Border settlements in both Russia and Ukraine have been subjected to near-daily shelling and drone attacks since Moscow launched its full-scale military offensive in February 2022.

“The village came under shelling by the Ukrainian armed forces. Two adults and a teenager were killed by the enemy strike,” Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said in a post on Telegram.

He said two more people, including one child, were also wounded in the attack on the village of Arkhangelskoe, around five kilometers (three miles) from the border with Ukraine.

The area sits just across from Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region, where Moscow launched a major new offensive in May in a bid to create a “buffer zone” to protect its own border villages from shelling.

The post Russia Says 3 Killed by Ukraine Border Strike appeared first on The Defense Post.

The event saw the company’s flight test team conduct functional checks of the system before its launch.

The plane will undergo additional live assessments as part of the program’s primary evaluation phase this autumn.

Boeing will also send the aircraft to another center that will finalize the hull’s livery outfitting.

“This safe and systematic Functional Check Flight is an important step for Boeing and the RAF as part of our rigorous and extensive testing and evaluation,” Boeing VP and E-7 Program Manager Stu Voboril remarked.

“Our team is committed to ensuring the E-7 delivers the safety, quality, and capabilities we’ve promised to our customer as we prepare for delivery of the UK’s first E-7 Wedgetail to the RAF.”

‘Significant Milestone’

Boeing accepted the contract to build five E-7s in 2019 to replace the British government’s decommissioned E-3 Sentry fleet, which operated for the same purpose since the 1990s.

The $1.98-billion planes are set to achieve operational capability by 2025.

“This first flight marks a significant milestone for the programme and for our team who have worked tirelessly with our partners to progress what is a hugely complex endeavour,” UK Defence Equipment & Support Director Richard Murray commented on the latest trial.

“We are moving forward and will be delivering this critical capability to the RAF.”

Local E-7 Development Centers Now Ready

The UK’s Wedgetail initiative involved the construction of hangars in Lossiemouth, Scotland, last year to support the Wedgetail’s in-country engineering works.

The site will house works for the three upcoming E-7s as well as other military aircraft once the program concludes.

London announced the inauguration of the $103-million center in September 2024. It will be managed by over 175 on-site personnel at the project’s peak, according to the government.

“We’re proud of the robust E-7 modification line we’ve stood up in the UK to deliver the RAF’s future Airborne Early Warning & Control fleet,” Boeing UK, Ireland and the Nordics President Maria Laine commented.

“We are committed to delivering this crucial capability to support the UK’s national security and contribute toward regional stability.”

Boeing’s E-7 Wedgetail

The E-7 Wedgetail has a 34-meter (112-foot) fuselage and a 36-meter (118-foot) wingspan.

It is flown by two pilots, with functions run by up to 10 mission personnel. In 2022, the UK’s first E-7 platform received its main sensor suite.

The Wedgetail is powered by turbofans for a range of 6,500 kilometers (4,039 miles), a speed of  853 kilometers (530 miles) per hour, and a service ceiling of 12,500 meters (41,011 feet).

The post Boeing Completes Maiden Flight of Future British Wedgetail Early Warning Aircraft appeared first on The Defense Post.

The partnership seeks to create “new possibilities” for enhancing naval drone defenses amid rising geopolitical tensions.

According to Rheinmetall, both companies bring “complementary skills” in developing and integrating laser weapon technologies.

The two firms previously worked together on a laser demonstration onboard a German Navy frigate, successfully firing over 100 test shots at representative targets.

With the new collaboration, Rheinmetall and MBDA hope to introduce a maritime product to the defense market within the next five to six years.

Low-Cost Solution

There have been increasing calls for more affordable solutions to neutralizing drone threats, with a Pentagon official acknowledging that the costs of firing counter-drone weapons and munitions are becoming “too high.”

Iran-backed Houthi rebels have mocked the US for using $2-million air defense missiles to intercept drones that cost only $2,000.

Even US Department of Defense undersecretary for acquisition William LaPlante admitted that current military efforts to eliminate enemy drones now exceed $100,000 per shot.

Laser weapons present a cost-effective alternative, with the UK saying its DragonFire can shoot down drones at $13 per shot.

Israel’s Rafael also claims its 100-kilowatt Iron Beam ground-based laser air defense system has “almost zero cost per interception.”

While promising, laser weapon development poses challenges, as it requires extensive research and design processes.

The post Rheinmetall, MBDA to Jointly Develop Maritime Laser Weapon appeared first on The Defense Post.

Further details from US officials are expected early this week.

While the package would also include air defense missiles, rockets, and artillery weaponry, the AGM-154 glide weapon equipping Ukraine’s F-16s is considered crucial for Kyiv, considering recent Russian advances in the east.

With a range of over 70 miles (112.6 kilometers), these weapons would allow Ukrainian pilots to target enemy troops and armor from a safer distance.

This US military donation would be the largest provided to Ukraine since May and could be the last before the US presidential elections scheduled for November 5.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is currently visiting the US to present his war “Victory Plan” to be discussed with President Joe Biden, and both presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

The post US Considers Sending AGM-154 Glide Weapon for Ukraine’s F-16s appeared first on The Defense Post.

The deal supports the UK government’s objective to replenish its land-based military platforms after some of the stocks were donated to Ukraine in response to Russia’s invasion.

The consortium will work on the latest order starting in 2025 at Babcock’s Devonport and Supacat’s Dunkeswell facilities.

Once operational, the HMT fleet will be used for off-road patrol, force protection, communication, and intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance or ISTAR missions.

“This contract cements the success of the Jackal programme and delivers a critical boost to the British Army’s fleet with a vehicle that is the most capable and versatile in its class,” Babcock Land Sector CEO Tom Newman stated.

“Babcock teams play a broad and critical role supporting capabilities across the UK’s armed forces; the production of 53 new Jackal 3 Extendas is an excellent example of this and at the same time securing 100 jobs in the South West region.”

More Than 200 Jackals Expected

London placed the initial order for 70 Jackal 3s in February 2023. One year later, Babcock and Supacat began the development of the vehicles, which at the time was revealed to be completed by the summer of 2024.

The consortium noted that the British Army has the option to procure up to 240 of the armored systems depending on its future requirements.

”Firstly, we are enormously proud that Supacat’s Jackal 3 ‘extenda’ is now adding to the Army’s Land Fleet which will help support [Chief of the General Staff’s] intent of increasing lethality with a modular high mobility platform,” Supacat Director Phil Applegarth commented on the latest contract.

“We have demonstrated the modularity and the ease of integrating specific mission winning systems and we look forward with continuing our collaboration with the UK MoD and our industry partners in the near future.”

“Secondly, we are enormously pleased that our partnership with Babcock and Devonport continues to produce Jackal 3 and now the Jackal 3 ‘extenda’, exemplifying The British Army’s Land Industrial strategy and the huge benefits to both the UK and local economies through social value.”

The post British Army Orders Additional Jackal 3 Transporters From Babcock, Supacat appeared first on The Defense Post.

During the recent Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD2024) exhibition in the UK, the two firms unveiled a prototype of the Boxer Armored Mortar Variant, which features Patria’s NEMO 120-millimeter turreted mortar system.

The system can achieve a maximum rate of fire of 10 rounds per minute, providing military units with increased lethality and sustained firepower.

Additionally, the vehicle can fire up to five rounds simultaneously to neutralize multiple targets and overwhelm enemy positions.

According to Patria Senior VP Market Area Europe Hugo Vanbockryck, the armored mortar variant “represents a significant leap forward in superior battlefield capabilities.”

He added, “We are proud to partner with Rheinmetall in delivering this state-of-the-art solution to our customers.”

‘Fire on the Move’

The 8×8 Boxer vehicle was initially designed as a transport platform capable of carrying up to nine soldiers at speeds reaching 103 kilometers (64 miles) per hour.

The first prototype was delivered to the British Army in January for evaluation and trials.

Nearly eight months later, the new mortar variant was produced, offering a “fire on the move” capability to reduce the risk of counter-fire.

Unlike other mortar platforms, the NEMO allows the vehicle to carry out both direct and indirect fire at an effective range of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).

Additionally, the vehicle features superior protection for enhanced crew survivability.

“This collaboration with Patria underscores our shared commitment to advancing military technology and providing the UK’s armed forces with the best possible equipment,” Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems International Deputy CEO Rebecca Richards said.

More Variants

In January, the UK announced plans to develop additional variants of the Boxer armored vehicle to maximize its operational use.

Apart from transport and mortar variants, the country will procure Boxer Repair and Recovery and Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge versions this year.

So far, the British Army has ordered at least 146 infantry carriers, 200 specialist carriers, 212 command and control vehicles, and 65 medical variants of the Boxer.

The post Patria, Rheinmetall Unveil New Boxer Armored Vehicle Variant appeared first on The Defense Post.

The platform adds to more than 20 other MRAP systems commissioned under Kyiv’s military since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

The milestone follows Ottawa’s military aid to Kyiv in January 2023 worth 90 million Canadian dollars ($66.3 million) in response to the aggression, which included Senators in their basic armored personnel carrier configuration.

All 200 vehicles under the donation were delivered in April 2023, with most distributed to the Ukrainian State Border Service units stationed in the northern city of Chernihiv.

One month later, the Senator’s Ontario-based developer Roshel unveiled the platform’s new MRAP variant. The company finalized the delivery of the 1,000th Senator to Ukraine by year’s end.

The Senator MRAP

Roshel’s Senator MRAP has a length of 6 meters (20 feet), a seating capacity for up to 10 personnel, and payload support for about 2 tons of cargo.

The 4×4 vehicle is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 330-horsepower V8 6.7-liter diesel engine.

Its chassis, based on the Ford F-550 pickup truck, is covered with NATO-standard armor that can withstand blasts from 7.62×39-caliber rifles, multi-direction mines, charged TNTs, and 155-millimeter artillery.

Additionally, the system was designed with a V-shaped body to redirect shock waves and shrapnel to the sides, increasing soldiers’ survivability during attacks.

In September 2024, Roshel revealed the integration of the Tavria 14.5 Remote Controlled Weapon System into the Senator.

The post Ukrainian Military Adopts Canadian Senator Anti-Mine Vehicles appeared first on The Defense Post.

Camp Reedo is located in the southeast of Estonia and will be managed by the Defence Forces’ 2nd Infantry Brigade.

It incorporates eight primary halls that could receive approximately 1,000 personnel. Facilities include equipment maintenance stations, storage, kitchen and dining areas, as well as laundry buildings.

Camp Reedo’s construction and related capabilities cost 21 million euros ($23.4 million), according to the military investment agency.

The infrastructure was completed in partnership with Tartu-based concrete works company Mapri Ehitus.

“We have accommodated the previous allied units in the Taara settlement, where we have provided them with a barracks and also built one of the largest container settlements in Estonia,” RKIK South Portfolio Manager Peeter Karja stated.

“With the new camp, if necessary, they can stay near the training ground during exercises and practice defending Estonia with the defense forces in good conditions.”

Enabling ‘Strong Confidence’

RKIK highlighted that the center will be operational for accommodations, preparations, and repairs in both crises and peacetime.

“This will make it easier for them to arrive and get combat ready here. After a short stay, the units move to the operational areas or back to the country of origin,” RKIK Training Grounds Portfolio Manager Elari Kalmaru explained.

Estonian Defence Forces 2nd Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Mati Tikerpuu added that the center provides Tallinn’s military with “strong confidence to know that for the allied units with whom we plan and practice the defense of Estonia,” even if “a whole unit should come to help defend if necessary.”

Four-Year Defense Infrastructure Plan

The Reedo campus inauguration follows RKIK’s announcement of an investment worth 500 million euros ($558.6 million) in defense infrastructure over the next four years.

The effort will focus on the adoption of allies and integrating new solutions while maintaining sustainability throughout the country. Related taxi, cleaning, furniture, security, food supply, and catering services are also expected to be procured to support the forthcoming buildings under this framework.

Part of the project is the renovation of a $19.9-million air base in the country’s north revealed in February to further contribute to the multinational NATO Air Policing mission.

The site was originally established during the Soviet era and was relaunched into a NATO center in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

“In order to better protect Estonia, we must be ready to receive allies on a significantly larger scale in order to implement NATO’s new defense plans,” Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur commented on the broader infrastructure strategy.

“However, even now, the Defense Force needs additional space in order to be able to receive additional allied units if necessary and to ensure suitable conditions for accommodation, equipment, weaponry and ammunition storage, as well as training.”

The post Estonia Inaugurates Military Camp Near Russian Border appeared first on The Defense Post.

US officials are asking the war-torn nation to clearly outline its combat objectives for requesting expanded use of US-supplied long-range missiles.

Ukraine has stated that it plans to use the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which has a range of 300 kilometers (186 miles), to strike Russian airfields, command centers, and weapons depots deep in enemy territory.

President Joe Biden’s administration currently allows Kyiv to use the weapon only for strikes within Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine.

US officials remain skeptical that lifting the restrictions would have a significant impact on the war, noting that it may also come with greater risks.

Growing Pressure

The US has been facing increasing pressure from NATO allies to allow Kyiv greater freedom to hit targets inside Russia to level the battlefield.

Moscow’s forces have been using long-range aircraft, missiles, and drones to attack Ukraine, quickly gaining the upper hand in the ongoing war.

Washington has expressed concerns that doing so would further escalate the war and allow Russia to reverse-engineer some of America’s most sophisticated weapons.

It has also argued that the Ukrainian military is already using long-range drones to strike deep into Russia, which is a cheaper and more strategic method than firing costly missiles.

Additionally, the White House downplayed the capabilities of its ATACMS, stating they would be ineffective now because Moscow has likely moved its most immediate threats to facilities beyond the missile’s range.

“I don’t believe one capability is going to be decisive, and I stand by that comment,” US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin affirmed.

Russian Warning

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that any strikes using Western weapons deep inside its territory will lead to a significant change in the nature of the conflict.

He said such a move would be viewed as an escalation of the war, making the US and its NATO allies directly involved.

“And if this is so, then, bearing in mind the change in the very essence of this conflict, we will make appropriate decisions based on the threats that will be created for us,” Putin told reporters.

The post US Seeks Clarity From Ukraine on Expanded Use of Long-Range Weapons appeared first on The Defense Post.

Ankara intends to replace its aging fleet of Northrop Grumman T-38 jet trainers and F-5 light jets with the Hurjet, originally designed as a jet trainer.

“We look forward to further deepening our defense partnership with Turkey, a key NATO ally,” Bloomberg quoted an official from the US Embassy in Ankara as saying.

The Hurjet

The in-development aircraft is fitted with modern avionics, air-to-ground missiles, and guided munitions.

It features a service ceiling of 45,000 feet (13,716 meters) and a maximum speed of Mach 1.2.

The single-engine, tandem-seat aircraft has a payload capacity of around three tons (3,000 kilograms/6,614 pounds).

F101 Engine

Additionally, Turkey is seeking GE Aerospace F110 engines for its fifth-generation Kaan fighter jet project.

Both engines are considered to be interim solutions, expected to be replaced with domestic versions at a later stage.

Turkey’s relations deteriorated with the US after it purchased the Russian S-400 air defense system in 2019.

However, relations have started to improve after Ankara ratified Sweden’s NATO membership bid earlier this year.

The post Turkey Requests US Approval to Buy GE Engine for Domestic Jet appeared first on The Defense Post.