The French Navy has begun testing the CB 90HSM, Sweden's most modern amphibious assault boat

In the early summer of 2025, the French Navy began testing the advanced high-speed landing craft CB 90HSM, which is the most modern version of the CB 90 series in service with the Royal Swedish Navy. Some French officers and sailors received preliminary training on this vessel under the guidance of their Swedish colleagues, which was an important step in preparing for testing.

These tests cover the so-called "extended period", during which experts will evaluate the combat, transport and tactical capabilities of the boat in various conditions. The main goal is to determine to what extent the CB 90HSM meets the requirements of the French Marine Corps units — Fusiliers marins, which are responsible for protecting both naval bases and ships in open water.

The CB 90HSM is an upgraded version of the original **CB 90**, which has received improved ballistic protection, the ability to install remotely controlled combat modules, and more advanced navigation and communication systems. It is equipped with two Scania DI16 V8 diesel engines, which allows it to reach speeds of over 40 knots, as well as carry up to 21 passengers with full ammunition.

The tests conducted by the French navy may be the first step towards the possible acquisition of this type of boat for the needs of the fleet, especially given the increasing interest of NATO countries in rapid amphibious operations and counteraction in coastal areas. Given the successful operation of the CB 90HSM in Sweden and its high mobility, it is expected that it may be useful for other countries seeking to modernize their coastal and amphibious forces.

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.

Russian troops attacked the Ukrainian Armed Forces with the help of a new attack drone "Dan-M"

 This morning, Russian troops attacked the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces using a new type of attack jet drone "Dan-M." The UAVs were launched by the group.

The Dan-M was originally designed as a missile target for air defense training and testing. 

However, it was converted into an attack drone. Outwardly, the target is red, but the color of the shell has been changed in the impact version.

According to the enemy, the characteristics of the Dan-M are as follows:

flight time is 25-40 minutes,

speed is from 400 to 750 km/ h,

and flight altitude can reach 9 km.

Dan-M

The United States has successfully tested the Talon-A reusable hypersonic vehicle

 

The Talon-A reusable hypersonic vehicle has exceeded the speed of sound by five times

For the first time, the United States has conducted tests of a reusable hypersonic aircraft. An autonomous drone developed by Stratolaunch exceeded the speed by Mach 5 numbers during a test flight in March 2025. The Talon-A hypersonic vehicle launched from a carrier aircraft, flew over the Pacific Ocean and landed safely at the Space Forces base in California. 1.5 months later, the Pentagon revealed the test data.

In 1968, NASA, the US Air Force and the US Navy closed the X-15 program for the development of a rocket plane for hypersonic and suborbital flights, which lasted for almost 10 years and studied extreme speeds. Then the experimental aircraft set a speed record for manned vehicles — Mach 6.7.

Its successor, the Talon-A, was designed by Stratolaunch, founded in 2011 by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. The flights were conducted as part of the MACH-TB program, a Pentagon initiative aimed at accelerating the development of hypersonic weapons through the use of commercially available test platforms. According to Stratolaunch representatives, the company's reusable platform offers a cheaper and faster alternative to traditional one-time systems, allowing faster data acquisition and retesting.

The Talon-A2 was launched over the Pacific Ocean from under the wing of a huge Roc carrier aircraft with two twin fuselages and a wingspan of 117 meters, which also belongs to Stratolaunch. The drone accelerated to speeds exceeding Mach 5 and landed at the Vanderberg Military Space Base in California.

During the flight of the first single-use Talon-A model, which took place in March 2024, a supersonic speed of just under Mach 5 was achieved. The new version, TA-2, is fully reusable. The Talon-A2 is equipped with a Ursa Major Hadley rocket engine. It is a reusable 2.3-ton rocket engine powered by liquid oxygen and oxygen-enriched kerosene with a hybrid combustion cycle designed for small launch vehicles and hypersonic vehicles.

The success of these trials marks a turning point for Stratolaunch, which has been struggling financially since Allen's death in 2018. The company, originally created for the aerial launch of orbital rockets, was bought in 2019 by Cerberus Capital Management, and has since begun to engage in hypersonic testing. This turnaround was a lifesaver for the company, as it attracted attention and funding from the Pentagon.

China demonstrates hypersonic technology: defeating global targets in 30 minutes

 

China has claimed significant success in developing hypersonic weapons capable of reaching any point on the planet in less than half an hour. According to Chinese military researchers, the latest hypersonic missiles can reach speeds of up to  Mach 20, which is approximately 13,000 miles per hour, and at the same time be launched from various platforms — from ground-based launchers to satellites in space.

According to a recent report, specialists from the People's Liberation Army Missile Forces of China emphasized that the key element of this technology are gliding combat modules capable of maneuvering at supersonic speeds and accurately hitting targets. Such warheads can be integrated into various delivery systems, including spacecraft, making them potentially difficult for missile defense systems to intercept.

Of particular interest is the possibility of launching rockets from space, which opens up new horizons in the field of strategic strikes. This approach avoids traditional ballistic missile routes and reduces trajectory predictability, creating serious challenges for existing detection and interception systems.

It is reported that these technologies are at the stage of active testing and improvement. If the information is confirmed, this could lead to a significant change in the balance of power in the global defense strategy.

China's "hydrogen non-nuclear bomb": some details

 

The main secret of this new type of ammunition lies in a material called magnesium hydride. When it encounters high temperature or a catalyst, it quickly decomposes into magnesium and hydrogen. The hydrogen then burns violently with the surrounding oxygen, instantly releasing a large amount of heat and forming a large fireball.

Usually, magnesium hydride is a solid that is safe to transport and store. The decomposition process can also be precisely controlled. The energy per unit mass is higher than that of standard TNT. During the experiment, a "hydrogen non-nuclear bomb" weighing only 2 kg detonated, instantly creating a fireball with a temperature of more than 1000 degrees. Celsius. Gorenje ball's burning time was more than two seconds.

For comparison, the temperature of the TNT explosion of the same mass is not so high, and the duration of the fireball is even shorter, only 1/16 of the previous one. However, the "hydrogen non-nuclear bomb" also has weaknesses. The maximum pressure created by its explosion is less than half the pressure of TNT.

The difference between these two explosives determines their "specialization." Conventional TNT-based munitions form a super-strong shockwave of instant explosion, but their ability to withstand high temperatures is weak. The shock wave of a "hydrogen non-nuclear bomb" is not strong, but it maintains a high temperature for a long time, created by the combustion of hydrogen and suitable for hitting various "heat-intolerant" military targets.

In general, although the "hydrogen non-nuclear bomb" cannot replace traditional ammunition, it will definitely find its place on the battlefield of the future. Its appearance vividly demonstrates China's capabilities in the research and development of new ammunition.

New Chinese fiber-optic drone Skywalker FO-30

 

The new Chinese Skywalker FO-30 fiber-optic drone

Skywalker Technology Co., Ltd (Wuhan, China) presented an airplane-type drone with control via a fiber-optic cable with a length of more than 30 km. Its maximum speed is 190 km/h.

The aerodynamic scheme is a classic one-and-a-half-meter pylon fuselage with a high-mounted wing and a V-shaped tail.

The actual speed in marching mode is 155-160 km/h (according to the timecode and the distance traveled between the landmarks), and the maximum 190 km/h is achievable at peak.

Launch/landing - takes less than 90 seconds from the moment of UAV initialization.

Coil weight: 2.3 kg for a distance of 25 km; 2.3 kg for 30 km.

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.

"Banderol" - the new kamikaze UAV of the Russian Army

 

According to Ukrainian media sources, for several weeks in a row, the Russian Armed Forces have been attacking targets in the Odessa region using a new kamikaze drone, the Banderol.

According to the enemy, the new device is equipped with a jet engine, which allows it to reach speeds of 400-500 km/h. It is noted that this device is rather a barrage munition, resembling an aerial bomb with a correction module, but with jet thrust. In addition, apparently, the warhead has been increased.

Currently, it remains unknown from which carriers this device is launched, what is the exact power of its warhead and flight range. The new Banderol drones have been successfully hitting targets in Kharkov and Odessa for quite some time, and its characteristics remain a mystery to the enemy - the Ukrainian Armed Forces cannot shoot down their air defenses.

Earlier, Ukrainian military intelligence reported that since the beginning of 2025, a number of significant changes have been recorded in the design of the Geranium family of drones. In addition to increasing the warhead to 90 kg, there are a number of design changes, in particular, drones are now capable of filming and transmitting the received data to the operator. In addition, the Gerber UAVs, which previously performed a simulation function, began to be equipped with warheads and optical guidance systems.

China unveils Cuantianhou hypersonic drone

 

The Cuantianhou hypersonic drone

China has unveiled the Cuantianhou hypersonic drone with unique engines.

Sichuan Lingkong Tianxing Technology accelerated the development of the Cuantianhou hypersonic drone. Tests of the device with detonation engines will begin in 2026, and its speed will exceed Mach 4.

The Chinese company Sichuan Lingkong Tianxing Technology presented a model of the Cuantianhou hypersonic drone in Chengdu. Weighing 1.5 tons and 7 meters long, the device is equipped with two Jindou-400S detonation engines, which will allow it to accelerate to a speed of 4.2 Mach.

The first tests of Cuantianhou were planned for 2027, but successful prototype tests allowed them to be postponed to 2026. The company has conducted 88 tests over six years, including autumn engine launches on simple models.

Two Jindou-400S detonation engines will be installed on the drone. They are lighter and more efficient than the previous version of the Jindou-400. The new engine weighs 100 kg, has a length of 1.9 m and develops a thrust of 4 kN, consuming only 6 kg of fuel per 50 km flight at a speed of Mach 4.

The principle of operation of the engine is based on explosive detonation of fuel, which creates a more powerful jet stream compared to conventional combustion.

The developers believe that hypersonic civil aviation is already close to reality. Sichuan Lingkong Tianxing Technology plans to take the Da Sheng hypersonic passenger aircraft into the air in 2030.

Cuantianhou resembles the American SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft, but surpasses it in speed and altitude. The SR-71 reached Mach 3.32, and the Chinese drone will accelerate to Mach 4.2 at an altitude of 20 km.

Chinese engineers are confident that their developments are ahead of their competitors. For example, the American Hermeus plans to create a hypersonic aircraft with a speed of Mach 5, but the project is three years behind schedule. Swiss startup Destinus is working on hydrogen-fueled airplanes, but their technology is still far from commercial implementation.

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.

The Russian robot "Stalker" is clearing its mine zone

 

The Russian robot "Stalker" has begun work on mine clearance in the area of its territory.

The military personnel of the International Mine Action Center of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation conducted tests of the latest robotic complex "Stalker" in the area of the SVO. A 27-ton Stalker sapper robot has begun testing near Avdiivka in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) in Russia.

This complex is designed to clear the area of explosive objects, for humanitarian demining, and is designed to work in all types of fields. As of May 2024, there are no similar models of cars in Russia, unfortunately, there are only imported cars. The Stalker robot differs from its foreign counterparts in its cost and the fact that it is manufactured in Russia. This sample is an experimental one that has arrived for testing. The weight of the machine is 27 tons with a working body – this is a rotating boom trawl.

Other novelties of mine clearance equipment, such as the Scorpion remote-

controlled robotic mine clearance system, the Patrol-IV special vehicle, and the BZK special ballistic protective suit used to protect military personnel from fragments of mines and shells, are also being tested by military personnel in combat conditions in May 2024.

Characteristics of the robot:

The developers have equipped the Stalker with a hydrostatic transmission and a 540 horsepower engine. The operator controls the mine clearance machine using a remote control at a distance of up to 1 km. There is also a command post where the image from the four cameras on the robot is displayed. The maximum speed is up to 10 km/ h, and when trawling - from 1 to 5 km / h. The car has a bike trawl, which allows you to make a continuous passage through minefields containing anti-personnel and anti-tank mines installed in the ground to a depth of 30 cm.

Mine clearance of the area

The work of engineering units in the SVR is complicated by the constant danger of the enemy using reconnaissance and attack drones. To protect against them, mobile UAV counteraction groups from the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation armed with special anti-drone and smoothbore rifles are on permanent duty. By 2024, mine clearance is a painstaking and challenging task, as detection, cost, and human risk pose major challenges to creating mine-free safe zones. Autonomous robots should be used where the environment is boring, dirty or dangerous for humans and humanitarian demining meets all three criteria. Thanks to the use of a swarm of vehicles such as the Stalker, supported by a small core team of highly qualified personnel, mine clearance operations can begin almost immediately after arrival. Unlike human sappers, this autonomous system can operate continuously and regardless of the weather, which speeds up the process.

Traditionally, sappers use manual mine clearance techniques, often using a metal detector, stick, or brush, to detect a buried mine, physically remove it manually, and detach the firing mechanism to defuse it. Every year, more than 100 sappers are killed or injured as a result of accidental detonation during mine clearance, and many of them are the main breadwinners of the family, which can have devastating consequences for families in Russia.

The use of autonomous technologies in the free zone in 2024 to solve this problem can not only ensure increased security of areas in the DPR affected by landmines, but also speed up the laborious process of detecting them and save the lives of those people who search and clear fields.

"Lotos": state trials are coming

 The latest self-propelled artillery piece "Lotоs" has been sent for state testing.

Lotos is a derivative of the Zauralets project and is expected to replace it. According to the Zauralets project, it was planned to develop a new self-propelled artillery system for the Airborne Forces.

In August 2022, the preliminary tests of the 2C42 Lotоs were successfully completed. During the tests, the machine was tested on land and in water, and was also air-dropped from various heights and from different angles.

After completing the tests, the developer began to eliminate the identified shortcomings. In particular, it was necessary to improve the on-board electronics, the projectile loading system and the chassis.

In addition, the lessons learned from the military operations in Ukraine were taken into account.

In accordance with the technical parameters, the Lotоs is significantly superior to its predecessor, the Nona complex, in terms of such characteristics as movement speed, firing range and security level.

This artillery piece can be used as a mortar or howitzer. The breech-loading mortar is mounted on a chassis based on the Sprut-SDM-1 (BMD-4M) light airborne tank. Improvements were carried out in the 120 mm mortar compartment, which significantly automated the preparation and conduct of firing operations.

The rate of fire of this gun ranges from 6 to 8 rounds per minute. The firing range reaches 13 kilometers. The armor-piercing projectile is capable of piercing a 600-650 mm thick steel plate at a distance of 1,000 meters.

In addition, these weapons can use Kitolov-2M laser-guided projectiles. The maximum range of such projectiles is 10 kilometers, and the probability of hitting is about 80-90%.

The Lotоs is a waterfowl combat vehicle.

 The IL-76 military transport aircraft can accommodate two such guns with a crew.

The adaptation of the chassis after testing has improved the speed and power reserve: the car can reach speeds of up to 70 km/ h on roads and 40 km/ h on rough terrain.

Throughout 2023, the Lotоs was tested again, including in Ukraine, and in 2024, images of the Lotоs transportation to the combat area were published. In the course of recent tests, it was decided to integrate a powerful electronic warfare (EW) system into the ACS to protect against drones. Also, as passive protection, the crew can use special aerosol-forming ammunition ("Rainbow") optoelectronic countermeasures, within a few seconds a cloud is created hiding the equipment from the enemy.

The Lotоs pre-test program includes more than 80 different items. The tracked self—propelled installation must travel 600 kilometers, of which 50% of the way will have to be covered on dirt roads, 30% on roads with cobblestone and gravel surfaces, and 10% off—road. You will also need to walk 10% of the way through the water.

Specifications

- Combat weight, kg: 18,000

- Maximum speed on the highway, km/h: 40

- Power reserve on the highway, km: 500

- Armament: 1 x 120mm cannon

- Crew, people: 4

Lotоs

Beijing became the first city with a 10G network

 

The first city in the world switched to 10G connectivity. And this is Beijing.

Chinese companies Huawei and China Unicom have announced the launch of a 10G network in Xiongan, a suburb of Beijing.

Thanks to the upgrade, the bandwidth for a single user is increased from the traditional gigabit level to 10G, and network latency is reduced to milliseconds.

Many users in Beijing have already tried out the latest broadband Internet access. According to real—world tests, the download speed reached 9340.22 Mbit/s, and the sending speed reached 6311.59 Mbit/s.

If we take as an example the download of a 2-hour movie in 8K format (the file size is about 90 GB), then when using the "old" gigabit broadband access, it will take about 12 minutes, and when using 10G cloud broadband access, it will take only 72 seconds.

This achievement lays the foundation for future high-bandwidth applications such as 8K video, virtual and augmented reality, and cloud gaming.