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.
Nammo developing new rocket motor for IRIS-T SLX air-defense missile
The article describes Nammo pursuing a “totally new” rocket motor engine for Diehl’s next surface-launched IRIS-T variant (IRIS-T SLX), with a planned SIL firing test in 2027. A new motor can materially change kinematics (range/altitude/eng…
Russia uses compressed warning-time missile/air attack patterns on Kyiv
The post describes Russia employing more frequent, intense strike patterns that reduce practical warning time for Kyiv residents, stressing air-defense and civil alert systems. The novelty is in the operational tempo and sequencing of attac…
Ukraine reports successful combat tests of jet-powered Shahed interceptor drones
The post claims two Ukrainian companies have successfully combat-tested jet-powered interceptors that destroyed enemy Shahed drones at high speed. If accurate, this indicates a new counter-UAV capability aimed at improving interception rate…
French Army pursues deception and EW to restore battlefield opacity
France’s Future Combat Command is prioritizing creating “opacity” on a drone-transparent battlefield via deception (inflatable decoys, simulated electromagnetic command posts) and expanded EW/jamming to enable force concentration and maneuv…
Ukraine reports successful test shootdown using Shahed interceptor
Ukraine’s General Staff claims another positive test result for interceptor systems against “jet-powered Shahed” drones, stating a successful shootdown and intent to scale up. This suggests ongoing development/deployment of dedicated counte…
Pentagon sets framework for AIM-260 JATM multiyear procurement and accelerated testing
The post describes the AIM-260 JATM, a new longer-range air-to-air missile intended to surpass AIM-120 AMRAAM, moving toward scaled production via a Pentagon-Lockheed framework agreement while flight and ground testing accelerates. It also …
USMC first combat use of EABO with forward FARPs and sensor bases in Epic Fury
The post describes the first confirmed combat implementation of the USMC Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) concept, including establishing austere forward arming and refueling points (FARPs) and sensor expeditionary bases inside…
Drones: Elbit Hermes 900 Kochav · MQ-1C Gray Eagle / Gray Eagle ER
UK Royal Navy pushes 'hybrid Navy' concept for Atlantic defense
The Royal Navy chief outlines a shift toward a 'hybrid Navy' where crewed warships command networks of uncrewed escorts, drones, and autonomous sensors to defend the Atlantic and critical undersea infrastructure. While not a specific new we…
US Navy funds Castelion Blackbeard low-cost air-launched hypersonic missile
The US Navy awarded Castelion $200M to produce the Blackbeard air-launched hypersonic strike missile, emphasizing low-cost, scalable “affordable mass” and rapid acquisition. If fielded as described (carrier-aircraft compatible, ~200 nm stan…
CSIS proposes offensive doctrine to hunt Chinese carriers with subs, missiles, USVs/UUVs
A CSIS report advocates flipping U.S. carrier-defense thinking into an offensive campaign to make Chinese carriers prohibitively risky to deploy, using an 'ambush belt' of manned/unmanned submarines, land-based anti-ship missiles at chokepo…