defense-and-technology8.815 min read
Anduril Unveils Steelfin: A Modular Interceptor Aimed at Cutting PAC-3 Costs by Two-Thirds
49 minutes ago•Source: UNITED24 Media
Defense And Technology News
The latest defense and technology stories, each synthesized from multiple sources with added background and context.
Featured Defense And Technology Stories
View original source
11.01 min•18 hours ago
Lockheed Martin Unveils PAC-3 Edge to Boost Patriot Defense Against Hypersonic Threats
Lockheed Martin has revealed the PAC-3 Edge, a next-generation interceptor designed to replace the current PAC-3 MSE in the U.S. Army’s Future Interceptor program. The new missile features an upgraded seeker, a three-pulse solid rocket motor from Northrop Grumman, and enhanced attitude control motors to improve agility against hypersonic and advanced ballistic threats. Testing is scheduled to begin in 2027, with initial deployment targeted for 2031, though Lockheed aims to accelerate this timeline. The development coincides with a major push to triple PAC-3 MSE production to 2,000 units annually by 2030, addressing strained stockpiles from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
More Top Stories
2
Ukraine Confirms First AI Turret Kills of High-Speed Russian Drones
Business Insider•7 days ago
3
Pentagon Launches Project Meridian with Musk and Luckey to Map Future Warfare
The Guardian•12 days ago
More Defense And Technology Stories
Ukraine’s Third Army Corps Integrates Air-Dropped Robots and Day/Night Tactics in Vivaldi Offensive
Ukraine’s Third Army Corps is leveraging advanced robotic systems to accelerate its offensive in northern Donetsk. By utilizing uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) for mine clearance and aerial drones for deployment, the unit has significantly reduced operational timelines and minimized personnel casualties. This strategy is central to the ongoing Operation Vivaldi, which has reclaimed substantial territory near Lyman.
SR-71 Blackbird Vanishes from NASA Display Amid Hypersonic X-Plane Push
A retired SR-71 Blackbird has disappeared from public display at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center, fueling speculation about a return-to-flight program or a new hypersonic testbed. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman recently hinted at rebuilding the X-plane fleet to fly 'higher and faster,' while the agency declined to confirm the aircraft's current status.
Ukraine’s Sting S Interceptor Confirmed in Combat Trials Against Fast Geran-5 Drones
Ukraine’s Wild Hornets company confirmed its new Sting S interceptor drone successfully shot down a Russian Geran-5 jet-powered drone during combat trials. The 1020th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment released footage of the interception, marking the first public confirmation of the system’s effectiveness against high-speed targets. While the Sting S is currently in testing, Wild Hornets plans to begin mass production after trials conclude. This development is part of a broader Ukrainian effort to counter Russia’s increasing use of jet-powered drones, which have reduced interception rates compared to older propeller models.
U.S. Drone Program Awards Top Slots to American Firms as Ukrainian Makers Miss the Cut
The U.S. Department of War’s $1.1 billion Drone Dominance Program awarded top slots in its Gauntlet II evaluation to American firms, with Perennial Autonomy winning the deep-strike category and Neros Technologies leading close-quarters combat. Ukrainian drone makers, despite battle-tested experience, failed to place in the top five due to bureaucratic hurdles, including export licenses and non-Chinese component requirements. While Ukrainian technology influenced some winners, direct Ukrainian firms missed the cut, though they may compete in future rounds.
UK invests heavily in drone technology and training for national defense
A new undergraduate degree in autonomous systems focusing on drone technologies is being launched at NMITE in Hereford, in partnership with the UK Armed Forces, to train future drone warfare specialists and enhance military capabilities, with the program set to start in September 2026.
Neros Secures $75M Funding and Army Contract for Drone Innovation
Neros, a drone manufacturer, closed a $75 million Series B funding round led by Sequoia Capital, aiming to expand its production capacity and R&D for advanced FPV drones, primarily serving US military programs and international clients, with a focus on reshoring drone manufacturing in the US.
Palantir Denies Security Flaws Amid Army Concerns
Palantir and Anduril dismissed recent reports of security flaws in their battlefield communication systems, asserting issues have been addressed and the reports are outdated, leading to a temporary 7.5% drop in Palantir's stock.
Microsoft halts use of Chinese engineers for US military support amid security concerns
Microsoft announced it will cease using China-based engineers for US military tech support following concerns about cybersecurity and a review ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, after reports of Chinese engineers working on sensitive military cloud systems.
Palantir's Warp Speed Launch for Warships: Is PLTR Stock a Buy?
Palantir Technologies has launched 'Warp Speed for Warships' in collaboration with the U.S. Navy to digitally transform maritime supply chains and shipbuilding, potentially boosting its defense sector growth. The company's stock has surged nearly 94% in 2025, driven by strong earnings and expanding defense contracts, though analysts remain cautious about its high valuation. The initiative and recent contracts position Palantir as a key player in military technology innovation.
Ukraine's Drone Innovations and the Need for Satellite Swarms Amidst Escalating Tensions
Forbes highlights how Ukraine's use of networked drones offers strategic lessons for the US in space warfare, emphasizing the importance of quantity, connectivity, and rapid adaptation to maintain technological and tactical superiority against China and other adversaries.