Defence

The Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully conducted a flight-test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket. This successful trial marks another milestone in India's indigenous rocket artillery development. The system is designed to deliver precision strikes at extended ranges for the Army. This latest test follows a successful proof trial of the Pinaka Extended Range Rocket.

The IRIS-T air-defense system is undergoing significant enhancements by the German firm Diehl Defence. With a new longer-range variant in the works, this initiative seeks to diminish reliance on often-limited US Patriot missile interceptors. The escalating global appetite for air defense, fueled by recent conflicts, underscores the urgency for the IRIS-T SLX, which promises superior functionality and integration with existing systems, signifying a crucial step towards Europe's defense independence.

Ukraine's Skynex air defence system has intercepted a Russian cruise missile. This German-made platform demonstrates its combat capabilities in recent footage. The system effectively counters drones and cruise missiles, which Russia frequently uses. Skynex integrates with wider air defence networks for enhanced protection. It offers a cost-effective solution against modern aerial threats.

In an escalating conflict, Russia is ramping up its campaign to disrupt Ukraine's Starlink satellite internet capabilities, aiming to neutralize the effectiveness of Ukrainian drone strikes on its military assets. Utilizing advanced electronic warfare systems such as Volna-Kupol-Garant, Russian forces are successfully jamming Starlink connectivity in widespread regions. In response, Ukraine has begun targeting these electronic systems to restore vital communication channels.

NATO is set to enhance its aerial surveillance with plans to purchase up to ten Saab GlobalEye aircraft, totaling $4.5 billion. This strategic acquisition aims to phase out the older Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS fleet, introducing advanced multi-domain monitoring to address contemporary threats. If the agreement is finalized soon, deliveries might commence in 2030, fortifying NATO’s readiness and early warning functions for the foreseeable future.