Americas
American defense firm CoAspire has test-launched its 3D-printed Rapidly Adaptable Affordable Cruise Missile (RAACM) from a fighter jet. The missile has the same physical dimensions as a 500-pound (227-kilogram) class MK-82 general-purpose or GBU-38 guided bomb. CoAspire explained that the RAACM is designed for compatibility with any aircraft equipped to carry a GBU-38. Company-provided images show the system configured with several platforms, including the F-15E Strike Eagle, F/A-18 Hornet, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and F-35 Lightning II.
The US Army has put its precision strike capability on full display, successfully launching the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) from an M270A2 artillery launcher during a recent trial. The test, conducted at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, validated the missile’s ability to launch from multiple platforms while maintaining accuracy, range, and rapid responsiveness. According to the US Army, the M270A2-launched PrSM delivered optimal performance across all parameters, meeting all test objectives and expectations.
Middle East & Africa
Iran’s foreign minister will visit ally Russia this week to discuss nuclear negotiations with the United States, ahead of a new round of talks between the foes planned for Rome. On Saturday, Abbas Araghchi held talks with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in Oman, the highest-level negotiations since the collapse of a 2015 nuclear accord. US President Donald Trump, who withdrew from the accord, has thrown Iran back into the spotlight since his return to the White House in January. In March, he sent a letter to Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling for nuclear talks while warning of possible military action if Tehran refused.
Europe
Switzerland plans to buy four or five IRIS-T SLM medium-range air-defense systems from Germany’s Diehl Defence, with negotiations in an advanced phase, the country’s defense procurement office, Armasuisse, said on Friday. The federal office expects to sign the contract for the ground-to-air missile batteries in the third quarter of 2025, with procurement taking place as part of the European Sky Shield Initiative, Armasuisse said in a statement.
Asia-Pacific
India has successfully tested its 30-kilowatt laser-based weapon system — purpose-built to destroy drones, missiles, and aircraft — for the first time. Developed by the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Laser-DEW Mark-II(A) tracked and destroyed a moving drone target with a laser beam during a demonstration in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
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