Americas
Canopy Aerospace has clinched a $2.8 million US Air Force funding to develop a more resilient hypersonic thermal protection system (TPS) based on transpiration-cooling. An integrated TPS shields hypersonic platforms from extreme heat at over Mach 5, with temperatures reaching 3,000 degrees Celsius. The Canopy system works on the same cooling principle as sweating or how plants cool themselves through evaporation.
According to Breaking Defense, the US Army is testing out a slew of drones in an effort to help decide just what the future force needs and pave a path towards acquiring it, according to a pair of one-star generals. The aviation-focused Experimental Gateway Demonstration Event (EDGE) 2024 kicked off Monday and is expected to run for over two weeks. While details about exactly what tech is being tested this year remains under wraps, the event is focused on examining launched effects and unmanned aerial vehicles. Can they work together? Hold up against electronic warfare jammers?
Middle East & Africa
According to Defense Post, Turkey has finalized key plans for its Çelik Kubbe – Steel Dome – air defense system, a project designed to enhance the nation’s airspace security with advanced, multilayered defense capabilities. The decision came during the second meeting of the Defence Industry Executive Committee (SSIK), chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an last month. The Steel Dome aims to integrate a wide range of air defense assets, creating a real-time operational picture and enabling centralized control with the help of artificial intelligence.
Europe
The Swedish government has contracted General Dynamics European Land Systems–Bridge Systems to deliver another batch of Amfbro 400 amphibious bridge and ferry systems. A total of nine Amfbro 400s will be delivered under the approximately $45.3 million contract, including spare parts. It follows the order of an identical batch of Amfbro 400 in March.
Asia-Pacific
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) recently engaged in a joint air defense drill with the French Navy from September 4-7, showcasing the growing emphasis on defense diplomacy and operational synergy between the two nations. The exercise, which took place following the port visit of the French Navy’s frigate FS Bretagne to Kota Kinabalu, underscored the commitment of both countries to enhancing their maritime and aerial capabilities in the region.
