missiles — they are being turned into high-precision weapons with semi-active laser guidance.

Now, instead of pouring "Hydra" over squares, helicopters and airplanes will be able to hit accurately — as if they put nails in one point.

What is APKWS and why is it needed?

The APKWS is not a new rocket, but an upgrade kit. It is installed on existing Hydra missiles, adding a guidance system — a laser sensor and rudders. After launch, the rocket itself catches a reflected laser beam, which someone (infantry, drone, other aircraft) directs at the target.

The advantage is obvious: cheaper than the Hellfire, but almost as accurate. It is ideal for attacks on vehicles, shelters, and manpower — where a powerful warhead is not needed, but accuracy is critical.

Who will get the missiles: the United States and its allies

According to the Ministry of Defense, the contract is designed to supply up to 55,000 units in batches from 13 to 17. The missiles will go to both the U.S. Navy and Army, as well as partners in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. This means that APKWS will be used not only by American pilots, but also by allies, from NATO countries to Middle Eastern partners.

Such a large-scale order indicates that the system has taken root and has become the standard.

Why is demand growing now?

In modern conflicts, where minimizing collateral damage is important, point weapons are especially highly valued. APKWS allows you to launch attacks in urban environments without risking hitting civilians.

In addition, it can be installed on various platforms, from Apache helicopters to drones and light attack aircraft. Its versatility and low cost make APKWS one of the most sought-after solutions in its arsenal.

Sources

1. Topwar.ru — Pentagon’s large order for 55,000 APKWS II rockets
2. Army Recognition — exclusive on the $1.743 billion contract
3. Defence Industry Europe — global production and deliveries through 2031
4. FlightGlobal — APKWS II’s role against drone threats
5. Defence Express — cost and Ukraine usage of APKWS II
6. Overclockers.ru — $1.7 billion for APKWS II to counter UAVs

The US Army turns Black Hawk into a flying drone nest: a new stage in the war of the future

43 million to rethink the helicopter

The US Army has signed a $43 million contract with Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin. But we are not talking about new helicopters — the money will be used to modernize the existing UH-60 Black Hawk. The goal is not just to update electronics, but to completely change their role. Now these vehicles should become not only transport, but real mobile bases for drones.

This is not fiction. This is the beginning of a new tactic, where one pilot controls not only a helicopter, but also a whole network of drones around.

How Black Hawk will become a Mother for drones

The essence of the upgrade is to install a digital platform that will allow the helicopter to connect, launch and control several drones simultaneously. Imagine a Black Hawk flying at low altitude, surrounded by a swarm of drones that scout ahead, pick up signals, mask a helicopter, or even attack targets.

The military calls it "drone mothership." Black Hawk turns into a command hub that not only carries soldiers, but projects reconnaissance and fire into dangerous areas without exposing itself.

The digital platform is the basis for the swarm

The heart of the update is a digital architecture built on the principle of open systems. This means that drones from different manufacturers can be connected to the platform, with different purposes — from small scouts to shock models.

This approach simplifies updates and makes the system flexible. One type of drone today, another tomorrow. The main thing is that they "speak" the same language as the helicopter.

What's next: AI and the network in the air

So far, it's about controlling drones by a pilot. However, it is planned to introduce artificial intelligence elements in the near future. For example, drones will be able to choose targets themselves, set a route, or respond to threats without direct orders.

This is part of a broader concept — to create an "in-the-air network" where people, helicopters and drones work as one. Upgrading Black Hawk is not the ultimate goal, but a step towards an army where technology is ahead of the curve.

The US Army has adopted the new reconnaissance drone Soldier Borne Sensor

The first training sessions with the drone were positively evaluated

The US Army has officially adopted the latest version of the Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) reconnaissance drone. This month, the military personnel underwent training with the system for the first time, and their feedback was extremely positive. The soldiers noted the ease of operation, high video quality and a significant increase in situational awareness in difficult terrain.

The adoption of the SBS was an important step in the implementation of the program to improve the combat effectiveness of the infantryman of the future.

Soldier Borne Sensor — "eyes" for a soldier in battle

Developed as part of the large-scale Soldier of the Future Program, the Soldier Borne Sensor is a compact tactical drone that can be easily carried in a backpack and launched manually. It is designed to quickly obtain intelligence information in real time, for example, when storming buildings, patrolling urban areas, or scouting in remote areas.

The drone is equipped with day and night vision cameras, transmits video to a tablet or augmented reality glasses of a soldier and is able to maneuver in confined spaces.

How a drone improves battlefield safety

The key objective of SBS is to minimize the risk to personnel. Instead of putting a soldier in the line of fire for reconnaissance, the unit can launch a drone to detect ambushes, enemy positions, or explosive devices. This makes it possible to make decisions based on reliable information without putting the lives of military personnel in immediate danger.

According to army officials, the system provides "an additional level of protection," especially in operations in an urban environment where traditional intelligence is difficult.

Integration into the Soldier of the Future program

Soldier Borne Sensor is part of a comprehensive approach to infantryman modernization. It integrates with other elements of the tactical system: communications, navigation, body armor and weapons. In the future, the drone may receive commands from artificial intelligence or work in autonomous groups ("swarms"), expanding the squad's control area.

Serial deliveries of the SBS will begin in the coming months, with full-scale deployment expected during 2026.

Sikorsky Upgrades Black Hawk to Carry and Launch "launch effect" Drones

US Army and Sikorsky join forces to integrate drones into Black Hawk helicopters

Sikorsky, a division of RTX, has received a contract from the US Army to modernize UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The main goal is to adapt the legendary transport helicopters for the transportation and deployment of new tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), codenamed "launch effect" (LVC — Launch, Vehicle, Cargo). This upgrade will be an important step in integrating drones into operational air missions.

Black Hawk's New Role as a Mobile Drone Platform

As part of the modernization program, UH-60 helicopters will be equipped with special compartments and mounting systems that allow for safe transportation of several UAVs on board. Once delivered to the area of operations, the helicopter will be able to deploy drones in the air or on the ground, depending on the tactical task.

This configuration turns the Black Hawk into a mobile command post and drone carrier capable of providing reconnaissance, electronic warfare or strike functions without direct crew involvement in high-risk areas.

What is the "trigger effect" and why is it needed?

The Launch Effect Program (LVC) is a U.S. Army initiative to create low—cost, disposable, or reusable drones that can be quickly deployed from a variety of platforms, including helicopters, ground vehicles, and even other drones.

It is expected that these UAVs will enter service in 2026 and will be used for:

Tactical reconnaissance in hard-to-reach areas

Electronic suppression of enemy communications

Radio signal simulations (masking)

Strike missions against light armored vehicles

Integration with Black Hawk will ensure high mobility and rapid deployment.

The importance of modernization for the future of combat operations

Retrofitting the UH-60 is part of the U.S. Army's strategy to create hybrid air groups where manned and unmanned systems operate in a single network. This corresponds to the concept of "next generation air patrol" (Future Vertical Lift), where helicopters become the "wombs" for drones.

Sikorsky already has experience in this field — previously, the company demonstrated technologies for autonomous flight and drone control from a helicopter using the MATRIX Autonomy system.

Startup Grid Aero is developing an autonomous cargo drone for the US Army

Startup Grid Aero from San Leandro, California, has unveiled an innovative project to develop an autonomous cargo unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of traveling thousands of miles with a payload of thousands of pounds. The new drone is aimed at expanding the capabilities of the US Army in carrying out transport and logistics tasks over long distances.

The company was founded in 2024 and has since raised $6 million in seed funding. These funds are aimed at developing and testing technologies that will create an efficient and reliable platform for autonomous freight transportation.

The Grid Aero project is part of a growing trend towards integrating unmanned vehicles into the military sector, where demand for autonomous systems is increasing that can reduce the burden on personnel and increase the speed of delivery of logistical resources.

Autonomous cargo drones promise to become a key element of modern military logistics, providing flexibility in operations in hard-to-reach areas and reducing risks for personnel. Grid Aero is taking an important step in this direction by offering solutions that can significantly change the U.S. Army's approach to transportation.

The US Army launches a new program of robotic combat vehicles: accessibility and innovation

The US Army is making a new attempt to introduce robotic combat vehicles (RCVS) to the market, but this time with an emphasis on accessibility. In a new request for information on unmanned ground-based commercial robotic vehicles, the service said it was eyeing platforms costing less than $650,000. This is a significant change in approach aimed at reducing costs and increasing the availability of advanced technologies for military needs.

New cost and functionality requirements

After two unsuccessful attempts to adopt combat robotic vehicles, the US Army decided to reconsider its requirements. A new notice to the industry indicates a desire to limit the cost of each unit to $650,000. This solution should encourage developers to offer more affordable and competitive solutions, which in turn can lead to innovations in the field of robotic systems.

Previous attempts and lessons

The US Army has previously attempted to introduce robotic combat vehicles, but they have not been successful. High costs and limited functionality were the main reasons for failures. This time, taking into account previous experience, the army is striving to create more flexible and accessible platforms that could be easily adapted to various military tasks.

Prospects and advantages of the new program

The new initiative opens up broad prospects for developers and manufacturers of robotic systems. Reducing cost constraints can attract more companies to participate in the program, which in turn promotes a competitive environment and innovation. For the army, this means access to more modern and effective technologies that can significantly increase combat readiness and efficiency.

Impact on the defense technology market

The introduction of new cost requirements for robotic combat vehicles may significantly affect the defense technology market. Companies developing and manufacturing such systems will be forced to rethink their strategies and find ways to reduce costs without compromising quality and functionality. This can lead to new partnerships and cooperation between companies, which ultimately will have a positive impact on the development of the industry.

Lockheed Martin has received a $4.23 billion contract to produce GMLRS ammunition for the US Army

On August 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense signed a major contract with Lockheed Martin in Grand Prairie, Texas, worth more than $4.2 billion. Under this contract, Lockheed Martin will continue to manufacture guided munitions for multiple launch rocket systems (GMLRS).

This contract is part of a larger multi-year agreement, the total value of which has already reached $ 13.26 billion. This underscores how important the direction of precision rocket artillery remains for the American army and their allies.

GMLRS ammunition is used in the M270 MLRS and M142 HIMARS installations, mobile and precise systems capable of hitting targets at tactical and operational depth. These systems have proven themselves in many theaters of military operations, including in Ukraine.

The concluded contract will ensure the necessary volume of production and supplies, as well as allow for the modernization and maintenance of high combat capability of these artillery systems for many years to come.

The US Army is preparing for the massive introduction of 3D printing

The US Army predicts that additive technologies, in particular 3D printing, will become an integral part of military infrastructure "very, very soon." This was stated by several senior representatives of the department at a recent conference on land vehicles, emphasizing the strategic importance of this technology.

Currently, the army is actively exploring and testing 3D printing capabilities to solve a wide range of tasks. Among them are the production of drone housings, the printing of hundreds of components for armored vehicles and other vehicles, as well as the creation of spare parts directly in the field.

The main advantage of 3D printing lies in its ability to drastically reduce time and logistics costs. Instead of waiting for parts to be delivered from rear warehouses or from other countries, military units will be able to manufacture the necessary items on the spot, right on the front line. This is especially critical in remote or hard-to-reach areas.

In addition, additive manufacturing allows you to quickly adapt equipment to specific missions, speeding up the process of modernization and repair of equipment. For example, if a robotic system or UAV is damaged, you can quickly print the necessary part and return the equipment to service in a matter of hours.

Officials emphasized that the army's goal is not just to use 3D printing sporadically, but to scale its application throughout the unit. Standards for materials, equipment, and processes are already being developed to ensure the reliability and compatibility of printed parts with existing technology.

Raytheon has received a $72 million contract to support the TOW missile guidance system in the US Army

Raytheon has received a new contract from the US Army worth $72 million. Raytheon will now support and maintain the advanced target detection system, ITAS. This is an important component for targeting TOW anti-tank missiles, which have long and reliably served the US Army.

The ITAS platform helps to accurately detect, track and hit armored targets. The work under the contract will ensure the smooth operation of this system in all conditions, including upgrades and maintenance.

Such a contract is a sign that even long—standing developments like TOW remain in the spotlight and continue to play a key role in defense, especially given the importance of anti-tank capabilities on the modern battlefield.

The US Army launches a drone with a Claymore mine — now drones are blowing up enemies from above

The US Army is testing a drone that does not just spy or drop grenades, but carries a whole Claymore mine. Yes, yes, the one with a directional effect, which releases a cloud of balls when it explodes, destroying everything in its path. Only now she's flying through the air instead of lying in the bushes.

Why is this necessary? Everything is simple. Modern battlefields are teeming with small kamikaze drones and infantry hiding in shelters. Conventional defense methods don't always work, especially against threats like quadrocopters that fall from the sky like firebirds. But a drone with a Claymore can become a trap on its own.

Imagine: a drone hovers over an intersection, drops a mine on the ground, and flies away. A minute later, an enemy group enters this place — and bang! — the explosion is directed forward, like from a machine gun. Or another scenario: a drone with a mine flies up to a cluster of enemy drones and explodes itself — turning into an aerial "shrapnel" that knocks down several targets at once.

This approach is a hybrid of exploration, mining, and attack. The drone becomes a mobile mine with remote control. He can work at night, in the jungle, in the city, wherever previously he would have had to risk soldiers.

So far, these are tests, but the direction is clear: the future of war is when even mines fly. And if the Claymore used to be parked by the road, now it can fly right to your roof.

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.

The US Army launches drones with a first-person view: how FPV drones are changing tactics on the battlefield

 

The US Army has seriously taken up FPV drones, the ones that drone racing riders take off. Only now it's not entertainment, but a real weapon of the future and present (already used in battles in Ukraine). Recently, the 2nd Cavalry Regiment conducted a large-scale demonstration of these small but very nimble drones at the Bally military airfield in Germany, and the picture was impressive: hundreds of drones, like a swarm of bees, take off in minutes, penetrate buildings, bypass shelters and transmit real-time video directly to the operator's glasses. This is no longer just intelligence, it's a first—person war.

FPV drones (that is, with a first-person view) are not new, but for the first time the US Army is scaling up their use as a full—fledged part of combat tactics. The main advantage is speed and simplicity. These drones can be assembled in just 10 minutes, programmed, launched, and in seconds receive video "through the eyes of a drone." This gives infantry and tank units a huge advantage: now you don't have to climb into the building to check who's there, you can send a drone that will show everything as if you were following it yourself.

But that's not all. Such drones can not only spy, they are capable of suppressing enemy communications, carrying mini—warheads and delivering pinpoint strikes. And since they are relatively cheap (unlike heavy attack drones), the army can deploy thousands of them, turning them into "consumables" for the most risky tasks.

It is planned that starting from fiscal year 2026, FPV drones will begin to en masse in infantry and armored units. This is a response to real—world experience, especially from Ukraine, where drones have become a key element of modern warfare. Now Americans are not just watching — they are implementing, adapting and accelerating.

The FPV project is not just a fashionable feature. This is a new level of operational efficiency, when each platoon will be able to have its own "air eye" in its pocket. And if earlier victory depended on artillery, now it depends on who sees, detects and strikes faster.

The US Army is going into space: there will be a new specialty "40 Delta" for combat operations from orbit

Space is no longer just a backdrop for war — it is becoming an integral part of it. And the US Army clearly understands this. Against the background of the growing dependence of battlefields on satellite communications, navigation and intelligence, the army is launching the first specialized military accounting specialty in its history, 40 Delta, dedicated to space operations. This is not just a bureaucratic change — it is a signal: now space is as important a "combat area" as land, air or sea.

Previously, the Air and Space Forces were mainly responsible for space issues, but today the ground forces cannot afford to be passive consumers of satellite data. Modern operations — from artillery guidance to drone coordination and protection from electronic attacks — depend on GPS, satellite communications and real-time intelligence. If the enemy incapacitates the satellites, the army may turn out to be "blind" and "deaf." To prevent this from happening, they will now train their specialists directly in the army.

The 40 Delta military personnel will integrate space capabilities into ground operations: they will manage data flows, ensure communications stability, analyze threats from orbit, and help commanders make decisions based on space intelligence. This is part of a large—scale transformation of the army to meet new realities - where victory on earth increasingly depends on what happens at an altitude of 36,000 kilometers above it.