Americas
According to Breaking Defense, Pentagon leaders are planning to change how they buy and use technology. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth might make the Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP) the main way to develop software. The SWP is a faster method created in 2020 to speed up software development by using ideas from private companies. It helps the Department of Defense (DoD) get custom software quickly, aiming to deploy new features in hours or days instead of months.
RTX has introduced its first aircraft radar warning receiver (RWR) with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities. This technology uses the Cognitive Algorithm Deployment System (CADS), which integrates AI/ML models into existing RWR systems. CADS combines advanced computing with sensor-level threat processing, allowing the RWR to detect, classify, and prioritize threats more effectively. This enhances survivability by quickly identifying and prioritizing threats, reducing the workload on pilots. The system is designed to improve threat analysis and resistance to spoofing, making it more reliable in combat scenarios.
Middle East &Africa
The UAE military is focusing on autonomy and investing heavily in naval assets, particularly unmanned maritime systems. This strategy aims to address two key challenges: The UAE Navy is the smallest branch of the country’s armed forces, with approximately 3,000 active personnel, leading to manpower shortages. Unmanned systems can help plug these gaps and enhance operational capabilities without requiring a significant increase in personnel. This focus has made the UAE an attractive market for foreign manufacturers of undersea vehicles. At recent defense fairs, several unmanned surface vessels were unveiled, including the WAM-V, a versatile USV from Ocean Power Technologies. Additionally, EDGE Group, an Emirati defense conglomerate, showcased the Falcon AUV, developed in collaboration with OceanScan, which is designed for mine countermeasures and ISR missions. They also displayed the 170 Detector USV, a vessel capable of both manned and unmanned operations for maritime ISR and underwater mine detection. The UAE is pursuing a mixed approach, developing indigenous capabilities while partnering with international companies. This aligns with their “Ghost Fleet” initiative, aiming to deploy over 50 unmanned surface and undersea vehicles by 2030.
Europe
Spain has selected US drone manufacturer Skydio to provide small drones for enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The 18-million-euro contract involves Skydio partnering with Paukner Group to deliver its advanced X10D uncrewed aerial systems to the Spanish Army. The X10D drone is designed for defense and government agencies, featuring high-resolution cameras and advanced AI capabilities. It will support missions such as reconnaissance, force protection, facility security, and crowd control. This contract highlights the growing importance of small drones in modern military operations, as noted by Skydio CEO Adam Bry.
Asia-Pacific
The Philippine Navy has observed a decrease in China’s coercive actions in the West Philippine Sea during joint maritime drills with allied nations. Recently, Philippine ships sailed alongside French vessels, including the aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, in contested waters. Chinese vessels stayed over 120 nautical miles away during the exercise, according to Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad. However, tensions over territorial claims remain high in the region.