Articles tagged with "missile-technology"
GE and Lockheed finish ramjet tests to boost hypersonic missile range
On January 14, GE Aerospace and Lockheed Martin announced successful tests of a new propulsion system combining a liquid-fueled rotating detonation ramjet with a dual-mode tactical inlet, aimed at improving efficiency for hypersonic missiles flying above Mach 5 (over 3,800 mph). This innovation addresses a major challenge in hypersonic flight: the efficiency gap between launch and sustained high-speed cruise. Traditional ramjets require speeds around Mach 3 to ignite, necessitating large rocket boosters that add weight and limit range. The rotating detonation engine, which uses continuous supersonic detonation waves in a cylindrical chamber, offers about 25% greater efficiency than conventional combustion, operates at lower speeds, and can transition smoothly between ramjet and scramjet modes, reducing reliance on heavy boosters. Lockheed Martin’s tactical inlet complements this engine by managing airflow at varying speeds and altitudes, ensuring stable combustion despite complex shockwave interactions at hypersonic velocities. This inlet adapts to changing
energyhypersonic-flightramjetrotating-detonation-engineaerospace-propulsionmissile-technologyLockheed-MartinUS boosts solid rocket motor production with $32.7M investment
The U.S. Department of War has announced a $32.7 million investment under the Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III to expand the domestic industrial base for solid rocket motors (SRMs), addressing critical supply bottlenecks amid rising missile demand. The funding is allocated to two companies: $5 million to Systima Technologies Inc. in Washington to establish a dedicated SRM nozzle production line and optimize complex nozzle manufacturing, and $27.7 million to R.E. Darling Co., Inc. (REDAR) in Arizona to modernize and expand production of SRM case insulation materials, which protect motors from extreme heat and erosion. These components are vital for missile performance and reliability. This investment is part of a broader effort to strengthen U.S. munitions manufacturing, reduce supply chain risks, and accelerate production amid a surge in demand for propellant-based weaponry. The DPA Title III program has now made eight SRM-related investments totaling $120 million, within a larger
energysolid-rocket-motorsmissile-technologydefense-productionmanufacturing-expansioninsulation-materialsaerospace-componentsChina’s low-cost ‘cement-coated’ hypersonic missile could hit Mach 7
Chinese aerospace company Lingkong Tianxing has developed the YKJ-1000, a low-cost hypersonic glide missile capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 7 and striking targets up to 1,300 kilometers away. Notably, the missile uses unconventional, civilian-grade materials such as foamed concrete for its heat-resistant coating, earning it the nickname “cement-coated missile” on Chinese social media. The YKJ-1000 reportedly entered mass production following successful combat trials, with a unit cost around US$99,000—dramatically lower than comparable Western interceptors like the U.S. SM-6 or THAAD missiles, which cost millions of dollars each. This cost advantage could disrupt global defense markets by providing an affordable yet potent precision strike capability. Analysts highlight the strategic implications of the YKJ-1000’s affordability and performance, noting it could allow smaller nations to challenge advanced military assets such as U.S. carrier strike groups within operational range. The missile’s
materialshypersonic-missileaerospace-technologydefense-technologylow-cost-materialsmissile-technologymilitary-innovationTurkey’s drone makes world's first beyond-visual-range aerial kill
Turkey’s Baykar defense company has announced a world-first achievement in aviation with its Bayraktar Kizilelma unmanned combat aircraft (UCA). In a recent test conducted over the Black Sea near Sinop, the drone successfully shot down a jet-powered aircraft using a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, marking the first time such a kill has been made by a drone. The operation utilized three domestically developed Turkish technologies: the Kizilelma drone, the Gokdogan missile, and Aselsan’s Murad Aesa radar, all produced by Turkish firms, underscoring the country’s growing indigenous defense capabilities. The Bayraktar Kizilelma is a fighter UAV designed to meet Turkey’s future defense needs, featuring a 14.5-meter length, 10-meter wingspan, and a maximum takeoff weight of 8.5 tons. Powered by a turbofan engine, it can reach speeds up to 0.9 Mach
robotdroneunmanned-aerial-vehiclemilitary-technologyaerospacemissile-technologyradar-systemsUkraine destroys Russia's test aircraft for airborne laser weapons
A recent Ukrainian strike on the Beriev aircraft manufacturing facility in Taganrog, southwestern Russia, destroyed a rare and significant Russian military asset: the A-60 airborne laser test aircraft. The A-60, a unique Soviet-era platform built from an Il-76MD transport jet, was Russia’s only flying testbed for airborne laser weapons. Satellite imagery confirmed the aircraft was engulfed in flames and severely damaged, marking a major setback for Russia’s laser weapons program, whose current status was already uncertain. Alongside the A-60, another advanced aircraft, likely a testbed for the A-100 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system, was also destroyed. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense reported using a combination of Bars long-range jet-powered attack drones and Neptune land-attack cruise missiles to carry out the strike. The Neptune missile, originally an anti-ship weapon, has been adapted for deep strikes into Russian territory, while the Bars drone represents Ukraine’s growing long-range strike capabilities
energylaser-weaponsmilitary-aviationairborne-laserdrone-technologymissile-technologyaerospace-materialsRussia flexes nuclear muscle with 8,700-mile cruise missile test
Russia has announced a significant test of its experimental nuclear-powered cruise missile, the 9M730 Burevestnik (NATO codename SSC-X-9 “Skyfall”), claiming it flew nonstop for 15 hours over approximately 8,700 miles (14,000 kilometers) powered by a compact onboard nuclear reactor. This test, disclosed on October 21, 2025, was publicized alongside large-scale Russian nuclear drills and touted by state media as evidence of advanced development. However, no independent verification—such as satellite imagery or international monitoring—has confirmed the flight, and Western defense officials remain skeptical, viewing the announcement more as a demonstration of resolve than a confirmed technical breakthrough. Past Burevestnik tests have been inconsistent, including a 2019 accident at the Nyonoksa test range that caused fatalities and a radiation spike, linked to the missile’s development. The Burevestnik revives Cold War-era concepts, drawing inspiration from the U.S. Project Pluto of
energynuclear-propulsionmissile-technologyBurevestniknuclear-reactordefense-technologyRussiaUS to arm drones with missiles that can work in GPS-denied environment
The US Army is advancing the Symbiotic UAS Delivery System (SCBDS) project to develop a compact, highly capable missile designed for medium-sized Group 2 and 3 drones, such as the ScanEagle. This missile aims to enable special operations forces to conduct multiple fire-and-forget kinetic strikes without relying on GPS guidance, addressing challenges posed by GPS-denied or heavily jammed environments. The weapon must be lightweight (under five pounds total, with about two pounds of kinetic payload), self-propelled, capable of striking targets over 2.5 miles away, and accurate within 16 feet, all while operating autonomously without post-launch guidance from the drone. A key innovation of the SCBDS is its reliance on advanced computer vision and a tiny inertial measurement unit (IMU) to navigate and identify targets, circumventing vulnerabilities exposed by electronic warfare seen in conflicts like the Ukraine war. The project responds to significant losses of drones due to electronic interference and aims to provide
robotdronesmissile-technologyautonomous-weaponscomputer-visionGPS-denied-navigationmilitary-technologyUS firm debuts missile that cruises at 35,000 feet with 575-mile range
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has introduced the Ragnarök Low-Cost Cruise Missile (LCCM), a new precision strike weapon designed to offer long-range capabilities at a significantly reduced cost. The missile features a 575-mile (500-nautical-mile) range, can cruise at altitudes up to 35,000 feet at speeds exceeding Mach 0.7, and carries an 80-pound payload optimized for precision strikes against high-value or time-sensitive targets. With an estimated unit cost of around $150,000 in bulk production, Ragnarök is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to traditional cruise missiles like the Tomahawk, which costs about $1.5 million per round. The missile’s design emphasizes manufacturability, modularity, and tactical flexibility. It incorporates a carbon-composite fuselage for weight reduction, a wing-folding mechanism for compact storage, and compatibility with various launch platforms, including manned and unmanned aircraft such as the XQ-58 Valkyrie
materialsaerospace-engineeringunmanned-systemsdefense-technologycomposite-materialspropulsion-systemsmissile-technologyLockheed's missile with ramjet engine to offer 620-mile range
Lockheed Martin has unveiled its Increment 4 Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) prototype, featuring a combined-cycle propulsion system that integrates a ramjet engine with a solid rocket motor. This advancement is expected to extend the missile’s range to over 620 miles (1,000 kilometers), nearly doubling the current PrSM range of 320 miles. The missile’s design includes mid-body aerodynamic strakes, a blister fairing, and four aft-mounted control surfaces, enhancing its flight stability and maneuverability. A flight test for this Increment 4 version is planned for 2026 to validate its long-range capability and precision. The new missile aims to improve survivability and lethality by following a critical path to its target, making interception by enemy defenses more difficult. Lockheed emphasizes that the missile will not require booster drops during flight, enhancing operational safety over land and water. The PrSM system is compatible with existing launchers like the MLRS M270 and HIMARS, providing artillery units with extended reach
energymissile-technologypropulsion-systemsramjet-enginecombined-cycle-propulsionlong-range-weaponsdefense-technologyUS to boost production of dual-thrust rocket motor, key for missiles
The United States is set to accelerate production of the Mk 104 dual-thrust rocket motor, a critical component of the Standard Missile program, through a new $26 million purchase order jointly executed by Raytheon and Avio USA. This order follows a contract signed 13 months earlier for preliminary engineering work and aims to expand the supply chain, enhance production capacity, and ensure the resilience and availability of the Mk 104 motor. The funding will support the project through the Critical Design Review phase, procurement of long-lead materials, and enable increased and faster production of solid rocket motors. The Mk 104 motor is essential for the SM-6 missile system, which integrates three missiles into one unit capable of anti-air, anti-surface, and ballistic missile defense missions, providing versatile sea control capabilities for the U.S. Navy and its allies. Both companies have completed key development milestones, including System Requirements and Preliminary Design Reviews, laying a strong foundation for further qualification and production. This collaboration also involves leveraging
energyrocket-motormissile-technologysolid-rocket-motorproduction-capacitydefense-technologymaterials-engineeringRussia launches 619 attack drones, 32 cruise missiles against Ukraine
On September 20, 2025, Ukraine endured a massive overnight assault by Russian forces deploying 619 drones and missiles, including 579 strike drones, eight ballistic missiles, and 32 cruise missiles. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 583 of these targets, mitigating further damage. The strikes affected multiple regions such as Dnipro, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Poltava, Kyiv, Odesa, Sumy, and Kharkiv, resulting in three deaths, dozens of injuries, and damage to civilian infrastructure and residential areas. This attack followed a recent incident where three Russian fighter jets violated Estonian airspace, drawing condemnation from Estonia and the EU. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes as deliberate terror tactics against civilians rather than military necessities, urging a stronger international response. He called for enhanced air defenses, increased weapons supplies, and expanded sanctions against Russia’s military and its financial backers. In response to the
dronesmilitary-technologyunmanned-aerial-vehiclesair-defensemissile-technologydefense-systemsdrone-warfareHow China's 12,400-mile-range nuclear missile stays launch-ready
China’s DF-5C is a newly unveiled liquid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) boasting a range exceeding 20,000 kilometers (12,400 miles), significantly surpassing the U.S. Minuteman III’s range. As the latest upgrade in the Dongfeng-5 series, the DF-5C can reportedly carry up to 10 multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs). A key feature highlighted during its military parade debut is its claimed ability to remain “always on alert and capable of striking anywhere in the world,” suggesting advances that allow the missile to stay launch-ready for extended periods despite the traditional challenges of liquid-fuel missiles, such as toxic fuels and complex fueling procedures. The DF-5C appears to incorporate technological innovations, such as flexible silver-grey materials around its engine nozzles, which may represent breakthroughs in rapid fueling or fuel storage, enabling constant readiness. Strategically, this enhances China’s second-strike nuclear capability, reinforcing its
energynuclear-missileliquid-fuel-technologymaterials-sciencestrategic-defensemissile-technologyaerospace-materialsIndia tests 3,000-mile nuclear missile that can hit China, Europe
India successfully test-fired its Agni-5 ballistic missile on August 20, 2025, marking a significant advancement in its long-range nuclear strike capabilities. The missile, with a range of approximately 3,100 miles (5,000 kilometers), can target nearly all of China and parts of Europe. Developed by the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Agni-5 features a three-stage solid-fuel propulsion system and lightweight composite motor casings, enhancing its range and efficiency. This missile is the longest-range weapon in India’s operational arsenal and serves as the backbone of its nuclear deterrence strategy. The test also highlights India’s progress in Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, demonstrated in a prior flight test of an Agni-5 MIRV variant called Mission Divyastra. MIRV capability allows a single missile to carry multiple warheads aimed at separate targets, complicating missile defense efforts and placing India among a select group of nations
materialsenergydefense-technologymissile-technologynuclear-propulsioncomposite-materialssolid-fuel-propulsionUS firm's solid rocket motor with grain propellant tech tested
Colorado-based Ursa Major successfully conducted static fire tests of an upgraded solid rocket motor featuring its Highly Loaded Grain (HLG) propellant technology, which delivers increased performance and extended range without enlarging the motor’s size. Developed in collaboration with BAE Systems, this extended range variant is designed for the APKWS laser-guidance kit, a combat-proven system that converts unguided 2.75-inch rockets into precision-guided munitions (PGMs) with high accuracy and minimal collateral damage. The successful tests pave the way for a planned flight demonstration in fall 2025. Ursa Major’s next-generation motor incorporates a flexible design architecture compatible with multiple missile systems and integrates with its Lynx Manufacturing System, a software-enabled additive manufacturing line that enhances production speed and scalability. This approach aims to overcome legacy industrial bottlenecks and rapidly provide critical solid rocket motor capacity for the U.S. and allied forces. The APKWS system, qualified on numerous U.S. Department of Defense platforms
energysolid-rocket-motorgrain-propellantmissile-technologyadditive-manufacturingprecision-munitionsaerospace-materialsAnduril opens solid rocket motor factory amidst ongoing chemical chokepoint
Anduril has launched a high-volume solid rocket motor (SRM) factory in Mississippi, aiming to become the United States’ third major SRM supplier and break the longstanding duopoly held by Northrop Grumman and L3Harris’ Aerojet Rocketdyne. The factory is expected to produce 6,000 tactical motors annually by the end of 2026, supporting a range of applications from missile interceptors to deep-space probes. This expansion comes amid increased demand for weapons driven by geopolitical tensions such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and conflicts in the South China Sea. The U.S. Department of Defense has supported new entrants like Anduril, Ursa Major, and X-Bow Systems with funding to move from prototype to commercialization. However, the SRM supply chain faces a critical bottleneck due to the reliance on ammonium perchlorate (AP), a key oxidizer produced at scale by only one qualified supplier, American Pacific (AMPAC) in Utah. Despite
energysolid-rocket-motorsdefense-manufacturingsupply-chainammonium-perchloratemissile-technologyaerospace-materials990-lb missile that can hit stealth aircraft, ballistic threats tested
The ASTER B1 New Technology (B1NT) missile, developed by the European consortium Eurosam, has undergone successful live-fire testing at the DGA Essais de Missiles range in France. This upgraded 990-lb (450 kg) missile variant demonstrates enhanced capabilities to intercept advanced aerial threats, including stealth aircraft, low-signature cruise missiles, maneuvering short-range ballistic missiles, and hypersonic targets. The recent tests validated its long-range interception capacity, reaching up to 150 km, and showcased improvements in propulsion, control systems, and guidance technology based on a Ka-band seeker and new interception algorithms. Designed for integration within the next-generation SAMP/T NG air defense system, the ASTER B1NT offers a significant performance boost over previous versions. The SAMP/T NG system features advanced multifunction radar, digital command and control with enhanced data fusion, and improved mobility, enabling rapid deployment and interoperability with NATO air and missile defense networks. Eurosam highlights that the ASTER family
energymissile-technologypropulsion-systemsaerospace-materialsdefense-technologyguidance-systemselectronicsUS Air Force reveals new nuclear cruise missile for B-21, B-52 planes
The US Air Force has unveiled the AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) missile, a new nuclear-armed cruise missile developed by Raytheon to replace the aging AGM-86B Air-Launched Cruise Missile. Designed to arm the B-21 Raider stealth bomber and upgraded B-52 Stratofortress, the LRSO features advanced stealth capabilities, resilience against electronic warfare, and precise navigation to operate effectively in contested environments. Armed with the W80-4 thermonuclear warhead, the missile is optimized for low observability, autonomous threat avoidance, and adaptive targeting, enabling it to penetrate advanced air defenses and strike high-value targets from standoff distances. The LRSO is part of a broader integrated strike architecture involving space-based sensors, command-and-control systems, and potentially classified escort aircraft, aimed at enhancing US nuclear deterrence amid growing strategic challenges from Russia and China. Its standoff range offers flexible deterrent options, including forward deployment and mission recall, which are critical for escalation control during crises. Flight testing is underway under secrecy, with operational deployment expected in the latter half of the decade. The program is projected to cost $16 billion for over 1,000 missiles plus $7 billion for lifecycle support, with a unit cost of about $14 million. Plans for a conventional variant have been dropped, leaving the AGM-158 JASSM family to fulfill non-nuclear strike roles. The LRSO addresses a crucial gap in US nuclear capabilities and underscores continued American resolve in great power competition.
energymilitary-technologymissile-technologynuclear-weaponsstealth-technologyaerospace-engineeringdefense-systemsUS' interceptor with solid motor can perform better against threats
The U.S. Army’s Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor (NGSRI), developed by Raytheon and Northrop Grumman, has successfully undergone multiple tests of its solid rocket motor technology, known as Highly Loaded Grain (HLG). This advanced solid propellant offers longer burn times and greater energy output than conventional motors, enabling the missile to fly faster, extend its range, and perform more effectively against advanced aerial threats. The program has completed three static firings in varied environments and a successful ballistic flight demonstration, with further tests planned soon. The missile’s design allows it to be launched from various platforms, including tripods, vehicles, and shoulder launchers. Raytheon and Northrop Grumman’s collaboration has rapidly transitioned the HLG motor from concept to flight-ready status in under six months, leveraging modular design and automated manufacturing techniques. This propulsion innovation enhances speed, range, and mission flexibility in a compact form factor, marking a significant advancement over legacy air defense systems. The NGSRI builds on over 60 years of air defense expertise to deliver a highly capable shoulder-launched missile for the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, aiming to protect warfighters against evolving airborne threats with cutting-edge technology.
energysolid-rocket-motormissile-technologypropulsion-systemsdefense-technologyRaytheonNorthrop-Grumman