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Tactical Report

미국 군사전문매체 Defence Blog

Tactical Report

미국 군사전문매체 Defence Blog

Tactical Report

미국 군사전문매체 Defence Blog

Tactical Report

미국 군사전문매체 Defence Blog

Tactical Report

미국 군사전문매체 Defence Blog

Tactical Report

미국 군사전문매체 Defence Blog

미국 군사전문매체 Army Recognition
Turkish firm develops compact anti-jam system for drones

A Turkish technology company developed a compact anti-jam satellite navigation system designed to operate in contested signal environments, as electronic warfare and GPS jamming become more common in modern conflicts.

In a message shared with Defence Blog, Sena Yiğit, representing EDGE Microwave, said the company was established about 1.5 years ago and is focused on controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA) solutions for both defense and commercial users.

“We are a company established approximately 1.5 years ago, working on CRPA products that provide protection in signal-jamming environments for both defense and commercial sectors,” Yiğit wrote.

The company says it has begun sales of its HEDGE-8008 system in Türkiye and abroad and is receiving positive feedback from early users.

According to company materials, HEDGE-8008 is an eight-element anti-jam GNSS antenna designed to protect satellite navigation receivers from jamming and interference. The product processes incoming signals using adaptive beamforming algorithms to maintain navigation availability in difficult electromagnetic conditions.

EDGE Microwave says the system supports simultaneous multi-constellation GNSS reception across GPS L1, Galileo E1, and BeiDou B1 bands, with up to seven independent jammer suppression channels. Technical specifications listed by the company include nominal jammer suppression above 50 dB, J/S performance above 110 dB when paired with a GNSS receiver, and power consumption below 13 watts.

The company also emphasizes the physical characteristics of the system. HEDGE-8008 measures about 9 by 9 by 2.2 centimeters and weighs roughly 275 grams, placing it among the smallest CRPA solutions in its class, according to the product brief. EDGE Microwave says the unit complies with military environmental and electromagnetic compatibility standards, including MIL-STD-810H and MIL-STD-461F.

EDGE Microwave says the goal behind HEDGE-8008 was to make military-grade GNSS anti-jam capability available to platforms that previously could not support traditional CRPA systems due to size, weight, or cost constraints.

The company says the compact design allows integration on small UAVs, loitering munitions, marine platforms, autonomous vehicles, and fixed infrastructure.

EDGE Microwave also positions HEDGE-8008 as a dual-use product, noting potential applications in precision agriculture, autonomous driving, unmanned logistics, and telecommunications infrastructure, where GNSS disruption can have operational consequences.

유럽지역 방산전문매체 Defence Industry Europe
Indonesia plans to buy 16 KF-21 Block II fighter jets following new talks with South Korea.

Indonesia is examining a revised framework to revive its participation in the KF-21 fighter program, centered on the potential acquisition of 16 KF-21 Block II fighter jets, following high-level discussions in Jakarta on January 7, 2026.

On January 8, 2026, Janes revealed that Indonesia is examining a revised procurement plan to revive its participation in the South Korean KF-21 fighter program, centered on the potential acquisition of 16 KF-21 Block II fighter jets. The proposal was reviewed during closed discussions at Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence in Jakarta on January 7, 2026, involving Indonesian officials, Korea Aerospace Industries, and PT Dirgantara Indonesia.

With the KF-21 Block II, Indonesia would possess a variant more suited to its needs, as it will carry a broader spectrum of weapons beyond air-to-air missiles, including guided bombs, stand-off systems like MBDA’s Spear, and beyond-visual-range missiles such as Meteor. (Picture source: South Korean Air Force)

Ezoic
Indonesia is taking concrete steps to revive its long-stalled participation in the KF-21 fighter aircraft program by examining a revised framework centered on the acquisition of 16 KF-21 Block IIs following discussions in Jakarta on January 7, 2026. This purchase represents a recalibration of Indonesia’s earlier commitments, which had envisaged significantly larger numbers but became difficult to sustain due to repeated delays in cost-sharing payments. By narrowing the scope to a squadron-sized purchase, Jakarta appears to be prioritizing feasibility and near-term operability over scale. The renewed interest was reinforced symbolically by the display of a KF-21 model at Indo Defence 2025, signaling that Jakarta has not abandoned the program despite years of uncertainty.

Ezoic
The closed meeting was held on January 7, 2026, at Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence in Jakarta, where officials examined practical mechanisms to stabilize Indonesia’s position in the KF-21 program. The meeting was chaired by Indonesia’s Air Commodore Jon Ginting, head of Programme and Evaluation at the Defence Logistics Agency, and brought together representatives from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Indonesia’s state-owned aerospace manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia. Discussions focused on the expectation that South Korea would extend an export credit facility through the Export-Import Bank of Korea, creating a financial structure capable of supporting both Indonesia’s remaining program obligations and the acquisition of new fighter jets. While specific figures were not disclosed, the mechanism under discussion is intended to link financing support directly to deliverable outcomes.

These discussions followed a proposal raised earlier by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during a private exchange with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in October 2025. In Jakarta, officials examined the idea that part of a South Korean export credit facility could be allocated directly to fund 16 Block II airframes, a number described as corresponding to a full operational squadron under Indonesian Air Force nomenclature. The same discussions acknowledged that part of any export credit facility could be allocated specifically to fund these airframes. However, there was no clarification on the size of the credit line, repayment terms, or the division between legacy obligations and new procurement, leaving key financial parameters unresolved at this stage.

Uncertainty also remains over how this revised plan would affect earlier arrangements that envisaged Indonesia procuring up to 48 KF-21s and holding a larger stake in the overall program. No indication was provided as to whether those earlier commitments would be formally amended, replaced, or left dormant while a smaller acquisition proceeds. This ambiguity has practical implications for long-term fleet planning, pilot training pipelines, maintenance infrastructure, and the scale of industrial participation that PT Dirgantara Indonesia might ultimately secure. For now, the emphasis appears to be on restoring credibility and continuity by aligning ambition with financing capacity, rather than committing to quantities that could reintroduce strain.
Ezoic

The KF-21 Boramae program itself is structured around a phased block development concept designed to progressively expand the aircraft’s mission set. The KF-21 Block I is oriented primarily toward air superiority, while the Block II will bring a broader multirole capability, with the integration of air-to-ground and air-to-ship weapons. The KF-21 Block III could be seen at the moment as a future stealth-oriented version, incorporating an internal weapons bay and deeper reductions in radar signature. The initial prototype of the KF-21 conducted its first flight on July 19, 2022, followed by the start of the KF-21’s serial production in July 2024, while deliveries to the South Korean Air Force are scheduled to start in March 2026 under an initial order for 40 Block I aircraft, with additional Block II production planned to follow after the Block I configuration has matured.

The KF-21 Boramae, a twin-engine fighter with a maximum speed of approximately Mach 1.8 and a combat radius exceeding 1,000 km, is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400K turbofan engines, which are assembled locally in South Korea under license. The aircraft’s sensor suite is centered on a domestically developed active electronically scanned array radar, supported by an infrared search-and-track system and an integrated electronic warfare package. Armament integration for Block II is intended to include a broader range of air-to-ground and anti-ship weapons compared with the air-to-air focus of Block I, aligning with multirole operational requirements.

Beyond Block II, the program roadmap outlines a longer-term transition toward greater propulsion autonomy through an indigenous engine initiative. This effort, referred to as the Advanced Aviation Engine Development Project, is planned to run from 2027 to 2040 with funding cited at about $3.4 billion. The target performance includes around 16,000 lb of military thrust and approximately 24,000 lb with afterburner, exceeding the output of the F414 currently used. Under this plan, Block I and Block II aircraft would continue operating with the F414, while a future Block III configuration would be designed around the domestically developed engine. Block II readiness has been described as being targeted for early 2027, which aligns with Indonesia’s current focus on that variant as the most relevant option within a realistic procurement and financing timeline.

크키예 국영 통신사 Anadolu Ajansı
Hanwha and HavocAI partner to develop 200-foot autonomous surface vessels for U.S. defence forces

Hanwha Defense USA, Hanwha Systems Co and collaborative autonomy company HavocAI have formalised an agreement to jointly develop 200-foot autonomous surface vessels. The partnership brings together Hanwha’s global shipbuilding capability with HavocAI’s collaborative autonomy technology.

Hanwha is currently the only shipbuilder with an operational shipyard in the United States to enter a joint agreement with an autonomous vessels company, with Hanwha Philly Shipyard under consideration to build the vessels. HavocAI has recently closed an $85m funding round, confirmed sales of dozens of vessels to the US Department of War and demonstrated its technology in GPS-denied environments to Ukrainian officials.

“By forging a partnership between an allied defense company with advanced manufacturing scale in Hanwha with a software-first defense technology company in HavocAI, we will deliver state-of-the art ASVs at scale for American service members,” said Hanwha Defense USA chief executive Michael Coulter. “This agreement will not only deliver for the American warfighter but will create much-needed competition for the Department of War acquisition process.”

“The Department of War has sent a clear demand signal to the shipbuilding industry: we need more boats, faster, with more capabilities, for less money,” said HavocAI co-founder and chief executive Paul Lwin. Under the memorandum of understanding, the companies will jointly develop the vessels, covering areas including mass production planning, installation, proposal development and technical work, following an earlier joint demonstration conducted from Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje shipyard.

미국 군사전문매체 Army Recognition
Turkish firm develops compact anti-jam system for drones

A Turkish technology company developed a compact anti-jam satellite navigation system designed to operate in contested signal environments, as electronic warfare and GPS jamming become more common in modern conflicts.

In a message shared with Defence Blog, Sena Yiğit, representing EDGE Microwave, said the company was established about 1.5 years ago and is focused on controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA) solutions for both defense and commercial users.

“We are a company established approximately 1.5 years ago, working on CRPA products that provide protection in signal-jamming environments for both defense and commercial sectors,” Yiğit wrote.

The company says it has begun sales of its HEDGE-8008 system in Türkiye and abroad and is receiving positive feedback from early users.

According to company materials, HEDGE-8008 is an eight-element anti-jam GNSS antenna designed to protect satellite navigation receivers from jamming and interference. The product processes incoming signals using adaptive beamforming algorithms to maintain navigation availability in difficult electromagnetic conditions.

EDGE Microwave says the system supports simultaneous multi-constellation GNSS reception across GPS L1, Galileo E1, and BeiDou B1 bands, with up to seven independent jammer suppression channels. Technical specifications listed by the company include nominal jammer suppression above 50 dB, J/S performance above 110 dB when paired with a GNSS receiver, and power consumption below 13 watts.

The company also emphasizes the physical characteristics of the system. HEDGE-8008 measures about 9 by 9 by 2.2 centimeters and weighs roughly 275 grams, placing it among the smallest CRPA solutions in its class, according to the product brief. EDGE Microwave says the unit complies with military environmental and electromagnetic compatibility standards, including MIL-STD-810H and MIL-STD-461F.

EDGE Microwave says the goal behind HEDGE-8008 was to make military-grade GNSS anti-jam capability available to platforms that previously could not support traditional CRPA systems due to size, weight, or cost constraints.

The company says the compact design allows integration on small UAVs, loitering munitions, marine platforms, autonomous vehicles, and fixed infrastructure.

EDGE Microwave also positions HEDGE-8008 as a dual-use product, noting potential applications in precision agriculture, autonomous driving, unmanned logistics, and telecommunications infrastructure, where GNSS disruption can have operational consequences.

유럽지역 방산전문매체 Defence Industry Europe
Indonesia plans to buy 16 KF-21 Block II fighter jets following new talks with South Korea.

Indonesia is examining a revised framework to revive its participation in the KF-21 fighter program, centered on the potential acquisition of 16 KF-21 Block II fighter jets, following high-level discussions in Jakarta on January 7, 2026.

On January 8, 2026, Janes revealed that Indonesia is examining a revised procurement plan to revive its participation in the South Korean KF-21 fighter program, centered on the potential acquisition of 16 KF-21 Block II fighter jets. The proposal was reviewed during closed discussions at Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence in Jakarta on January 7, 2026, involving Indonesian officials, Korea Aerospace Industries, and PT Dirgantara Indonesia.

With the KF-21 Block II, Indonesia would possess a variant more suited to its needs, as it will carry a broader spectrum of weapons beyond air-to-air missiles, including guided bombs, stand-off systems like MBDA’s Spear, and beyond-visual-range missiles such as Meteor. (Picture source: South Korean Air Force)

Ezoic
Indonesia is taking concrete steps to revive its long-stalled participation in the KF-21 fighter aircraft program by examining a revised framework centered on the acquisition of 16 KF-21 Block IIs following discussions in Jakarta on January 7, 2026. This purchase represents a recalibration of Indonesia’s earlier commitments, which had envisaged significantly larger numbers but became difficult to sustain due to repeated delays in cost-sharing payments. By narrowing the scope to a squadron-sized purchase, Jakarta appears to be prioritizing feasibility and near-term operability over scale. The renewed interest was reinforced symbolically by the display of a KF-21 model at Indo Defence 2025, signaling that Jakarta has not abandoned the program despite years of uncertainty.

Ezoic
The closed meeting was held on January 7, 2026, at Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence in Jakarta, where officials examined practical mechanisms to stabilize Indonesia’s position in the KF-21 program. The meeting was chaired by Indonesia’s Air Commodore Jon Ginting, head of Programme and Evaluation at the Defence Logistics Agency, and brought together representatives from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Indonesia’s state-owned aerospace manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia. Discussions focused on the expectation that South Korea would extend an export credit facility through the Export-Import Bank of Korea, creating a financial structure capable of supporting both Indonesia’s remaining program obligations and the acquisition of new fighter jets. While specific figures were not disclosed, the mechanism under discussion is intended to link financing support directly to deliverable outcomes.

These discussions followed a proposal raised earlier by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during a private exchange with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in October 2025. In Jakarta, officials examined the idea that part of a South Korean export credit facility could be allocated directly to fund 16 Block II airframes, a number described as corresponding to a full operational squadron under Indonesian Air Force nomenclature. The same discussions acknowledged that part of any export credit facility could be allocated specifically to fund these airframes. However, there was no clarification on the size of the credit line, repayment terms, or the division between legacy obligations and new procurement, leaving key financial parameters unresolved at this stage.

Uncertainty also remains over how this revised plan would affect earlier arrangements that envisaged Indonesia procuring up to 48 KF-21s and holding a larger stake in the overall program. No indication was provided as to whether those earlier commitments would be formally amended, replaced, or left dormant while a smaller acquisition proceeds. This ambiguity has practical implications for long-term fleet planning, pilot training pipelines, maintenance infrastructure, and the scale of industrial participation that PT Dirgantara Indonesia might ultimately secure. For now, the emphasis appears to be on restoring credibility and continuity by aligning ambition with financing capacity, rather than committing to quantities that could reintroduce strain.
Ezoic

The KF-21 Boramae program itself is structured around a phased block development concept designed to progressively expand the aircraft’s mission set. The KF-21 Block I is oriented primarily toward air superiority, while the Block II will bring a broader multirole capability, with the integration of air-to-ground and air-to-ship weapons. The KF-21 Block III could be seen at the moment as a future stealth-oriented version, incorporating an internal weapons bay and deeper reductions in radar signature. The initial prototype of the KF-21 conducted its first flight on July 19, 2022, followed by the start of the KF-21’s serial production in July 2024, while deliveries to the South Korean Air Force are scheduled to start in March 2026 under an initial order for 40 Block I aircraft, with additional Block II production planned to follow after the Block I configuration has matured.

The KF-21 Boramae, a twin-engine fighter with a maximum speed of approximately Mach 1.8 and a combat radius exceeding 1,000 km, is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400K turbofan engines, which are assembled locally in South Korea under license. The aircraft’s sensor suite is centered on a domestically developed active electronically scanned array radar, supported by an infrared search-and-track system and an integrated electronic warfare package. Armament integration for Block II is intended to include a broader range of air-to-ground and anti-ship weapons compared with the air-to-air focus of Block I, aligning with multirole operational requirements.

Beyond Block II, the program roadmap outlines a longer-term transition toward greater propulsion autonomy through an indigenous engine initiative. This effort, referred to as the Advanced Aviation Engine Development Project, is planned to run from 2027 to 2040 with funding cited at about $3.4 billion. The target performance includes around 16,000 lb of military thrust and approximately 24,000 lb with afterburner, exceeding the output of the F414 currently used. Under this plan, Block I and Block II aircraft would continue operating with the F414, while a future Block III configuration would be designed around the domestically developed engine. Block II readiness has been described as being targeted for early 2027, which aligns with Indonesia’s current focus on that variant as the most relevant option within a realistic procurement and financing timeline.

크키예 국영 통신사 Anadolu Ajansı
Hanwha and HavocAI partner to develop 200-foot autonomous surface vessels for U.S. defence forces

Hanwha Defense USA, Hanwha Systems Co and collaborative autonomy company HavocAI have formalised an agreement to jointly develop 200-foot autonomous surface vessels. The partnership brings together Hanwha’s global shipbuilding capability with HavocAI’s collaborative autonomy technology.

Hanwha is currently the only shipbuilder with an operational shipyard in the United States to enter a joint agreement with an autonomous vessels company, with Hanwha Philly Shipyard under consideration to build the vessels. HavocAI has recently closed an $85m funding round, confirmed sales of dozens of vessels to the US Department of War and demonstrated its technology in GPS-denied environments to Ukrainian officials.

“By forging a partnership between an allied defense company with advanced manufacturing scale in Hanwha with a software-first defense technology company in HavocAI, we will deliver state-of-the art ASVs at scale for American service members,” said Hanwha Defense USA chief executive Michael Coulter. “This agreement will not only deliver for the American warfighter but will create much-needed competition for the Department of War acquisition process.”

“The Department of War has sent a clear demand signal to the shipbuilding industry: we need more boats, faster, with more capabilities, for less money,” said HavocAI co-founder and chief executive Paul Lwin. Under the memorandum of understanding, the companies will jointly develop the vessels, covering areas including mass production planning, installation, proposal development and technical work, following an earlier joint demonstration conducted from Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje shipyard.

미국 군사전문매체 Army Recognition
Turkish firm develops compact anti-jam system for drones

A Turkish technology company developed a compact anti-jam satellite navigation system designed to operate in contested signal environments, as electronic warfare and GPS jamming become more common in modern conflicts.

In a message shared with Defence Blog, Sena Yiğit, representing EDGE Microwave, said the company was established about 1.5 years ago and is focused on controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA) solutions for both defense and commercial users.

“We are a company established approximately 1.5 years ago, working on CRPA products that provide protection in signal-jamming environments for both defense and commercial sectors,” Yiğit wrote.

The company says it has begun sales of its HEDGE-8008 system in Türkiye and abroad and is receiving positive feedback from early users.

According to company materials, HEDGE-8008 is an eight-element anti-jam GNSS antenna designed to protect satellite navigation receivers from jamming and interference. The product processes incoming signals using adaptive beamforming algorithms to maintain navigation availability in difficult electromagnetic conditions.

EDGE Microwave says the system supports simultaneous multi-constellation GNSS reception across GPS L1, Galileo E1, and BeiDou B1 bands, with up to seven independent jammer suppression channels. Technical specifications listed by the company include nominal jammer suppression above 50 dB, J/S performance above 110 dB when paired with a GNSS receiver, and power consumption below 13 watts.

The company also emphasizes the physical characteristics of the system. HEDGE-8008 measures about 9 by 9 by 2.2 centimeters and weighs roughly 275 grams, placing it among the smallest CRPA solutions in its class, according to the product brief. EDGE Microwave says the unit complies with military environmental and electromagnetic compatibility standards, including MIL-STD-810H and MIL-STD-461F.

EDGE Microwave says the goal behind HEDGE-8008 was to make military-grade GNSS anti-jam capability available to platforms that previously could not support traditional CRPA systems due to size, weight, or cost constraints.

The company says the compact design allows integration on small UAVs, loitering munitions, marine platforms, autonomous vehicles, and fixed infrastructure.

EDGE Microwave also positions HEDGE-8008 as a dual-use product, noting potential applications in precision agriculture, autonomous driving, unmanned logistics, and telecommunications infrastructure, where GNSS disruption can have operational consequences.

유럽지역 방산전문매체 Defence Industry Europe
Indonesia plans to buy 16 KF-21 Block II fighter jets following new talks with South Korea.

Indonesia is examining a revised framework to revive its participation in the KF-21 fighter program, centered on the potential acquisition of 16 KF-21 Block II fighter jets, following high-level discussions in Jakarta on January 7, 2026.

On January 8, 2026, Janes revealed that Indonesia is examining a revised procurement plan to revive its participation in the South Korean KF-21 fighter program, centered on the potential acquisition of 16 KF-21 Block II fighter jets. The proposal was reviewed during closed discussions at Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence in Jakarta on January 7, 2026, involving Indonesian officials, Korea Aerospace Industries, and PT Dirgantara Indonesia.

With the KF-21 Block II, Indonesia would possess a variant more suited to its needs, as it will carry a broader spectrum of weapons beyond air-to-air missiles, including guided bombs, stand-off systems like MBDA’s Spear, and beyond-visual-range missiles such as Meteor. (Picture source: South Korean Air Force)

Ezoic
Indonesia is taking concrete steps to revive its long-stalled participation in the KF-21 fighter aircraft program by examining a revised framework centered on the acquisition of 16 KF-21 Block IIs following discussions in Jakarta on January 7, 2026. This purchase represents a recalibration of Indonesia’s earlier commitments, which had envisaged significantly larger numbers but became difficult to sustain due to repeated delays in cost-sharing payments. By narrowing the scope to a squadron-sized purchase, Jakarta appears to be prioritizing feasibility and near-term operability over scale. The renewed interest was reinforced symbolically by the display of a KF-21 model at Indo Defence 2025, signaling that Jakarta has not abandoned the program despite years of uncertainty.

Ezoic
The closed meeting was held on January 7, 2026, at Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence in Jakarta, where officials examined practical mechanisms to stabilize Indonesia’s position in the KF-21 program. The meeting was chaired by Indonesia’s Air Commodore Jon Ginting, head of Programme and Evaluation at the Defence Logistics Agency, and brought together representatives from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Indonesia’s state-owned aerospace manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia. Discussions focused on the expectation that South Korea would extend an export credit facility through the Export-Import Bank of Korea, creating a financial structure capable of supporting both Indonesia’s remaining program obligations and the acquisition of new fighter jets. While specific figures were not disclosed, the mechanism under discussion is intended to link financing support directly to deliverable outcomes.

These discussions followed a proposal raised earlier by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during a private exchange with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in October 2025. In Jakarta, officials examined the idea that part of a South Korean export credit facility could be allocated directly to fund 16 Block II airframes, a number described as corresponding to a full operational squadron under Indonesian Air Force nomenclature. The same discussions acknowledged that part of any export credit facility could be allocated specifically to fund these airframes. However, there was no clarification on the size of the credit line, repayment terms, or the division between legacy obligations and new procurement, leaving key financial parameters unresolved at this stage.

Uncertainty also remains over how this revised plan would affect earlier arrangements that envisaged Indonesia procuring up to 48 KF-21s and holding a larger stake in the overall program. No indication was provided as to whether those earlier commitments would be formally amended, replaced, or left dormant while a smaller acquisition proceeds. This ambiguity has practical implications for long-term fleet planning, pilot training pipelines, maintenance infrastructure, and the scale of industrial participation that PT Dirgantara Indonesia might ultimately secure. For now, the emphasis appears to be on restoring credibility and continuity by aligning ambition with financing capacity, rather than committing to quantities that could reintroduce strain.
Ezoic

The KF-21 Boramae program itself is structured around a phased block development concept designed to progressively expand the aircraft’s mission set. The KF-21 Block I is oriented primarily toward air superiority, while the Block II will bring a broader multirole capability, with the integration of air-to-ground and air-to-ship weapons. The KF-21 Block III could be seen at the moment as a future stealth-oriented version, incorporating an internal weapons bay and deeper reductions in radar signature. The initial prototype of the KF-21 conducted its first flight on July 19, 2022, followed by the start of the KF-21’s serial production in July 2024, while deliveries to the South Korean Air Force are scheduled to start in March 2026 under an initial order for 40 Block I aircraft, with additional Block II production planned to follow after the Block I configuration has matured.

The KF-21 Boramae, a twin-engine fighter with a maximum speed of approximately Mach 1.8 and a combat radius exceeding 1,000 km, is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400K turbofan engines, which are assembled locally in South Korea under license. The aircraft’s sensor suite is centered on a domestically developed active electronically scanned array radar, supported by an infrared search-and-track system and an integrated electronic warfare package. Armament integration for Block II is intended to include a broader range of air-to-ground and anti-ship weapons compared with the air-to-air focus of Block I, aligning with multirole operational requirements.

Beyond Block II, the program roadmap outlines a longer-term transition toward greater propulsion autonomy through an indigenous engine initiative. This effort, referred to as the Advanced Aviation Engine Development Project, is planned to run from 2027 to 2040 with funding cited at about $3.4 billion. The target performance includes around 16,000 lb of military thrust and approximately 24,000 lb with afterburner, exceeding the output of the F414 currently used. Under this plan, Block I and Block II aircraft would continue operating with the F414, while a future Block III configuration would be designed around the domestically developed engine. Block II readiness has been described as being targeted for early 2027, which aligns with Indonesia’s current focus on that variant as the most relevant option within a realistic procurement and financing timeline.

크키예 국영 통신사 Anadolu Ajansı
Hanwha and HavocAI partner to develop 200-foot autonomous surface vessels for U.S. defence forces

Hanwha Defense USA, Hanwha Systems Co and collaborative autonomy company HavocAI have formalised an agreement to jointly develop 200-foot autonomous surface vessels. The partnership brings together Hanwha’s global shipbuilding capability with HavocAI’s collaborative autonomy technology.

Hanwha is currently the only shipbuilder with an operational shipyard in the United States to enter a joint agreement with an autonomous vessels company, with Hanwha Philly Shipyard under consideration to build the vessels. HavocAI has recently closed an $85m funding round, confirmed sales of dozens of vessels to the US Department of War and demonstrated its technology in GPS-denied environments to Ukrainian officials.

“By forging a partnership between an allied defense company with advanced manufacturing scale in Hanwha with a software-first defense technology company in HavocAI, we will deliver state-of-the art ASVs at scale for American service members,” said Hanwha Defense USA chief executive Michael Coulter. “This agreement will not only deliver for the American warfighter but will create much-needed competition for the Department of War acquisition process.”

“The Department of War has sent a clear demand signal to the shipbuilding industry: we need more boats, faster, with more capabilities, for less money,” said HavocAI co-founder and chief executive Paul Lwin. Under the memorandum of understanding, the companies will jointly develop the vessels, covering areas including mass production planning, installation, proposal development and technical work, following an earlier joint demonstration conducted from Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje shipyard.

미국 군사전문매체 Army Recognition
Turkish firm develops compact anti-jam system for drones

A Turkish technology company developed a compact anti-jam satellite navigation system designed to operate in contested signal environments, as electronic warfare and GPS jamming become more common in modern conflicts.

In a message shared with Defence Blog, Sena Yiğit, representing EDGE Microwave, said the company was established about 1.5 years ago and is focused on controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA) solutions for both defense and commercial users.

“We are a company established approximately 1.5 years ago, working on CRPA products that provide protection in signal-jamming environments for both defense and commercial sectors,” Yiğit wrote.

The company says it has begun sales of its HEDGE-8008 system in Türkiye and abroad and is receiving positive feedback from early users.

According to company materials, HEDGE-8008 is an eight-element anti-jam GNSS antenna designed to protect satellite navigation receivers from jamming and interference. The product processes incoming signals using adaptive beamforming algorithms to maintain navigation availability in difficult electromagnetic conditions.

EDGE Microwave says the system supports simultaneous multi-constellation GNSS reception across GPS L1, Galileo E1, and BeiDou B1 bands, with up to seven independent jammer suppression channels. Technical specifications listed by the company include nominal jammer suppression above 50 dB, J/S performance above 110 dB when paired with a GNSS receiver, and power consumption below 13 watts.

The company also emphasizes the physical characteristics of the system. HEDGE-8008 measures about 9 by 9 by 2.2 centimeters and weighs roughly 275 grams, placing it among the smallest CRPA solutions in its class, according to the product brief. EDGE Microwave says the unit complies with military environmental and electromagnetic compatibility standards, including MIL-STD-810H and MIL-STD-461F.

EDGE Microwave says the goal behind HEDGE-8008 was to make military-grade GNSS anti-jam capability available to platforms that previously could not support traditional CRPA systems due to size, weight, or cost constraints.

The company says the compact design allows integration on small UAVs, loitering munitions, marine platforms, autonomous vehicles, and fixed infrastructure.

EDGE Microwave also positions HEDGE-8008 as a dual-use product, noting potential applications in precision agriculture, autonomous driving, unmanned logistics, and telecommunications infrastructure, where GNSS disruption can have operational consequences.

유럽지역 방산전문매체 Defence Industry Europe
Indonesia plans to buy 16 KF-21 Block II fighter jets following new talks with South Korea.

Indonesia is examining a revised framework to revive its participation in the KF-21 fighter program, centered on the potential acquisition of 16 KF-21 Block II fighter jets, following high-level discussions in Jakarta on January 7, 2026.

On January 8, 2026, Janes revealed that Indonesia is examining a revised procurement plan to revive its participation in the South Korean KF-21 fighter program, centered on the potential acquisition of 16 KF-21 Block II fighter jets. The proposal was reviewed during closed discussions at Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence in Jakarta on January 7, 2026, involving Indonesian officials, Korea Aerospace Industries, and PT Dirgantara Indonesia.

With the KF-21 Block II, Indonesia would possess a variant more suited to its needs, as it will carry a broader spectrum of weapons beyond air-to-air missiles, including guided bombs, stand-off systems like MBDA’s Spear, and beyond-visual-range missiles such as Meteor. (Picture source: South Korean Air Force)

Ezoic
Indonesia is taking concrete steps to revive its long-stalled participation in the KF-21 fighter aircraft program by examining a revised framework centered on the acquisition of 16 KF-21 Block IIs following discussions in Jakarta on January 7, 2026. This purchase represents a recalibration of Indonesia’s earlier commitments, which had envisaged significantly larger numbers but became difficult to sustain due to repeated delays in cost-sharing payments. By narrowing the scope to a squadron-sized purchase, Jakarta appears to be prioritizing feasibility and near-term operability over scale. The renewed interest was reinforced symbolically by the display of a KF-21 model at Indo Defence 2025, signaling that Jakarta has not abandoned the program despite years of uncertainty.

Ezoic
The closed meeting was held on January 7, 2026, at Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence in Jakarta, where officials examined practical mechanisms to stabilize Indonesia’s position in the KF-21 program. The meeting was chaired by Indonesia’s Air Commodore Jon Ginting, head of Programme and Evaluation at the Defence Logistics Agency, and brought together representatives from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Indonesia’s state-owned aerospace manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia. Discussions focused on the expectation that South Korea would extend an export credit facility through the Export-Import Bank of Korea, creating a financial structure capable of supporting both Indonesia’s remaining program obligations and the acquisition of new fighter jets. While specific figures were not disclosed, the mechanism under discussion is intended to link financing support directly to deliverable outcomes.

These discussions followed a proposal raised earlier by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during a private exchange with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in October 2025. In Jakarta, officials examined the idea that part of a South Korean export credit facility could be allocated directly to fund 16 Block II airframes, a number described as corresponding to a full operational squadron under Indonesian Air Force nomenclature. The same discussions acknowledged that part of any export credit facility could be allocated specifically to fund these airframes. However, there was no clarification on the size of the credit line, repayment terms, or the division between legacy obligations and new procurement, leaving key financial parameters unresolved at this stage.

Uncertainty also remains over how this revised plan would affect earlier arrangements that envisaged Indonesia procuring up to 48 KF-21s and holding a larger stake in the overall program. No indication was provided as to whether those earlier commitments would be formally amended, replaced, or left dormant while a smaller acquisition proceeds. This ambiguity has practical implications for long-term fleet planning, pilot training pipelines, maintenance infrastructure, and the scale of industrial participation that PT Dirgantara Indonesia might ultimately secure. For now, the emphasis appears to be on restoring credibility and continuity by aligning ambition with financing capacity, rather than committing to quantities that could reintroduce strain.
Ezoic

The KF-21 Boramae program itself is structured around a phased block development concept designed to progressively expand the aircraft’s mission set. The KF-21 Block I is oriented primarily toward air superiority, while the Block II will bring a broader multirole capability, with the integration of air-to-ground and air-to-ship weapons. The KF-21 Block III could be seen at the moment as a future stealth-oriented version, incorporating an internal weapons bay and deeper reductions in radar signature. The initial prototype of the KF-21 conducted its first flight on July 19, 2022, followed by the start of the KF-21’s serial production in July 2024, while deliveries to the South Korean Air Force are scheduled to start in March 2026 under an initial order for 40 Block I aircraft, with additional Block II production planned to follow after the Block I configuration has matured.

The KF-21 Boramae, a twin-engine fighter with a maximum speed of approximately Mach 1.8 and a combat radius exceeding 1,000 km, is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400K turbofan engines, which are assembled locally in South Korea under license. The aircraft’s sensor suite is centered on a domestically developed active electronically scanned array radar, supported by an infrared search-and-track system and an integrated electronic warfare package. Armament integration for Block II is intended to include a broader range of air-to-ground and anti-ship weapons compared with the air-to-air focus of Block I, aligning with multirole operational requirements.

Beyond Block II, the program roadmap outlines a longer-term transition toward greater propulsion autonomy through an indigenous engine initiative. This effort, referred to as the Advanced Aviation Engine Development Project, is planned to run from 2027 to 2040 with funding cited at about $3.4 billion. The target performance includes around 16,000 lb of military thrust and approximately 24,000 lb with afterburner, exceeding the output of the F414 currently used. Under this plan, Block I and Block II aircraft would continue operating with the F414, while a future Block III configuration would be designed around the domestically developed engine. Block II readiness has been described as being targeted for early 2027, which aligns with Indonesia’s current focus on that variant as the most relevant option within a realistic procurement and financing timeline.

크키예 국영 통신사 Anadolu Ajansı
Hanwha and HavocAI partner to develop 200-foot autonomous surface vessels for U.S. defence forces

Hanwha Defense USA, Hanwha Systems Co and collaborative autonomy company HavocAI have formalised an agreement to jointly develop 200-foot autonomous surface vessels. The partnership brings together Hanwha’s global shipbuilding capability with HavocAI’s collaborative autonomy technology.

Hanwha is currently the only shipbuilder with an operational shipyard in the United States to enter a joint agreement with an autonomous vessels company, with Hanwha Philly Shipyard under consideration to build the vessels. HavocAI has recently closed an $85m funding round, confirmed sales of dozens of vessels to the US Department of War and demonstrated its technology in GPS-denied environments to Ukrainian officials.

“By forging a partnership between an allied defense company with advanced manufacturing scale in Hanwha with a software-first defense technology company in HavocAI, we will deliver state-of-the art ASVs at scale for American service members,” said Hanwha Defense USA chief executive Michael Coulter. “This agreement will not only deliver for the American warfighter but will create much-needed competition for the Department of War acquisition process.”

“The Department of War has sent a clear demand signal to the shipbuilding industry: we need more boats, faster, with more capabilities, for less money,” said HavocAI co-founder and chief executive Paul Lwin. Under the memorandum of understanding, the companies will jointly develop the vessels, covering areas including mass production planning, installation, proposal development and technical work, following an earlier joint demonstration conducted from Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje shipyard.

미국 군사전문매체 Army Recognition
Turkish firm develops compact anti-jam system for drones

A Turkish technology company developed a compact anti-jam satellite navigation system designed to operate in contested signal environments, as electronic warfare and GPS jamming become more common in modern conflicts.

In a message shared with Defence Blog, Sena Yiğit, representing EDGE Microwave, said the company was established about 1.5 years ago and is focused on controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA) solutions for both defense and commercial users.

“We are a company established approximately 1.5 years ago, working on CRPA products that provide protection in signal-jamming environments for both defense and commercial sectors,” Yiğit wrote.

The company says it has begun sales of its HEDGE-8008 system in Türkiye and abroad and is receiving positive feedback from early users.

According to company materials, HEDGE-8008 is an eight-element anti-jam GNSS antenna designed to protect satellite navigation receivers from jamming and interference. The product processes incoming signals using adaptive beamforming algorithms to maintain navigation availability in difficult electromagnetic conditions.

EDGE Microwave says the system supports simultaneous multi-constellation GNSS reception across GPS L1, Galileo E1, and BeiDou B1 bands, with up to seven independent jammer suppression channels. Technical specifications listed by the company include nominal jammer suppression above 50 dB, J/S performance above 110 dB when paired with a GNSS receiver, and power consumption below 13 watts.

The company also emphasizes the physical characteristics of the system. HEDGE-8008 measures about 9 by 9 by 2.2 centimeters and weighs roughly 275 grams, placing it among the smallest CRPA solutions in its class, according to the product brief. EDGE Microwave says the unit complies with military environmental and electromagnetic compatibility standards, including MIL-STD-810H and MIL-STD-461F.

EDGE Microwave says the goal behind HEDGE-8008 was to make military-grade GNSS anti-jam capability available to platforms that previously could not support traditional CRPA systems due to size, weight, or cost constraints.

The company says the compact design allows integration on small UAVs, loitering munitions, marine platforms, autonomous vehicles, and fixed infrastructure.

EDGE Microwave also positions HEDGE-8008 as a dual-use product, noting potential applications in precision agriculture, autonomous driving, unmanned logistics, and telecommunications infrastructure, where GNSS disruption can have operational consequences.

유럽지역 방산전문매체 Defence Industry Europe
Indonesia plans to buy 16 KF-21 Block II fighter jets following new talks with South Korea.

Indonesia is examining a revised framework to revive its participation in the KF-21 fighter program, centered on the potential acquisition of 16 KF-21 Block II fighter jets, following high-level discussions in Jakarta on January 7, 2026.

On January 8, 2026, Janes revealed that Indonesia is examining a revised procurement plan to revive its participation in the South Korean KF-21 fighter program, centered on the potential acquisition of 16 KF-21 Block II fighter jets. The proposal was reviewed during closed discussions at Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence in Jakarta on January 7, 2026, involving Indonesian officials, Korea Aerospace Industries, and PT Dirgantara Indonesia.

With the KF-21 Block II, Indonesia would possess a variant more suited to its needs, as it will carry a broader spectrum of weapons beyond air-to-air missiles, including guided bombs, stand-off systems like MBDA’s Spear, and beyond-visual-range missiles such as Meteor. (Picture source: South Korean Air Force)

Ezoic
Indonesia is taking concrete steps to revive its long-stalled participation in the KF-21 fighter aircraft program by examining a revised framework centered on the acquisition of 16 KF-21 Block IIs following discussions in Jakarta on January 7, 2026. This purchase represents a recalibration of Indonesia’s earlier commitments, which had envisaged significantly larger numbers but became difficult to sustain due to repeated delays in cost-sharing payments. By narrowing the scope to a squadron-sized purchase, Jakarta appears to be prioritizing feasibility and near-term operability over scale. The renewed interest was reinforced symbolically by the display of a KF-21 model at Indo Defence 2025, signaling that Jakarta has not abandoned the program despite years of uncertainty.

Ezoic
The closed meeting was held on January 7, 2026, at Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence in Jakarta, where officials examined practical mechanisms to stabilize Indonesia’s position in the KF-21 program. The meeting was chaired by Indonesia’s Air Commodore Jon Ginting, head of Programme and Evaluation at the Defence Logistics Agency, and brought together representatives from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Indonesia’s state-owned aerospace manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia. Discussions focused on the expectation that South Korea would extend an export credit facility through the Export-Import Bank of Korea, creating a financial structure capable of supporting both Indonesia’s remaining program obligations and the acquisition of new fighter jets. While specific figures were not disclosed, the mechanism under discussion is intended to link financing support directly to deliverable outcomes.

These discussions followed a proposal raised earlier by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during a private exchange with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in October 2025. In Jakarta, officials examined the idea that part of a South Korean export credit facility could be allocated directly to fund 16 Block II airframes, a number described as corresponding to a full operational squadron under Indonesian Air Force nomenclature. The same discussions acknowledged that part of any export credit facility could be allocated specifically to fund these airframes. However, there was no clarification on the size of the credit line, repayment terms, or the division between legacy obligations and new procurement, leaving key financial parameters unresolved at this stage.

Uncertainty also remains over how this revised plan would affect earlier arrangements that envisaged Indonesia procuring up to 48 KF-21s and holding a larger stake in the overall program. No indication was provided as to whether those earlier commitments would be formally amended, replaced, or left dormant while a smaller acquisition proceeds. This ambiguity has practical implications for long-term fleet planning, pilot training pipelines, maintenance infrastructure, and the scale of industrial participation that PT Dirgantara Indonesia might ultimately secure. For now, the emphasis appears to be on restoring credibility and continuity by aligning ambition with financing capacity, rather than committing to quantities that could reintroduce strain.
Ezoic

The KF-21 Boramae program itself is structured around a phased block development concept designed to progressively expand the aircraft’s mission set. The KF-21 Block I is oriented primarily toward air superiority, while the Block II will bring a broader multirole capability, with the integration of air-to-ground and air-to-ship weapons. The KF-21 Block III could be seen at the moment as a future stealth-oriented version, incorporating an internal weapons bay and deeper reductions in radar signature. The initial prototype of the KF-21 conducted its first flight on July 19, 2022, followed by the start of the KF-21’s serial production in July 2024, while deliveries to the South Korean Air Force are scheduled to start in March 2026 under an initial order for 40 Block I aircraft, with additional Block II production planned to follow after the Block I configuration has matured.

The KF-21 Boramae, a twin-engine fighter with a maximum speed of approximately Mach 1.8 and a combat radius exceeding 1,000 km, is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400K turbofan engines, which are assembled locally in South Korea under license. The aircraft’s sensor suite is centered on a domestically developed active electronically scanned array radar, supported by an infrared search-and-track system and an integrated electronic warfare package. Armament integration for Block II is intended to include a broader range of air-to-ground and anti-ship weapons compared with the air-to-air focus of Block I, aligning with multirole operational requirements.

Beyond Block II, the program roadmap outlines a longer-term transition toward greater propulsion autonomy through an indigenous engine initiative. This effort, referred to as the Advanced Aviation Engine Development Project, is planned to run from 2027 to 2040 with funding cited at about $3.4 billion. The target performance includes around 16,000 lb of military thrust and approximately 24,000 lb with afterburner, exceeding the output of the F414 currently used. Under this plan, Block I and Block II aircraft would continue operating with the F414, while a future Block III configuration would be designed around the domestically developed engine. Block II readiness has been described as being targeted for early 2027, which aligns with Indonesia’s current focus on that variant as the most relevant option within a realistic procurement and financing timeline.

크키예 국영 통신사 Anadolu Ajansı
Hanwha and HavocAI partner to develop 200-foot autonomous surface vessels for U.S. defence forces

Hanwha Defense USA, Hanwha Systems Co and collaborative autonomy company HavocAI have formalised an agreement to jointly develop 200-foot autonomous surface vessels. The partnership brings together Hanwha’s global shipbuilding capability with HavocAI’s collaborative autonomy technology.

Hanwha is currently the only shipbuilder with an operational shipyard in the United States to enter a joint agreement with an autonomous vessels company, with Hanwha Philly Shipyard under consideration to build the vessels. HavocAI has recently closed an $85m funding round, confirmed sales of dozens of vessels to the US Department of War and demonstrated its technology in GPS-denied environments to Ukrainian officials.

“By forging a partnership between an allied defense company with advanced manufacturing scale in Hanwha with a software-first defense technology company in HavocAI, we will deliver state-of-the art ASVs at scale for American service members,” said Hanwha Defense USA chief executive Michael Coulter. “This agreement will not only deliver for the American warfighter but will create much-needed competition for the Department of War acquisition process.”

“The Department of War has sent a clear demand signal to the shipbuilding industry: we need more boats, faster, with more capabilities, for less money,” said HavocAI co-founder and chief executive Paul Lwin. Under the memorandum of understanding, the companies will jointly develop the vessels, covering areas including mass production planning, installation, proposal development and technical work, following an earlier joint demonstration conducted from Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje shipyard.

미국 군사전문매체 Army Recognition
Turkish firm develops compact anti-jam system for drones

A Turkish technology company developed a compact anti-jam satellite navigation system designed to operate in contested signal environments, as electronic warfare and GPS jamming become more common in modern conflicts.

In a message shared with Defence Blog, Sena Yiğit, representing EDGE Microwave, said the company was established about 1.5 years ago and is focused on controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA) solutions for both defense and commercial users.

“We are a company established approximately 1.5 years ago, working on CRPA products that provide protection in signal-jamming environments for both defense and commercial sectors,” Yiğit wrote.

The company says it has begun sales of its HEDGE-8008 system in Türkiye and abroad and is receiving positive feedback from early users.

According to company materials, HEDGE-8008 is an eight-element anti-jam GNSS antenna designed to protect satellite navigation receivers from jamming and interference. The product processes incoming signals using adaptive beamforming algorithms to maintain navigation availability in difficult electromagnetic conditions.

EDGE Microwave says the system supports simultaneous multi-constellation GNSS reception across GPS L1, Galileo E1, and BeiDou B1 bands, with up to seven independent jammer suppression channels. Technical specifications listed by the company include nominal jammer suppression above 50 dB, J/S performance above 110 dB when paired with a GNSS receiver, and power consumption below 13 watts.

The company also emphasizes the physical characteristics of the system. HEDGE-8008 measures about 9 by 9 by 2.2 centimeters and weighs roughly 275 grams, placing it among the smallest CRPA solutions in its class, according to the product brief. EDGE Microwave says the unit complies with military environmental and electromagnetic compatibility standards, including MIL-STD-810H and MIL-STD-461F.

EDGE Microwave says the goal behind HEDGE-8008 was to make military-grade GNSS anti-jam capability available to platforms that previously could not support traditional CRPA systems due to size, weight, or cost constraints.

The company says the compact design allows integration on small UAVs, loitering munitions, marine platforms, autonomous vehicles, and fixed infrastructure.

EDGE Microwave also positions HEDGE-8008 as a dual-use product, noting potential applications in precision agriculture, autonomous driving, unmanned logistics, and telecommunications infrastructure, where GNSS disruption can have operational consequences.

유럽지역 방산전문매체 Defence Industry Europe
Indonesia plans to buy 16 KF-21 Block II fighter jets following new talks with South Korea.

Indonesia is examining a revised framework to revive its participation in the KF-21 fighter program, centered on the potential acquisition of 16 KF-21 Block II fighter jets, following high-level discussions in Jakarta on January 7, 2026.

On January 8, 2026, Janes revealed that Indonesia is examining a revised procurement plan to revive its participation in the South Korean KF-21 fighter program, centered on the potential acquisition of 16 KF-21 Block II fighter jets. The proposal was reviewed during closed discussions at Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence in Jakarta on January 7, 2026, involving Indonesian officials, Korea Aerospace Industries, and PT Dirgantara Indonesia.

With the KF-21 Block II, Indonesia would possess a variant more suited to its needs, as it will carry a broader spectrum of weapons beyond air-to-air missiles, including guided bombs, stand-off systems like MBDA’s Spear, and beyond-visual-range missiles such as Meteor. (Picture source: South Korean Air Force)

Ezoic
Indonesia is taking concrete steps to revive its long-stalled participation in the KF-21 fighter aircraft program by examining a revised framework centered on the acquisition of 16 KF-21 Block IIs following discussions in Jakarta on January 7, 2026. This purchase represents a recalibration of Indonesia’s earlier commitments, which had envisaged significantly larger numbers but became difficult to sustain due to repeated delays in cost-sharing payments. By narrowing the scope to a squadron-sized purchase, Jakarta appears to be prioritizing feasibility and near-term operability over scale. The renewed interest was reinforced symbolically by the display of a KF-21 model at Indo Defence 2025, signaling that Jakarta has not abandoned the program despite years of uncertainty.

Ezoic
The closed meeting was held on January 7, 2026, at Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence in Jakarta, where officials examined practical mechanisms to stabilize Indonesia’s position in the KF-21 program. The meeting was chaired by Indonesia’s Air Commodore Jon Ginting, head of Programme and Evaluation at the Defence Logistics Agency, and brought together representatives from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Indonesia’s state-owned aerospace manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia. Discussions focused on the expectation that South Korea would extend an export credit facility through the Export-Import Bank of Korea, creating a financial structure capable of supporting both Indonesia’s remaining program obligations and the acquisition of new fighter jets. While specific figures were not disclosed, the mechanism under discussion is intended to link financing support directly to deliverable outcomes.

These discussions followed a proposal raised earlier by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during a private exchange with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in October 2025. In Jakarta, officials examined the idea that part of a South Korean export credit facility could be allocated directly to fund 16 Block II airframes, a number described as corresponding to a full operational squadron under Indonesian Air Force nomenclature. The same discussions acknowledged that part of any export credit facility could be allocated specifically to fund these airframes. However, there was no clarification on the size of the credit line, repayment terms, or the division between legacy obligations and new procurement, leaving key financial parameters unresolved at this stage.

Uncertainty also remains over how this revised plan would affect earlier arrangements that envisaged Indonesia procuring up to 48 KF-21s and holding a larger stake in the overall program. No indication was provided as to whether those earlier commitments would be formally amended, replaced, or left dormant while a smaller acquisition proceeds. This ambiguity has practical implications for long-term fleet planning, pilot training pipelines, maintenance infrastructure, and the scale of industrial participation that PT Dirgantara Indonesia might ultimately secure. For now, the emphasis appears to be on restoring credibility and continuity by aligning ambition with financing capacity, rather than committing to quantities that could reintroduce strain.
Ezoic

The KF-21 Boramae program itself is structured around a phased block development concept designed to progressively expand the aircraft’s mission set. The KF-21 Block I is oriented primarily toward air superiority, while the Block II will bring a broader multirole capability, with the integration of air-to-ground and air-to-ship weapons. The KF-21 Block III could be seen at the moment as a future stealth-oriented version, incorporating an internal weapons bay and deeper reductions in radar signature. The initial prototype of the KF-21 conducted its first flight on July 19, 2022, followed by the start of the KF-21’s serial production in July 2024, while deliveries to the South Korean Air Force are scheduled to start in March 2026 under an initial order for 40 Block I aircraft, with additional Block II production planned to follow after the Block I configuration has matured.

The KF-21 Boramae, a twin-engine fighter with a maximum speed of approximately Mach 1.8 and a combat radius exceeding 1,000 km, is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400K turbofan engines, which are assembled locally in South Korea under license. The aircraft’s sensor suite is centered on a domestically developed active electronically scanned array radar, supported by an infrared search-and-track system and an integrated electronic warfare package. Armament integration for Block II is intended to include a broader range of air-to-ground and anti-ship weapons compared with the air-to-air focus of Block I, aligning with multirole operational requirements.

Beyond Block II, the program roadmap outlines a longer-term transition toward greater propulsion autonomy through an indigenous engine initiative. This effort, referred to as the Advanced Aviation Engine Development Project, is planned to run from 2027 to 2040 with funding cited at about $3.4 billion. The target performance includes around 16,000 lb of military thrust and approximately 24,000 lb with afterburner, exceeding the output of the F414 currently used. Under this plan, Block I and Block II aircraft would continue operating with the F414, while a future Block III configuration would be designed around the domestically developed engine. Block II readiness has been described as being targeted for early 2027, which aligns with Indonesia’s current focus on that variant as the most relevant option within a realistic procurement and financing timeline.

크키예 국영 통신사 Anadolu Ajansı
Hanwha and HavocAI partner to develop 200-foot autonomous surface vessels for U.S. defence forces

Hanwha Defense USA, Hanwha Systems Co and collaborative autonomy company HavocAI have formalised an agreement to jointly develop 200-foot autonomous surface vessels. The partnership brings together Hanwha’s global shipbuilding capability with HavocAI’s collaborative autonomy technology.

Hanwha is currently the only shipbuilder with an operational shipyard in the United States to enter a joint agreement with an autonomous vessels company, with Hanwha Philly Shipyard under consideration to build the vessels. HavocAI has recently closed an $85m funding round, confirmed sales of dozens of vessels to the US Department of War and demonstrated its technology in GPS-denied environments to Ukrainian officials.

“By forging a partnership between an allied defense company with advanced manufacturing scale in Hanwha with a software-first defense technology company in HavocAI, we will deliver state-of-the art ASVs at scale for American service members,” said Hanwha Defense USA chief executive Michael Coulter. “This agreement will not only deliver for the American warfighter but will create much-needed competition for the Department of War acquisition process.”

“The Department of War has sent a clear demand signal to the shipbuilding industry: we need more boats, faster, with more capabilities, for less money,” said HavocAI co-founder and chief executive Paul Lwin. Under the memorandum of understanding, the companies will jointly develop the vessels, covering areas including mass production planning, installation, proposal development and technical work, following an earlier joint demonstration conducted from Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje shipyard.

미국 헌팅턴잉걸스(HII) 발표자료
Türkiye says defense industry cooperation with Japan has potential to reach ‘strategic level’

Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said defense industry cooperation between Türkiye and Japan has the potential to reach a “strategic level,” citing the possible alignment of Japan’s advanced technology with Türkiye’s production capacity and operational experience.

“The combination of Japan’s advanced technological expertise with Türkiye’s flexible production capacity and international operational experience holds significant potential to elevate defense industry cooperation to a strategic level,” Guler told Japan’s Kyodo news agency.

Guler emphasized that the Turkish-made drones that Japan is considering procuring offer long-duration flight, uninterrupted surveillance capabilities, and therefore are cost-effective.

The minister described Turkish UAVs as “reliable and flexible systems” developed in line with the experience gained under operational conditions.

As a potential model under Japan’s evaluation, he cited ANKA, produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS).

Guler also said Baykar’s Bayraktar TB2 drones and their follow-on model, the Bayraktar TB3, “could contribute to Japan’s defense capabilities,” adding that after Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen’s visit to Ankara, the two countries have continued constructive talks on maritime security, unmanned systems, training, and air defense technologies.

He noted a delegation from the Turkish Defense Ministry is expected to visit Japan in March to discuss the defense industry and a framework agreement.

Regional issues

Asked about an international stabilization force for Gaza, Guler said a self-sustaining force has been prepared and training has begun, adding that Türkiye is willing to deploy its troops to Gaza.

Ankara’s only goal in sending troops to a future peacekeeping force would be to support humanitarian assistance and help end the fighting, adding that such a deployment “would not pose a threat to Israel,” he added.

Guler also underlined that the PKK terror group continues to operate in Syria, Iraq and Iran, and that the threat “will persist until all weapons are surrendered.”

Guler, responding to a question about the March 10, 2025, agreement on integrating SDF units and elements into Syrian government structures, said the integration process should be completed as soon as possible.

미국 군사전문매체 Defence Blog
HII Hosts Secretary of The Navy and Top Naval Leaders at Ingalls Shipbuilding

PASCAGOULA, Miss., Jan. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) hosted John Phelan, secretary of the Navy, along with Adm. Daryl Caudle, chief of naval operations, and Gen. Eric Smith, commandant of the Marine Corps, at its Ingalls Shipbuilding division Wednesday. The senior leaders toured the shipyard, gained insights into HII’s workforce initiatives and discussed Ingalls’ role in delivering the U.S. Navy’s “Golden Fleet” of advanced surface combatants.

“Ingalls Shipbuilding represents the ingenuity and commitment required to meet the Navy’s current and future needs. The shipbuilders I met today are on the front lines of American strength — men and women whose hard work protects our national security, underwrites our liberty, and sustains the way of life we are sworn to defend. There is no maritime dominance without their skill, innovation, and relentless commitment to excellence,” said John C. Phelan, 79th secretary of the Navy.

“We want to thank Secretary Phelan and Department of Navy leadership for visiting with our shipbuilders who are proud to support America’s efforts to maintain maritime supremacy,” said Chris Kastner, HII’s president and CEO. “Across our shipyards we recognize the U.S. Navy’s urgent need for ships. HII has worked diligently in partnership with our customer to expand our capacity to deliver on this increased and urgent demand, by investing in our yards, establishing partnerships, increasing our hiring retention, and increasing shipbuilder proficiency to support performance.”

Ingalls Shipbuilding is actively supporting early engineering and design discussions for the Navy’s next battleship, which is part of the broader “Golden Fleet” effort to modernize and leverage state-of-the-art capabilities. Concurrently, Ingalls Shipbuilding was selected to design and construct the Navy’s future small surface combatant (SSC) platform, leveraging the proven design of the Legend-class national security cutter.

The decisive combat power our Navy needs doesn’t start at sea — it starts right here, on the deck plates, with the welders, engineers, planners, and tradesmen who show up every day to build America’s Navy,” Caudle said. “What shipbuilders do matters and our Sailors depend on it. We’re working with shipyard leaders and industry partners to bring the President’s vision for our Golden Fleet to life and what it will take to make that vision real.”

During the visit, Phelan, Caudle and Smith met with HII and Ingalls leadership to discuss current shipbuilding programs and observed the advanced manufacturing technologies that are being utilized in the shipyard to increase shipbuilding throughput. The leaders also spent time aboard America-class amphibious assault ship Bougainville (LHA 8), currently under construction, and the recently delivered Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128).

The Navy and Marine Corps visit highlighted HII’s commitment to aligning its engineering expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and workforce proficiency with the Navy’s long-term operational needs.

“The work being done here is vital to our national interest,” Smith said. “These workers should be proud to know they are directly contributing to America’s Naval Expeditionary Force. These ships will project American power across the globe, with Marines aboard ready to respond to any crisis or conflict.”

HII has invested more than $1 billion in infrastructure, facilities, and advanced toolsets at Ingalls Shipbuilding to prepare for the delivery of next-generation capabilities. These investments have enhanced every facet of production, ensuring the shipyard is ready to meet the demands of upcoming programs such as the battleship class and SSC, while continuing to deliver destroyers and amphibious assault ships.

About HII

HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HII’s mission is to deliver the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.

미국 해사전문매체 gCaptain
U.S. makes combat debut of kamikaze-style drones

U.S. forces used one-way attack drones during strikes on Caracas on January 3 as part of Operation “Absolute Resolve,” marking the first confirmed large-scale combat employment of kamikaze-style drones by the United States, according to sources and newly published visual evidence from Venezuela.

Local residents in Caracas released videos recorded during the strikes that captured the distinct engine sound of incoming aerial systems moments before impact. The audio closely resembles the characteristic sound associated with Shahed-136-type loitering munitions, supporting reports that U.S. forces employed LUCAS loitering attack drones during the operation.

Sources in Venezuela had reported as early as January 3 that U.S. forces were using one-way attack drones against selected targets in Caracas. The newly surfaced footage provides confirmation of those claims, aligning with descriptions of drone flight profiles and acoustic signatures heard during the strikes.

The drones identified are described as “Shahed-like” loitering munitions, a reference to the Russian designation for Shahed-derived systems, though in this case the platform used was the U.S.-developed LUCAS one-way attack drone. The strikes took place during the opening phase of Operation “Absolute Resolve,” the U.S. operation that also involved air and helicopter forces.

LUCAS is a low-cost, propeller-driven loitering munition designed for one-way strike missions against fixed and semi-fixed targets. The system is launched toward a target area, loiters until receiving final guidance, and then conducts a terminal dive onto the objective. Its acoustic signature, produced by a small internal combustion engine, is similar to other propeller-driven loitering munitions already seen in other conflicts.

The use of LUCAS drones during the Caracas strikes represents a shift in U.S. combat employment of unmanned systems. While the United States has extensively used armed unmanned aerial vehicles such as MQ-9 Reapers, those platforms are reusable strike aircraft rather than expendable loitering munitions. The January 3 operation marks the first confirmed instance in which the U.S. military employed kamikaze-style drones at scale in real combat conditions.

Operation “Absolute Resolve” involved a broad mix of air assets, including fighter aircraft, bombers, electronic warfare platforms, and unmanned systems. U.S. officials previously acknowledged the scope of the operation but did not publicly detail the specific role of loitering munitions at the time of execution.

The appearance of drone engine audio similar to Shahed-type systems underscores how loitering munitions have become a standard element of modern strike packages. These systems allow forces to engage targets with reduced risk to aircrews and at lower cost compared with traditional air-delivered munitions.

No official statement has been released detailing the number of drones used or the specific targets struck by the LUCAS systems during the Caracas operation.

영국 해사 일간지 Naval News
Labor Department Invests $13.8M to Help Rebuild America’s Shipbuilding Workforce

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded nearly $14 million to two maritime institutions to help train the next generation of American shipbuilders, a move officials say is central to the Trump administration’s push to rebuild the nation’s shipbuilding base.

Delaware County Community College will receive $8 million, while Massachusetts Maritime Academy will be awarded $5.8 million to develop hands-on training programs in partnership with U.S. shipyards and international allies. The initiatives will focus on specialized shipbuilding trades, expand registered apprenticeship opportunities nationwide, and support new production techniques such as modular construction and icebreaker design.

“Restoring America’s maritime dominance can’t be accomplished without skilled American workers,” Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said. “These projects will help train our next generation of shipbuilders and ensure critical skills are developed here at home.”

The funding supports the administration’s goal of reaching 1 million registered apprenticeships nationwide and comes as U.S. shipbuilding continues to lag global competitors. The United States currently produces less than one percent of the world’s commercial ships, compared with more than half built in China.

The grants align with President Trump’s April 2025 executive order, Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance, which elevated shipbuilding to a national security priority and launched the development of a Maritime Action Plan to help accelerate workforce development. The Maritime Action Plan, which was due November 5, 2025, has not yet been released.

Delaware County Community College, a federally designated Maritime Center of Excellence, and Massachusetts Maritime Academy, founded in 1891, will each develop internationally recognized curricula aimed at preparing workers for careers in shipbuilding, defense, and maritime energy sectors.

The investment also dovetails with growing cooperation among the U.S., Canada, and Finland on Arctic and polar shipbuilding under the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE) Pact. That partnership is already shaping the Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutter program, under which Rauma Marine Constructions in Finland is expected to build up to two cutters starting in 2028, while Bollinger Shipyards will construct up to four vessels in Louisiana beginning in 2029.

With billions of dollars committed to new icebreakers and polar vessels, the Labor Department says the workforce initiative is designed to ensure the skilled labor force is in place to support the administration’s broader maritime revival agenda.

영국 해사 일간지 Naval News
Magnet Defense Acquires Metal Shark to Accelerate Autonomous Maritime Capabilities and U.S. Shipbuilding Capacity

Magnet Defense, a developer of fully autonomous national security maritime platforms for fleet operations and missile defense missions, announced that it has officially completed its acquisition of Metal Shark, a leading designer and shipbuilder of highly-capable maritime platforms for defense and law enforcement missions.

Magnet Defense press release

The combination of Magnet Defense and Metal Shark offers U.S. and allied militaries a leading supplier of AI-enabled unmanned surface vessels (USVs). Metal Shark’s shipyards are the hubs from which Magnet Defense will deliver critical capabilities for the U.S. Golden Fleet initiative.

The acquisition represents a critical step in Magnet Defense’s strategy to pair advanced robotics and AI-enabled software-defined systems with domestic industrial-scale production. By integrating Metal Shark’s established shipbuilding operations, workforce, and facilities, Magnet Defense moves from prototype development to sustained delivery of autonomous maritime platforms at speed and scale.

Global maritime security demands are increasing rapidly, while U.S. shipbuilding capacity has lagged behind its peer competitors. Magnet Defense addresses this gap by combining artificial intelligence, modular vessel design, and modern manufacturing approaches to rebuild domestic maritime capability and deliver next-generation platforms faster and more efficiently.

Metal Shark brings more than 20 years of experience designing and constructing mission-specific vessels, with over 2,000 vessels delivered to customers worldwide, including over 500 vessels for the U.S. Navy, 600 vessels for the U.S. Coast Guard, and hundreds more for allied nation military forces around the globe.

The company’s two Louisiana manufacturing facilities encompass more than 125,000 square feet of manufacturing space across 40 acres and are supported by a seasoned workforce and a strong engineering organization. These assets provide Magnet Defense with immediate production depth and execution capacity.

– End –

미국 헌팅턴잉걸스(HII) 발표자료
Türkiye says defense industry cooperation with Japan has potential to reach ‘strategic level’

Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said defense industry cooperation between Türkiye and Japan has the potential to reach a “strategic level,” citing the possible alignment of Japan’s advanced technology with Türkiye’s production capacity and operational experience.

“The combination of Japan’s advanced technological expertise with Türkiye’s flexible production capacity and international operational experience holds significant potential to elevate defense industry cooperation to a strategic level,” Guler told Japan’s Kyodo news agency.

Guler emphasized that the Turkish-made drones that Japan is considering procuring offer long-duration flight, uninterrupted surveillance capabilities, and therefore are cost-effective.

The minister described Turkish UAVs as “reliable and flexible systems” developed in line with the experience gained under operational conditions.

As a potential model under Japan’s evaluation, he cited ANKA, produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS).

Guler also said Baykar’s Bayraktar TB2 drones and their follow-on model, the Bayraktar TB3, “could contribute to Japan’s defense capabilities,” adding that after Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen’s visit to Ankara, the two countries have continued constructive talks on maritime security, unmanned systems, training, and air defense technologies.

He noted a delegation from the Turkish Defense Ministry is expected to visit Japan in March to discuss the defense industry and a framework agreement.

Regional issues

Asked about an international stabilization force for Gaza, Guler said a self-sustaining force has been prepared and training has begun, adding that Türkiye is willing to deploy its troops to Gaza.

Ankara’s only goal in sending troops to a future peacekeeping force would be to support humanitarian assistance and help end the fighting, adding that such a deployment “would not pose a threat to Israel,” he added.

Guler also underlined that the PKK terror group continues to operate in Syria, Iraq and Iran, and that the threat “will persist until all weapons are surrendered.”

Guler, responding to a question about the March 10, 2025, agreement on integrating SDF units and elements into Syrian government structures, said the integration process should be completed as soon as possible.

미국 군사전문매체 Defence Blog
HII Hosts Secretary of The Navy and Top Naval Leaders at Ingalls Shipbuilding

PASCAGOULA, Miss., Jan. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) hosted John Phelan, secretary of the Navy, along with Adm. Daryl Caudle, chief of naval operations, and Gen. Eric Smith, commandant of the Marine Corps, at its Ingalls Shipbuilding division Wednesday. The senior leaders toured the shipyard, gained insights into HII’s workforce initiatives and discussed Ingalls’ role in delivering the U.S. Navy’s “Golden Fleet” of advanced surface combatants.

“Ingalls Shipbuilding represents the ingenuity and commitment required to meet the Navy’s current and future needs. The shipbuilders I met today are on the front lines of American strength — men and women whose hard work protects our national security, underwrites our liberty, and sustains the way of life we are sworn to defend. There is no maritime dominance without their skill, innovation, and relentless commitment to excellence,” said John C. Phelan, 79th secretary of the Navy.

“We want to thank Secretary Phelan and Department of Navy leadership for visiting with our shipbuilders who are proud to support America’s efforts to maintain maritime supremacy,” said Chris Kastner, HII’s president and CEO. “Across our shipyards we recognize the U.S. Navy’s urgent need for ships. HII has worked diligently in partnership with our customer to expand our capacity to deliver on this increased and urgent demand, by investing in our yards, establishing partnerships, increasing our hiring retention, and increasing shipbuilder proficiency to support performance.”

Ingalls Shipbuilding is actively supporting early engineering and design discussions for the Navy’s next battleship, which is part of the broader “Golden Fleet” effort to modernize and leverage state-of-the-art capabilities. Concurrently, Ingalls Shipbuilding was selected to design and construct the Navy’s future small surface combatant (SSC) platform, leveraging the proven design of the Legend-class national security cutter.

The decisive combat power our Navy needs doesn’t start at sea — it starts right here, on the deck plates, with the welders, engineers, planners, and tradesmen who show up every day to build America’s Navy,” Caudle said. “What shipbuilders do matters and our Sailors depend on it. We’re working with shipyard leaders and industry partners to bring the President’s vision for our Golden Fleet to life and what it will take to make that vision real.”

During the visit, Phelan, Caudle and Smith met with HII and Ingalls leadership to discuss current shipbuilding programs and observed the advanced manufacturing technologies that are being utilized in the shipyard to increase shipbuilding throughput. The leaders also spent time aboard America-class amphibious assault ship Bougainville (LHA 8), currently under construction, and the recently delivered Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128).

The Navy and Marine Corps visit highlighted HII’s commitment to aligning its engineering expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and workforce proficiency with the Navy’s long-term operational needs.

“The work being done here is vital to our national interest,” Smith said. “These workers should be proud to know they are directly contributing to America’s Naval Expeditionary Force. These ships will project American power across the globe, with Marines aboard ready to respond to any crisis or conflict.”

HII has invested more than $1 billion in infrastructure, facilities, and advanced toolsets at Ingalls Shipbuilding to prepare for the delivery of next-generation capabilities. These investments have enhanced every facet of production, ensuring the shipyard is ready to meet the demands of upcoming programs such as the battleship class and SSC, while continuing to deliver destroyers and amphibious assault ships.

About HII

HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HII’s mission is to deliver the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.

미국 해사전문매체 gCaptain
U.S. makes combat debut of kamikaze-style drones

U.S. forces used one-way attack drones during strikes on Caracas on January 3 as part of Operation “Absolute Resolve,” marking the first confirmed large-scale combat employment of kamikaze-style drones by the United States, according to sources and newly published visual evidence from Venezuela.

Local residents in Caracas released videos recorded during the strikes that captured the distinct engine sound of incoming aerial systems moments before impact. The audio closely resembles the characteristic sound associated with Shahed-136-type loitering munitions, supporting reports that U.S. forces employed LUCAS loitering attack drones during the operation.

Sources in Venezuela had reported as early as January 3 that U.S. forces were using one-way attack drones against selected targets in Caracas. The newly surfaced footage provides confirmation of those claims, aligning with descriptions of drone flight profiles and acoustic signatures heard during the strikes.

The drones identified are described as “Shahed-like” loitering munitions, a reference to the Russian designation for Shahed-derived systems, though in this case the platform used was the U.S.-developed LUCAS one-way attack drone. The strikes took place during the opening phase of Operation “Absolute Resolve,” the U.S. operation that also involved air and helicopter forces.

LUCAS is a low-cost, propeller-driven loitering munition designed for one-way strike missions against fixed and semi-fixed targets. The system is launched toward a target area, loiters until receiving final guidance, and then conducts a terminal dive onto the objective. Its acoustic signature, produced by a small internal combustion engine, is similar to other propeller-driven loitering munitions already seen in other conflicts.

The use of LUCAS drones during the Caracas strikes represents a shift in U.S. combat employment of unmanned systems. While the United States has extensively used armed unmanned aerial vehicles such as MQ-9 Reapers, those platforms are reusable strike aircraft rather than expendable loitering munitions. The January 3 operation marks the first confirmed instance in which the U.S. military employed kamikaze-style drones at scale in real combat conditions.

Operation “Absolute Resolve” involved a broad mix of air assets, including fighter aircraft, bombers, electronic warfare platforms, and unmanned systems. U.S. officials previously acknowledged the scope of the operation but did not publicly detail the specific role of loitering munitions at the time of execution.

The appearance of drone engine audio similar to Shahed-type systems underscores how loitering munitions have become a standard element of modern strike packages. These systems allow forces to engage targets with reduced risk to aircrews and at lower cost compared with traditional air-delivered munitions.

No official statement has been released detailing the number of drones used or the specific targets struck by the LUCAS systems during the Caracas operation.

영국 해사 일간지 Naval News
Labor Department Invests $13.8M to Help Rebuild America’s Shipbuilding Workforce

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded nearly $14 million to two maritime institutions to help train the next generation of American shipbuilders, a move officials say is central to the Trump administration’s push to rebuild the nation’s shipbuilding base.

Delaware County Community College will receive $8 million, while Massachusetts Maritime Academy will be awarded $5.8 million to develop hands-on training programs in partnership with U.S. shipyards and international allies. The initiatives will focus on specialized shipbuilding trades, expand registered apprenticeship opportunities nationwide, and support new production techniques such as modular construction and icebreaker design.

“Restoring America’s maritime dominance can’t be accomplished without skilled American workers,” Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said. “These projects will help train our next generation of shipbuilders and ensure critical skills are developed here at home.”

The funding supports the administration’s goal of reaching 1 million registered apprenticeships nationwide and comes as U.S. shipbuilding continues to lag global competitors. The United States currently produces less than one percent of the world’s commercial ships, compared with more than half built in China.

The grants align with President Trump’s April 2025 executive order, Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance, which elevated shipbuilding to a national security priority and launched the development of a Maritime Action Plan to help accelerate workforce development. The Maritime Action Plan, which was due November 5, 2025, has not yet been released.

Delaware County Community College, a federally designated Maritime Center of Excellence, and Massachusetts Maritime Academy, founded in 1891, will each develop internationally recognized curricula aimed at preparing workers for careers in shipbuilding, defense, and maritime energy sectors.

The investment also dovetails with growing cooperation among the U.S., Canada, and Finland on Arctic and polar shipbuilding under the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE) Pact. That partnership is already shaping the Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutter program, under which Rauma Marine Constructions in Finland is expected to build up to two cutters starting in 2028, while Bollinger Shipyards will construct up to four vessels in Louisiana beginning in 2029.

With billions of dollars committed to new icebreakers and polar vessels, the Labor Department says the workforce initiative is designed to ensure the skilled labor force is in place to support the administration’s broader maritime revival agenda.

영국 해사 일간지 Naval News
Magnet Defense Acquires Metal Shark to Accelerate Autonomous Maritime Capabilities and U.S. Shipbuilding Capacity

Magnet Defense, a developer of fully autonomous national security maritime platforms for fleet operations and missile defense missions, announced that it has officially completed its acquisition of Metal Shark, a leading designer and shipbuilder of highly-capable maritime platforms for defense and law enforcement missions.

Magnet Defense press release

The combination of Magnet Defense and Metal Shark offers U.S. and allied militaries a leading supplier of AI-enabled unmanned surface vessels (USVs). Metal Shark’s shipyards are the hubs from which Magnet Defense will deliver critical capabilities for the U.S. Golden Fleet initiative.

The acquisition represents a critical step in Magnet Defense’s strategy to pair advanced robotics and AI-enabled software-defined systems with domestic industrial-scale production. By integrating Metal Shark’s established shipbuilding operations, workforce, and facilities, Magnet Defense moves from prototype development to sustained delivery of autonomous maritime platforms at speed and scale.

Global maritime security demands are increasing rapidly, while U.S. shipbuilding capacity has lagged behind its peer competitors. Magnet Defense addresses this gap by combining artificial intelligence, modular vessel design, and modern manufacturing approaches to rebuild domestic maritime capability and deliver next-generation platforms faster and more efficiently.

Metal Shark brings more than 20 years of experience designing and constructing mission-specific vessels, with over 2,000 vessels delivered to customers worldwide, including over 500 vessels for the U.S. Navy, 600 vessels for the U.S. Coast Guard, and hundreds more for allied nation military forces around the globe.

The company’s two Louisiana manufacturing facilities encompass more than 125,000 square feet of manufacturing space across 40 acres and are supported by a seasoned workforce and a strong engineering organization. These assets provide Magnet Defense with immediate production depth and execution capacity.

– End –

미국 헌팅턴잉걸스(HII) 발표자료
Türkiye says defense industry cooperation with Japan has potential to reach ‘strategic level’

Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said defense industry cooperation between Türkiye and Japan has the potential to reach a “strategic level,” citing the possible alignment of Japan’s advanced technology with Türkiye’s production capacity and operational experience.

“The combination of Japan’s advanced technological expertise with Türkiye’s flexible production capacity and international operational experience holds significant potential to elevate defense industry cooperation to a strategic level,” Guler told Japan’s Kyodo news agency.

Guler emphasized that the Turkish-made drones that Japan is considering procuring offer long-duration flight, uninterrupted surveillance capabilities, and therefore are cost-effective.

The minister described Turkish UAVs as “reliable and flexible systems” developed in line with the experience gained under operational conditions.

As a potential model under Japan’s evaluation, he cited ANKA, produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS).

Guler also said Baykar’s Bayraktar TB2 drones and their follow-on model, the Bayraktar TB3, “could contribute to Japan’s defense capabilities,” adding that after Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen’s visit to Ankara, the two countries have continued constructive talks on maritime security, unmanned systems, training, and air defense technologies.

He noted a delegation from the Turkish Defense Ministry is expected to visit Japan in March to discuss the defense industry and a framework agreement.

Regional issues

Asked about an international stabilization force for Gaza, Guler said a self-sustaining force has been prepared and training has begun, adding that Türkiye is willing to deploy its troops to Gaza.

Ankara’s only goal in sending troops to a future peacekeeping force would be to support humanitarian assistance and help end the fighting, adding that such a deployment “would not pose a threat to Israel,” he added.

Guler also underlined that the PKK terror group continues to operate in Syria, Iraq and Iran, and that the threat “will persist until all weapons are surrendered.”

Guler, responding to a question about the March 10, 2025, agreement on integrating SDF units and elements into Syrian government structures, said the integration process should be completed as soon as possible.

미국 군사전문매체 Defence Blog
HII Hosts Secretary of The Navy and Top Naval Leaders at Ingalls Shipbuilding

PASCAGOULA, Miss., Jan. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) hosted John Phelan, secretary of the Navy, along with Adm. Daryl Caudle, chief of naval operations, and Gen. Eric Smith, commandant of the Marine Corps, at its Ingalls Shipbuilding division Wednesday. The senior leaders toured the shipyard, gained insights into HII’s workforce initiatives and discussed Ingalls’ role in delivering the U.S. Navy’s “Golden Fleet” of advanced surface combatants.

“Ingalls Shipbuilding represents the ingenuity and commitment required to meet the Navy’s current and future needs. The shipbuilders I met today are on the front lines of American strength — men and women whose hard work protects our national security, underwrites our liberty, and sustains the way of life we are sworn to defend. There is no maritime dominance without their skill, innovation, and relentless commitment to excellence,” said John C. Phelan, 79th secretary of the Navy.

“We want to thank Secretary Phelan and Department of Navy leadership for visiting with our shipbuilders who are proud to support America’s efforts to maintain maritime supremacy,” said Chris Kastner, HII’s president and CEO. “Across our shipyards we recognize the U.S. Navy’s urgent need for ships. HII has worked diligently in partnership with our customer to expand our capacity to deliver on this increased and urgent demand, by investing in our yards, establishing partnerships, increasing our hiring retention, and increasing shipbuilder proficiency to support performance.”

Ingalls Shipbuilding is actively supporting early engineering and design discussions for the Navy’s next battleship, which is part of the broader “Golden Fleet” effort to modernize and leverage state-of-the-art capabilities. Concurrently, Ingalls Shipbuilding was selected to design and construct the Navy’s future small surface combatant (SSC) platform, leveraging the proven design of the Legend-class national security cutter.

The decisive combat power our Navy needs doesn’t start at sea — it starts right here, on the deck plates, with the welders, engineers, planners, and tradesmen who show up every day to build America’s Navy,” Caudle said. “What shipbuilders do matters and our Sailors depend on it. We’re working with shipyard leaders and industry partners to bring the President’s vision for our Golden Fleet to life and what it will take to make that vision real.”

During the visit, Phelan, Caudle and Smith met with HII and Ingalls leadership to discuss current shipbuilding programs and observed the advanced manufacturing technologies that are being utilized in the shipyard to increase shipbuilding throughput. The leaders also spent time aboard America-class amphibious assault ship Bougainville (LHA 8), currently under construction, and the recently delivered Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128).

The Navy and Marine Corps visit highlighted HII’s commitment to aligning its engineering expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and workforce proficiency with the Navy’s long-term operational needs.

“The work being done here is vital to our national interest,” Smith said. “These workers should be proud to know they are directly contributing to America’s Naval Expeditionary Force. These ships will project American power across the globe, with Marines aboard ready to respond to any crisis or conflict.”

HII has invested more than $1 billion in infrastructure, facilities, and advanced toolsets at Ingalls Shipbuilding to prepare for the delivery of next-generation capabilities. These investments have enhanced every facet of production, ensuring the shipyard is ready to meet the demands of upcoming programs such as the battleship class and SSC, while continuing to deliver destroyers and amphibious assault ships.

About HII

HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HII’s mission is to deliver the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.

미국 해사전문매체 gCaptain
U.S. makes combat debut of kamikaze-style drones

U.S. forces used one-way attack drones during strikes on Caracas on January 3 as part of Operation “Absolute Resolve,” marking the first confirmed large-scale combat employment of kamikaze-style drones by the United States, according to sources and newly published visual evidence from Venezuela.

Local residents in Caracas released videos recorded during the strikes that captured the distinct engine sound of incoming aerial systems moments before impact. The audio closely resembles the characteristic sound associated with Shahed-136-type loitering munitions, supporting reports that U.S. forces employed LUCAS loitering attack drones during the operation.

Sources in Venezuela had reported as early as January 3 that U.S. forces were using one-way attack drones against selected targets in Caracas. The newly surfaced footage provides confirmation of those claims, aligning with descriptions of drone flight profiles and acoustic signatures heard during the strikes.

The drones identified are described as “Shahed-like” loitering munitions, a reference to the Russian designation for Shahed-derived systems, though in this case the platform used was the U.S.-developed LUCAS one-way attack drone. The strikes took place during the opening phase of Operation “Absolute Resolve,” the U.S. operation that also involved air and helicopter forces.

LUCAS is a low-cost, propeller-driven loitering munition designed for one-way strike missions against fixed and semi-fixed targets. The system is launched toward a target area, loiters until receiving final guidance, and then conducts a terminal dive onto the objective. Its acoustic signature, produced by a small internal combustion engine, is similar to other propeller-driven loitering munitions already seen in other conflicts.

The use of LUCAS drones during the Caracas strikes represents a shift in U.S. combat employment of unmanned systems. While the United States has extensively used armed unmanned aerial vehicles such as MQ-9 Reapers, those platforms are reusable strike aircraft rather than expendable loitering munitions. The January 3 operation marks the first confirmed instance in which the U.S. military employed kamikaze-style drones at scale in real combat conditions.

Operation “Absolute Resolve” involved a broad mix of air assets, including fighter aircraft, bombers, electronic warfare platforms, and unmanned systems. U.S. officials previously acknowledged the scope of the operation but did not publicly detail the specific role of loitering munitions at the time of execution.

The appearance of drone engine audio similar to Shahed-type systems underscores how loitering munitions have become a standard element of modern strike packages. These systems allow forces to engage targets with reduced risk to aircrews and at lower cost compared with traditional air-delivered munitions.

No official statement has been released detailing the number of drones used or the specific targets struck by the LUCAS systems during the Caracas operation.

영국 해사 일간지 Naval News
Labor Department Invests $13.8M to Help Rebuild America’s Shipbuilding Workforce

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded nearly $14 million to two maritime institutions to help train the next generation of American shipbuilders, a move officials say is central to the Trump administration’s push to rebuild the nation’s shipbuilding base.

Delaware County Community College will receive $8 million, while Massachusetts Maritime Academy will be awarded $5.8 million to develop hands-on training programs in partnership with U.S. shipyards and international allies. The initiatives will focus on specialized shipbuilding trades, expand registered apprenticeship opportunities nationwide, and support new production techniques such as modular construction and icebreaker design.

“Restoring America’s maritime dominance can’t be accomplished without skilled American workers,” Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said. “These projects will help train our next generation of shipbuilders and ensure critical skills are developed here at home.”

The funding supports the administration’s goal of reaching 1 million registered apprenticeships nationwide and comes as U.S. shipbuilding continues to lag global competitors. The United States currently produces less than one percent of the world’s commercial ships, compared with more than half built in China.

The grants align with President Trump’s April 2025 executive order, Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance, which elevated shipbuilding to a national security priority and launched the development of a Maritime Action Plan to help accelerate workforce development. The Maritime Action Plan, which was due November 5, 2025, has not yet been released.

Delaware County Community College, a federally designated Maritime Center of Excellence, and Massachusetts Maritime Academy, founded in 1891, will each develop internationally recognized curricula aimed at preparing workers for careers in shipbuilding, defense, and maritime energy sectors.

The investment also dovetails with growing cooperation among the U.S., Canada, and Finland on Arctic and polar shipbuilding under the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE) Pact. That partnership is already shaping the Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutter program, under which Rauma Marine Constructions in Finland is expected to build up to two cutters starting in 2028, while Bollinger Shipyards will construct up to four vessels in Louisiana beginning in 2029.

With billions of dollars committed to new icebreakers and polar vessels, the Labor Department says the workforce initiative is designed to ensure the skilled labor force is in place to support the administration’s broader maritime revival agenda.

영국 해사 일간지 Naval News
Magnet Defense Acquires Metal Shark to Accelerate Autonomous Maritime Capabilities and U.S. Shipbuilding Capacity

Magnet Defense, a developer of fully autonomous national security maritime platforms for fleet operations and missile defense missions, announced that it has officially completed its acquisition of Metal Shark, a leading designer and shipbuilder of highly-capable maritime platforms for defense and law enforcement missions.

Magnet Defense press release

The combination of Magnet Defense and Metal Shark offers U.S. and allied militaries a leading supplier of AI-enabled unmanned surface vessels (USVs). Metal Shark’s shipyards are the hubs from which Magnet Defense will deliver critical capabilities for the U.S. Golden Fleet initiative.

The acquisition represents a critical step in Magnet Defense’s strategy to pair advanced robotics and AI-enabled software-defined systems with domestic industrial-scale production. By integrating Metal Shark’s established shipbuilding operations, workforce, and facilities, Magnet Defense moves from prototype development to sustained delivery of autonomous maritime platforms at speed and scale.

Global maritime security demands are increasing rapidly, while U.S. shipbuilding capacity has lagged behind its peer competitors. Magnet Defense addresses this gap by combining artificial intelligence, modular vessel design, and modern manufacturing approaches to rebuild domestic maritime capability and deliver next-generation platforms faster and more efficiently.

Metal Shark brings more than 20 years of experience designing and constructing mission-specific vessels, with over 2,000 vessels delivered to customers worldwide, including over 500 vessels for the U.S. Navy, 600 vessels for the U.S. Coast Guard, and hundreds more for allied nation military forces around the globe.

The company’s two Louisiana manufacturing facilities encompass more than 125,000 square feet of manufacturing space across 40 acres and are supported by a seasoned workforce and a strong engineering organization. These assets provide Magnet Defense with immediate production depth and execution capacity.

– End –

미국 헌팅턴잉걸스(HII) 발표자료
Türkiye says defense industry cooperation with Japan has potential to reach ‘strategic level’

Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said defense industry cooperation between Türkiye and Japan has the potential to reach a “strategic level,” citing the possible alignment of Japan’s advanced technology with Türkiye’s production capacity and operational experience.

“The combination of Japan’s advanced technological expertise with Türkiye’s flexible production capacity and international operational experience holds significant potential to elevate defense industry cooperation to a strategic level,” Guler told Japan’s Kyodo news agency.

Guler emphasized that the Turkish-made drones that Japan is considering procuring offer long-duration flight, uninterrupted surveillance capabilities, and therefore are cost-effective.

The minister described Turkish UAVs as “reliable and flexible systems” developed in line with the experience gained under operational conditions.

As a potential model under Japan’s evaluation, he cited ANKA, produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS).

Guler also said Baykar’s Bayraktar TB2 drones and their follow-on model, the Bayraktar TB3, “could contribute to Japan’s defense capabilities,” adding that after Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen’s visit to Ankara, the two countries have continued constructive talks on maritime security, unmanned systems, training, and air defense technologies.

He noted a delegation from the Turkish Defense Ministry is expected to visit Japan in March to discuss the defense industry and a framework agreement.

Regional issues

Asked about an international stabilization force for Gaza, Guler said a self-sustaining force has been prepared and training has begun, adding that Türkiye is willing to deploy its troops to Gaza.

Ankara’s only goal in sending troops to a future peacekeeping force would be to support humanitarian assistance and help end the fighting, adding that such a deployment “would not pose a threat to Israel,” he added.

Guler also underlined that the PKK terror group continues to operate in Syria, Iraq and Iran, and that the threat “will persist until all weapons are surrendered.”

Guler, responding to a question about the March 10, 2025, agreement on integrating SDF units and elements into Syrian government structures, said the integration process should be completed as soon as possible.

미국 군사전문매체 Defence Blog
HII Hosts Secretary of The Navy and Top Naval Leaders at Ingalls Shipbuilding

PASCAGOULA, Miss., Jan. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) hosted John Phelan, secretary of the Navy, along with Adm. Daryl Caudle, chief of naval operations, and Gen. Eric Smith, commandant of the Marine Corps, at its Ingalls Shipbuilding division Wednesday. The senior leaders toured the shipyard, gained insights into HII’s workforce initiatives and discussed Ingalls’ role in delivering the U.S. Navy’s “Golden Fleet” of advanced surface combatants.

“Ingalls Shipbuilding represents the ingenuity and commitment required to meet the Navy’s current and future needs. The shipbuilders I met today are on the front lines of American strength — men and women whose hard work protects our national security, underwrites our liberty, and sustains the way of life we are sworn to defend. There is no maritime dominance without their skill, innovation, and relentless commitment to excellence,” said John C. Phelan, 79th secretary of the Navy.

“We want to thank Secretary Phelan and Department of Navy leadership for visiting with our shipbuilders who are proud to support America’s efforts to maintain maritime supremacy,” said Chris Kastner, HII’s president and CEO. “Across our shipyards we recognize the U.S. Navy’s urgent need for ships. HII has worked diligently in partnership with our customer to expand our capacity to deliver on this increased and urgent demand, by investing in our yards, establishing partnerships, increasing our hiring retention, and increasing shipbuilder proficiency to support performance.”

Ingalls Shipbuilding is actively supporting early engineering and design discussions for the Navy’s next battleship, which is part of the broader “Golden Fleet” effort to modernize and leverage state-of-the-art capabilities. Concurrently, Ingalls Shipbuilding was selected to design and construct the Navy’s future small surface combatant (SSC) platform, leveraging the proven design of the Legend-class national security cutter.

The decisive combat power our Navy needs doesn’t start at sea — it starts right here, on the deck plates, with the welders, engineers, planners, and tradesmen who show up every day to build America’s Navy,” Caudle said. “What shipbuilders do matters and our Sailors depend on it. We’re working with shipyard leaders and industry partners to bring the President’s vision for our Golden Fleet to life and what it will take to make that vision real.”

During the visit, Phelan, Caudle and Smith met with HII and Ingalls leadership to discuss current shipbuilding programs and observed the advanced manufacturing technologies that are being utilized in the shipyard to increase shipbuilding throughput. The leaders also spent time aboard America-class amphibious assault ship Bougainville (LHA 8), currently under construction, and the recently delivered Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128).

The Navy and Marine Corps visit highlighted HII’s commitment to aligning its engineering expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and workforce proficiency with the Navy’s long-term operational needs.

“The work being done here is vital to our national interest,” Smith said. “These workers should be proud to know they are directly contributing to America’s Naval Expeditionary Force. These ships will project American power across the globe, with Marines aboard ready to respond to any crisis or conflict.”

HII has invested more than $1 billion in infrastructure, facilities, and advanced toolsets at Ingalls Shipbuilding to prepare for the delivery of next-generation capabilities. These investments have enhanced every facet of production, ensuring the shipyard is ready to meet the demands of upcoming programs such as the battleship class and SSC, while continuing to deliver destroyers and amphibious assault ships.

About HII

HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HII’s mission is to deliver the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.

미국 해사전문매체 gCaptain
U.S. makes combat debut of kamikaze-style drones

U.S. forces used one-way attack drones during strikes on Caracas on January 3 as part of Operation “Absolute Resolve,” marking the first confirmed large-scale combat employment of kamikaze-style drones by the United States, according to sources and newly published visual evidence from Venezuela.

Local residents in Caracas released videos recorded during the strikes that captured the distinct engine sound of incoming aerial systems moments before impact. The audio closely resembles the characteristic sound associated with Shahed-136-type loitering munitions, supporting reports that U.S. forces employed LUCAS loitering attack drones during the operation.

Sources in Venezuela had reported as early as January 3 that U.S. forces were using one-way attack drones against selected targets in Caracas. The newly surfaced footage provides confirmation of those claims, aligning with descriptions of drone flight profiles and acoustic signatures heard during the strikes.

The drones identified are described as “Shahed-like” loitering munitions, a reference to the Russian designation for Shahed-derived systems, though in this case the platform used was the U.S.-developed LUCAS one-way attack drone. The strikes took place during the opening phase of Operation “Absolute Resolve,” the U.S. operation that also involved air and helicopter forces.

LUCAS is a low-cost, propeller-driven loitering munition designed for one-way strike missions against fixed and semi-fixed targets. The system is launched toward a target area, loiters until receiving final guidance, and then conducts a terminal dive onto the objective. Its acoustic signature, produced by a small internal combustion engine, is similar to other propeller-driven loitering munitions already seen in other conflicts.

The use of LUCAS drones during the Caracas strikes represents a shift in U.S. combat employment of unmanned systems. While the United States has extensively used armed unmanned aerial vehicles such as MQ-9 Reapers, those platforms are reusable strike aircraft rather than expendable loitering munitions. The January 3 operation marks the first confirmed instance in which the U.S. military employed kamikaze-style drones at scale in real combat conditions.

Operation “Absolute Resolve” involved a broad mix of air assets, including fighter aircraft, bombers, electronic warfare platforms, and unmanned systems. U.S. officials previously acknowledged the scope of the operation but did not publicly detail the specific role of loitering munitions at the time of execution.

The appearance of drone engine audio similar to Shahed-type systems underscores how loitering munitions have become a standard element of modern strike packages. These systems allow forces to engage targets with reduced risk to aircrews and at lower cost compared with traditional air-delivered munitions.

No official statement has been released detailing the number of drones used or the specific targets struck by the LUCAS systems during the Caracas operation.

영국 해사 일간지 Naval News
Labor Department Invests $13.8M to Help Rebuild America’s Shipbuilding Workforce

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded nearly $14 million to two maritime institutions to help train the next generation of American shipbuilders, a move officials say is central to the Trump administration’s push to rebuild the nation’s shipbuilding base.

Delaware County Community College will receive $8 million, while Massachusetts Maritime Academy will be awarded $5.8 million to develop hands-on training programs in partnership with U.S. shipyards and international allies. The initiatives will focus on specialized shipbuilding trades, expand registered apprenticeship opportunities nationwide, and support new production techniques such as modular construction and icebreaker design.

“Restoring America’s maritime dominance can’t be accomplished without skilled American workers,” Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said. “These projects will help train our next generation of shipbuilders and ensure critical skills are developed here at home.”

The funding supports the administration’s goal of reaching 1 million registered apprenticeships nationwide and comes as U.S. shipbuilding continues to lag global competitors. The United States currently produces less than one percent of the world’s commercial ships, compared with more than half built in China.

The grants align with President Trump’s April 2025 executive order, Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance, which elevated shipbuilding to a national security priority and launched the development of a Maritime Action Plan to help accelerate workforce development. The Maritime Action Plan, which was due November 5, 2025, has not yet been released.

Delaware County Community College, a federally designated Maritime Center of Excellence, and Massachusetts Maritime Academy, founded in 1891, will each develop internationally recognized curricula aimed at preparing workers for careers in shipbuilding, defense, and maritime energy sectors.

The investment also dovetails with growing cooperation among the U.S., Canada, and Finland on Arctic and polar shipbuilding under the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE) Pact. That partnership is already shaping the Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutter program, under which Rauma Marine Constructions in Finland is expected to build up to two cutters starting in 2028, while Bollinger Shipyards will construct up to four vessels in Louisiana beginning in 2029.

With billions of dollars committed to new icebreakers and polar vessels, the Labor Department says the workforce initiative is designed to ensure the skilled labor force is in place to support the administration’s broader maritime revival agenda.

영국 해사 일간지 Naval News
Magnet Defense Acquires Metal Shark to Accelerate Autonomous Maritime Capabilities and U.S. Shipbuilding Capacity

Magnet Defense, a developer of fully autonomous national security maritime platforms for fleet operations and missile defense missions, announced that it has officially completed its acquisition of Metal Shark, a leading designer and shipbuilder of highly-capable maritime platforms for defense and law enforcement missions.

Magnet Defense press release

The combination of Magnet Defense and Metal Shark offers U.S. and allied militaries a leading supplier of AI-enabled unmanned surface vessels (USVs). Metal Shark’s shipyards are the hubs from which Magnet Defense will deliver critical capabilities for the U.S. Golden Fleet initiative.

The acquisition represents a critical step in Magnet Defense’s strategy to pair advanced robotics and AI-enabled software-defined systems with domestic industrial-scale production. By integrating Metal Shark’s established shipbuilding operations, workforce, and facilities, Magnet Defense moves from prototype development to sustained delivery of autonomous maritime platforms at speed and scale.

Global maritime security demands are increasing rapidly, while U.S. shipbuilding capacity has lagged behind its peer competitors. Magnet Defense addresses this gap by combining artificial intelligence, modular vessel design, and modern manufacturing approaches to rebuild domestic maritime capability and deliver next-generation platforms faster and more efficiently.

Metal Shark brings more than 20 years of experience designing and constructing mission-specific vessels, with over 2,000 vessels delivered to customers worldwide, including over 500 vessels for the U.S. Navy, 600 vessels for the U.S. Coast Guard, and hundreds more for allied nation military forces around the globe.

The company’s two Louisiana manufacturing facilities encompass more than 125,000 square feet of manufacturing space across 40 acres and are supported by a seasoned workforce and a strong engineering organization. These assets provide Magnet Defense with immediate production depth and execution capacity.

– End –

미국 헌팅턴잉걸스(HII) 발표자료
Türkiye says defense industry cooperation with Japan has potential to reach ‘strategic level’

Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said defense industry cooperation between Türkiye and Japan has the potential to reach a “strategic level,” citing the possible alignment of Japan’s advanced technology with Türkiye’s production capacity and operational experience.

“The combination of Japan’s advanced technological expertise with Türkiye’s flexible production capacity and international operational experience holds significant potential to elevate defense industry cooperation to a strategic level,” Guler told Japan’s Kyodo news agency.

Guler emphasized that the Turkish-made drones that Japan is considering procuring offer long-duration flight, uninterrupted surveillance capabilities, and therefore are cost-effective.

The minister described Turkish UAVs as “reliable and flexible systems” developed in line with the experience gained under operational conditions.

As a potential model under Japan’s evaluation, he cited ANKA, produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS).

Guler also said Baykar’s Bayraktar TB2 drones and their follow-on model, the Bayraktar TB3, “could contribute to Japan’s defense capabilities,” adding that after Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen’s visit to Ankara, the two countries have continued constructive talks on maritime security, unmanned systems, training, and air defense technologies.

He noted a delegation from the Turkish Defense Ministry is expected to visit Japan in March to discuss the defense industry and a framework agreement.

Regional issues

Asked about an international stabilization force for Gaza, Guler said a self-sustaining force has been prepared and training has begun, adding that Türkiye is willing to deploy its troops to Gaza.

Ankara’s only goal in sending troops to a future peacekeeping force would be to support humanitarian assistance and help end the fighting, adding that such a deployment “would not pose a threat to Israel,” he added.

Guler also underlined that the PKK terror group continues to operate in Syria, Iraq and Iran, and that the threat “will persist until all weapons are surrendered.”

Guler, responding to a question about the March 10, 2025, agreement on integrating SDF units and elements into Syrian government structures, said the integration process should be completed as soon as possible.

미국 군사전문매체 Defence Blog
HII Hosts Secretary of The Navy and Top Naval Leaders at Ingalls Shipbuilding

PASCAGOULA, Miss., Jan. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) hosted John Phelan, secretary of the Navy, along with Adm. Daryl Caudle, chief of naval operations, and Gen. Eric Smith, commandant of the Marine Corps, at its Ingalls Shipbuilding division Wednesday. The senior leaders toured the shipyard, gained insights into HII’s workforce initiatives and discussed Ingalls’ role in delivering the U.S. Navy’s “Golden Fleet” of advanced surface combatants.

“Ingalls Shipbuilding represents the ingenuity and commitment required to meet the Navy’s current and future needs. The shipbuilders I met today are on the front lines of American strength — men and women whose hard work protects our national security, underwrites our liberty, and sustains the way of life we are sworn to defend. There is no maritime dominance without their skill, innovation, and relentless commitment to excellence,” said John C. Phelan, 79th secretary of the Navy.

“We want to thank Secretary Phelan and Department of Navy leadership for visiting with our shipbuilders who are proud to support America’s efforts to maintain maritime supremacy,” said Chris Kastner, HII’s president and CEO. “Across our shipyards we recognize the U.S. Navy’s urgent need for ships. HII has worked diligently in partnership with our customer to expand our capacity to deliver on this increased and urgent demand, by investing in our yards, establishing partnerships, increasing our hiring retention, and increasing shipbuilder proficiency to support performance.”

Ingalls Shipbuilding is actively supporting early engineering and design discussions for the Navy’s next battleship, which is part of the broader “Golden Fleet” effort to modernize and leverage state-of-the-art capabilities. Concurrently, Ingalls Shipbuilding was selected to design and construct the Navy’s future small surface combatant (SSC) platform, leveraging the proven design of the Legend-class national security cutter.

The decisive combat power our Navy needs doesn’t start at sea — it starts right here, on the deck plates, with the welders, engineers, planners, and tradesmen who show up every day to build America’s Navy,” Caudle said. “What shipbuilders do matters and our Sailors depend on it. We’re working with shipyard leaders and industry partners to bring the President’s vision for our Golden Fleet to life and what it will take to make that vision real.”

During the visit, Phelan, Caudle and Smith met with HII and Ingalls leadership to discuss current shipbuilding programs and observed the advanced manufacturing technologies that are being utilized in the shipyard to increase shipbuilding throughput. The leaders also spent time aboard America-class amphibious assault ship Bougainville (LHA 8), currently under construction, and the recently delivered Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128).

The Navy and Marine Corps visit highlighted HII’s commitment to aligning its engineering expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and workforce proficiency with the Navy’s long-term operational needs.

“The work being done here is vital to our national interest,” Smith said. “These workers should be proud to know they are directly contributing to America’s Naval Expeditionary Force. These ships will project American power across the globe, with Marines aboard ready to respond to any crisis or conflict.”

HII has invested more than $1 billion in infrastructure, facilities, and advanced toolsets at Ingalls Shipbuilding to prepare for the delivery of next-generation capabilities. These investments have enhanced every facet of production, ensuring the shipyard is ready to meet the demands of upcoming programs such as the battleship class and SSC, while continuing to deliver destroyers and amphibious assault ships.

About HII

HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HII’s mission is to deliver the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.

미국 해사전문매체 gCaptain
U.S. makes combat debut of kamikaze-style drones

U.S. forces used one-way attack drones during strikes on Caracas on January 3 as part of Operation “Absolute Resolve,” marking the first confirmed large-scale combat employment of kamikaze-style drones by the United States, according to sources and newly published visual evidence from Venezuela.

Local residents in Caracas released videos recorded during the strikes that captured the distinct engine sound of incoming aerial systems moments before impact. The audio closely resembles the characteristic sound associated with Shahed-136-type loitering munitions, supporting reports that U.S. forces employed LUCAS loitering attack drones during the operation.

Sources in Venezuela had reported as early as January 3 that U.S. forces were using one-way attack drones against selected targets in Caracas. The newly surfaced footage provides confirmation of those claims, aligning with descriptions of drone flight profiles and acoustic signatures heard during the strikes.

The drones identified are described as “Shahed-like” loitering munitions, a reference to the Russian designation for Shahed-derived systems, though in this case the platform used was the U.S.-developed LUCAS one-way attack drone. The strikes took place during the opening phase of Operation “Absolute Resolve,” the U.S. operation that also involved air and helicopter forces.

LUCAS is a low-cost, propeller-driven loitering munition designed for one-way strike missions against fixed and semi-fixed targets. The system is launched toward a target area, loiters until receiving final guidance, and then conducts a terminal dive onto the objective. Its acoustic signature, produced by a small internal combustion engine, is similar to other propeller-driven loitering munitions already seen in other conflicts.

The use of LUCAS drones during the Caracas strikes represents a shift in U.S. combat employment of unmanned systems. While the United States has extensively used armed unmanned aerial vehicles such as MQ-9 Reapers, those platforms are reusable strike aircraft rather than expendable loitering munitions. The January 3 operation marks the first confirmed instance in which the U.S. military employed kamikaze-style drones at scale in real combat conditions.

Operation “Absolute Resolve” involved a broad mix of air assets, including fighter aircraft, bombers, electronic warfare platforms, and unmanned systems. U.S. officials previously acknowledged the scope of the operation but did not publicly detail the specific role of loitering munitions at the time of execution.

The appearance of drone engine audio similar to Shahed-type systems underscores how loitering munitions have become a standard element of modern strike packages. These systems allow forces to engage targets with reduced risk to aircrews and at lower cost compared with traditional air-delivered munitions.

No official statement has been released detailing the number of drones used or the specific targets struck by the LUCAS systems during the Caracas operation.

영국 해사 일간지 Naval News
Labor Department Invests $13.8M to Help Rebuild America’s Shipbuilding Workforce

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded nearly $14 million to two maritime institutions to help train the next generation of American shipbuilders, a move officials say is central to the Trump administration’s push to rebuild the nation’s shipbuilding base.

Delaware County Community College will receive $8 million, while Massachusetts Maritime Academy will be awarded $5.8 million to develop hands-on training programs in partnership with U.S. shipyards and international allies. The initiatives will focus on specialized shipbuilding trades, expand registered apprenticeship opportunities nationwide, and support new production techniques such as modular construction and icebreaker design.

“Restoring America’s maritime dominance can’t be accomplished without skilled American workers,” Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said. “These projects will help train our next generation of shipbuilders and ensure critical skills are developed here at home.”

The funding supports the administration’s goal of reaching 1 million registered apprenticeships nationwide and comes as U.S. shipbuilding continues to lag global competitors. The United States currently produces less than one percent of the world’s commercial ships, compared with more than half built in China.

The grants align with President Trump’s April 2025 executive order, Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance, which elevated shipbuilding to a national security priority and launched the development of a Maritime Action Plan to help accelerate workforce development. The Maritime Action Plan, which was due November 5, 2025, has not yet been released.

Delaware County Community College, a federally designated Maritime Center of Excellence, and Massachusetts Maritime Academy, founded in 1891, will each develop internationally recognized curricula aimed at preparing workers for careers in shipbuilding, defense, and maritime energy sectors.

The investment also dovetails with growing cooperation among the U.S., Canada, and Finland on Arctic and polar shipbuilding under the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE) Pact. That partnership is already shaping the Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutter program, under which Rauma Marine Constructions in Finland is expected to build up to two cutters starting in 2028, while Bollinger Shipyards will construct up to four vessels in Louisiana beginning in 2029.

With billions of dollars committed to new icebreakers and polar vessels, the Labor Department says the workforce initiative is designed to ensure the skilled labor force is in place to support the administration’s broader maritime revival agenda.

영국 해사 일간지 Naval News
Magnet Defense Acquires Metal Shark to Accelerate Autonomous Maritime Capabilities and U.S. Shipbuilding Capacity

Magnet Defense, a developer of fully autonomous national security maritime platforms for fleet operations and missile defense missions, announced that it has officially completed its acquisition of Metal Shark, a leading designer and shipbuilder of highly-capable maritime platforms for defense and law enforcement missions.

Magnet Defense press release

The combination of Magnet Defense and Metal Shark offers U.S. and allied militaries a leading supplier of AI-enabled unmanned surface vessels (USVs). Metal Shark’s shipyards are the hubs from which Magnet Defense will deliver critical capabilities for the U.S. Golden Fleet initiative.

The acquisition represents a critical step in Magnet Defense’s strategy to pair advanced robotics and AI-enabled software-defined systems with domestic industrial-scale production. By integrating Metal Shark’s established shipbuilding operations, workforce, and facilities, Magnet Defense moves from prototype development to sustained delivery of autonomous maritime platforms at speed and scale.

Global maritime security demands are increasing rapidly, while U.S. shipbuilding capacity has lagged behind its peer competitors. Magnet Defense addresses this gap by combining artificial intelligence, modular vessel design, and modern manufacturing approaches to rebuild domestic maritime capability and deliver next-generation platforms faster and more efficiently.

Metal Shark brings more than 20 years of experience designing and constructing mission-specific vessels, with over 2,000 vessels delivered to customers worldwide, including over 500 vessels for the U.S. Navy, 600 vessels for the U.S. Coast Guard, and hundreds more for allied nation military forces around the globe.

The company’s two Louisiana manufacturing facilities encompass more than 125,000 square feet of manufacturing space across 40 acres and are supported by a seasoned workforce and a strong engineering organization. These assets provide Magnet Defense with immediate production depth and execution capacity.

– End –

미국 헌팅턴잉걸스(HII) 발표자료
Türkiye says defense industry cooperation with Japan has potential to reach ‘strategic level’

Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said defense industry cooperation between Türkiye and Japan has the potential to reach a “strategic level,” citing the possible alignment of Japan’s advanced technology with Türkiye’s production capacity and operational experience.

“The combination of Japan’s advanced technological expertise with Türkiye’s flexible production capacity and international operational experience holds significant potential to elevate defense industry cooperation to a strategic level,” Guler told Japan’s Kyodo news agency.

Guler emphasized that the Turkish-made drones that Japan is considering procuring offer long-duration flight, uninterrupted surveillance capabilities, and therefore are cost-effective.

The minister described Turkish UAVs as “reliable and flexible systems” developed in line with the experience gained under operational conditions.

As a potential model under Japan’s evaluation, he cited ANKA, produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS).

Guler also said Baykar’s Bayraktar TB2 drones and their follow-on model, the Bayraktar TB3, “could contribute to Japan’s defense capabilities,” adding that after Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen’s visit to Ankara, the two countries have continued constructive talks on maritime security, unmanned systems, training, and air defense technologies.

He noted a delegation from the Turkish Defense Ministry is expected to visit Japan in March to discuss the defense industry and a framework agreement.

Regional issues

Asked about an international stabilization force for Gaza, Guler said a self-sustaining force has been prepared and training has begun, adding that Türkiye is willing to deploy its troops to Gaza.

Ankara’s only goal in sending troops to a future peacekeeping force would be to support humanitarian assistance and help end the fighting, adding that such a deployment “would not pose a threat to Israel,” he added.

Guler also underlined that the PKK terror group continues to operate in Syria, Iraq and Iran, and that the threat “will persist until all weapons are surrendered.”

Guler, responding to a question about the March 10, 2025, agreement on integrating SDF units and elements into Syrian government structures, said the integration process should be completed as soon as possible.

미국 군사전문매체 Defence Blog
HII Hosts Secretary of The Navy and Top Naval Leaders at Ingalls Shipbuilding

PASCAGOULA, Miss., Jan. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) hosted John Phelan, secretary of the Navy, along with Adm. Daryl Caudle, chief of naval operations, and Gen. Eric Smith, commandant of the Marine Corps, at its Ingalls Shipbuilding division Wednesday. The senior leaders toured the shipyard, gained insights into HII’s workforce initiatives and discussed Ingalls’ role in delivering the U.S. Navy’s “Golden Fleet” of advanced surface combatants.

“Ingalls Shipbuilding represents the ingenuity and commitment required to meet the Navy’s current and future needs. The shipbuilders I met today are on the front lines of American strength — men and women whose hard work protects our national security, underwrites our liberty, and sustains the way of life we are sworn to defend. There is no maritime dominance without their skill, innovation, and relentless commitment to excellence,” said John C. Phelan, 79th secretary of the Navy.

“We want to thank Secretary Phelan and Department of Navy leadership for visiting with our shipbuilders who are proud to support America’s efforts to maintain maritime supremacy,” said Chris Kastner, HII’s president and CEO. “Across our shipyards we recognize the U.S. Navy’s urgent need for ships. HII has worked diligently in partnership with our customer to expand our capacity to deliver on this increased and urgent demand, by investing in our yards, establishing partnerships, increasing our hiring retention, and increasing shipbuilder proficiency to support performance.”

Ingalls Shipbuilding is actively supporting early engineering and design discussions for the Navy’s next battleship, which is part of the broader “Golden Fleet” effort to modernize and leverage state-of-the-art capabilities. Concurrently, Ingalls Shipbuilding was selected to design and construct the Navy’s future small surface combatant (SSC) platform, leveraging the proven design of the Legend-class national security cutter.

The decisive combat power our Navy needs doesn’t start at sea — it starts right here, on the deck plates, with the welders, engineers, planners, and tradesmen who show up every day to build America’s Navy,” Caudle said. “What shipbuilders do matters and our Sailors depend on it. We’re working with shipyard leaders and industry partners to bring the President’s vision for our Golden Fleet to life and what it will take to make that vision real.”

During the visit, Phelan, Caudle and Smith met with HII and Ingalls leadership to discuss current shipbuilding programs and observed the advanced manufacturing technologies that are being utilized in the shipyard to increase shipbuilding throughput. The leaders also spent time aboard America-class amphibious assault ship Bougainville (LHA 8), currently under construction, and the recently delivered Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128).

The Navy and Marine Corps visit highlighted HII’s commitment to aligning its engineering expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and workforce proficiency with the Navy’s long-term operational needs.

“The work being done here is vital to our national interest,” Smith said. “These workers should be proud to know they are directly contributing to America’s Naval Expeditionary Force. These ships will project American power across the globe, with Marines aboard ready to respond to any crisis or conflict.”

HII has invested more than $1 billion in infrastructure, facilities, and advanced toolsets at Ingalls Shipbuilding to prepare for the delivery of next-generation capabilities. These investments have enhanced every facet of production, ensuring the shipyard is ready to meet the demands of upcoming programs such as the battleship class and SSC, while continuing to deliver destroyers and amphibious assault ships.

About HII

HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HII’s mission is to deliver the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.

미국 해사전문매체 gCaptain
U.S. makes combat debut of kamikaze-style drones

U.S. forces used one-way attack drones during strikes on Caracas on January 3 as part of Operation “Absolute Resolve,” marking the first confirmed large-scale combat employment of kamikaze-style drones by the United States, according to sources and newly published visual evidence from Venezuela.

Local residents in Caracas released videos recorded during the strikes that captured the distinct engine sound of incoming aerial systems moments before impact. The audio closely resembles the characteristic sound associated with Shahed-136-type loitering munitions, supporting reports that U.S. forces employed LUCAS loitering attack drones during the operation.

Sources in Venezuela had reported as early as January 3 that U.S. forces were using one-way attack drones against selected targets in Caracas. The newly surfaced footage provides confirmation of those claims, aligning with descriptions of drone flight profiles and acoustic signatures heard during the strikes.

The drones identified are described as “Shahed-like” loitering munitions, a reference to the Russian designation for Shahed-derived systems, though in this case the platform used was the U.S.-developed LUCAS one-way attack drone. The strikes took place during the opening phase of Operation “Absolute Resolve,” the U.S. operation that also involved air and helicopter forces.

LUCAS is a low-cost, propeller-driven loitering munition designed for one-way strike missions against fixed and semi-fixed targets. The system is launched toward a target area, loiters until receiving final guidance, and then conducts a terminal dive onto the objective. Its acoustic signature, produced by a small internal combustion engine, is similar to other propeller-driven loitering munitions already seen in other conflicts.

The use of LUCAS drones during the Caracas strikes represents a shift in U.S. combat employment of unmanned systems. While the United States has extensively used armed unmanned aerial vehicles such as MQ-9 Reapers, those platforms are reusable strike aircraft rather than expendable loitering munitions. The January 3 operation marks the first confirmed instance in which the U.S. military employed kamikaze-style drones at scale in real combat conditions.

Operation “Absolute Resolve” involved a broad mix of air assets, including fighter aircraft, bombers, electronic warfare platforms, and unmanned systems. U.S. officials previously acknowledged the scope of the operation but did not publicly detail the specific role of loitering munitions at the time of execution.

The appearance of drone engine audio similar to Shahed-type systems underscores how loitering munitions have become a standard element of modern strike packages. These systems allow forces to engage targets with reduced risk to aircrews and at lower cost compared with traditional air-delivered munitions.

No official statement has been released detailing the number of drones used or the specific targets struck by the LUCAS systems during the Caracas operation.

영국 해사 일간지 Naval News
Labor Department Invests $13.8M to Help Rebuild America’s Shipbuilding Workforce

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded nearly $14 million to two maritime institutions to help train the next generation of American shipbuilders, a move officials say is central to the Trump administration’s push to rebuild the nation’s shipbuilding base.

Delaware County Community College will receive $8 million, while Massachusetts Maritime Academy will be awarded $5.8 million to develop hands-on training programs in partnership with U.S. shipyards and international allies. The initiatives will focus on specialized shipbuilding trades, expand registered apprenticeship opportunities nationwide, and support new production techniques such as modular construction and icebreaker design.

“Restoring America’s maritime dominance can’t be accomplished without skilled American workers,” Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said. “These projects will help train our next generation of shipbuilders and ensure critical skills are developed here at home.”

The funding supports the administration’s goal of reaching 1 million registered apprenticeships nationwide and comes as U.S. shipbuilding continues to lag global competitors. The United States currently produces less than one percent of the world’s commercial ships, compared with more than half built in China.

The grants align with President Trump’s April 2025 executive order, Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance, which elevated shipbuilding to a national security priority and launched the development of a Maritime Action Plan to help accelerate workforce development. The Maritime Action Plan, which was due November 5, 2025, has not yet been released.

Delaware County Community College, a federally designated Maritime Center of Excellence, and Massachusetts Maritime Academy, founded in 1891, will each develop internationally recognized curricula aimed at preparing workers for careers in shipbuilding, defense, and maritime energy sectors.

The investment also dovetails with growing cooperation among the U.S., Canada, and Finland on Arctic and polar shipbuilding under the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE) Pact. That partnership is already shaping the Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutter program, under which Rauma Marine Constructions in Finland is expected to build up to two cutters starting in 2028, while Bollinger Shipyards will construct up to four vessels in Louisiana beginning in 2029.

With billions of dollars committed to new icebreakers and polar vessels, the Labor Department says the workforce initiative is designed to ensure the skilled labor force is in place to support the administration’s broader maritime revival agenda.

영국 해사 일간지 Naval News
Magnet Defense Acquires Metal Shark to Accelerate Autonomous Maritime Capabilities and U.S. Shipbuilding Capacity

Magnet Defense, a developer of fully autonomous national security maritime platforms for fleet operations and missile defense missions, announced that it has officially completed its acquisition of Metal Shark, a leading designer and shipbuilder of highly-capable maritime platforms for defense and law enforcement missions.

Magnet Defense press release

The combination of Magnet Defense and Metal Shark offers U.S. and allied militaries a leading supplier of AI-enabled unmanned surface vessels (USVs). Metal Shark’s shipyards are the hubs from which Magnet Defense will deliver critical capabilities for the U.S. Golden Fleet initiative.

The acquisition represents a critical step in Magnet Defense’s strategy to pair advanced robotics and AI-enabled software-defined systems with domestic industrial-scale production. By integrating Metal Shark’s established shipbuilding operations, workforce, and facilities, Magnet Defense moves from prototype development to sustained delivery of autonomous maritime platforms at speed and scale.

Global maritime security demands are increasing rapidly, while U.S. shipbuilding capacity has lagged behind its peer competitors. Magnet Defense addresses this gap by combining artificial intelligence, modular vessel design, and modern manufacturing approaches to rebuild domestic maritime capability and deliver next-generation platforms faster and more efficiently.

Metal Shark brings more than 20 years of experience designing and constructing mission-specific vessels, with over 2,000 vessels delivered to customers worldwide, including over 500 vessels for the U.S. Navy, 600 vessels for the U.S. Coast Guard, and hundreds more for allied nation military forces around the globe.

The company’s two Louisiana manufacturing facilities encompass more than 125,000 square feet of manufacturing space across 40 acres and are supported by a seasoned workforce and a strong engineering organization. These assets provide Magnet Defense with immediate production depth and execution capacity.

– End –

우크라이나 군사전문매체 Defense Express
EU Plans Its Own Super Tucano But With Stealth, Bizarre Timeline to 2040

European Union plans to create a light multirole combat turboprop aircraft FMLA (Future Multirole Light Aircraft), with €15 million already allocated for a competition to create it. This financing is secured in the European Defence Fund program by European Commission decision.

A separate item in EDF Work Programme 2026, including details in Annex 3, establishes development of an aircraft that should not duplicate or rely on existing turboprop aircraft. But be cheap and perform close air support missions, intercept drones, conduct reconnaissance, coordinate strikes, and provide target designation.

FMLA is expected to become valuable due to its versatility, low operating costs, and adaptability, and will also be easily re-equipped for civil security missions, such as search and rescue operations.

Requirements for the new turboprop aircraft include: turboprop engine use, takeoff weight up to 7,500kg, short takeoff and landing capability (STOL) meaning operation from runways up to 450 meters long.

Also specified is use of modern technologies and materials that should minimize aircraft visibility on radar and other detection systems, plus electronic warfare resistance. Meanwhile, the necessity to have own radar systems and adaptive camouflage means is stated. Additionally, requirements are noted regarding operation in harsh conditions and environmental friendliness.

Regarding FMLA’s direct combat role, already at the requirements development stage for this machine, it’s indicated that it is intended for low-intensity conflicts, operations in suppressed enemy air defense conditions, and missions below the threshold of open conflict. Also, this aircraft should be a cost-effective solution for countries that cannot afford modern aviation assets.

Defense Express notes that everything described strongly resembles what Super Tucano from Embraer can already do. Except for the logical radar requirement and the very strange desire to ensure low observability because combining a propeller engine with effective stealth technologies is quite a non-trivial task.

But in any case, EU intentions to create its own cost-effective air asset looks like a very positive shift. However, all positive impressions from initiating this very pragmatic project are destroyed by its timeline. Because the delivery horizon for this new aircraft is currently defined at 2035-2040.

미국 군재분쟁감시기구 Nordsint
Russia Organized Starlink Supply for Its Military Through the UAE and Fake Declarations

Russia set up a supply chain for U.S.-made Starlink terminals by manipulating customs declarations and product certification records.

According to Nordsint, a journalistic investigation discovered that some of the devices entered Russia not through direct sales from the manufacturer, but via a network of licensed suppliers and intermediaries operating in neighboring countries.

An error in the documentation enabled the identification of one of the intermediaries and the tracing of the equipment’s origin that ultimately reached Russia. In particular, Starlink terminals were declared as “other electronic components” or registered as civilian-use goods.

This method of supply makes it significantly more difficult to enforce sanctions and export controls.

Despite SpaceX’s official statements that it does not sell to Russia, the enemy has been successfully using this extensive “parallel import” system and activating accounts through third countries.

For example, in June 2025, Starlink Maritime kits were declared using the address of the Dutch company Castor Marine, and earlier documents even listed the address of a Tesla dealership in Amsterdam.

The UAE serves as a key logistics hub, particularly the company Emaross Group FZE, whose labeling was found directly on the packaging of terminals advertised by Russian volunteers for the needs of the so-called “special military operation.” Similar schemes operate through Hong Kong and the company Di Global Limited, which is linked to the distribution of DJI drones.

This network allows the invaders to freely purchase equipment on Russian domestic marketplaces such as Ozon and Wildberries. At the same time, specialized dealers even offer bulk supplies and advice on how to conceal antennas.

It is also worth noting that tracking the supply of these terminals is difficult because some devices sent as part of humanitarian or government missions ended up in areas controlled by Russian forces or on the secondary market.

In addition, Russians have started installing Starlink terminals on their own drones. For example, in December 2025, the use of Starlink on the Molniya-2R UAV was confirmed, as shown on the official page of a project linked to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine.

According to the published photos, the equipment installation is not improvised. The presence of standard mounting points indicates a systematic, organized process.

영국 통신사 Reuters
TKMS Submits Non-Binding Bid to Buy German Naval Yards

German warship maker TKMS has submitted a non-binding bid for smaller peer German Naval Yards (GNYK), the company told Reuters on Thursday.

“Discussions between our two companies will continue with an open outcome,” TKMS said in an emailed statement, without disclosing any details around the offer.

TKMS, which was spun off from parent Thyssenkrupp in October, last month said it expected to decide soon on whether to buy GNYK, reflecting its ambition to expand in light of growing demand for defence equipment.

GNYK is part of the family-owned CMN Naval group – a French shipbuilder active in naval and yacht construction – and employs around 400 people directly.

British defence, marine and industrial firm Inocea Group is in talks to buy GNYK, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters in December, indicating broader interest as European defence firms look for effective ways to expand.

덴마크 해야전문가 링크드인
Dansk/tysk sømilitær & forsvarsindustriel speeddating er en god start på 2026 🇩🇪🫱🏼‍🫲🏽🇩🇰 🥳

NVL B.V. & Co. KG og TKMS inviterede dansk industri til åben dialog for at afdække mulighederne for gensidigt frugtbart industrisamarbejde omkring de nye fregatter til den danske flåde ⛴️🇩🇰

Tak til firmaer som Danske Flådeskibe K/S, OMT – Odense Maritime Technology, Navigate, MDSI, Normark Defence, DESMI og COWI for at deltage konstruktivt 🙏🏼

Tak til den tyske ambassade for husly og værtsskab.

우크라이나 군사전문매체 Defense Express
EU Plans Its Own Super Tucano But With Stealth, Bizarre Timeline to 2040

European Union plans to create a light multirole combat turboprop aircraft FMLA (Future Multirole Light Aircraft), with €15 million already allocated for a competition to create it. This financing is secured in the European Defence Fund program by European Commission decision.

A separate item in EDF Work Programme 2026, including details in Annex 3, establishes development of an aircraft that should not duplicate or rely on existing turboprop aircraft. But be cheap and perform close air support missions, intercept drones, conduct reconnaissance, coordinate strikes, and provide target designation.

FMLA is expected to become valuable due to its versatility, low operating costs, and adaptability, and will also be easily re-equipped for civil security missions, such as search and rescue operations.

Requirements for the new turboprop aircraft include: turboprop engine use, takeoff weight up to 7,500kg, short takeoff and landing capability (STOL) meaning operation from runways up to 450 meters long.

Also specified is use of modern technologies and materials that should minimize aircraft visibility on radar and other detection systems, plus electronic warfare resistance. Meanwhile, the necessity to have own radar systems and adaptive camouflage means is stated. Additionally, requirements are noted regarding operation in harsh conditions and environmental friendliness.

Regarding FMLA’s direct combat role, already at the requirements development stage for this machine, it’s indicated that it is intended for low-intensity conflicts, operations in suppressed enemy air defense conditions, and missions below the threshold of open conflict. Also, this aircraft should be a cost-effective solution for countries that cannot afford modern aviation assets.

Defense Express notes that everything described strongly resembles what Super Tucano from Embraer can already do. Except for the logical radar requirement and the very strange desire to ensure low observability because combining a propeller engine with effective stealth technologies is quite a non-trivial task.

But in any case, EU intentions to create its own cost-effective air asset looks like a very positive shift. However, all positive impressions from initiating this very pragmatic project are destroyed by its timeline. Because the delivery horizon for this new aircraft is currently defined at 2035-2040.

미국 군재분쟁감시기구 Nordsint
Russia Organized Starlink Supply for Its Military Through the UAE and Fake Declarations

Russia set up a supply chain for U.S.-made Starlink terminals by manipulating customs declarations and product certification records.

According to Nordsint, a journalistic investigation discovered that some of the devices entered Russia not through direct sales from the manufacturer, but via a network of licensed suppliers and intermediaries operating in neighboring countries.

An error in the documentation enabled the identification of one of the intermediaries and the tracing of the equipment’s origin that ultimately reached Russia. In particular, Starlink terminals were declared as “other electronic components” or registered as civilian-use goods.

This method of supply makes it significantly more difficult to enforce sanctions and export controls.

Despite SpaceX’s official statements that it does not sell to Russia, the enemy has been successfully using this extensive “parallel import” system and activating accounts through third countries.

For example, in June 2025, Starlink Maritime kits were declared using the address of the Dutch company Castor Marine, and earlier documents even listed the address of a Tesla dealership in Amsterdam.

The UAE serves as a key logistics hub, particularly the company Emaross Group FZE, whose labeling was found directly on the packaging of terminals advertised by Russian volunteers for the needs of the so-called “special military operation.” Similar schemes operate through Hong Kong and the company Di Global Limited, which is linked to the distribution of DJI drones.

This network allows the invaders to freely purchase equipment on Russian domestic marketplaces such as Ozon and Wildberries. At the same time, specialized dealers even offer bulk supplies and advice on how to conceal antennas.

It is also worth noting that tracking the supply of these terminals is difficult because some devices sent as part of humanitarian or government missions ended up in areas controlled by Russian forces or on the secondary market.

In addition, Russians have started installing Starlink terminals on their own drones. For example, in December 2025, the use of Starlink on the Molniya-2R UAV was confirmed, as shown on the official page of a project linked to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine.

According to the published photos, the equipment installation is not improvised. The presence of standard mounting points indicates a systematic, organized process.

영국 통신사 Reuters
TKMS Submits Non-Binding Bid to Buy German Naval Yards

German warship maker TKMS has submitted a non-binding bid for smaller peer German Naval Yards (GNYK), the company told Reuters on Thursday.

“Discussions between our two companies will continue with an open outcome,” TKMS said in an emailed statement, without disclosing any details around the offer.

TKMS, which was spun off from parent Thyssenkrupp in October, last month said it expected to decide soon on whether to buy GNYK, reflecting its ambition to expand in light of growing demand for defence equipment.

GNYK is part of the family-owned CMN Naval group – a French shipbuilder active in naval and yacht construction – and employs around 400 people directly.

British defence, marine and industrial firm Inocea Group is in talks to buy GNYK, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters in December, indicating broader interest as European defence firms look for effective ways to expand.

덴마크 해야전문가 링크드인
Dansk/tysk sømilitær & forsvarsindustriel speeddating er en god start på 2026 🇩🇪🫱🏼‍🫲🏽🇩🇰 🥳

NVL B.V. & Co. KG og TKMS inviterede dansk industri til åben dialog for at afdække mulighederne for gensidigt frugtbart industrisamarbejde omkring de nye fregatter til den danske flåde ⛴️🇩🇰

Tak til firmaer som Danske Flådeskibe K/S, OMT – Odense Maritime Technology, Navigate, MDSI, Normark Defence, DESMI og COWI for at deltage konstruktivt 🙏🏼

Tak til den tyske ambassade for husly og værtsskab.

우크라이나 군사전문매체 Defense Express
EU Plans Its Own Super Tucano But With Stealth, Bizarre Timeline to 2040

European Union plans to create a light multirole combat turboprop aircraft FMLA (Future Multirole Light Aircraft), with €15 million already allocated for a competition to create it. This financing is secured in the European Defence Fund program by European Commission decision.

A separate item in EDF Work Programme 2026, including details in Annex 3, establishes development of an aircraft that should not duplicate or rely on existing turboprop aircraft. But be cheap and perform close air support missions, intercept drones, conduct reconnaissance, coordinate strikes, and provide target designation.

FMLA is expected to become valuable due to its versatility, low operating costs, and adaptability, and will also be easily re-equipped for civil security missions, such as search and rescue operations.

Requirements for the new turboprop aircraft include: turboprop engine use, takeoff weight up to 7,500kg, short takeoff and landing capability (STOL) meaning operation from runways up to 450 meters long.

Also specified is use of modern technologies and materials that should minimize aircraft visibility on radar and other detection systems, plus electronic warfare resistance. Meanwhile, the necessity to have own radar systems and adaptive camouflage means is stated. Additionally, requirements are noted regarding operation in harsh conditions and environmental friendliness.

Regarding FMLA’s direct combat role, already at the requirements development stage for this machine, it’s indicated that it is intended for low-intensity conflicts, operations in suppressed enemy air defense conditions, and missions below the threshold of open conflict. Also, this aircraft should be a cost-effective solution for countries that cannot afford modern aviation assets.

Defense Express notes that everything described strongly resembles what Super Tucano from Embraer can already do. Except for the logical radar requirement and the very strange desire to ensure low observability because combining a propeller engine with effective stealth technologies is quite a non-trivial task.

But in any case, EU intentions to create its own cost-effective air asset looks like a very positive shift. However, all positive impressions from initiating this very pragmatic project are destroyed by its timeline. Because the delivery horizon for this new aircraft is currently defined at 2035-2040.

미국 군재분쟁감시기구 Nordsint
Russia Organized Starlink Supply for Its Military Through the UAE and Fake Declarations

Russia set up a supply chain for U.S.-made Starlink terminals by manipulating customs declarations and product certification records.

According to Nordsint, a journalistic investigation discovered that some of the devices entered Russia not through direct sales from the manufacturer, but via a network of licensed suppliers and intermediaries operating in neighboring countries.

An error in the documentation enabled the identification of one of the intermediaries and the tracing of the equipment’s origin that ultimately reached Russia. In particular, Starlink terminals were declared as “other electronic components” or registered as civilian-use goods.

This method of supply makes it significantly more difficult to enforce sanctions and export controls.

Despite SpaceX’s official statements that it does not sell to Russia, the enemy has been successfully using this extensive “parallel import” system and activating accounts through third countries.

For example, in June 2025, Starlink Maritime kits were declared using the address of the Dutch company Castor Marine, and earlier documents even listed the address of a Tesla dealership in Amsterdam.

The UAE serves as a key logistics hub, particularly the company Emaross Group FZE, whose labeling was found directly on the packaging of terminals advertised by Russian volunteers for the needs of the so-called “special military operation.” Similar schemes operate through Hong Kong and the company Di Global Limited, which is linked to the distribution of DJI drones.

This network allows the invaders to freely purchase equipment on Russian domestic marketplaces such as Ozon and Wildberries. At the same time, specialized dealers even offer bulk supplies and advice on how to conceal antennas.

It is also worth noting that tracking the supply of these terminals is difficult because some devices sent as part of humanitarian or government missions ended up in areas controlled by Russian forces or on the secondary market.

In addition, Russians have started installing Starlink terminals on their own drones. For example, in December 2025, the use of Starlink on the Molniya-2R UAV was confirmed, as shown on the official page of a project linked to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine.

According to the published photos, the equipment installation is not improvised. The presence of standard mounting points indicates a systematic, organized process.

영국 통신사 Reuters
TKMS Submits Non-Binding Bid to Buy German Naval Yards

German warship maker TKMS has submitted a non-binding bid for smaller peer German Naval Yards (GNYK), the company told Reuters on Thursday.

“Discussions between our two companies will continue with an open outcome,” TKMS said in an emailed statement, without disclosing any details around the offer.

TKMS, which was spun off from parent Thyssenkrupp in October, last month said it expected to decide soon on whether to buy GNYK, reflecting its ambition to expand in light of growing demand for defence equipment.

GNYK is part of the family-owned CMN Naval group – a French shipbuilder active in naval and yacht construction – and employs around 400 people directly.

British defence, marine and industrial firm Inocea Group is in talks to buy GNYK, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters in December, indicating broader interest as European defence firms look for effective ways to expand.

덴마크 해야전문가 링크드인
Dansk/tysk sømilitær & forsvarsindustriel speeddating er en god start på 2026 🇩🇪🫱🏼‍🫲🏽🇩🇰 🥳

NVL B.V. & Co. KG og TKMS inviterede dansk industri til åben dialog for at afdække mulighederne for gensidigt frugtbart industrisamarbejde omkring de nye fregatter til den danske flåde ⛴️🇩🇰

Tak til firmaer som Danske Flådeskibe K/S, OMT – Odense Maritime Technology, Navigate, MDSI, Normark Defence, DESMI og COWI for at deltage konstruktivt 🙏🏼

Tak til den tyske ambassade for husly og værtsskab.

우크라이나 군사전문매체 Defense Express
EU Plans Its Own Super Tucano But With Stealth, Bizarre Timeline to 2040

European Union plans to create a light multirole combat turboprop aircraft FMLA (Future Multirole Light Aircraft), with €15 million already allocated for a competition to create it. This financing is secured in the European Defence Fund program by European Commission decision.

A separate item in EDF Work Programme 2026, including details in Annex 3, establishes development of an aircraft that should not duplicate or rely on existing turboprop aircraft. But be cheap and perform close air support missions, intercept drones, conduct reconnaissance, coordinate strikes, and provide target designation.

FMLA is expected to become valuable due to its versatility, low operating costs, and adaptability, and will also be easily re-equipped for civil security missions, such as search and rescue operations.

Requirements for the new turboprop aircraft include: turboprop engine use, takeoff weight up to 7,500kg, short takeoff and landing capability (STOL) meaning operation from runways up to 450 meters long.

Also specified is use of modern technologies and materials that should minimize aircraft visibility on radar and other detection systems, plus electronic warfare resistance. Meanwhile, the necessity to have own radar systems and adaptive camouflage means is stated. Additionally, requirements are noted regarding operation in harsh conditions and environmental friendliness.

Regarding FMLA’s direct combat role, already at the requirements development stage for this machine, it’s indicated that it is intended for low-intensity conflicts, operations in suppressed enemy air defense conditions, and missions below the threshold of open conflict. Also, this aircraft should be a cost-effective solution for countries that cannot afford modern aviation assets.

Defense Express notes that everything described strongly resembles what Super Tucano from Embraer can already do. Except for the logical radar requirement and the very strange desire to ensure low observability because combining a propeller engine with effective stealth technologies is quite a non-trivial task.

But in any case, EU intentions to create its own cost-effective air asset looks like a very positive shift. However, all positive impressions from initiating this very pragmatic project are destroyed by its timeline. Because the delivery horizon for this new aircraft is currently defined at 2035-2040.

미국 군재분쟁감시기구 Nordsint
Russia Organized Starlink Supply for Its Military Through the UAE and Fake Declarations

Russia set up a supply chain for U.S.-made Starlink terminals by manipulating customs declarations and product certification records.

According to Nordsint, a journalistic investigation discovered that some of the devices entered Russia not through direct sales from the manufacturer, but via a network of licensed suppliers and intermediaries operating in neighboring countries.

An error in the documentation enabled the identification of one of the intermediaries and the tracing of the equipment’s origin that ultimately reached Russia. In particular, Starlink terminals were declared as “other electronic components” or registered as civilian-use goods.

This method of supply makes it significantly more difficult to enforce sanctions and export controls.

Despite SpaceX’s official statements that it does not sell to Russia, the enemy has been successfully using this extensive “parallel import” system and activating accounts through third countries.

For example, in June 2025, Starlink Maritime kits were declared using the address of the Dutch company Castor Marine, and earlier documents even listed the address of a Tesla dealership in Amsterdam.

The UAE serves as a key logistics hub, particularly the company Emaross Group FZE, whose labeling was found directly on the packaging of terminals advertised by Russian volunteers for the needs of the so-called “special military operation.” Similar schemes operate through Hong Kong and the company Di Global Limited, which is linked to the distribution of DJI drones.

This network allows the invaders to freely purchase equipment on Russian domestic marketplaces such as Ozon and Wildberries. At the same time, specialized dealers even offer bulk supplies and advice on how to conceal antennas.

It is also worth noting that tracking the supply of these terminals is difficult because some devices sent as part of humanitarian or government missions ended up in areas controlled by Russian forces or on the secondary market.

In addition, Russians have started installing Starlink terminals on their own drones. For example, in December 2025, the use of Starlink on the Molniya-2R UAV was confirmed, as shown on the official page of a project linked to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine.

According to the published photos, the equipment installation is not improvised. The presence of standard mounting points indicates a systematic, organized process.

영국 통신사 Reuters
TKMS Submits Non-Binding Bid to Buy German Naval Yards

German warship maker TKMS has submitted a non-binding bid for smaller peer German Naval Yards (GNYK), the company told Reuters on Thursday.

“Discussions between our two companies will continue with an open outcome,” TKMS said in an emailed statement, without disclosing any details around the offer.

TKMS, which was spun off from parent Thyssenkrupp in October, last month said it expected to decide soon on whether to buy GNYK, reflecting its ambition to expand in light of growing demand for defence equipment.

GNYK is part of the family-owned CMN Naval group – a French shipbuilder active in naval and yacht construction – and employs around 400 people directly.

British defence, marine and industrial firm Inocea Group is in talks to buy GNYK, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters in December, indicating broader interest as European defence firms look for effective ways to expand.

덴마크 해야전문가 링크드인
Dansk/tysk sømilitær & forsvarsindustriel speeddating er en god start på 2026 🇩🇪🫱🏼‍🫲🏽🇩🇰 🥳

NVL B.V. & Co. KG og TKMS inviterede dansk industri til åben dialog for at afdække mulighederne for gensidigt frugtbart industrisamarbejde omkring de nye fregatter til den danske flåde ⛴️🇩🇰

Tak til firmaer som Danske Flådeskibe K/S, OMT – Odense Maritime Technology, Navigate, MDSI, Normark Defence, DESMI og COWI for at deltage konstruktivt 🙏🏼

Tak til den tyske ambassade for husly og værtsskab.

우크라이나 군사전문매체 Defense Express
EU Plans Its Own Super Tucano But With Stealth, Bizarre Timeline to 2040

European Union plans to create a light multirole combat turboprop aircraft FMLA (Future Multirole Light Aircraft), with €15 million already allocated for a competition to create it. This financing is secured in the European Defence Fund program by European Commission decision.

A separate item in EDF Work Programme 2026, including details in Annex 3, establishes development of an aircraft that should not duplicate or rely on existing turboprop aircraft. But be cheap and perform close air support missions, intercept drones, conduct reconnaissance, coordinate strikes, and provide target designation.

FMLA is expected to become valuable due to its versatility, low operating costs, and adaptability, and will also be easily re-equipped for civil security missions, such as search and rescue operations.

Requirements for the new turboprop aircraft include: turboprop engine use, takeoff weight up to 7,500kg, short takeoff and landing capability (STOL) meaning operation from runways up to 450 meters long.

Also specified is use of modern technologies and materials that should minimize aircraft visibility on radar and other detection systems, plus electronic warfare resistance. Meanwhile, the necessity to have own radar systems and adaptive camouflage means is stated. Additionally, requirements are noted regarding operation in harsh conditions and environmental friendliness.

Regarding FMLA’s direct combat role, already at the requirements development stage for this machine, it’s indicated that it is intended for low-intensity conflicts, operations in suppressed enemy air defense conditions, and missions below the threshold of open conflict. Also, this aircraft should be a cost-effective solution for countries that cannot afford modern aviation assets.

Defense Express notes that everything described strongly resembles what Super Tucano from Embraer can already do. Except for the logical radar requirement and the very strange desire to ensure low observability because combining a propeller engine with effective stealth technologies is quite a non-trivial task.

But in any case, EU intentions to create its own cost-effective air asset looks like a very positive shift. However, all positive impressions from initiating this very pragmatic project are destroyed by its timeline. Because the delivery horizon for this new aircraft is currently defined at 2035-2040.

미국 군재분쟁감시기구 Nordsint
Russia Organized Starlink Supply for Its Military Through the UAE and Fake Declarations

Russia set up a supply chain for U.S.-made Starlink terminals by manipulating customs declarations and product certification records.

According to Nordsint, a journalistic investigation discovered that some of the devices entered Russia not through direct sales from the manufacturer, but via a network of licensed suppliers and intermediaries operating in neighboring countries.

An error in the documentation enabled the identification of one of the intermediaries and the tracing of the equipment’s origin that ultimately reached Russia. In particular, Starlink terminals were declared as “other electronic components” or registered as civilian-use goods.

This method of supply makes it significantly more difficult to enforce sanctions and export controls.

Despite SpaceX’s official statements that it does not sell to Russia, the enemy has been successfully using this extensive “parallel import” system and activating accounts through third countries.

For example, in June 2025, Starlink Maritime kits were declared using the address of the Dutch company Castor Marine, and earlier documents even listed the address of a Tesla dealership in Amsterdam.

The UAE serves as a key logistics hub, particularly the company Emaross Group FZE, whose labeling was found directly on the packaging of terminals advertised by Russian volunteers for the needs of the so-called “special military operation.” Similar schemes operate through Hong Kong and the company Di Global Limited, which is linked to the distribution of DJI drones.

This network allows the invaders to freely purchase equipment on Russian domestic marketplaces such as Ozon and Wildberries. At the same time, specialized dealers even offer bulk supplies and advice on how to conceal antennas.

It is also worth noting that tracking the supply of these terminals is difficult because some devices sent as part of humanitarian or government missions ended up in areas controlled by Russian forces or on the secondary market.

In addition, Russians have started installing Starlink terminals on their own drones. For example, in December 2025, the use of Starlink on the Molniya-2R UAV was confirmed, as shown on the official page of a project linked to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine.

According to the published photos, the equipment installation is not improvised. The presence of standard mounting points indicates a systematic, organized process.

영국 통신사 Reuters
TKMS Submits Non-Binding Bid to Buy German Naval Yards

German warship maker TKMS has submitted a non-binding bid for smaller peer German Naval Yards (GNYK), the company told Reuters on Thursday.

“Discussions between our two companies will continue with an open outcome,” TKMS said in an emailed statement, without disclosing any details around the offer.

TKMS, which was spun off from parent Thyssenkrupp in October, last month said it expected to decide soon on whether to buy GNYK, reflecting its ambition to expand in light of growing demand for defence equipment.

GNYK is part of the family-owned CMN Naval group – a French shipbuilder active in naval and yacht construction – and employs around 400 people directly.

British defence, marine and industrial firm Inocea Group is in talks to buy GNYK, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters in December, indicating broader interest as European defence firms look for effective ways to expand.

덴마크 해야전문가 링크드인
Dansk/tysk sømilitær & forsvarsindustriel speeddating er en god start på 2026 🇩🇪🫱🏼‍🫲🏽🇩🇰 🥳

NVL B.V. & Co. KG og TKMS inviterede dansk industri til åben dialog for at afdække mulighederne for gensidigt frugtbart industrisamarbejde omkring de nye fregatter til den danske flåde ⛴️🇩🇰

Tak til firmaer som Danske Flådeskibe K/S, OMT – Odense Maritime Technology, Navigate, MDSI, Normark Defence, DESMI og COWI for at deltage konstruktivt 🙏🏼

Tak til den tyske ambassade for husly og værtsskab.

우크라이나 군사전문매체 Defense Express
EU Plans Its Own Super Tucano But With Stealth, Bizarre Timeline to 2040

European Union plans to create a light multirole combat turboprop aircraft FMLA (Future Multirole Light Aircraft), with €15 million already allocated for a competition to create it. This financing is secured in the European Defence Fund program by European Commission decision.

A separate item in EDF Work Programme 2026, including details in Annex 3, establishes development of an aircraft that should not duplicate or rely on existing turboprop aircraft. But be cheap and perform close air support missions, intercept drones, conduct reconnaissance, coordinate strikes, and provide target designation.

FMLA is expected to become valuable due to its versatility, low operating costs, and adaptability, and will also be easily re-equipped for civil security missions, such as search and rescue operations.

Requirements for the new turboprop aircraft include: turboprop engine use, takeoff weight up to 7,500kg, short takeoff and landing capability (STOL) meaning operation from runways up to 450 meters long.

Also specified is use of modern technologies and materials that should minimize aircraft visibility on radar and other detection systems, plus electronic warfare resistance. Meanwhile, the necessity to have own radar systems and adaptive camouflage means is stated. Additionally, requirements are noted regarding operation in harsh conditions and environmental friendliness.

Regarding FMLA’s direct combat role, already at the requirements development stage for this machine, it’s indicated that it is intended for low-intensity conflicts, operations in suppressed enemy air defense conditions, and missions below the threshold of open conflict. Also, this aircraft should be a cost-effective solution for countries that cannot afford modern aviation assets.

Defense Express notes that everything described strongly resembles what Super Tucano from Embraer can already do. Except for the logical radar requirement and the very strange desire to ensure low observability because combining a propeller engine with effective stealth technologies is quite a non-trivial task.

But in any case, EU intentions to create its own cost-effective air asset looks like a very positive shift. However, all positive impressions from initiating this very pragmatic project are destroyed by its timeline. Because the delivery horizon for this new aircraft is currently defined at 2035-2040.

미국 군재분쟁감시기구 Nordsint
Russia Organized Starlink Supply for Its Military Through the UAE and Fake Declarations

Russia set up a supply chain for U.S.-made Starlink terminals by manipulating customs declarations and product certification records.

According to Nordsint, a journalistic investigation discovered that some of the devices entered Russia not through direct sales from the manufacturer, but via a network of licensed suppliers and intermediaries operating in neighboring countries.

An error in the documentation enabled the identification of one of the intermediaries and the tracing of the equipment’s origin that ultimately reached Russia. In particular, Starlink terminals were declared as “other electronic components” or registered as civilian-use goods.

This method of supply makes it significantly more difficult to enforce sanctions and export controls.

Despite SpaceX’s official statements that it does not sell to Russia, the enemy has been successfully using this extensive “parallel import” system and activating accounts through third countries.

For example, in June 2025, Starlink Maritime kits were declared using the address of the Dutch company Castor Marine, and earlier documents even listed the address of a Tesla dealership in Amsterdam.

The UAE serves as a key logistics hub, particularly the company Emaross Group FZE, whose labeling was found directly on the packaging of terminals advertised by Russian volunteers for the needs of the so-called “special military operation.” Similar schemes operate through Hong Kong and the company Di Global Limited, which is linked to the distribution of DJI drones.

This network allows the invaders to freely purchase equipment on Russian domestic marketplaces such as Ozon and Wildberries. At the same time, specialized dealers even offer bulk supplies and advice on how to conceal antennas.

It is also worth noting that tracking the supply of these terminals is difficult because some devices sent as part of humanitarian or government missions ended up in areas controlled by Russian forces or on the secondary market.

In addition, Russians have started installing Starlink terminals on their own drones. For example, in December 2025, the use of Starlink on the Molniya-2R UAV was confirmed, as shown on the official page of a project linked to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine.

According to the published photos, the equipment installation is not improvised. The presence of standard mounting points indicates a systematic, organized process.

영국 통신사 Reuters
TKMS Submits Non-Binding Bid to Buy German Naval Yards

German warship maker TKMS has submitted a non-binding bid for smaller peer German Naval Yards (GNYK), the company told Reuters on Thursday.

“Discussions between our two companies will continue with an open outcome,” TKMS said in an emailed statement, without disclosing any details around the offer.

TKMS, which was spun off from parent Thyssenkrupp in October, last month said it expected to decide soon on whether to buy GNYK, reflecting its ambition to expand in light of growing demand for defence equipment.

GNYK is part of the family-owned CMN Naval group – a French shipbuilder active in naval and yacht construction – and employs around 400 people directly.

British defence, marine and industrial firm Inocea Group is in talks to buy GNYK, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters in December, indicating broader interest as European defence firms look for effective ways to expand.

덴마크 해야전문가 링크드인
Dansk/tysk sømilitær & forsvarsindustriel speeddating er en god start på 2026 🇩🇪🫱🏼‍🫲🏽🇩🇰 🥳

NVL B.V. & Co. KG og TKMS inviterede dansk industri til åben dialog for at afdække mulighederne for gensidigt frugtbart industrisamarbejde omkring de nye fregatter til den danske flåde ⛴️🇩🇰

Tak til firmaer som Danske Flådeskibe K/S, OMT – Odense Maritime Technology, Navigate, MDSI, Normark Defence, DESMI og COWI for at deltage konstruktivt 🙏🏼

Tak til den tyske ambassade for husly og værtsskab.