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.
Ukrainian anti-drone tunnels built in Sloviansk–Kramatorsk
The post claims Ukrainian forces are widely constructing “anti-drone tunnels” across Sloviansk and Kramatorsk to protect movement and logistics from frequent UAV strikes even while the front is still ~10+ km away. This reflects an adaptatio…
U.S. Navy starts LRAW long-range vertical-launch ASW weapon development
The U.S. Navy is initiating funded design work for LRAW, a new vertical-launch stand-off anti-submarine weapon intended to replace/supplement VL-ASROC with significantly greater range. The program also includes an AUKUS requirements review,…
USAF plans ARRW Increment 2 with terminal seeker and datalink for moving targets
The post describes a planned new ARRW hypersonic boost-glide variant (“Increment 2”) adding a terminal seeker and datalink, enabling engagement of moving targets, including ships at sea. This is a notable capability expansion from the curre…
IRGC Navy expands its declared Strait of Hormuz operational zone
Iran's IRGC Navy claims it has redefined the Strait of Hormuz from a narrow chokepoint to a much wider 200–300 mile strategic zone (Jask to Siri Island). This is a doctrinal/operational reframing that could justify broader interdiction, min…
Poland to arm M28 Skytruck for counter-drone missions
Poland is modifying its M28 Skytruck utility aircraft with gun armament for a dedicated counter-drone role, inspired by Ukraine’s An-28 “Shahed hunter” concept. Using a low-cost turboprop with door-mounted guns (and potentially other aircra…
Russia claims successful RS-28 Sarmat ICBM test ahead of operational deployment
The post reports Russia’s claimed successful test of the RS-28 Sarmat heavy ICBM and plans to place the first regiment on combat duty, marking a potential transition from troubled testing to fielding. Sarmat is described as incorporating mi…
Anduril Lattice to prototype Army missile-defense C2 data-fusion system
Anduril won an Army contract to prototype a command-and-control layer using its Lattice software to fuse data from multiple existing missile-defense systems into a single operating picture. The novelty is the software-centric integration ap…
NATO to launch challenge-based C-UAS marketplace with leasing and standardized tests
NATO is creating a pre-vetted “marketplace” of 18 counter-UAS solutions mapped to nine standardized use cases, enabling faster procurement via pre-negotiated contracts and optional leasing. It also plans recurring test campaigns on NATO “in…
Explosive charge hidden in power bank sold at Kramatorsk market
The post reports a sabotage method where an explosive device was concealed inside a consumer power bank purchased at a market, killing a servicemember. This reflects an adaptation of booby-trap/IED tactics using everyday electronics to targ…
US Navy plans nuclear-powered Trump-class guided-missile battleships (BBGN)
The post describes a planned shift to nuclear propulsion for the future Trump-class large surface combatants, reviving nuclear-powered surface combatants and enabling effectively unlimited range plus much higher onboard electrical power. Th…