Americas
The US Navy’s future USS Richard M. McCool Jr. landing platform dock has received an enterprise air surveillance radar (EASR) antenna. Also known as the SPY-6(V)2, the EASR integrates the service’s aircraft carrier and amphibious assault ships with a uniform hardware and software radar platform. The installation finalizes the delivery of EASR systems for the navy’s LPD 17-class ships.
The US Air Force’s VISTA X-62A tactical aircraft has completed its first-ever trial piloted by an artificial intelligence (AI) agent. The aircraft reportedly flew for more than 17 hours and performed advanced fighter maneuvers at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Two teams piloted the X-62A using AI-driven autonomy agents, performing one-on-one beyond-visual-range engagements against a simulated adversary.
Middle East & Africa
Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems has announced the delivery of its 600,000th E-LynX software-defined radio (SDR) system to the Swedish Army. The platform is part of Sweden’s Tactical Ground Radio program to equip its military with the latest, most secure communication systems. According to the company, the E-LynX SBR system offers the fast, advanced communication needed on the modern battlefield.
Europe
Norway’s government said Tuesday it would donate eight of its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, fulfilling a previous commitment and joining a slew of Western countries to pledge heavier weapons to Ukraine. The Norwegian army currently has 36 Leopard 2 tanks in service. “Norway will donate eight tanks and up to four support vehicles to Ukraine. In addition, we are earmarking funds for ammunition and spare parts,” Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram said, telling Norwegian media it would happen soon.
The Austrian Ministry of Defense has announced that it will not provide Ukrainian soldiers with Leopard 2 tank training. The announcement comes amid calls from the global community to help Kyiv’s forces as they receive the much-awaited Leopard tanks from Germany and other NATO allies. Defense minister Claudia Tanner said in a written statement that the refusal to help the war-torn nation is a “sovereign decision” within the framework of Austrian law.
Asia-Pacific
The Japanese government has decided to make a bulk purchase of American-made Tomahawk cruise missiles for the next five years as part of its defense strategy against China’s anti-access/area denial capabilities. The Defense Ministry plans to deploy the missiles as part of its counterstrike capabilities starting from fiscal 2026. The ministry intends to buy the Tomahawk missiles under the Foreign Military Sales program. The goal is to achieve reliable and early deployment while also reducing the unit cost by concluding a large contract.
Today’s Video
WATCH: General Dynamics X-62 VISTA
