The United States is preparing to introduce a new air-to-air weapon: AIM-260 from Lockheed Martin

After the incident when Pakistan shot down Indian fighter jets with a Chinese-made missile, the United States stepped up its efforts to develop advanced weapons systems. Budget applications for 2025 mention that the US Air Force and Navy may soon receive a new air-to—air missile, the AIM-260, developed by Lockheed Martin. This system, which has been under development for eight years, is now in production, which opens up new horizons for American military power.

Context and reason for development

The development of the AIM-260 was initiated in response to the growing threats in the airspace, especially after incidents involving the use of Chinese technology. Pakistan's success in shooting down Indian fighter jets highlighted the need to modernize American weapons systems. The AIM-260 is designed to replace outdated systems and provide air combat superiority, which is especially important in modern conflicts.

Features and capabilities of the AIM-260

The AIM-260 represents a significant improvement over previous models. It has increased accuracy, increased range and improved maneuverability, which allows it to effectively counter modern and future threats. The missile is also equipped with advanced guidance systems, which increases its effectiveness in various combat conditions. These characteristics make the AIM-260 one of the most advanced air-to-air systems in the world.

Influence on the US military strategy

The introduction of the AIM-260 will significantly strengthen the U.S. position in the field of air defense and attack. This missile will allow the US Air Force and Navy to act more confidently and effectively in various scenarios, whether it is patrolling airspace or participating in combat operations. The AIM-260 will also improve the United States' ability to deter potential aggressors by providing them with air combat superiority.

Future prospects and development

With the introduction of the AIM-260 into service, the United States plans to continue to develop and improve this system. In the future, we can expect improvements in fire control, integration with other weapons systems, and increased range and accuracy. This will allow the US military to remain at the forefront of technology and effectively counter new and evolving threats.

France expands military presence in near space and develops new defense strategy

The French armed forces plan to allocate initial funding for the development of operations in near space — the so-called "very large space" at altitudes from 20 to 100 kilometers. On Monday, the military conducted successful tests to shoot down target balls at an altitude of more than 20 kilometers, as part of preparations to defend this strategically important and increasingly contested airspace.

According to Philippe Kofi, responsible for the strategy of air, land and sea combat systems at the General Directorate of Armaments of France, the country is upgrading radars to detect objects at altitudes from 20 to 100 kilometers and adapting fighter jets and air defense systems to intercept high-flying targets.

In the subsequent stages of the strategy's development, it is planned to introduce laser systems, space aircraft and stratospheric drones, which will significantly enhance France's capabilities in monitoring and protecting near space.

The importance of the initiative

- The Middle Space is becoming a new zone of strategic competition and potential conflicts.

- Modernization of radars and interception systems will allow France to detect and neutralize threats from this region in a timely manner.

- The use of lasers and drones will ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of defense measures.

- The development of space aircraft will open up new opportunities for rapid response and airspace control.

These steps reflect the growing importance of near space in military doctrine and provide France with a competitive advantage in the field of national security.

The US army is considering a large-scale reduction in the number of military personnel

 
According to three Defense Department officials familiar with the discussions, the U.S. Army is quietly considering the possibility of a large-scale reduction in the number of active military personnel to 90,000. The move highlights the growing financial pressure on the Pentagon and a broader shift in military strategy away from Europe and the fight against terrorism.

Internal discussions are exploring reducing the number of troops to 360,000—420,000, from the current level of about 450,000. The potential cuts will mark one of the most dramatic reductions in forces in recent years, as military planners seek to rebuild the army from a blunt conventional force into what they hope can be a more flexible, specialized tool better suited to future conflicts.

Canada reinforces Navy with drones for tracking and targeting

   

The Canadian military plans to allocate up to $ 100 million to equip the largest ships of the Navy with new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of conducting long-range surveillance and targeting in the maritime zone. This was announced by a representative of the Ministry of National Defense of the country. It is expected that the federal government will conclude a contract for the supply of up to 12 naval UAVs by the end of 2025, and the first vehicles will enter service within 12 months after signing the agreement.

Strategic strengthening of the fleet  

The move is part of a massive modernization of the Canadian Armed Forces, which includes upgrading Arctic Patrol Ships (AOPS) and expanding maritime reconnaissance capabilities. The new UAVs will be able to operate in the difficult conditions of the North Atlantic and the Arctic, where Canada is seeking to strengthen its presence amid growing geopolitical tensions. As noted earlier, existing AOPS are equipped with only 25 mm cannons, which makes them vulnerable to modern threats. Drones will also improve the effectiveness of tracking underwater and surface targets, as well as coordinating strikes.

Historical context and challenges  

For Canada, this is not the first experience of large purchases of UAVs. Earlier, in 2023, the country allocated $2.49 billion to purchase 11 MQ-9B Reaper drones from General Atomics, designed for reconnaissance and strike operations. However, the operation of such systems in the Arctic is associated with technical difficulties, such as low temperatures and poor communication, which has already raised concerns among military experts. The new ship-based UAVs are likely to be adapted to work in extreme conditions, but the details of the contract have not yet been disclosed.

 Global trends and costs  

Since 2014, Canada has consistently increased military spending: since 2014, over 273 million Canadian dollars (about $200 million) have been spent on unmanned technologies alone, and in 2025, an additional 440 million dollars have been allocated to support the Ukrainian military, including the production of drones. The current initiative highlights the priority of automation and high-tech solutions in the country's defense strategy. As of 2013, the Canadian Air Force had only 9 UAVs, but the new contract could increase this fleet by strengthening both the naval and air components of the army.

Space collisions and deterrence in space

 The same goes for most other collisions. Satellites don't disappear from the battlefield like a downed plane or a sunken ship. They continue to be in orbit, either as an abandoned wreck that may contain explosive elements such as batteries or fuel tanks, or as a cloud of debris. In any case, they can lead to a cascading effect of unintended collisions that will cause much more damage than the attacker ever imagined.

It is for this reason that Space Forces, along with other Western military forces, prefer to focus more on deterrence and mitigation. In other words, make an attack in space as unattractive as possible by repelling an attack before it occurs, reducing hostile effects, or restoring communication or intelligence capabilities quickly enough to deprive the enemy of even a temporary advantage.

Star Wars: The US Military's New Frontier in Space

In a significant shift in military strategy, the United States is now openly discussing the possibility of conducting attacks in space. This development marks a new era in defense and security, as the US military seeks to establish both offensive and defensive capabilities in the final frontier. The evolving landscape of space warfare has prompted the US Space Command to prioritize the development of advanced technologies and strategies to ensure dominance in this critical domain.

Earlier this year, US Space Command officials released a list of priorities and needs, which included the usual areas such as cyber defense, communications, and surveillance. However, among these familiar terms was a relatively new expression: "integrated space fires." This term, part of the esoteric terminology used by the military to describe their activities in space, refers to offensive or defensive actions against the enemy. The concept of "fires" in military parlance denotes the use of weapon systems to create specific lethal and non-lethal effects on targets.

The inclusion of "integrated space fires" in the list of priorities underscores the growing importance of space as a theater of military operations. The US Army defines "fires" as the use of weapon systems to achieve certain effects on targets, whether those effects are lethal or non-lethal. This definition encompasses a wide range of actions, from disabling enemy satellites to destroying incoming missiles. The integration of these capabilities into the broader military strategy highlights the US military's commitment to maintaining superiority in space.

The development of integrated space fires is a response to the increasing threats posed by adversaries in the space domain. As other nations, including China and Russia, continue to advance their space capabilities, the US military recognizes the need to stay ahead of the curve. The ability to conduct offensive and defensive operations in space is crucial for protecting national interests and ensuring the security of both military and civilian assets.

The US Space Command's focus on integrated space fires is part of a broader effort to enhance the country's space defense capabilities. This includes the development of advanced satellite technologies, improved surveillance systems, and innovative weapon systems designed specifically for space operations. The goal is to create a robust and integrated space defense network that can quickly respond to threats and maintain strategic advantage.

The open discussion of conducting attacks in space also reflects a shift in the public perception of space warfare. As space becomes increasingly militarized, the need for transparency and accountability in military operations becomes more pressing. The US military's willingness to discuss its capabilities and strategies openly is a step towards building trust and understanding with the international community.