Lithuanian Drone Manufacturer Delivers First FPV Drones to Ukraine

Vilnius, Lithuania – October 2023 – RSI Europe, a prominent Lithuanian drone manufacturer, has successfully delivered the first batch of its first-person view (FPV) quadcopter unmanned aerial systems to Ukraine as part of a military procurement initiative signed in August. The drones, named “Shpak,” are compact 10-inch (25-centimeter) devices capable of carrying explosives weighing up to 5 kilograms (11 pounds), which can be detonated remotely.

The Shpak drones incorporate advanced electronic warfare technology designed to counteract threats from anti-drone systems. Their operational efficiency is enhanced by a dedicated ground control station and antenna, enabling sustained operations over longer ranges. The total contract for the Shpak drone delivery amounts to an estimated $4 million.

RSI Europe CEO Tomas Milašauskas highlighted the dual purpose of the initiative, stating, “From the moment we started working with FPV drones, we had two goals: to help Ukraine and to contribute to the Lithuanian drone industry.” He elaborated on the name “Shpak,” drawing cultural connections between Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine, and referenced the historical significance of the starling bird in the region.

In a significant move to bolster its support for Ukraine, Lithuania announced in September plans to procure approximately 5,000 locally-produced FPV drones for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Additionally, the country will acquire around 2,300 drones for its own military use. This initiative includes a framework for producing drone components through collaboration with five local Lithuanian industry partners. The overall investment for this extensive drone program for Ukraine is estimated at 5 million euros ($5.4 million), alongside an additional 3 million euros ($3.2 million) allocated for the enhancement of Lithuania’s own military capabilities.

The integration of the Shpak drones into Ukraine’s defense strategy represents a strong commitment from Lithuania to support its neighboring country amidst ongoing conflicts.

Israel to Integrate Iron Beam Laser Defense System Into Air Defense Network

Jerusalem — The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced on Monday that the advanced Iron Beam directed-energy weapon system will be integrated into the country’s air defense network within the next year. This significant development follows a newly signed armament agreement with contractors Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems aimed at expediting the advancement of the Iron Beam.

Retired Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the director general of the Ministry of Defense, confirmed the collaboration, while military-research chief Daniel Gold emphasized that Iron Beam will function alongside the existing Iron Dome batteries. He noted, “The combination between laser interception and missile interception will further tighten the defense envelope against rockets, missiles, drones, cruise missiles, and other threats.”

Iron Beam represents a cutting-edge laser air defense system designed to neutralize various aerial threats, including rockets, mortar bombs, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and cruise missiles. The system can follow low-flying targets, emitting a precise laser that disables them with minimal energy consumption.

The recently inked agreement is valued at approximately NIS 2 billion (around $536 million), with Rafael handling the majority of development work, estimated at about 60%, while Elbit supplies the laser cannon component, taking a 40% share.

First introduced at the Singapore Air Show in February 2014, the Iron Beam system has undergone extensive testing and has entered operational development following successful trials in southern Israel three years ago. It is poised to reshape the economics of air defense, wherein the cost of deploying a Tamir interceptor missile via Iron Dome is roughly $100,000, in stark contrast to the negligible cost incurred when using the laser system—only the price of electricity is involved.

Israel’s air defense forces have been facing an increasing threat from drones and missile assaults originating from Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen, particularly amid ongoing hostilities with Hamas and affiliated terrorist groups. While the Iron Beam system offers a promising solution, it does have limitations compared to Iron Dome, particularly in countering large-scale rocket barrages and operational challenges under adverse weather conditions such as clouds, rain, or sandstorms.

As Israel continues to bolster its defense capabilities, the Iron Beam is seen as a crucial step forward in enhancing national security and responding effectively to evolving threats.

Tzally Greenberg, an experienced defense correspondent, reports on developments in military technology and its implications for regional security.

Czech Republic Expands Air Force Capabilities with Purchase of Embraer C-390 Millennium Aircraft

WARSAW, Poland — In a significant move to bolster its military transport capabilities, the Czech Ministry of Defence has officially signed a deal to procure two Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft. This acquisition marks the Czech Republic as the fifth NATO member to incorporate the Brazilian-made aircraft into its air force.

Czech Defence Minister Jana Černochová emphasized the importance of such military capabilities, citing recent evacuations from Afghanistan and Sudan as examples of the need for effective long-distance transportation of personnel and heavy cargo. “I am therefore very pleased that we have managed to buy aircraft for our Air Force that are capable of performing these tasks,” she stated.

Under the current agreement, the first two C-390 aircraft are scheduled for delivery to the Czech military within the coming year. The Czech defense industry will collaborate with Embraer on this procurement, fostering local involvement in the production process.

The deal includes an Industrial Cooperation Agreement with Embraer, finalized earlier this month, although the Ministry of Defence has not disclosed the total value of the agreement. However, it has been reported that the overall program is valued at over $82.3 million. Notably, Czech company Aero Vodochody is already part of the supply chain, manufacturing various components for the C-390.

This purchase follows a similar decision made by Austria’s Federal Ministry of Defence in September 2023, which opted to acquire four C-390 aircraft to replace its aging C-130 Hercules fleet, with the procurement estimated at over €500 million ($540 million).

In addition to the Czech Republic and Austria, the Embraer C-390 has been selected by several other nations including Brazil, Hungary, the Netherlands, Portugal, and South Korea. The versatile twin-engine aircraft boasts a maximum payload of approximately 26 metric tons and can cruise at speeds up to 0.8 Mach, making it suitable for various military operations, including the transport of 64 fully equipped paratroopers.

This development reflects ongoing efforts by NATO allies to modernize their military assets in an increasingly complex global security environment.

Reporting by Jaroslaw Adamowski, Defense News Correspondent

US Approves $1.94 Billion Arms Sale to Taiwan Amid Tensions with China

The US State Department has officially approved a significant arms sale to Taiwan valued at $1.94 billion, which includes advanced air defense systems and long-range radar technologies. The proposed sale is pending Congressional approval and features the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) as well as AN/TPS-77 and AN/TPS-78 long-range radar systems.

Taiwan’s request includes three NASAMS units and associated equipment, amounting to an estimated $1.16 billion. These systems, which have been successfully tested in Ukraine, are expected to enhance Taiwan’s medium-range air defense capabilities, bolstering its defense against potential threats from combat aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. It is anticipated that the NASAMS will replace Taiwan’s older Hawk surface-to-air missile systems, according to insights from retired Taiwanese air force officer Chou Yu-ping.

The NASAMS, developed collaboratively by Kongsberg and Raytheon, boasts impressive features, capable of intercepting 72 targets simultaneously and detecting them from a range of 120 kilometers (74 miles). Yu-ping noted that these systems would significantly boost Taiwan’s ability to guard its airspace against both cruise missiles and fighter jets.

In addition to the NASAMS, the deal includes three AN/MPQ-64F1 Sentinel radar systems, 123 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles-Extended Range (AMRAAM-ER), two AMRAAM-C8 guidance sections, and four Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency emphasized that this sale would enhance Taiwan’s ability to manage current and future threats, improve regional security, and increase interoperability with US forces.

Complementing the NASAMS are the AN/TPS-77 and AN/TPS-78 radar systems, which carry an estimated price tag of $828 million. The AN/TPS-77 radar has an impressive detection range of 470 kilometers (292 miles), while the AN/TPS-78 radar can spot targets from 444 kilometers (276 miles). Both systems are designed for high mobility and can be easily transported by C-130 cargo planes, helicopters, trucks, and trains.

In response to the approved arms sale, China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the decision, stating that it undermines the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China. The ministry warned of "resolute countermeasures," asserting that the arms package could seriously harm China-US relations and destabilize the situation in the Taiwan Strait.

As the situation develops, the sale’s implications for regional security and US-China relations will be closely monitored.

US Air Force Completes B-2 Bomber Maintenance Ahead of Schedule

The US Air Force has successfully completed programmed depot maintenance on one of its B-2 bombers, finishing the intricate process an impressive 91 days ahead of schedule. This maintenance, which is conducted every nine years, typically takes around 470 days to thoroughly inspect, overhaul, and repair the aircraft along with its crucial stealth materials. However, this latest effort was accomplished in just 379 days.

The Air Force highlighted improvements in the maintenance process, stating that past inspections could stall progress significantly. If issues such as a fuel leak were identified, the team would previously need to disassemble parts, repair the leak, and redo prior work—often resulting in delays of up to 45 days. These refinements in maintenance practices herald a new era of operational efficiency for the B-2 fleet.

In May, the US Air Force awarded a substantial $7-billion contract to Northrop Grumman for the modernization and sustainment of the B-2 fleet, which will encompass future programmed depot maintenance efforts. This work is projected to be completed by 2029.

The B-2 is a multi-role bomber recognized for its ability to deliver significant payloads of both conventional and nuclear munitions. It boasts an impressive operational range, capable of covering up to 6,000 nautical miles without the need for refueling. Its design incorporates advanced stealth technology, which minimizes infrared, acoustic, electromagnetic, visual, and radar signatures, thereby reducing the likelihood of detection by advanced defense systems and allowing for greater freedom of action, especially at high altitudes.

Earlier this month, the B-2 was deployed in multiple combat operations, successfully targeting five underground weapon facilities in Houthi-controlled regions of Yemen. This marked the bomber’s first publicly acknowledged combat mission since 2017, when it was utilized to strike Islamic State targets in Libya.

This latest achievement in maintenance and operational readiness solidifies the US Air Force’s commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of its strategic bomber capabilities.

US State Department Approves $440 Million Sale of TOW Missiles to Saudi Arabia

The US State Department has given the green light for Saudi Arabia to potentially acquire over 1,000 TOW missiles in a deal estimated to be worth $440 million. This request includes the purchase of 507 TOW 2A missiles and 507 TOW 2B missiles from American defense contractor Raytheon.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency explained that the proposed sale is aimed at bolstering Saudi Arabia’s capabilities to address current and future threats, thereby strengthening its homeland defense.

This approval comes shortly after the US Army awarded Raytheon two contracts totaling $676 million for the TOW 2B anti-tank missile, highlighting the ongoing collaboration between the US defense industry and international partners.

TOW missiles, which stand for Tube-launched, Optically Tracked, Wire-guided, serve as crucial anti-armor weapon systems. The TOW 2A variant is designed for direct frontal assaults, making it particularly effective against bunkers and fortified positions, while the TOW 2B variant specializes in top-down attacks aimed at tanks and armored vehicles, targeting their most vulnerable upper sections.

The operational versatility of both missile types makes them suitable for various combat scenarios: the TOW 2A excels in urban environments and fortified defenses, while the TOW 2B demonstrates efficacy against mobile targets in open-field combat.

Saudi Arabia has multiple platforms compatible with TOW missiles, including the M2 Bradley armored fighting vehicle and the AH-64 Apache helicopter, which will enable the Kingdom to integrate these advanced weapon systems effectively into its military operations.

As regional security dynamics evolve, this missile acquisition is anticipated to enhance Saudi Arabia’s military capabilities significantly.

Poland Unveils Advanced Very Short-Range Air Defense System: SA-35MM

In a significant development for national defense capabilities, Polish state defense firm Pit-Radwar has introduced the SA-35MM, a cutting-edge very short-range air defense system equipped with a 35mm cannon and programmable airburst ammunition. This innovative system aims to enhance Poland’s air defense architecture amidst the growing threats posed by increasingly sophisticated aerial assaults, particularly from drones.

The key feature of the SA-35MM is its inductively programmed projectiles, which are designed to disintegrate at optimal moments to deliver concentrated explosive effects. This advancement enables the system to significantly reduce the number of munitions needed for effective interception of small aerial targets. According to data reported by Polish outlet Defence24, while traditional ammunition (TP-T/FAPDS-T) requires 24 rounds to achieve a 99 percent hit rate on drones, the programmable airburst rounds reduce that number to only seven for a hit probability of 97 percent.

The SA-35MM boasts an impressive rate of fire, delivering 550 rounds per minute, with a magazine capacity of 200 rounds (in two 100-round segments). Beyond its primary application against drones, this versatile system is also capable of engaging various aerial threats, including fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, as well as cruise missiles.

Designed to integrate seamlessly into Poland’s evolving air defense framework, the SA-35MM complements existing systems, including the notable Patriot missile defense system. The air defense cannon is mounted on the AS-35 automatic wheeled chassis and is coupled with the ZGS-35 optoelectronic target tracking system and a hybrid fire control system, which includes Tuga radar and advanced optoelectronic sensors.

The radar component operates using a "frequency modulated continuous waveform," characterized by its low-powered transmission signal, making it challenging for enemy forces to detect. Enhancing its efficacy, the radar has a detection range that spans from 50 meters (164 feet) to an impressive 50 kilometers (31 miles), allowing for comprehensive situational awareness.

The unveiling of the SA-35MM signifies a strategic investment in modern defense technology, aimed at bolstering Poland’s capabilities in the face of evolving aerial threats. As regional tensions continue to rise, this new air defense solution positions Poland to better protect its airspace and safeguard national security interests.