Israel is preparing a laser shield — in five years, Iran's missiles will burn up in the sky

Lasers instead of missiles: cheap protection against cheap threats

Michael Edelstein of Elbit Systems said that Israel's laser systems will be ready for full-scale use in less than five years. Already, on-board laser installations for fighter jets are in the final stages of development. And the Rafael Iron Beam ground-based system has passed real combat tests and will soon enter service with the Israel Defense Forces.

The bottom line is simple: instead of spending millions on interceptor missiles, shoot down cheap missiles and drones with a laser for pennies.

Iron Beam is already working — and it hits exactly

The Iron Beam is not a prototype. It has already been used in conditions close to combat, and has shown high efficiency. The system is capable of intercepting missiles, artillery shells and drones at short ranges. Unlike the Iron Dome, which spends $50-100 thousand per interception, the laser costs only a few dollars per shot.

It works according to the principle: aimed — turned on — burned. And it can work continuously as long as there is electricity.

Onboard lasers for fighter jets are already in development

Elbit is currently completing the creation of compact laser installations that can be installed directly on fighter jets, for example, on the F-16 or future F-35I. This will allow the aircraft to defend against surface–to-air missiles and even attack ground targets.

Imagine: a fighter is flying, sees MANPADS, and destroys it with one pulse. No rocket launch, no noise, no smoke. Just a light, and the target disappears.

Why does this change everything

Israel is currently spending billions on missile defense, but the threat is growing: Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas are all actively using missiles and drones. Lasers are not just a new weapon, they are a change in the defense economy.

One Iron Beam will be able to intercept hundreds of targets per day. And a network of such systems will make the country virtually invulnerable to massive attacks. And most importantly, it costs many times less than current systems.

Sources

1. Rossiyskaya Gazeta — how Israel plans to use lasers to destroy incoming missiles
2. Lenta.ru — Israel to field Iron Beam laser; contract details & performance
3. Building-Tech.org — Iron Beam laser shield for intercepting & destroying air threats
4. Wikipedia — Iron Beam mine & drone interception laser weapon
5. Lechaim.ru (via Ynetnews) — first combat intercept of Hezbollah drones with Iron Beam
6. Aurora Israel — world-first operational Iron Beam intercept, Israel’s technological milestone

F-15E taught to shoot down drones — APKWS II laser missiles are now in action

When a Fighter jet becomes a drone hunter

The F-15E Strike Eagle is a machine that was created to strike ground targets and fight fighter jets. But now he gets a new, unexpected role: a drone hunter. Earlier this year, the US Air Force urgently began equipping the F-15E with modified APKWS II laser-guided missiles to effectively destroy small drones and missiles in the Middle East.

It's not a whim, it's a necessity. The threat from cheap but dangerous drones has become too great.

APKWS II — not for bombing, but for precision strikes

The APKWS II is a 70mm missile originally developed for helicopters against ground targets. But now it has been upgraded: guidance systems have been added that are compatible with suspended targets in the air. Instead of carrying heavy and expensive air–to-air missiles, the F-15E can use the APKWS II to destroy drones that are not worth "firing a cannon at sparrows."

The missile is small, maneuverable, and laser—guided - it hits accurately even at a rapidly changing target. And most importantly, it's cheaper than the AIM-9 or AIM-120.

Why did the F-15E get the missiles first

The F-15E is not the first candidate for an anti—drone role. But it has key advantages: a powerful radar, the ability to carry a lot of weapons and stay in the patrol area for a long time. In addition, he is already working in hot spots, where such opportunities are needed.

The urgent implementation suggests that the Air Force is not waiting for the perfect solution, but is taking what works. The APKWS II has already been tested, is in stock, and can be quickly adapted. This is a real-time combat adaptation.

The Middle East is dictating new rules

Against the background of drone attacks on oil facilities, military bases and ships, the US Air Force realized that traditional air defense systems do not always keep up. And fighter jets flying in the air are the best shield.

Now the F-15E can not only accompany attack aircraft, but also clear the sky of threats. This is not a replacement for systems like Patriot, but an addition that is fast, accurate, and mobile.

Sources

1. Avia.pro — F-15E Strike Eagle first seen in anti-drone configuration with rocket pods
2. HighTech Plus — upgraded F-15E can destroy up to 42 UAVs per sortie
3. Topwar.ru — CENTCOM photo of F-15E armed for counter-UAV missions in the Middle East
4. Wikipedia — McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle overview
5. ProGuns.ru — F-15E receives new laser-guided APKWS II rockets
6. Kurazh.org — first APKWS rocket integration on U.S. fighters
7. Charter97.org — APKWS II combat use against drone threats

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 American company received 1.7 billion for the production of APKWS point missiles

From Hydra to Smart Weapon

Hudson, New Hampshire-based Warfare Systems has received a $1.7 billion contract from the Pentagon. The money will be used for the production and supply of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS) projectiles. We are talking about upgrading the old 2.75-inch unguided Hydra missiles — they are being turned into high-precision weapons with semi-active laser guidance.

Now, instead of pouring "Hydra" over squares, helicopters and airplanes will be able to hit accurately — as if they put nails in one point.

What is APKWS and why is it needed?

The APKWS is not a new rocket, but an upgrade kit. It is installed on existing Hydra missiles, adding a guidance system — a laser sensor and rudders. After launch, the rocket itself catches a reflected laser beam, which someone (infantry, drone, other aircraft) directs at the target.

The advantage is obvious: cheaper than the Hellfire, but almost as accurate. It is ideal for attacks on vehicles, shelters, and manpower — where a powerful warhead is not needed, but accuracy is critical.

Who will get the missiles: the United States and its allies

According to the Ministry of Defense, the contract is designed to supply up to 55,000 units in batches from 13 to 17. The missiles will go to both the U.S. Navy and Army, as well as partners in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. This means that APKWS will be used not only by American pilots, but also by allies, from NATO countries to Middle Eastern partners.

Such a large-scale order indicates that the system has taken root and has become the standard.

Why is demand growing now?

In modern conflicts, where minimizing collateral damage is important, point weapons are especially highly valued. APKWS allows you to launch attacks in urban environments without risking hitting civilians.

In addition, it can be installed on various platforms, from Apache helicopters to drones and light attack aircraft. Its versatility and low cost make APKWS one of the most sought-after solutions in its arsenal.

Sources

1. Topwar.ru — Pentagon’s large order for 55,000 APKWS II rockets
2. Army Recognition — exclusive on the $1.743 billion contract
3. Defence Industry Europe — global production and deliveries through 2031
4. FlightGlobal — APKWS II’s role against drone threats
5. Defence Express — cost and Ukraine usage of APKWS II
6. Overclockers.ru — $1.7 billion for APKWS II to counter UAVs

South Korea is testing ballistic missiles for KF-21 fighter jets

South Korea is actively working on the development of air-launched ballistic missiles, which has become part of a large-scale program to strengthen its strike aircraft. The goal of the development is to be able to deliver precision air strikes against strategically important targets.

In parallel, work is underway on specialized weapons designed to destroy the enemy's energy infrastructure. Such weapons can be used to disable key energy supply facilities, which reduces the combat capability of enemy forces.

Special attention is being paid to the integration of the new missile with the fifth-generation multirole fighter KF-21 Boramae, being developed by South Korean engineers. If the tests are successfully completed, the missile can be installed on board these aircraft, significantly expanding their combat capabilities.

The implementation of the program will strengthen South Korea's strategic defense power and enhance its ability to respond to threats on the Korean peninsula.

Germany and the USA in action: the new GMARS missile system is undergoing fire tests in the White Sands Desert

GMARS

Serious news from the high—tech weapons front: the joint project of two defense giants — German Rheinmetall and American Lockheed Martin - is entering the home stretch. Their brainchild, the Global Mobile Artillery Missile System (GMARS), is no longer just a mock-up on display, but a real combat platform that is currently undergoing rigorous testing at the legendary White Sands training ground in New Mexico, USA.

It should be recalled that GMARS was publicly presented to the world for the first time at the largest Eurosatory 2024 arms exhibition in Paris. Then the system made a splash: compact but powerful, it combines mobility, precision and high speed of deployment. Now, just a few months after the presentation, engineers and the military are already launching rockets in the desert — and this means that the project has moved from the "this will be cool" stage to the "this is already working" stage.

GMARS is a modular system that can be installed on almost any suitable truck or armored personnel carrier. It is capable of launching both rockets and precision-guided missiles, including those developed by Lockheed Martin, for example, systems based on GMLRS (guided missiles). This makes GMARS versatile: from infantry support to the destruction of enemy fortifications hundreds of kilometers away.

What is especially important is that the system was created taking into account modern realities. In an environment where troops must move quickly to avoid becoming a target for enemy drones and reconnaissance, GMARS allows you to "shoot and drive away." It can be deployed in a matter of minutes, strike and disappear from the position, which dramatically increases the survival rate of the calculation.

The White Sands trials are not just a demonstration of capabilities. Everything is checked there: the accuracy of the hit, the reliability of the system in extreme temperatures, the rate of reloading, resistance to vibrations and dust, as well as compatibility with various types of ammunition. Considering that the White Sands test site is a historic place where missiles have been tested since the Second World War, testing there is a sign of high confidence and seriousness of the project.

So far, neither Rheinmetall nor Lockheed Martin have disclosed all the technical details, but they hint that GMARS is already attracting the interest of several NATO countries. Deliveries are possible both to Europe and to the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, where the demand for modern, but at the same time mobile and inexpensive to maintain weapons systems is growing.

In fact, GMARS is the answer to the challenges of modern warfare: fast, accurate, scalable and compatible with existing systems. And if the tests are successful, we may see this system in service with new armies in the next couple of years.

Turkish "surprise container": Roketsan revealed a hidden launcher for barrage ammunition at IDEF 2025

 

EREN

At the IDEF 2025 International defense exhibition in Istanbul, the Turkish company Roketsan surprised the audience by presenting a truly unexpected version of its new EREN barrage ammunition system. The main feature is the container option, which radically changes how mobile operations can be conducted in enemy territory.

Imagine an ordinary cargo container mounted on the side of a truck. At first glance, this is a typical picture on any road. But inside this "civilian" container, an entire strike system is hidden: it is capable of carrying and launching up to 12 high-speed barrage munitions. This disguise allows you to deploy a powerful fire group almost anywhere without being noticed. This is a direct blow to the enemy's intelligence systems — the launcher looks like a harmless transport.

This innovation is not just another modification, but a real turning point in Turkey's strategy. It highlights the country's desire to create weapons that are both adaptable, survivable, and easily deployable. The system is ideal for quick reaction and pinpoint strikes on important targets, while remaining in the shadows.

The potential of this container platform is huge — it is interesting both for the Turkish army and for export markets. Its appearance vividly demonstrates the growing global trend towards the creation of multi-purpose modular weapon systems that can be quickly adapted to any task.

British "missile drone": TRV-150 with APKWS system can strengthen the Armed Forces

TRV-150

A new potentially powerful player for the Ukrainian armed forces has appeared on the horizon — the British heavy quadcopter TRV-150, capable of carrying high-precision missiles. BAE Systems has successfully tested this drone in the United States, and the results are impressive: the device has demonstrated the ability to hit both ground and air targets.

The secret of his fighting power lies in his weapons. The TRV-150 is equipped with APKWS II (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II) missiles. This system transforms conventional 70mm Hydra unguided aircraft missiles into laser-guided point weapons. Due to this, the drone can hit armored vehicles, fortifications and other important objects with a high probability, minimizing the risks to its forces.

Of particular interest is the fact that the TRV-150 is a modified version of the already famous Malloy T—150 drone, which, as you know, is already actively used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in particular, as part of the famous Baba Yaga group. This means that the integration of the TRV-150 into Ukrainian units can be much faster and easier, as logistics and basic skills have already been worked out.

The APKWS laser guidance system allows the drone to be used not only in offensive operations, but also in defensive ones, for example, to destroy enemy kamikaze drones. His appearance on the Ukrainian front could be a serious tactical reinforcement, adding to the existing solutions another universal and accurate tool for the fight.

Turkey has entered the hypersonic weapons race: the Tayfun Block-4 missile is presented

 

 Tayfun Block-4

Turkey has declared itself in the most elite military technology club. At one of the major defense exhibitions, the country officially presented for the first time its hypersonic cruise missile called Tayfun Block-4. This is not just a new missile, it is a claim to the status of a regional superpower in the military sphere.

What do we know about Tayfun? It's a monster: it weighs more than 7 tons, which is a huge mass for a cruise missile. And all this weight is not just metal. Inside is a multi—purpose warhead capable of delivering a crushing blow.

Tayfun's goals are the most important and protected:

* Air defense and missile defense systems are the very complexes that are supposed to shoot down missiles and airplanes.

* Control points are the brains of the enemy army.

* Military hangars, bases, command centers — everything that is critically important for warfare.

And now the main trump card is hypersonic speed. Although the exact speed has not yet been revealed (it's still a secret), the term "hypersonic" means that the rocket is flying at a speed of Mach 5 or higher (this is more than 6000 km/h!). This makes it extremely difficult to intercept. Modern air defense systems simply cannot keep up with such targets.

The missile is designed to hit targets at a distance of thousands of kilometers (the message says "several thousand kilometers"), which gives Turkey a powerful strategic leverage. Tayfun Block-4 is not just a step forward, it's a leap. The country is demonstrating that it can create weapons that were previously reserved only for the United States, Russia and China. The world of armaments is becoming more and more multipolar, and Turkey clearly wants to be among the leaders.

Australia Showed Its Teeth: NASAMS System Passed The Fire Test

Australia did not let itself be offended at the latest Talisman Sabre 2025 exercises, which took place from July 13 to August 4. They demonstrated their cool air defense system, NASAMS. This system, as it turned out, can shoot down almost anything that flies.: from airplanes to missiles, and at altitudes up to 15 kilometers. Its AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles are known for their precision, and they really don't miss.

NASAMS is already in service with the Australian forces, where it is served by the 16th Regiment of the Royal Artillery at Woodside Base. They have two such batteries that guard against anything that can come from the sky, from combat aircraft to drones and missiles.

At the Talisman Sabre 2025 exercises, the system proved itself one hundred percent. It worked successfully in real conditions, when the Australians trained together with the Americans and other allies. The exercises brought together more than 35,000 soldiers from 19 countries, which became a record event in the history of Australia. This highlights how important it is to work together now, especially on security and defense issues.

The successful launch of the AIM-120 AMRAAM from the NASAMS ground installation during the exercises showed that Australia is serious about protecting its skies. It has also strengthened its position as an important partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

Beretta Defense Technologies has introduced a weapon system for neutralizing drones at close range

 As the use of small unmanned aerial vehicles with a first-person view (FPV) in active combat zones increases, Beretta Defense Technologies (BDT) has introduced a new fully integrated weapon system specifically designed to neutralize aerial threats at close range.For the first time, a semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun has been adapted for use as a precision weapon to protect against drones.

This solution is based on the M4 AI Drone Guardian, produced by the Italian company Benelli Armi SpA. The platform is equipped with the Benelli Advanced Impact barrel system and is optimized for hitting drones at a distance of zero to 50 meters with advanced capabilities up to 100 meters under favorable conditions. According to BDT, this "old-school" approach has demonstrated exceptional effectiveness in defending against drones in close combat, offering an intuitive and direct method of defeat.

The US Air Force has successfully tested a lightweight version of the QUICKSINK anti-ship aerial bomb

On June 4, 2025, the US Air Force successfully tested a new lightweight version of the QUICKSINK anti-ship munition at the Gulf Test Range at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. During the test, the B-2 Spirit strategic stealth bomber dropped a 500-pound (about 226 kg) high-precision aerial bomb, demonstrating its flexibility and expanding the arsenal of weapons to defeat naval targets.

The QUICKSINK program is aimed at creating inexpensive, but powerful and accurate weapons capable of effectively hitting both stationary and moving surface ships. The new lightweight version of the munition expands the operational capabilities of combat unit commanders, allowing them to quickly respond to threats in the marine environment.

Dan Lehoski, Commander of the 53rd Air Wing, described QUICKSINK as an "affordable and revolutionary solution" for neutralizing naval targets. The project is being implemented jointly by the US Air Force Research Laboratory, the Air Force Combat Test Center and the Air Combat Operations Command.

The tests took place against the backdrop of the build-up of China's naval forces, which has the world's largest fleet, which poses serious challenges to US dominance in the Pacific Ocean. The development of QUICKSINK is designed to increase the effectiveness of American forces in countering such threats.