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

Israel has successfully completed extended trials of the upgraded David's Sling system in the Iron Swords War

 

The Israeli Defense Ministry recently announced the successful completion of a series of serious tests of the David's Sling air defense and missile defense system, which helped make it even more reliable and effective in the difficult conditions of the current war, known as "Iron Swords." The tests were conducted as part of planned flight tests led by the Israeli missile defense organization IMDO, with the support of the Defense Research and Development Authority and in active collaboration with the Americans from the Missile Defense Agency and Rafael, which developed the system.

During the tests, David's Sling worked out combat scenarios that are as similar as possible to real threats — this is how they tested how the system would react to medium-range missiles and various aerial targets. The missiles of the complex have two types of guidance, which helps to accurately shoot down targets in any weather and under different conditions.

David's Sling occupies a niche in Israel's overall defense system, between the Iron Dome, which operates at short range, and large systems at long range. Thanks to the latest updates, it is becoming a more powerful and reliable element of defense.

This is a very important step for Israel, because today the country is facing a great missile threat. The better the system works, the calmer people will be and the stronger the protection of strategically important facilities. Working together with the United States and companies like Rafael helps to improve technologies and make them more efficient.

KC-135 tanker aircraft will receive drone launchers — a new level of protection and intelligence for the US Air Force

The US Air Force plans to equip its KC-135 tanker aircraft with launchers for launching small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This initiative is aimed at expanding the capabilities of tankers that traditionally perform aerial refueling tasks.

The main advantages of the introduction of UAVs on the KC-135:

- Increased protection: drones will be able to perform reconnaissance and early warning functions against air and ground threats, providing an additional layer of security for the tanker and its escorted forces.

- Increased situational awareness: UAVs will provide commanders with a more complete picture of the operational situation in real time.

- Additional attack capabilities: small drones will be able to strike targets, supporting combat operations and reducing the load on the main combat platforms.

The integration of drones into the KC-135 crew will improve mission performance, increase aircraft survival, and expand the range of tasks performed in the airspace.

External fuel tanks for the F-35 are once again included in the plans of the US Air Force

F-35

Plans to equip F-35 fighter jets with external fuel tanks have reappeared in the new budget of the US Air Force for fiscal year 2026. Earlier attempts to introduce such tanks were not implemented, but now this task is back on the program's priority list, sources close to the development said.

External fuel tanks will significantly increase the range of the F-35 without refueling in the air, which is especially important for long-range strike missions and operations in remote regions. Israel, one of the key operators of the F-35, has long insisted on expanding the aircraft's fuel capacity, given the need for long-range penetration, for example, to strike targets in Iran. For this purpose, both dropable tanks and conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) are being developed, which provide a lower aerodynamic penalty and do not occupy overhead pylons, while maintaining armament capabilities.

The implementation of this initiative will increase the operational flexibility and autonomy of the F-35, reduce dependence on air tankers and expand the tactical capabilities of the aircraft. At the same time, the integration of external tanks requires careful refinement of the aircraft's systems in order to maintain its stealth and maneuverability.

France is considering arming the A400M Atlas with missiles to expand its combat capabilities

Airbus A400M Atlas

France is actively exploring the possibility of transforming the Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft into a heavy combat aircraft with multi-purpose capabilities beyond the traditional tasks of tactical transportation and aerial refueling. This step will make it possible to equip the A400M with missiles and significantly increase its combat potential, making it not only a transport, but also a strike weapon on the battlefield.

The idea of arming the A400M with missiles is driven by the desire of the French military space forces (Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace, AAE) to maximize the potential of existing platforms and ensure flexibility of use in modern conflicts. In the face of growing threats and the need for rapid response, multifunctional aircraft are becoming a key element of national defense.

Initially, France planned to purchase fifty A400M Atlas aircraft for its military space forces. However, in August 2023, the Law on Military Programming for 2024-2030 (LPM) was passed, which reduced this number to at least thirty-five units by 2035. This reduction reflects a review of priorities and budget constraints, but does not negate the desire to modernize the fleet.

The upgraded A400M can get the following features:

- The ability to launch cruise and anti-ship missiles from aboard a transport aircraft.

- Performing fire support tasks, including striking land and sea targets.

- Maintaining the main tasks of transporting troops, equipment and supplies, as well as refueling in the air.

Retrofitting the A400M Atlas with missiles will allow France to increase the mobility and firepower of its armed forces, as well as expand the range of missions carried out by one type of aircraft. This is especially important in conditions of a limited number of purchased vehicles and the need for efficient use of each side.

Semey Engineering's upgraded T-64 tank presented in Tashkent

 T-64

A presentation of the upgraded T-64 main battle tank developed by Semey Engineering took place at the exhibition in Victory Park in Tashkent. This event marked an important milestone in the history of Uzbekistan's military equipment, marking the first public appearance of an ambitious tank modernization program aimed at increasing the combat capabilities and survivability of the Soviet platform in modern conditions.

The modernization of the T-64 reflects a significant leap in the philosophy of design and protection of armored vehicles. Special attention is paid to adapting the tank to modern combat environments, which are increasingly saturated with unmanned aerial vehicles and precision weapons. As a result, the updated version of the tank received improved active and passive protection systems, improved firepower and increased mobility.

Semey Engineering focused on the integration of modern technologies, such as anti-drone systems, improved communications and fire control, as well as upgraded armor capable of effectively countering modern threats. This makes the T-64 competitive in the context of modern military realities and underlines Uzbekistan's desire to develop its own defense potential.

Photo of the Chinese J-36 super-heavy tactical stealth aircraft have been published for the first time

 J-36

The newly released images show for the first time the Chinese super-heavy tactical stealth aircraft J-36. The photos show the impressive size of this combat vehicle, which indicates serious capabilities and technological progress in the field of aviation in China.

The cabin of the J-36 attracts special attention: the pictures show that the crew is located side by side under a huge teardrop-shaped lantern, which practically confirms the assumptions of experts about the design of the aircraft. This arrangement provides improved visibility and ease of piloting, as well as helps reduce radar visibility.

The J-36 belongs to a new generation of tactical stealth aircraft designed to perform complex combat missions in modern air warfare. Its size and technical characteristics suggest high maneuverability, flight range and powerful weapons.

The appearance of photos of the J-36 is generating great interest in the international aviation community and underscores China's desire to strengthen its air force with advanced technology.