The US Department of Defense (DoD) has unveiled a comprehensive strategy designed to bolster the protection of military facilities and personnel against the rising threats posed by drones. While the specifics of the strategy remain classified, an unclassified fact sheet outlines its wider objectives, particularly emphasizing the importance of enhancing the Pentagon’s understanding of emerging drone threat patterns.

A key element of the strategy is the commitment to foster stronger collaboration with allies and industry partners, which is crucial for ensuring the swift and large-scale deployment of effective counter-drone solutions. This collaborative approach is highlighted by the DoD’s intention to integrate counter-drone technologies into future force designs and initiatives, signaling a long-term investment in addressing this evolving threat.

The Pentagon recognizes that a focus solely on current challenges is insufficient. “Focusing on the near-term problem is not enough,” the statement declares. The comprehensive strategy for countering unmanned systems encourages the department to extend its gaze beyond immediate threats and to consider potential future risks.

This new department-wide strategy builds upon fundamental counter-drone initiatives that have been previously established, including the formation of the Joint Counter-Small UAS Office and the initiation of the Replicator 2 program. The DoD characterizes unmanned systems as an “urgent” and “enduring” threat to the US military on a global scale, highlighting the necessity for a unified approach to countering these challenges.

“These threats are changing how wars are fought,” the department noted. By consolidating efforts into a singular strategy for confronting unmanned systems, the Secretary of Defense and the department aim to achieve a common understanding of the challenges posed by drones and a coordinated response to address them effectively.

The urgency of this strategy is further underscored by ongoing threats faced by the US military, particularly exemplified by drone attacks from Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. These developments complicate security operations in the region. Additionally, the tragic loss of three American soldiers due to a drone attack attributed to Iran-backed militants at a military base in Jordan brings the immediate dangers of drone warfare into sharp relief and reinforces the need for enhanced defensive measures.

Lockheed Martin has secured a significant contract extension worth $245 million from the US Naval Sea Systems Command, aimed at enhancing the MK 48 Guidance and Control (G&C) program. This upgrade is particularly focused on the Mod 7, the latest iteration of the MK 48 submarine-launched torpedo, which is designed to improve its operational capabilities.

According to the details of the contract, the advancements made under this program will not only benefit the US Navy but are also set to extend to allied forces, including Australia, through foreign military sales. The timeline for the completion of this work is projected to extend until September 2027.

Tom Warner, Lockheed Martin’s Vice President of Undersea Warfare, lauded the contract as evidence of the company’s commitment to revitalizing a previously stagnant technology. He stated that the agreement enables the firm to deliver an increased number of guidance and control sections at a more accelerated production pace. Warner emphasized the dedication of their team, assuring that they remain focused on producing these crucial systems. He underscored the importance of ensuring that both the US Navy and allied nations possess the necessary technology to maintain superiority in an increasingly dynamic global security environment.

Former US Navy submarine commander Tom Shugart also commented on the prowess of the MK 48 torpedo, describing it as “probably the most capable torpedo in the world.” His insights highlighted the torpedo’s dual functionality in both anti-submarine and anti-surface operations. Shugart pointed out that the MK 48 can launch strikes with minimal warning and is engineered to deliver significant damage, even capable of breaking ships apart on impact.

The MK 48 torpedo is equipped with a formidable 650-pound (approximately 295-kilogram) high-explosive warhead and is utilized by the entire class of US Navy submarines. The advanced Mod 7 version, which was developed through a collaborative effort with the Royal Australian Navy, achieved its initial operational capability back in 2006. Beyond the United States and Australia, several other nations, including Canada, the Netherlands, Brazil, and Taiwan, have integrated this formidable weapon into their naval arsenals.

The US Navy has made a significant investment in electronic warfare capabilities with the awarding of a $590-million contract to Raytheon for continued development of the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) system. This contract represents a follow-on production effort aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the EA-18G Growler aircraft, which serves both the US Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

Under this contract, Raytheon is tasked with providing shipsets, support equipment, spare parts, and non-recurring engineering support. The work will be conducted across multiple states, including Texas, Mississippi, California, and Indiana, and is expected to continue through 2028.

Barbara Borgonovi, the president of Naval Power at Raytheon, emphasized the importance of the NGJ-MB, describing it as a “revolutionary offensive electronic attack system” that equips Navy personnel with critical combat capabilities. She highlighted the company’s collaboration with the US Navy to expedite the deployment of this advanced electronic warfare solution.

This contract follows a previous agreement from October, where Raytheon secured a $192-million contract to develop an upgraded version of the NGJ-MB known as the NGJ-MB Expansion or NGJ-MBX, further solidifying the company’s role in enhancing the Navy’s electronic warfare programs.

The development of the NGJ-MB system reflects a strategic shift in electronic warfare, as it aims to replace the aging analog ALQ-99 jammer currently used in the Growler. The system was approved for production in 2021, following successful flight tests and milestone achievements.

Key features of the NGJ-MB include an open systems architecture, active electronically scanned arrays, and an all-digital back end. These advanced technologies allow the Growler aircraft to effectively engage with modern threats, including sophisticated radar and non-traditional radio frequency challenges, while supporting communications and data links.

The enhanced capabilities of the NGJ-MB are notable for enabling operations at extended ranges, the ability to simultaneously engage multiple targets, and the application of advanced jamming techniques, significantly bolstering the electronic warfare capabilities of the US Navy and its allies.

In a significant step toward enhancing its air force capabilities and strengthening interoperability with NATO allies, Belgium has welcomed the arrival of its first F-35 aircraft at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, a facility renowned for its specialized training programs for the F-35 fighter jets. This marks a pivotal development in Belgium’s efforts to modernize its military capabilities.

The arrival of the F-35A Lightning II at Luke AFB sets the stage for Belgian forces to undergo rigorous training under the guidance of the 312th Fighter Squadron. As the training progresses, additional Belgian F-35A jets are expected to land at the base in the coming months, further reinforcing the nation’s air defense posture.

“It’s a historic day for the Belgian Air Component,” remarked Lt. Col. Pierre-Yves Libert, the senior national representative for the Belgian Air Component at the 312th Fighter Squadron. He highlighted the collaborative efforts involved in achieving this milestone and expressed enthusiasm about the future training exercises. “Our first jet just landed at Luke AFB, marking the start of our training period. A lot of work has gone into making this moment possible and we are excited to begin flying and complete our training.”

Belgium’s commitment to modernizing its air fleet was initiated in 2018 when the government announced plans to acquire 34 F-35 jets from Lockheed Martin. This decision came as part of a strategic transition to phase out the aging F-16 Fighting Falcons, which have been a staple of the Belgian air force since 1979. The first F-35 in Belgium’s fleet was unveiled by Lockheed Martin in December 2023, symbolizing the progress made in the acquisition process.

Looking forward, Belgium aims to have its complete fleet operational by 2030. By that time, Lockheed Martin anticipates that European nations will have integrated over 500 F-35 aircraft into their military operations, underscoring a broader trend of modernization across the continent’s air forces.

The integration of the F-35 is expected to bolster Belgium’s defense capabilities while enhancing cooperative operations with NATO allies, highlighting a significant evolution in the country’s strategic military landscape.

PARIS — The newly appointed European Union Defense Commissioner, Andrius Kubilius, has outlined his priorities for the bloc, focusing on military aid for Ukraine and enhancing defense preparedness against potential Russian aggression. Addressing the European Parliament’s security and defense subcommittee, Kubilius emphasized that Russia poses the greatest military threat to the EU, a concern that he anticipates will persist for an extended period.

As the first individual to hold this newly established role, Kubilius is set to develop a defense white paper within his initial 90 days in office. This document aims to identify the necessary measures for the EU to effectively respond to extreme military threats, particularly those posed by Russia to its member states and NATO allies. He cited intelligence assessments suggesting that Russia might conduct some form of military aggression against European nations before the year 2030, underscoring the urgency of addressing the issue.

Kubilius noted that Russia’s war economy is on a robust footing, allowing it to produce military equipment at a pace surpassing that of the German Army’s current stock. He highlighted the EU’s long-term challenges stemming from China’s ascendancy, which could lead to a diminished American military presence in Europe—an aspect that the EU must strategically navigate while considering its dependence on U.S. military capabilities and technology.

The commissioner also identified significant capability gaps within the EU’s defense apparatus, particularly concerning conventional weapons and large-scale defense projects. He called for a paradigm shift in the EU’s approach to defense, moving away from gradual development towards more ambitious initiatives aimed at bolstering production and readiness, especially in the context of their ongoing support for Ukraine.

Kubilius warned that failing to support Ukraine could precipitate more severe military threats earlier than anticipated. He characterized the current narrative war with Russian President Vladimir Putin as detrimental to the perception of Ukraine’s chances of success. To counter this, he argued for clear and financially supported plans to assist Ukraine, thereby signaling the bloc’s long-term commitment.

Furthermore, he stressed the interconnectedness of global authoritarian threats, suggesting that the dynamics in Ukraine have implications beyond Europe, potentially influencing situations in places like South Korea and Taiwan. The commissioner urged democratic nations to present a united front and avoid conflicts, such as EU-U.S. trade disputes, which he noted would only embolden adversaries like Putin.

Looking ahead, Kubilius signaled that NATO’s capability targets for 2044 should be integrated into EU strategy, with a focus on achieving these aims by 2030. He expressed concern over the EU’s limited knowledge of NATO objectives and the necessity for improved dialogue, particularly hindered by geopolitical tensions between Cyprus and Turkey.

To enhance Europe’s defense capabilities, Kubilius proposed developing clearer structures within NATO complemented by a stronger European defense pillar. He noted the importance of pooling demand and funding in defense, as the industry anticipates increased investment. The EU’s upcoming multi-annual financial framework is expected to allocate more resources for defense, albeit not until 2028, prompting a need for interim funding solutions.

He expressed hopes of raising €500 billion for defense over the next decade, emphasizing that a discussion on defense bonds—backed by the EU budget—remains sensitive, especially amid upcoming elections in various member states. Additionally, Kubilius argued that practical military assets, such as artillery and tanks, are crucial for effective deterrence against aggression.

Highlighting the disparity in defense spending among EU nations, he pointed out that eight member states fall short of the NATO benchmark of spending 2% of GDP on defense. Meeting this target could yield an additional €60 billion for military funding across Europe, and hypothetically raising the target to 3% could provide an extra €200 billion.

As the EU contemplates the establishment of a European air shield, Kubilius estimated initial costs to be around €500 billion. He indicated the necessity of integrating various existing defense initiatives led by Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and Greece into a cohesive strategy.

In conclusion, Kubilius called for a realistic appraisal of what the EU can achieve while acknowledging the deficiencies in air defense highlighted by the ongoing situation in Ukraine. The pursuit of a robust and unified defense strategy is critical, as the commissioner navigates the complex landscape of European security amid heightened tensions.