Innovations
Technological and operational innovations in the UAS and counter-UAS space — what emerged first, where, and what it changes. Each entry is sourced, dated, and linked to the drones involved.
AN/SPY-6(V)4 radar installed at Wallops test site ahead of USS Pinckney backfit
The post describes the AN/SPY-6(V)4 (AMDR Backfit) radar reaching land-based integration testing as a precursor to the first installation on a Flight IIA Arleigh Burke (USS Pinckney). This modernization pairs SPY-6(V)4 with Aegis Baseline 1…
Ukraine’s Fire Point develops Flamingo cruise missile and FP-9 ballistic missile
Interview describes Fire Point’s Flamingo ground-launched cruise missile (claimed ~1,800-mile range) using multiple engine options and a new domestically developed turbojet/turbofan prototype line intended for mass production. It also outli…
US Navy Naval Modular Missile concept includes submarine-launched SAM variant
The US Navy is pursuing the Naval Modular Missile (NMM), a modular family of interceptors built around a common Terminal Stage Interceptor (TSI) with multiple booster/canister configurations, including a version intended for future Virginia…
Japan flight-tests air-launched Upgraded Type 12 anti-ship missile (1,000 km)
Japan’s JASDF has been observed flight-testing an air-launched variant of the Upgraded Type 12 anti-ship missile on an F-2, reportedly offering ~1,000 km stand-off range. The missile adds low-observable shaping and an in-flight retargeting/…
Russia reportedly used a North Korean missile in strike on Radushne
The post claims Russia used a North Korean-supplied missile against Radushne for the first time in a long while, per preliminary Ukrainian examination cited by Zelenskyy. If confirmed, it indicates renewed/continued integration of DPRK miss…
Japan conducts first Tomahawk live-fire from Aegis destroyer Chokai
Japan’s JMSDF fired a Tomahawk land-attack cruise missile from the Kongo-class Aegis destroyer Chokai for the first time after ship modifications, software integration, and crew training. While Tomahawk is not new globally, this is a new op…
Japanese F-2 seen testing large stealthy air-launched cruise missile (Type 25/Upgraded Type 12)
Photos show a JASDF Mitsubishi F-2B on an apparent first test flight carrying two previously unseen large, low-observable cruise missiles. The weapon is suspected to be an air-launched derivative of Japan’s Type 25 (Upgraded Type 12) family…
Freyja coalition to field cheaper Ukrainian anti-ballistic interceptor system
The post describes the launch of the Freyja program: a new Patriot-like anti-ballistic system centered on a Ukrainian interceptor reportedly costing about one-fifth of a PAC-3 round. It also notes parallel efforts to license PAC-3 productio…
Japan conducts first Tomahawk live-fire from JS Chokai destroyer
Japan’s JMSDF conducted its first live-fire launch of a Tomahawk cruise missile from the Aegis destroyer JS Chokai, validating ship/crew procedures and integration with Japan’s combat system and Mk 41 VLS. While Tomahawk is not new, this is…
China launches YJ-20 hypersonic AShM from Type 052D destroyer VLS
Footage indicates the PLAN has integrated the YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile onto the more numerous Type 052D destroyers, not just Type 055s. This broadens the number of Chinese surface combatants able to conduct hypersonic anti-ship st…