August, 2025 - Weeklydefencenews

August 20, 2025
Admin
Land Platforms
New Product Launches

WW2 Cannon Revived as French Drone Hunter

The French Army transformed its World War 2 AA53 cannon into the PROTEUS Standard 1, a 20mm drone-hunting platform. Capable of firing 720 rounds per minute, it engages small...

August 20, 2025
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Air Platforms
R&D

Shield AI Powers First Autonomous H145 Flight

Airbus completed the first autonomous flight of its H145 helicopter using Shield AI’s Hivemind system. The software acted as the pilot, integrating with Airbus’ Helionix avionics to manage mission...

Israel Showcases AI Video Tech in London

At DSEI 2025, Israeli firm Maris-Tech will present AI-enhanced video and battlefield computing solutions for defense forces. The system integrates real-time video with AI analysis, helping troops track threats,...

US Army, X-Bow Develop New GMLRS Motor

X-Bow Systems and the U.S. Army have launched a $13.9 million project to develop a new GMLRS rocket motor, aiming to improve the reliability and production of critical munitions....

August 20, 2025
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Soldier Systems
Mergers & JV

Manila, Washington Approve 500 Joint Drills

Washington and Manila have approved more than 500 joint military operations for 2026, reflecting a deepening security partnership. The agreement was finalized during the annual Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement...

Finland, Sweden to Get KNL Cognitive Radios

A joint €15-million contract will see Finland and Sweden acquire CNHF radios from KNL by year-end. The manpack radios use real-time spectrum sensing and adaptive transmission, maintaining secure connectivity...

Elbit Wins $260M Israeli Air Munitions Deal

Israel has awarded Elbit Systems contracts worth $260 million to deliver advanced airborne munitions. Likely systems include precision-guided rockets, Rampage long-range missiles, and loitering drones, though details remain undisclosed....

August 19, 2025
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Unmanned Systems
R&D

Ukraine Fields New 100Km Anti-Jam FPV Drone

A Ukrainian company is working on a new FPV drone with a 100-km reach, leveraging fiber-optic tethering to overcome electronic jamming. Current FPVs depend on radio signals and are...

August 19, 2025
Admin
Air Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Lockheed Delivers 5 Black Hawks to Philippines

Five new S-70i Black Hawks have joined the Philippine Air Force fleet, part of a 32-helicopter order with Lockheed Martin’s Polish branch. Accepted at Clark Air Base, the aircraft...

August 19, 2025
Admin
Land Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Czech Republic Orders 44 Leopard 2A8 Tanks

Prague has cleared the purchase of 44 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks, valued at $1.56 billion, with an additional $71 million for modifications. The agreement with Germany also allows...