Griffon Aerospace has unveiled the new MQM-172 Arrowhead unmanned system

Griffon Aerospace, an American company based in Alabama, has officially announced the release of a new unmanned aircraft system, the MQM-172 Arrowhead. This platform is designed both for use as a high-performance target drone and as a customizable strike weapon, which makes it versatile in various application scenarios.

As noted in the company's statement, Arrowhead was created as a specialized system that provides high flexibility in performing a wide range of tasks. Daniel Beck, Airworthiness Manager and Program Manager at Griffon Aerospace, emphasized, "Arrowhead has been specifically designed to provide our customers with unparalleled flexibility in carrying out various types of missions."

The versatility of the platform allows it to be used both for training air defense and missile defense systems — as a realistic target simulating modern threats — and in combat operations, where it can be adapted to attack functions. The possibility of modification to meet specific customer requirements makes Arrowhead a promising system for both military and testing structures.

The development of the MQM-172 reflects the trend towards creating multifunctional UAVs capable of operating efficiently in a changing operational environment and reducing overall costs by replacing several highly specialized systems with one universal platform.

Mako Hypersonic Missile: Compact weapon for stealth fighters

The Mako hypersonic missile, first presented at the Sea Air Space 2024 exhibition, has become one of the most discussed innovations in the world of military technology. Developed by Lockheed Martin, this missile is capable of speeds up to Mach 5 and is designed for use from various aerial platforms, including the most advanced fighter jets.

Its compact size and modular design attract special attention. Due to these characteristics, Mako can be placed in the internal armament compartments of the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters. This is an important breakthrough — previously, hypersonic weapons, due to their large size, could only be mounted on external suspension units, which reduced the stealth of aircraft and limited their use.

The ability to integrate Mako into the compartments of stealth fighters allows them to maintain low radar visibility and at the same time provides a powerful long-range strike. This combination makes the missile extremely valuable for operations in conditions of high air defense density.

Mako's development comes amid an intensifying race of hypersonic technologies between the world's leading powers. This missile could be a turning point in U.S. strategy, expanding the capability for fast and accurate strikes over long distances and consolidating operational air superiority.

Raytheon has improved the "vision" of marine helicopters: new multispectral guidance MTS-A HD is introduced

 

Raytheon, part of RTX Corporation, has raised the bar for surveillance and guidance systems on marine helicopters. At the exhibition, they presented an updated version of their proven multispectral guidance system (MTS), the new MTS-A HD model. The main goal of this update is to help U.S. Navy helicopters better "see" and aim more accurately in a complex and often unstable marine environment.

What has changed? The new MTS-A HD system boasted several improvements at once. First, there is increased image clarity — operators now get a more detailed and clear picture, which is crucial when performing complex tasks such as search and rescue, reconnaissance or weapon guidance. Secondly, the accuracy of guidance has been improved, which directly affects the effectiveness of combat operations. And, thirdly, the system has become even more flexible in operation.

The key advantage of MTS-A HD is its versatility. It is designed as a modular solution compatible with all current and future platforms of the US Navy marine helicopters. This means that it can be easily integrated into different types of vehicles, from anti-submarine to search and rescue. Moreover, Raytheon positions its system as cost—effective - it allows upgrading existing helicopters without requiring a complete replacement of complex and expensive electronics.

As a result, the MTS-A HD is not just a new camera, but a major step forward in providing naval pilots and operators with superior visual control and tactical advantage in the water area.

1 U.S. Infantry Division Implements Black Hornet 3 Nanodron to Increase Situational Awareness

The 1st Infantry Division of the US Army has unveiled the latest addition to its arsenal, the Black Hornet 3 from Teledyne FLIR. This combat-proven nano-drone weighing just 33 grams is designed to provide real-time surveillance while remaining virtually invisible to the enemy.

Black Hornet 3 provides infantry with instant and continuous situational awareness both day and night, in difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions. Due to its low noise level and compact design, the drone is capable of performing covert reconnaissance, which provides a significant advantage in close combat and urban operations.

The nanodron is equipped with highly sensitive cameras, including a thermal imager, and transmits live video and photos to the control panel, expanding the visual coverage of units on the battlefield. The new version of the Black Hornet can operate in the absence of GPS, fly faster and further, and has a modular design that allows you to quickly change batteries and sensors.

The use of the Black Hornet 3 in 1st Infantry Division training and operations demonstrates the U.S. Army's commitment to integrate advanced technology to enhance combat effectiveness and soldier safety. This drone has already proven its reliability in various conflicts and is used in more than 30 countries.

Thus, the Black Hornet 3 becomes an important tool for the modern soldier, providing critical information and increasing the chances of success in difficult combat conditions.

Black Hornet 3

IVECO introduces SUPERAV Land: a new tactical armored vehicle for ground operations

SUPERAV Land

IVECO Defense Vehicles (IDV) has officially unveiled a new model in its line of armored combat vehicles — SUPERAV Land. This vehicle is based on the proven SUPERAV amphibious platform, which has already proven itself in the armed forces of several countries, but is adapted exclusively for ground tactical operations.

The new version features improved mobility, survivability, and adaptability to various types of combat missions. Unlike the basic amphibious version, SUPERAV Land is optimized for operations in a land environment, which has increased its maneuverability, protection and functionality in a modern battlefield.

The armored vehicle is equipped with enhanced mine protection, a modular reservation system and modern communications equipment, which makes it suitable for a wide range of missions, from transporting amphibious units to being used as a command and staff or reconnaissance vehicle. It is also possible to install various combat modules, including remotely controlled turrets and active protection systems.

IVECO Defense Vehicles positions SUPERAV Land as the ideal solution for armies seeking flexible use of technology in a rapidly changing tactical environment. The novelty has already attracted interest from a number of NATO countries interested in modernizing their armored forces.

GDELS presents a new self-propelled artillery system at FEINDEF 2025

Company General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) preparing to present its new self-propelled artillery system at the upcoming International Defense and Security Exhibition FEINDEF 2025, which will be held in Madrid. This system combines advanced technologies of modularity, mobility and automation, offering a modern solution for fire support on the battlefield.

The novelty is based on the well-proven ASCOD tracked chassis, which has been adapted and integrated with a fully automated 155 mm/52 caliber Artillery Module (AGM). This combination was made possible by GDELS' collaboration with the KMW + Nexter Defense Systems (KNDS) concern.

The central element of the system is the AGM tower, based on the design of the legendary German self-propelled gun PzH 2000, but modified to meet new combat requirements. It is characterized by a high degree of automation of loading, fire control and reloading, which significantly increases the rate of fire and reduces the reaction time to a change in the situation.

One of the key advantages of the new platform is its ** mobility and lower weight compared to traditional heavy artillery systems**. This makes it particularly attractive for rapidly changing theaters of war, where efficiency and maneuverability are important.

The creation of this system marks an important step in the development of modular solutions in ground-based weapons, allowing the armies of European countries to flexibly adapt their forces to modern challenges.

Kratos is developing new Apollo and Athena drones for the European market

The American company Kratos Defense & Security Technologies continues to expand its position in the market of combat unmanned aerial vehicles. The focus is on two new secret projects: Apollo and Athena, created as part of the so—called "Loyal Wingman" program, aimed primarily at European customers.

These drones are being developed as modular systems, which allows them to be adapted to various combat missions. According to the company, Apollo and Athena have a high degree of flexibility and can be used both as combat drones carrying weapons, as well as as electronic warfare platforms or reconnaissance systems with additional sensors.

Of particular interest is their ability to interact with third- and fourth-generation fighters, enhancing their combat capabilities and allowing them to perform missions in high-threat environments without risk to the pilot. This makes Apollo and Athena attractive solutions for countries seeking to modernize their air forces without completely switching to expensive fifth-generation fighters.

Despite the fact that these UAVs are smaller in size than the well-known XQ-58 Valkyrie, they are not inferior to it in technology and application potential. Flexible architecture and the ability to quickly reconfigure for a specific mission give them an advantage in today's rapidly changing battlefield.

The first OA-1K Skyraider II has been transferred to the US Air Force Special Operations Command

 

OA-1K Skyraider II

In early April 2025, the US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) received the first copy of the OA-1K Skyraider II light attack aircraft.This aircraft, developed on the basis of the Air Tractor AT-802 agrotechnical aircraft and modified by L3Harris, is designed to perform special missions, including ground operations support, reconnaissance and armed surveillance.

The OA-1K Skyraider II is a modular platform that can quickly adapt to various tasks. It can carry Hellfire missiles, GBU-12 laser bombs and other types of precision weapons.The aircraft is also equipped with modern electronic optics and radio communication systems, which allows it to perform tasks in difficult conditions.

The choice of a light attack aircraft has raised some doubts about its relevance in the modern era, when the main focus is on high-tech systems and opposition to major powers.However, representatives of the US Air Force emphasize that Skyraider II is designed for operations in low-threat environments and will be effective in combating asymmetric threats such as terrorism and illegal armed groups.In addition, its low cost of operation and its ability to deploy quickly make it attractive for special operations.

The first OA-1K Skyraider II was delivered at Hurlburt Air Force Base, Florida, and real-world testing will begin soon.It is planned that in the coming years, several dozen more such aircraft will be produced for the needs of special operations.

General Dynamics presents the new Pandur SHORAD 6x6 air defense vehicle at the AUSA Global Force 2025 exhibition

 General Dynamics is preparing to present its latest development in the field of air defense (air defense) at the AUSA Global Force 2025 exhibition. The new Pandur SHORAD 6x6 machine with a Moog RIwP turret will become one of the key exhibits, attracting the attention of specialists and enthusiasts of military equipment.

 Innovative Air Defense Machine

The Pandur SHORAD 6x6 is a state-of-the-art air defense vehicle designed to effectively protect ground troops from aerial threats. This machine is equipped with advanced weapons and electronics systems, which allows it to respond quickly and accurately to various threats.

Moog RIwP Tower

One of the key features of the new machine is the Moog RIwP (Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform) tower. This turret provides a high degree of modularity and flexibility, allowing you to install different types of weapons depending on the needs of the mission. The Moog RIwP turret is also equipped with modern guidance and fire control systems, which significantly increases the effectiveness of the vehicle in combat conditions.

 Advantages of Pandur SHORAD 6x6

The Pandur SHORAD 6x6 has a number of advantages that make it an ideal choice for modern armed forces. Firstly, the high mobility and maneuverability of the machine allow it to quickly move around the battlefield and occupy advantageous positions. Secondly, advanced weapons and electronics systems ensure high accuracy and efficiency when performing air defense tasks.

AUSA Global Force 2025 Exhibition

The AUSA Global Force 2025 exhibition is one of the largest and most significant events in the field of the defense industry. It gathers leading manufacturers of military equipment, specialists and representatives of the armed forces from all over the world. The presentation of the new Pandur SHORAD 6x6 machine at this exhibition highlights its importance and significance for the modern armed forces.

Pandur SHORAD 6x6