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.

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.

Pakistan may have shot down its own fighter jet

 In Lahore, an ejection seat was discovered, presumably from a Mirage V fighter jet of the Pakistani Air Force, prompting speculation that Pakistan may have lost one of its aircraft as a result of an overnight strike from India.The Lahore discovery may indicate internal complications in the operations of the Pakistani Air Force. "It's clear from the video that the seat matches the Martin-Baker systems used in Mirage V aircraft," said an open source intelligence analyst familiar with regional aviation assets.The Mirage V, a multirole fighter aircraft in service with the Pakistani Navy for a long time, has been upgraded over the years, but remains vulnerable to both enemy fire and system fatigue. In previous years, several aircraft were lost in training incidents and patrol operations due to age-related wear and tear or maintenance issues.

China unveils sixth-generation fighter jet J-36

J-36

 China has shown off its sixth-generation fighter jet, the J-36, in detail.

China has unveiled its new sixth-generation fighter model, the J-36, which is significantly larger and heavier than existing fifth-generation aircraft.

Possible tasks:

1. It can act as a leader for an entire combat system, which will include various unmanned vehicles, while its participation in aerial combat is "unlikely."

2. Long-range strikes (missile attacks) by enemy aircraft not only in the air, but also on the ground, as well as those stationed on aircraft carriers.

3. The center of a large combat system, which, in addition to drones, will include manned fighters such as J-20 and J-35A, AWACS aircraft and tanker aircraft.

4. A prototype for the creation of a naval version of the stealth fighter.

Length: about 23 m

Weight: from 45 to 54 tons. 

For comparison, the weight of the J-20 varies from 34 to 37 tons, and the weight of the Russian Su-57 with full ammunition is 37 tons. 

Experts believe that the demonstration of a promising aircraft that is already performing test flights is a political gesture to the United States and its allies in Southeast Asia.

Diamond Dragon exercises: nuclear accident in the UK

 The Diamond Dragon exercises simulated the crash in the UK of an American aircraft carrying "defense nuclear materials.

"Exercises simulating an accident involving nuclear material were conducted, in which military personnel from the UK Lakenheath Air Force Base in Suffolk County took part.The F-35A Lightning II squadron at the base is now certified to carry B61-12 thermonuclear munitions.

The UK and NATO have a long-standing policy of not confirming or denying the presence of nuclear weapons in a particular location.

Spain has received the first of three Airbus Defense and Space A330-200 MRTT aircraft

 

Airbus A330-200 MRTT

On April 11, 2025, Spain received the first of three Airbus Defense and Space A330-200 MultiRole Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft ordered in 2021. The transfer took place at the Airbus DS MRTT conversion facility in Getafe, Madrid, and the aircraft was officially adopted by the 45th Group of the Spanish Air Force and Space Forces at Torrejon Air Base/Madrid-Torrejon Airport.

The main characteristics of the aircraft

- Aircraft type: Airbus A330-200 MRTT.

- Target: A multifunctional aircraft for transporting fuel, personnel and cargo.

- Version: The MRTT is equipped with an advanced fuel suspension system and is capable of performing medical evacuation tasks.

- Features: The aircraft can carry up to 111 tons of fuel, 300 soldiers or 45 tons of cargo.

For the Spanish program, Airbus converted three former Iberia A330 aircraft to the MRTT military standard (including a medical evacuation kit) in Getafe. The second and third A330 MRTT aircraft for Spain are also in the process of conversion at Getafe.

This event is an important step in strengthening Spain's defense capability. The new A330 MRTT aircraft will improve Spain's ability to transport and medically evacuate, as well as improve its air-to-air capabilities. 

Combat readiness of the US Air Force aircraft has fallen to a new low

According to the latest data, the combat readiness of the US Air Force aircraft has dropped to a record low. In 2024, the average mission readiness level for the entire fleet was only 62%, which is the lowest in recent years. This is happening against the background of the aging arsenal of the Air Force, numbering more than 5,000 aircraft, and the increasing difficulties in maintaining them in the air.

Reasons for decreased combat readiness

The main reason for the decrease in combat readiness is the aging of the aircraft fleet. Many USAF aircraft were built during the Cold War, and some during the Vietnam War. For example, B-52 Stratofortress bombers, C-5 Galaxy transport planes and KC-135 Stratotanker tankers have been in service for decades. This leads to problems with the provision of spare parts, as many manufacturers of original components no longer exist.

Reduced availability of the main types of aircraft

In recent years, combat readiness has decreased for almost all major types of aircraft. For example:

- The F-35A, one of the most modern and expensive fighter jets, was ready for missions in 2021 69% of the time, but by 2024 this figure had dropped to 51.5%

. - A-10 Warthog: from 72% in 2021 to 67% in 2024.

- F-16C: from 72% in 2021 to 64% in 2024.

- CV-22 Osprey: from 51% in 2021 to 30% in 2024.

- KC-46 Pegasus: from 71% in 2021 to 61% in 2024.

 Impact on military capabilities

Reduced combat readiness means that the US Air Force is increasingly forced to choose which aircraft to use for missions. This is especially true for priority operations abroad, where aircraft receive more resources and spare parts, but even in these conditions, for example, at the Central Command of the US Air Force, the problem of fleet aging is not solved automatically.

Boeing Enhances F-15 Advanced Eagle with IRST Infrared Sensor to Detect Targets in Passive Mode

The new Boeing photo shows an infrared sensor mounted in the nose of the F-15

The IRST sensor installed inside in front of the cockpit will provide the F-15 Advanced Eagle with a number of advantages.

IRST provides the pilot with an important additional way to detect and track other aircraft over significant distances. It is important to note that the IRST system is an alternative to radar in conditions of intensive use of electronic warfare (jamming), and since it depends only on the infrared signature of an enemy aircraft, It is not affected by the design features of stealth aircraft, which allow them to evade radars.

Moreover, the IRST is able to detect, track, and assist in combat with aircraft completely passively.

US Army Deploys Four DE M-SHORAD Laser Prototypes Abroad to Test Next-Gen Air Defense Capabilities

 

DE M-SHORAD

The US Army has deployed four prototypes of short-range directed energy maneuvering (DE M-SHORAD) air defense systems abroad, marking an important milestone in the development of laser-based air defense capabilities.The deployment, which began in February 2024, is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the system against a range of aerial threats, including drones, aircraft, as well as rocket, artillery and mortar fire.The DE M-SHORAD system is installed on the Stryker Mortar Carrier Double V-Hull A1 platform and is equipped with a combined spectral beam laser with a power of 50 kilowatts., designed to provide a non-kinetic alternative to traditional missile defense. The system uses lithium-nickel cobalt-aluminum oxide batteries (Li-NCA), which are charged from on-board diesel generators, which ensures continuous operation in combat conditions.

Solar-Powered Phasa-35 UAS Promises Months of Uninterrupted Flight for Military Missions

Phasa-35 High Altitude Pseudo Satellite

 The Block 20 Phasa-35 High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). The one-of-a-kind system, currently located in the southeast of England, is heading across the Atlantic for the next round of Pentagon-backed tests, and its developers say it could be the key to unlocking a new way for the military to carry out surveillance missions. It got its name because of the wingspan of 35 meters, which is comparable to the wingspan of a Boeing 737 airliner, while its weight is only 150 kilograms, which is about the same as the weight of a motorcycle. The aircraft is covered with solar panels designed to charge during important daytime hours to keep flying on winter nights when the Phasa-35 spends most of its time in the dark. According to the developers, the batteries are twice as powerful as an electric car battery of the same size and can currently last six to nine months before they wear out.