Anduril unveils Steelfin interceptor family, positioning as cheaper alternative to PAC-3
Anduril Industries revealed Steelfin, a modular family of surface-to-air interceptors designed to defeat cruise, ballistic and hypersonic missiles at a fraction of current costs. The company plans to begin flight tests in 2027 and claims the design can be reconfigured to counter both low-cost drones and exquisite threats. Steelfin competes in the U.S. Army's Future Interceptor programme. Executives say the missile leverages common components to enable high-volume production.
Why it matters: The company that has already won a five-year Army C2 contract and a $3.7 billion submarine-parts deal is now bidding to become the Pentagon's high-volume interceptor supplier — a direct run at RTX and Lockheed.
Ukrainian drone operators inflict 70% of US armored brigade casualties in first three days of German exercise
Ukrainian drone operators playing opposition forces in a US Army training exercise in Germany caused approximately 70% of an American armored brigade's casualties in the first three days, according to an account published in Military Review by the brigade's own commander and staff. The exercise demonstrated the lethality of small commercial drones against conventional armored units. Defence Blog reports the Ukrainian unit operated a mix of FPV and reconnaissance drones.
Why it matters: A Ukrainian OPFOR just gave the US Army the same lesson Russia learned in 2022 — heavy armor without counter-drone infrastructure is a target, not a force.
Anduril exploring European production of Steelfin interceptor missiles, executive says
U.S. defense firm Anduril could eventually manufacture its newly unveiled Steelfin interceptor missiles in Europe, according to a company executive. The statement follows Anduril's recent introduction of the Steelfin family, positioned as a lower-cost alternative to Patriot PAC-3.
Why it matters: Anduril is pre-selling European production before a single European order—smart if you believe Patriot shortages will force NATO to certify American alternatives, optimistic if you think integration timelines matter.
U.S. Army soldiers operate Ukrainian-designed Stork reconnaissance drone during training exercise in Germany
A U.S. Army soldier was photographed assembling a Stork reconnaissance drone during Combined Resolve 27-01 at the Hohenfels Training Area in Germany. The Stork is built by Czech-Ukrainian company U&C UAS and has been widely used by Ukrainian forces in combat.
Why it matters: The U.S. Army is field-testing Ukrainian battle-proven drones in Europe—a quiet acknowledgment that American procurement can't keep pace with what soldiers actually need for high-intensity war.
U.S. Army's Europe-assigned Typhon battery fires first Tomahawk during California test
A Typhon Mid-Range Capability battery assigned to U.S. Army Europe fired its first Tomahawk cruise missile on 28 September at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California. The service said it was the third Typhon launch within the continental United States. The battery is part of Multi-Domain Command Europe.
Why it matters: Stationing a land-based Tomahawk battery in Europe — even if it trains in California — puts 1,600-km strike reach on the NATO eastern flank without deploying a carrier or SSN.
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