The U.S. Air Force is preparing a flight demonstration of rotating detonation propulsion for future high-speed missiles designed for larger-scale production. The technology could enable longer-range air-to-surface and air-to-air weapons while reducing propulsion volume and supporting higher production rates. The Air Force Research Laboratory plans to mature the Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine-Combined Cycle from Technology Readiness Level 3 to TRL 6 and integrate it into a ground-launched flight demonstrator initially accelerated by a sounding rocket. Developed for the High-Speed Affordable Mass Munitions concept, the propulsion architecture is intended to combine high-speed flight with a compact engine that could free internal volume for additional fuel or payload, with potential applications ranging from stand-off strike weapons to long-range air-to-air missiles. Read more. Notional air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons illustrating potential military applications of rotating detona...
On September 29, 2026, the Alter Ego unit of Ukraine's 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade completed the nation's first frontline logistics mission using an amphibious unmanned ground vehicle, traveling over 40 kilometers across land and water to deliver ammunition and provisions. This deployment overcomes critical mobility bottlenecks by allowing the robotic system to seamlessly transition from wheeled ground transit to swimming mode without requiring intermediate cargo transfers at water obstacles. The deployment bypasses fixed-route vulnerabilities such as bridges and fords that are heavily targeted by adversarial reconnaissance and FPV drones. Read full defense news at this link... The Alter Ego unit of the 93rd Mechanized Brigade Kholodnyi Yar deployed an amphibious UGV on Ukraine’s first frontline logistics mission of this kind, covering more than 40 km and solving a key limitation of rivers, flooded areas, and other water obstacles. (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD) Read mor...