Milton Innovation’s new Sky Watcher drone offers enhanced compactness and modularity for special forces at SOFINS 2025

During the SOFINS exhibition dedicated to special forces and defense innovation, Milton Innovation, a subsidiary of the Etienne Lacroix Group and a new member of GICAT, unveiled the prototype of its miniaturized drone, the Sky Watcher. Initially presented in its first configuration at Eurosatory in June 2024, this next-generation drone has since undergone a comprehensive redesign, including modifications to its structural layout, electronic components, propulsion system, and general architecture, to enhance compactness, robustness, and modularity. This reengineering work also includes the integration of miniaturized GNSS antennas and sensors, as well as the development of a smart battery system in collaboration with a French partner. Read more.

With a reported flight endurance of up to one hour and an operational range of 10 km, the Sky Watcher can carry a payload of up to 3 kg, including an onboard camera. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

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U.S. Army Conducts Gunnery Exercise With Latest Air Defense System Sgt Stout.

U.S. Army officials confirmed that a live gunnery exercise at Fort Hood, Texas, is underway, featuring the latest-generation Sgt Stout short-range air defense system. The drills mark a significant step toward full operational integration as units across the force adapt to evolving threats from drones, rotary-wing aircraft, and low-flying munitions. It matters because Sgt. Stout enhances the Army’s ability to defend forward-deployed troops and critical infrastructure from modern aerial threats. Read full Defense News at this link ... A U.S. Army SGT Stout SHORAD air defense vehicle maneuvers into firing position during live-fire training with the 6th Battalion, 56th Air Defense Artillery Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas, on October 3, 2025. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/NYmsS1n via IFTTT

US Budget Proposal Seeks F-22 Raptor Stealth Jet Upgrades to Protect Air Dominance

Lockheed Martin’s F-22 Raptor fighter jet is confirmed to receive major upgrades under the proposed FY2026 budget plan to ensure its sustained edge in air dominance operations, according to the U.S. Air Force Financial Management and Comptroller. Despite the emergence of sixth-generation designs, the Air Force’s dedicated $90 million budget aims to extend the Raptor’s relevance. This move underscores a broader strategy to protect critical stealth assets against evolving threats from China and Russia. It highlights a firm commitment to bridging the gap until Next Generation Air Dominance systems mature. Read full defense News at this link. The planned FY2026 viability upgrade marks a clear signal that the F-22 remains a backbone of U.S. air dominance doctrine (Picture source: U.S. Air Force) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/xebSkjs via IFTTT

MBDA–Rheinmetall new shipboard laser weapon could enter German Navy service by 2029.

Düsseldorf/Schrobenhausen, Germany, 28 October 2025 - German companies Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany announced that their jointly developed high-energy laser demonstrator has been transferred to the Laser Competence Centre at the Bundeswehr’s Technical Centre for Weapons and Ammunition (WTD 91) in Meppen, following a year-long series of sea trials aboard the German Navy frigate FGS Sachsen. The transition marks a key milestone in Germany’s efforts to field a shipboard directed-energy weapon capable of defending naval assets from drones, small craft, and other emerging aerial threats. According to Rheinmetall, an operational system could be ready for the fleet as early as 2029, providing a cost-effective complement to traditional missile interceptors. Read full Naval News at this link ... German Navy frigate FGS Sachsen conducts sea trials with Rheinmetall and MBDA’s high-energy laser weapon system, mounted on the forward deck in a containerized module during live-fire testing in ...

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