Britain will be the first in the world to purchase ultra-long-range artillery shells with a jet engine

Tiberius Aerospace and the artillery revolution

Tiberius Aerospace has announced a contract with the UK Department of Defense for the development and testing of its new Sceptre artillery shell. This makes Britain the first customer of the technology, which the company calls "revolutionary." The projectile, officially designated as TRBM 155HG, is capable of flying faster than sound, rising above 20 km and hitting targets at a distance of up to 150 km.

And this is not fiction — these are already real tests, which are supervised even by the US Department of Defense Innovation.

Sceptre is not just a projectile, but a flying rocket

An ordinary 155-mm projectile flies along a ballistic trajectory — it's fired, and then it just falls. Sceptre works differently. After firing a standard cannon, it turns on a liquid-propellant ramjet engine (RAMJET), which accelerates it to Mach 3.5 and allows it to fly at almost space altitude — more than 20,000 meters.

Such a flight gives a huge advantage: less air resistance, longer range and, most importantly, the ability to adjust the trajectory in flight. Even with weak GPS, the system maintains accuracy of less than 5 meters (circular probable deviation).

Why did the UK become the first

Britain is actively investing in technologies that provide an advantage on the battlefield without increasing the number of troops. The Sceptre fits perfectly into this strategy: it is compatible with all major 155 mm NATO systems, from the AS-90 to the self—propelled "Large" ones.

By becoming a launch customer, the UK gets access to cutting-edge development ahead of others. This will not only strengthen her army, but also increase her influence in the alliance. Even the American DIU oversees testing and validation — a sign that the technology is serious.

How RAMJET engine changes the rules of the game

A ramjet engine is not just an accelerator. It allows the projectile to maneuver, avoid interference and choose the optimal trajectory. In an environment where the enemy is jamming GPS, this is critical.

Artillery can now hit targets that were previously out of reach. This means that there is less risk for your own, faster reactions and more chances to win in a fire duel. This is not modernization, it is a paradigm shift.

Sources

1. Tiberius Aerospace — official press releases
2. Tiberius Aerospace — project Sceptre page
3. TechCult — Sceptre functionality & trials overview
4. HighTech Plus — ramjet technology & NATO artillery potential
5. Overclockers.ru — UK artillery round with ramjet, rocket-like range
6. Podolyaka.ru — TRBM-155HG Sceptre tech details & trials
7. Ryb.ru — ramjet engine advantages & projectile specs

The Cornet now has four times more fire: new ammunition changes the rules of the game

 

Kornet

The Kornet anti—tank missile system has become four times more powerful, Rostec State Corporation has officially announced. And it's not just about upgrading, but about a real leap in combat capabilities.

The secret lies in the new cassette developed by the High—Precision Complexes holding company inside Rostec. Now one such cassette can carry four 9M134 Bulat light missiles at once, instead of one heavy one, as it was before. This means that a soldier can fire four times as many missiles in the same mission — without reloading, without delay, just by pressing the trigger several times.

Imagine: you used to have one shot, and that's it, you need to change the charge. Now - four accurate shots in a row. It's not just convenient, it changes tactics. One fighter can clear an entire position without risking going out into the open.

The 9M134 Bulat missiles are not just mini versions of their older counterparts. They are guided by a laser beam, which makes them very accurate, and their range is up to several kilometers (according to Rostec, the exact figures are not disclosed, but we are talking about kilometers). This means that the shooter can fire from a safe distance without being noticed.

In addition, the Bulat was designed to destroy not only tanks, but also lighter targets: armored personnel carriers, bunkers, and equipment in shelters. That is, the Kornet is no longer just "against tanks" — it is now a universal destroyer.

Earlier, in May, Rostec had already boasted that the Kornet was capable of penetrating any armor, including active protection and a tank turret. Now, with the new cassette, he is also four times more resilient — he can work in conditions of intense combat, where every shot decides.

The updated complex is currently undergoing pilot military operation - that is, it is already being tested in real conditions, with the participation of the military. If everything goes well, the new version of the Cornet will quickly enter service.

China is testing a new SH16 self-propelled howitzer with a robotic turret and record-breaking range shooting

SH16

The Chinese army has begun field trials of the new 155-mm SH16 self-propelled howitzer, which has already attracted the attention of military analysts as one of the most advanced artillery systems of the new generation. Information about the howitzer has been kept secret for a long time, but recent photos and publications on Chinese social networks have confirmed its active testing.

The SH16 is built on a tracked chassis with a total weight of about 32 tons. The main advantage of the system is a fully robotic modular turret weighing less than 14 tons, which significantly reduces the crew to two people: a driver and a gunner/commander. This became possible thanks to the introduction of automated loading and modern fire control systems, which increases the rate of fire and effectiveness of combat use.

The howitzer is equipped with a 52-caliber (155 mm × 52) long barrel, which significantly increases the initial velocity of the projectile and, consequently, the firing range. According to the data, the maximum range reaches 53-56 kilometers with the use of ERFB-BB active-rocket projectiles and up to 100 kilometers with the use of specialized precision—guided munitions - this makes the SH16 comparable in range with the world's best analogues.

The high level of automation allowed not only to reduce the number of crew, but also to increase the speed of deployment and position change. To stabilize the howitzer when firing in a combat position, special recoil-compensating frames are installed. The tower is equipped with its own radar station for measuring ballistic data and an optical system for direct fire.

Additionally, the SH16 can be equipped with a remote-controlled machine gun module for protection against infantry and smoke camouflage. In the spring of 2025, this system is expected to be demonstrated at the military parade of the Chinese People's Liberation Army on September 3, which will confirm its status as the main artillery innovation of the PLA.

The SH16 is designed to replace outdated models and enhance the combat capability of the Chinese ground forces. The increased firing range and high level of digital integration will make it possible to effectively suppress well-concealed targets, carry out pinpoint strikes from a long distance and quickly maneuver on the battlefield.

Special attention is paid to combining the system with modern means of communication and fire control within an integrated network, which makes the SH16 part of the digital army of the future.

The adoption of the SH16 by 2027 will significantly enhance the artillery capabilities of the People's Liberation Army of China. The combination of high firepower, precision, automation and mobility will make this howitzer a serious challenge in the global artillery market.

Combat use and characteristics of the TOS-3 Dragon heavy flamethrower system: range up to 18 km

The new TOS-3 Dragon heavy flamethrower system has become a notable breakthrough in the field of jet weapons. Created on the basis of previous models of the CBT series, it combines the best tactical and technical characteristics of its predecessors and a significant increase in firing range - now the weapon is capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 18 kilometers.

The main characteristics of the TOS-3 "Dragon"

- Firing range: up to 15-18 km, which is almost twice as long as that of the TOS-1 and TOS-2 models, whose maximum combat radius did not exceed 10 km. This allows you to strike from a safer distance and strengthen the fire support position.

- Launcher: includes 15 rocket guides arranged in three rows of five tubes. This is the optimal number of projectiles, given the use of highly efficient thermobaric missiles of a new generation.

 Combat effectiveness: the system is equipped with TBS-M3 thermobaric projectiles, which create a giant fire cloud and a powerful overpressure in the affected area. These effects leave virtually no chance for enemy manpower and armored vehicles.

- Protection and maneuverability: The TOS-3 is built on a tracked chassis, probably based on the T-72B3 tank, which provides high maneuverability and mobility in difficult terrain conditions. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with protection based on lattice screens and dynamic Relic armor, which significantly reduces vulnerability to enemy attacks and drones.

- High-tech fire control system: Modern navigation and command and staff equipment allows for accurate and effective fire damage with both single shots and volleys.

TOS-3 "Dragon" is used to destroy enemy manpower, equipment and fortified structures at long distances. The presence of thermobaric ammunition makes it possible to cover significant areas, destroying manpower even in fortifications, which is also facilitated by a large impact radius of up to several hectares. This firepower makes the system equivalent in impact to tactical nuclear weapons in a conventional war.

The increased firing range allows artillery units not to approach the front line, reducing the risks to crews and equipment. At the same time, the new missiles retained their high impact power. By reducing the number of guides, the missiles have become more energy-intensive and long-range.

The developers paid special attention to protection against modern threats, including kamikaze drones: the launchers are protected from damage by special means of electronic warfare and physical armor.

The TOS-3 Dragon has already entered service and has demonstrated the potential to become the main heavy flamethrower system of the Russian army. Due to the increased range, increased accuracy and improved protection, this complex is able to effectively support offensive and defensive operations over long distances.

Another advantage is that crews who have already been trained to work with previous versions of the TOC will be able to quickly adapt to the Dragon, as the platform was created on a similar basis.

It is planned that in the future the system will be equipped with satellite navigation and control devices to increase the efficiency and accuracy of fire.

The Krasnaya Strela -16 anti-tank guided missile

 

The Krasnaya Strela -16

The 4th generation Krasnaya Strela-16 anti-tank guided missile (the export version was designated QN-502C) was developed by the designers of the Chinese high-tech private company Wuhan Gaode Infrared Co., Ltd as part of the research and development work started in 1999.

The product is designed to replace existing ammunition in the units of the Western Military District of the PLA Ground Forces (the first in line are the units stationed in the Tibetan Military Region), namely "Red Arrow-73" (first generation), "Red Arrow-11" (second generation) and "Red Arrow-10 and 12" (third generation).

The rocket is 1.2 m long and has a body diameter of 135 mm. The mass of the rocket is 11.2 kg. The weight of the portable version of the complex is 22 kg. The designers have provided a "cold start" that allows the operator to use an anti-tank guided missile while in a long-term shelter, which significantly reduces the likelihood of detecting the shooter. It is possible to conduct fire on the principle of "shot and forget."

The firing range of the Krasnaya Strela-16 ATGM in the wearable version reaches 5 km. The same indicator in the mobile (Type-19 infantry fighting vehicle has a quadruple launcher located to the right of the longitudinal axis of the tower) or aerial versions (UAV or helicopter) reaches 14 km. 

The flight control and guidance system consists of an inertial unit and a semi-active laser guidance head. In order to increase efficiency, Chinese designers have equipped the rocket with a wide-range uncooled infrared spectrum matrix, which allows targets to be observed at night. The rocket is capable of transmitting a video signal to the operator's console. When approaching a target, the munition dives at an angle of 55 degrees in order to hit armored objects in the most vulnerable places of the structure.

The warhead's power is sufficient to penetrate 1,000 mm of homogeneous armor behind dynamic protection. According to the information received, the cost of this ammunition is lower than that of the Krasnaya Strela-12. In the future, Algeria, Nigeria, Azerbaijan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates may become buyers of the Krasnaya Strela-16 anti-tank guided missiles.

Enterprises of the defense industry of the People's Republic of China are forced to develop anti-tank weapons with lower cost, since the experience of the Special Military Operation of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation shows that during real combat operations the consumption of ATGM is significant. At the same time, only 20% of all missiles fired are used to fight tanks and other armored vehicles of the enemy. In addition, the experience of the Russian-Ukrainian armed conflict has demonstrated that as the defensive capabilities of main battle tanks increase, the effectiveness of single anti-tank missile launches decreases to minimal values.

North Korea launches mass production of powerful KN-25 missile system

 

North Korean leader Kim Jong- un inspects the production line of the 600- mm multiple launch rocket system KN-25

On May 3, 2025, photos appeared on social media confirming the start of mass production of one of the world's most powerful rocket launchers, the KN-25. This move marks a significant strengthening of the DPRK's long-range precision artillery forces and underscores Pyongyang's desire to strengthen its deep-impact capabilities. Equipped with 600mm guided missiles, the KN-25 is capable of hitting targets up to 380 km away, making it a unique hybrid of traditional multiple launch rocket systems and tactical ballistic missiles.

The KN-25 is an advanced development by North Korean military engineers. The main features of the system include:

- Powerful 600mm Rockets: These guided munitions have high accuracy and destructive power.

- Firing range: The maximum range is 380 km, which allows you to hit strategically important targets in South Korea and even beyond.

- Hybrid design: The KN-25 combines features of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) and ballistic missiles, making it a difficult target for missile defense.

This combination of characteristics makes the KN-25 a serious threat to the enemy, especially amid tensions on the Korean peninsula.

The mass production of the KN-25 indicates that North Korea is actively increasing its military capabilities. The deployment of this system in large numbers is aimed at achieving several strategic goals.:

1. Enhanced Deep Strike capabilities: The KN-25 allows Pyongyang to hit key enemy targets at a considerable distance from the border.

2. Countering missile defense systems: The KN-25 missiles are designed to reduce the effectiveness of South Korean and American missile defense systems.

3. Psychological pressure: The presence of powerful weapons of this class increases pressure on the international community and demonstrates the DPRK's determination to defend its interests.

The start of mass production of the KN-25 has caused concern among both South Korea and the United States. Experts note that this system significantly enhances the military potential of the DPRK and may become a factor of destabilization in the region. In this regard, increased sanctions pressure on Pyongyang is expected, as well as the modernization of the allies' defense systems.

South Korea and the United States can accelerate the development of new missile defense technologies to neutralize the threat from the KN-25. This could lead to a new round of the arms race on the Korean peninsula.

The introduction of the KN-25 into the armed forces of the DPRK demonstrates that the country continues to invest in the development of its military technologies. Given the current geopolitical situation, it can be expected that Pyongyang will continue to improve its missile systems, including increasing their range and accuracy.

However, it also raises questions about stability in the region and the risks of conflict escalation. 

The mass production of the KN-25 missile system underscores North Korea's desire to strengthen its military capabilities and challenge the dominance of South Korean and American missile defense systems. This event has far-reaching consequences for the security of the region. The future of the Korean peninsula largely depends on how the countries involved in the conflict will respond to such steps by Pyongyang.