Boeing Unveiled Modernized Apache | Biden Promised Defense Systems To Ukraine | Rafael Unveiled Iron Beam

Americas

During AUSA 2022, Boeing took the opportunity to unveil its Modernized Apache concept to leaders of the US Army. Touting it as the next evolution of the current AH-64E v6 attack helicopter, the Modernized Apache can be differentiated externally from the classic Apache by its longer wing, which allows it to have three hard points per wing, upward-facing engine exhaust and the substitution of the chain gun with a laser turret. Powered by the new Improved Turbine Engine (ITE), Boeing is improving the drivetrain in order for the Modernized Apache to faster, further and more efficiently.

US President Joe Biden on Monday promised to provide advanced air defense systems to Ukraine after Russian missiles rained down on Kyiv and other cities, the White House said in a statement. Biden spoke to President Volodymyr Zelensky and “pledged to continue providing Ukraine with the support needed to defend itself, including advanced air defense systems,” the statement said.

Middle East & Africa

Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and its US subsidiary have presented the IRON BEAM High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) at AUSA 2022 (Association of US Army’s national conference), currently taking place in Washington, DC. The Iron Beam is the first laser system of its kind to have been documented intercepting a range of aerial threats. According to the company, it is on track to become the first operational laser-based defense system that effectively intercepts a wide spectrum of threats – including RAM and UAVs as well as swarms of mini-UAVs – with pinpoint accuracy from a range of a few hundred yards to up to several miles.

Europe

President Vladimir Putin said Monday that Russia’s response to any further Ukrainian attacks would be “severe,” after Moscow’s forces carried out retaliatory missile strikes across Ukraine. “It was not possible to leave (Ukrainian attacks) unanswered. If attempts at terrorist attacks continue, the response from Russia will be severe and correspond to the level of threat,” Putin said at the start of a televised meeting of his security council.

Asia-Pacific

The seven recent North Korean missile launches were all “tactical nuclear” drills, state media said Monday, which were personally overseen by leader Kim Jong Un. At a key party congress in January 2021, Kim outlined a five-year defense development plan, calling for the development of smaller and lighter nuclear weapons for “more tactical uses.”

Today’s Video

WATCH: Boeing AH-64E Apache, Modernized Attack Helicopter Concept of the Feature