Lockheed Martin unveils PAC-3 Edge interceptor for U.S. Army Future Interceptor competition
Lockheed Martin introduced PAC-3 Edge, a new interceptor competing in the U.S. Army's Future Interceptor programme. The missile builds on the PAC-3 MSE design and is positioned to counter hypersonic weapons and advanced missile threats. The company did not disclose technical specifications or expected unit cost.
Why it matters: Lockheed is betting the Army will pay for an MSE upgrade path rather than Anduril's clean-sheet design — a choice that will define interceptor economics for the next decade.
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.
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.
New Zealand confirms purchase of five MH-60R SeaHawk helicopters for over $930 million
New Zealand has confirmed the acquisition of five MH-60R SeaHawk anti-submarine warfare helicopters from the United States for more than $930 million. The order will replace the Royal New Zealand Navy's aging ASW helicopter fleet operating from its two ANZAC-class frigates. Three defense ministers have handled the procurement over the past year.
Lithuania deploys mobile US-made AN/TPS-77 radars on NATO's eastern edge for air surveillance
Lithuania is fielding three truck-mounted AN/TPS-77 Multi-Role Radars from Lockheed Martin under a $52.6 million Foreign Military Sales contract. The systems feed real-time air surveillance data into NATO's integrated air and missile defense network. Lithuania's Ministry of National Defence confirmed the deployment.