DefenseNews.com
• Tom Kington
The Italian Air Force is considering acquiring U.S. technology that would transform low-cost, unguided missiles into precision weapons for countering drones. The concept could give Italy a more affordable interceptor option, while opening a potential U.S.-Italian defense technology and procurement discussion.
Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons
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The Italian Air Force is considering acquiring U.S. technology that would transform low-cost, unguided missiles into precision weapons for countering drones. The concept could give Italy a more affordable interceptor option, while opening a potential U.S.-Italian defense technology and procurement discussion.
China’s military has developed a hypersonic glide vehicle designed to launch air-to-air weapons against high-value targets, including command-and-control aircraft, at ranges of thousands of miles. The capability could extend the threat envelope facing airborne battle-management and support platforms central to military operations.
The UK plans to transfer Storm Shadow/SCALP missile blueprints to enable local assembly in Ukraine alongside France, while the low-cost, long-range Brakestop project advances. Separately, Ukrainian company General Cherry says production of its Bullet interceptor and Air Speed FPV UAVs is underway in Finland.
High activity
The U.S. Navy has disclosed the Raytheon-built AIM-424 Malice, a long-range air-to-air missile with a stated reach exceeding 250 nautical miles (463 kilometers). The weapon is undergoing flight testing and is intended for the F/A-18, F-35—including the carrier-based F-35C—and future F/A-XX fighters.
High activity
The U.S. Navy has publicly disclosed the AIM-424 Malice, a next-generation long-range air-to-air missile now undergoing testing and evaluation. With a reported engagement range exceeding 250 nautical miles (463 kilometers), Malice would substantially extend the reach of carrier-based fighter aviation.
Sweden’s air force has successfully test-fired a Taurus KEPD 350 long-range cruise missile from a Saab Gripen fighter for the first time. The terrain-following weapon is designed to penetrate dense air defenses, marking a notable integration milestone for Sweden’s Gripen-based strike capability.
Switzerland’s government plans to request CHF 970 million to reserve delivery slots for air-defense purchases, warning that rising security threats and a saturated international arms market could delay procurement. The move underscores the growing premium on securing production capacity for defensive systems.
Gen. Michael Guetlein brought the Pentagon’s case for Golden Dome to North Dakota on Aug. 20, appearing at an event hosted by two of the missile-defense program’s strongest Senate advocates as questions remain over how the initiative will be funded.
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