The upcoming test will reportedly utilize Lockheed’s new vertical launch system called the Quad Launcher, which will allow the missiles to be fired from medium and large surface vessels.

The company recently showcased a model of a generic vessel equipped with four JAGM Quad Launchers, indicating its readiness for the much-awaited integration.

Lockheed did not provide a specific date for the planned live-fire demonstration.

If successful, the test could allow for the official integration of Quad Launchers on surface vessels to defeat maritime threats.

“We are still in the development phase of the vertical launch capability and demonstrating to [the] US [Department of Defense] is our near-term goal,” said Patrick Sweeney, Lockheed’s senior manager for international business development.

Potential Applications

The sea-launched JAGM test is part of a broader initiative to transform the munition into a multi-domain weapon system capable of addressing a wide variety of threats.

It can be used to engage uncrewed surface vessels and drones, similar to those used by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

Currently, the US Navy employs AGM-114 Longbow Hellfire missiles for targeting small surface vessels.

The existing version of the JAGM only allows for launch on aerial platforms, such as the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter.

Lockheed plans to offer the sea-launched JAGM to the US military and the Australian Defence Force.

The post Lockheed Braces for First Sea-Launched JAGM Missile Test 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.

The deal in question is the $990-million contract awarded to AeroVironment on August 27 for an “organic, stand-off solution” capable of neutralizing hostile tanks, armored vehicles, and personnel targets.

Although the grounds for the petition have not yet been disclosed, the protest will halt production of the loitering munitions while the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) reviews the case.

An official decision is expected to be made within 100 calendar days as required by law.

If successful, Mistral’s protest could force the US Army to re-open a competition.

The Agreement

On August 28, AeroVironment confirmed it had entered a five-year agreement with the US Army to support its Lethal Unmanned Systems (LUS) requirement by supplying an undisclosed number of Switchblade attack drones.

The systems will be used by dismounted infantry formations to defend against the threats of enemy armored assets.

The company stated that its Switchblade munitions will enhance soldier lethality and give operators the ability to track and engage moving, non-line-of-sight targets.

“AV (AeroVironment) is proud to have been selected to provide Switchblade for this critical and urgent army requirement,” Senior VP Brett Hush noted.

Deliveries of the Switchblade systems were originally scheduled to begin in months, but the protest may delay them until next year.

‘Well Positioned’

The Switchblade is a tube-launched, precision-guided munition that is flown like a drone and detonates upon contact with the target.

It can stay airborne for up to 20 minutes to monitor the surroundings and search for a target.

Prior to Mistral’s protest, AeroVironment said that its Switchblade munitions offer “unmatched maturity and effectiveness” for various missions.

Additionally, the company affirmed it is well positioned to meet the army’s emerging needs by leveraging robust production capability and supply chain capacity.

“This contract further solidifies AV’s role as a leading provider of innovative unmanned solutions,” AeroVironment noted. “The company remains committed to supporting US Army missions by delivering advanced technology that ensures operational superiority”

The post Mistral Challenges US Army’s $990M Loitering Munition Deal With AeroVironment 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.

Named the AGM-158 XR, the weapon appears to be substantially larger than its predecessors, enabling it to carry more fuel and a potential 1,000-pound (453-kilogram) armor-piercing warhead.

It also reportedly incorporates “smart” internal modifications to increase modularity and facilitate future upgrades.

While its exact strike range has not been disclosed, a Lockheed spokesperson indicated that the AGM-158 XR could exceed other JASSM and Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) variants.

It also maintains compatibility with F/A-18 and F-35 fighter jets.

Once operational, the weapon is expected to bolster the lethality of military units and increase pilot survivability by enabling strikes further away from the threat.

‘A Great Option to Consider’

Lockheed General Manager John Hill emphasized that the new weapon builds on proven production lines, established supply chains, and existing mission planning structures.

He also said the AGM-158 XR anticipates the needs of warfighters, making it “a great option” for the US Air Force to consider in the future.

The company clarified that the weapon is still in development and “several years out” from being ready for fielding.

However, it stated that initial flight testing could begin in one or two years.

“Lockheed Martin has developed the AGM-158 XR concept to offer significantly increased standoff attack range and be rapidly produced and delivered to the US military,” the firm noted.

Currently, the US Department of Defense has not yet committed to purchasing the new variant.

The post Lockheed Unveils ‘Extreme Range’ Variant of JASSM Cruise Missile appeared first on The Defense Post.

According to two European diplomats who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, Kyiv initially requested that Washington allow the use of its ATACMS, or Army Tactical Missile System, to strike Russian airfields housing glide bomb-carrying warplanes.

However, US National Security Advisor John Kirby argued that the requested targets are well beyond the missile’s effective range, which is only 300 kilometers (186 miles).

“We’ve done the math on this — 90% of them (Russian airfields) lie outside 300 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, deep inside Russia,” he noted.

As a result, the sources said Kyiv revised its target list to focus on Russian military command centers, fuel and weapons depots, and troop concentrations, hoping to persuade the US to permit strikes deeper into enemy territory.

‘Working That Out’

While Kirby already indicated there will be no change in US policy regarding the weapons it supplied to Ukraine, President Joe Biden has hinted at the possibility of authorizing it amid Moscow’s increasing aggression.

He told reporters last week, “We’re working that out right now,” after his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky repeatedly called for the restrictions to be lifted.

Biden also recently met with newly installed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss the matter, signaling openness to consider Kyiv’s persistent request.

Meanwhile, some US officials are skeptical about the impact of granting Ukraine greater freedom to use Western weapons.

They argued that Moscow has likely moved its most immediate threats to facilities beyond the range of US-supplied missiles.

Additionally, they noted that Kyiv already uses kamikaze drones for deep strikes into Russia, which are significantly cheaper than the ATACMS or other long-range weapons.

The post Ukraine Revises ATACMS Target List After US Downplays Capability appeared first on The Defense Post.

Valued at $133 million, the potential foreign military sale covers 54 AMRAAM missiles, two guidance sections, control section spares, and missile containers.

It also includes weapon system support, training support, and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services.

According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the sale will help Singapore maintain its operational readiness amid increasing threats in the Indo-Pacific.

It will also increase the country’s effectiveness in both training and combat operations.

RTX will serve as the principal contractor should Singapore proceed with the order.

‘Air Dominance Weapon’

The AMRAAM is a new generation weapon capable of hitting beyond-visual-range targets at a reported range of 160 kilometers (99 miles).

It is described as one of the most sophisticated air dominance weapons, registering multiple air-to-air combat victories, according to RTX.

The missile utilizes a combination of inertial guidance and an on-board active radar to reach its intended target and perform an intercept.

It has been integrated into various combat aircraft, including F-15 Strike Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons, and F/A-18 Super Hornets.

The DSCA said allowing Singapore to procure the AMRAAM will enable the US to improve the security of a strategic partner, which is considered an “important force” for stability in Asia.

The post US Approves Sale of 54 AMRAAM Missiles to Singapore for $133M appeared first on The Defense Post.

A multi-caliber weapon, the ARAD-7 can engage targets effectively at distances from 300 to 1,000 meters (984 to 3,280 feet).

It reportedly adheres to rigorous NATO standards, ensuring high interoperability and reliability across diverse combat environments.

The rifle also features a telescopic folding stock that offers exceptional ergonomics and adjustability to meet the needs of operators.

A delegation from the Argentine Ministry of Defense has been sent to Jerusalem to discuss the potential acquisition and explore local production options in Buenos Aires.

According to reports, Israel’s decision whether to allow domestic production of the ARAD-7 in Argentina will largely depend on the volume of the potential order.

Replacing Belgian Rifles

If the procurement goes through, the ARAD-7 will replace the aging FAL (Fusil Automatique Léger) rifles in the Argentine Army.

Manufactured by FN Herstal in Belgium, the FAL uses the NATO 7.62x51mm cartridge.

It has been combat-proven since its introduction in the 1950s, demonstrating effectiveness in various conflicts.

Despite its historical effectiveness, the FAL is now viewed as an outdated weapon for modern warfare, with its aging design and heavy weight negatively affecting soldiers’ agility and mobility on the battlefield.

Adopting a modern, more versatile assault rifle like the ARAD-7 will allow the Argentine Army to execute missions more effectively.

Another Rifle Under Consideration

In addition to the ARAD-7, Buenos Aires is also considering the ARAD-5, which is capable of firing 5.56x45mm or .300 Blackout rounds.

The weapon is based on the AR-15 platform and only weighs 2.85 kilograms (6.3 pounds) without a magazine.

It can also achieve a maximum rate of fire of 1,100 rounds per minute.

The post Argentine Army Exploring Israeli Assault Rifles to Upgrade Arsenal appeared first on The Defense Post.

All of the export permits had been approved prior to a January ban on new sales of weapons that could be used in Gaza, as the besieged Palestinian territory faced a mounting humanitarian crisis.

Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said she had ordered a review of all Canadian weapons suppliers’ contracts with Israel and other countries.

“Following that, I suspended this summer around 30 existing permits of Canadian companies,” she said.

A key ally of the United States, which provides Israel with billions of dollars a year in military aid, Canada drew the ire of Israeli leaders when it initially announced it would halt new arms shipments to Israel as of January 8.

Pro-Palestinian protests across Canada – at universities, political events and even the Toronto International Film Festival last week – have continued to put pressure on the government to go further.

“Our policy is clear: We will not have any form of arms or parts of arms be sent to Gaza. Period,” Joly said.

“How they’re being sent and where they’re being sent is irrelevant,” she continued, alluding to ammunition that was meant to have been produced by a Canadian division of US defense contractor General Dynamics for the Israeli Defense Forces.

Joly added that the government is in contact about this issue with General Dynamics.

The topic of arms deliveries to Israel has triggered legal proceedings in several countries around the world.

Israel has historically been a top receiver of Canadian arms exports, with 21 million Canadian dollars ($15.4 million) worth of military material exported to Israel in 2022, according to government data, following 26 million Canadian dollars ($19.1 million) in shipments in 2021.

That placed Israel among the top 10 recipients of Canadian arms exports.

Britain last week also said it would suspend some arms exports to Israel, citing a “clear risk” that they could be used in a serious breach of international humanitarian law.

The post Canada Recently Blocked Weapons Sales to Israel: FM appeared first on The Defense Post.

Spokesperson Morgan Blackstock revealed that the virtual training systems at bases in California, North Carolina, and Okinawa will soon incorporate the M252 60mm mortar and the M3A1 shoulder-fired rocket.

The trainers were previously limited to machine guns, rifles, and pistols.

According to Blackstock, the virtual training will be more than just a video game, as it will replicate the actual look, weight, and feel of rocket and mortar systems.

It will provide “everything but the blast,” ensuring that soldiers can achieve top performance during actual live-fire exercises.

“Marines bring their real [rockets] from the armory, and the drop-in kit is installed to simulate fires onto the screens,” the spokesperson noted. “The mortars are replicas that operate like real mortars and can use real tactical optics and bipods.”

Increased Protection From Blasts

The transition to virtual training comes amid calls to provide troops with increased blast protection to avoid brain injuries.

Pentagon data shows that between 2000 and 2023, nearly half a million US military personnel were diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury. Most of them had prolonged exposure to blasts.

Last month, the US Department of Defense issued a new policy guideline to ensure the provision of adequate protective equipment to anyone firing certain weapons.

It also mandates the observance of specific safe distances during live-fire exercises and training.

“From a safety perspective, we are committed to preventing negligent discharges,” USMC safety chief Tripp Elliott said. “We’re also focused on mitigating the impacts on hearing and preventing traumatic brain injuries.”

The post US Marine Corps Transitions to Virtual Mortar Training to Lessen Blast Effects appeared first on The Defense Post.