U.S. Marines are now training to shoot down small drones traveling at speeds exceeding 90 mph using M27 rifles, M1014 shotguns, and grenade launchers as part of the Marine Corps’ first dedicated counter-drone training lanes at Twentynine Palms, California. Marines engaged simulated hostile unmanned aerial systems at distances as short as 20 meters while also employing electronic warfare, creating a layered defense against the type of fast-moving first-person-view (FPV) drone threat reshaping modern ground combat. Read full Defense News at this link … U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jeremiah Smith fires an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during counter-drone training at Twentynine Palms, California, on July 17, 2026, as Marines practice engaging fast-moving small unmanned aerial systems at close range. (Picture source: U.S. Marine Corps) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/5uxwFEJ via IFTTT
The United States is expanding SM-3 interceptor production as the Pentagon works to strengthen Navy missile-defense readiness against growing ballistic missile threats from Iran, North Korea and across the Indo-Pacific. Agreements with Boeing and RTX announced on August 14, 2026, target industrial bottlenecks that could slow the replenishment of Aegis interceptor stocks during sustained operations. Read full Naval Defense News at this link … A U.S. Navy Aegis-equipped destroyer launches an SM-3 interceptor during a ballistic missile defense event, highlighting the fleet’s ability to engage ballistic threats outside the atmosphere. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War/Defense) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/w05odZg via IFTTT