Global Defense News & Intelligence

A ground-breaking defence research project exploring the application of quantum technologies in defence in the areas of secure communication and navigation has successfully closed. QuantaQuest – Quantum Secure Communication and Navigation for European Defence - a 28-month EU-funded project under the Preparatory Action on Defence Research (PADR) held its final meeting in December 2023, after delivering on a variety of operational scenarios and developments.

Despite the war in Ukraine, the Russian defense industry continues to develop a new generation of combat vehicles including the Kurganets-25, the latest generation of Russian-made tracked armored IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle). Recently, a video was published on Russian social networks showing amphibious capabilities tests of a new version of the Kurganets-25.

The Russian Ministry of Defense released a video on January 2, 2024, showcasing an incident where a Ukrainian Leopard 2A6 Main Battle Tank (MBT) was targeted by a Russian Lancet Loitering Munition. The footage, while demonstrating the resilience of the Leopard 2A6's armor which prevented its destruction, showed the vulnerability of modern tanks to drone and loitering ammunition attacks in contemporary combat scenarios.

Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks has tested a Unimog implement carrier prototype with a hydrogen combustion engine in real operation. The Unimog is a test vehicle that is used to research the conditions under which hydrogen combustion can be implemented as a supplement to battery-electric and fuel-cell-based drives. On a decommissioned section of the highway between Bayreuth and Bamberg, engineers collected measurement data when mowing the verge, accelerating and refueling at a public gas station. The data will be used for further vehicle development. Employees from Autobahn GmbH accompanied the tests.

The U.S. Army last week announced three Other Transaction Authority agreements awarded to Robotics Research Autonomous Industries, Neya Systems, and Carnegie Robotics respectively, valued at $14.8 million to provide four prototypes from each vendor for the Autonomous Tactical Vehicle System, or ATV-S, program. Rae Higgins, Program Executive Office Combat Support & Combat Service Support, reports. This amount represents the base award. The acquisition plan includes options to procure a total of 41 prototypes built.

Yugoimport–SDPR, officially known as Yugoimport–SDPR J.P., is a Serbian state-owned company specializing in the manufacturing and trading of defense-related equipment. The company's product range is diverse, encompassing armored vehicles, artillery systems, light trainer aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and small-caliber ammunition. Some of its notable products include the Nora B-52 self-propelled howitzer, Lazar and Miloš multi-role armored vehicles, Lasta 95 light trainer aircraft, Pegaz drone, and Premax 39 river patrol boat.

Traditionally, wars are fought over land, sea, and in the air. Future conflicts will no longer exist solely in those domains: the armed forces will encounter conflict in space, cyberspace and simultaneously across all five domains. How will the U.S. Army be ready for multi-domain operations? Test for multi-domain operations — using distributed live, virtual and constructive simulations. Deirdre Cascardo reports.

Russian Company RosElectronics, part of the Russian State Company Rostec Corporation, unveiled a groundbreaking compact transponder designed for drone identification. This new technology represents a significant advancement in drone warfare and surveillance, addressing the challenges of identifying friendly versus enemy drones in combat scenarios.

During the VUKUHLOME 2023, A South African army military exercise on November 22, 2023, the South African company SVI Engineering showcased for the first time its new MAX 3 wheeled armored vehicle in self-propelled mortar carrier at the South African Army Combat Training Centre in Lohatla, Northern Cape. This vehicle is fitted with the Thales Scorpion 81mm mortar system.

In a significant advancement in unmanned aerial technology, China has recently unveiled the XS101, a new loitering munition, as per video footage released by a Chinese TV News Channel. This development marks a crucial step in China's defense capabilities, closely mirroring the American Switchblade 300 drone.