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.
European post-Meteor BVR missile efforts: France Comet and UK FASE
The article describes emerging European next-generation beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile programs (France/MBDA 'Comet' and the UK's 'FASE') and a new Franco-British study to define a Meteor successor. The novelty is the apparent surfa…
DoD funds X-Bow for low-cost modular interceptor using printed solid rocket motors
The Pentagon awarded X-Bow Systems a contract to develop a low-cost, modular ballistic/hypersonic interceptor concept, leveraging in-house 3D-printed solid rocket motors and propellant to cut cost and speed production. The novelty is the ma…
Russia seeks North Korean KN-30 ballistic missiles, per Ukraine HUR
Ukraine’s military intelligence claims Russia is requesting North Korea’s newer KN-30 ballistic missiles, described as significantly more powerful than KN-23/24. While transfer of KN-30 has not been observed yet, the reported procurement ef…
Russia reportedly used upgraded 9M723-2 'Iskander-1000' ballistic missile
Ukraine's HUR claims Russia впервые used an updated Iskander ballistic missile variant 9M723-2 ('Iskander-1000') as part of the 'Bora-M' complex. The novelty is an enlarged engine and launcher enabling a claimed range increase to ~550 km (v…
Castelion Blackbeard hypersonic missile test-loaded on US Navy F/A-18
The post reports the first public indication that the US Navy’s air-launched Blackbeard (MACE/Project Alpha) hypersonic strike missile has been physically integrated and test-loaded on an F/A-18E/F, a key step toward flight testing and earl…
Ukraine gains ability to domestically assemble SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles
The post describes the UK sharing classified design details for British-made SCALP/Storm Shadow components, enabling Ukraine (with existing French licensing) to move toward domestic assembly/production of the cruise missile. If realized, th…
US Army solicits new Hellfire-like missile with EW/GPS-denial resilience
The US Army issued a sources-sought for a new short-range precision missile compatible with the M299 launcher across manned/unmanned air, ground, and waterborne platforms, explicitly requiring operation under jamming and GPS denial. While s…
Ukraine to field Fire Point FP-7 ballistic missile with 300 km range
The post describes Ukraine’s domestically-produced Fire Point FP-7 ballistic missile nearing combat use, positioned as a lower-cost ATACMS analogue with up to 300 km range and up to a 150 kg warhead. It also notes the upcoming FP-9 next-gen…
PGZ developing Piorun NG MANPADS with longer range and added features
The article notes PGZ is working on a new Piorun New Generation (NG) MANPADS variant with longer range, additional features, and improved portability. While current Piorun is already well-known from Ukraine, the NG upgrade represents a nota…
US Navy Silent Anvil air-launched torpedo concept uses glide delivery
The US Navy is soliciting industry input for the Silent Anvil Air-Launched Torpedo, either as a new compact torpedo or a glide-kit added to an existing torpedo, enabling standoff glide delivery from manned or unmanned aircraft. The novelty …