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.
Iran claims use of new, more capable missiles against U.S. ships
The article reports Iran claiming it is using “new, more capable missiles” to target U.S. naval vessels, alongside a broader escalation in maritime attacks. If accurate, this suggests an upgraded anti-ship strike capability (range/accuracy/…
Drones: Elbit Hermes 900 Kochav
Russia reportedly developing 800 km-range ballistic missile for testing by 2026
Ukraine's military intelligence claims Russia plans a final test of a new ballistic missile with an 800-kilometer range by the end of 2026. If accurate, this indicates an emerging longer-range strike capability that could expand Russia's op…
Russia displays new low-cost stealthy air-launched standoff weapons (S-71M/S-71K/S8000)
Russia publicly showcased newer air-launched precision standoff weapons (S-71M Monokhrom, S-71K Kovyor, and S8000 Banderol) tied to lessons from Ukraine: cheaper, producible-in-volume strike munitions with some low-observable shaping. The S…
USAF F-15EX deployment to Kadena as high-capacity 'missile truck' platform
The post describes the first USAF F-15EX Eagle II assigned for permanent basing at Kadena Air Base, marking a new deployment of the most advanced F-15 variant into the Indo-Pacific. The innovation is the fielding of a modernized fighter wit…
Germany test-fires Israeli LORA ballistic missile from F125 frigate
Germany demonstrated containerized launches of Israel’s LORA quasi-ballistic missile from the flight deck of an F125 frigate during an OPEX trial. If adopted, this would add a new long-range naval land-attack (and potentially anti-surface) …
Lockheed ramps THAAD/PAC-3 production and introduces PAC-3 ACE concept
The post describes a major scale-up of THAAD and PAC-3 MSE interceptor production enabled by new factory expansions and advanced manufacturing/automation, plus a new lower-cost PAC-3 ACE interceptor concept intended to be produced at under …
Japan budget labels ASM-3 Kai as air-to-surface/anti-air missile
Japan’s FY2027 defense budget request describes the ASM-3 Kai as an “air-to-surface/anti-air missile,” implying a potential new anti-air (air-to-air) role or variant beyond its known anti-ship mission. If real, a Mach-3, ~400km-class ramjet…
Ukraine intel details Zircon components; suggests quasi-ballistic design
A Ukrainian intelligence teardown of Russia’s 3M22 Zircon provides a component-level breakdown (including foreign-origin electronics) and supports analysis that Zircon may be a two-stage solid-fuel, maneuverable quasi-ballistic missile rath…
Japan requests extended-range missiles and modules for underwater drones
Japan's defense budget request includes procurement of new extended-range missiles, plus submarine-launched missiles and missile modules intended for underwater drones. The novelty is the explicit push toward longer-range strike and modular…
Israel to build Greece's multi-layer Achilles Shield air defense network
Israel will supply Greece with an integrated, multi-layer air-defense architecture combining David’s Sling, SPYDER, BARAK MX, MMR radars, a new Rafael national C2 system, and Drone Dome counter-UAS. While the components are established, the…