R&D - Weeklydefencenews

September 5, 2025
Admin
Air Platforms

Pentagon Pushes F-35 Block 4 to 2031

The F-35 Block 4 modernization is now pushed to 2031 amid $6 billion in cost overruns and repeated delays, GAO reported. Pentagon is restructuring the program, with TR-3 technology...

September 1, 2025
Admin
Soldier Systems

New Chinese AR Goggles Enable Tank Vision

The Chinese military is fielding augmented reality goggles for tank and IFV operators, allowing crews to “see through” their vehicles’ armor. Linked to exterior cameras, the system provides a...

September 1, 2025
Admin
Air Platforms

F-16s in Poland to Get Viper Shield EW

The Polish Air Force has selected L3Harris’ Viper Shield EW suite for its fleet of F-16s, rejecting Northrop’s IVEWS offer. The upgrade transitions Block 52 fighters toward Block 70...

August 27, 2025
Admin
Communication and Electronics

Modular EW System Prototype Slated for US Army 2026

A next-generation electronic warfare system, known as the Modular Mission Payload (MMP), will be prototyped by the US Army starting in 2026. The system is part of a broader...

August 27, 2025
Admin
Missile & Missile Defence

Iron Beam Laser Weapon Adapted for Aerial Platforms

Reports suggest Taiwan will produce over 1,300 Kuai Chi unmanned surface craft to strengthen maritime defenses. These USVs are envisioned for swarm operations, intelligence gathering, and sea denial missions,...

August 23, 2025
Admin
Air Platforms

French Firm Joins India on Fighter Jet Engine Plan

India is pushing forward with a strategic defense partnership with France to co-develop fighter jet engines, signaling a strong move toward defense self-reliance. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh recently approved...

August 22, 2025
Admin
Soldier Systems

US Army Tests AR, Drone Guns at Border

The US Army is leveraging its border mission to trial advanced gear like IVAS augmented goggles and anti-drone weapons. The IVAS headset integrates thermal, low-light, and navigation tools, while...

August 22, 2025
Admin
Communication and Electronics

L3Harris DiSCO EW Tested in Sabre 2025

The L3Harris-developed DiSCO EW system has been used in US-Australia drills to detect enemy radars via connected aircraft and autonomous vessels. The software-driven platform creates a fused electronic warfare...

August 20, 2025
Admin
Air Platforms

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...

August 20, 2025
Admin
Communication and Electronics

Kazakhstan Establishes AI Defense Unit

Kazakhstan is moving toward AI-enabled defense with the formation of a military AI unit within the Ministry of Defense. This unit will oversee the digital modernization of armed forces,...