Kongsberg has achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing a Blast Test Vehicle (BTV) firing, marking the first test of a Naval Strike Missile (NSM) launcher manufactured in Australia. This critical demonstration involved the utilization of an NSM Booster Rocket Motor combined with a dummy missile, designed to assess the entire functionality of the launcher under live-firing conditions.

The test took place at the Commonwealth Joint Proofing Experimental Unit located in Port Wakefield, South Australia. John Fry, Managing Director of Kongsberg Defence Australia, emphasized the importance of this event, stating that it represents a crucial step in delivering the NSM capability to the Royal Australian Navy.

Fry also highlighted the test as a pivotal moment for enhancing the domestic supply chain capabilities by allowing Kongsberg Defence Australia to initiate full-rate production of the Australian-made NSM launchers for the broader NSM program. Notably, the successful production of launcher components involved collaboration with several small to medium-sized Australian companies. The canister was crafted by Aerobond Defence in Adelaide, while Marand Precision Engineering in Melbourne contributed the frame and rail. Additional components were supplied by Australian Precision Technologies and QPE Advanced Machining, further underscoring a commitment to local manufacturing.

In a broader context, the Australian government is making considerable efforts to bolster its military production capacity, specifically in the domain of guided weapons and explosive ordnance (GWEO). In a strategic move, a substantial fund of $4.1 billion was designated in 2023 to accelerate the nation’s GWEO program. Further reinforcing this initiative, Project SEA 1300 Phase 1 was launched in 2021, aimed at enhancing the Royal Australian Navy’s guided weapons capabilities with an investment of $1 billion. This multifaceted approach showcases Australia’s dedication to strengthening its defense capabilities through local production and technological advancement.

The United States Marine Corps is set to conduct tests of Sikorsky’s MATRIX flight autonomy system next year, which will be installed on UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. This advanced system is designed to enhance pilot operations, providing assisted flight capabilities when two pilots operate the aircraft together, as well as serving as a virtual co-pilot for single-pilot missions. Notably, the MATRIX system also enables fully autonomous flight operations without any pilots on board, whether the helicopters are launching from naval vessels or land-based expeditionary bases.

Marines will interact with the MATRIX-equipped aircraft using a user-friendly tablet interface, allowing personnel to input and adjust mission parameters both prior to takeoff and during flight. Rich Benton, Sikorsky’s vice president and general manager, highlighted the capabilities of aircraft with the MATRIX autonomy, stating that they can perform a wide range of complex missions reliably and safely, including internal and external cargo transport without any crew onboard.

The collaboration with the Marine Corps aims to investigate how a fleet of autonomy-driven uncrewed aerial systems, encompassing both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, can effectively support the expeditionary force with precise resupply missions during high-tempo, distributed operational scenarios.

The MATRIX system is part of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)’s ALIAS (Aircrew Labor In-cockpit Automation System) program. This initiative is intended to improve safety and operational efficiency for crewed helicopters. Previous demonstrations of the system took place in 2022 and involved simulated medical resupply operations. During these exercises, MATRIX-equipped helicopters autonomously transported 14 boxes containing a total of 400 units of actual and simulated blood, weighing approximately 500 pounds (226 kilograms).

The autonomous mission spanned 83 miles (133 kilometers) and was completed in just 50 minutes. The aircraft skillfully navigated through valley terrain, descending to an altitude of 200 feet (61 meters) above ground level to minimize visibility from potential threats. Throughout the flight, it maintained an impressive airspeed of 100 knots (approximately 115 miles or 185 kilometers per hour), demonstrating the operational effectiveness of the MATRIX system in challenging environments.

BAE Systems has received a significant boost in its development of the Striker II Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) thanks to a new contract worth £133 million (approximately $168 million) awarded by Eurofighter Typhoon. This initiative, borne out of a collaboration involving Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, not only focuses on advancing the Striker II technology but also encompasses comprehensive flight-testing.

The investment aims to propel the next phase of development for the HMD, ultimately targeting production-ready standards. This follows BAE Systems’ earlier announcement in September 2023, where the UK Ministry of Defence awarded a contract valued at £40 million (about $50.6 million) for the same advanced helmet system.

The new contract is projected to secure over 200 high-skilled jobs at BAE Systems’ air facility in Warton, Lancashire, and at its Electronic Systems site in Rochester, Kent. These locations are pivotal in the development of cutting-edge helmet-mounted displays.

Giancarlo Mezzanatto, Chief Executive of Eurofighter, emphasized the project’s significance, noting that the Striker II will enable Typhoon pilots to operate a leading aircraft while utilizing a state-of-the-art all-digital helmet. He highlighted the importance of international cooperation in the program, which will foster synergies across the various Air Forces involved.

The Striker II boasts an impressive array of features designed to enhance pilot capabilities. It integrates an all-digital night vision system with a color display that is readable in daylight, allowing pilots to receive essential, real-time mission information directly on their helmet visors. The system is equipped with a 40-degree binocular field of view that employs color symbology, facilitating quick differentiation between various entities in the operational environment, such as friendly forces indicated in blue and hostile forces marked in red.

Furthermore, the visor can connect with live video feeds from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or ground support units via a data link, providing pilots with heightened situational awareness during critical operations. Enhancing this immersive experience, the HMD incorporates advanced 3D audio technology alongside active noise reduction features. This integration allows for directional audio cues that align with a pilot’s surroundings, resulting in improved spatial awareness that complements the visual data shown on their visor.

Overall, the Striker II represents a significant leap forward in pilot technology, reinforcing the commitment of Eurofighter and its partners to deliver premier capabilities for their air forces.

The US Department of Defense has awarded a substantial contract worth $656.2 million to BAE Systems Land & Armaments. This contract is aimed at the production of additional Bradley armored fighting vehicles for the U.S. Army. The contract specifies the M7A4 and M2A4 variants of the Bradley, which have been integral to America’s land forces since their introduction in the 1980s.

The Pentagon’s announcement detailed that the specific locations for manufacturing and funding allocations will be determined on a per-order basis. BAE Systems is expected to carry on with this production project until November 2027, ensuring a long-term commitment to bolster the U.S. Army’s armored capabilities.

This contract comes on the heels of a previous agreement signed in September, which involved a $440-million deal for BAE Systems to assemble over 200 additional Bradley vehicles. These units are intended to replenish the older Bradleys that were sent to Ukraine in support of its defense efforts against Russian aggression. The replacement vehicles will provide critical support as the conflict in Ukraine continues to unfold.

The Bradley fighting vehicle, a staple of ground warfare, measures 22 feet (7 meters) in length and can accommodate up to 10 personnel, depending on its configuration. The vehicle is equipped with formidable armaments, including the Bushmaster 25-millimeter chain gun and tube-launched anti-tank missiles. Additionally, it can be fitted with M240 medium machine guns, offering a versatile array of firepower for various combat scenarios.

Powered by a robust 600-horsepower Cummins diesel engine, the Bradley can reach a top speed of 35 miles per hour (56 kilometers per hour) and has an operational range of 250 miles (402 kilometers). In total, aside from the United States, five other nations currently utilize this versatile armored platform, highlighting its global significance and proven effectiveness in military operations.

In a significant move towards modernizing its military capabilities, Slovakia’s Ministry of Defense has officially chosen Embraer’s C-390 Millennium as its new military transport aircraft. This decision was revealed in a recent press release from the Brazilian aerospace company, which stated that the Slovak government has recognized the C-390 as the optimal solution for its future transportation needs.

The choice underscores Slovakia’s emphasis on enhancing interoperability with its neighbors, particularly those already utilizing the C-390. Embraer President Bosco da Costa Junior lauded the aircraft as the best in its category, citing its cost efficiency, versatility, and reliability for missions that demand high performance at any time and location. He expressed confidence that the C-390 will meet the specific operational requirements of the Slovak Air Force.

As part of this acquisition, Slovakia plans to initiate formal procurement procedures for three C-390 aircraft in the first quarter of 2025. This aligns with the nation’s strategic objective of advancing its airlift capabilities while fostering regional cooperation among NATO allies.

The C-390 Millennium is a next-generation multi-mission platform designed to transport a maximum of 26 metric tons (57,320 pounds) of cargo. It is equipped with two high-bypass turbofan engines, allowing it to achieve a maximum range of 6,019 kilometers (3,740 miles) and reach speeds of up to 470 knots (approximately 870 kilometers or 540 miles per hour).

Notably, the aircraft’s spacious cabin can accommodate up to 64 fully-equipped paratroopers, enabling rapid deployment for aerial operations. Beyond cargo and troop transport, the C-390 can be adapted for a variety of roles, including aerial refueling, aeromedical evacuation, and search and rescue missions.

The popularity of the C-390 is on the rise among European nations, particularly within NATO, with Portugal and Hungary already operating the aircraft and additional orders placed by Sweden, Austria, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands. Slovakia’s decision to adopt the C-390 reflects a growing trend among European countries to enhance their military transport capabilities with cutting-edge technology.

The Japanese government has made a significant decision regarding its air force’s pilot training program by selecting a new U.S.-built basic trainer aircraft. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (J.A.S.D.F.) has opted for the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II, as announced by officials in late November. This selection comes after a competitive bidding process in which Textron Aviation Defense collaborated with Japanese partner Kanematsu Corporation.

Japan issued an invitation for bids in August, leading to this important contract award. The T-6 was ultimately chosen over other contenders, which included the Pilatus PC-7 MKX from Subaru and the Hürkus trainer, proposed by Daihyaku Shoji in partnership with Turkish Aerospace. Another submission by Shintoa Trading was dismissed as it did not propose a specific aircraft.

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) of Japan highlighted that during a second-stage evaluation, the T-6 and its ground training equipment scored the highest, affirming its position as the J.A.S.D.F.’s next-generation basic trainer. Notably, this aircraft will be manufactured in the United States, rather than through a license production in Japan.

Textron Aviation Defense’s vice president of sales, Tom Webster, commented on the T-6 Integrated Training System (ITS), emphasizing its proven capabilities. He noted that it is designed to meet the J.A.S.D.F.’s current training needs while also being adaptable for future requirements.

Although the MoD has not disclosed the exact number of aircraft to be acquired, it is understood that a formal contract is still pending. The T-6, likely the T-6C version aimed at export markets, is set to replace the older T-7 aircraft. Japan currently operates 49 examples of the T-7 in the basic trainer role, but it is anticipated that the number of T-6s to be procured will be fewer, given the enhanced role of simulators in the ITS program.

The T-7, manufactured by Fuji Heavy Industries and in service since 2002, is based on the Beechcraft T-34 Mentor and is scheduled to start retiring in fiscal year 2030. As Japan moves forward, its fiscal 2025 budget proposal also indicated a commitment to acquiring new primary trainers and ground training equipment designed for effective pilot training in advanced fighter aircraft.

In recent years, the Beechcraft Texan II has found considerable success in the Asia-Pacific region. Notably, the company is set to deliver 12 T-6Cs to Vietnam, with the first set of three aircraft handed over recently. This follows the lifting of a U.S. weapon sales ban to Vietnam in 2016. Additionally, Thailand has received 12 T-6TH trainers, and eight AT-6TH Wolverines are currently being delivered. New Zealand has also been an early adopter of the T-6C, with 11 aircraft in operation for training purposes.

In a significant advancement in military technology, German firm ARX Robotics has unveiled an innovative artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled operating system that promises to revolutionize the functionality of military vehicles. The newly launched ARX Mithra OS is designed to transform conventional military vehicles into interconnected, intelligent autonomous units, enhancing their operational capabilities on the battlefield.

The ARX Mithra OS comes equipped with a legacy autonomy kit that allows traditional vehicles to gain advanced AI capabilities. These capabilities include adaptive navigation, autonomous reconnaissance, and the ability to conduct remote operations. The system is further bolstered by the integration of high-resolution cameras and various sensors, which can be affixed to military trucks, thereby enhancing the system’s overall performance and situational awareness.

One of the standout features of ARX Mithra OS is its ability to facilitate seamless connectivity among vehicle fleets of different types. This interconnectedness is set to dramatically improve operational effectiveness while simultaneously reducing dependence on human operators in potentially dangerous scenarios. Additionally, the operating system enables legacy vehicles to serve as “battlefield wingmen,” effectively supporting the growing trend of manned-unmanned teaming in military operations.

Marc Wietfeld, the founder of ARX Robotics, highlighted the increasing digitalization of modern warfare, noting that many countries are turning to unmanned systems as crucial components of their defense strategies. However, he pointed out that despite these advancements, armed forces continue to invest in traditional assets like military vehicles, which are expected to remain a vital part of operations for years to come.

“Wietfeld emphasized the challenges faced by militaries in modernizing their fleets,” stating that replacing entire swathes of vehicles is often prohibitively expensive and logistically challenging. Instead, ARX Robotics aims to bridge the gap between legacy systems and future technologies through its software-enabled hardware and the Mithra operating system, which is designed to work with both unmanned systems and existing military fleets.

As ARX Robotics introduces this cutting-edge technology, it positions itself as a leader in the intersection of traditional military capabilities and modern autonomous technology, signifying a pivotal advance in the way military operations may be conducted in the future.