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.
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…
Reuters: China may supply Iran QW-12 and FN-16 MANPADS
The post claims a large potential transfer (300–400 units) of Chinese MANPADS (QW-12, FN-16) to Iran, which would materially strengthen Iran’s short-range air defense layer. While not a new technology, the scale and possible new deployment …
Ukraine seeks license to co-produce Patriot missile interceptors
The post describes plans for Ukraine to receive a U.S. license and move rapidly toward co-production of Patriot missile interceptors, with Lockheed Martin discussions underway. While Patriot itself is not new, local licensed production woul…
Poland orders A26 subs with integration for undisclosed non-cruise missile
Poland’s A26 submarine contract includes integration work for an unspecified missile described as “not a cruise missile,” alongside a torpedo weapons package. The likely candidates discussed (e.g., IDAS or the torpedo-tube-launched JSM-SL) …