The War Zone
• Thomas Newdick
Ukraine’s new Shershen surface-to-air missile system is designed with an open architecture that could allow Kyiv to combine different interceptors as its missile inventory changes. The approach may provide flexibility to integrate adapted air-to-air missiles into a ground-based air-defense system.
Air & Space Forces Mag
Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons
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Ukraine’s new Shershen surface-to-air missile system is designed with an open architecture that could allow Kyiv to combine different interceptors as its missile inventory changes. The approach may provide flexibility to integrate adapted air-to-air missiles into a ground-based air-defense system.
RTX is collaborating with fusion-energy startup Xcimer to assess whether high-energy laser technology rooted in Cold War research could support directed-energy defenses. The effort highlights a potential crossover between fusion research and systems designed to counter missiles and drones.
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An Iranian ballistic missile attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base reportedly caused significant damage to a U.S. A-10 Thunderbolt II, including the loss of a wing, and lighter damage to approximately eight F-15E Strike Eagles. The incident underscores the operational exposure of forward-deployed aircraft in the region.
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MBDA and Safran won approval to supply France’s new long-range land-strike capability, while the U.S. expanded military connectivity with 21 PWSA Tranche-1 satellites. Separate awards include up to $4.84 billion for Northrop Grumman’s CIRCM system, $4.7 billion to L3Harris for PAC-3 MSE propulsion and $343.2 million for T56 sustainment.
Russia is using the 2026 El Alamein International Airshow in Egypt to promote the export Su-57E, S-71 drones, drone-like missiles, upgraded Ka-52 helicopters and air-defense systems, including the ZAK-30 Citadel. The showcase comes as the Su-57’s operational effectiveness remains difficult to establish publicly.
The U.S. Army has selected Boeing and Anduril to advance to the next phase of its competition for a midrange interceptor under the Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 program. Separately, Anduril is providing autonomy software for a hypersonic aircraft startup targeting a 2027 flight test.
Defense startup Covenant has emerged from stealth with more than $250 million from investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Founders Fund and Lux Capital. The company says its Anthem weapon has completed 200 flights and is targeting U.S. production of 5,000 units annually from a Texas factory.
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