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.
RNZN plans expanded unmanned surface vessels for long-duration ISR
New Zealand’s FY2026/27 defence budget and Maritime Fleet Renewal planning explicitly emphasize introducing more uncrewed systems and simulation technologies, including long-endurance unmanned surface vessels for ISR in the southwest Pacifi…
Finland launches second Pohjanmaa-class multi-purpose corvette
Finland’s Rauma shipyard launched the second Pohjanmaa-class corvette under the Squadron 2020 program, an arctic-optimized multi-role surface combatant intended as the Finnish Navy’s future backbone. The article notes capability requirement…
Canada selects Thales S2087/CAPTAS towed sonar for River-class destroyers
Canada’s future River-class destroyers will integrate Thales’ S2087 (CAPTAS-family) low-frequency towed array sonar, boosting long-range detection/tracking of quiet submarines in littoral and open-ocean environments. While the sonar is a pr…
IAI DIAMOND concept: remotely operated modular wing-ships for frigates
IAI unveiled DIAMOND, a distributed naval warfare concept where a frigate controls small modular “wing-ships” as remote extensions of its own combat system (radar/fire control), effectively adding deck space and magazine depth. The wing-shi…
Hyperion unveils 3D-printed Astra 460 USV and TitanCell container factory
Hyperion Systems presented the Astra 460, a compact uncrewed surface vessel with a 3D-printed HDPE hull, alongside the TitanCell containerised “factory-in-a-box” intended to rapidly print USV hulls in austere or shipboard settings. The nove…
L3Harris Iver4 900 torpedo-tube launched AUV for US Navy attack subs
L3Harris is producing the Iver4 900 as a torpedo-tube launch and recovery autonomous undersea vehicle for U.S. Navy attack submarines, effectively an underwater “loyal wingman.” The novelty is submarine-integrated TTL&R launch/recovery plus…
Drones: Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat
PLAN Type 054B frigate debuts in Liaoning carrier strike group
Japan publicly confirmed the first operational integration of China’s new Type 054B (Jiangkai III) frigate Luohe (545) into a Liaoning-led carrier strike group in the Western Pacific, including operations beyond the first island chain. This…
South Korea announces Jang Bogo N nuclear-powered submarine development plan
South Korea published a formal basic plan to develop its first nuclear-powered attack submarine class (Jang Bogo N), marking a major new naval capability versus its current diesel-electric fleet. Nuclear propulsion would provide effectively…
Hydra-class frigates to receive Thales Tacticos, NS100 AESA radar and STIR upgrade
Thales signed a contract to modernize the Hellenic Navy’s Hydra-class (MEKO 200HN) frigates with the latest Tacticos CMS plus new/updated sensors including the NS100 AESA radar and STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 fire-control system. While not a frontline …
South Korea announces plan for first nuclear-powered submarine (Jangbogo-N)
South Korea’s defense ministry published its first formal development plan for a domestically built nuclear-powered submarine (Jangbogo-N), specifying low-enriched uranium fuel and long-cycle reactor operation. While not a battlefield deplo…