China has shown the radar of the future: AI sees through interference, as in a "clear sky"

Not just a radar, but a mind on board

China has tested a new radar system that does not work the old—fashioned way - by sorting out signals, but thinking. Its main feature is artificial intelligence, which is able to analyze the electromagnetic background in real time and identify real targets among noise and interference. This approach radically changes the capabilities of Chinese aviation, especially in conditions when the enemy is trying to "blind" radars with powerful suppression.

The radar is already being tested on combat aircraft, although it has not yet been disclosed which platforms are being used.

How AI catches targets where others are going blind

Conventional radars lose their range in case of strong interference, confuse false targets with real ones, or turn off altogether. The new AI system does something else: it is trained to recognize the behavior of signals, to understand where an attempt at disguise is and where a real threat is.

Even if the enemy has jammed the airwaves, the radar continues to scan the spectrum, filter out debris and find "traces" of planes, missiles or drones. In fact, it doesn't wait for a clean signal — it restores it.

The end of the electronic warfare era?

Electronic warfare (EW) has been a key element of air supremacy for decades. Suppressor aircraft, like the American EA-18G Growler, could paralyze the enemy's air defenses. Now, such tactics may lose their effectiveness.

If an AI radar can work through interference, then suppressor aircraft will become less dangerous. This means that the advantage goes to those who "think" better, and not to those who "shout" louder on the air.

What does this mean for fighter jets and air defense

Such a radar can be installed on both fighter jets (for example, the J-20) and AWACS aircraft like the KJ-500. In the first case, the pilot gets an advantage in the exchange of blows. In the second case, the entire air group begins to "see" further and more accurately, even under heavy electronic fire.

This is not just a technological breakthrough. This is a step towards a complete restructuring of aviation tactics, where the one with the smarter car will win.

Sources

1. Focus.ua — First AI-driven radar tested: adaptivity & key milestones
2. DrivingEco.com — Nanjing Institute-14 role, tech specs & 99 % tracking accuracy
3. AI-News.ru — Flight trials of world-first AI radar completed successfully
4. Tech News Armenia — Chinese AI radar systems reach 99 % tracking precision
5. Korrespondent.net — Overview & significance of China’s “smartest” radar system

Drones over Poland: who attacked and why — the split in NATO after the September 10 incident

What happened on the night of September 10th

On the night of September 10, 2025, Poland faced a massive drone invasion. According to the government, 19 unidentified vehicles violated the country's border. This led to emergency measures: Polish F-16 fighter jets, Dutch F-35, Italian AWACS aircraft and tanker tankers were lifted into the sky. Some of the drones were shot down, some fell to the ground.

Due to the incident, the airports of Rzeszow, Lublin and two in Warsaw were temporarily suspended. Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the incident a "large-scale provocation" and an "act of aggression," demanding urgent consultations under Article 4 of the NATO Charter.

Warsaw shouts "aggression", Russia — "provocation"

Poland immediately blamed Russia, saying that the drones could have been launched from the territory of Belarus or the occupied regions of Ukraine. However, the Russian Defense Ministry denied this, saying that the range of the UAVs used is no more than 700 km, and the distance to the Polish border from the nearest control points is over 900-1100 km. They couldn't physically fly.

Russia has proposed dialogue and a joint investigation. Meanwhile, versions have appeared in the Russian and Belarusian media that these are Gerbera-type "deception drones" used by Ukraine to overload allied air defense systems.

Lithuania, Belarus and the deception drone: versions of what is happening

Lithuania, which borders Poland, said it had no evidence of a deliberate attack. The Belarusian General Staff reported that even before the incident, it had transmitted data to Poland about drones that had lost their course due to electronic warfare (EW) between Russia and Ukraine. According to them, Warsaw also informed Minsk about the vehicles flying to the border.

A third version also appeared — Telegram and other sources claim that the drones were launched by fighters of the Ukrainian special operations forces disguised in Lithuanian uniforms from the territory of Lithuania. The goal is to provoke an escalation and force NATO to intervene more harshly in the conflict. There is no official confirmation of this version.

F-35 in the air, airports closed — consequences for Europe

The incident coincided with the start of the NATO Operation Eastern Sentry: weapons for Rafale fighters already deployed in Poland were delivered in a French A400M transport. The Russian-Belarusian Zapad-2025 exercises are also due to begin soon, which adds to the tension.

Now everything depends on how the information war will develop. If NATO recognizes this as an attack, new sanctions and increased air defense on the eastern flank will follow. If it is an accidental incident, the situation can stabilize. But trust within the alliance has already been shaken.

Sources

1. RBC — Polish air-space violation incident & official reaction
2. Deutsche Welle — Large-scale drone incursion and Baltic states’ concerns
3. Lenta.ru — Polish air-defence engagements & Eastern NATO statements
4. Gazeta.ru — Lithuanian Defence Minister comments on the incident
5. BBC Russian — Polish AD response and NATO reaction
6. PNP.ru — Russian State Duma labels drone incident a provocation
7. URA.ru — Moscow media interpretations of Polish air-space breach
8. Kommersant — Expert view: incident analysis & provocation claims

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

British soldiers are learning how to control attacking drones from a first—person perspective - like in esports, only with explosives

FPV Drone course at the Bramley Training Ground

In July, a three-week intensive training on a new type of combat drones was held at the Bramley training ground in Hampshire. For the first time, soldiers of the British army began to massively master FPV drones - the ones that fly with a first—person view, as in races for cyber pilots. Only here it's not a sport, but combat training. The goal is to learn how to use small, fast, and deadly drones to target enemy positions.

The course took place from July 7 to July 25 and became part of a large-scale re-equipment of the army to meet the realities of modern warfare.

One—sided attack - the drone crashes into the target and explodes

The tactic is called OWA — One-Way Attack. A drone with a small explosive charge is launched, the pilot sees everything through the camera in real time and directs it directly at the target — be it a bunker, equipment or a cluster of fighters. After being hit, there is an explosion. The drone is destroyed, but the task is completed.

This is a cheap, accurate and flexible way to hit targets, especially in urban environments or when storming fortified positions.

Not just racing — simulations, radio interference and exploration

The training was tough: lectures, hours on simulators, and then field exercises. The soldiers learned not only how to fly, but also how to operate in electronic warfare: when the enemy jammed the signal, they lost control and the drone became a target.

The key point is integration with intelligence. For example, first they launch a regular drone for reconnaissance, find a target, and then the FPV pilot goes on the attack. This is not chaos, but well-coordinated work.

The army's first platoon of drones from parachutists

The program was led by a special platoon of unmanned aerial vehicles from the 2nd battalion of the Parachute Regiment. This is the first unit of its kind in the British army, created specifically for new challenges. Parachutists are the elite, and the fact that they are the ones who take on the development of drone tactics speaks to the seriousness of the approach.

Now they're not just skydiving—they're controlling death from a remote control.

Sources

1. Invoen.ru — overview of British unmanned platforms & army training
2. Vz.ru — RAF trials of RF-directed-energy anti-drone weapons
3. Vesti.ru — evolution of FPV-drone tactics in UK service
4. AIF.ru — UK plan to supply 100 000 drones to Ukraine in 2025
5. RBC.ru — increased production volumes & operator training
6. Overclockers.ru — British army tests swarming-robot C-UAS system
7. Drone Wars UK — 2025 national drone programmes overview
8. Army Recognition — “Hornets Nest” trial: FPV drones launched from Chinook

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)

Rescue helicopters versus fighter jets: how the US Air Guard tested survival in combat

Exercises over water are not a training exercise, but a simulation of war

For the first time, the US Air Guard conducted exercises where its rescue helicopters faced a real aerial threat — attacking fighter jets. During maneuvers over water, the pilots practiced survival in conditions as close to combat as possible. The goal is to understand how the HH—60G Pave Hawk and the latest HH-60W Jolly Green II will behave if they are chased by an enemy fighter.

Now these cars are learning not just how to fly, but how to survive.

HH-60G and HH-60W vs F-15D — who's who?

During the exercises, the F-15D Eagle fighter simulated an attack on rescue helicopters. He didn't just "fly by" — he used radar, tried to capture targets, practiced maneuvers to launch missiles. The helicopters, in turn, turned on electronic warfare systems, changed course, and tried to take cover, masking themselves with interference and terrain.

The situation is unequal — the helicopter is slower, more noticeable, and maneuvers worse. But he has a chance: not to be noticed or to knock down the capture.

Electronic warfare: a chance to escape unnoticed

The main weapon of a helicopter in such a situation is not a machine gun, but electronics. Electronic warfare systems on the HH-60W and HH-60G are able to jam radars, simulate false targets, and mask signals. If a fighter cannot lock onto a helicopter, it will not be able to use a missile.

The exercises showed how well these systems work in the marine environment, where reflections from water and salt fog can both interfere and help in camouflage.

This is not a drill. This is preparation for the Pacific Ocean

All this is not just a routine training. This is a direct preparation for a possible war in the Pacific Ocean, where rescue helicopters will operate in range of Chinese fighter jets, anti-aircraft guns and radars. Their task is to get the pilot out of the territory where every square kilometer is controlled by the enemy.

Now the Air Guard understands where the weaknesses are, what needs to be improved, and how to give their crews a chance to return home.

Sources

1. Focus.ua — HH-60W Jolly Green II capabilities and protection systems
2. Quto.ru — initial operational readiness timeline and project basics
3. N+1 — in-flight refuelling trials for HH-60W
4. Topwar.ru — extreme-temperature testing of HH-60W
5. AviationUnion.ru — first HH-60W helicopters delivered to USAF
6. Topwar.ru — HH-60W development between trials and series production

The US Air Force has deployed a secret RATT55 test aircraft to enhance covert operations

The new RATT55 test aircraft of the United States Air Force

The US Air Force has deployed a secret RATT55 test aircraft, which is a heavily modified Boeing 737-200 with the designation NT-43A. This aircraft serves as a testing ground for new radar and electronic systems.

RATT55 is being operated at the famous Groom Lake training ground, located in Area 51, one of the most secret facilities of the US Air Force. This test site is used to test advanced military technologies, including electronic warfare and covert surveillance systems.

The modification and use of RATT55 is aimed at developing technologies that will provide an advantage in covert operations and increased effectiveness of electronic warfare. This project highlights the strategic importance of stealth and intelligence technologies for the modern American Air Force.

China has developed "invisibility" technology for AWACS aircraft — the signals have become elusive for air defense

Vulnerability of AWACS aircraft: a challenge requiring innovation

Long-range radar detection and control (AWACS) aircraft, such as the Chinese KJ-2000 and KJ-500, play a key role in modern air operations, acting as "air command centers." However, their powerful radar radiation, which is necessary to survey vast territories and control groups, makes them easily detectable. This makes them high-priority targets for air defense and interceptor fighters.

For a long time, this vulnerability remained a weak point in the Air Force's strategy. Now China, according to scientists, has found a technological solution.

A new method of masking radio signals

The Chinese Air Force and leading research institutes have developed an innovative method that makes the radio signals of AWACS aircraft virtually invulnerable to interception and geolocation. Instead of emitting a single, easily identifiable signal, the system distributes radiation between multiple antennas, each operating at a slightly different frequency.

This approach dramatically reduces the likelihood of enemy aircraft detection and tracking.

How does a "chaotic" signal work?

The method can be compared to a choir of hundreds of singers singing the same melody, but each with a slight deviation in tone. At close range, the chorus sounds harmonious and clear, but with distance, the sound becomes chaotic and unintelligible to the listener. Similarly, the signals from the antennas of the AWACS aircraft, coordinated on board, merge at a distance into "radio noise", which is extremely difficult to decode or use to determine the direction to the source.

For electronic warfare and air defense systems of the enemy, such a signal is lost against the background of natural interference, which provides a high degree of secrecy.

Strategic advantage in electronic warfare

This breakthrough gives Chinese aviation a significant advantage. AWACS aircraft will be able to stay in the combat zone longer without risking being shot down, and continue to coordinate the actions of fighters, attack drones and ground forces. This increases the stability of the entire air operating network.

The technology can also be adapted to other platforms such as reconnaissance aircraft, drones, and ground—based radars, enhancing the overall electronic protection of the PLA Armed Forces.

The US Space Force is creating Delta 85 to enhance combat control and reconnaissance in space

The US Space Force is forming a new division, Delta 85, the third as part of the expansion of the so—called Delta system. This unit will specialize in providing mission-critical capabilities in the mission area, including combat management, command and control (C2), communications, and space exploration. Its creation marks the next stage of a large-scale reorganization and modernization of forces aimed at increasing operational stability and speed of response in the face of growing threats in near-Earth space. In 2025, it is planned to activate five more similar units, which will significantly strengthen the overall network of data collection and management of space operations. The Delta system has already proven its effectiveness in integrating information flows and ensuring the security of satellite systems, and the new divisions will allow even more precise coordination of actions, faster detection of threats and prompt decision-making. Special attention is being paid to electronic warfare: as part of these changes, the new Meadowlands satellite communications suppression system is expected to be transferred to the Space Delta 3 division, designed to protect its own devices and counter the reconnaissance satellites of potential rivals. Thus, the development of the Delta system is becoming a key element of the US strategy to maintain technological and operational advantages in space.

The US Navy is practicing countering fiber-optic FPV drones at the Silent Swarm 25 exercises

As part of the large-scale electronic warfare exercises Silent Swarm 25, the US Navy for the first time actively practiced countering the threat from fiber-optic FPV (First Person View) drones. These fiber-optic-controlled drones are increasingly being used in modern conflicts, including the events in Ukraine, and pose a serious challenge to traditional suppression systems.

Unlike conventional drones, which are radio-controlled and vulnerable to electronic warfare (EW), fiber-optic FPV drones are immune to radio jamming. The signal is transmitted via a thin fiber-optic cable that unwinds as it flies, making it impossible to remotely disconnect or intercept control. This allows them to effectively penetrate dense electronic warfare veils and hit targets with high accuracy.

Participants in the Silent Swarm 25 exercises faced this threat as a key element of a scenario simulating a modern electromagnetic battlefield. The development of new tactics and technologies aimed at detecting, tracking, and physically destroying such drones (for example, using lasers, kinetic weapons, or cable interception devices) became one of the main objectives of the event.

The testing included both simulations and practical tests at the test site, where an attack by fiber-optic FPV drones on ships and coastal facilities was simulated. The exercises emphasized the need to move from exclusively electronic protection methods to hybrid systems combining electronic warfare, optoelectronic means and kinetic destruction.

Berezina — Electronic Warfare Think Tank: how the Russian Electronic warfare command post works

In modern warfare, victory is often decided not only in fire contact, but also on the air. One of the key elements of the Russian electronic warfare system has become the Berezina mobile control center, a complex that can be called a real "think tank" on the electronic front.

This mobile command post is designed for centralized control of jamming stations, jamming transmitters and radio monitoring facilities in the HF and VHF bands. Its main task is to coordinate the actions of electronic warfare units, ensuring the suppression of enemy communications and radio control on the battlefield.

Wide coverage and high accuracy

Berezina operates in a wide frequency range from 1.5 MHz to 6000 MHz, which allows it to cover almost all major radio communication channels used in both military and civilian systems. This makes the complex a universal tool in a multi-vector electronic environment.

The complex is capable of simultaneously controlling up to 12 jamming and radio monitoring stations, which provides scalability and flexibility for deployment in both local and strategic areas.

Intelligent processing and automation

One of the main advantages of Berezina is its intelligent data processing system. It automatically collects, analyzes and archives information about radio emissions coming from subordinate stations. This allows you to quickly identify signal sources, classify them, and make suppression decisions.

The system provides automated targeting — after detecting a target, it independently generates and issues target indications to jamming stations, minimizing reaction time and increasing suppression efficiency.

User-friendly tactical interface

The entire electronic situation is displayed in real time on a digital map of the area, which gives the command a clear picture of what is happening. This tactical interface allows you to quickly assess the situation, make decisions and adjust the actions of electronic warfare units.

In addition, Berezina supports automated information exchange with both higher and subordinate commands, integrating into a single command and control system.

Significance in modern warfare

In an environment where the enemy actively uses drones, tactical radio communications and digital control systems, complexes like Berezina become critically important. They don't just suppress communication — they disorganize management, deprive the enemy of the opportunity to coordinate actions and receive intelligence.

Thus, Berezina is not just a control point, but a decision—making center in electronic warfare, providing technological superiority on the battlefield.

Leonardo DRS has successfully conducted the first tests of a marine package of anti-drone equipment on small surface vessels

On August 12, 2025, Leonardo DRS announced the successful completion of the first series of open water tests of its advanced marine equipment package, the Counter-Unmanned Aerial System Maritime Mission Equipment Package. This system is specifically designed for installation on small unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and is designed to protect naval fleets from threats from unmanned aerial vehicles.

The new system is a scalable solution based on Leonardo DRS's expertise in ground-based mobile drone and short-range air defense systems. It integrates active and passive radio frequency (RF), optoelectronic, infrared (EO/IR) sensors, 4G/5G-based electronic countermeasures systems, and a variety of kinetic and non-kinetic weapons.

The tests were conducted in realistic marine conditions and confirmed the system's capabilities in detecting, identifying and tracking aerial threats, as well as tracking surface objects. Special attention was paid to working in a complex electronic environment with the BlackLab passive radio frequency detector and the STAG EO/IR platform with thermal imaging cameras.

The system is controlled by artificial intelligence, which allows you to quickly and accurately combine data from various sensors to classify targets and make decisions on their neutralization. Thanks to its modular architecture and versatile design, the system can be integrated into various types of combat and support vessels.

This solution significantly expands defense capabilities in coastal areas and on the high seas, allowing the forces of the US Navy and its allies to effectively counter the growing threat of drones, reducing the risk to crews and ensuring the safety of fleets in a multi-domain war.

Two new electronic warfare units of the 950th Group began work at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia

On August 8, two new electronic warfare units appeared at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia as part of the 950th Electronic Warfare Group (EW). This is an unusual step — instead of immediately creating a full-fledged squadron, they decided to form detachments first in order to prepare and strengthen new units faster. In the next few months, the units will become full-fledged squadrons.

The first two detachments will be called as follows: The first detachment will turn into the 501st electronic warfare squadron, and the second into the 81st squadron. Their mission is related to the assessment and improvement of electromagnetic spectrum management operations — in the common people, this is the whole fight against enemy radio signals, electronic interference, jamming and protection of their systems.

The peculiarity of the new approach is that these new divisions are built from the very beginning as independent and with their own team of experts, and not as part of existing structures. This allows them to better and faster integrate into the work and solve the tasks of maximum efficiency in the field of electronic warfare.

Squad leaders compare their work with a team of snipers: they study the situation, identify threats, and find ways to ensure that weapons and communication systems work effectively even under heavy interference and hacking attempts.

As a result, the creation of these new units is a big step for the US Air Force to strengthen its capabilities in electronic warfare, which is especially important in modern conditions of increasing technological tension and threats from potential adversaries.

American armored cars will get smart and drone protection: BAE Systems is racing for the future of war

American military vehicles will soon become smarter, faster and more dangerous — and all this not at the expense of a larger caliber, but thanks to new technologies. BAE Systems, one of the main suppliers of US military equipment, is actively modernizing the armored multipurpose vehicle (AMPV) — and it is doing it on a grand scale.

The bottom line is this: instead of just carrying soldiers or shooting, the new AMPVS will have autonomous systems capable of helping the crew make decisions, as well as protection from enemy drones — because today one small quadcopter can drop a grenade directly on armored vehicles. And this is no joke.

BAE Systems is investing serious money to turn AMPV into a real "smart platform" — a kind of tank of the future on tracks. The plans include the integration of advanced defense and attack systems that will allow vehicles to stay ahead of the enemy on the battlefield: react faster, see the enemy better and survive in an environment where drones and electronic warfare rule the ball.

As Bill Sheehy, BAE's head of ground technology, said: "AMPV is the proving ground for the future of tracked combat vehicles." That is, what is currently being tested on this armor will appear in dozens of other vehicles tomorrow.

Simply put, war is no longer just about bullets and steel. Artificial intelligence, autonomy, and drone protection are now important. And AMPV is becoming one of the first "digital soldiers" on wheels — or, more precisely, on tracks.

The French Rafale F4.3 has passed the fire test: what was checked before the final approval

France has taken an important step towards officially certifying the new standard of its flagship fighter, the Dassault Rafale F4.3. The country's Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) reported that the fighter had undergone a short-term but intensive test campaign designed to assess the real state of its capabilities before the final approval of the standard.

These were not just demonstration flights. The planes flew in real combat conditions, as close as possible to those faced by French aviation in the future. Special attention is paid to two key aspects: interaction within the tactical network and the effectiveness of weapons.

What does this mean in practice?  

— The operation of the new on-board computer and software was checked, which allow Rafale to exchange data faster with other aircraft, drones, ships and ground forces.  

— The integration of new missiles is being tested, including the long-range Meteor and the ASMP-A anti-ship, as well as future satellite drones ("free hunters").  

— Communication stability and protection against electronic attacks are being evaluated — a critical moment in modern warfare.

The test results will help DGA and Dassault Aviation make final adjustments before the F4.3 becomes the official standard for the entire Rafale fleet. This stage is not just a technical formality, but the last chance to identify weaknesses before large—scale implementation.

The Rafale F4.3 is not just an upgrade, but a transition to network—centric warfare, where each fighter becomes a node of an intelligent combat system. And France clearly does not want to lag behind.

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.

Norway and Poland join forces against drones: Kongsberg and APS create powerful air defense system

 

Norwegian technology giant Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, known for Javelin missiles and advanced air defense systems, has entered into a strategic agreement with the Polish company Advanced Protection Systems (APS). The purpose of the alliance is the joint development and production of advanced systems for countering unmanned aerial vehicles (C-UAS).

This partnership is a prime example of how Europe's leading defense companies are combining their strengths to combat one of the most pressing threats of modern conflict: cheap, numerous, and deadly drones. Kongsberg brings to the union its vast experience in creating high—precision detection, electronic warfare and fire control systems, while Polish APS brings in-depth knowledge in the field of tactical integration and protection of ground forces, accumulated against the backdrop of the tense situation on the eastern borders of Europe.

The system being created will be able to detect, classify and suppress (or destroy) enemy drones at various stages — from small kamikaze FPV to large reconnaissance vehicles. Particular attention is likely to be paid to mobility and rapid deployment to protect both stationary facilities and moving convoys.

This alliance will not only strengthen the defense capabilities of both countries, but will also create a powerful European player in the global drone countermeasures market, offering solutions that can be in demand around the world.

Italy buys "electronic shields": two new EA-37B Compass Calls for 300 million

EA-37B Compass Call 

The Italian Air Force has made a serious bet on modern technology — they have officially confirmed the purchase of two EA-37B Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft. These are powerful aerial platforms capable of jamming enemy radio signals, suppressing communications, interfering with drone control, and even disabling enemy air defense systems. Simply put, it is an "invisible weapon" of a new generation.

Rome is ready to invest about $300 million in this deal, and this is not just a fleet upgrade — it is a strategic step to enhance the electronic stability and combat effectiveness of the Italian Air Force. Aircraft based on the Gulfstream G550 business jet will be used both in combat operations and in support of allied missions, especially within the framework of NATO.

Of particular interest is the fact of the sale itself: This is the first time in history that the U.S. government has approved the transfer of such a high-tech electronic warfare platform to one of its foreign allies. Previously, EA-37B (and their predecessors EC-130H) strictly remained in the arsenal of the US Air Force. Now Italy will become the first foreign operator.

The project is being implemented in partnership between L3Harris, the main contractor and developer of electronic warfare systems, and BAE Systems, which is responsible for the integration and protection of onboard systems. Such cooperation ensures that Italian cars will receive the same level of technology as American ones.

The EA-37B is not just an aircraft with "loudspeakers". It is capable of purposefully attacking enemy communications, interfering with tactical networks, creating interference in the range from VHF to microwave and at the same time remaining at a safe distance from the front line. This makes them incredibly valuable in modern conflicts, where control over the electromagnetic spectrum decides the outcome of the battle.

For Italy, it is also a step towards greater independence in the defense sector and an opportunity to participate more effectively in international operations. The first planes are expected to enter service in the next few years.

Israel is modernizing the Air Force: 75 F-35I "Adir" are expected by 2030

 F-35I "Adir"

Israel continues to build up its air force and relies on the F-35I "Adir", its unique version of the American fifth—generation fighter F-35A. According to an agreement with Lockheed Martin and the US government, Israel plans to receive 75 such aircraft by 2030.

The first two F-35is were delivered back in 2016, and since then deliveries have been coming in batches. All this time, the aircraft have been building up their combat potential at the Nevatim Airbase, where several squadrons based on them have already been created.

This is not just a copy of the American F-35 — it is a full-fledged joint project in which Israeli specialists have implemented their technologies. For example, the electronic warfare complex from Elbit Systems, its own communication and control systems, enlarged fuel tanks, and even weapons developed in Israel.

Thanks to these improvements, the Adir is considered one of the most advanced F-35s in the world, capable of operating effectively in a complex electronic environment and delivering precision strikes at long distances.

By 2025, the Israeli Air Force already has about 46 F-35I fighters distributed in three squadrons. Deliveries are continuing, and the fleet is expected to reach 75 aircraft by 2030, which will be a major boost for Israeli aviation.

The F-35I Adir program is a key element of the modernization of the Israeli Air Force and an important part of its strategic superiority in the region. These fighters provide not only a qualitative leap in combat capabilities, but also emphasize the close military-technical cooperation between Israel and the United States.

The updated ZALA Lancets received protection from electronic warfare and autonomous navigation

ZALA AERO has presented updated versions of its strike and reconnaissance drones, the Lancet (Products 51 and 52) and the Z—16 reconnaissance UAV, to the Rosgvardiya special forces, as well as to the commanders of the SOBR and OMON. The main innovation is resistance to electronic warfare (EW), which is especially important in modern conditions, where the enemy actively suppresses satellite signals and radio control channels.

What's new in the Lancets?

The main thing is new communication channels capable of withstanding strong electronic pressure. This means that drones are now much more difficult to disable or disable with the help of interference. Drones have also received intelligent guidance systems that increase the accuracy of hitting targets, especially in difficult situations.

Another important feature is autonomous navigation without the use of GPS/GLONASS. During the demonstration, they showed how drones can navigate the terrain based on geographic information data. This is especially critical at the front, where satellite signals are often suppressed by the enemy.

Also, according to sources, the new version of the Z-16 is equipped with a system for countering FPV drones, which makes it even more versatile in modern combat conditions.

The updated Lancets and Z-16 are a major step forward in terms of resilience to modern threats, especially in the field of electronic warfare. Now they are not just attack or reconnaissance drones, but full-fledged elements of electronic warfare on the battlefield.