#uncrewed aerial vehicles

[aria3layla]

Fighter Jets: The Pinnacle of Aerial Combat

Fighter jets are among the most advanced and powerful aircraft in the world. Designed primarily for air-to-air combat, these aircraft also possess significant capabilities for air-to-ground strikes, electronic warfare, and reconnaissance. The development and deployment of fighter jets are pivotal to national defense strategies, making them a key component of modern military forces.

Historical Evolution

The history of fighter jets dates back to World War I when biplanes equipped with machine guns engaged in dogfights. The interwar period saw significant advancements, leading to the development of more powerful, faster, and more agile aircraft. World War II was a transformative era, with the introduction of iconic fighters like the Supermarine Spitfire and the Messerschmitt Bf 109. These aircraft played critical roles in various theaters of the war, demonstrating the importance of air superiority.

The jet age began in the closing stages of World War II with the German Messerschmitt Me 262, the first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. The post-war period saw rapid advancements in jet technology, leading to the development of supersonic jets such as the F-86 Sabre and the MiG-15, which clashed in the Korean War.

Modern Fighter Jets

Today, modern fighter jets are highly sophisticated machines equipped with advanced avionics, stealth technology, and powerful engines. Fifth-generation fighters like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II incorporate stealth capabilities, sensor fusion, and advanced avionics to maintain air superiority. These aircraft can engage multiple targets simultaneously and operate in contested environments with minimal risk of detection.

Roles and Capabilities

Fighter jets perform various roles, including:

Air Superiority: Dominating the airspace to prevent enemy aircraft from gaining control.

Multirole: Capable of performing multiple missions, such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon, which can conduct air-to-air combat and ground attacks.

Electronic Warfare: Equipped with systems to jam enemy radar and communications, like the EA-18G Growler.

Reconnaissance: Gathering intelligence using advanced sensors and cameras.

Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Revolutionizing Warfare

Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have revolutionized modern warfare by providing new capabilities for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat without risking human lives. UAVs range from small, hand-launched models to large, high-altitude systems capable of carrying significant payloads.

Types and Uses

UAVs can be classified into several categories based on their size, range, and capabilities:

Micro and Mini UAVs: Small drones used for close-range reconnaissance and surveillance. Examples include the Black Hornet Nano.

Tactical UAVs: Medium-sized drones like the RQ-7 Shadow, used for battlefield intelligence and target acquisition.

Strategic UAVs: Large drones such as the RQ-4 Global Hawk, designed for long-endurance missions, providing wide-area surveillance and intelligence.

Combat UAVs: Armed drones like the MQ-9 Reaper, capable of conducting precision strikes against ground targets.

Technological Advancements

UAV technology has advanced significantly in recent years, with improvements in autonomy, endurance, and payload capabilities. Key advancements include:

Autonomy: Integration of AI and machine learning enables UAVs to perform complex missions with minimal human intervention.

Endurance: Solar-powered UAVs, like the Zephyr, offer extended flight times, providing continuous surveillance.

Swarm Technology: Multiple UAVs operating collaboratively to overwhelm defenses and perform coordinated tasks.

Single-Engine Fighter Aircraft: Balancing Cost and Performance

Single-engine fighter aircraft are valued for their cost-effectiveness, ease of maintenance, and versatility. These aircraft have played crucial roles in air forces worldwide, providing a balance between performance and operational costs.

Historical Context

Historically, single-engine fighters like the P-51 Mustang and the Supermarine Spitfire were instrumental during World War II, offering exceptional speed, agility, and firepower. These aircraft were pivotal in achieving air superiority and supporting ground forces in various campaigns.

Modern Single-Engine Fighters

Modern single-engine fighters, such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the JAS 39 Gripen, continue to be the workhorses of many air forces. These aircraft are equipped with advanced avionics, radar systems, and precision weapons, making them highly effective in a range of combat scenarios.

F-16 Fighting Falcon: Known for its agility and versatility, the F-16 can perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with equal proficiency. It is widely used by numerous air forces around the world.

JAS 39 Gripen: This Swedish fighter is renowned for its cost-effectiveness and advanced technology. The Gripen is designed for quick turnaround and high sortie rates, making it a highly efficient combat aircraft.

Advantages

Single-engine fighters offer several advantages:

Cost-Effectiveness: Lower production and operational costs compared to twin-engine fighters.

Ease of Maintenance: Simpler engine systems reduce maintenance time and costs.

Versatility: Capable of performing a wide range of missions, making them adaptable to various combat scenarios.

Tempest Fighter Aircraft: The Future of Aerial Warfare

The Tempest fighter aircraft represents the future of aerial combat. Developed by the UK's BAE Systems in collaboration with Italy’s Leonardo and Sweden’s Saab, the Tempest is a sixth-generation fighter jet designed to address emerging threats and leverage cutting-edge technology.

Design and Features

The Tempest features a stealthy design aimed at reducing radar cross-section and enhancing survivability in contested environments. It is expected to incorporate advanced materials and coatings to minimize detectability. The aircraft will also employ adaptive cycle engines, providing greater fuel efficiency and thrust across a wide range of operating conditions.

Technological Innovations

The Tempest program emphasizes several key technological innovations:

Artificial Intelligence: AI will play a significant role in the Tempest, assisting pilots in decision-making, threat detection, and mission planning. This will reduce the cognitive workload on pilots and enhance overall mission effectiveness.

Autonomous Systems: The Tempest will be capable of operating in both manned and unmanned configurations. Autonomous systems will enable it to conduct missions independently or in coordination with other UAVs.

Advanced Sensors: A cutting-edge sensor suite, including multi-spectral sensors, will provide enhanced situational awareness and target detection capabilities.

Directed Energy Weapons: The integration of directed energy weapons, such as lasers, is being explored for their potential to counter missile threats and engage enemy aircraft.

International Collaboration

The Tempest program underscores the importance of international collaboration in modern defense projects. By pooling resources and expertise, the UK, Italy, and Sweden aim to develop a fighter jet that meets their collective defense needs while remaining adaptable to future technological advancements. This collaborative approach also ensures the sharing of costs and risks associated with developing such an advanced aircraft.

Conclusion

The domains of fighter jets, uncrewed aerial vehicles, and single-engine fighter aircraft are continually evolving, driven by technological advancements and changing military requirements. The Tempest fighter aircraft epitomizes the future of air combat, blending cutting-edge technology with international collaboration. As these technologies progress, they will redefine air superiority, providing nations with the tools needed to address emerging threats and maintain strategic advantages in an increasingly complex global landscape. From the historical evolution of fighter jets to the revolutionary capabilities of UAVs and the balanced performance of single-engine fighters, the advancement in aerial combat technology continues to shape the future of military aviation.

[maritimecrashes12]

Mastering the Skies: A Comparative Analysis of Top Fighter Jets and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

In the realm of aerial warfare, supremacy is not merely a goal but a necessity. The quest for dominance has driven the development of cutting-edge technology, resulting in the creation of some of the world's most advanced fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). From the integration of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar systems to the deployment of uncrewed platforms, the landscape of modern air combat is continually evolving. This analysis explores the capabilities and significance of these aerial assets, with a particular focus on the Rafale Combat Aircraft.

Advancements in Fighter Jets:

The evolution of fighter jets has been characterized by leaps in technology and engineering prowess. Today's top fighter jets boast capabilities that were once the realm of science fiction, thanks to advancements in materials, propulsion, and avionics. Among the most notable are:

F-22 Raptor: Developed by Lockheed Martin, the F-22 Raptor remains unmatched in terms of stealth and maneuverability. Its combination of supercruise capability, advanced AESA radar, and integrated avionics make it a formidable adversary in any aerial engagement.

Eurofighter Typhoon: Jointly developed by several European countries, the Eurofighter Typhoon is a multi-role fighter renowned for its agility and combat effectiveness. Equipped with advanced sensor fusion technology and AESA radar, the Typhoon excels in both air superiority and ground attack missions.

JAS 39 Gripen: Produced by Saab Group, the JAS 39 Gripen is a lightweight, agile fighter known for its affordability and versatility. With its AESA radar and robust communication systems, the Gripen is capable of conducting a wide range of missions with minimal logistical support.

Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar:

At the heart of modern fighter jets lies the AESA radar system, which represents a paradigm shift in aerial surveillance and targeting. Unlike traditional radar systems, AESA radar offers greater precision, range, and resistance to electronic countermeasures. By electronically scanning the radar beam, AESA radars provide continuous coverage of the surrounding airspace, enabling pilots to detect and track multiple targets simultaneously with unprecedented accuracy.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs):

The emergence of UAVs has ushered in a new era of aerial warfare, characterized by remote operation and autonomous capabilities. These unmanned platforms offer numerous advantages, including:

Persistent Surveillance: UAVs can loiter over a target area for extended periods, providing real-time intelligence to commanders.

Precision Strikes: Armed UAVs can deliver precision-guided munitions with pinpoint accuracy, reducing the risk of collateral damage.

Low Risk: By eliminating the need for onboard crew, UAVs can operate in high-threat environments without endangering human lives.

Role of Rafale Combat Aircraft:

Among the pantheon of fighter jets, the Rafale Combat Aircraft occupies a unique position, combining advanced technology with operational flexibility. Developed by Dassault Aviation, the Rafale is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including air superiority, reconnaissance, and precision strikes. Its AESA radar system, coupled with its low observability and superior maneuverability, makes it a formidable adversary in any combat scenario.

In conclusion, the world's top fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles represent the pinnacle of aerial warfare technology. From the stealthy profiles of aircraft like the F-22 Raptor to the versatility of platforms like the Rafale Combat Aircraft, these assets play a crucial role in maintaining air superiority on the battlefield. As technology continues to advance, the integration of AI, autonomous systems, and network-centric warfare will further enhance the capabilities of these aerial platforms, ensuring their continued relevance in future conflicts.

[usafphantom2]

Enclosures To Defend F-15Es From Drone Attacks Eyed At Seymour Johnson AFB

Joseph TrevithickPUBLISHED May 30, 2024 5:02 PM EDT

Officials at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina are looking into the possibility of erecting physical barriers to protect F-15E Strike Eagles there from drones.

USAF

Officials at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina are looking into the possibility of setting up physical barriers to help protect F-15E Strike Eagles there from being attacked by small drones. The anti-drone barricade idea underscores the danger that drones present right now to U.S. military facilities and critical civil infrastructure domestically, as well as to American forces overseas. It also speaks to how the U.S. military is still lagging in efforts to address these still-growing threats at home and abroad, as well as continued legal, regulatory, and other challenges.

The U.S. Air Force's 4th Contracting Squadron, part of the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson, put out its request for information (RFI) about potential options for "Counter Small Unmanned Aerial System Barrier" yesterday. The facility in North Carolina is one of two bases in the United States that host operational F-15E Strike Eagle squadrons. F-15Es are some of the Air Force's most in-demand tactical combat jets. In April, forward-deployed Strike Eagles, including from Seymour Johnson's 335th Fighter Squadron, played out an outsized role in defending Israel from incoming Iranian threats by downing more than 70 drones.

F-15Es on the flight line at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in 2022. USAF

"Problem Statement: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (s-UAS) disrupt airfield operations and agencies have limited response capabilities due to restrictions on counter measures posed by the Federal Aviation Administration (Section 130i, Title 10, USC)," the notice says. We will come back to that latter point.

"The requirement: Build a passive barrier that will prevent a Group 1 or Group 2 sUAS from making physical contact with an F-15E Strike Eagle using commercial off the shelf material," it adds.

The U.S. military breaks uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) down into five groups based on maximum weight, operating altitude, and top speed. Group 1 includes drones with weights up to 20 pounds, that can fly up to 1,200 feet, and can reach speeds of up to 100 knots. Group 2 is the next tier up covering uncrewed aerial vehicles that weigh between 21 and 55 pounds, can get up to 3,500 feet, and hit top speeds of up to 250 knots.

The requirements for the proposed anti-drone barriers at Seymour Johnson include that it "needs the strength to stop [a] 55lb drone traveling at 125 mph [nearly 109 knots]" and that "any space/gaps in material or design should not exceed six inches."

How exactly the barriers might be emplaced is not entirely clear, but mention is made of existing flight line shelters with simple canvas covers, suggesting that this would be add-on protection for those structures.

A look at the kind of open canvas-topped shelters in use on the flight line at Seymour Johnson now (seen here after a snowstorm in 2022). USAF

The "weight of material should be kept to a minimum to reduce structural load and facilitate rapid open/closing," the RFI does note, adding that whatever the barriers are made of needs to be flame retardant. The "system [also] needs to be tightly secured in both open and closed positions."

Whether or not any specific drone incidents at Seymour Johnson have prompted this barrier requirement is unknown and The War Zone has reached out for more information.

What is known is that drone incursions over or near U.S. military bases and training ranges, as well as critical civilian infrastructure, across the United States (including its outlying territories) have been an increasingly serious issue for years now, as The War Zone regularly reports. Just in March, we were the first to reveal that Langley Air Force Base in Virginia had been swarmed by drones for weeks last year. Those incidents prompted a major whole-of-government response, which you can read more about here.

Though many such drone-related incidents to date have appeared to be innocuous, they reflect very real potential threats that are only expected to grow in size and scope going forward. The barrier to entry to employing small drones, as well as weaponizing them to differing degrees, is also very low. The conflict in Ukraine has forced this reality fully into the mainstream consciousness, especially through the use on both sides of highly maneuverable first-person view (FPV) kamikaze drones. These are exactly the kinds of threats officials at Seymour Johnson now look to be seeking to address in part through physical barriers – which is also one of the many anti-drone countermeasures that have already emerged in Ukraine.

At the same time, it is important to stress again that these threats are not new or unknown to the U.S. military, and they are rapidly growing in frequency and sophistication.

"One day last week I had two small UASs that were interfering with operations... At one base, the gate guard watched one fly over the top of the gate check, tracked it while it flew over the flight line for a little while, and then flew back out and left," now-retired Air Force Gen. James "Mike" Holmes, then head of Air Combat Command (ACC), said back in 2017.

“Imagine a world where somebody flies a couple hundred of those and flies one down the intake of my F-22s with just a small weapon on it," Holmes added at the time.

As we noted at the time, jets just sitting idle and exposed on the flight line would be even easier targets for drones. In this way, an adversary could potentially knock out large numbers of aircraft on the ground, even in the United States using commercially available technology, before they ever have a chance to get in the fight.

Four years later, AFWERX, an internal Air Force technology incubator, put out a broad call for proposals for ways to defend the service's bases at home and abroad from drones. As the new contracting notice from Seymour Johson Air Force Base shows, the U.S. military continues to be very much playing catch-up to addressing these now well-established threats.

Another look at an F-15E under an open shelter at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. USAF

“You can only report what you see, and so that’s part of the challenge,” a senior U.S. defense official told reporters at the Pentagon just earlier this month when asked about drone threats to domestic facilities, according to Air & Space Forces Magazine. "But I’d say that’s usually two or three a week, total across the U.S. And it’s never primarily in one part of the country or another."

Part of the issue, at least domestically, continues to be the morass of overlapping authorities, as well as competing legal and regulatory requirements. Back in 2017, Gen. Holmes noted that "I have no authority given to me by the government to deal with that [drone incursions]."

Even in 2017, efforts were being made to try to expand the authorities available to base commanders in the United States to respond to potentially hostile drones. The U.S. government has made additional domestic counter-drone policy changes since then.

However, as the new contracting notice from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base makes clear, there continue to be hurdles to taking more proactive measures to address drone threats.

Section 130i, Title 10, as cited in the Seymour Johnson anti-drone barrier RFI, does provide authority for "action" to be taken to include measures to "disrupt control of the unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft, without prior consent, including by disabling the unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft by intercepting, interfering, or causing interference with wire, oral, electronic, or radio communications used to control the unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft" and the "use reasonable force to disable, damage, or destroy the unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft."

Air Force security personnel train with 'guns' designed to jam the link between a drone and its controller at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey. USAF

However, the statute also stipulates that "the Secretary of Defense shall coordinate with the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration before issuing any guidance or otherwise implementing this section if such guidance or implementation might affect aviation safety, civilian aviation and aerospace operations, aircraft airworthiness, or the use of airspace."

The FAA continues to impose significant limitations on the use of active anti-drone countermeasures in many domestic contexts. The War Zone has also highlighted in the past how obtuse and convoluted the existing mechanisms are for securing authorization to take action against uncrewed aerial threats within the United States can be, and that situation does not look to have improved substantially in recent years.

"The first problem is that our nation lacks adequate drone detection capability. We still rely on the early warning radars that served us so well during the Cold War," Senators Jack Reed and Roger Wicker, wrote in a joint op-ed in the Washington Post in April. "Today, though, they are unable to detect, identify and track small aircraft at both high and low altitudes. Inside the United States, we can hardly track anything other than commercial aircraft. Almost none of our domestic military bases have the sensors to identify small drones."

It's worth noting here that the filter ‘gates’ on various air defense radars in North America were altered in February 2023, which immediately resulted in the tracking of a large amount of additional aerial activity. The radar changes followed a Chinese spy balloon intruding into U.S. airspace and soaring across the country over a period of days before being shot down over the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of South Carolina. Within a week, U.S. fighters had brought down three more still-unidentified objects flying in U.S. and Canadian airspace, as you can read more about here. Members of the Senate subsequently demanded a review of the U.S.-Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) “aerospace warning and control mission and procedures."

An unclassified map showing various NORAD air defense nodes in the contiguous United States, including certain early warning radar sites. DOD

"If we fixed our tracking problem, though, a second issue would arise. U.S. agencies lack clear lines of authority about which agency is responsible for stopping these incursions. Instead, a dizzying maze of overlapping jurisdictions and inflexible bureaucracies confuses, rather than clarifies, crisis response," Senators Reed and Wicker, a Democrat from Rhode Island and Republican from Mississippi, respectively, who are also the top members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, continued in their recent op-ed. "Government officials from an alphabet soup of agencies – Defense Department, Justice Department, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Aviation Administration – spend hours if not days simply discussing who can take action when a UAS is identified. Too often, low-altitude incursions are treated as a law enforcement matter instead of as a national security issue."

Whether Seymour Johnson ultimately gets anti-drone barriers or not remains to be seen. If these added defensive measures are implemented there, they could quickly become commonplace at other bases.

Regardless, the new contracting notice underscores the U.S. military's ongoing efforts to respond to the now well-established threat posed by uncrewed aerial systems, and its continued struggle in doing so.

Contact the author: Tyler@twz.com

@thewarzonewire via X

[mariacallous]

The explosion at the Toropets strategic ammunition depot in Russia’s Tver Oblast, approximately 500km from Ukraine, was recorded at 2.7 on the Richter scale, equivalent to a mild earthquake.

The massive explosion at Russia’s Toropets strategic ammunition depot, one of the country’s largest, highlights a significant blow to Russian military capabilities and exposes ongoing vulnerabilities in their defense systems. The attack’s success, despite claimed air defense interceptions, underscores Ukraine’s growing ability to strike deep within Russian territory.

As reported by the United Kingdom and its Ministry of Defense, fires resulting from the attack covered a 6 km-wide area. It is highly likely that poor storage of munitions, left vulnerable to one-way attack (OWA) uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV), caused a chain reaction of cascading detonations within the bunker system, resulting in enormous losses of ordnance.

Analysts of the British military intelligence agency argue that Russian air defense continues to struggle with Ukrainian deep strike operations, despite claiming to have intercepted more than 50 UAVs in this attack.

The British military analysts note that, although part of a wider supply network, this loss will highly likely disrupt Russian ground operations, particularly in the Kursk Oblast.

Munitions for frontline use, including from North Korea

Overnight on 17/18 September 2024, Ukraine conducted a successful strike on Toropets in Russia’s Tver Oblast. This depot is a storage site of the 107th Arsenal of the Russian Main Missile and Artillery Directorate, and almost certainly housed munitions of varying calibers for frontline use, as well as missiles and glide bombs used by nearby airfields.

In addition, ammunition procured from North Korea was also reportedly stored here.

Renovated in 2018, this is one of Russia’s largest strategic ammunition depots directly supporting its combat operations in Ukraine, storing more than 30,000 tonnes of ordnance.

Recent improvements to the site had been driven by previous poor storage of aging explosive material leading to a series of explosions across several depots.

One such explosion in June 2011 in Pugachevo, Udmurtia, saw 3,000 homes damaged and 30,000 people evacuated.

[tastydregs]

The US Air Force Is Moving Fast on AI-Piloted Fighter Jets

On the morning of December 1, 2022, a modified F-16 fighter jet codenamed VISTA X-62A took off from Edwards Air Force Base, roughly 60 miles north of Los Angeles. Over the course of a short test flight, the VISTA engaged in advanced fighter maneuver drills, including simulated aerial dogfights, before landing successfully back at base. While this may sound like business as usual for the US’s premier pilot training school—or like scenes lifted straight from Top Gun: Maverick—it was not a fighter pilot at the controls but, for the first time on a tactical aircraft, a sophisticated AI.

Overseen by the US Department of Defense, VISTA X-62A undertook 12 AI-led test flights between December 1 and 16, totaling more than 17 hours of autonomous flight time. The breakthrough comes as part of a drive by the United States Air Force Vanguard to develop unmanned combat aerial vehicles. Initiated in 2019, the Skyborg program will continue testing through 2023, with hopes of developing a working prototype by the end of the year. 

The VISTA program is a crucial first step toward these goals, M. Christopher Cotting, director of research at USAF Test Pilot School, explains. “This approach, combined with focused testing on new vehicle systems as they are produced, will rapidly mature autonomy for uncrewed platforms and allow us to deliver tactically relevant capability to our warfighter,” he says. 

With Ukraine’s use of semiautonomous drones, the US military’s first autonomous flight of a Black Hawk helicopter last November, and the successful testing of AI algorithms in US U-2 spy planes in 2020, it’s clear that autonomous combat represents the next front in modern warfare. But just how completely will AI take over our skies, and what does it mean for the human pilots left on the ground?

The VISTA X-62A (short for Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft) has always been ahead of its time. Built in the 1980s and based on an F-16D Block 30 Peace Marble Il, the plane previously held the designation NF-16D and became the US Airforce Test Pilot School’s go-to simulation machine in the early 1990s. A versatile and adaptable training tool boasting open systems architecture, the VISTA can be fitted with software that allows it to mimic the performance characteristics of multiple aircraft, from heavy bombers to ultra-light fighter jets. 

Prior to last year’s autonomous flight tests, the VISTA received a much-needed update in the form of a “model following algorithm” (MFA) and a “system for autonomous control of the simulation” (SACS) from Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works. Combined with the VISTA Simulation System from defense and aerospace company Calspan Corporation, these updates facilitated an emphasis on autonomy and AI integration. 

Utilizing General Dynamics’s Enterprise-wide Open Systems Architecture (E-OSA) to power the Enterprise Mission Computer version 2 (EMC2, or Einstein Box), the SACS system also integrates advanced sensors, a set of Getac tablet displays in both cockpits, and multilevel security features, all of which enhance VISTA’s capabilities, including its rapid-prototyping advantage, which allows for speedy software updates to meet the accelerating pace of AI development.

[awesome-casuallyfamouscollector]

Conflict Armament Research (CAR) has documented Iranian-manufactured uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) used by the Russian Federation to attack critical energy infrastructure in Ukraine. CAR has previously confirmed the Iranian origin of these UAVs – which have caused severe power outages in major cities such as Kyiv – and shown the reliance of the systems used in Ukraine on components produced by companies based in Europe and the United States. There are 18 smaller shaped charges around the circumference of the warhead to generate a secondary radial anti-armour effect. Source: Conflict Armament Research

P.S. In fact, quite a few Western businessmen, firms and high rank politicians are involved in corrupt business schemes with Iran, Russia and China,so, helping these regimes to carry out hostile actions against the West and oppress the people of their countries...! 

Russia's aggression against Ukraine, as well as the hostile actions of Iran and China, would not have been widely possible if the West itself had not injected huge financial resources into the economies of these repressive regimes...

[blogchaindeveloper]

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on National Security

Artificial Intelligence (AI) transforms military strategy and worldwide impact, modernizing national security. Although many people still associate military artificial intelligence (AI) with science fiction and killer robots, the truth is that AI is now a major topic of conversation regarding national security. The ramifications of AI in the military garner attention worldwide, from existential threats warned by philosopher Nick Bostrom to worries about AI starting World War III, as noted by Elon Musk and Vladimir Putin's claims about AI leadership.

AI as a National Security Facilitator

Like electricity or a combustion engine, artificial intelligence (AI) is not a weapon in and of itself but an enabler. How artificial intelligence is applied will determine how it affects military might and global strife. The key elements of artificial intelligence (AI) and its military applications will be covered in this article, including what AI is, how it compares to other technological developments, its military uses, its limitations, and its effects on global politics.

The primary benefit of artificial intelligence is its ability to increase the efficiency and accuracy of a range of military tasks, including preparation for combat, logistics, and decision-making. AI offers the US military a chance to maintain its military superiority while possibly cutting expenses and lowering risks to its soldiers. In the meantime, nations like China and Russia see AI as a way to subvert US military might. Beyond just military might, economic rivalry and worldwide clout are other factors in this fight for AI leadership.

However, the course and orientation of AI research are still unknown. Concerns over safety and dependability could limit the use of AI in military applications, and there's always the chance that technology won't live up to expectations.

Knowing Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the application of machines or computers to do tasks that conventionally need human intelligence. Scholars, corporations, and governmental organizations use a variety of artificial intelligence (AI) approaches, like machine learning and neural networks. Some believe that artificial general intelligence (AGI) will arrive soon, while others see it several decades before that happens. The main topic of this article is "narrow" AI, or the use of AI to address specific issues.

From a historical perspective, artificial intelligence (AI) is a flexible technology that, depending on how quickly innovation advances, might affect many facets of the economy and society. The military best views AI as an aid rather than a weapon.

Various AI Applications in the Military

There are several possible uses for AI in the armed forces. First, many contemporary armies struggle to analyze enormous amounts of data quickly. Applications of narrow AI can speed up data processing so that human resources can focus on more complex tasks. For example, Project Maven of the US military seeks to use algorithms to analyze drone surveillance photos quickly. By processing databases that are either classified or publicly accessible, this technology can be expanded to improve decision-making and information interpretation.

Second, AI has the potential to be extremely important as the pace of battle picks up. Artificial intelligence (AI) enables technologies like uncrewed aerial vehicles to function faster and more effectively than human-piloted equivalents. These AI-powered systems perform exceptionally well when quick decisions, such as air defense, are crucial.

Thirdly, AI can support novel military ideas like the "loyal wingman" notion, in which AI systems support human tank operators or pilots. AI can help efficiently coordinate numerous assets and swarms in complex fights.

Militaries worldwide are incentivized to investigate AI applications that can improve their efficacy. These incentives are driven by internal political and bureaucratic issues rather than just the competitiveness of other militaries. Autonomous systems can accomplish jobs more affordably and with less danger to human people in democracies such as the United States. On the other hand, autocratic governments like China and Russia see AI as a tool for maintaining control over increasing segments of the populace.

Beyond deadly autonomous weapons—discussed at the UN—AI has many military applications. AI is not just for autonomous systems capable of killing people; it can also be used in various military settings.

Obstacles in the Application of AI

The military faces challenges in effectively utilizing artificial intelligence. AI systems—narrow AI in particular—are designed to accomplish specific tasks, and if the context changes quickly, their dependability may be jeopardized. Predicting how AI systems will behave can be challenging, which could make military planning and operations more difficult. Explainability, bias, and training data issues further increase the complexity.

Cybersecurity concerns are also genuine because AI systems are susceptible to malicious data manipulation and hacking. By manipulating the data that AI systems are trained on, adversaries may attempt to bring them down.

It is doubtful that the military will give up on their AI research initiatives despite these obstacles. Concerns about dependability and safety may impact the kinds of AI systems created and how they are incorporated into military operations.

Accrediting AI Knowledge for the Military and Defense of the Future

The significance of AI certification programs in the changing military and defense sectors cannot be overemphasized. The article's exploration of AI's revolutionary potential in contemporary combat makes it clear that having skilled AI professionals on staff is essential. 

Certification as an AI expert gives people the knowledge and abilities to use AI for military purposes. Professionals who possess these credentials can better handle the intricacies of AI technology. AI developer certifications provide a critical guarantee of proficiency and comprehension of what constitutes AI certification in a world where AI's involvement in military operations is only growing in terms of safety and dependability. They are crucial in ensuring that the military and defense sectors achieve the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) while reducing the risks involved with its use. 

As a result, AI certification tests serve as the entry point for developing AI specialists who may advance military innovation and eventually shape the course of warfare and defense.

In summary, the future of warfare and AI's influence on the military might be becoming increasingly important. To remain ahead of possible enemies, top armed forces across the globe are investing in AI research. While valid, worries about safety and dependability might not wholly prevent AI from being used in military applications. 

The history of technical development shows that safety concerns have already been resolved, leading to notable gains in military power. Beyond just altering military might, AI will impact how people work in the future and society. To fully utilize AI's potential while minimizing hazards, the military must balance capability and reliability as the technology develops.

In this dynamic environment, AI certification greatly aids professional preparation for the opportunities and challenges posed by AI in the military. Platforms such as Blockchain Council offer crucial AI certification courses to guarantee that civilians and military professionals are adequately equipped to handle the intricate realm of artificial intelligence in the military and defense. 

These platforms enable professionals to become certified chatbot specialists and succeed in state-of-the-art AI chatbots through AI prompt engineer certification and chatbot certification programs, ultimately helping the successful integration of AI in the military and defense.

[cnilocates]

An Unmatched Guide For Hiring Professional Drone Imagery Services

Almost any industry can benefit from aerial imaging. Photography and videography captured from a birds-eye vantage point get the attention and visibility you want for everything imaginable, from marketing to site inspections to thermal energy detection. Aerial images can be further processed to offer additional insight, a game changer in industries like agriculture. At C-N-I Locates, our drone services have taken aerial photography to the next level by introducing uncrewed aerial vehicles with high-resolution cameras and advanced capabilities. Read More: https://cnilocates.com/blog/an-unmatched-guide-for-hiring-professional-drone-imagery-services/

[dronetenders]

Drone Government Tenders

Drone government tenders offer unique opportunities for businesses specializing in uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) technology to engage in public sector projects. These tenders encompass a wide range of applications, from surveillance and monitoring to environmental studies and infrastructure inspection. Governments worldwide recognize the potential of drones to enhance efficiency, safety, and data collection in various fields. Participating in drone government tenders can open doors to lucrative contracts, foster innovation, and contribute to public safety and environmental protection. Companies with cutting-edge drone technology and expertise can leverage these opportunities to expand their market reach and establish themselves as leaders in the drone industry. Staying updated on upcoming tenders and understanding the specific requirements of each project is crucial for success in this competitive and rapidly evolving sector. Embrace the future of technology by exploring drone government tenders today.

Visit: https://dronetenders.com/

[aria3layla]

Fighter Jets: The Backbone of Modern Air Combat

Fighter jets have been the cornerstone of air superiority since their inception during World War I. These high-performance military aircraft are designed for air-to-air combat against other aircraft, as well as ground-attack missions and reconnaissance. The evolution of fighter jets has seen significant advancements in speed, maneuverability, and technology, making them integral to modern air forces.

Evolution and Technology

The development of fighter jets began with propeller-driven aircraft in the early 20th century. The transition to jet engines in the latter half of World War II marked a significant leap in aviation technology. The introduction of the Messerschmitt Me 262 by Germany, the world’s first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft, revolutionized air combat. Post-war, advancements continued with the creation of the supersonic jet era, exemplified by aircraft such as the F-86 Sabre and the MiG-15.

Modern fighter jets are characterized by their advanced avionics, stealth capabilities, and sophisticated weapon systems. The integration of fly-by-wire systems, which replace manual controls with electronic interfaces, enhances maneuverability and safety. Stealth technology, as seen in aircraft like the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II, minimizes radar cross-sections, allowing these jets to evade detection and strike with precision.

Roles and Capabilities

Fighter jets serve multiple roles in military operations. Air superiority fighters, like the F-15 Eagle and the Su-35, are designed to establish control of the airspace by destroying enemy aircraft. Multirole fighters, such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the Eurofighter Typhoon, can perform a variety of missions, including air-to-air combat, ground attack, and electronic warfare.

The development of fifth-generation fighters, including the F-22 and F-35, has introduced capabilities such as network-centric warfare, advanced sensor fusion, and enhanced survivability. These aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art radar, communication systems, and weapons, providing unmatched situational awareness and combat effectiveness.

Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): The Future of Air Warfare

Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, have become a critical component of modern military operations. UAVs offer several advantages over manned aircraft, including reduced risk to human life, lower operational costs, and the ability to operate in environments deemed too dangerous for piloted aircraft.

Types and Uses

UAVs come in various shapes and sizes, tailored to specific missions. Tactical UAVs, such as the RQ-7 Shadow, are used for reconnaissance and surveillance, providing real-time intelligence to ground forces. Strategic UAVs, like the RQ-4 Global Hawk, can fly at high altitudes for extended periods, offering wide-area surveillance and monitoring.

Combat UAVs, such as the MQ-9 Reaper, are equipped with precision-guided munitions and can conduct airstrikes against high-value targets. These drones are instrumental in counterterrorism operations, allowing for targeted strikes while minimizing collateral damage. The use of UAVs extends beyond military applications to include disaster relief, environmental monitoring, and search and rescue operations.

Technological Advancements

Advancements in UAV technology have focused on improving autonomy, endurance, and payload capacity. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms are being integrated into UAV systems, enabling greater autonomy in navigation, target identification, and decision-making. Swarm technology, where multiple UAVs operate collaboratively, is being explored for its potential to overwhelm enemy defenses and conduct complex missions.

The development of solar-powered UAVs, such as the Zephyr, aims to achieve near-perpetual flight, significantly enhancing surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Additionally, advancements in miniaturization have led to the creation of micro and nano drones, which can be used for covert operations and intelligence gathering in urban environments.

Single-Engine Fighter Aircraft: Balancing Performance and Cost

Single-engine fighter aircraft have been a staple in military aviation due to their cost-effectiveness, ease of maintenance, and versatility. These aircraft are designed to deliver high performance while being more affordable and simpler to operate than their twin-engine counterparts.

Historical Significance

Historically, single-engine fighters like the P-51 Mustang and the Spitfire played pivotal roles during World War II, offering a balance of speed, agility, and firepower. These aircraft were instrumental in achieving air superiority and supporting ground forces.

In the post-war era, aircraft like the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the JAS 39 Gripen have continued this legacy. The F-16, in particular, has become one of the most widely used fighter aircraft globally, known for its versatility, ease of upgrade, and exceptional performance.

Modern Capabilities

Modern single-engine fighters incorporate advanced avionics, radar systems, and weapons. The integration of AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar enhances target detection and tracking capabilities. These aircraft are also equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems, providing robust defense against enemy radar and missile threats.

The development of single-engine stealth fighters, such as the Lockheed Martin F-35A, marks a significant advancement. The F-35A combines stealth, sensor fusion, and network-centric capabilities, making it a formidable asset in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

Tempest Fighter Aircraft: The Future of Air Combat

The Tempest fighter aircraft represents the next generation of air combat capabilities. Developed by the UK’s BAE Systems in collaboration with Italy’s Leonardo and Sweden’s Saab, the Tempest aims to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon by the mid-2030s. This sixth-generation fighter jet is designed to address emerging threats and technological challenges.

Design and Features

The Tempest features a sleek, stealthy design aimed at reducing radar cross-section and enhancing survivability. The aircraft is expected to incorporate advanced materials and coatings to minimize detectability. It will also employ adaptive cycle engines, providing greater fuel efficiency and thrust across a wide range of operating conditions.

Technological Innovations

One of the key innovations of the Tempest is its focus on artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. The aircraft will be capable of operating in both manned and unmanned configurations, with the potential for swarm operations involving multiple UAVs. Advanced AI will assist pilots in decision-making, threat detection, and mission planning, reducing cognitive workload and enhancing mission effectiveness.

The Tempest will also feature a cutting-edge sensor suite, including multi-spectral sensors for enhanced situational awareness. The integration of directed energy weapons, such as lasers, is being explored for their potential to counter missile threats and engage enemy aircraft.

Collaboration and Development

The Tempest program emphasizes international collaboration, leveraging the expertise and technological capabilities of partner nations. The UK, Italy, and Sweden are pooling resources and knowledge to develop a fighter that meets their collective defense needs while remaining adaptable to future technological advancements.

Conclusion

The domains of fighter jets, uncrewed aerial vehicles, and single-engine fighter aircraft are continually evolving, driven by technological advancements and changing military requirements. The Tempest fighter aircraft epitomizes the future of air combat, blending cutting-edge technology with international collaboration. As these technologies progress, they will redefine air superiority, providing nations with the tools needed to address emerging threats and maintain strategic advantages in an increasingly complex global landscape.

[maritimecrashes12]

The Cutting Edge of Aerial Dominance: Exploring the World's Top Fighter Jets and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

In the dynamic arena of aerial warfare, the evolution of fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) stands at the forefront of technological innovation and strategic prowess. From the sleek designs of the world's top fighter jets to the sophisticated capabilities of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar systems, and the emerging dominance of uncrewed aerial vehicles, the landscape of modern air combat is continually reshaped. Among these, the Rafale Combat Aircraft emerges as a symbol of excellence, blending advanced technology with operational versatility. Let's delve into the intricacies of these remarkable aircraft and their impact on the future of aerial warfare.

Evolution of Fighter Jets:

Since the inception of aerial combat, fighter jets have undergone a remarkable evolution. From propeller-driven aircraft of World War I to the supersonic jets of today, advancements in aerodynamics, propulsion, and weaponry have propelled the capabilities of these warbirds to unprecedented heights. Among the current generation of fighter jets, several stand out for their superior performance and cutting-edge technology.

World's Top Fighter Jets:

F-22 Raptor:

The F-22 Raptor, developed by Lockheed Martin, is hailed as the world's most advanced fighter jet. Its combination of stealth, speed, agility, and advanced avionics makes it virtually unmatched in aerial combat. Equipped with AESA radar and thrust-vectoring engines, the F-22 can dominate the skies with unparalleled situational awareness and maneuverability.

F-35 Lightning II:

The F-35 Lightning II, also manufactured by Lockheed Martin, represents the pinnacle of multi-role fighter technology. Designed to operate in various mission profiles, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance, the F-35 boasts advanced stealth capabilities and sensor fusion technology. Its AESA radar provides enhanced detection and tracking capabilities, while its low observability ensures survivability in contested airspace.

Su-57:

Russia's Su-57, developed by Sukhoi, is a fifth-generation fighter designed to counter the capabilities of Western counterparts. With its stealthy airframe, supercruise capability, and advanced avionics, the Su-57 poses a formidable threat to adversaries. Equipped with an AESA radar system and a diverse array of weapons, including long-range air-to-air missiles and precision-guided munitions, the Su-57 is a versatile platform tailored for modern air combat.

Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar:

Central to the effectiveness of modern fighter jets is the AESA radar system. Unlike traditional mechanically-scanned radar, AESA technology offers superior performance in terms of range, resolution, and agility. By electronically steering the radar beam, AESA radars provide faster and more precise detection and tracking of targets while minimizing vulnerability to jamming and interception. This advanced capability enhances the situational awareness and combat effectiveness of fighter aircraft across various mission profiles.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs):

In recent years, the advent of unmanned aerial vehicles has revolutionized the landscape of aerial warfare. These remotely piloted aircraft, ranging from small reconnaissance drones to large combat drones, offer unique advantages in terms of persistence, flexibility, and risk mitigation. By eliminating the need for onboard crew, UAVs can operate in high-risk environments and perform a wide range of missions, including surveillance, intelligence gathering, and precision strikes.

Impact of UAVs on Aerial Warfare:

The proliferation of UAVs has fundamentally transformed the nature of aerial warfare. These unmanned platforms, equipped with advanced sensors and communication systems, provide commanders with real-time situational awareness and actionable intelligence. Moreover, armed UAVs can deliver precision strikes with minimal collateral damage, thus reducing the risk to friendly forces and civilian populations. As UAV technology continues to advance, their role in future conflicts is expected to expand, shaping the tactics and strategies of air forces worldwide.

Rafale Combat Aircraft:

Amidst the array of advanced fighter jets and UAVs, the Rafale Combat Aircraft stands out as a symbol of French ingenuity and military excellence. Developed by Dassault Aviation, the Rafale is a multi-role fighter renowned for its versatility and combat capabilities. Equipped with a state-of-the-art AESA radar system, the Rafale offers unmatched situational awareness and target acquisition capabilities. Its ability to perform a wide range of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance, makes it a valuable asset for modern air forces.

In conclusion, the world's top fighter jets, coupled with the advancements in AESA radar technology and the proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles, represent the cutting edge of aerial dominance. From the stealthy profiles of aircraft like the F-22 Raptor to the versatility of platforms like the Rafale Combat Aircraft, these technological marvels continue to shape the future of aerial warfare. As we look ahead, the integration of advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and autonomous capabilities will further enhance the effectiveness and lethality of air power, ensuring air superiority in the battlespace of tomorrow.

[jenniferlinda76]

The Black Sea Becomes a Drone Battleground: Ukraine's Naval Innovation Against Russia

The Black Sea, a vital waterway for trade and military power projection, has become a new frontier in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. While traditional naval forces still clash, a surprising innovation has emerged: Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), specifically designed for maritime operations, are taking aim at Russian vessels and infrastructure.expand_more This technological twist has reshaped the conflict, impacting everything from military strategy to the critical grain exports from Ukrainian ports.exclamation

The Rise of the Ukrainian Naval Drone

Prior to the war, Ukrainian-made naval drones to target Russian vessels possessed a limited naval capability compared to Russia's Black Sea Fleet.expand_more However, necessity has spurred innovation. Ukrainian engineers swiftly adapted commercially available drones for maritime use, creating what are now known as Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USVs) or simply naval drones.expand_more These are typically smaller, faster, and more maneuverable than traditional warships, making them difficult targets. Their compact size also allows them to operate closer to shore, exploiting blind spots in Russian radar.

The exact capabilities of these drones remain somewhat shrouded in secrecy for operational reasons. However, reports suggest they come in various configurations, some carrying surveillance equipment for reconnaissance missions, while others are equipped with explosive payloads for offensive actions. One reported design, the "Sea Strike" drone, utilizes a modified jet ski hull for propulsion and can carry a substantial warhead. Another, the "UJ-23 Topaz," is a larger drone capable of longer-range missions and potentially carrying heavier weapons.

Shifting Tides: Drone Attacks on Russian Forces

The first major reported use of Ukrainian naval drones came in October 2022, targeting Russian ships near the Crimean Peninsula.expand_more Since then, these UAVs have become a constant threat to Russian military boats naval operations.expand_more Ukrainian officials have claimed success in sinking or damaging several Russian vessels, including landing ships, patrol boats, and even a minesweeper. While some of these claims remain unverified, video footage has emerged showing Ukrainian drones striking Russian targets, showcasing their effectiveness.exclamation

The impact of these drone attacks extends beyond the physical destruction of ships. Russia's Black Sea Fleet has been forced to adapt its tactics, increasing patrols and deploying electronic countermeasures to disrupt drone control signals.expand_more This heightened state of alert restricts their ability to freely operate in the Black Sea, hindering vital logistical and military operations.exclamation Furthermore, the psychological impact on Russian sailors cannot be understated. The constant threat of unseen aerial attack adds a new layer of danger to their operations.

Drone Warfare and the Future of the Black Sea

The development and deployment of Ukrainian naval drones represent a significant shift in the Black Sea conflict.expand_more It highlights Ukraine's ability to adapt and innovate in the face of a superior foe. Moreover, it showcases the potential of relatively low-cost, readily available drone technology to disrupt traditional naval power structures. This could have implications for future conflicts around the globe, as other nations consider the potential of similar drone programs.

However, the drone war in the Black Sea is far from over. Russia will undoubtedly continue its efforts to counter these UAVs, potentially developing drone defenses or even deploying its own offensive drones. The effectiveness of Ukrainian drones will also depend on their ability to maintain technological advantage and secure a steady supply of replacement units.

The Grain Lifeline and the Impact on Ukrainian Ports

The war in the Black Sea has had a devastating impact on Ukrainian ports, initially grinding grain exports to a halt.expand_more These exports are crucial for global food security, with Ukraine being a major supplier of wheat and corn.expand_more The disruption to these exports has contributed to rising food prices worldwide. While the recent resumption of grain exports through a UN-brokered deal offers a glimmer of hope, the situation remains precarious.exclamation

Ukrainian ports haven't been directly targeted by Ukrainian drones.exclamation However, the overall insecurity in the Black Sea due to the ongoing conflict continues to disrupt shipping operations. Minesweeping efforts are ongoing, and the threat of further drone attacks looms large. A full return to pre-war export levels is unlikely until a lasting peace agreement is reached.

Conclusion: A Technological Frontier in a Complex Conflict

The use of Ukrainian-made naval drones in the Black Sea marks a turning point in the ongoing war. These innovative UAVs have challenged Russia's dominance in the region and forced them to adapt their tactics. The conflict highlights the growing importance of drone technology in modern warfare, with potential implications for future conflicts.expand_more However, the situation remains fluid, with the future of the Black Sea and its vital shipping lanes hanging in the balance. The resolution of the war and the fate of Ukrainian grain exports will depend on the continued effectiveness of Ukrainian drone technology, Russia's response, and the ability to find a lasting peace.

[mariacallous]

On the top floor of a building somewhere in Ukraine is a drone workshop.

Inside is a chaotic workbench covered in logic boards, antennas, batteries, augmented reality headsets, and rotor blades. On one end of the room is a makeshift photo studio—a jet-black quadcopter drone sits on a long white sheet, waiting for its close-up.

This particular workshop’s Geppetto is Yvan. He grins as he shows off his creations, flittering around with a lit cigarette in his mouth, dangling ash, grabbing different models. (Yvan is a pseudonym; WIRED granted some of the people in this story anonymity due to the security risk.)

Yvan holds up a mid-size drone: This model successfully hit a target from 11 kilometers away, he says, but it should be capable of traveling at least 20. He’s trying different batteries and controllers to try to extend the range. He screws on a stabilizer tailpiece to a hard plastic shell—Yvan 3D-prints these himself—and holds up the assembled bomb. It’s capable of carrying a 3.5-kilogram explosive payload, enough to take out a Russian tank.

He uses his index finger and thumb to pick up a nondescript beige chip: This, he says, is what he’s really proud of.

One big problem with these drones—which are based on commercially available first-person-view (FPV) or photography drones—is that their explosive payload is jimmy-rigged on. It requires the drone to crash in order to close the circuit and trigger the explosion.

This chip, Yvan says, allows for remote detonation from a significant distance, meaning the operator can park their drone and lay in wait for hours, even days, before it goes off. He expects this technology could, eventually, be connected to AI—exploding only if it registers a nearby tank, for example. He has created a long-range smart land mine, I note. After the idea is passed through our translator, he nods enthusiastically.

There are many of these FPV drone workshops around Ukraine—Kyiv estimates there are about 200 Ukrainian companies producing aerial drones, with others producing land- and sea-based uncrewed vehicles. But Yvan, grinning proudly, insists that the manufacturer which he represents, VERBA, is the best.

Ukraine is facing increasingly tough odds in its defensive war against a better-resourced, better-equipped enemy. Thanks to delayed aid from Washington and shortages in other NATO warehouses, Ukraine has lacked artillery shells, long-range missiles, and even air defense munitions.

These drones, however, represent a bright spot for the Ukrainians. Entrepreneurship and innovation is scaling up a sizable drone industry in the country, and it’s making new technological leaps that would make the Pentagon envious.

The age of drone warfare is here, and Ukraine wants to be a superpower.

After Yvan showed off his workshop, we loaded into the car to visit one of his factories.

Behind a steel door is a room filled with racks, where 30 3D printers are working simultaneously, printing various drone components in unison. The twentysomething employees seem accustomed to the screeching alarm—some are soldering the drones together, others are tinkering with designs in AutoCAD, one is lounging on a sofa.

Strung across one shelf of 3D printers is a black flag, a take on Blackbeard’s (apocryphal) pirate flag. It shows a horned skeleton wearing an AR headset and holding a controller, thrusting his spear toward a bleeding heart as a quadcopter flies above.

In the first year of the war, when FPV drones were providing extraordinary footage of the front lines and viral video of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) dropping grenades on Russian tanks captivated the world, Ukraine was snatching up every consumer drone it could find. Chinese technology giant DJI became a household name in Ukraine, thanks to its drones’ ubiquity on the front lines. Ukraine’s early advantage was quickly lost, however, as Russia scrambled to snatch up these Chinese-made UAVs.

“When Russia sees, from Instagram, my product, Russia starts buying all these components in China,” a VERBA executive says. The new demand from Moscow can often cause either shortages or inflation, squeezing out the Ukrainian companies. So entrepreneurs like Yvan began building their own.

When Yvan began his operation in the early months of the war following Russia’s February 2022 full-scale invasion, he was creating a handful of frankendrones to send to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Now, Yvan says, his operation is producing 5,000 FPV drones per month. He offers a range of systems, from a mammoth 12-inch model to a 4-inch prototype.

At first, these entrepreneurs were pursuing this project on their own—scrambling, like most of the country, to be useful in helping Ukraine defend itself. Kyiv was initially cool to the idea that a domestic drone industry was worth the money and attention, especially given the demand for more conventional arms. Some in the military, one executive says, dismissed the utility of these innovative weapons and surveillance platforms as merely “wedding photography drones.” (One executive said Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s new commander in chief, had been an early adopter inside the military, directly contracting 10 firms in early 2023 to begin assembling new technology for his forces.)

That attitude changed in 2023, when Ukraine set up Brave1, a government-run technology agency and incubator that helps connect private enterprise to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Since its creation, Brave1 has worked to streamline design, development, and procurement of new defense technology, while helping companies navigate government and military bureaucracy. Brave1 has already awarded more than $3 million in research and development grants and connected more than 750 companies to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

When United24, the Ukrainian government’s in-house crowdfunding platform, first pitched an “army of drones” to its donors in 2022, it aimed to buy just 200 units. Today, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky projected late last year that his country would produce over 1 million drones in 2024.

“I would say that we can even double this number,” Natalia Kushnerska, head of Brave1’s defense technology cluster, tells WIRED.

“We have the responsibility and the motivation to do it today and to do it very fast,” she says. “Because we don't have any other choice.”

This is a war, one executive told me, “where the economy matters.”

Even hampered by sanctions, Russia has a $2 trillion economy—about 6 percent of that is geared toward its wartime production. Ukraine’s entire GDP, by contrast, is less than $200 billion.

While Kyiv has received substantial support from its NATO partners, it faces constant pressure to find efficiencies. The economics of these drones are looking better and better.

Yvan’s drones are, compared to conventional munitions, cheap. His most expensive unit runs about $2,500, but the cheapest is only $400.

Early in the war, the Ukrainians could reasonably expect—depending on weather, the mission, and Russian jamming efforts—that about 30 percent of their drones would connect with the target. Today, good Ukrainian-made systems are approaching a 70 percent success rate.

It can often take four or five artillery shells to successfully destroy a medium-range target, such as a tank. At $8,000 per shell—which are in short supply and high demand—that is an expensive proposition. Even if it takes two of Yvan’s most expensive drones to achieve the same objective, that’s thousands of dollars in savings. The proliferation of these drones reduces the “cost-per-kill,” as one executive phrased it, and reduces the strain on those dwindling ammunition stockpiles.

Even if Yvan and other producers are making more and more of their systems in Ukraine, they still rely on Chinese suppliers for critical onboard components. That comes with a trade-off—Chinese suppliers are cheaper, but they tend to be of lower quality and are happy to do business with Russia as well. Other options, such as companies in Taiwan, the United States, Canada, or Europe, are better quality but can be several times more expensive.

These supply chains, Yvan says, are “complicated.” Drone manufacturers who spoke to WIRED say anywhere between 40 percent and 80 percent of their drone components are made in Ukraine. Asked how long it would take before Ukraine manufactures nearly everything in these drones, from the rotor blades to the onboard components, Yvan provides a bullish estimate: “six months.”

It’s not an entirely unrealistic dream. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister and also minister responsible for digital transformation, said late last year that Kyiv hopes to break ground on a semiconductor factory, capable of producing 50,000 chips a year, by 2025. Ukraine produces about half the world’s supply of neon, necessary for the lasers used to make the chips.

There are already companies in Ukraine that have developed electronic design automation software—a necessary tool for producing chips—and that do electronic assembly inside the country itself. An industry source tells WIRED that a working group was formed in late 2023 to chart out how Ukraine could be a player in the semiconductor industry.

Another defense technology executive, Igor, manufactures considerably more-sensitive drones. “We definitely don’t buy anything from China,” he says. His products are more expensive, he says, “but we are looking for something that would differentiate us from the Russians.” At the moment, he says, “Russia is ahead.” He’s hoping to close that gap.

For any of this to work, however, there needs to be demand for these drones. The more they can sell, the more they can invest. “The things that they need,” Kushnerska says: “contracts and money.” Demand has certainly grown—fundraising platform United24 helped finance a fleet of naval drones and raised funds to purchase 5,000 surveillance UAVs. Other organizations have led similar purchases. The drone-makers, however, say it’s just not enough.

In early 2023, Ukraine’s parliament passed new laws to regulate how drone manufacturers can contract with the state; while profiteering is generally discouraged in the wartime economy, the law specifically allows the companies to charge up to 25 percent profit.

Yvan says he charges just a 10 percent premium for his drones and reinvests all that profit back into his operation. Representatives from other drone companies who spoke to WIRED say they operate on a similar basis.

More orders will mean more investment. Thus far, NATO countries have preferred to purchase locally-made equipment and ship it to Ukraine. That may be changing.

Bill Blair, Canada’s minister of defense, visited Kyiv shortly before I was there. While there, he announced that Ottawa would donate 800 Canadian-made drones to Ukraine. While the donation was lauded, a senior official asked the minister, “Why didn't you buy our drones?” After being briefed on the various innovations taking place in the Ukrainian drone industry, Blair was convinced. “We're also going to find ways to invest in Ukrainian industry,” he tells WIRED. “The point of the [Ukraine Defense Contact Group drone coalition] is to create capability, not only in the countries that are in the coalition but also capability in Ukraine.”

Even still, bureaucracy moves slowly. What’s more, startups—some of which are helmed by technologists or special effects gurus with no experience in procurement, let alone war—are often learning as they go. One executive, covering his eyes with his hand, says: “It’s like going completely blind.”

Not every company has been able to hack it. One executive says he’s aware of five defense technology startups that have shut down since the war began.

Much attention has been paid to FPV drones. They reinforce the idea that Ukraine’s defense is a scrappy, homespun effort. But even as the country has professionalized production of these light, agile drones, it has rapidly spun up production of other, more complicated systems.

One of Ukraine’s biggest disadvantages, from the start of the war, has been its difficulty in hitting targets inside Russia. Because Moscow has so effectively dominated the skies, Ukraine has been left playing defense.

That equation has changed substantially in recent weeks. Ukraine has had enormous success in attacking Russian oil refineries—knocking out as much as 15 percent of the country’s total refining capacity—and bombing Russian air bases. This has all been made possible by Ukrainian-made long-range attack drones.

Igor, who represents a company responsible for producing those long-range bombers, says they have developed a unit capable of flying 1,000 kilometers and carrying a 25-kilogram payload and has produced “several hundred” units for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. And they are actively working on a new model, capable of flying up to 2,500 kilometers. (It will pack a smaller punch, he said: “The longer you go, the lighter the payload.”)

These systems are more expensive: from $35,000 to $100,000. But if they can destroy millions of dollars worth of Russian equipment, that’s a bargain.

“These are no simple drones,” Igor says. “We don’t have the luxury, like the Western guys, to spend years in development.”

They’re not stopping with drones, either. They’re using the same technology to develop Ukrainian-made missiles, capable of flying farther and doing more damage to Russian military infrastructure, tucked well behind the front lines, which is regularly used to attack Ukrainian cities.

Igor’s goal is to “bring the war to Russia.” FPV drones have broadcast the realities of the front lines in high definition—long-range bombers could successfully make it feel real, he says. “They don’t suffer like we suffer.”

The effort to bring the war to Russia is advancing on multiple fronts. One of the most famous uncrewed systems of the war has been Kyiv’s Sea Baby drones. Videos have gone viral of these sleek ships clipping along the waters of the Black Sea.

According to Kyiv, they can carry 850 kilograms of explosives, go 90 kilometers per hour, travel some 1,000 kilometers—and they are invisible to radar. This is the kind of capability that the Pentagon, and other defense departments, has spent years trying to develop. “We like to joke that everything we do now, in Ukraine, takes three days—globally, it takes three years,” Brave1’s Kushnerska says.

Ask around Kyiv about these drones, however, and everyone is mum. Even otherwise talkative defense sources go quiet when asked about the Sea Babys. Asked about the vehicles, one defense executive smiled and said simply, “That’s classified.”

Kushnerska is equally evasive: “We need to keep silent about new solutions and new surprises that we are preparing for the enemy.”

The skullduggery is understandable. These uncrewed vehicles have been responsible for doing massive damage to Russia’s prized Black Sea fleet and spearheading the first major attack on the Kerch Bridge, in Crimea, in 2022.

Developing naval drones, however, is relatively easy compared to uncrewed land systems.

Over tea with Stepan, another defense entrepreneur, he lists the litany of difficulties of trying to build uncrewed land systems: They don’t travel well over tough terrain, they don’t operate well in inclement weather, and they don’t tend to go very far.

And yet, Stepan says, his company has overcome all those obstacles—which the Pentagon is still wrestling with—and has put these land systems in the field. Plus, Stepan says he’s “pleasantly surprised by how they’re being used.” He says their smallest unit, which has generally been used to deliver food and equipment, recently rescued and evacuated a wounded soldier from the front line.

Ukraine is not the only side deploying these land systems, however. In late March, pro-Kremlin channels celebrated what they said was the successful deployment of Russian-made uncrewed land systems, outfitted with an AGS-17 grenade launcher.

Ukraine believes its advantage will come from how it dispatches these systems. “You need a mesh system,” Stepan says. And that’s one of the single hardest things to do. Ukraine has started dispatching repeater UAVs, which are used to extend the base station signal, allowing the drones to fly farther and defend better against Russian jamming.

One ground drone, basically a mobile machine-gun turret, boasts an 800-meter range. What’s more impressive, however, is what happens when the land system is paired with a surveillance drone. Rather than them firing directly ahead, Stepan’s team has been training Ukrainian soldiers how to raise the weapon's trajectory, firing in a parabolic pattern and using the drone’s camera to adjust its aim. This tactic, he says, extends the drone’s firing range to 2.4 kilometers.

Doing combined operations with a couple of drones is hard enough. If Ukraine wants to really take advantage of these autonomous systems, it will need to figure out how to command multiple systems across land and air—and that’s where artificial intelligence comes in.

Stepan walks through the four levels of how AI can augment warfare: One is reconnaissance, where machine learning can be used to collate large volumes of footage and satellite imagery. Two is “copiloting,” as he calls it, where AI can analyze that intelligence and help draw insights. Third is planning, where AI can help develop “interlinked, complex orders” for multiple systems across land and air; he likens that to having AI develop football plays. Finally, step four is full autonomy, where AI collects intelligence, analyzes it, develops orders based on the intelligence, and dispatches and commands autonomous units based on that information—although humans review and approve each step of the process.

There are steps beyond this, Stepan notes, that remove human involvement entirely, but he isn’t interested in going there. Another executive recounted a story of how one company designed an autonomous machine gun, capable of conducting object detection and opening fire on its own—that was a “big, big problem,” he says, after the weapon’s radio signals were jammed and it began firing wildly. “I think we can do this slowly,” he adds.

Stepan’s systems are capable of operating at step four, he says. It means his systems have the “ability to take in variables” in real time—it allows his drones to change tactics depending on the environment. He provides examples: “What if our team is close? What if there is [electronic warfare]? What if one system loses connection?”

Kushnerska says Ukraine, alive to the concerns about and risks of AI on the battlefield, is mostly interested in using artificial intelligence only in the “last mile.”

It’s not enough to build drones. Ukrainians also have to know how to pilot them.

The last stop on Yvan’s tour is at a strip mall some distance away. Outside, a group of fresh-faced young men smoke cigarettes and enthusiastically greet him as he walks past.

Inside is a sterile classroom, with a dozen desks laid out—each featuring a tablet, a workstation, and an array of tools. In the back corner are pallets of FPV drones waiting to be unloaded.

This is Yvan’s drone school. Here, students learn not just the ins and outs of piloting these quadcopters but also how the machines work and how to repair them. Down the hallway is a large conference room where the students first test their skills—flags and checkpoints are propped up on cardboard boxes taped together into platforms of different levels. Once students can successfully navigate this makeshift course, they graduate to piloting the drones outside.

Yvan’s drones are normally painted jet black, designed to look as nondescript as possible. One drone, sitting on a desk in the training school, is spray-painted a bright orange. Yvan grins: “We’re sick of losing them in the grass.”

As Kyiv mobilized tens of thousands of ordinary Ukrainian men to fight, training has been a critical necessity. Particularly as ammunition supplies have dwindled, virtual training has been especially attractive. High-tech combat simulators have allowed Ukrainian troops to simulate real combat scenarios with rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, even anti-tank missiles. Ukrainian entrepreneurs are hoping to have dozens of these simulators online in the near future, with the goal of training 100,000 troops.

An industry source tells WIRED that a drone combat simulator went online last month, allowing trainees to simulate the entire process of launching a long-range drone strike. Version 2.0 is being rolled out now, they say, adding that it is likely the first immersive offensive drone simulator in operation. The simulator is also intended to help Ukrainian pilots practice integrating their drones with land systems, which is notoriously difficult for even experienced soldiers.

While Yvan’s drone school offers hands-on experience for users of the FPV drones, this new drone simulator allows pilots to practice long-range targeting, flying in adverse weather conditions, and countering electronic warfare.

All of this—the FPV drones, the long-range bombers, the flight simulators—is Ukrainian innovation at work. And it is moving remarkably fast. Some day, after the war is over, Yvan may well be on the front lines of a Ukrainian technology renaissance, fulfilling orders for the Pentagon. First, both he—and Ukraine—need to survive.

In recent weeks, Russian forces have made modest but steady advances along the front lines. Defense executives, meanwhile, see sabotage and industrial espionage as constant problems. Even more acute is the threat of Russian air strikes. One executive recently recounted how one of his company’s main facilities was nearly hit by two Russian cruise missiles. The risk is very real.

Leaving the school, Yvan opens up the back of his car. He rummages around and hands me two patches: One features a cartoonish and scantily clad woman wearing an FPV headset with the Ukrainian flag on the side, piloting one of Yvan’s rotocopters. The other, an army-green Canadian flag, carries the words “ALWAYS BE READY.”

[militaryleak]

Leidos and Elroy Air to Demonstrate Autonomous Aerial Resupply Drone for US Marine Corps

Leidos, a FORTUNE® 500 innovation company, and Elroy Air, an autonomous aircraft systems and software development company, have been approved to demonstrate an autonomous Medium Aerial Resupply Vehicle – Expeditionary Logistics (MARV-EL) prototype for the Navy and Marine Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems program office (PMA-263). The flight test activities are scheduled for July 2024. The development and testing are part of a contract awarded last year to develop and demonstrate an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) that can autonomously resupply forward-deployed ground forces for the U.S. Marine Corps. Leidos and Elroy Air are slated to demonstrate Elroy Air's Chaparral system at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds (YPG), Yuma, Arizona. The Chaparral is a "lift-plus-cruise" hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (hVTOL) cargo aircraft.

Leidos, a FORTUNE® 500 innovation company, and Elroy Air, an autonomous aircraft systems and software development company, have been approved to demonstrate an autonomous Medium Aerial Resupply Vehicle – Expeditionary Logistics (MARV-EL) prototype for the Navy and Marine Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems program office (PMA-263). The flight test activities are scheduled for July 2024. The…

[nawapon17]

US Army Completes Nighttime Ammo Resupply Drill Via Tactical Drone