IEngineering
The U.S.

Alex Luck, Naval News
The Sachsen-class frigate F221 HESSEN has departed Wilhelmshaven on February 8.

Srdja Trifkovic, Chronicles Houthi attacks on Israeli allied vessels in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait are disrupting the world economy and prompting the U.S. to intervene.

Michael & Leonard Hochberg, RCDefense

To counter the growing threat especially from China, the Air Force is undergoing major changes in how it operates and is organized. Dubbed “Reopitmization for Great Power Competition,” details of the initiative will be unveiled Monday at the Air and Space Forces Warfare Symposium in Denver by Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and other senior leaders, an Air Force official told The War Zone.

Saab is working on a supersonic, stealthy ‘loyal wingman’ type drone concept. The program has been running for some time as a company-funded effort but has gone largely unnoticed until recently. Ultimately, however, the appearance of such a drone concept is entirely in keeping with the company’s status as one of Europe’s active developers of uncrewed systems and could be indicative of what Saab offers its customers in the future.

Saab #FCAS Unmanned supersonic ‘Loyal Wingman’ stealth concept. Focus: High-speed BVR. Wind tunnel tests Dec 2021. Internally funded.

The F-22 Raptor is a multipurpose war machine focused on air superiority and is the first fifth-generation fighter in service. So, What makes the F-22 Raptor superior in the sky? Let’s Examine that.
The F-22 Raptor in action: Downing of a Chinese spy balloon

In an unprecedented event, a US Air Force F-22 Raptor shot down a spy balloon operated by the Chinese military. This event demonstrates the combat capabilities of the F-22, a fifth-generation fighter, in a real scenario.

The Bell 360 Invictus prototype design for the U.S. Army’s now canceled Future Attack and Reconnaissance Aircraft program. (Artist’s rendition courtesy of Bell).
The Army has canceled development of the Future Attack and Reconnaissance Aircraft, or FARA, marking the end of the service’s latest program meant to replace the OH-58 Kiowa Warrior, which was retired in 2020.

Using rapid acquisition authority, the Army recently awarded a $75 million contract to RTX Corp. to produce 600 Coyote Block 2C interceptors that could be used to help the U.S. military shoot down enemy drones, the service announced Friday.
The award was made Jan. 16 “in direct support” to the Pentagon’s counter-unmanned aerial systems mission, according to a release.
The move comes amid an uptick in kamikaze drone attacks against U.S. troops in the Middle East.

U.S. Army Soldiers, assigned to 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, fire an M119 Howitzer during a live-fire exercise at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, May 11, 2023. (Spc. Timothy VanDusen/U.S. Army).
Attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria have interrupted the Defense Department’s larger counter-ISIS mission in the region, according to an Inspector General report released Friday.
Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve began in 2014 and consists of a global coalition of partners, including the U.S.

The news that the U.S. Army is cancelling one of its highest profile aviation programs, the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA), with two competing prototypes already constructed, was a shock to many, but it really shouldn’t have been. As the Pentagon is stacking its chips on the possibility of a high-end fight in the Pacific, and seeing the results of helicopter combat operations in Ukraine, the relevance of the FARA program had to be deeply questioned and the assumptions of future aerial warfare it was based on needed serious re-examination too.

Rocky Bleier was drafted by both the Steelers and the U.S. Army simultaneously. He served honorably, receiving a purple heart and bronze star for his actions in the Vietnam War. Photos courtesy of Rocky Bleier.
Many young football players work hard to make it into the NFL someday, with dreams of competing under the bright lights of the Super Bowl. They don’t have to worry about a draft sending them off to war before they get their shot at professional football, but for some NFL legends, that was their reality.

The Missile Defense Agency has released a very uncommon video showing the full launch cycle of a surrogate ballistic missile from the cargo bay of a U.S. Air Force C-17A Globemaster III airlifter. The launch was part of a recent missile defense test off the coast of Hawaii, nicknamed Stellar Sisyphus.
Elements of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), the U.S. Navy, and the Air Force supported Stellar Sisyphus, also known as Flight Test Other-23 (FTX-23). The Navy’s Arleigh Burke class destroyers USS McCampbell (DDG 85) and USS Jack H.

A recent report highlights how, in a single week of autumn combat, Ukrainian drones contributed to the neutralization of 75 Russian tanks and 101 heavy artillery pieces, among other targets.
The emergence of high-precision weapons in contemporary theaters of operations dates back more than half a century, marking their debut in Vietnam. Since then, the drive to achieve higher levels of accuracy and destructive potential has driven the costs of these tools of war to astronomical figures.

The inherent tension between political and military mandates is not new in times of war. However, the deterioration of the relationship between President Volodymyr Zelensky and General Valery Zaluzhny was compounded by Zelensky’s evolving vision for the future of post-conflict Ukraine.
The recent replacement of  Valery Zaluzhny by  Oleksandr Syrsky at the command of the  Armed Forces of Ukraine, announced on February 8 by President  Volodymyr Zelensky, has marked a defining moment in the country’s war context.

Understanding Israel’s Military Strategy in Rafah Amidst Escalating Tensions
Israel’s recent military actions in Rafah, a densely populated area in the Gaza Strip, have intensified, marking a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments:
The Intensified Aerial Bombardment
In response to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s call to expand military operations in Rafah, Israel has heightened its aerial bombardment in the region.

Welcome to The Adversarial. Every other week, we’ll provide you with expert analysis on America’s greatest challengers: China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and jihadists. Read more below. North Korea On Jan. 24, North Korea conducted its first test launches of a new strategic cruise missile, the Pulhwasal-3-31. Four days later, Kim Jong Un oversaw the firing of additional Pulhwasal-3-31s, apparently from a submerged submarine. The reported flight time suggests a test range of almost 1500 kilometers.

Host L Todd Wood speaks with Ukrainian sources on situation on the ground, and John Mills on Pacific, issues, Tucker interview.
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(Marine Corps photos/Task and Purpose composite).
The Marine Corps identified the five Marines who died after a CH-53E helicopter crashed on Feb. 6.
The Marines were assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California. 
The crew included helicopter crew chiefs, Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kansas; and Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler, Arizona. The helicopter pilots were Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Emmett, Idaho; Capt. Jack Casey, 26, of Dover, New Hampshire; and Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, of Traverse City, Michigan.

The Czech Defence Minister presses Israel to deliver eight 3D medium range mobile air defence radar systems.

On Monday 5 February, the parliament of Hungary called a special session to deliberate Sweden’s accession into the Nato alliance.

The Serb Jaser was displayed on its pneumatic launcher at the World Defense Show. (Janes/Akshara Parakala)
Saudi Arabia’s Serb Advanced Industries confirmed that it is mass-producing small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the Saudi military during the World Defense Show (WDS) 2024 held in Riyadh from 4 to 8 February.

A company official told
Janes
that both the Jaser and larger Samil are in production, although he declined to name which branch of the Saudi military has ordered them.

The French Directorate General of Armaments has contracted Safran and Nexter to integrate new sights on Leclerc under the XLR modernisation.

The first of two KC-390s for Hungary seen on its four-hour maiden flight over Brazil. (Embraer)
The first of two Embraer KC-390 Millennium tanker-transport aircraft for Hungary made its maiden flight on 8 February.
The Brazilian manufacturer announced the event the following day, saying the aircraft flew for approximately four hours, having departed from the company’s Gavião Peixoto production facility where it was built. It will now enter a test and assessment phase, before delivery to the customer later in 2024.

Embraer sees its C-390, which has a cargo-carrying capacity of 26 tons and the ability to operate as multimission transport aircraft, as a key contender for the India Air Force’s MTA acquisition project. (Embraer)
Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra Defence Systems have announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the C-390 Millennium bid for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF’s) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) procurement project.

The DGA has ordered sights from the GME between Nexter and Safran for the Leclerc XLR, which was displayed at Eurosatory 2022. (Janes/Sonny Butterworth)
The Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), the French defence procurement agency, has ordered sights from the temporary company grouping (GME) between KNDS’s Nexter and Safran Electronics & Defense for the upgrade of the Leclerc main battle tank (MBT) to the XLR standard, the two companies announced in a joint press release on 8 February.

The KC-390 was showcased at the WDS 2024 in Riyadh. Prior to arriving at the biennial event, the tanker-transport aircraft was demonstrated to the Nigerian Air Force. (Janes/Akshara Parakala)
Embraer has recorded strong interest in its KC-390 Millennium from Nigeria, demonstrating the tanker-transport aircraft to the West African country ahead of the World Defense Show (WDS) 2024 held in Riyadh from 4 to 8 February.

BAE Systems autonomous collaborative platform (ACP) concept vehicle will operate alongside Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. (Janes/Akshara Parakala)
BAE Systems unveiled a new autonomous collaborative platform (ACP) concept at the World Defense Show (WDS) 2024 held in Riyadh from 4 to 8 February.
The conceptual unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is characterised as an attritable platform with low-observable features and will feature electrical actuation systems.

A Meteor missile aboard a Swedish Gripen combat aircraft. The six partner countries are assessing a potential mid-life upgrade, with a decision to be made by the end of 2024. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)
The partner countries will decide before the end of 2024 on the scope and scale of a planned mid-life upgrade (MLU) to the MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM).

A Pentagon report recommends the US Navy replace its Air and Missile Defense Radar testing model. (Raytheon)
The US Navy (USN) should replace the testing model of its Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR), designated the AN/SPY-6(V)1, according to the Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) FY 2023 Annual Report, released on 2 February.

The US Army is restructuring its investment in rotary aviation, cutting the Attack and Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) prototyping activities.

Ved Shinde, The Interpreter

MWI
Innovation is the lifeblood of progress, and in the context of the military, it is a crucial component of keeping pace with today’s rapid technological evolution.

Sandboxx News
In March 2023, Air Force acquisition executive Andrew Hunter told the House Armed Services Committee in no uncertain terms that the program for America’s first hypersonic…

C.

Jon Harper, DefenseScoop
U.S. Special Operations Command is looking for loitering munitions that can be dropped from a variety of aircraft in its inventory.

The AVIC Wing Loong-10B (WL-10B) displayed at WDS 2024 along with various missiles and bombs. (Janes/Akshara Parakala)
China Defence, on behalf of China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC), has confirmed that the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) Wing Loong-10B, an export variant of the CATIC Wing Loong-10 (also dubbed as WL-10), will soon enter service with the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF).

Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Khalifa poses with air defenders from the Royal Bahraini Air Force in front of Patriot and HAWK components at Camp Ras al-Bar. (Bahrain News Agency)
Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Khalifa, the commander-in-chief of the Bahrain Defence Force, inaugurated a base for the kingdom’s new Patriot air-defence systems on 7 February.

Poland has requested a minimum of four aerostat systems to support the detection and monitoring of air and ground threats, including UAVs. The US currently deploys Tethered Aerostat Radar Systems (pictured) to support airborne border surveillance along the US Mexico border and select Caribbean areas. (US Air Force photo by GS-11 Deb H; USA) (US DoD)
The US State Department has approved a possible sale of Airspace and Surface Radar Reconnaissance (ASRR) aerostat systems to Poland on 7 February for an estimated USD1.2 billion.

The Aliaca is a light tactical fixed-wing UAS that can be used for a wide range of intelligence, surveillance, and inspection missions or operations, in a maritime, coastal, or land environment. (Charles Wassilieff/Marine Nationale/Défense)
The French Navy is set to receive a second batch of Aliaca Evo fixed-wing electric unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) from Airbus Group subsidiary Survey Copter.

GlobalData uncovers the leading innovators in 3D printed turbine components for the aerospace and defense industry.

GlobalData uncovers the leading innovators in satellite-based positioning for the aerospace and defense industry.

GlobalData uncovers the leading innovators in multi-rotor propulsion for the aerospace and defense industry.

The CAS-H01 co-axial dual-rotor UAS can be transported in a backpack. (Janes/Akshara Parakala)
China-based Leap showcased production-ready CAS-H01, a portable miniature search-and-attack unmanned aircraft system (UAS) at the World Defense Show (WDS) 2024 held in Riyadh from 4 to 8 February.

Speaking to
Janes,
a Leap official said CAS-H01 is a backpackable

UAS that can be operated by a single dismounted soldier. The CAS-H01 is capable of carrying out reconnaissance, search, tracking, identification and attack, and supports swarm attacks.

The HW150V UAV is equipped with a three-axis mechanically stabilised electro-optic/infrared pod. (Janes/Akshara Parakala)
Beijing-based Hoverwing Technology (also known as Hangyi Technology) showcased the HW150V hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at the World Defense Show (WDS) 2024 held in Riyadh from 4 to 8 February.
Speaking to Janes, a Hoverwing official said the HW150V is an operationally proven platform, which can carry out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); target-tracking; homeland security; and attack missions.

GlobalData uncovers the leading innovators in anti-ballistic garments for the aerospace and defense industry.

GlobalData uncovers the leading innovators in radar camera fusion for the aerospace and defense industry.

GlobalData uncovers the leading innovators in precision-guided firearms for the aerospace and defense industry.

GlobalData uncovers the leading innovators in AR/VR aerial mapping for the aerospace and defense industry.

GlobalData uncovers the leading innovators in missile aerodynamic guidance for the aerospace and defense industry.