USAF Tested PATR Crane | Elbit And Rheinmetall Live-Fire Demonstration Of Howitzers | Denmark Wants To Equip Armed Forces With Skyranger
Americas
Rockwell Collins won a $10 million modification against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001919G0031). This modification provides non-recurring engineering for the development of hardware and software necessary to install Mission Computer Modernization into E-6B Block I aircraft. Work will be performed in Richardson, Texas, and is expected to be completed in February 2026.
US Air Force Airmen from the 509th Weapons Squadron recently conducted integration training at Hurlburt Field, where they tested a groundbreaking prototype known as the Pack and Transport Reloader (PATR) crane. Developed in collaboration with Fairchild Air Force Base’s innovation cell, this crane aims to enhance the capabilities of the KC-135 Stratotanker in terms of cargo loading and unloading. By retrofitting the fleet of KC-135s with the PATR crane, the Air Force can expand their operational reach while maintaining a smaller footprint.
Middle East & Africa
Rheinmetall and Elbit Systems have conducted a live-fire demonstration of an automated 155-millimeter L52 wheeled self-propelled howitzer at the Shivta desert range in southern Israel. The testing builds on a 2022 strategic cooperation deal to jointly develop, produce, and market an automated 155-millimeter wheeled howitzer. Through the partnership, Elbit’s fully-robotic artillery turret was integrated with Rheinmetall’s 155mm L52 gun and electronic components for the fire control unit and sensor suite. The weapon was then mounted onto a Rheinmetall HX 10×10 tactical military truck.
Europe
Elbit Systems has landed Greece’s first two M-346 training aircraft at the country’s recently-constructed Hellenic International Flight Training Center in Kalamata. The handover is part of a Hellenic Air Force’s program to train and familiarize pilots with the service’s modern fighter jets. The delivery also supports the Greek and Israeli defense ministries’ efforts to enhance strategic aerospace cooperation.
Denmark plans to equip its armed forces with a new mobile short-range air defense system based on Rheinmetall’s Skyranger. The Skyranger is equipped with anti-aircraft missiles and a 30-millimeter machine gun that can intercept ground-based and aerial threats at short and very short ranges. Once delivered, the turret will be mounted on the army’s Piranha 5 armored personnel carriers to maintain their mobility and protect them during combat.
Asia-Pacific
China has integrated “hidden technology” into its military drones to prevent enemies from using them to attack Beijing’s territories, according to South China Morning Post, citing a source close to the military. The device reportedly allows combat and reconnaissance drones to recognize an “electric geofence” enveloping China’s borders. When the geofence is detected, the technology will prevent Chinese-made drones from entering the country and attacking vital military and commercial assets.
Today’s Video
WATCH: KC-135 Stratotanker (N24 DOKU)
