Chinese military men now wear "iron suits": Exoskeletons on PLA ships take over the cargo

The Chinese army is keeping up with the times — now soldiers of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) on ships are working in exoskeletons so as not to break their backs when loading and unloading heavy boxes, ammunition and equipment. This is no longer fiction and not just a test at a training ground — real military personnel use these "mechanical suits" in real conditions, where every meter of space is worth its weight in gold, and loads are not easy.

Exoskeletons work as an invisible helper: they do not move due to batteries or motors, but cleverly redistribute the load from the muscles and spine of the soldier to their design. Imagine: you lift a 50-kilogram box, but you feel like you're carrying half as much. It's not because you've become stronger— it's because the exoskeleton takes on the brunt, redirecting it through the frame directly into the ground.

Such devices are passive exoskeletons, meaning they are not autonomous, but enhance the movements of the person himself. No wires, batteries, or complicated electronics. It's just smart mechanics that turn on with every movement, reducing fatigue and, most importantly, minimizing the risk of back and joint injuries. And on a rocking ship, where you need to keep your balance and drag cargo through narrow passages, this is especially valuable.

For the army, this is not just a convenience, but an increase in efficiency and endurance. A soldier can work longer, faster, and without exhaustion. This means that the ship is ready for combat or for the transfer of cargo many times faster. This is especially important in an environment where every minute counts and people's physical resources are limited.

China is not the first to use exoskeletons, but it is actively and systematically introducing them into the army. Such technologies are already being used not only in the navy, but also in logistics — in China, for example, loaders in Beijing and Shanghai have long been working in "robosuits" in warehouses. Even in Russia and the USA, their use is being discussed. And in China, this is already part of the daily service.

This is another step towards the "smart army of the future," where a soldier is not just a fighter, but part of a high-tech system. And if earlier the victory depended on the number of people, now it depends on how well the car helps the person.

Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin want to build large-scale missile production in Europe together

 

The German company Rheinmetall and the American Lockheed Martin are planning to create a joint venture aimed at establishing large—scale production of missiles directly in Europe. Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger spoke about this in detail during a conference call on the results of the first quarter of 2025. He confirmed that Rheinmetall is going to hold a controlling stake in this new joint business.

The idea is to create a serious European center for the production of advanced missile systems in order to ensure stable supplies and not depend on external factors. Such an enterprise will help accelerate production, improve quality and strengthen Europe's defense capability in the face of growing threats.

Papperger noted that cooperation with Lockheed Martin is an important step, because the American partner has extensive experience and technology in the field of missile weapons. By combining resources and knowledge, companies will be able to work faster and more efficiently, creating modern solutions for NATO and partner countries.

Rheinmetall will retain control over the joint venture, which will allow it to direct the development of the project in line with the interests of European countries and maintain a high level of production. The launch of such a concern is part of Rheinmetall's global strategy to strengthen defense technologies and create reliable arms supply chains in Europe.

All this is happening against the background of an increasing demand for modern missile systems that require manufacturers to be highly technologically advanced and flexible. The Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin joint venture should become a key player in the market, capable of meeting European security needs for many years to come.

Mossad is no longer just for men: for the first time, Israeli intelligence is openly looking for women to serve

Imagine this: an elite spy agency, known for its top secrecy, publishes advertisements on social networks, websites, and even universities. This is not a new blockbuster scenario — it's a reality. For the first time in its history, Mossad, the legendary Israeli foreign intelligence service, is launching a public campaign to recruit women into the national service. And this is a huge breakthrough for an organization that has preferred to remain in the shadows for decades.

Previously, the Mossad only knew about the national service program by hearsay. It existed for more than 20 years, but it worked quietly: several talented girls were selected every year, not knowing exactly where they were going. It was like in a spy movie — a call, a secret meeting, logic tests, stress tolerance, and, of course, a polygraph. No ads, no open vacancies.

But now everything is changing. The Mossad is officially opening its doors — and it's doing it in a big way. The goal is to attract more young women from different backgrounds so that they can take on practical roles in a variety of fields, from cyber intelligence and data analysis to field operations and technology projects.

Why now? The answer is simple: the world has changed, and so has intelligence. Modern challenges — cyber attacks, disinformation, and complex international networks — require not only strength, but also flexibility, creativity, and a different perspective on the problem. And women, as practice shows, are often better at analyzing, communicating, and working under stressful conditions. "We realized that talent is not a matter of gender, but a matter of potential," the agency said, without naming specific names.

What started as a small pilot project with a couple dozen participants per year has now turned into a large-scale program involving hundreds of girls. They undergo intensive training, work in multidisciplinary teams, and participate in real—world operations - albeit not always with guns in their hands. Someone is hacking into servers, someone is analyzing satellite images, someone is conducting surveillance in Europe under cover.

It is also interesting that the Mossad is now actively looking for candidates in universities, technology parks and startup centers. They are looking not only for those who want to be "Agent 007", but also for programmers, mathematicians, psychologists, and translators. The main thing is intelligence, discipline and dedication to the country.

This step is not just a personnel initiative. It is a symbol of change in one of the most closed organizations in the world. The Mossad recognizes that in order to stay one step ahead of its enemies, it is necessary to use the full potential of society. Even if this potential is in a woman who never thought that she would be scouted.

Of course, serving in the Mossad is not a 9-to-5 job. These are years of secrecy, stress, moral dilemmas, and risk. But for many girls, this is a chance to make a real contribution to the security of the country, undergo unique training and become a part of something bigger.

The US Army gave Anduril 100 million for a "smart" control system — whoever is faster will win

 

The US army has invested $100 million in the future — more precisely, in a prototype of a new command system called NGC2. Anduril, a company known for its "smart" military technologies, became the winner of the tender. Their goal is to create a single digital system in less than a year that will connect everything from a soldier in a trench to a tank and a command post.

Imagine sensors, drones, armored vehicles, and soldiers all on the same network, where data flows instantly, and artificial intelligence helps you make decisions faster than the enemy can pull the trigger. This is the essence of NGC2 — the winner is not the one with the most tanks, but the one who sees, understands and strikes faster.

The heart of the system is the Lattice Mesh technology from Anduril. This is not just a program, but a real network that distributes data by itself, adapts to the situation and works even if some nodes fail. In fact, this is the "brain" of the future battle.

The system will begin to be tested directly in combat conditions — it will be introduced into the 4th Infantry Division. All this is done in close conjunction with such giants as Palantir (data analysis), Microsoft (cloud and security) and ICE (integration).

In short, the US Army is moving to a new level: not just digitalization, but a real technological revolution in combat management. And Anduril is now its chief engineer.

DNA Technologies: The Future of Control and Cryptography

"It's all available now. This is not science fiction." Dr. Charles Morgan on psychoneurobiology and war. Listen carefully....

"It was actually like we had the ability to train an animal, and record that action, and put it into the sensory cortex of a second animal's brain, and that second animal acquired knowledge."

"The transfer of knowledge from one animal to another..."

"Yes, he said 'Human Drones'.... Listen..."

"You can direct motor activity, or you can send communication and information."

"The equivalent of developing nuclear weapons."

"They can produce perfumes. They can produce oil. They can produce any peptide. Everything that we program into DNA. And it's in a living cage."

"Venter.... Venter is an American biologist and businessman. He led the first draft of human genome sequencing and assembled the first synthetic cell with synthetic DNA. Venter founded Celera, an Institute for Genomic research."

"Venter's work is, in my opinion, the equivalent of developing nuclear weapons, when you realize that he created life in yeast cells. And these yeast cells were programmed to produce anything. They were injected into the human body through hypo-spray, through needles. You put a certain gene, slicing genes, you program what you like. You put it in a cage, and it multiplies."

"What would you do about it if you were in the security and intelligence field?"

"DNA programming. Look, is it familiar?"

"New directions in medicine. Programmable DNA. Look, is it familiar?"

"Designer receptors that can be remotely controlled."

"Designer receptors that can be remotely controlled. You can create a cage. You can put it somewhere in the body, and you can activate it remotely. You can activate it, for example, in another person's brain. And when you do that, you can control his motor activity, or you can send information to his brain."

"You can put them in cages, and you can activate them remotely."

"Control."

"You can create a cage. You can put it somewhere in the body, and you can activate it remotely."

"Summary: Create a cage that can do literally ANYTHING. Implement it. Activate it remotely."

"And she can literally CHANGE WHO YOU ARE. And the way you think, the way you act."

"It's like embryonic stem cells derived from human skin cells. Mesinchymal stem cells: injected peripherally, can gain access to brain tissues."

"And the technology exists."

"And the technology exists to introduce it to someone, and make it reproduce, and fulfill its function."

"And you can make things activate in other people's brains."

"DNA shorthand. Professor David Walt, Tufts University, 2012."

"Seven different strains of harmless E. coli bacteria have been genetically modified so that each of them produces a fluorescent protein. When these bacteria are grown, the colonies look like bright colored spots at the right wavelength of light."

"The researchers have developed a way to use pairs of these differently colored proteins to represent the letters of the alphabet."

"The coding system is 'practical' because it uses seven easily distinguishable colors in the visible spectrum, but other coding systems can be developed using other colors and combinations to represent each letter."

"See what else they can put in the DNA..."

"DNA coding: August 17, 2012 One gram of DNA: 700 terabytes (7 billion terabytes?). Professor George Church."

"Decoding the self-replicating DNA that encodes these strings."

"See what else they can put in the DNA..."

"This is the latest experiment showing how information can be hidden in DNA."

"See what else they can put in the DNA..."

"See what else they can put in the DNA..."

"So, of course... Damn China.... What to do with the DNA?"

"Hiding data in the DNA of a living organism 2009, Shu-Hong Jiao, China."

"Image encryption using a combination of DNA with chaotic maps. Qiang Zhang, China, 2011."

"A new field of cryptography: DNA cryptography. Guozuen Xiao, China, 2012."

"An encryption scheme using DNA technology. Guangzhao Kui, 2012; 2015."

"They can be made using quantum encryption."

"Where does Rona come from?"

"What is the most 'interesting' among vaccines?"

"Bill Gates sees RNA vaccines as the best options for rapid treatment of coronavirus."

"The billionaire and philanthropist explained that a vaccine could appear anytime from nine to 18 months, focusing on new RNA and DNA platforms."

"It's amazing, and both death threats..."

"Massively distributed DNA-altering vaccines linked to China that can store classified information that can be activated at any time from anywhere..."

"Is this one of the worst things they could have changed or CHANGED?"

"Can we erase the memory? Can we change the memory?"

"Can we change the memory?"

"The short answer is yes."

"Watch the entire lecture here:"

"The short answer is yes."

This entry reveals surprising and perhaps disturbing perspectives related to modern advances in DNA technology. Dr. Charles Morgan emphasizes that many of these technologies are already available and are not science fiction. He describes how scientists can train an animal, record its actions, and transfer this knowledge to another animal, which demonstrates the potential for transmitting information directly to the brain.

The work of American biologist Craig Venter, who created the first synthetic cell with synthetic DNA, is also mentioned. Venter, the founder of Celera and the Institute for Genomic Research, is considered the creator of life in yeast cells, which can be programmed to produce almost anything. These cells can be embedded in the human body, which opens up huge possibilities for medical and possibly military applications.

Designer receptors that can remotely control cells represent another revolutionary technology. This allows you to create cells that can be activated in another person's brain, controlling their motor activity or sending information. Such technologies can be used to alter memory, which raises serious ethical questions.

In addition, the information touches on the topic of DNA cryptography, where information can be hidden in living organisms. Chinese scientists such as Shu-Hong Jiao and Guozuen Xiao have developed methods for encrypting images and data using DNA, making this technology virtually invulnerable to hacking.

Hanwha Systems and Northrop Grumman sign memorandum of cooperation on integrated air defense and missile defense systems

Hanwha Systems (CEO Song Jae-il) has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Northrop Grumman, a leading American defense contractor, in early 2025. The agreement is aimed at cooperation in the field of integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) technologies.

Main areas of cooperation:

- Development and exchange of technologies for integrated management and control of air defense systems.

- Research of new business opportunities in the South Korean market.

- Joint work on innovative solutions to improve the efficiency of defense systems.

This partnership opens up prospects for strengthening the defense potential of both companies and expanding their influence in the field of modern air defense and missile defense systems.

Naval Group and Royal IHC have signed a contract for the construction of Orka-class submarines for the Dutch Navy

The French shipbuilding company Naval Group has officially announced the conclusion of a strategic contract with the Dutch company Royal IHC to support the construction of new Orka-class submarines for the Dutch Navy. This agreement was an important milestone in the implementation of the modernization program of the country's submarine fleet, aimed at replacing obsolete Walrus-class submarines.

 Features of the contract and cooperation

- Technological transfer: The Naval Group will ensure the transfer of advanced technologies and know-how to Royal IHC, which will create modern submarines tailored to the requirements of the Dutch Navy.

- Localization of production: A significant part of the work will be carried out in the Netherlands, which will support the national industry and create new jobs.

- Innovative solutions: The Orka class will be equipped with modern navigation, stealth and weapons systems, which will increase the fleet's combat capability and its compliance with NATO standards.

The contract with Naval Group and Royal IHC strengthens the defense potential of the Netherlands and contributes to the development of national shipbuilding. The new Orka-class submarines will allow the country's Navy to effectively carry out tasks of protecting maritime borders, participating in international operations and ensuring security in the North Sea and beyond.

It is expected that the first Orka-class submarines will be handed over to the fleet in the coming years, and the cooperation between the Naval Group and Royal IHC will be an example of successful integration of European defense technologies and industrial partnership.

The CORTEX integration platform will be presented at SOF Week 2025

 At SOF Week 2025, which takes place in Tampa, Florida, USA, from May 5-7, 2025, the global defense and special operations community will gather to showcase the most advanced technologies shaping the future of modern warfare. 

At the center of this year's event, Galvion is presenting its groundbreaking CORTEX intelligent system integration platform, setting a new standard for tactical headgear. Presented at Booth 349, the CORTEX platform represents a bold step forward in operational integration, combining advanced hardware and intelligent software to equip fighters with real—time data access, enhanced situational awareness, and mission adaptation capabilities - all through a seamlessly integrated head system.

CORTEX Helmet

The United States and Ukraine have signed an agreement on the extraction of rare earth metals: details of the deal and disagreements between the parties

 

The United States and Ukraine have officially signed an agreement on the extraction of rare earth metals, which has become an important step in the development of economic and strategic cooperation between the countries. However, the signing process was accompanied by a number of obstacles that highlight the complexity of the negotiations and the difference in the positions of the parties. Bloomberg and the Financial Times report on the last moments before the deal was concluded, as well as comments from US President Donald Trump, who noted significant benefits for Washington.

Signing the agreement and the last hurdles

According to the Financial Times, new difficulties arose on the eve of the signing of the mining agreement between Ukraine and the United States. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko, on her way to Washington, received a request from the team of US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to sign two additional documents. The American side set a condition: either Svirdenko agrees to sign these documents, or the visit will lose its meaning.

In Ukraine, however, they believe that it is too early to finalize the two additional agreements. According to the Ukrainian side, the texts of the documents need to be finalized in order to avoid possible negative consequences for the country. This incident demonstrates the tension in relations between Kiev and Washington, despite the common interest in the implementation of the project.

What are rare earth metals?

Rare earth metals are a group of 17 elements that play a key role in the production of modern technologies, including electronics, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and weapons. These resources are extremely important for the development of high-tech industries and defense capabilities. Control over rare earth metal deposits is becoming a strategic priority for many countries, including the United States.

Ukraine has significant reserves of these resources, which makes it an attractive partner for the United States. The agreement is aimed at organizing joint extraction and processing of rare earth metals, which will allow the United States to strengthen its supply chain of critical materials.

Benefits for the USA

In an interview with Newsnight, US President Donald Trump said that Washington would receive much more as part of the deal than it had previously invested in Ukraine. According to him, the amount transferred to Ukraine by the previous Joe Biden administration amounted to about $350 billion, including cash and military equipment. However, the new agreement will theoretically bring much greater benefits to the United States.

"We have concluded a deal under which, theoretically, we receive much more than 350 billion dollars," Trump stressed. This statement indicates that the United States views Ukraine as a strategically important partner capable of providing access to valuable resources and strengthening America's position in the global market.

Disagreements and perspectives

Despite the obvious advantages of the agreement, disagreements between Kiev and Washington may become an obstacle to its successful implementation. The Ukrainian side fears that the rush to sign additional documents may lead to unfavorable conditions for the country. At the same time, the United States is striving to consolidate its position in the region as quickly as possible and gain access to resources.

Experts note that the success of the project depends on how effectively the parties can overcome the current contradictions. If implemented, the agreement will strengthen economic cooperation between the United States and Ukraine and set a precedent for other international partnerships in the field of rare earth mining.

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.

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.

Black Hawk helicopters can now fly independently

Black Hawk helicopters can now fly independently.Black Hawk helicopters can now fly without pilots using the new Matrix artificial intelligence technology.                         

The aviation era is entering a new phase marked by breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and autonomy. One of the most significant recent achievements has been the demonstration of the ability of the legendary American UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to fly without pilots on board. This is not just another step in the development of unmanned systems.; This is a transformation of one of the most recognizable and widely used rotorcraft in the world, opening up completely new horizons for military and potentially civilian operations. At the heart of this revolution is an advanced artificial intelligence technology known as Matrix, developed by Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin.The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is itself an icon of military aviation. Being in service with the US Army and many other countries since the late 1970s, it has proven itself to be an incredibly reliable, versatile and hardy machine. The Black Hawks have participated in countless operations around the world, performing a wide range of tasks, from transporting troops and supplies to medical evacuation, search and rescue missions, and fire support. Its rugged design, excellent flight characteristics, and ability to operate in the harshest environments have made it an ideal platform for integrating advanced autonomous systems. Choosing Black Hawk for such tests highlights the desire to modernize the existing, time-tested fleet of vehicles, rather than create completely new platforms from scratch, which significantly accelerates and reduces the cost of innovation.A number of factors are driving the development of autonomous capabilities for helicopters like the Black Hawk. First of all, it is the desire to improve flight safety and reduce risks for the crews. Flying in difficult weather conditions, at night, in conditions of poor visibility (dust, smoke, fog) or in active combat zones is fraught with great danger for pilots. An autonomous system capable of taking over control or even completely completing a mission without a human on board can dramatically change the situation, allowing you to perform tasks that were previously considered too risky. In addition, automation reduces the burden on pilots during long or routine flights, allowing them to focus on more important aspects of the mission, such as tactical planning or weapon system management. This also opens up the possibility of reducing the number of crew, which can be crucial in the face of a shortage of qualified pilots.Sikorsky's Matrix technology is not just an advanced autopilot, but a full-fledged artificial intelligence system designed for flight control. It integrates a set of hardware and software tools. The hardware includes a variety of sensors (lidars, visible and infrared cameras, radars, inertial navigation systems, GPS) and powerful on-board computers. The software is complex algorithms that process data from sensors in real time, create a detailed three–dimensional picture of the environment, plot a safe flight route, taking into account the terrain, obstacles and dynamically changing conditions, and generate commands for helicopter control systems. Matrix is designed as an "Optionally Piloted Vehicle" (OPV) system. This means that the helicopter can fly both under pilot control and completely autonomously, or in a mixed mode when the AI helps the crew. Pilots can take control at any time or transfer it to the system. This flexibility is a key advantage, allowing you to adapt the automation level to your specific mission and conditions.              

The development and testing of autonomous Black Hawks has been underway for several years, often in collaboration with the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), in particular, under the ALIAS (Aircrew Laboratory In-System Automation System) program.                     

ALIAS's goal was to create a universal automation suite that could be relatively easily integrated into various existing aircraft, both airplanes and helicopters, to reduce crew workload and improve safety. Sikorsky used a specially modified S-70 helicopter (the civilian version of the Black Hawk), known as the SARA (Sikorsky Autonomy Research Aircraft), as a flying laboratory for testing Matrix algorithms. These efforts culminated in historic flights, when the UH-60 Black Hawk, equipped with the Matrix system, took to the air for the first time and performed a series of maneuvers without a single person on board. These demonstration flights included autonomous takeoff, flight along a preset route, flying around simulated obstacles, selecting and landing at an unplanned point, as well as autonomous landing. The capabilities of performing typical missions, such as cargo delivery on an external sling and even flight simulation in a degraded visual environment where human vision would be severely limited, were demonstrated. The system has shown the ability to analyze the surrounding space, identify safe landing zones and perform complex maneuvers with high accuracy comparable to the actions of an experienced pilot.The operating principle of Matrix is based on merging data from multiple sensors. Lidars create an accurate map of terrain and obstacles, cameras provide visual recognition of objects, radars help in conditions of poor visibility, and inertial and satellite systems are responsible for navigation. Artificial intelligence analyzes all this information, predicts possible developments (for example, the appearance of other aircraft) and makes control decisions – changes course, altitude, speed, controls the pitch of the propellers. The system is capable of not only following a set flight plan, but also dynamically responding to unforeseen circumstances, such as a sudden obstacle or a change in weather conditions, independently choosing the safest and most effective way to continue the mission.

The introduction of such technologies opens up completely new tactical opportunities for the military. Autonomous Black Hawks can be used to supply advanced units in dangerous areas without risking the crews. They can carry out reconnaissance missions or electronic warfare missions deep behind enemy lines. Potentially, such helicopters can be used for medical evacuation of the wounded from the battlefield, where sending a manned vehicle would be suicidal. The ability to work around the clock without restrictions related to pilot fatigue significantly increases operational readiness. In the future, one operator on the ground will be able to control several autonomous helicopters acting as a single "swarm" to perform complex coordinated tasks. This may lead to fundamental changes in the structure of army aviation and tactics of its use.Despite impressive successes, the path to widespread adoption of fully autonomous helicopters has not yet been completed. There are a number of difficult tasks to be solved. It is necessary to develop and approve strict certification procedures for such systems, ensuring their reliability and safety at a level not inferior to manned aviation. Cybersecurity is a critical issue – protecting management systems from hacking or hostile interference. Further improvement of AI algorithms is required, especially in terms of decision-making in non-standard, unforeseen situations that are difficult to model in advance. The psychological aspect is equally important – the formation of trust in autonomous systems among both the military themselves and society as a whole. It is necessary to define the ethical framework for the use of such technologies, especially if we are talking about armed options. The integration of autonomous vehicles into the existing air traffic control system and interaction with manned vehicles will also require new protocols and standards.                

Nevertheless, the first successful Black Hawk flights without pilots clearly show the direction of development of military (and possibly civilian) helicopter aviation. Matrix technology and similar systems promise to make flying safer, more efficient, and more accessible for the most demanding and dangerous tasks, marking a new era in the history of rotorcraft. Combining the time-tested Black Hawk platform with advanced artificial intelligence creates a synergy that will shape the future of vertical takeoff and landing for decades to come.

The Netherlands has strengthened maritime security with advanced technology

 The Dutch Ministry of Defense has contracted this new partnership to enhance its maritime security and surveillance capabilities. 

RNLN will use a surveillance vessel to conduct security operations in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the North Sea of the Netherlands, both above and below water. Using advanced technologies such as unmanned vehicles, this will allow RNLN to monitor vessel activity in the North Sea and inspect critical underwater infrastructure such as cables and pipelines.

Fugro and Damen have established a joint venture to supply the vessel and crew on a two-year charter with the possibility of an extension for another year (four years in total). The charter agreement, concluded during a public tender, is scheduled to enter into force in the first half of 2025. The vessel that will carry out the charter is the Damen FCS 5009, which offers unsurpassed qualities thanks to the Sea Axe bow, developed in collaboration with the University of Delft.

Damen FCS 5009

Drone Blastr: A new acoustic wave anti-drone system

 

Fractal Antenna Systems has developed a Drone Blastr system using ARM (Acoustic Resonance Mitigation) technology — directional sound, ultrasonic and infrasound waves, frequency-adjustable. These waves induce resonance in the drone's parts, causing micro-disruptions, overheating, or failures in electronics and sensors. The frequencies are selected based on the characteristics of the target, allowing you to fine-tune the impact to a specific drone design.

ARM shows the greatest efficiency when exposed to propellers and inertial measurement units (imus), where vibrations disrupt the operation of gyroscopes and accelerometers. Drone Blastr operates from a distance, without the need to physically hit a target or use ammunition. The system can be integrated into ground installations or placed on interceptor drones for flexible and efficient use in various conditions.

New antenna can reduce 5G power consumption in the US Army by 90%

 

The new low-power antenna is a type of lens antenna with a gradient millimeter wave index (GRIN)

The US Army can get an ultra-high-speed network, reducing energy consumption by 90% with the help of a new antenna.

Once implemented, this technology can provide a "5G-on-the-mobile" solution with increased efficiency, security, and versatility.Researchers from the University of Notre Dame, funded by the US Army, are making efforts to offer a solution with much lower energy consumption., because the introduction of 5G technology has entailed high energy costs.

Broadband beam Control However, over the past eight years, Chisum and his laboratory have made groundbreaking discoveries in the fundamental science of broadband beam control. These results allowed Chisum and his team to create a single antenna that can operate in all frequency bands for 5G, which was once considered impossible, according to a press release. University of Notre Dame.The researchers emphasized that the antenna's low-power broadband capabilities make it particularly useful for the U.S. Army. They argued that the army should operate 5G networks around the world, and 5G networks operate on different frequencies around the world."So a broadband solution like ours is an important opportunity. And because it consumes very little energy and is relatively small and lightweight, it can be integrated into a mobile platform," Chisum said. The researchers found that the new low-power antenna is a type of millimeter wave gradient index (GRIN) lens antenna. Although GRIN lenses have been around for over a century, the idea of developing a GRIN lens antenna for 5G networks once seemed far-fetched to most wireless researchers.

"Currently, most of the cost of operating a cellular network is accounted for by electricity. If you look at a cell tower, you'll understand why: It uses different antennas for each band, and they rely on active, energy-powered chips.", — said Jonathan Chisum, associate professor of electrical Engineering.

"Our initial idea was simple: what if we could develop similar capabilities in just one very broadband antenna, allowing the physics of materials to do the work normally done by many energy-intensive chips."5G-on-the-Mobile technology can deliver a 5G-on-the-move solution with improved efficiency, security and versatility after implementation.

However, the development of this new technology is the first step towards its integration into mobile networks for civilian use.

Researchers at the Chisum Laboratory are creating and improving digital lens antenna models using computer-aided design software.To transfer this technology from the laboratory to the field, Chisum's laboratory has formed a team of industry partners. The team will include several leading suppliers with expertise in wireless networks, antennas, and additive manufacturing uniquely suited to GRIN carriers, according to a press release.

Turkish defense giant Aselsan has signed an export contract worth $ 158.6 million

On Wednesday, the Turkish company Aselsan, one of the largest manufacturers of defense products in the world, announced the conclusion of an export contract worth $ 158.6 million. According to the company's announcement on the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP), the contract was signed with a client from the Middle East and Africa region.

The contract includes direct deliveries of military communications systems. This confirms Aselsan's growing export activity in the region and demonstrates the company's ability to provide advanced technology solutions to foreign customers. In 2024, Aselsan has already signed export contracts worth over $1 billion, which is a record in the company's history.

F/A-XX: The next generation of US Navy fighter jets — characteristics and prospects

 

The next-generation F/A-XX fighter being developed by the US Navy is attracting the attention of military experts around the world. Recently, some of the characteristics of this promising aircraft were revealed, including its flight range, which turned out to be 25% longer than existing Navy fighters. However, this figure is lower than many expected, given that expanding the range of an aircraft carrier strike group is a key Navy priority.

Flight range increased by 25%

During the Sea-Air-Space 2025 exhibition, Rear Admiral Michael Donnelly, Deputy Chief of Staff of the US Navy for Aviation, said that the estimated range of the F/A-XX is 25% longer than that of tactical fighters in service with the aircraft carrier wing. Based on the range of the F-35C, which is about 670 nautical miles (1,241 km), the maximum range of the F/A-XX can reach 837.5 nautical miles (1,551 km). Although this increase seems moderate, Donnelly emphasized that the F/A-XX will use developing organic aerial refueling capabilities, in particular, the MQ-25 Stingray based on the aircraft carrier.

Fighter concept

The F/A-XX is being developed with the ability to penetrate high-threat zones to counter anticipated threats in the 2040s, including improved enemy reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat capabilities. In addition, the F/A-XX will integrate artificial intelligence and other technological advantages to provide more efficient battlefield management and integration with unmanned systems.

Factors influencing the development

This announcement may come as a surprise, given that the U.S. Navy has always emphasized that expanding the range of the carrier strike group is a key priority. In the face of growing threats from China, expanding the range of an aircraft carrier strike group is considered key to ensuring future security. However, an increase in the range of the F/A-XX by only 25% means that its range may not meet the Navy's expectations.

The future of F/A-XX

Despite the modest range increase, other performance improvements to the F/A-XX, such as its stealth capability, artificial intelligence integration, and integration with unmanned systems, make it an important element of future naval forces. With the commissioning of the MQ-25 Stingray, the range of the F/A-XX can be extended. In addition, the F/A-XX is being developed with compatibility in mind with future weapons systems, which will allow it to maintain combat superiority over the next decades.

The European Union is investing 200 billion euros in artificial intelligence

 At the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced investments of 200 billion euros for the construction of artificial intelligence "gigafactories.

"The European Union has announced investments in artificial intelligence (AI) worth several billion euros with ambitions to create a "CERN for AI."  However, the inclusion of Switzerland, home to the world-renowned particle physics laboratory, may be limited by its non-EU status.

Switzerland's policy may also be an obstacle. Although Bern has placed AI among its government priorities, it has not yet entered into a dialogue with Brussels to secure a role for itself in CERN's plans for AI.

An amendment to the contract for U212 NFS has been signed

 

U212A submarines of the Italian Navy

Amendment No. 6 to the U212 NFS contract has been signed, the last act signed by the outgoing head of the U212 NFS program, Rear Admiral Cannarozzo Maurizio.

This amendment adds a new Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) focused on the study of the first batch of U212A Todaro-Class submarines to determine which systems need to be upgraded using the latest technologies developed for the Near-Future Submarine Program (NFS).

The purpose of the ECP is to identify the best technological solutions for installation on U212 A class submarines. Although these boats are still among the most advanced in the world, almost twenty years have passed since their delivery, and they have accumulated tens of thousands of hours of operation. As a result, they now require important updates and solutions to replace outdated equipment.