Russia has commenced serial production of the striking reconnaissance “Hunter” drone. The upgrade saw the drone’s combat payload increase from 2.5 tons to 8 tons, rendering it the largest payload-carrying drone in the world, thanks to its engine derived from the “Su-57” fighter jet. Moreover, this upgrade enables the “Hunter” to carry both air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. One of the key features of the new model is the flat nozzle, also used by the “Su-57” fighter jet. The “Hunter” can be employed in tandem with “Su-57” fighters or autonomously to strike enemy ground and aerial targets ..read more

The latest images of the Chinese Navy’s airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft, the KJ-600 have revealed it to have a grey colour scheme and features reminiscent of the US Navy’s E-2 Hawkeye aircraft. The KJ-600 began flight tests in the fall of 2020. This twin-turboprop-powered aircraft features a spacious fuselage accommodating a crew of four to six members and is equipped with a large radar dome mounted above the aircraft body. Moreover, the KJ-600 features a high straight wing configuration, quad-finned tail, tricycle landing gear, large dorsal radar dome, and is believed to incorporate an ..read more

Australia’s Defence Forces have acquired a new laser weapon capable of shooting down over 50 drones on a single charge, marking a significant advancement in its defensive arsenal. The portable weapon, known as Fractl:2, can generate enough power to melt steel, according to its manufacturer, AIM Defense. Additionally, it can accurately track and take down drones flying at speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour. Upon its delivery in mid-2024, the directed energy system is expected to bolster Canberra’s air defence capabilities while reducing the need for conventional ammunition to neutralise st ..read more

The Spanish Ministry of Defence has unveiled its high-performance tactical system, SIRTAP, ready to become the first fully domestically developed military aviation system. The SIRTAP system stands out for being completely developed in Spain, promising to showcase national technological capabilities. Moreover, the system, which includes a fixed-wing aircraft and a ground control segment, marks a technological milestone aimed at enhancing Spanish national sovereignty. The unmanned aircraft is designed to operate in harsh climates, take off from short unpaved runways, and can be disassembled for ..read more

BAE Systems has introduced a new version of its multi-purpose armoured vehicle, the AMPV ExMEP, equipped with an external mission equipment package. Designed to fulfil various roles within the U.S. Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) is part of the Army’s priority to update next-generation combat vehicles. These updates aim to enhance the vehicle’s resistance to mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and direct fire. In recent years, the U.S. Army has entered into a series of contracts with BAE Systems to procure AMPV multi-purpose armoured ..read more

The US military is gearing up to equip its forces with portable anti-drone devices and backpack-sized jamming equipment. A spokesperson for the US Army confirmed that the proposed budget for 2025 includes $13.5 million for portable anti-drone devices and $54.2 million for backpack-sized jamming equipment. Using this allocated budget, the US Army will procure 20 units of Modi, 10 Smart Shooter devices, 10 Bal Chatri systems, and 20 Dronebusters. Modi and Dronebuster are classified as jamming systems, while Bal Chatri detects signals from drones in the sky. Smart Shooter, on the other hand, is a ..read more

General Dynamics has developed the TRX SHORAD system with advanced armament and integrated TRX robotic air defence. The strategic integration of the TRX robot represents a pivotal development in enhancing Unmanned Air System technology. This advancement marks a significant leap in the field of air defence, offering a dual approach to effectively neutralize drone threats. The TRX SHORAD system is not just a marvel of modern engineering but also a formidable defensive force, equipped with a remotely controlled weapons station. This station includes a single 30mm automatic cannon and two sets of ..read more

China has announced the development of a guided anti-aircraft missile capable of striking aerial targets at distances exceeding 2000 kilometres. Measuring 8 meters in length and weighing 2.5 tons, this new missile can be launched from mobile platforms. Moreover, the system is designed to target radar aircraft and long-range bombers, representing a significant advancement beyond current anti-aircraft missile capabilities, which typically have ranges of only a few hundred kilometres. Although the Chinese military has not deployed the missile yet, it is described as playing a crucial role in enha ..read more

Recent tests have revealed a new Chinese attack helicopter named Z-21, indicating the latest advancement in the Chinese military’s efforts to bolster its aerial capabilities. Inspired by the American Black Hawk aircraft, the Z-21 boasts an enhanced design tailored to better suit offensive operations. It features improvements in defence systems and a design that reduces the likelihood of infrared detection, enhancing its ability to remain undetected on the battlefield. Representing a qualitative leap in the Chinese army’s capabilities, the Z-21 underscores China’s commitment to developing advan ..read more

The Defence Sevices Asia‭ (‬DSA‭) & ‬NATSEC ASIA exhibition is one the most significant events in the world of defence and security‭,‬‭ ‬particularly in Southeast Asia‭. ‬These exhibitions bring together military officials and defence industry stakeholders from around the globe biennially in the Malaysian capital‭, ‬Kuala Lumpur‭, ‬to showcase the latest technologies and innovations in the fields of defence and security‭.‬ These exhibitions play a vital role in enhancing cooperation and defence capabilities among nations‭. ‬Moreover‭, ‬they serve as prominent platforms for introducing the ..read more