The network of US submarine bases in the Pacific Ocean: how America is rebuilding its navy against China

Why are the old databases no longer safe?

The current strategy of the US Navy in the Pacific Ocean is based on one alarming fact: many operating bases are no longer so protected. Yokosuka, Sasebo in Japan, and Chinhae in South Korea are key hubs, but they are all within range of Chinese medium—range missiles (up to 5,500 km). This makes them vulnerable to massive attacks in the early days of the conflict.

If the base goes down, the submarines lose access to repairs, ammunition, and supplies. Therefore, the United States and its allies are actively exploring alternatives — dispersed, hidden and flexible.

New locations — from Micronesia to Australia

America is expanding its network of strongholds to increase operational freedom. Among the proposed locations:

• Midway is a remote atoll where you can arrange light supplies and short—term parking.
• Chuuk Lagoon (Micronesia) is considered as an advanced expeditionary base capable of maintaining submarines in a combat position.
• Darwin, Australia — it is planned to place a floating dry dock for the repair of submarines here, which will dramatically reduce dependence on Japanese shipyards.
• Stirling, Australia — will become a nuclear submarine rotation center as part of the AUKUS partnership.

These points form a chain spanning the entire Indo-Pacific region.

What does a floating dock in Darwin and a rotation in Stirling provide?

The floating dock in Darwin is not just a convenience. This is an opportunity to carry out repairs and maintenance without returning to the USA or Japan. This is critical in the context of a protracted conflict.

Stirling will become a permanent home for the rotation of submarines: American and British submarines will be able to come here to rest, recharge and change crews. Australia, in turn, will eventually receive its own nuclear submarines, and the base will be ready to receive them.

How does this change the game with China

The new network of bases is not just logistics. This is a deterrence strategy. By having submarines in different locations, the United States can:

• Stay unnoticed longer,
• React faster to threats,
• Create uncertainty for the enemy — where exactly will the strike be?

The range of 1,000 nautical miles (about 1,850 km) in just two days is the pressure across the entire South Pacific Ocean. China can no longer be sure that its coast is safe.

Sources

1. Business Insider — US Navy submarines key to countering China’s navy
2. South China Morning Post — US nuclear submarine deployed to Guam boosts Pacific presence
3. Newsweek — Two American nuclear-powered submarines in Western Pacific
4. Atlantic Council — AUKUS and broader US defense partnerships in Indo-Pacific
5. X (Twitter) — proposed submarine base locations map

The US Marine Corps launched missiles at ships from Okinawa — the new NMESIS system is in action

NMESIS — mobile missile salvo from the shore

In recent weeks, the US Marines have been actively practicing a new tactic: launching anti-ship missiles from shore at naval targets. For the first time, this was done from Okinawa, a key American foothold in Japan. The missiles were launched from the NMESIS (Naval/Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System), a mobile, stealthy and extremely dangerous system for enemy ships.

This is not just an exercise. This is a demonstration of how the United States is changing the rules of the game in the Pacific Ocean.

Studying in Japan is not just an exercise, but a signal

The NMESIS system arrived in Japan on July 10, after which the Marines of the 3rd Division spent several weeks in intensive training. They practiced deployment, camouflage, targeting, and finally launch. The successful launch was a confirmation of combat readiness.

The location in Okinawa is not an accident. This is the closest point to potential "hot spots". Here you can control the East China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and even part of the South China Sea.

How does a system that hides and hits accurately work?

NMESIS is not a stationary launcher. It is an unmanned truck based on the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) chassis, which can move through difficult terrain, disguise itself and quickly change position. It is equipped with two Naval Strike Missile (NSM) missiles from the Norwegian Kongsberg.

The missiles are inconspicuous, maneuver in front of the target and hit with high accuracy. And most importantly, the system is autonomous. You can deploy it, launch it, and leave it without leaving a trace. It is almost impossible for the opponent to understand where the blow came from.

185 km to the goal — why is the USA in the Pacific Ocean

A range of 185 kilometers is not just a number. This is a zone where you can reach enemy ships without leaving the cover of the land. Imagine a small group of Marines deploying on an island, launching missiles and disappearing. During this time, the ship can already be hit.

This tactic is part of the "distributed operations" strategy, where there are no large bases, but there are many small, secretive and deadly points. This makes the opponent vulnerable and limits his freedom of action.

Sources

1. Japan Times — NMESIS deployment & training on Okinawa
2. Stars and Stripes — 3rd Marine Division live-fire rehearsal at Camp Hansen
3. Newsweek — strategic importance of NMESIS in Indo-Pacific deterrence
4. Army Recognition — technical overview & 185 km NSM range
5. USNI News — first Japan-based training; kill-chain rehearsal
6. Defence Blog — rapid-reload drills with ROGUE-Fires JLTV

Australia fired at a target from 480 km away — and hit: new PrSM missiles went through fire, water and desert

 

The Australian Army has just taken a major step in its military development: in the desert of the Northern Territory, at the Mount Bundy training ground, they successfully tested a new generation of PrSM (Precision Strike Missile) for the first time - and the result turned out to be as accurate as a surgeon. The rocket flew to the target at a distance of more than 480 kilometers (300 miles) and hit the target point without missing.

It was not just a test, but a combat launch — that is, the rocket did not just take off, but completed the real task, destroying the conditional target. Most importantly, these are the first PrSM tests outside the United States, which highlights Australia's growing role as a strategic partner in the Pacific region.

The rocket, developed by the American company Lockheed Martin, was launched from the HIMARS mobile launcher, the one that became a star in Ukraine. Its advantage is high accuracy, long range and the ability to quickly relocate. Now Australia gets a powerful tool to defeat enemy bases, warehouses, air defenses and command posts without exposing its forces to attack.

The Mount Bundy trials are not just a show-off. They are designed to strengthen Australia's strike potential in the face of growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. The further an army can strike, the higher its chance of winning in any conflict.

PrSM is the future of artillery: smart, fast, long—range, and essentially unmanned. And now Australia has it.

The C-130J will have "fins" — the US Air Force is testing a new product to save fuel

 

American C—130J Hercules transporters may have strange fins on their tails. The US Air Force, more specifically the Special Operations Command (AFSOC), has begun testing thin keel plates developed by Vortex Control Technologies. They look like small aerodynamic "ears" — but, according to the idea, they should seriously improve the characteristics of the aircraft.

What does this mean? The main goal is to reduce fuel consumption and increase flight range. The plates work according to the principle of controlling air vortices in the tail section of the aircraft — they "smooth out" the flow, reduce turbulence and, as a result, reduce aerodynamic drag.

For C-130J-type transporters, who often fly with heavy loads, at the limit of their capabilities and without fuel reserves, even a small gain in efficiency is already a victory. We may be talking about percentages, but on the scale of a fleet and long—term operation, this means millions of dollars in savings.

Plus, the increased range is especially important for special forces: they often need to fly far, quietly and without refueling. Any improvement is a direct bonus in survival and mission flexibility.

The best part is that the system is cheap and easy to install. No alterations to the engine or fuselage. They just screwed on the plates and flew on, spending less.

If the tests are successful, the entire C-130J fleet can be equipped with such "fins". And who would have thought — the future of fuel economy does not start with a new engine, but with small parts on the tail.

Pentagon Launches Production Of New Tactical PrSM Missiles: Preparing for Major Conflicts

The Pentagon has announced the start of mass production of new Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) tactical missiles. These missiles are designed for multi-Domain tactical groups (MDTF) in Europe, the Arctic and the Asia-Pacific region. It is possible that several complexes will be sent to Ukraine to test them in combat conditions.

PrSM is a modern replacement for ATACMS. The range of these missiles is 500 kilometers, which makes them an intermediate link between multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) and short—range ballistic missiles. Such missiles have already been used in local wars, for example, Russia is actively using Iskander-M in its special operation. Ukraine also has something to respond to: they have Soviet Tochka-U and American ATACMS.

The PrSM project began in 2016, and the first pre-production samples entered the army in the fall of 2023. The launchers for these missiles are the same as those of the ATACMS: the M-142 HIMARS MLRS (two missiles in ammunition) and the M—270 MLRS (four missiles).

The PrSM program is divided into four stages. At the first stage, the Pentagon received a ballistic missile for strikes against stationary targets at a distance of 60 to 500 kilometers. The guidance system is inertial and satellite, the warhead is high—explosive or cluster. Its weight is estimated from 100 to 230 kilograms. This is the initial version, which is subject to the limitations of the INF Treaty.

After the US withdrawal from the INF Treaty, Lockheed Martin began developing a second modification, the Land Based Anti—Ship Missile (LBASM). The range of this missile is up to a thousand kilometers. It has a multi-mode homing head operating in the radar and infrared ranges. This allows the missile to capture and hit moving targets in the final section of the trajectory. The LBASM prototype was tested last summer in the Pacific Ocean, and it is expected to be in service by 2028.

There are two more modifications. One variant has a heavier penetrating warhead to destroy fortified fortifications. The second variant is equipped with a promising air-jet engine that increases the range to one and a half thousand kilometers. If you launch such missiles from Poland, they will reach Moscow.

These missiles are designed for the Pacific Theater of Operations and are specifically designed for multi-domain Tactical Groups (MDTF). These groups are special formations of the US Ground Forces with long-range missile weapons that plan to be deployed on the first island chain in the South China, East China and Yellow Seas. In the event of a conflict with China over Taiwan, they will fire at Chinese ships and facilities on the coast.

Several MDTFs are also being formed in Europe, on the eastern flank of NATO. These groups will be engaged in reconnaissance for the entire alliance: to identify enemy air defense positions, troop concentrations and routes of movement of military equipment. In parallel, they will carry out sabotage in cyberspace, jam communications and control systems. The next step is to strike at key military infrastructure facilities.

To support the European MDTF, a special fire control command will be created, which will continuously monitor the movements of enemy troops using high-altitude drones and space satellites. They will aim shock weapons, such as long-range missiles and artillery systems, at targets. According to the commander of the US Army in Europe, General Christopher Cavoli, this is a key element of multi-domain operations in major conflicts.

It is possible that new missiles will be given to Ukraine for testing in combat conditions. Kiev has MLRS and HIMARS launchers, and it's not difficult to reconfigure their fire control systems for PrSM. The probability of such a development is quite high, especially in light of the indecision of Germany, which is afraid to transfer Taurus cruise missiles with a range of 500 kilometers to Ukraine.

Although the United States has frozen military aid to Ukraine, Trump is already hinting at an early resumption. He claims that the Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive exclusively "defensive" weapons, but in no military regulations in the world are the means of defeating the enemy divided into "defensive" and "offensive". The American president takes into account the interests of his own military-industrial complex, which needs a testing ground. Ukraine is an ideal option.

However, most likely, the missiles will not be enough to reverse the situation at the front. Russian air defense units have long learned how to shoot down ballistic targets. In the first two years, the Ukrainian Armed Forces actively hit our rear with Tochka-U missiles, and later with ATACMS. Neither became a superweapon for Kiev. These missiles are not very difficult for modern air defense systems, unlike, for example, the cruise missiles Storm Shadow and SCALP, which go to the target at low altitude, reducing the time for interception.

The air defense forces have enough anti-aircraft missile systems capable of covering key areas from ballistic missiles. These are the S-300V4, S-400, S-350 Vityaz, Buk-M2 and Buk-M3. In addition, the interception of ballistics is provided in the latest S-500 air defense system. However, the most effective method of combating the operational-tactical missile systems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is destruction on the ground. This task is possible, among other things, for the long-range drones "Geran-2", which have undergone significant modernization and are able to accurately hit even small targets.

MightyFly Autonomous Cargo eVTOL: 600-mile range and military application prospects

 

The California-based company MightyFly has successfully demonstrated the capabilities of its Cento autonomous cargo drone, equipped with a patented autonomous load management System (ALMS). The tests took place at New Jerusalem Airport in California and were organized in cooperation with the US Department of Defense. During the event, the aircraft demonstrated a full cycle of operations — from autonomous takeoff to loading, unloading, balancing and transporting cargo without human intervention.

The stated flight range attracted particular attention. — 600 miles (about 970 km), which significantly exceeds the performance of most modern eVTOL devices. For comparison, according to various sources, the average range of the existing models ranges from 30 to 250 km. This high level of autonomy makes Cento a promising tool for logistical and even military tasks.

The ALMS system allowed eVTOL to independently place and secure loads in a special compartment. This opens up new horizons in the field of delivery automation, especially in hard-to-reach or dangerous areas. According to the company's representatives, such technologies can be used not only in the civilian, but also in the military sphere, ensuring fast and safe transportation of supplies to the front lines.

The flight tests were conducted as part of a U.S. Air Force program aimed at accelerating the development of autonomous hybrid-electric cargo aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing. Such devices can replace traditional delivery systems in conditions of limited infrastructure, such as runways or roads.

Blueberry kamikaze drones used for the first time on AFU positions in Kharkiv

For the first time, Russian troops used the new Blueberry series drones in attacks on the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Kharkov. This is reported by relevant sources.

Drones are made in two versions:

The Blueberry-1 is a lightweight drone with a range of up to 80 km, a cruising speed of 75 km/h and a working height of up to 1.5 km. Designed to hit light targets.

The Blueberry-2 is a heavy version with a warhead of up to 3.5 kg, a range of up to 100 km and a target guidance function. The drone is less vulnerable to electronic warfare and can fly to a given area offline, requiring operator intervention only at the final stage of the attack.

According to sources, the Blueberry-2 was specially designed to destroy enemy dugouts, shelters and armored vehicles.

Tiberius Aerospace presents the Sceptre guided munition at the Future Artillery Conference

 

At the Future Artillery conference in London, the young British defense company Tiberius Aerospace presented the 155 mm guided Sceptre ammunition. It is equipped with a ramjet engine and is capable of striking at a distance of up to 160 km. Scepter promises superior accuracy and significantly increases the cost-effectiveness of howitzer-class artillery guns.

A conventional projectile fired from a standard 155 mm NATO howitzer has a range of 35 km. If we add drag reduction technology, a short-life rocket engine and a precision guidance system, the range can be increased to 70 km, writes New Atlas. That's not bad, but if you want more, you can install a ramjet engine, as Tiberius Aerospace did.

A field artillery gun expels a projectile from the barrel with gases. As soon as the projectile leaves the barrel, it moves in a ballistic arc at a speed of about 830 m/s and drops when air resistance takes over. Some projectiles enhanced by rocket engines can receive additional acceleration, but only for a limited time. A ramjet engine (RAMJET) turns a projectile into an aircraft capable of stable flight. The initial acceleration is provided by the howitzer, but after ignition, the RAMJET begins to create stable thrust for a longer time, compared to rocket engines. This significantly increases the range of the projectile, allowing it to fly at supersonic speeds and at high altitude.

The Sceptre TRBM 155HG ammunition is designed for a standard 155 mm artillery piece. The claimed flight range is 140-160 km, with a maximum speed of 3.5 Mach numbers. The ceiling is 20,000 m, which allows the projectile to be removed from the range of electronic warfare devices. With high accuracy of hitting the target (an error of 5 m), it means that the mass of the explosive can be reduced to 5.2 kg.

Altitude is especially important because the Sceptre is a high—precision projectile with a hybrid GPS/inertial guidance system and advanced guidance correction using artificial intelligence that can hit a target with an error of 16 feet (5 m). Flying at high altitude takes Sceptre out of range of electronic warfare devices. In addition, the ability to maintain such precision means that it can manage an explosive payload of only 11.5 pounds (5.2 kg).

Sceptre runs on liquid fuel and is compatible with diesel fuel and JP-4 and JP-8 jet rocket fuel. The company claims that the projectile has passed field tests in the United States, and its cost is significantly cheaper than that of missiles of comparable range.

The American military industrial company Northrop Grumman is developing a multi-level layered protection system against UAV attacks, the main element of which should be a chain gun loaded with homing ammunition. The system will save millions of dollars due to the low cost of a shot compared to conventional air defense systems.

China conducted its first public aerial refueling exercises with a Y-20U tanker and H-6N bombers

Y-20U tanker and H-6N strategic bomber

For the first time, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) publicly demonstrated its aerial refueling capabilities by conducting large-scale exercises involving the new Y-20U air tanker and H-6N strategic bombers. These maneuvers have become an important stage in the development of aviation infrastructure and the expansion of the range of Chinese strategic aviation.

Features of the exercises

- The Y-20U tanker is an upgraded version of the Y—20 transport aircraft, equipped with air refueling systems, which significantly increases the operational range of fighters and bombers.

- H—6N strategic bombers - capable of carrying cruise missiles and performing long-range strike missions.

- During the exercises, procedures for refueling in the air were worked out, including docking, fuel transfer and maneuvers in difficult conditions.

The public conduct of such exercises indicates the growth of the PLA's capabilities in the field of strategic aviation and increased readiness for long-range operations. Aerial refueling expands the range of bombers, allowing them to quickly respond to threats far beyond national borders.

The development of air refueling technologies and the expansion of the Y-20U tanker fleet will allow China to conduct larger and longer-term air operations in the future, which will significantly increase its influence on the international arena.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries presents the concept of unmanned modernization of the Type 89 infantry fighting vehicle

 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has introduced the concept of an unmanned modernization of an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) Type 89. The proposal includes converting the vehicle into an unmanned ground vehicle (UAV) by replacing its troop compartment with eight launch tubes for Switchblade 600 barrage ammunition and integrating the turret with a 30 mm automatic cannon. This configuration eliminates the function of transporting vehicle personnel and repurposes it for a long-range precision strike. The initiative assumes that the platform will be remotely controlled, but this concept remains at an early conceptual stage.

The Czech company LPP Holding has started mass production of attack UAVs of the MTS series for the Armed Forces of Ukraine

 The Czech company LPP Holding has started mass production and has already supplied the Armed Forces with several dozen new attack UAVs of the MTS series, controlled by AI.

Drones move autonomously even in conditions of strong electronic warfare and navigate through the camera using offline maps without using GPS.

The MTS series includes three types of drones:

the MTS05 is equipped with an electric motor and has a radius of several tens of kilometers.; 

MTS25 – equipped with an internal combustion engine, has a radius of hundreds of km;

MTS40 – has a powerful internal combustion engine, capable of carrying a warhead up to 12 kg.

Drones can be equipped with cumulative, high-explosive fragmentation and anti-tank thermobaric warheads of various sizes.

A drone from the MTS series

Iranian Sadid-345 planning bomb: characteristics and capabilities

 

The Sadid-345 planning Iranian bomb

Iran's experience in using Sadid missiles and bombs in the Syrian war has led to the production of a new type of Sadid-class bombs. The Sadid-345 bomb was also presented at the exhibition of achievements of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in 2014. In the Sadid-345 bomb, the front wings have become fixed, and it is designed to provide the maximum lift-to-drag ratio. But the rear wings still fold into the body of the bomb. It should be noted that the only representative of the Sadid family, the technical characteristics of which were officially announced and published at the MAKS-2017 exhibition in Russia, is the Sadid-345 planning bomb.

According to the specifications of Sadid-345, this bomb is suitable for attacking enemy manpower, radar equipment and artillery. This bomb has three types of guidance, one of which is television guidance, the accuracy of which is the lowest, with an accuracy error of 5 meters. To obtain a television-quality image, good weather conditions are needed, and this imposes very large restrictions on the effective use of the bomb. But there is also a type of Sadid-345 bomb with a laser-guided seeker, which has a declared deviation error of 2.5 meters from the target. Laser guidance also loses its effectiveness in dusty and foggy weather conditions. The third type of conventional guidance on this bomb is guidance with an IR seeker, the accuracy is also 2.5 meters, which is a very good indicator. Considering that the Sadid-345 bomb with a thermal imaging seeker can be used in any weather conditions.

The mass of the warhead and the range of the Sadid-345 bomb were not reported. Taking into account the increase in the length of the Sadid-345 by 470 mm and the increase in the weight of the bomb by almost 15 kg, the estimated weight for this bomb can be considered about 20 kg of explosives. It should be noted that in the above calculation, the increase in the weight of the wings is considered equal to the removal of the engine and its fuel consumption. Some sources mention a variant named Sadid-362, which must be the same as Fatah-362, that is, the Sadid-1 missile.

Technical characteristics of the Sadid-345 gliding bomb:

- Weight: 34 kg

- Length: 1630 mm

- Diameter: 152 mm

- Type of warhead: Cumulative

- Objectives: Destroy various moving and stationary targets

- Warhead: BB H6 – fragmentation

- Fuse type: Impact

- Damage radius: 30 meters

- Type of aircraft: UAV

- Accuracy of hitting:

When using the IR seeker, the accuracy of hitting within the target radius is 2.5 x 2.5 meters.

When using a laser seeker, the accuracy of hitting from laser radiation is 2.5 meters.

When using optical GPS in the absence of image processing errors, the accuracy of the radius of damage is 5 meters.

The United States will supply Ukraine with upgraded GLSDB bombs

 

GLSDB Ground Bombs

According to Western sources, improved versions of Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB) are among the weapons that will be sent to Ukraine after the United States resumed military assistance and intelligence sharing with Kiev. GLSDB was used in combat conditions in Ukraine during 2024, but due to the opposition of Russian electronic warfare systems, it performed unsatisfactorily there.

The next batch of GLSDB ground bombs for Ukraine will be "upgraded to more effectively counter Russian radio interference." The issue of providing GLSDB to Ukraine was back on the agenda after President Donald Trump's administration agreed on March 11, 2025, to resume arms supplies after Kiev stated that it was ready to support the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia.

GLSDB is especially necessary to fill the shortage of ammunition for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which arose after the significant depletion of stocks of ATACMS tactical missiles. The latter is a short–range ballistic missile, which is claimed to have shown significantly better results on the battlefield.

Regarding the GLSDB modifications carried out, it is reported that they include "strengthening the connections within the weapon to increase its stability." Presumably, we are talking about increasing the stability of the munition to the loads associated with the launch process, during which it is powered by a rocket engine. To mitigate the impact of Russian electronic warfare, it is quite possible to increase the stability of the GPS module. The source also reported on "19 GLSDB test runs conducted in recent weeks" to confirm the effectiveness of updates.

Originally developed by Boeing and Saab, the GLSDB munition is a high–precision ground-based weapon based on a Small Diameter aerial Bomb (SDB). Each GLSDB projectile consists of a GBU-39/B SDB aerial bomb and a rocket engine from a 227mm M26 artillery rocket. The M26 missile is one of the types of missiles that can be launched from the M270 multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) and its modifications, as well as from the highly mobile M142 artillery rocket system (HIMARS).

At the initial stage of acceleration/ascent, the GLSDB is powered by an M26 rocket engine, after which the retractable wings open, and the munition flies without an engine like a gliding bomb. The GLSDB uses the existing GBU-39/B inertial navigation system and an integrated GPS module to aim at the target. The GLSDB firing range is about 153 km, which makes it particularly relevant for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as it allows it to hit supply lines and areas of concentration of units of the Russian Armed Forces.

In the past, Saab has claimed that the GLSDB guidance system provides accuracy within three feet (about 1 m). Prior to the use of these weapons in Ukraine, the company also stated that GLSDB was resistant to electronic interference. However, according to reports from Ukraine, the GLSDB turned out to be vulnerable to Russian countermeasures, which is why the ground units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine abandoned these weapons.

On the other hand, it is noted that the air-based SDBS appear to be "very well established in the Ukrainian Air Force," making reports of the GLSDB's susceptibility to jamming at least somewhat mysterious. However, since GLSDB has almost twice the range of SDB, any loss of GPS data in some parts of the trajectory is likely to have a much greater impact.

Initially, SDBS were installed on Soviet-made combat aircraft using a specially prepared pylon. Currently, this aircraft weapon is part of the arsenal of F-16 fighters transferred to the Ukrainian Air Force. Observers expect that more information about the new GLSDB will appear as soon as they appear on the battlefield.              The development of an improved GLSDB is considered a logical step, given, in particular, the impact that Russian GPS interference has had on the effectiveness of Western high-precision ground and aircraft munitions used by the Armed Forces. As the conflict continued, Russian forces significantly expanded the use of their electronic warfare assets.

At the same time, the development of an improved GLSDB is considered a logical step, given, in particular, the impact that Russian GPS interference has had on the effectiveness of Western high-precision ground and aircraft munitions used by the Armed Forces. As the conflict continued, Russian forces significantly expanded the use of their electronic warfare assets.

Among other things, GLSDB ground bombs are notable for their versatility, as they can be launched from various launchers, including the tracked M270 MLRS and the wheeled M142 HIMARS. Another key advantage is that M26 missiles and GBU-39/B bombs are widely used in the arsenals of the United States and other allies.

Saudi Arabia to receive AIM-120C-8 missiles

 Saudi Arabia is about to receive the latest generation of advanced AIM-120C-8 (AMRAAM) medium-range air-to-air missiles, which will significantly enhance the ability of the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) to counter high-speed aerial threats and maintain air superiority in one of the most unstable regions of the world. This $3.5 billion U.S. arms deal, approved and released through the Defense and Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), marks an important step in the Kingdom's ongoing modernization of its air combat capabilities, providing RSAF with a missile system that provides extended range, improved target discrimination, and superior performance in contested areas. conditions of electronic warfare.

A new high-precision ammunition for the MAM-L UAV has been developed

 

High-precision ammunition for the MAM-L UAV

Developed by the Turkish company Roketsan specifically for use with UAVs, the high-precision small–sized ammunition (bomb) MAM-L (SMM - Smart Micro Munition) weighing 22 kg is actually a "trimmed" version of the ATGM Roketsan L-UMTAS (weight 37.5 kg) with the removal of the rocket engine section and equipped with a laser semi-active guidance system. The length of the ammunition is 1 m, the caliber is 160 mm. A 10 kg warhead can be of two types – high-explosive fragmentation or tandem cumulative. It is claimed that when dropped from a significant altitude, the range of the MAM-L exceeds 8 km. The MAM-L (Smart Micro Munition) is a special lightweight guided munition designed for attack drones. This bomb is equipped with a high-precision laser beam guidance system and performs a gliding flight to the target. The ammunition guidance system allows you to hit with an error of no more than one meter.The combat effectiveness of the MAM-L has already been proven when using the Bayraktar TB2 by the armed forces of the Republic of Turkey. As the experience of the Turkish army has proved, high-precision guidance of ammunition and a relatively small warhead make it possible to use the MAM-L against an enemy who is hiding behind civilian objects, without risking civilian life. 

Specifications:

- Diameter: 160 mm

- Length: 1000 mm

- Weight: 22 kg

- Maximum range: 8 km

- Type of warhead: high-explosive fragmentation or tandem cumulative

- Control system: Laser beam guidance GPS

- Target type: Heavy armored vehicles and armored vehicles

- Media: UAVs, light attack aircraft.

The Taiwanese company introduced the SeaShark 800 unmanned boat

 

SeaShark 800

The Taiwanese company Thunder Tiger has introduced another crew-less boat SeaShark 800

Designed to perform reconnaissance and strike missions. It can carry explosives on board. The boat has low radar visibility. 

Control: Supports dual-mode remote control technology by both satellite signal and radio frequency, ensuring stable and reliable communication under electronic jamming conditions. 

It is equipped with a swarm control system that allows you to coordinate the actions of several backups for group attacks or distributed monitoring.

The built-in AI target identification system automatically recognizes enemy ships and other preset targets to increase accuracy during strikes.

Declared characteristics

• length — 8.1 m

• width — 2.1 m

• height — 1.9 m

• draft — 0.5 m

• total displacement — 2.7 tons

• maximum speed — over 50 knots

• Cruising range is about 324 nautical miles (600 km).

BECK will also take part in the test swims in June along with other boats.

ISL IGB 50 Guided Bomb for Attack UAVs

 ISL IGB 50 guided bomb 

From the point of view of the overall architecture and design features, the IGB 50 product is a guided planning bomb. At the same time, the design of such ammunition uses a number of interesting solutions aimed at improving overall combat effectiveness.

An original fuselage has been developed for the IGB 50. It is made of composite material and has a special shape formed by two curved surfaces. In the central part there are longitudinal niches to accommodate the folding wing, and in the tail there are rudders and stabilizers. It is claimed that such a "glider" provides the required flight characteristics and reduces the visibility of the bomb for radars.

The exact dimensions of the bomb were not disclosed. Judging by the published materials, the length of the product does not exceed 1-1.2 m. The wingspan is not more than 0.8-1 m. The caliber of the aerial bomb is set at 50 kg. At the same time, the actual weight of the product may differ slightly from the stated one.

The IGB 50 is equipped with a combined control system. On the main part of the trajectory, the flight is carried out using satellite and inertial navigation. In the target area, an optoelectronic head is attached to the guidance process. The control system can be connected to the onboard equipment of the carrier drone to obtain the necessary data.

The optoelectronic GPS is made using artificial intelligence. Electronics and special software must determine the target against the background of various objects and accompany it regardless of the maneuvers of the ammunition. It is claimed that the IGB 50 product can attack a selected target along different trajectories. Both a gently sloping approach and an almost vertical drop are possible. In all cases, high accuracy of the hit is claimed.

After the drop, during an independent flight, the aerial bomb can reach a speed of at least 0.5 m. The claimed and proven drop range is 50 km. Perhaps the IGB 50 is capable of flying faster and further. Such parameters mainly depend on the characteristics of the media.

Chrysanthemum-S at the Army-2024 Forum

 

Chrysanthemum-S

The 9P157-2 combat vehicle of the 9K123-1 Chrysanthemum-S anti-tank missile system at the Army-2024 forum.

The Chrysanthemum self-propelled anti-tank complex is capable of hitting with high efficiency day and night, in any weather conditions and in any combat situation at a range of up to 6000 m all modern and promising tanks equipped with dynamic protection, any types of defensive structures, manpower, low-tonnage ships and boats, helicopters and low-speed, low-flying aircraft. 

▪️The complex includes: 

- combat vehicle 9P157-2, 

- A 9M123M missile with a cumulative tandem warhead, 

- A 9M123MF rocket with a high-explosive warhead, 

- means of technical control of combat vehicles and missiles, 

- educational and training facilities. 

The combat vehicle has two missile control channels: in automatic mode using radar guidance and semi - automatic mode with guided missiles in a laser beam . 

To defeat targets in both control channels, a single missile with two types of warhead is used: with a tandem cumulative warhead (with armor penetration up to 1200 mm behind dynamic protection) and a powerful high-explosive warhead.

Ukraine unveils the Bars drone rocket

 Ukraine has developed a new rocket, the Bars drone

Here's what the manufacturer says:

Bars was developed by private manufacturers. It belongs to the class of so-called cruise missile drones: it is a cross between a conventional cruise missile and a drone, more often an aircraft type with a warhead of about 50-100 kg and a small turbojet engine. Drone missiles can be launched from both ground installations and aircraft.

The range of the Leopard is approximately 700-800 km, it is a medium-range weapon. According to sources, a significant advantage of this missile is the possibility of mass production in Ukraine.

This is not the first such project, before that, we recall, there was a drone rocket "Trembita".

Saronic Technologies unveils 150-foot unmanned ship

 The American firm unveils a 150-foot giant unmanned spacecraft with a payload of 90,000 pounds and a range of 4,000 miles.The autonomous vessel is designed to sail up to 3,500 nautical miles or for 30+ days, depending on the mission requirements.

Texas-based American firm Saronic Technologies has unveiled a 150-foot medium unmanned surface vehicle (MUSV) known as the Marauder.

This statement was made after, how the company announced the acquisition of Gulf Craft shipbuilding company from Louisiana in order to accelerate its development in the field of autonomous shipbuilding.

Saronic said that with this acquisition, it has acquired a strategically located shipyard on the Gulf Coast, which will become a prototyping and manufacturing hub for its MUSV fleet.

Marauder