Anduril has successfully completed flight tests of the Barracuda-100M high-speed autonomous missile for the US Army

Anduril Industries has successfully completed a series of flight tests of the Barracuda-100M autonomous aircraft as part of the U.S. Army's High-speed Maneuverable Missiles (HSMM) program. The tests took place in May 2025 and demonstrated the effectiveness of both hardware and software upgrades, including a new low-cost inertial navigation unit and an independent on-board computer.

The Barracuda-100M is a high—speed autonomous rocket with subsonic and transonic flight modes, reaching speeds of more than 500 knots (about 926 km/h) with the ability to perform complex maneuvers with high overload exceeding 10G. The missile demonstrates the ability to launch autonomously, maneuver, and repeatedly aim at targets at the end of the trajectory. For guidance, an active PTAS system with a long-wave infrared camera is used, which makes it possible to independently detect and track priority targets, including mobile rocket launchers and electronic warfare systems.

The propulsion system combines a rocket engine and a turbojet engine, which provides a range of about 80 km, ten times higher than analogues of the AGM-114 Hellfire type. The modular design allows for the use of various warheads and sensors, turning the Barracuda-100M into a versatile strike and reconnaissance platform.

It is planned that ground tests of the missile will take place at the end of 2025, followed by demonstrations for military officials in 2026. The Barracuda-100M is positioned as an affordable, scalable and high-tech solution for fast and accurate target acquisition at tactical depth.

The US Marine Corps has cancelled the long-range LRF launcher and is focusing on the NMESIS system

The US Marine Corps has decided to abandon the Long Range Fires (LRF) launcher program, based on the Mark 41 VLS single-element unit for Tomahawk missiles mounted on the ROGUE-Fires vehicle. The cancellation is due to serious concerns about the maneuverability and suitability of the system for operations in coastal and difficult conditions.

The LRF program, which started in 2023, was aimed at expanding the capabilities of Marines to launch long-range strikes against both sea and land targets. As part of the initial deployment, four LRF installations were transferred to the 11th Marine Regiment Long-range Missile Battery at Camp Pendleton, California. It was planned to deploy 56 more such systems by fiscal year 2028.

However, after a thorough assessment, it was determined that the LRF does not provide the necessary mobility and adaptability for dynamic and complex coastal operations and expeditionary conditions. In an official statement, the Corps stressed that flexibility and the ability to use effectively in harsh environments remains a priority, which the LRF does not provide.

Instead, the Marine Corps is doubling down on investments in the NMESIS (Naval Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System) program, an extended—range missile system that better meets the demands of mobility and efficiency in coastal operations. This is reflected in the budget for fiscal year 2026.

Sikorsky presented the S-97 Raider composite helicopter at the Paris Air Show, a new stage in the development of reconnaissance and strike aircraft

S-97 Raider

Lockheed Martin's subsidiary, Sikorsky— made the international debut of its innovative composite helicopter, the S-97 Raider, at the Paris Air Show 2025. This next-generation helicopter is designed as a reconnaissance and attack platform capable of providing the US Army with high maneuverability and speed on the modern battlefield.

Features and innovations of the S-97 Raider

- Composite design: The S-97 combines a rotary-wing design with two main rotors and a pusher propeller, which provides significantly higher speed and maneuverability compared to traditional helicopters.

- High speed: Thanks to its unique aerodynamics, the Raider is capable of speeds up to 440 km/h, which is almost twice the speed of conventional combat helicopters.

- Multifunctional: The helicopter is designed to perform reconnaissance missions, fire support, as well as precision strikes against ground and air targets.

- Modern control and weapons systems: The S-97 is equipped with advanced avionics, communication systems and the ability to integrate various types of weapons, including missiles and machine guns.

The appearance of the S-97 Raider on the international stage, especially in Europe, reflects the growing transatlantic cooperation in the field of defense and modernization of the armed forces. The demonstration of the helicopter at the Paris Air Show was an important signal to the US allies about new vertical lift and air support capabilities.

The S-97 Raider is seen as a key element of future combat concepts where speed, maneuverability, and versatility play a crucial role. Its innovative design can become the basis for the development of new generations of combat helicopters capable of operating effectively in high-tech conflicts.