Raytheon and RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems are teaming up to produce the Iron Dome Weapon System in the U.S. This will be the first Iron Dome production facility outside of Israel and will expand availability to the U.S. and its allies. Iron Dome is a mobile all-weather short-range air defense system with a success rate exceeding 90 percent. Each battery can defend up to 60 square miles, determining if an incoming threat will land in populated areas or uninhabited areas to minimize unnecessary countermeasures, effectively lowering its operating cost. Read more from Raytheon’s press … [Read more...]
Russia Tests Anti-Satellite Weapon
U.S. Space Command has reported that Russia has just conducted an anti-satellite test in space on July 15. Russia and China have both been pursuing technology capable of jamming or destroying U.S. military and commercial satellites. A report published on February 13, 2018, “Threat Assessment” by Daniel R. Coats, Director of National Intelligence, warned of the destructive anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons and that they would reach operational capability sometime in 2020. The U.S. Space Command Public Affairs Office writes (abridged): U.S. Space Command has evidence that Russia conducted a … [Read more...]
America’s Largest Nuke – The B83 Bomb
At nearly one and a half megatons, the B83 is the largest bomb the United States keeps in its arsenal. The bomb is 12 feet long and 18 inches in diameter and weighs approximatly 2,400 lbs. Caleb Larson, a defense writer for The National Interest, writes (abridged): At nearly one and a half tons, the B83 is the largest nuclear bomb that the United States currently keeps. Its nuclear tiled is 1.2 megatons—significantly more powerful than either of the nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. It’s big, it’s powerful, and it’s had a colorful history. Though … [Read more...]
China is Fortifying its Coastline
China’s recent advancements in space technology and missiles are creating a defensive bubble that will be difficult to penetrate. China has dramatically expanded its firepower, most notably with its satellite networks and missiles, pushing the boundaries of its anti-access/area denial strategy (A2/D2) to new ranges. The news of an air-to-air missile in development, the “PL-XX,” which could target vital air tankers, AEW&C aircraft, JSTARs, and even high-flying unmanned aircraft at a range of 188 miles, could put U.S. fighter jets at a disadvantage. Mike Yeo of DefenseNews writes: The U.S. … [Read more...]
U.S. Air Force Wants Air-Breathing Hypersonic Cruise Missiles
The U.S. Air Force has reached out to the weapons industry regarding a hypersonic cruise missile that can be launched from a fighter jet or bomber. The service is aiming to conduct a preliminary design review by 4th quarter 2021. The future program could leverage work already done by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Air Force Research Laboratory on the Hypersonic Conventional Strike Weapon to help speed the way for rapid prototyping. Read more from Valerie Insinna of DefenseNews: WASHINGTON — The U.S. Air Force is seeking information from industry about hypersonic cruise missile … [Read more...]
U.S. Army Wants Unmanned Future Attack Aircraft
Sikorsky and Bell were selected by the U.S. Army in March 2020 to compete for the future attack recon aircraft (FARA). Bell’s 360 Invictus will go up against Lockheed Martin-owned Sikorsky’s X2-equipped Raider X for final prototyping. Some of the features the U.S. Army want are navigation capabilities in GPS-denied environments, a 20mm cannon, speeds upwards of 200mph, and optional manned/unmanned capabilities. Matthew Cox of Military.com reports: U.S. Army modernization officials have asked aviation firms for ideas on equipping the service's future scout helicopter with mission systems such … [Read more...]
U.S. Installs Air Defense Systems in Iraq
U.S. air defense systems are now active in Iraq following threats from Iranian-backed insurgents. The Patriot batteries will protect against long-range threats while the Army’s C-RAM system will be used to counter rockets and mortar. The more sophisticated Avenger air system will handle low-flying missiles and aircraft like drones and helicopters. Lolita Baldor of the Associated Press writes: New air defense systems are now protecting American and allied forces at military bases in Iraq where troops have been attacked by Iranian-backed insurgents in recent months, according to U.S. … [Read more...]
High Energy Laser Weapon Takes Next Step for Deployment in 2021
Lockheed Martin’s High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) has met the U.S. Navy’s requirement’s to be integrated onto an Arleigh Burke destroyer. HELIOS will undergo systems integration and testing this year and will look to deploy in FY 2021. The 60kW+ laser will counter emerging threats from fast inshore attack craft and drones. Lockheed Martin’s press release from March 11, 2020 reads: Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and the U.S. Navy moved one step closer to integrating a laser weapon system onto an Arleigh Burke destroyer after successfully conducting a … [Read more...]
U.S. Military Scales Back Major Military Exercise
The U.S. military is scaling back DEFENDER-Europe 20, an exercise the Army has spent years building. Initially, the training exercise called for 20,000 troops, but on Wednesday, March 11, the U.S. European Command announced that the number was being cut back. The 60-day DOD travel ban to level 3 countries went into effect on March 13. Military.com writes: DEFENDER-Europe 20 was set to be the biggest deployment for an exercise in 25 years, , with 20,000 soldiers deploying from the U.S. and training with 17,000 allies. "In light of the current coronavirus outbreak, we will modify the … [Read more...]
Solar Unmanned Aircraft with Potential to Stay Airborne for a Year Takes Flight
BAE Systems’ solar-powered high-altitude unmanned aircraft called PHASA-35 took its maiden flight in February 2020, just under two years from its start date. The aircraft has the potential to fly in the stratosphere for a year and would help plug the gap between aircraft and satellite technology, providing 5G year-round surveillance and communications for the military and commercial customers at a fraction of the cost of satellites. The aircraft is powered by the sun during the day and runs on batteries at night. Read more from the BAE Systems press release: PHASA-35, a 35m wingspan … [Read more...]