U.S. Orders More SMASH 2000LE Fire Control Systems to Give Soldiers Final Layer of Defense Against Drone Threats

The U.S. Army is expanding fielding of the Smart Shooter SMASH 2000LE fire control system under a new $10.7 million award announced by Smart Shooter on May 11, 2026, strengthening the ability of individual soldiers to destroy small drones at close range before they can strike troops or vehicles. The decision reflects a major doctrinal shift as FPV drones, loitering munitions, and low-cost reconnaissance systems force frontline units to assume a direct role in air defense at squad level rather than relying solely on higher-echelon protection. SMASH 2000LE uses AI-enabled target tracking, computer vision, and automated shot-release technology to improve hit probability against fast and evasive aerial threats, giving riflemen a practical hard-kill option during the final seconds of a drone attack. Its integration with wider sensor and battle-management networks aligns with the U.S. Army’s broader push toward layered and distributed counter-UAS warfare, where every maneuver unit becomes part of a connected defensive grid in drone-saturated combat environments. Read Full Defense News At This Link.

The U.S. Army is expanding fielding of SMART SHOOTER’s SMASH 2000LE AI-assisted rifle fire control systems to give frontline soldiers a direct hard-kill capability against FPV drones and other small aerial threats at close range (Picture Source: U.S. Army / Smart Shooter / U.S. Marines, Edited by Army Recognition Group)

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Bath Iron Works starts building new Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyer USS J. William Middendorf

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works has started construction of the future USS J. William Middendorf (DDG 138), a Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer that will strengthen the U.S. Navy’s missile-defense and escort capacity during sustained operations in the Red Sea, Eastern Mediterranean, and Indo-Pacific. The ceremonial first steel cut took place in Maine on May 19, 2026, as the Navy continues relying on Flight III destroyers equipped with the SPY-6 radar and Aegis Baseline 10 combat system to replace the air defense and command role of retiring Ticonderoga-class cruisers ahead of the future DDG(X) program. Read full defense news at this link... USS J. William Middendorf belongs to the Flight III configuration that began with USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), the first Flight III destroyer commissioned in October 2023. (Picture source: US Navy) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/tSRkVWI via IFTTT

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

China’s PHL-191 MLRS Shows How Airburst Munitions Could Transform Modern Battlefield Suppression

China has showcased what appears to be an airburst-capable munition fired from its PHL-191 long-range modular multiple launch rocket system during a live-fire exercise, highlighting a growing emphasis on suppressing dispersed battlefield targets rather than relying solely on point strikes. Footage released on July 19, 2026, by China Military Online and the Chinese Ministry of National Defense suggests the PLA is expanding its long-range fire-support options with effects designed to disrupt troops, air-defense sites, and lightly protected equipment across a wider area, reinforcing its ability to shape the battlefield before major combat operations begin. Read Full Defense News At This Link. New PLA footage shows China’s PHL-191 rocket artillery system delivering concentrated, apparent airburst fragmentation effects against dispersed battlefield targets (Picture Source: Chinese Ministry of National Defense) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/jYnGm7H via IFTTT

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