MTQ News

 North Korea has unveiled a Harop-like kamikaze drone alongside an exposed launch system, raising the prospect of massed precision strikes capable of overwhelming enemy air defenses. Images released by KCNA on October 30, 2026, reveal multiple attack drones equipped with apparent electro-optical targeting systems and rocket-assisted launch capability, highlighting Pyongyang’s growing ambition to threaten radar sites, command centers, and other high-value military targets.  Read Full Defense News At This Link .  North Korea's latest drone exhibition revealed a Harop-like loitering munition with an exposed launch configuration, highlighting Pyongyang's growing interest in coordinated drone strikes against military targets (Picture Source: Korean Central News Agency / Edited By Army Recognition Group) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/WDmcNC5 via IFTTT

 Ukraine has transformed its Neptune anti-ship missile into a long-range strike weapon capable of threatening Russian combat aircraft at their airbases, potentially weakening Moscow’s ability to launch glide-bomb attacks against Ukrainian forces.  Read Full Defense News At This Link.  Ukraine's Long Neptune cruise missiles have evolved from anti-ship weapons into long-range strike weapons, reportedly destroying six Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers and damaging two others during attacks on two Russian airbases in October 2026 (Picture Source: Ukrainian MoD/ Oleksiy Bobovnikov/ Google Maps/ AviVector/ Edited By Army Recognition Group) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/ZSUhaDF via IFTTT

The U.S. State Department has approved a possible $2.1 billion sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors to Ukraine, financed entirely through allied and partner funding with no U.S. funds involved. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that deliveries may begin only after several years, raising questions about how the purchase will address Ukraine’s urgent need to defend cities and critical infrastructure against Russian ballistic missiles. Read full Defense News at this link … A Patriot PAC-3 MSE interceptor launches during a test. The U.S. has approved a possible allied-funded $2.1 billion sale of 500 interceptors to Ukraine, while Ukraine warns deliveries could take years. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War/Defense) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/bhUqkVp via IFTTT

The U.S. Navy is moving closer to expanding the missile capacity of its surface fleet following the successful live-fire test of a new deck-mounted launching system developed by BAE Systems. The demonstration marks a further step toward equipping American and allied warships with additional air defense weapons while reducing their dependence on port facilities for missile replenishment. Read more .  Rendering of the BAE Systems Adaptable Deck Launcher firing a missile, illustrating a deck-mounted system designed to increase air defense firepower aboard U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, amphibious ships and other surface combatants. (Picture source: BAE Systems) Read full Defense news.  from World Defence News https://ift.tt/0puCXv6 via IFTTT

The U.S. Navy Virginia-class nuclear attack submarine USS Washington (SSN 787) undocked at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, on October 27, 2026, concluding a 712-day dry-docking period. The vessel entered Dry Dock No. 3 for structural repairs, hull maintenance, and mechanical and electrical upgrades under an Engineered Docking Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA) initially estimated at $394.795 million. This milestone transitions the submarine to pierside testing and system integration amid a broader U.S. Navy depot maintenance backlog that placed 34% of the attack submarine fleet in shipyards during FY2024.  Read full defense news at this link... The U.S. Navy's nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Washington left dry dock on October 27, 2026, after nearly two years of maintenance and upgrades, but must undergo further testing before returning to service. (Picture source: US Navy) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/5M1denl via IFTTT

Switzerland has shortlisted Israel’s Barak MX and the Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG for an additional long-range air defense system, seeking to expand national protection while reducing dependence on American Patriot missiles. The decision, announced by the Swiss Federal Council on October 28, 2026, follows growing uncertainty over U.S. delivery schedules and reflects Bern's determination to strengthen its defenses against aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic threats. Read more .  The Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG (left) and Israeli Barak MX (right) long-range air defense systems have been shortlisted by Switzerland as potential additions to its existing U.S. Patriot procurement program. (Picture sources: Eurosam and Israel Aerospace Industries) Read full Defense news.  from World Defence News https://ift.tt/wpXzegH via IFTTT

France has deployed an Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft to Romania to reinforce surveillance of the western Black Sea following a series of attacks on commercial vessels near NATO territorial waters. Operating from Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, the aircraft is tasked with identifying maritime threats, monitoring shipping routes, and supporting the protection of critical offshore infrastructure as security conditions in the region continue to deteriorate. Read more .  A French Navy Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft in flight. France has deployed the aircraft to Romania to strengthen maritime surveillance and protect commercial shipping and critical energy infrastructure in the western Black Sea. (Picture source: French Navy) Read full Defense news.  from World Defence News https://ift.tt/tJOoT5P via IFTTT

The Australian Department of Defence has requested pricing and delivery schedules for the U.S. Marine Corps' Medium Range Intercept Capability (MRIC), based on Israel's Iron Dome, Patriot, and land-based Aegis systems, to meet its Project LAND 6504 requirement. This potential A$10 billion acquisition aims to bridge critical air defense gaps against cruise missiles, drones, and high-speed ballistic threats by integrating foreign interceptors with domestic CEA Technologies radars. The initiative prioritizes low-cost, high-volume engagement options like the Iron Dome-derived SkyHunter interceptor to complement Australia’s existing short-range NASAMS coverage.  Read full defense news at this link... The Medium Range Intercept Capability (MRIC) is the U.S. Marine Corps' adaptation of Israel's Iron Dome air defense system, combining American AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR radar and CAC2S command equipment with Iron Dome-derived launchers. (Picture source: US DoD) Read more... from World ...

Three Vanguard-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines of the British Royal Navy were deployed at sea simultaneously on October 27, 2026, marking the first time in over five years that 75 percent of the UK strategic fleet was underway at once. The concurrent operation of HMS Vanguard (S28), HMS Vigilant (S30), and HMS Vengeance (S31) addresses severe availability constraints that previously forced continuous deterrent patrols to exceed 200 days. While one vessel maintains the active Continuous At-Sea Deterrence patrol carrying Trident II D5 ballistic missiles, the remaining deployments reflect post-maintenance sea trials and operational transit rather than additional nuclear patrols.  Read full defense news at this link... While one Vanguard submarine maintains an active deterrent patrol carrying nuclear-armed Trident II D5 ballistic missiles, the remaining deployments likely reflect post-maintenance sea trials and operational transit rather than additional nuclear patro...

BAE Systems completed the first live-fire test of its Adaptable Deck Launcher (ADL) at China Lake, California, advancing an above-deck missile system designed to expand U.S. Navy warship firepower. Developed under a U.S. Department of War contract for the NATO Seasparrow Project Office, the modular launcher integrates Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) electronics and logistics to fire Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles (ESSM) from inclined canisters. The configuration bypasses deep hull penetration requirements, enabling frigates, amphibious vessels, and unmanned surface vessels to increase missile capacity while conducting at-sea replenishment.  Read full defense news at this link... The fixed-angle Adaptable Deck Launcher (ADL) accommodates Mk 25 Quad-Pack canisters carrying four ESSM interceptors per cell across both tactical- and strike-length variants, providing supplementary missile firepower and enabling at-sea rearming without requiring deep vertical launch wells. (Picture sou...

China’s secretive reusable spaceplane has been formally identified in a newly released U.S. intelligence image, providing a clearer view of a spacecraft closely resembling the American Boeing X-37B. The unclassified photograph reveals the Chinese vehicle’s winged configuration, open payload bay, and deployed solar arrays, while leaving its equipment and specific orbital missions undisclosed. Read full Defense Aerospace News at this link … China’s experimental reusable spaceplane pictured in orbit with its payload bay open and solar arrays deployed. DIA published the image in its October 2026 space security report. (Photo: © 2024 Maxar Technologies, now Vantor, via DIA. Graphic: Army Recognition.) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/5g9X2Gd via IFTTT

 The Netherlands is rebuilding heavy mechanized combat power with additional modern CV90 infantry fighting vehicles and a wider package of engineering, bridging, support, and recovery systems, the Dutch Ministry of Defence announced on October 26, 2026. The move signals a return to tracked armored warfare designed to keep Dutch forces fighting and moving through minefields, fortified defenses, damaged crossings, and other obstacles expected in a high-intensity conflict against a heavily equipped opponent.    Read Full Defense News At This Link.  The Netherlands is expanding its CV90 infantry fighting vehicle fleet to rebuild tracked armored combat power and strengthen the Royal Netherlands Army for high-intensity mechanized warfare (Picture Source: Dutch MoD) from World Defence News http://worlddefencenews.blogspot.com/2026/10/netherlands-expands-cv90-infantry.html via IFTTT

 Türkiye has moved its TOLGA counter-drone system from land into naval point defense, with MKE demonstrating the dual 20 mm configuration from TCG Beykoz during TURNAs-2026 on 25 October 2026 against both aerial and maritime targets. MKE says the twin-revolver installation delivers a combined 3,200 rounds per minute and can use NATO-standard ammunition or fragmentation rounds developed for counter-drone missions, giving the Turkish Navy a high-rate-of-fire inner defensive layer against small UAVs and unmanned surface vessels during the short engagement windows typical of close-range attacks.  Read Full Defense News At This Link.  MKE’s twin 20 mm TOLGA system demonstrated Türkiye’s expanding layered naval defense strategy by engaging both airborne drones and unmanned surface threats from TCG Beykoz (Picture Source: MKE / Edited By Army Recognition Group) from World Defence News http://worlddefencenews.blogspot.com/2026/10/mkes-tolga-dual-20-mm-close-air-defense.html vi...

 Türkiye has sharpened its counter-drone capabilities after STM’s TUNGA-X high-speed interceptor successfully destroyed a representative hostile UAV during the TURNAs-2026 exercise, the company announced on 25 October 2026. By combining radar support, image-based guidance and precision interception in a rapid sensor-to-effector kill chain, TUNGA-X demonstrated the speed and targeting accuracy needed to strengthen layered air defence against increasingly dangerous UAV threats.  Read Full Defense News At This Link.  STM’s TUNGA-X high-speed interceptor drone destroyed a representative hostile UAV during TURNAs-2026, demonstrating Türkiye’s advancing sensor-linked counter-drone capability (Picture Source: STM/ Edited By Army Recognition Group) from World Defence News http://worlddefencenews.blogspot.com/2026/10/stms-tunga-x-high-speed-interceptor.html via IFTTT

 CSG unveiled the Chaser LM Smart Loitering Munition at Future Forces Forum in Prague, where Army Recognition Group examined a portable precision-strike system designed to give tactical forces a 40 km engagement reach and an armor-piercing capability against protected targets. Combining electro-optical surveillance, intelligent target tracking and onboard decision-support algorithms, the Chaser LM can loiter to locate and follow a target before conducting a precision attack, providing ground units with a rapidly deployable weapon that integrates reconnaissance and strike functions in a single lightweight system.  Read Full Defense News At This Link.  CSG unveiled the Chaser LM Smart Loitering Munition in Prague, combining a 40 km strike range, intelligent target tracking, and armor-piercing capability in a compact precision weapon (Picture Source: Army Recognition Group) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/PNXJ0e8 via IFTTT

 TRL Defense unveiled its compact ISR Mapper drone at the Future Forces Exhibition & Forum in Prague, presenting a rapidly deployable reconnaissance asset designed to deliver tactical imagery with minimal logistical support. Weighing just 5.5 kg and deployable in under five minutes, the Czech-built platform combines a stated range exceeding 100 km, speeds up to 150 km/h, interchangeable payloads and launcher or VTOL configurations, giving frontline forces greater flexibility for mapping, surveillance and intelligence missions without relying on the infrastructure required by larger unmanned aircraft.  Read Full Defense News At This Link.  TRL Defense unveiled its lightweight ISR Mapper drone in Prague, combining rapid deployment, modular sensors and flexible launch options for tactical reconnaissance, mapping and ISR missions (Picture Source: Army Recognition Group) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/euARHoD via IFTTT

The U.S. Air Force is strengthening air base protection by training with the Bumblebee V2 drone interceptor at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. Personnel from the 6th Security Forces Squadron trained with Joint Interagency Task Force 401 to prepare to use the collision-based interceptor against small unmanned aircraft that threaten aircraft, personnel, and installation infrastructure. Read full Defense Aerospace News at this link … U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nathan A. Duarte, 6th Security Forces Squadron unmanned aircraft systems program manager, inspects a Bumblebee V2 drone interceptor during counter-drone training at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War/Defense) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/CITLq6O via IFTTT

The U.S. Army has activated a new THAAD air defense missile battalion on Guam, in the North Pacific Ocean, establishing a permanent organizational foundation for expanded air defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, will support the protection of military forces and infrastructure as the Army develops a broader integrated defensive network. Read full Defense News at this link … U.S. Army THAAD launchers support Guam’s ballistic missile defense mission. The newly activated 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, builds on the island’s existing defensive presence as the Army develops a broader integrated air and missile defense architecture. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War/Defense) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/14sLIlM via IFTTT

The U.S. Air Force has deployed F-22 Raptor stealth fighters to Tsuiki Air Base in southern Japan during Exercise Keen Sword 27, expanding its operating locations beyond the major American fighter hub at Kadena. The October 19, 2026, deployment illustrates the potential value of dispersing advanced combat aircraft across allied airfields, an approach that could complicate Chinese military targeting during a potential Taiwan conflict. Read full Defense Aerospace News at this link … A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor from the 525th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, lands at Tsuiki Air Base, Japan, during Exercise Keen Sword 27 on October 19, 2026. The deployment expands U.S. stealth fighters' operating options beyond Kadena. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War/Defense) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/OfEtYXQ via IFTTT

The U.S. Air Force is seeking a new mission computer to help its F-16 Fighting Falcons remain effective alongside F-35 Lightning IIs and F-22 Raptors as air combat becomes increasingly dependent on sensor data, electronic warfare, and networked operations. The Next-Generation Mission Compute (NGMC) program would replace aging onboard computing equipment in selected F-16 variants, supporting their continued contribution to American airpower into the 2040s. Read full Defense Aerospace News at this link … A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility on September 18, 2026. The Air Force is seeking a new mission computer to help selected F-16 variants remain effective alongside F-35 and F-22 fighters. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War/Defense) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/uLqyI7U via IFTTT

US Army soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment launched a Czech-built STORK LR long-range reconnaissance drone during exercise Combined Resolve 27-01 at the Hohenfels Training Area in Germany on October 16, 2026. Operating as the exercise's dedicated opposing force, the battalion utilized the fixed-wing platform to replicate modern peer-threat aerial surveillance and electronic warfare dynamics observed on the Ukrainian front. The deployment follows a May 2026 supply contract between manufacturer U&C UAS and US Army units in Europe to integrate battlefield-tested reconnaissance technologies into coalition training regiments.  Read full defense news at this link... Developed by U&C UAS in the Czech Republic using heritage designs from Ukraine’s DeViRo Leleka series, the STORK LR features catapult launch, belly-landing recovery, a range of up to 135 kilometers, and up to 5.5 hours of flight endurance. (Picture source: U.S. Army) Read more... from Worl...

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) remotely controlled a Boeing MQ-25A Stingray unmanned tanker over a distance exceeding 2,100 miles (3,379 km) during a milestone command connectivity test. Operating in the Pacific Ocean, the carrier established a beyond-line-of-sight link with the aircraft at Boeing’s Mascoutah, Illinois facility using an MD-5C Ground Control Station and a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network. The demonstration validates long-range satellite-based command architecture required to shift aerial refueling responsibilities from strike fighters to dedicated carrier-based unmanned aircraft.  Read full defense news at this link... The MQ-25A Stingray aims to extend the combat range and endurance of U.S. Navy carrier-based fighters by providing aerial refueling farther from aircraft carriers, freeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets from tanker duties for combat missions. (Picture source: Boeing) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/rAIv...

Australian Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy announced at Anduril Australia's Sydney facility that the Royal Australian Navy's Ghost Shark Extra Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (XL-AUVs) will be equipped with naval mines, swarming aerial drones, and special forces resupply payloads. The integration expands the autonomous submarine's operational scope from intelligence gathering to multi-domain strike, offensive mine warfare, and covert logistics. This milestone forms part of Canberra's A$5.8 billion ten-year strategy to field low-cost, scalable undersea autonomous warfare capabilities alongside crewed naval assets.  Read full defense news at this link... Australia's Ghost Shark underwater drones could now lay mines to block enemy ships, launch kamikaze drones to target their sensors and communications, and resupply special forces near hostile coastlines. (Picture source: Australian MoD) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/hioGb8P via IFTTT

The U.S. Army is seeking additional manufacturers for its Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 1, a long-range ballistic missile launched from HIMARS and M270 rocket systems. The move could accelerate missile production, reduce reliance on Lockheed Martin, and help replenish U.S. ammunition stocks following recent combat operations while preparing American forces for prolonged high-intensity conflicts. Read more.  A U.S. Army M142 HIMARS launcher fires a Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 1 during a flight test at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, on February 12, 2025, as part of efforts to expand long-range precision strike capabilities. (Picture source: US DoD) Read full Defense News.  from World Defence News https://ift.tt/5UI8TFx via IFTTT

U.S. Marine CorpsAH-1Z Viper attack helicopters destroyed an Iranian-affiliated surveillance vessel in the Gulf of Oman after it was identified as helping target American warships. The strike highlights the growing importance of countering maritime reconnaissance activities that could expose U.S. naval forces to Iranian missile and drone attacks near the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz. Read more .  U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters fire on an Iranian-affiliated surveillance boat accused of targeting U.S. Navy warships in the Gulf of Oman on October 6, 2026. (Picture source: U.S. Central Command) Read full Defense news .       from World Defence News https://ift.tt/I1q87Nt via IFTTT

The U.S. Army has successfully tested the Red Wolf long-range strike missile from an MH-60 helicopter for the first time, opening the way for Black Hawk helicopters to engage targets hundreds of kilometers away. The demonstration marks a step toward extending helicopter strike capabilities beyond conventional engagement ranges while reducing exposure to enemy air defenses during operations in contested environments. Read more.   The L3Harris Red Wolf long-range precision strike missile displayed at AUSA 2026, designed to engage distant targets and recently flight-tested from a U.S. Army MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. (Picture source: Army Recognition) Read full Defense news.  from World Defence News https://ift.tt/xnQbYBj via IFTTT

Taiwan-based Thunder Tiger Technology, in partnership with Farage Precision and The Rehfeldt Group, has completed the delivery and acceptance of 1,520 FPV attack drones to the U.S. Department of Defense under the Drone Dominance Program. The $7.6 million procurement represents a milestone for non-Chinese manufacturing networks supplying compliant military quadcopters to the U.S. armed forces. Utilizing Blue UAS-approved hardware and Auterion flight controllers, the 10-inch customized Overkill quadcopters fulfill strict National Defense Authorization Act supply chain verification requirements for line-of-sight strike assets.  Read full defense news at this link... FPV drones have changed combat by allowing small units to conduct engagements against individual vehicles, artillery pieces, radar equipment, ammunition positions, and infantry concentrations without requiring artillery or guided weapons. (Picture source: Army Recognition) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift...

SIG Sauer revealed new technical details about the U.S. Army’s XM8 carbine in an exclusive interview with Army Recognition at AUSA 2026 in Washington, D.C., explaining how direct soldier feedback drove the development of a lighter, more compact weapon derived from the M7. According to the company, troops' main concern was the M7's weight, leading SIG Sauer to shorten the barrel, reduce material in key components, and cut the weapon’s weight from 3.67 kg (8.1 lb) to about 3.31 kg (7.3 lb). Read full Defense News at this link … In an exclusive interview with Army Recognition, SIG Sauer reveals how soldier feedback shaped the XM8, a lighter and more compact evolution of the M7 rifle. Discover its reduced weight, shorter barrel, advanced 6.8mm ammunition, and new technical features designed for U.S. Army close-combat forces. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/vH0dimG via IFTTT

On October 17, 2026, Ukraine's 115th Separate Mechanized Brigade announced that its Prybultsi air defense unit engaged a second Russian Mi-28 attack helicopter using a modified FPV interceptor drone over Russia's Belgorod region. This midair engagement follows a similar strike against an Mi-28NM on October 14, demonstrating an evolving tactical deployment of low-cost unmanned aerial systems against Russian attack helicopters operating within border airspace. The operations reflect Ukrainian efforts to counter Russian stand-off aviation strikes by adapting long-range VB140 Blyskavka interceptors to penetrate regions affected by active electronic warfare systems.  Read full defense news at this link... The two attacks show how Ukraine is increasingly using its relatively inexpensive FPV drones to threaten Russian attack helicopters that were previously able to freely fire guided missiles against Ukrainian forces from inside Russian territory. (Picture source: ZSU_115OMBr) Read mo...

 Russia is transforming the Tu-160M into a substantially renewed strategic bomber without changing the iconic shape of the original aircraft, with Tupolev revealing in a Rostec interview published on October 15, 2026, that 80% of its systems and equipment have been modernized. Behind the familiar variable-geometry airframe are new NK-32-02 engines, upgraded avionics, navigation and weapons-control systems, giving Russia a rebuilt long-range strike platform designed to remain relevant for nuclear deterrence and conventional missions while restoring its ability to manufacture one of its most powerful strategic aircraft.  Read Full Defense News At This Link.  Russia’s Tu-160M preserves the iconic variable-geometry shape of the Soviet-era bomber while replacing or modernizing 80% of its systems and equipment to strengthen Russia’s long-term strategic air capability (Picture Source: UAC) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/pVFLIze via IFTTT

On October 13, 2026, the U.S. Navy awarded Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) Newport News Shipbuilding a $56 million contract for engineering and design work supporting the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program with the United Kingdom and Australia. The award includes a $35 million option that could raise its total potential value to $91 million, with 88% of execution taking place in Virginia through September 2027. This agreement provides essential Foreign Military Sales support to Australia and the United Kingdom while funding U.S. industry support engineering to accelerate technical integration across the trilateral enterprise.  Read full defense news at this link... The future SSN-AUKUS nuclear submarine, jointly developed by Britain, Australia, and the United States, is intended for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence collection, surveillance, and conventional land-attack missions. (Picture source: BAE Systems) Read more... from World Defence News ...

China has unveiled the YJ-9ER extended-range air-launched anti-ship missile, reportedly doubling the engagement distance of its existing YJ-9 weapon system to strengthen the People's Liberation Army's ability to strike small, fast-moving surface warships, including Taiwan's Tuo Chiang-class missile corvettes. The upgraded missile is reported to reach 30 km when launched from helicopters and 60 km from fixed-wing aircraft, compared with 15 km and 30 km, respectively, for the earlier version. Read full Naval Defense News at this link … Illustrative image of a Taiwan Tuo Chiang-class missile corvette at sea, with an inset showing a YJ-9 family anti-ship missile. China’s newly unveiled YJ-9ER is reported to double the engagement range of the earlier weapon, potentially increasing the threat to fast, missile-armed surface combatants operating around Taiwan. (Picture source: Army Recognition / AI-generated image) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/jteuz04 via IFT...

On October 16, 2026, the U.S. Air Force announced that an F-22 Raptor stealth fighter pilot successfully issued in-flight tactical commands to Anduril's FQ-44A Fury Collaborative Combat Aircraft during a flight demonstration over California. The test demonstrated a division of command authority where the pilot assigns mission-level objectives while the uncrewed aircraft's onboard autonomy software independently manages dynamic flight maneuvers and simulated combat tasks. This operational milestone supports the U.S. Air Force's broader strategic goal of fielding 500 combat-ready semi-autonomous aircraft by 2032 and an eventual fleet of 1,000 units.  Read full defense news at this link... The U.S. Air Force demonstrated an F-22 Raptor commanding a YFQ-44A Fury combat drone during simulated air combat, paving the way for fighter pilots to control multiple autonomous aircraft carrying additional weapons and sensors. (Picture source: US DoD) Read more... from World Defence New...