Amercias
The US Army is exploring a significant acceleration in the production of 3D-printed drones capable of replicating the capabilities and behaviors of enemy systems. The push comes as the army anticipates the rollout of a program aimed at rapidly developing low-cost target drones for training exercises. According to Gen. James Rainey, head of Army Futures Command, there is a critical need to simulate unmanned aerial system (UAS) threats, particularly for preparing platoons to counter drone swarms.
Conti Federal has completed the modernization of an F-35 sustainment facility at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NASJRB) in Fort Worth, Texas. The Maintenance Hangar Building 1643 project is a milestone for the US Air Force’s 301st Fighter Wing, which covers on-call response duty using their F-16 Fighting Falcons and the newer F-35 Lightning IIs. The deal to renovate this “critical” part of the base was secured by the company in February 2023 and is valued at $8.4 million.
Middle East & Africa
Maj. Gen. Saddam Haftar, commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Ground Forces, met with senior Turkish officials on April 4, 2025, which was the anniversary of Libya’s second civil war that began in 2018. Haftar, son of eastern Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, was hosted by Turkish Land Forces commander Gen. Selçuk Bayraktaro?lu. Defence Minister Ya?ar Güler also held talks with him. The visit marks a rare instance of direct contact between the Turkish Armed Forces and the LNA, which were on opposing sides during Libya’s most recent civil conflict.
Europe
Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Force has unveiled an uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) capable of firing laser beams and launching drone swarms. The “Alligator-9” is a multi-role naval system with three configurations. It can launch six to ten Alligator-5 ToD (torpedo drones) to strike against enemy vessels or carry three to five Alligator-5 EW drones for electronic warfare, reconnaissance, mine clearing, and navigation support.
Asia-Pacific
Indonesia has formally expressed interest in joining Turkey’s cutting-edge fifth-generation fighter jet development initiative — a strategic move poised to deepen defense cooperation between the two countries. President Prabowo Subianto presented the proposal directly to his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during a bilateral meeting in Ankara earlier this month. Alongside the fighter jet program, the Indonesian leader also raised the prospect of future collaboration in submarine development.