Americas
The US and Japan are set to begin a feasibility study to co-produce the American AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile, known as AMRAAM. This follows an agreement made in late July at a “two-plus-two” meeting of foreign and defence ministers in Tokyo, where Japan and the United States agreed to explore “co-production opportunities” for both AMRAAMs and Patriot PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement. This decision, reported by Nikkei Asia, a prominent Asian business publication, stems from concerns over diminishing American stockpiles due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Anduril Industries has just raised the bar—and secured a quarter-billion dollar vote of confidence from the Department of Defense (DoD). The Pentagon recently awarded Anduril a $249,978,466 contract to deliver next-generation air defense capabilities. The deal includes over 500 Roadrunner-M interceptors and additional Pulsar electronic warfare systems, aimed at countering the escalating threat of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) attacks on US forces.
Middle East & Africa
According to Defense News, Gulf countries are making new investments to increase their undersea warfare capabilities, including Qatar with the purchase of Italian-made mini-submarines and Saudi Arabia with the acquisition of French towed array sonars. The upgrades come as naval threats in the region have proliferated, turbo-charged by Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeting commercial shipping vessels in the Read Sea and the Gulf of Aden with weapons technology old and new. Supported by Iran, the group has deployed missiles and drones in addition to unmanned surface vessel, damaging cargo ships and disrupting global trade dependent on the sea route.
Europe
France has launched the development of an unmanned combat aerial vehicle to serve as a loyal wingman for the future Rafale F5, expected post-2030. The stealth drone is being designed for collaborative combat and will complement the crewed Dassault aircraft, featuring autonomous control systems (man-in-the-loop) and adaptable payload configurations.
Asia-Pacific
The Indian Army has unveiled its first fully upgraded T-90 Bhishma Mk-3 tank, offering enhanced lethality, mobility, and survivability across diverse terrains. According to an army official, the tank was dismantled down to its last nut and bolt, allowing every component to be meticulously examined, rebuilt, and tested. The entire process took place at an in-house overhaul facility in Delhi Cantonment and involved precise machining and resetting techniques.