Articles tagged with "defense-technology"
Fattah: Iran's Mach 15 speeding solid-fueled missiles hit Israel
Iran has launched a new hypersonic ballistic missile named Fattah, capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 15, which successfully penetrated Israel’s air defense systems during the eleventh phase of Operation True Promise III on June 18, 2025. The Fattah is a two-stage, solid-fueled missile equipped with a movable nozzle and an advanced guidance system, enabling high-precision maneuvers both inside and beyond the atmosphere. With a range of approximately 870 miles (1,400 kilometers), the missile’s speed and maneuverability make it difficult for existing anti-missile defenses to intercept. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) described this deployment as a “turning point” that effectively ends Israel’s air defense capabilities, causing fires and structural damage across central Israel. In response to the missile attack, Israel conducted airstrikes targeting multiple Iranian military facilities, including helicopter bases, missile production sites, and centrifuge manufacturing locations, aiming to disrupt Iran’s
materialssolid-fueled-missileshypersonic-technologyaerospace-innovationsmissile-guidance-systemsdefense-technologypropulsion-systemsApplied Intuition raises $600 million as it pushes further into defense
Applied Intuition, a prominent autonomous vehicle software company, has secured $600 million in a Series F funding round, elevating its valuation to $15 billion. The round was co-led by BlackRock-managed funds and Kleiner Perkins, with participation from new investors such as the Qatar Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi Investment Council, alongside existing backers like General Catalyst and Bond. This funding comes just a year after a $250 million Series E round that valued the company at $6 billion. Applied Intuition specializes in software that aids both commercial companies and government agencies in developing autonomous vehicle technologies, including simulation tools and data management. The company serves major automakers and autonomous vehicle firms like Gatik and Kodiak, and has recently expanded its focus into the defense sector. Notably, Applied Intuition collaborated with the U.S. Army to rapidly develop autonomous capabilities for an infantry squad vehicle, transforming it from a basic model to fully autonomous within 10 days. This effort involved creating a robotic system capable of physically
robotautonomous-vehiclesdefense-technologyAI-softwaresimulation-softwareautomotive-technologyroboticsTwo-year-old defense tech Mach Industries confirms $100M raise led by Khosla, Bedrock
Mach Industries, a rapidly growing defense technology startup founded in 2023 by 19-year-old CEO Ethan Thornton, has secured $100 million in new funding at a $470 million valuation. The round was led by Keith Rabois of Khosla Ventures and Geoff Lewis of Bedrock Capital, with participation from existing investor Sequoia, bringing the company’s total funding to approximately $185 million. Although the valuation increase since its Series A in October 2023 is modest, Mach has expanded significantly from 20 to 140 employees and developed three advanced weapons systems: the Viper, a jet-powered VTOL UAV; Glide, a high-altitude glider strike platform; and Stratos, an in-air satellite with sensor and communication functions. Mach has also gained notable contracts and infrastructure investments, including selection by the Army Applications Laboratory to develop a vertical takeoff precision cruise missile and plans for a 115,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Huntington Beach, California. Thornton emphasizes the company’s
robotunmanned-aerial-vehicledefense-technologyvertical-takeoff-and-landingdrone-technologyaerospacemilitary-roboticsEurope firm unveils 310-mile-range kamikaze drone for swarm attacks
European defense firm MBDA has unveiled the One Way Effector, a low-cost, kamikaze-style drone designed for long-range, swarm attack missions, at the Paris Air Show 2025. Developed since late 2024 in partnership with a drone manufacturer and a French automotive company, the drone features a jet engine, carries an 88-pound (40 kg) warhead, and can strike targets up to 310 miles (500 kilometers) away. MBDA plans to produce 1,000 units monthly, aiming for initial batch delivery by 2027, with hopes that the French military will adopt the system. The drone is intended to saturate enemy air defenses, forcing them to reveal their positions for subsequent neutralization by longer-range systems. The One Way Effector was developed with feedback from armed forces engaged in conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, reflecting lessons learned from recent drone warfare. MBDA emphasizes that the drone’s salvo firing capability is designed to deplete enemy resources and
robotdrone-technologymilitary-dronesunmanned-aerial-vehiclesdefense-technologyswarm-attacksjet-engine-dronesSpotify’s Daniel Ek just bet bigger on Helsing, Europe’s defense tech darling
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek has led a €600 million investment round in Helsing, a Munich-based defense technology company now valued at €3 billion, making it one of Europe’s most valuable private firms. Helsing, founded four years ago, specializes in AI-driven battlefield visualization software that integrates data from military sensors, radars, and weapons systems to provide real-time, intuitive situational awareness across various military units. The company has expanded beyond software to develop strike drones, aircraft, and unmanned mini submarines aimed at enhancing naval surveillance. This investment reflects a broader European push to build strategic autonomy in defense amid growing geopolitical tensions, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and shifting U.S. defense policies under former President Trump. European governments are increasingly prioritizing digital and AI-driven military capabilities, moving away from traditional hardware like planes and tanks. Helsing’s funding round, backed by investors including Lightspeed Ventures, Accel, and Saab, is part of a larger defense tech boom in Europe, signaling a shift toward self
robotdefense-technologyAIdronesunmanned-vehiclesmilitary-technologysurveillance-systemsUS spy drone gets 9-foot wingman with 750-mile strike range boost
The article introduces the Precision Exportable Launched Effect (PELE), a new small unmanned aerial system developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to enhance the operational capabilities of manned and unmanned platforms like the MQ-9B SkyGuardian. PELE features an 11-foot wingspan, a 16-horsepower engine, and weighs up to 250 pounds, providing up to seven hours of flight endurance and a range exceeding 500 nautical miles (approximately 570 miles). Designed for high-risk, contested airspace, PELE is attrition-tolerant and can carry modular payloads including electro-optical/infrared sensors for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. It can be launched from air or ground platforms, allowing flexible deployment and enabling the mothership MQ-9B to remain outside threat zones while PELE units penetrate deeper into contested areas. PELE supports emerging military concepts such as Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA
robotunmanned-aerial-vehicleautonomous-systemsdefense-technologysurveillance-droneaerospace-engineeringmilitary-roboticsUK trials underwater robot to defend against undersea sabotage
The UK Royal Navy, in collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and industry partners such as Alford Technologies and Sonardyne, is testing an advanced underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) designed to protect critical undersea infrastructure like cables and pipelines. This robot can operate at depths beyond human diver reach and remain underwater for extended periods, enabling it to detect unexploded ordnance (UXO) and potential sabotage threats. Equipped with specialized navigation, sensors, and cameras, the ROV provides real-time video and sonar data to operators who can remotely neutralize hazards by deploying controlled explosive charges, thereby reducing risks to divers and vessels. The ROV’s capabilities offer significant operational advantages by enhancing safety and efficiency in clearing underwater threats, supporting extended missions in deep or hazardous waters. Its reusable design also delivers economic benefits through cost-effectiveness and industry collaboration, contributing to the UK’s defense and security landscape. Field trials have been conducted at multiple sites, including Portsmouth, South Wales, and Norway, demonstrating the robot’s performance and potential as a valuable tool for safeguarding vital marine infrastructure against sabotage or accidental damage.
underwater-robotroboticsdefense-technologyremote-operated-vehiclemarine-securityunexploded-ordnance-detectionundersea-infrastructure-protectionSuperpowers, sea drones, strategy: How the Indo-Pacific is re-arming
The article discusses escalating military tensions and strategic realignments in the Indo-Pacific region amid China's growing assertiveness, particularly around Taiwan. The United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines are deepening their military cooperation through a quadrilateral security group dubbed the "Squad," which functions as a Pacific counterpart to NATO. This bloc aims to enhance deterrence and maintain regional stability by synchronizing defense investments, expanding joint maritime patrols—especially within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone—and condemning China’s coercive actions in the East and South China Seas. The Squad’s efforts underscore a collective response to China’s increasing military buildup and aggressive maneuvers. Taiwan is also advancing its asymmetric defense capabilities by developing home-made kamikaze sea drones to counter potential Chinese aggression. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command chief Admiral Samuel Paparo highlighted that China’s recent military exercises near Taiwan are more than routine drills, describing them as rehearsals for possible conflict. He emphasized the urgency of accelerating technological and operational advancements, including artificial intelligence and hypersonic weapons, to meet modern threats swiftly. Paparo’s warnings reflect broader U.S. concerns about a potential Chinese attempt to seize Taiwan, possibly by 2027, and the need for rapid, innovative defense responses to maintain regional security.
robotmilitary-dronesdefense-technologyIndo-Pacific-securityautonomous-sea-dronesartificial-intelligencehypersonic-weaponsUS' interceptor with solid motor can perform better against threats
The U.S. Army’s Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor (NGSRI), developed by Raytheon and Northrop Grumman, has successfully undergone multiple tests of its solid rocket motor technology, known as Highly Loaded Grain (HLG). This advanced solid propellant offers longer burn times and greater energy output than conventional motors, enabling the missile to fly faster, extend its range, and perform more effectively against advanced aerial threats. The program has completed three static firings in varied environments and a successful ballistic flight demonstration, with further tests planned soon. The missile’s design allows it to be launched from various platforms, including tripods, vehicles, and shoulder launchers. Raytheon and Northrop Grumman’s collaboration has rapidly transitioned the HLG motor from concept to flight-ready status in under six months, leveraging modular design and automated manufacturing techniques. This propulsion innovation enhances speed, range, and mission flexibility in a compact form factor, marking a significant advancement over legacy air defense systems. The NGSRI builds on over 60 years of air defense expertise to deliver a highly capable shoulder-launched missile for the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, aiming to protect warfighters against evolving airborne threats with cutting-edge technology.
energysolid-rocket-motormissile-technologypropulsion-systemsdefense-technologyRaytheonNorthrop-GrummanVanguard-Class: Britain’s Silent Nuclear Guardians
The Vanguard-class nuclear submarines are central to the United Kingdom’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, operating covertly beneath the ocean’s surface. Each submarine is equipped with up to 16 Trident II D5 ballistic missiles, which have long-range precision strike capabilities. At any given time, at least one Vanguard-class submarine is on active patrol, ensuring an uninterrupted and stealthy nuclear deterrent presence worldwide. Commissioned in the 1990s, the Vanguard-class remains a vital component of the UK’s national defense strategy. Although these submarines are scheduled to be replaced by the next-generation Dreadnought-class within the next decade, they continue to serve as the backbone of Britain’s nuclear deterrent, maintaining a continuous and covert operational posture across global waters.
energynuclear-energysubmarine-technologydefense-technologymilitary-materialsnuclear-deterrentballistic-missilesUS firms to develop high-tech tiny engines for next-gen combat drones
robotdronesunmanned-systemspropulsion-technologydefense-technologycombat-aircraftaerospaceChina's aerial mothership can launch 100 drones over 4,500 miles
robotdronesUAVmilitary-technologyaerial-warfareChinadefense-technologyVertical Aerospace has a plan to capitalize on Europe’s defense tech moment
robotIoTenergyeVTOLhybrid-electricdefense-technologyaerospaceBoosted by defense and Starlink, Orca AI pulls in $72.5M for its autonomous shipping platform
autonomous-shippingAI-navigationdefense-technologyIoTfuel-efficiencymaritime-technologyStarlink