MILO Live Unveils Advanced Modular Shooting Range for US Air National Guard in Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ – Michigan-based MILO Live has officially opened a state-of-the-art modular shooting range at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, dedicated to the US Air National Guard. This new facility, resulting from an 11-month collaboration between the Defense Logistics Agency and the National Guard Bureau, aims to enhance marksmanship proficiency and qualification capabilities for service members stationed on-site, significantly reducing both timelines and expenses associated with training sessions.

MILO Live Executive Director Jake Cook expressed pride in supporting the Air National Guard’s mission readiness, stating, “MILO is honored to support the Air National Guard’s mission readiness with this advanced modular range. This project’s successful, timely completion is a testament to our team’s expertise and commitment to excellence in military training solutions.”

The newly established range covers an area of 9,900 square feet and features 14 firing lanes, permitting shooting distances of up to 25 yards (23 meters). Lt. Col. Jeffrey Robertson, Commander of the US Air National Guard 161st Security Forces, emphasized the significance of the facility, declaring, “This will put weapons into warfighters’ hands, which is exactly what the Air Force is pushing for. For the Airmen about to shoot and train here, it’s going to be a game changer. It’s a force multiplier.”

The launch of this training center comes amid ongoing advancements in military training technologies. Earlier this year, the US Department of Defense awarded a $4.7 million contract to a Georgia-based contractor to develop a virtual reality intelligence training ecosystem for the US Army. Additionally, the Army has recently partnered with a Colorado firm to procure immersive training software aimed at creating 3D virtual practice environments. In February, the Army Special Forces successfully completed virtual shooting training utilizing an AI-enabled weapon simulator at Fort Carson.

The opening of the MILO Live modular shooting range represents a significant step forward in enhancing the readiness and capabilities of the US Air National Guard, aligning with broader initiatives to modernize military training methodologies.

Austal Delivers Eighth Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat to Royal Australian Navy

Henderson, Western Australia – [Date] – Austal has proudly announced the delivery of the Royal Australian Navy’s eighth Evolved Cape-class patrol boat, the ADV Cape Schanck (313), at its shipbuilding facility in Henderson. This marks a significant milestone in Canberra’s initiative to replace the aging Armidale boats, which have been in service since the early 2000s.

The delivery follows the arrival of the fleet’s seventh ship, the ADV Cape Solander (312), in September 2024. Austal Limited’s CEO, Paddy Gregg, expressed his pride in the achievement, stating, "Austal Australia, with the help of our valued supply chain, industry and project partners, have now delivered eight Evolved Capes to the Royal Australian Navy in just four and a half years."

Gregg commended the Western Australian naval shipbuilding industry for its exemplary performance. "This clearly demonstrates the Henderson Defence Precinct’s capability, productivity, and reliability," he added. He emphasized that Austal, along with its 200+ supply chain partners, is actively contributing to the National Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise and enhancing Australia’s sovereign defense capabilities through the Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat Project.

The Evolved Cape-class patrol boat is a state-of-the-art vessel, measuring 58 meters (190 feet) in length and capable of accommodating up to 20 passengers. It features advanced electronic display and information systems, an automatic marine identification device, and electronic-optical sensors. The vessel is equipped with .50-caliber machine guns for defense and operates on two powerful 6,770-horsepower Caterpillar 3516C diesel engines, combined with a bow thruster. The ADV Cape Schanck can reach speeds of up to 46 kilometers (29 miles) per hour and has a remarkable range of approximately 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 kilometers).

As the Royal Australian Navy continues to strengthen its maritime capabilities, the successful delivery of these modern patrol boats represents a vital step forward in safeguarding Australia’s interests at sea.

World Leaders React to Donald Trump’s Unexpected Election Victory

LONDON (AP) — The recent election of Donald Trump as the President of the United States has left many global leaders reflecting on the future of international relations and alliances. Trump secured a decisive victory on Wednesday after surpassing the 270 electoral votes necessary to win, prompting a wave of reactions from across the globe.

In his victory speech, Trump emphasized his commitment to "put our country first" and promised to usher in a “golden age” for America, a sentiment that has reignited hopes and concerns among key international allies. His presidency, marked by strained relationships with longstanding allies, raises pressing questions about the potential impact on global trade, climate initiatives, and ongoing international conflicts.

Among the first to congratulate Trump was Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called it "history’s greatest comeback" and expressed optimism for a renewed partnership between the U.S. and Israel, which had faltered during the Biden administration. He expressed hope for Trump’s intervention in the turbulent Middle East, where conflicts continue to plague stability.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed Trump’s commitment to a "peace through strength" strategy and expressed his hopes for continued strong U.S. support as Ukraine navigates its invasion by Russia. However, there is uncertainty over how Trump might approach this issue, given his previous controversial stances on foreign policy.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a firm supporter of Trump, predicted that his return would transform global politics and end the war in Ukraine, while he planned a summit in Budapest involving European leaders—many of whom harbor worries about a second Trump presidency.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte highlighted the need for collective security amid increasing global challenges, noting that Trump had previously pushed allies to enhance their defense spending but also voiced concerns over America’s reliability as a partner.

European leaders were quick to respond as well. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of EU-U.S. relations, signaling a desire for collaboration beyond individual political figures. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed optimism for future partnerships based on shared values, and both French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz extended their congratulations, pledging to work together closely.

In stark contrast, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov downplayed the significance of Trump’s victory, emphasizing the already strained relations between the U.S. and Russia.

As the world watches closely, analysts predict that Trump’s approach to foreign policy will significantly affect the geopolitical landscape. Challenges such as escalating tariffs, international military engagements, and climate change policy loom large on the horizon as Trump prepares to take office again.

With global tensions heightened and alliances uncertain, the implications of Trump’s presidency will unfold in ways that could reshape the future of international diplomacy.

MBDA Unveils Advanced Maritime Defense Systems at Euronaval 2023

Paris, France – European defense firm MBDA is showcasing a robust array of upgraded defense solutions at the Euronaval defense exhibition, highlighting its commitment to ensuring maritime superiority with cutting-edge technology. The company’s latest offerings include two newly developed missiles and a state-of-the-art remote-controlled anti-air defense system, all designed to provide a comprehensive suite of capabilities for naval operations.

Among the star attractions at the exhibition is the Exocet SM40 Missile, a submarine-launched system engineered for anti-ship and surface warfare. Notably adept at operating at extreme underwater depths, the Exocet SM40 is powered by a newly implemented turbojet propulsion system and is equipped with an advanced radar frequency seeker. These enhancements significantly improve its target discrimination abilities, positioning it as a key solution for submarine self-protection against diverse threats, including heavily fortified naval vessels.

In addition to the Exocet, MBDA introduced the TESEO Mk2/E Missile, distinguished by its long-range capacity for anti-ship missions and precision land strikes. Featuring a dual-mode seeker and advanced sensors, the TESEO Mk2/E allows for real-time target updates and mission abort capabilities via a two-way data link. With the ability to travel at high subsonic speeds, the missile can hit targets situated over 350 kilometers (approximately 270 miles) away, reinforcing its role as a formidable asset in naval combat scenarios.

Also unveiled is the SIMBAD-RC Remote-Controlled System, designed to bolster naval defenses against aerial threats. This short-range anti-air defense system is capable of firing two fire-and-forget MISTRAL 3 missiles from warships, ensuring robustness against saturation attacks. The SIMBAD-RC enhances the self-defense capabilities of naval platforms, providing a proactive response to a variety of short-range aerial threats.

As maritime security becomes increasingly critical, MBDA’s new offerings reflect a dedication to developing sovereign defense solutions that ensure the safety and superiority of naval operations. The Euronaval exhibition serves as a pivotal platform for the company to demonstrate its latest advancements and commitment to maritime defense innovation.

Japan Strengthens Defense Capabilities with Successful Satellite Launch Amid Rising Tensions in the Pacific

Japan has successfully launched a defense satellite as part of its ongoing efforts to bolster military operations and enhance communication capabilities in response to escalating tensions in the Pacific region. The launch took place from the Tanegashima Space Center, where an H3 rocket deployed the X-band defense communication satellite-3 into orbit, as confirmed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

The satellite was successfully placed into orbit 29 minutes and 11 seconds after liftoff, marking a significant milestone for Tokyo in its pursuit of improved military coordination through enhanced information and data sharing.

This launch represents the third successful flight of the H3 rocket system, following a challenging debut last year when the rocket failed to reach the second stage, necessitating a mid-air destruction command for safety reasons. Developed by JAXA in collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the H3 launch system is touted as an “easy-to-use rocket” that combines flexibility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. JAXA has plans to conduct six launches per year over the next two decades as part of its ambitious space program.

The recent satellite launch is part of Japan’s broader military expansion initiative outlined in a five-year Defense Buildup Program initiated in 2022. The program aims to mitigate potential threats from regional adversaries, including China, North Korea, and Russia. Earlier this year, Japan further advanced its defense capabilities with the deployment of the domestically developed intelligence-gathering satellite, Optical-8, aimed at monitoring North Korea’s military activities.

As Japan continues to expand its defense posture and space capabilities, it underscores the nation’s commitment to ensuring national security amidst growing geopolitical challenges in the region.

Airbus Secures Contract to Deliver 19 H135 Training Helicopters to the Royal Canadian Air Force

Fort Erie, Ontario — In a landmark move for both aircraft manufacturing and military training programs, Airbus has announced its first contract to provide 19 H135 training helicopters to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). This agreement was forged with SkyAlyne, the prime contractor responsible for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program, which aims to enhance training capabilities for Canadian aircrew.

Kevin Lemke, a senior executive at SkyAlyne, expressed pride in the partnership, stating, “The selection of the state-of-the-art H135 from Airbus Helicopters contributes meaningfully to the Canadian economy, and SkyAlyne is proud to be building a world-leading Pilot and Aircrew training program for the RCAF while supporting Canadian jobs.”

The H135 helicopters will be utilized for a variety of training purposes, including basic ab-initio training, advanced Instrument Flight Rules instruction, and tactical training exercises. The contract also includes a robust support and services package, such as the development of a Ground-Based Training Solution and advanced engineering assistance to ensure the helicopters are ready for service.

“This contract marks Airbus Helicopters’ successful entry into the Canadian military market,” commented Dwayne Charette, President of Airbus Helicopters in Canada. He added that the H135s will complement other Airbus assets already operating within Canada’s armed forces, such as the 310 CC150 Polaris, the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (CC330 Husky), and the C295 Kingfisher.

The assembly and customization of the H135s will occur at Airbus Helicopters’ facility in Fort Erie, Ontario. Modifications will be made to include Canadian-developed Supplemental Type Certificates, which will enhance aspects such as the avionics suite, communications systems, and cockpit development.

Initial deliveries of the new helicopters are expected to commence in early 2026, marking a significant advancement in the RCAF’s training capabilities and further strengthening Airbus’s presence in the Canadian military aviation sector.

Norwegian Firm Kongsberg Secures $173 Million Deal to Supply Japan with Advanced Joint Strike Missiles for F-35A Fleet

Oslo, Norway – Norwegian defense contractor Kongsberg has announced the signing of a significant contract to supply Japan with the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), reinforcing Tokyo’s air defense capabilities. This agreement marks Japan’s fifth purchase of the JSM, with the contract valued at 1.9 billion Norwegian kroner ($172.97 million).

Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg, expressed that the new deal underscores the vital role of the JSM in Japan’s national defense strategy and highlights the strengthening ties between Norway, Japan, and Kongsberg.

The JSM is an advanced air-launched cruise missile designed specifically for integration with F-35A fighter aircraft. Featuring a sophisticated navigation system, the missile ensures enhanced accuracy for long-range missions, capable of striking targets located over 150 nautical miles (approximately 275 kilometers) away. Additionally, the JSM’s advanced imaging infrared seeker enables superior target recognition capabilities, making it a formidable asset in modern warfare.

Japan’s relationship with Kongsberg began in earnest with its initial order of the JSM in 2018. The country has since focused on enhancing its air defense, entering into a $23.11 billion agreement in 2020 with the United States to procure 105 F-35 stealth aircraft.

In light of increasing security threats in the region from North Korea, China, and Russia, Japan has been proactive in bolstering its defense posture. The nation ramped up its defense budget and launched efforts to advance its air force capabilities. Earlier this year, Japan collaborated with Northrop Grumman and Mitsubishi Electric to develop key technologies for enhancing its aerial defense systems. Furthermore, in September, it allocated $288 million for the development of a new electronic warfare aircraft based on the Kawasaki P-1 patrol plane.

Looking ahead, Japan is preparing for a substantial defense budget of 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion) for the next fiscal year, as part of its comprehensive five-year Defense Capability Buildup Program. This program aims to achieve consistent annual budget increases, targeting 2 percent of Japan’s GDP in defense spending by 2027.

As regional tensions mount, Japan’s commitment to upgrading its defense infrastructure signals a strategic pivot towards enhanced security in the Asia-Pacific region.

U.S. Approves $5 Billion Military Sale to South Korea Amid Rising Tensions with North Korea

The United States has given the green light for a significant military transaction with South Korea, approving the potential sale of advanced airborne early warning and control systems as part of a nearly $5 billion package. The State Department announced on Monday that it has authorized the sale of four E-7 Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft, 10 jet engines, and a range of supporting systems, valued at approximately $4.92 billion.

These advanced aircraft, commonly referred to as Wedgetails, are designed to enhance South Korea’s ability to detect missiles and other threats more effectively than traditional ground-based radar systems. The State Department stated that this proposed sale aims to bolster the Republic of Korea’s capabilities in addressing current and future threats through improved intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

“The acquisition will also elevate the ROK Air Force’s command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) interoperability with the United States,” the announcement noted.

While South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration has refrained from commenting on the U.S. authorization, sources indicated that Boeing, among other U.S.-based companies, is being considered for the airborne early warning aircraft project.

This announcement comes in the context of escalating tensions in the region, highlighted by North Korea’s recent missile activities. On Tuesday, South Korea’s military reported that North Korea had launched a series of short-range ballistic missiles, marking the country’s second launch in just a few days and occurring just hours before the U.S. presidential election.

The timing of the sale and the missile tests underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region and the strategic partnership between the United States and South Korea in enhancing regional stability and defense capabilities.

Israeli Forces Conduct Operations in West Bank, Resulting in Seven Palestinian Deaths

West Bank – In a series of military operations on Tuesday, Israeli forces killed seven Palestinians, according to Palestinian officials. The Israeli military confirmed that these operations were aimed at targeting militants.

The violence unfolded predominantly in the West Bank towns of Tammun and Qabatiyah. In Tammun, two men were reported killed, with Ahmad Assad, the governor of nearby Tubas, characterizing one victim’s body as "torn to pieces" due to an airstrike. The Palestinian health ministry in Ramallah corroborated the death of the two individuals, noting that the identity of one of the men remained unknown and that his body was withheld by the army.

An Israeli military spokesperson elaborated on the Tammun operation, revealing that forces arrived via helicopter and vehicle, surrounding both the Tammun and Far’a areas. During this operation, clashes ensued between the soldiers and alleged militants, resulting in two men being killed after they were identified as "armed terrorists." The military also reported discovering seven explosive devices in a mosque during the operation.

In a separate incident in Qabatiyah, two additional Palestinians were killed in an airstrike. Kamal Abu Rubb, the governor of Jenin, confirmed their ages, stating they were 40 and 38 years old and related to one another. The military indicated that the operation targeted an armed terrorist cell that had opened fire on troops in the area of Menashe, an Israeli settlement near Qabatiyah. It was noted that several other militants were arrested during this operation.

Later in the day, local health officials reported that three more Palestinians had been killed in Qabatiyah. The Palestinian Red Crescent indicated that their first responders retrieved two bodies from a vehicle following reports of gunfire. The third individual was allegedly shot inside his home by Israeli forces.

The escalation of violence in the West Bank has intensified since the onset of the Gaza war on October 7 of last year. Data from the Ramallah-based health ministry indicates that Israeli troops or settlers have killed at least 757 Palestinians in the West Bank during this period, while official Israeli sources report that Palestinian attacks have resulted in at least 24 Israeli deaths in the same timeframe.

As tensions remain high in the region, the humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict continues to escalate, drawing international attention and concern.

European Union Sets Course for Next-Generation Combat Vessel by 2040s

PARIS — In a significant move towards bolstering naval capabilities, the European Union has embarked on a project to develop a next-generation combat vessel that is expected to enter service in the 2040s. During the Euronaval conference, Jürgen Scraback, head of the maritime unit at the European Defence Agency (EDA), revealed that defense ministers from the bloc may sign a letter of intent to advance the initiative in two weeks.

Scraback indicated that six EU member states, including major naval powers, are keen to collaborate on this ambitious project, which is projected to demand a budget exceeding €20 billion (approximately $22 billion) by 2024. The EDA estimates that the EU will require at least thirty combat ships in its future maritime operations.

“The new generation of vessels will be completely different from those currently in service due to the evolving naval warfare landscape,” emphasized Fernando Miguélez García, chairman of the European Naval Industry Group (ENIG). He highlighted the potential integration of mothership capabilities designed to deploy drones in combat scenarios.

In May, EU defense ministers had tasked the EDA with formulating a concrete project proposal for discussion in November. The agency has already held preliminary meetings to assess the interest of member states, and additional workshops have sought to shape the vessel’s high-level requirements.

Key specifications for the future combat vessel include a reduced crew size, high levels of automation, and a range of unmanned systems. It’s anticipated that the vessel will have a displacement of at least 8,000 metric tons, which is significant compared to current frigates like France’s new FDI, which displaces 4,500 tons, and the French-Italian FREMM frigates at around 6,000 tons.

Moreover, modern threats such as small UAVs and hypersonic missiles necessitate that these new ships be “smart,” capable of integrating artificial intelligence and a digital naval combat cloud. Cmdr. Alfonso Carrasco of the Spanish Navy emphasized that increased automation will be crucial for rapid response to hypersonic threats, while enhanced interconnectivity with other vessels and drones will bolster detection capabilities.

As part of the modernization effort, the future combat vessel is expected to incorporate directed-energy weapons like lasers and rail guns, requiring innovative onboard power generation solutions. The construction of these vessels will also involve advanced materials for stealth capabilities.

The European naval industry is currently exploring technological gaps and potential collaborations among companies to strengthen capability in critical areas such as weapons and sensors. The EDA and member states are also deliberating whether to integrate the project into the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) framework, solidifying commitment from heads of state.

With discussions set to continue at the upcoming defense ministers’ meeting on November 19, the path towards a groundbreaking fleet enhancement is paving the way for a more robust and technologically advanced European naval presence.