Trap of War

The recent developments surrounding MBDA’s Mistral 3 very short-range air defense missile system (VSHORAD) have marked a significant leap in naval defense capabilities. MBDA’s successful test involving the neutralization of a Fast Inshore Attack Craft (FIAC) using the Mistral 3 highlights the increasing versatility and importance of this missile system, especially in scenarios where agile and low-profile maritime threats are prevalent. In addition to being effective against FIACs, the Mistral 3 has proven its ability to engage very small Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), indicating its utility against a new generation of asymmetric naval warfare threats. Mistral 3. Photo: mbda-systems.com This is not the first time the Mistral 3 has showcased its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. In the previous year, MBDA conducted a test where the missile successfully destroyed a low-infrared signature drone—specifically a type similar to the Iranian Shahed drone. The ability to intercept and el...

Lockheed Martin has achieved a major breakthrough in advanced maritime surveillance technology through the successful development of an Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) system based on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). This development took place on the West Coast of the United States and represents a strategic leap in the automation of naval target detection.  Traditionally, SAR systems relied heavily on human operators to manually search for and differentiate maritime objects—a process that consumed significant time and introduced a greater potential for human error. Lockheed Martin’s SAR ATR changes this paradigm completely, delivering a solution that leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to perform these tasks rapidly and with remarkable accuracy. P-8A Poseidon with SAR radar capability. Photo: boeing.com At the heart of this innovation is the integration of Machine Learning Operations (MLOps), enabling SAR ATR to function autonomously. These systems are capabl...

Lockheed Martin has recently introduced a new generation of long-range cruise missiles characterized by affordability, speed, and modularity: the Common Multi-Mission Truck (CMMT). This aerial delivery system consists of two distinct missile platforms, the CMMT-D and CMMT-X, designed to meet the demands of modern warfare while minimizing production costs and time-to-deployment. These systems represent Lockheed Martin's independent venture into efficient missile development, and early tests suggest they could offer strategic advantages when integrated into large-scale military operations. CMMT-D is loaded into the Rapid Dragon cell. Photo: lockheedmartin.com The initial testing phase took place in Oregon, with the CMMT-D tested in May and the CMMT-X in June. These trials were deemed successful, highlighting not only the operational readiness of the missiles but also the effectiveness of their deployment methods.  The CMMT-D, a glider-style cruise missile, was released from a Rapid D...

Leonardo, the Italian defense technology firm, has introduced two new developments in armored warfare: the 120 mm L55 tank gun and the 120 mm VULCANO guided ammunition. These systems were unveiled during a live-fire demonstration at the Cottrau proving ground in Portovenere, La Spezia, marking a significant milestone in Italy’s ongoing military modernization efforts. Panther MBT. Photo: rheinmetall.com The 120 mm L55 cannon, also referred to as the 120/L55, represents a progression from earlier models such as the L44 and L45. Developed entirely through internal funding, the L55 is designed specifically for tracked platforms due to its recoil characteristics, which preclude its use on wheeled vehicles. The gun incorporates a new autofrettaging process that enhances its ability to withstand higher internal pressures. This process, along with a dual hydraulic recoil brake system and an oil-gas accumulator, contributes to improved firing stability and barrel longevity. The barrel itself is...

The recent demonstration of the Malloy TRV-150 drone launching an APKWS-guided munition at Dugway Proving Ground in Utah marks a significant milestone in the evolution of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for tactical operations. This event not only showcased the drone’s ability to deliver precision strikes but also underscored the growing role of multi-rotor platforms in modern combat environments. TRV-150. Photo: baesystems.com The TRV-150 is a product of collaboration between Malloy Aeronautics, a UK-based firm specializing in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and SURVICE Engineering, a U.S. company focused on defense technology integration. Originally conceived as a logistics drone, the TRV-150 was designed to support tactical resupply missions in challenging environments. It features eight electric rotors, a modular payload system, and a rugged frame capable of operating in diverse conditions—from arctic cold to desert heat. The drone can carry up to 68 kilograms...

Scientific Systems has introduced a new autonomous maritime platform known as the Vehicle for Expeditionary Naval Over-the-Horizon Missions (VENOM). This small Unmanned Surface Vehicle (sUSV) is designed to meet evolving operational demands in naval warfare, particularly in contested and dynamic maritime environments. The launch of VENOM reflects a broader shift toward software-centric, autonomous systems that prioritize scalability, mission flexibility, and cost-efficiency. VENOM USV. Photo: Scientific Systems VENOM’s primary function is to serve as a multi-role interceptor and surveillance platform capable of operating independently across a range of naval missions. It is engineered to perform tasks such as force protection, intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance (ISR), contested logistics, and maritime interdiction. These roles require the ability to navigate through hostile waters, detect and respond to threats, and maintain persistent presence in designated zones. VENOM’s autono...

The U.S. Army's Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) has awarded Epirus a $43.5 million contract for the delivery of two Leonidas High-Power Microwave (HPM) Generation II systems. This procurement reflects a strategic move to enhance the Army’s Integrated Fires Protection Capability (IFPC) against evolving aerial threats, particularly unmanned aerial systems (UAS), which have become increasingly prevalent in modern conflict zones and domestic security scenarios. Leonidas II Microwave Weapons. Photo: Epirus The Leonidas Generation II systems are designed to address the limitations observed in earlier prototypes and incorporate feedback from operational testing. These systems are expected to significantly expand the effective range—more than doubling that of the Generation I models—and increase power output by approximately 30 percent. The upgrades include high-density batteries for extended operational time, reduced reliance on external power sources, and adva...

In July 2025, L3Harris Technologies unveiled two new aerial munitions—Red Wolf and Green Wolf—marking a significant development in the evolution of launched effects systems. These platforms are designed to meet the U.S. Department of Defense’s growing demand for adaptable, cost-effective, and multi-domain munitions. The introduction of these systems reflects broader trends in defense technology, particularly the emphasis on modularity, interoperability, and affordability in response to shifting strategic priorities. Red Wolf. Photo: l3harris.com Red Wolf and Green Wolf are part of L3Harris’s “Wolf Pack” concept, which envisions a family of launched effects vehicles capable of deployment from air, ground, or maritime platforms. The systems are engineered to operate either independently or collaboratively, with the ability to swarm and execute coordinated missions. This approach aligns with the increasing reliance on unmanned and semi-autonomous systems in modern combat scenarios. Green ...

In July 2025, the UK Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with BAE Systems, MBDA UK, and Rolls-Royce, unveiled the design of a new Stealth Combat Aircraft Demonstrator. This aircraft marks a significant milestone in British aerospace development, being the first crewed supersonic combat demonstrator produced domestically in over four decades. The initiative is part of a broader effort to advance next-generation air combat capabilities and is closely tied to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a trilateral partnership between the UK, Italy, and Japan. New Stealth Fighter Demonstration Design. Photo: BAE Systems The demonstrator is currently under construction at BAE Systems’ facilities in Lancashire, with two-thirds of its structural weight already manufactured. Key components such as the fuselage, wings, and tail fins are being assembled using advanced digital and robotic manufacturing techniques. These include 3D printing, cobotics, digital twins, and model-based systems engineer...

In a recent demonstration in the California High Desert, the XQ-67A unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) successfully executed a tactical data link exchange, marking a significant milestone in its development. This test flight was not merely a technical exercise but part of a broader initiative to validate the aircraft’s role within future autonomous combat operations. The trial was designed to assess the integration of government-owned autonomy systems with existing tactical communications infrastructure, enabling real-time coordination between crewed and uncrewed platforms. XQ-67A. Photo: ga-asi.com The purpose of this trial extends beyond proving basic flight capabilities. It is a critical step in evaluating the XQ-67A’s potential as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), a concept that envisions autonomous systems operating alongside traditional fighter jets. The tactical data link exchange demonstrated the aircraft’s ability to receive and process mission-critical updates mid-flight, a c...