Taiwan conducts first live-fire exercise with US-made M1A2T Abrams tanks amid rising Chinese activity

On July 10, 2025, the Taiwanese Army conducted the first live-fire drill involving its newly acquired M1A2T main battle tanks at the Kengzikou training range in Hsinchu County. Four tanks from the initial batch of 38 delivered in December 2024 by the United States were deployed. The exercise was held in conjunction with the ongoing Han Kuang 41 military exercises but was not officially listed as part of the core live-fire segment. The tanks performed firing procedures from stationary positions and while on the move, engaging both moving and static targets. They fired individually, in pairs, and in a platoon formation. President Lai Ching-te was present at the event and stated that enhanced strike capabilities and mobility contributed to national security. According to the Army, the tanks achieved full firing accuracy during the training. Read full defense news at this link...

The M1A2T retains a 120mm M256 smoothbore main gun capable of firing APFSDS and HEAT rounds, including the export-specific KE-W A1 APFSDS-T, with penetration reportedly reaching up to 850mm of homogeneous steel. (Picture source: Taiwanese MoD)

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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

Raytheon Australia Integrates Sidewinder Missile With NASAMS Launcher to Strengthen Air Defence

On June 30, 2025, Raytheon Australia integrated Sidewinder Missile on NASAMS High-Mobility Launcher strengthening ground-based air defence capabilities. In a significant demonstration at the Woomera Test Range, the Australian Army’s 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, successfully fired the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile from a Hawkei High-Mobility Launcher, marking a world-first for this missile-platform pairing. This milestone underlines the growing relevance of adaptable, layered air and missile defence systems for Australia’s national security. Read Full Defense News at this link. The successful integration of the Sidewinder missile onto the NASAMS High-Mobility Launcher represents a tangible leap in Australia’s ground-based air defence (Picture source: Australian Army) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/XxVBQHy via IFTTT

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