News
Crimea shipyard on fire after Ukrainian attack that damaged 2 ships
A Ukrainian attack on a strategic shipyard early Sept. 13 in Russian-annexed Crimea wounded 24 people, damaged two ships undergoing repairs and caused a fire at the facility, Russian authorities reported.
Zelenskyy heading to New York to court the rest of the world
Ukrainian leaders are trying to shore up support from dozens of countries and hope in-person talks will make a difference.
Electronic warfare in Ukraine informing US playbook
Ukrainian forces are exploiting gaps in Russian jamming and spoofing capabilities, opening seams in which they make noticeable gains on the battlefield, according to a U.S. Air Force commander.
Business
Check out what’s happening on DSEI’s showroom floor
See Estonia’s defense minister try out mixed reality goggles, plus more at the London trade show.
Northrop partners with UK firm building semiconductors in spacez
Space Forge was established in 2018 with ambitions to develop a spacecraft that can manufacture high-performance materials in orbit.
See the ultralight cardboard drone donated to Ukraine
Made with cardboard, wooden dowels and rubber bands, this disposable drone adds another flexible option to militaries around the world – including Ukraine.
BAE, Cellula Robotics partner on underwater drone, with test next year
The Herne was designed so users could launch and recover it in several ways, including from harbors, ships or submarines.
US, European, Israeli radar makers await Bulgaria’s order
Here are the five firms that want to sell radars to Bulgaria’s Air Force.
Sweden seeks details on missile systems to upgrade Amphibious Corps
A contract notice is expected to follow about June 2024.
Ukrainian arms importer prioritizes howitzers, drones, ammo
SpetsTechnoExport told Defense News it’s holding talks with various Western partners during this year’s DSEI industry show.
Lithuania sees stockpile building as key deterrent
“Stockpiles serve as a deterrent against potential aggression,” Erika Kurokina said.
Austria eyes German IRIS-T buy for nascent European ‘Sky Shield’
Vienna plans to leave long-range missile defense to its European neighbors.
Dutch Navy improves radar, adds Tomahawk missile to fleet
The service is also experimenting with drones to increase safety and bolster its capability.
Cardboard drone vendor retools software based on Ukraine war hacks
SYPAQ’s aircraft were designed to resupply military forces with medical supplies. Now Ukranian troops are using them for ISR in fighting Russian invaders.
British defense leaders to craft guardrails for buying drones
Acquisition leaders hope to have a strategy ready by year’s end that will spell out new capability goals and how to realize them.
In British helicopter race, war of words emerges over ‘military grade’
Competitors Leonardo and Lockheed spar over whose offering is most survivable and the most British.
French-British underwater drone proves de-mining ability, says Thales
The MCMM system is meant to detect, identify and neutralize mines up to 300 meters deep, compared to 120 meters today.
In a first, UAE’s loitering munitions integrated on a European unmanned ground vehicle
Just months after a UAE defense conglomerate bought a majority stake in an Estonian robotics firm, the two have managed to marry their technology, integrating an Emirati suicide drone with the eastern European unmanned ground vehicle.
Defense
Freedom Caucus derails Pentagon spending bill, foreshadowing shutdown
Republican leaders pulled the defense spending bill after failing to secure Freedom Caucus support for the legislation, teeing up a shutdown next month.
Army pauses retention cash bonuses amid sky-high re-up rate
Planning to reenlist for a cash bonus? You might want to wait.
Senators press Pentagon on new medical system’s recruiting impact
A letter to the Defense Department Sept. 13 seeks answers on how the Genesis military health system, and the need for more waivers, affects recruiting.
How a new, mobile package keeps Reaper drones ready to fight in Europe
The U.S. Air Force wants to stand up bases where MQ-9 Reapers land no matter the weather, and refuel closer to the front line.
Army long range missile launcher spotted on Navy littoral combat ship
A portable missile launcher capable of firing a combination of long-range anti-ship and anti-air weapons was spotted this week undergoing testing aboard a Littoral Combat Ship in San Diego, Calif., according to photos provided to USNI News.
Navy’s plans for three new submarines could be held up by budget drama
Secretary Del Toro has also directed an initiative to find efficiencies within new budget caps.
Message received: Air Force ‘crystal clear’ on drone wingmen urgency
The U.S. Air Force has clearly expressed its desire for a futuristic fleet of drone “wingmen” considered vital to countering Russia and China, defense company executives said.
Veterans
Vietnam pilots who flew rescue helicopter into firefight 6 times deserve Medal of Honor, advocates say
Army pilot Capt. Larry Liss arrived at the Green Beret outpost at Cau Song Be, Vietnam, in an unarmed Huey — the only helicopter on site at the time — when all hell broke loose on May 14, 1967.
VA electronic health record rollout unlikely to resume for a year after being derailed by problems
The Department of Veterans Affairs said Wednesday it may resume agency-wide adoption of its new electronic health records system next summer, after it was placed on hold in April due to problems involving patient health and safety and frustration among users.