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Finnish Army Tests Rheinmetall Skyspotter as NATO Seeks Affordable Counter Drone Defenses
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Rheinmetall has successfully demonstrated its Skyspotter counter small UAS system during Finnish Armed Forces air defense trials at the Lohtaja firing range in December 2025. The test is significant for NATO forces as militaries seek affordable, mobile ways to counter mass drone threats proven on battlefields such as Ukraine.

Rheinmetall announced on December 16, 2025, that its Air Defence division completed a live demonstration of the Skyspotter counter small unmanned aerial system capability during the Finnish Armed Forces Ground-Based Air Defence Demo Days. Conducted at the Lohtaja firing range under winter conditions and forested terrain, the trial evaluated the system’s ability to detect, track, and defeat targets ranging from fast jet drones to small quadcopters in an operationally realistic environment, according to company statements.
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30 mm revolver cannon firing programmable KETF airburst rounds that scatter tungsten pellets to knock down small drones fast and cheaply, ideal against mass UAS attacks (Picture source: Rheinmetall).

Skyspotter is best understood as a deployable counter-UAS node that concentrates sensing, identification, electronic attack, and command and control into a modular package. Rheinmetall presents it as a multi-sensory early warning and reconnaissance system with an open architecture, allowing users to tailor sensors and effectors as threats evolve. At Lohtaja, the company also showcased a rapidly deployable configuration mounted on a Rheinmetall HX military truck, underlining an operational focus on mobility and survivability rather than fixed site protection alone.

From a technical standpoint, the Skyspotter sensor container integrates S-band and X-band radars with detection ranges of approximately 5 km and 7.5 km, respectively, paired with an electro-optical verification package combining daylight and thermal cameras with a laser rangefinder. Automatic acquisition, tracking, and identification functions are designed to work against small targets flying low and slow in cluttered environments, a defining feature of the drone threat observed in Ukraine. Passive emitter locator sensors can be added to detect and geolocate drone control links without emitting radar energy, improving survivability against counterfire.

Operational relevance comes from how Skyspotter is designed to cue effectors quickly while protecting the operators. Rheinmetall demonstrated an architecture combining Skyspotter, dislocated passive sensors, and a dedicated command and control shelter positioned at a safe distance from emitting elements. This reflects battlefield lessons from Ukraine, where counter-drone teams quickly become high-value targets and must rely on dispersion, concealment, and rapid relocation to survive.

A key armament element highlighted during the Finnish demonstration is Rheinmetall’s emphasis on a gun-based hard kill solution built around a 30 mm revolver cannon firing programmable KETF ammunition. This ammunition type ejects a cloud of tungsten subprojectiles in front of the target, creating a lethal cone that significantly increases hit probability against small, agile drones. The kinetic nature of the effect is particularly relevant in the face of mass drone attacks, where reliance on expensive missiles alone is neither sustainable nor affordable.

The Skyranger 30 turret offers a clear benchmark for this approach. Rheinmetall describes an effective engagement range of up to 3,000 meters, a nominal rate of fire of around 1,200 rounds per minute, and more than 250 ready rounds, with options to integrate short-range air defence missiles for layered coverage. Tactically, this allows commanders to combine electronic attack to disrupt drones, gunfire for close-in defeat, and missiles for higher altitude or longer range targets, all within a single integrated system.

Finland’s interest in such capabilities mirrors a wider trend across NATO. The war in Ukraine has shown that drones are no longer niche reconnaissance tools, but mass-produced weapons used for surveillance, strike, and attrition. Western armies are now racing to rebuild short-range air defence and counter UAS layers that were allowed to atrophy after the Cold War. In this context, Rheinmetall’s demonstration was less about showcasing technology and more about proving that a layered, mobile, and affordable counter-drone shield can function under realistic field conditions.

For Western forces, Skyspotter represents an important step toward scalable counter-drone defence. Its combination of containerized sensors, mobile integration, passive detection options, and cost-effective kinetic defeat aligns closely with the harsh lessons emerging from Ukraine. When drones are numerous, persistent, and dangerous, counter-drone systems must be equally numerous, survivable, and economical enough to be used every day of the war.
Russia Moves to Equip Armored Trains With AI Vision to Counter Ukrainian Drone Attacks
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Russia plans to retrofit its armored trains in occupied Ukrainian territory with AI-enabled machine vision systems that automatically detect and identify hostile drones. The upgrade highlights how persistent Ukrainian UAV pressure is forcing even legacy platforms to adopt automated detection tools, though fundamental survivability limits remain.

Russian forces are preparing to equip their armored trains with artificial intelligence-assisted machine vision systems designed to autonomously monitor the surrounding area for hostile aerial threats, particularly Ukrainian reconnaissance and strike drones. The cameras and onboard processing unit are intended to alert crews rapidly so they can engage with onboard air defense guns, automatic cannons, or machine guns, according to reporting that draws on Russian media Izvestia’s coverage.
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Russian armored trains use armored rail mobility with onboard weapons and sensors, now adding AI vision to spot drones faster and cue defenses (Picture source: Stanislav Krasilnikov).

Armored trains are among the most predictable assets on today’s battlefield. They are constrained to fixed routes, tied to bridges and junctions, and forced to operate within a logistics ecosystem that can be mapped and revisited. Ukraine’s expanding drone playbook has turned those constraints into targeting advantages, from reconnaissance quadcopters hunting for movement to strike UAVs and FPV teams waiting for repeatable patterns. Russian reporting framed the upgrade as a security improvement for route reconnaissance and adjacent area monitoring, a phrasing that reads like a response to repeated drone pressure rather than a proactive modernization plan.

Open source reporting indicates the concept centers on multiple external cameras feeding a processing unit running computer vision algorithms, with detections pushed to the commander via a tablet-style interface or integrated into the train’s management system. Once the system flags a likely aerial threat, it is expected to alert the crew to engage using whatever air defense mounts and crew-served weapons are carried on the train’s platforms. Developers reportedly acknowledge the software still needs further training to reduce misclassification, a critical point because rail corridors often produce cluttered scenes with birds, debris, power lines, and civilian objects that can trigger false alarms, especially in poor weather or low light.

The move also highlights the shrinking reaction time problem. Small drones appear with little warning, often at low altitude and from unexpected angles. Traditional lookout methods and ad hoc acoustic cues struggle against that tempo, particularly when crews are already tasked with route security, surveillance, and coordination with accompanying forces. AI-assisted detection can help compress the observe and orient steps, but the kill chain still depends on human decision and weapon readiness, and it remains vulnerable to saturation attacks, decoys, and electronic warfare conditions that complicate both sensors and communications.

Russia’s armored train fleet in the war is described as small, commonly cited as four named trains, including Baikal, Amur, Volga, and Yenisei, employed since 2022 for niche logistics and security missions. Their survivability has been questioned after reported drone strikes, including an April attack attributed in open reporting to Ukraine’s 152nd Separate Jaeger Brigade. Army Recognition has previously documented the reappearance of Russian armored trains in Ukraine and the accompanying reliance on reconnaissance assets to reduce sabotage and ambush risk along the line.

Operationally, this AI camera package should be viewed as an incremental hardening measure rather than a transformation. It may improve early warning against single drones and reduce crew fatigue during long movements, but it cannot change the underlying predictability of rail operations. It also sits inside a broader contest where both sides are adapting drones, sensors, and guidance to hit rail infrastructure and rolling stock, including reports of long-range drone attacks against trains in motion. As analysts have noted more generally, battlefield AI efforts are advancing, but they are often uneven, constrained by integration challenges, and rarely deliver fully autonomous results under combat stress.
Northrop Grumman Begins Full Production of Mk44S Guns for U.S. Marines’ ACV-30 Amphibious Vehicles
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Northrop Grumman has entered full-rate production of its Mk44 Stretch Bushmaster Chain Gun for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle-30 variant, the company confirmed on December 16, 2025. The move strengthens Marine littoral forces at a time when amphibious units are central to U.S. crisis response and deterrence operations, including in the Caribbean.

On December 16, 2025, Northrop Grumman announced it has entered full-rate production of its Mk44 Stretch Bushmaster Chain Guns for the U.S. Marine Corps’ new Amphibious Combat Vehicles. This step marks the transition from development and low-rate initial production to sustained industrial output for the ACV-30 variant, which will be fitted with a Kongsberg remote turret. At a time when the Marine Corps is refocusing on littoral operations and crisis response, giving its amphibious vehicles a medium-caliber cannon with long reach and programmable ammunition directly relates to emerging threats ranging from drones to fast attack craft. The announcement gains added weight against the backdrop of mounting U.S.–Venezuela tensions and an expanded American naval presence in the Caribbean, where amphibious forces are one of Washington’s primary tools for signaling and intervention.

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The shift to full-rate Mk44S production for the ACV-30 quietly but clearly strengthens the Marine Corps’ ability to project measured, credible force from the sea at a time when crisis scenarios in the Caribbean are no longer hypothetical (Picture Source: Northrop Grumman)

The Mk44 Stretch Bushmaster, or Mk44S, is the latest evolution of Northrop Grumman’s 30×173 mm chain gun family, itself derived from the widely fielded 25 mm M242. It uses an externally powered chain drive, which decouples firing from recoil forces and is known for high reliability in harsh environments, a key requirement for salt-spray, high-humidity amphibious operations. The Mk44S can fire the full spectrum of NATO-standard 30×173 mm ammunition, including armor-piercing sabot, high-explosive and programmable air-burst munitions such as Northrop Grumman’s Mk310 round, designed to engage infantry in defilade, drones and lightly protected vehicles. By simply exchanging the barrel and a limited set of internal components, the weapon can be converted to a 40 mm “Super 40” configuration, offering a growth path for additional lethality without redesigning the turret or vehicle architecture. Production for the ACV-30 is concentrated at Northrop Grumman’s facility in Mesa, Arizona, supporting both U.S. requirements and potential future export opportunities via commonality with other Mk44S-equipped platforms.

On the ACV-30, the Mk44S will be mounted in a Kongsberg remotely operated 30 mm turret, part of the PROTECTOR/MCT-30 family that has already been selected as the Marine Corps’ lethality solution for the program. This configuration keeps the crew under armor while allowing hunter-killer target engagement with stabilized day/night sights and integrated fire control. According to Kongsberg and BAE Systems, the turret has been marinized to withstand prolonged operations in the surf zone and open sea, integrating with the ACV hull, which is designed to operate from ship to shore in elevated sea states. Live-fire trials at events such as the Bushmaster Users Conference have already demonstrated the ACV’s ability to employ a 30–40 mm Bushmaster cannon effectively, validating the interface between the gun, turret and amphibious chassis. For the Marines, standardized use of the Mk44S across ACV-30 and other platforms simplifies logistics and training while enabling a common family of programmable ammunition tailored to coastal, urban and maritime environments.

Beyond the technical upgrade, the decision to move into full-rate production aligns closely with the Marine Corps’ Force Design restructuring, which emphasizes smaller, more mobile units dispersed across archipelagos and littorals, supported by sensors and precision fires rather than heavy armored formations. In this construct, the ACV-30 with a Mk44S-armed remote turret becomes a key node for direct fire support, defending expeditionary advanced bases and sea lines of communication against small surface threats, unmanned systems and light armored vehicles. The 30 mm cannon offers significantly greater range and terminal effect than legacy .50 caliber and 40 mm grenade launchers, giving Marine units a credible means to challenge fast inshore attack craft or hostile security forces attempting to deny access to contested beaches, ports or river mouths. The growth potential to 40 mm further improves the vehicle’s ability to defeat reinforced positions or heavier craft without resorting to higher-end missiles that are more expensive and limited in number.

These capabilities take on particular significance as U.S.–Venezuela tensions escalate, with Washington increasing its military footprint in the southern Caribbean under operations officially framed around counter-narcotics but widely interpreted as exerting pressure on the Maduro government. Trinidad and Tobago’s recent decision to grant U.S. military aircraft broader access to its airports, coupled with the installation of a U.S. radar and the seizure of a large Venezuelan oil tanker off the country’s coast, has sharpened Caracas’s accusations that neighboring states are facilitating a potential American intervention. In this context, Marine amphibious ready groups equipped with ACV-30s form part of a layered toolkit that can conduct non-combatant evacuation operations, protect maritime infrastructure, escort shipping, or, in a more extreme scenario, support limited raids or demonstrations near Venezuelan territory. While the number of ACV-30s fielded remains modest compared to the overall U.S. force posture, their enhanced medium-caliber firepower from ship-to-shore adds credibility to U.S. signaling and provides commanders with a scalable option between mere presence and the use of high-end air or missile strikes.

The shift to full-rate Mk44S production for the ACV-30 quietly but clearly strengthens the Marine Corps’ ability to project measured, credible force from the sea at a time when crisis scenarios in the Caribbean are no longer hypothetical. By marrying a mature chain-gun architecture with a modern remote turret on a new-generation amphibious chassis, Northrop Grumman and its partners are delivering a capability that fits squarely within the Marines’ transformation toward agile, distributed operations in contested littorals. The technical details of the Mk44S, from its programmable ammunition to its growth path to 40 mm, matter not only for the tactical overmatch they offer Marines in close combat, but also for the broader strategic message they send: U.S. amphibious forces are being re-equipped to operate, deter and, if necessary, fight along the very coastlines where political and military tensions with Venezuela are now most acute.
Germany Prepares 3,000 Eagle V Armored Vehicle Order to Modernize Army Mobility
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Germany’s Bundeswehr is preparing a firm order for nearly 3,000 GDELS Eagle V protected vehicles under a procurement valued at roughly 4.8 billion euros, according to Hartpunkt. The move would reshape German ground mobility and strengthen NATO readiness as Europe accelerates force modernization.

Germany is moving toward one of its largest armored vehicle procurements in decades, as the Bundeswehr prepares to place a firm order for almost 3,000 GDELS Eagle V protected vehicles, according to reporting by the Hartpunkt defense policy outlet on December 16, 2025. The acquisition, valued at approximately 4.8 billion euros, is expected to proceed pending approval by the Bundestag Budget Committee and would establish long-term framework agreements covering both command vehicles and protected ambulances.
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GDELS Eagle V is a mine and blast-recovered 4x4 and 6x6 with high off-road mobility, heavy mission payload, and remote weapon station options for command, patrol, and medevac roles (Picture source: GDELS).

The Eagle V sits in the sweet spot Germany has long lacked in sufficient numbers: a compact, high mobility, mine-protected 4x4 designed to carry real mission payloads without jumping to larger MRAP dimensions. The Eagle V 4x4 operates at up to 11.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight with a payload capacity of around 3.5 tonnes, while the 6x6 version reaches approximately 16.5 tonnes gross with up to 6 tonnes payload. Both variants are powered by a Cummins six-cylinder diesel engine delivering about 185 kW and 245 hp, coupled to an Allison automatic transmission with permanent All Wheel Drive. The chassis uses De Dion axles, self-locking differentials, central tire pressure regulation, and run-flat tires, enabling high off-road mobility. Maximum road speed is around 110 km/h, with an operational range of roughly 700 km.

These technical characteristics are central to how the Bundeswehr intends to use the Eagle V. Germany is not procuring a simple troop carrier but a multi-role protected platform for command, control, liaison, and specialist missions that must operate under artillery fragmentation, small arms fire, and mine or IED threats. The vehicle supports a range of remote weapon stations, including the FLW 100 and FLW 200, allowing integration of 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine guns or a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher, with stabilized day and thermal sights. An NBC overpressure and filtration system is standard, and the onboard power architecture is designed to support radios, electronic equipment, and weapon systems during static operations without compromising readiness.

Operationally, the scale of the planned acquisition signals a shift in German force posture. The Eagle V is intended to become a standardized layer of protected mobility across the Bundeswehr rather than a platform reserved for deployments abroad. It is already used by Army and Air Force units for leadership, security, and force protection tasks, and is fielded in roles such as operational communications and electronic warfare support. A fleet numbering in the thousands would allow Germany to equip training units, NATO readiness formations, and deployed forces simultaneously, reducing long-standing shortfalls that have constrained readiness and interoperability.

The inclusion of the Eagle V6x6 ambulance variant underlines how medical support has moved closer to the front line in modern conflict. Designed as the successor to the Duro 3 Yak ambulance, the 6x6 provides protected primary casualty evacuation in contested environments. German military medical personnel have emphasized the vehicle’s modern interior layout, improved ergonomics, and capacity to carry advanced medical equipment, reflecting lessons from recent high-intensity conflicts where evacuation under fire has become routine rather than exceptional.

In replacement terms, the Eagle V 6x6 will progressively take over the Bundeswehr’s protected medical evacuation role from the aging Duro 3 Yak fleet. The Eagle V 4x4 represents the next generation after the Eagle IV, which has been in German service for years as a protected command and patrol vehicle. By maintaining a high degree of logistical and training commonality between Eagle IV and V, Germany aims to control lifecycle costs while significantly increasing protection, payload, and growth potential.

Compared with Western competitors, the Eagle V occupies a distinct niche. The U.S. Oshkosh JLTV offers higher engine output and a heavy combat pedigree, but carries a lower mission payload in common configurations. Italy’s Iveco LMV2 is lighter and optimized for patrol and liaison roles rather than heavy command payloads. France’s Arquus Sherpa Light approaches the Eagle V in weight class but is typically marketed as a patrol and security platform, while heavier vehicles such as the Bushmaster prioritize troop transport. The Eagle V stands out through its balance of protection, payload, modularity, and European sustainment, making it particularly suited to Germany’s requirement for a scalable, multi-role protected vehicle across the full spectrum of operations.
Trinidad and Tobago Authorizes U.S. Military Aircraft Transit Via Airports Amid Venezuela Tensions
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Trinidad and Tobago has confirmed it will allow U.S. military aircraft to transit its airports as part of ongoing security cooperation with Washington. The move carries regional significance as U.S.-Venezuela relations remain strained and Caribbean states face growing diplomatic scrutiny.

On 15 December 2025, Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs reaffirmed its ongoing security cooperation with the United States and confirmed that U.S. military aircraft will be allowed to transit through the country’s airports in the coming weeks. Presented as a logistical arrangement, the decision comes at a time when relations between Washington and Caracas remain strained, increasing the visibility of any security-related measure in the southern Caribbean. In this regional context, even limited access for military aircraft can attract political and diplomatic attention. The information was released in an official statement published by the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs.

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Trinidad and Tobago has authorized US military aircraft to transit through its airports, a move seen as a precautionary security measure as regional tensions linked to Venezuela continue to draw closer attention (Picture Source: BBC / DVIDS)

According to the ministry, the envisaged movements of U.S. aircraft are intended to support routine functions such as supply replenishment and personnel rotations. The statement situates this authorization within an existing framework of cooperation, highlighting continuity in bilateral security ties rather than a reorientation of national defense or foreign policy. By emphasising established practice and practical needs, the government seeks to frame the measure as an administrative step aligned with its broader security agenda.

The language used in the communiqué underlines the notion of “transit”, which generally refers to short-term access for stopovers, servicing or support, and does not normally imply the establishment of a permanent military presence. The absence of publicly disclosed details on aircraft types, frequency of flights or the scope of support activities reinforces the intention to keep the arrangement defined as limited and logistical. This approach aims to reassure domestic and regional audiences that the decision does not signify a shift toward a more forward-leaning defence posture.

Trinidad and Tobago’s airports nevertheless hold strategic relevance because of the country’s position on the southern rim of the Caribbean, close to major air and sea routes and geographically near Venezuela. In practical terms, predictable access to airfields in such a location can reduce transit times, simplify refuelling plans, and facilitate crew management and sustainment for authorised operations in surrounding air and maritime spaces. Even when the missions remain strictly logistical, positioning and proximity can enhance the efficiency of activities such as surveillance support, maritime domain awareness and counternarcotics cooperation.

From a broader geostrategic standpoint, the authorization may be interpreted as an indicator of alignment in security cooperation, regardless of the narrow scope described by the authorities. During periods of diplomatic strain, partners’ decisions to facilitate or restrict access can be read as part of a wider regional posture, linking logistics to monitoring, enforcement and crisis response. While the Trinidad and Tobago government presents the decision as a technical and continuity-based measure, other actors may integrate it into their own narratives about regional security dynamics.

By confirming U.S. military aircraft transit while explicitly describing it as logistical and time-bound, Trinidad and Tobago is seeking to maintain established security cooperation in a way that does not signal escalation or confrontation. In a region where geography and proximity amplify the implications of access decisions, such measures inevitably carry a political and strategic dimension alongside their practical purpose. How this arrangement is implemented and communicated in the coming weeks will shape whether it is viewed primarily as routine operational support or as a more symbolic indicator within the evolving regional security landscape.
Germany approves Rheinmetall KNDS tank project to complement the Leopard before MGCS arrival
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Germany has authorized Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland to expand cooperation for a future Bundeswehr main battle tank using the PSM joint venture, tied to an upcoming procurement that has not yet been formally awarded.

On December 15, 2025, Germany’s Federal Cartel Office approved an expanded cooperation between Rheinmetall Landsysteme and KNDS Deutschland for a future main battle tank for the German Army. The cooperation will use the existing PSM joint venture structure and is explicitly linked to a forthcoming, time-sensitive German Army requirement. The project is intended to complement the Leopard 2A8 while bridging the gap to the MGCS program.
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Everything points to this project being framed as an interim solution that complements the Leopard family, not a successor that would phase it out, as the Leopard 2A8 currently remains Germany’s reference main battle tank. (Picture source: German MoD)

On December 15, 2025, Germany’s Federal Cartel Office approved an expansion of cooperation between Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, based in Südheide, and KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in Munich, for a future main battle tank intended for the Bundeswehr, to complement the Leopard 2A8. The approval allows the two companies to rely on an already existing joint structure rather than establishing a new corporate vehicle for this purpose. The decision is directly linked to an upcoming German Army requirement that has not yet been formally awarded, but which is described as time-sensitive. In parallel, the approval reflects a broader German objective to secure near-term industrial control over a new tanker while the longer-term Franco-German Main Ground Combat System (MGS) remains decades away. The context of the decision also includes ongoing industrial and political frictions between Germany and France over leadership and influence in Europe’s future tank programs.

According to Hardpunkt, the cooperation will be structured around PSM Projekt System & Management GmbH, a joint venture jointly owned by Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland. PSM was originally established to manage development, production, and lifecycle activities for the Puma infantry fighting vehicle and already possesses an operational framework suited to large Bundeswehr programs. Under the approved arrangement, this same structure is intended to be reused for a future tank contract covering both development and delivery. At the time of approval, the Bundeswehr had not yet placed an order, but the authority explicitly linked the cooperation to a specific forthcoming requirement. Using PSM avoids duplication of management and governance structures and allows responsibilities between the two partners to be coordinated through an entity already familiar to the German defense procurement system.

The tank project itself is described as an interim solution designed to bridge the capability gap between current Leopard variants and the arrival of the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), which is currently expected around 2045. The Bundeswehr’s requirement emphasizes speed, with the goal of receiving initial vehicles within only a few years rather than waiting for the next-generation Franco-German system. The Federal Cartel Office noted that the customer has concrete expectations regarding weapons systems and overall configuration, and that fulfilling these expectations requires close cooperation between the two firms. In this framework, the interim tank is positioned as a complement to the Leopard 2A8 rather than a replacement for MGCS. The emphasis is therefore on rapid fielding, compatibility with existing German armored forces, and meeting defined operational requirements in the near to medium term.

According to Andreas Mundt, president of the Federal Cartel Office, the competition assessment concluded that neither Rheinmetall nor KNDS Deutschland would have been able to meet the project requirements independently. The authority stated that no significant restriction of competition is expected beyond the scope of the specific Bundeswehr project. This reasoning frames the cooperation as a practical response to a narrowly defined military need rather than a structural consolidation of the German land systems market. The approval therefore clears the way for a joint industrial approach if the Bundeswehr proceeds with the contract. It also reflects the regulator’s view that schedule pressure, system integration demands, and division of industrial competencies justify the cooperation under competition law.

The approval takes place against a complex industrial backdrop within KNDS, the Amsterdam-based group formed in 2015 through the combination of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter. The German owner families, identified as Bode and Braunbehrens, are described as planning an exit, while the French state continues to hold the other 50 percent stake. Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger is associated with options to acquire a larger KNDS shareholding from the German side and has also expressed interest in taking over KNDS’s German activities. The German unit, formerly Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, is described as generating the majority of KNDS business, making ownership and control issues particularly sensitive. These dynamics intersect with the interim tank project by reinforcing Germany’s interest in securing influence over near-term armored vehicle production.

In parallel, KNDS is described as preparing for a stock market listing planned for 2026 under CEO Jean-Paul Alary and supervisory board chair Tom Enders, with Lazard involved as adviser and a valuation of around €20 billion referenced. This corporate trajectory runs alongside Germany’s immediate focus on strengthening its domestic tank production pipeline. The Leopard-2A8 remains the current reference platform for the Bundeswehr, and it was publicly presented in Munich in November 2025, underscoring KNDS Deutschland’s continued role in Leopard production and evolution. Within this context, the expanded cooperation with Rheinmetall is framed as reinforcing a Germany-centered approach to meeting Bundeswehr needs in the short term. The interim tank effort thus sits between ongoing Leopard upgrades and the distant MGCS timeline.

The broader discussion around the future tank also touches on Rheinmetall’s Panther concept and its main armament pathway. Beyond the primary gun, the vehicle concept includes a coaxial 12.7 mm machine gun, a remote weapon station, and a launcher for loitering munitions and guided missiles. For the main weapon, development is described as covering kinetic energy ammunition, programmable high-explosive rounds, and training ammunition, with a capacity of 20 rounds in an autoloader and 10 additional rounds stored as reserve inside the vehicle. Key new components are concentrated in the turret, raising the possibility of integrating a 130 mm system onto existing Leopard-2 hulls. The final caliber choice for MGCS is not considered fixed, as France is associated with a 140 mm gun track, and completion of gun and ammunition development remains a prerequisite, with earlier projections dating back to 2016 suggesting production readiness could be reached once these elements are finalized.

Written by Jérôme Brahy

Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.
Breaking News: China Unveils Type 99B Main Battle Tank During First Live Fire Test
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Chinese state media has released the first live fire footage of the PLA’s Type 99B main battle tank, presenting it as the newest evolution of China’s heavy armor force. The move highlights Beijing’s focus on networked, information-based warfare rather than incremental gains in armor or firepower alone.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV aired the first publicly released live fire footage of the People’s Liberation Army’s Type 99B main battle tank on December 11, 2025, according to reporting from the Global Times. While framed domestically as a routine equipment milestone, the broadcast underscores a deeper shift in PLA ground doctrine, positioning China’s premier tank not as a standalone weapons platform but as a digitally connected node within a broader sensor, command, and fires network.
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Type 99B is China's latest heavy tank, combining a 125 mm gun with upgraded sensors, networking, and survivability for faster all-weather combat, including high-altitude operations (Picture source: CCTV).

The timing matters: the Type 99B was previously seen during China’s large September 3, 2025, Victory Day military parade in Beijing, where newly unveiled Type 99B tanks led the ground vehicle column, reportedly drawn from the 112th Combined Arms Brigade of the 82nd Group Army. In that parade context, official Chinese media described the 99B as an upgrade over the Type 99A, focused on improved all-weather communications, firepower, and maneuver, a triad that points directly to faster targeting cycles, better coordination with infantry fighting vehicles and drones, and a higher tempo of operations in contested terrain.

Additional reporting from Chinese and regional media provides an important geographic clue. The Type 99B is described as optimized for high altitude and cold weather performance, and its design intent is linked to rapid and sustained combat operations in areas such as the Himalayas. These points directly apply to the China-India border environment, where thin air, steep gradients, and extreme temperatures impose severe penalties on engines, sensors, and crews. The emphasis on information-based command and integrated firepower suggests that the core upgrades lie in digital architecture, datalinks, and fire control rather than simply thicker armor or a larger gun.

Technical specifications remain only partially disclosed, so the most defensible baseline is the established Type 99 lineage. The Type 99 family is a three-man, autoloading design armed with a 125mm smoothbore gun, with a combat weight in the low fifty-ton range and an internal ammunition carousel feeding the main weapon. Later Type 99A variants are assessed to feature advanced explosive reactive armor, improved gun performance, modern thermal sights, and elements of active protection. In practical operational terms, the Type 99B’s promise is not merely greater protection, but survivability through awareness. Better radios, better networking, quicker target identification, and faster engagement cycles are critical advantages, especially during night fighting and in degraded weather. Social media and unofficial observers have suggested features such as 360-degree situational viewing, AI-assisted targeting, missile firing from the main gun, and decoy systems, but these claims remain unconfirmed and should be treated with caution until validated by official technical disclosures or clearer imagery.

For China, the Type 99B fits squarely within a modernization program driven by firm political and military timelines. Beijing has repeatedly stated its ambition to field a fully modernized force by the mid-2030s and a world-class military by mid-century. Within that framework, a more connected and resilient heavy tank supports two parallel missions. The first is deterrence and readiness along sensitive land borders, particularly in mountainous regions. The second is credibility in high-intensity combined arms operations where armored brigades must fight under constant surveillance and the threat of precision strikes from drones, loitering munitions, and top attack weapons. Sustained increases in defense spending indicate that resources remain available to push these upgrades forward despite broader economic pressures.

When compared with Western main battle tanks, the Type 99B appears to follow a familiar modernization logic. The U.S. Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 prioritizes power generation, digital networking, upgraded armor, and integration of hard-kill active protection systems. Europe’s Leopard 2A8similarly emphasizes modernized electronics and built-in active protection to counter modern anti-tank threats, while the British Challenger 3 focuses on all-weather lethality, digital communications, and NATO standard firepower. If the Type 99B’s information-based enhancements are as extensive as Chinese messaging implies, then Beijing is narrowing the gap in the less visible but decisive layers of armored warfare: networking, crew awareness, and the ability to fight effectively in an electronically contested battlespace dominated by drones and precision weapons.
Belgium Special Forces to receive Polaris and Can-Am all-terrain vehicles in €13.4 million deal
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Belgium’s Council of Ministers approved a €13.4 million procurement on December 12, 2025, to acquire 93 Polaris MRZR D4 buggies and 62 BRP Can-Am Outlander Max Pro HD7 quad bikes for the Special Operations Regiment.

On December 12, 2025, Belgium’s Council of Ministers approved a €13.4 million procurement that covers the acquisition of 93 U.S. Polaris MRZR D4 buggies and 62 Canadian BRP Can-Am Outlander Max Pro HD7 quad bikes for the Special Operations Regiment. The contract includes vehicles, training, documentation, and spare parts, with deliveries scheduled for 2026 and 2027, at which point the Groundhog ATVs will be withdrawn from service after nearly 18 years.
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Within the Belgian Special Operations Regiment, the Polaris MRZR D4 will likely serve for rapid team transport and mission support across difficult terrain, while the Can-Am Outlander Max Pro HD7 will be used for reconnaissance, liaison, and quick access tasks. (Picture sources: Polaris Government & Defense and Can-Am Off-Road)

The first component of the package is the Polaris MRZR D4, selected as the new buggy for the Special Operations Regiment following a competitive process conducted through NSPA. The D4 is part of the broader MRZR family developed by Polaris Defense, which originated in the early 2010s, following an early interest from U.S. military units seeking lightweight vehicles capable of supporting both expeditionary and special operations units. The new buggy is described by the Belgian Army as faster and more agile than the Groundhog, and it will introduce a four-seat configuration instead of the two-seat layout of its predecessor. This change allows a single MRZR D4 to transport a complete small team together with its equipment, reducing the number of vehicles required for a given task and improving cohesion during movement. The D4 can also be equipped with light weapons, supporting limited organic firepower in support of special operations missions.

The MRZR D4 is powered by a turbocharged three-cylinder 1.0-liter diesel engine coupled to an automatic transmission with selectable two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes. The engine is designed to operate on multiple fuel types, including standard diesel and military aviation fuels such as JP5 and JP8, allowing seamless integration into existing military logistics chains. The D4 has a reported operational range of approximately 320 kilometers under standard conditions and a ground clearance of about 318 millimeters, enabling movement across rough terrain. Payload capacity is around 680 kilograms, with a similar towing capacity, supporting the transport of personnel, equipment, and light trailers. The ATV is also equipped with a front-mounted winch to support self-recovery and mobility tasks. Water fording capability reaches roughly 610 millimeters at low speed, reflecting design priorities centered on off-road and cross-country performance.

For the Belgian Special Operations Regiment, the MRZR D4 will be used as a lightweight, highly mobile all-terrain vehicle optimized for rapid displacement, rather than protected mobility. Its role is to move personnel and equipment quickly across difficult terrain where heavier vehicles would be constrained or impractical. The four-person configuration aligns with special operations requirements for small, autonomous teams capable of operating independently. The emphasis is placed on agility, speed, and flexibility, allowing operators to reposition rapidly, conduct insertions or extractions, and support dispersed operations. In this sense, the MRZR D4 is intended to complement, rather than replace, armored or heavier logistical vehicles within the broader Belgian Army.

The Belgian acquisition of the MRZR D4 is also embedded in a multinational framework coordinated through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency. Belgium is conducting the project alongside the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, and Slovakia, all of which are registered to acquire the same systems. This approach is intended to generate economies of scale while reinforcing interoperability among partner forces. Operating the same type of buggy facilitates shared training, common maintenance practices, and simplified logistical support during joint deployments or exercises. For Belgian special operations forces, this multinational alignment supports seamless integration with allied units and reflects a broader trend toward standardized light mobility solutions within NATO frameworks.

The second element of the mobility package is the BRP Can-Am Outlander Max Pro HD7, selected as the quad platform for the Special Operations Regiment. Unlike the buggies, quad bikes represent a completely new capability for Belgian Defence. Their introduction is explicitly linked to lessons drawn from recent conflicts, which have underscored the operational value of small, highly maneuverable platforms able to establish observation posts, move personnel rapidly, and operate with a minimal logistical footprint. The 2026 Can‑Am Outlander Max Pro HD7 is part of a lineage of utility all-terrain vehicles developed by BRP Inc’s Can-Am Off-Road division, which itself traces its corporate roots back to Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) and the heritage of ATV production that began for the company in the late 1990s.

Complementing the MRZR D4 by providing an even lighter and more agile means of movement for specific tasks, particularly in complex or restrictive terrain, the Can-Am Outlander Max Pro HD7 is powered by a Rotax ACE single-cylinder engine with a displacement of 650 cc, delivering approximately 50 hp and around 41 lb-ft of torque, with liquid cooling and fuel injection. Power is transmitted through a pDrive continuously variable transmission calibrated for utility use, offering selectable 2WD, 4WD, and lockable 4WD via a Visco-4Lok front differential to improve traction in difficult conditions. The HD7 also includes selectable operating modes described as work, standard, and sport, as well as intelligent engine braking and a speed limiter to support controlled operation across varied terrain profiles.

The Outlander Max Pro HD7 will likely support tasks that require rapid movement, flexibility, and the ability to traverse uneven ground while carrying limited loads or personnel. Its smaller size and high maneuverability make it suitable for reconnaissance, liaison, and support roles alongside the larger four-seat D4 buggies. Within the Belgian Special Operations Regiment, the quad bikes and MRZR D4s together form a complementary mobility package, combining team transport, agility, and adaptability. The phased deliveries planned for 2026 and 2027 will allow progressive integration into units, with full operational capability expected by the end of 2027.

Written by Jérôme Brahy

Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.
Lithuania Receives Carl-Gustaf M4 RD Launchers to Boost Infantry Anti-Armor Capability
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Lithuania has confirmed the delivery of new generation 84 mm Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifles under a €14 million contract with Saab Bofors Dynamics. The move strengthens infantry-level firepower on NATO’s eastern flank and reflects a shift toward sustained, high-tempo ground combat readiness.

Lithuania has begun fielding the latest 84 mm Carl-Gustaf M4 RD multi-use recoilless rifles, replenishing army stockpiles under a €14 million procurement completed with Saab Bofors Dynamics AB, according to the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence. The first deliveries arrived in December 2025, marking a tangible upgrade in infantry firepower for a frontline NATO state that openly plans for rapid manoeuvre and close combat against armored and fortified threats.
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Lightweight 84 mm Carl-Gustaf M4 RD recoilless rifle delivering reusable multi-role firepower against armor, bunkers, and troops out to 2 km plus (Picture source: Lithuanian MoD).

The delivery closes a procurement loop that started with a regional framework. Lithuania joined Sweden, Estonia, and Latvia under the same Carl-Gustaf framework agreement, streamlining acquisition and sustainment across the Baltic region. Within that structure, Lithuania’s Defence Materiel Agency signed an executive contract with Saab Bofors Dynamics AB worth €14 million for M4 launchers and spares, with deliveries scheduled across 2025 and 2026. The contract was concluded at the end of 2024, and the first batch arrived in December 2025, allowing the army to introduce the system progressively rather than through a single mass delivery.

The Carl-Gustaf M4 is a modernization built for dismounted speed. The launcher weighs about 6.7 kg and measures roughly 950 mm in length, a reduction achieved through a lighter barrel and redesigned components. A Picatinny rail supports modern-day optics, thermal sights, and digital fire control. The real operational value lies in ammunition breadth and rapid role switching. Lithuanian infantry can tailor effects shot by shot, using tandem and rocket-assisted HEAT for anti-armor tasks, HEDP and anti-structure rounds against walls and field fortifications, and smoke or illumination to shape manoeuvre and night combat. Effective range varies by munition from roughly 300 m to more than 2 km. The system is also compatible with programmable ammunition when paired with modern fire control devices, enabling airburst or impact modes against troops in cover or defilade.

That mix matters in Lithuania’s tactical reality. The country hosts NATO forward forces and routinely trains mechanized and infantry elements within the Iron Wolf brigade framework, meaning short-range anti-armor and anti-structure fire must be immediately available at platoon level during fast, confused contact. The Carl-Gustaf M4 complements heavier anti-tank layers already present on Vilkas infantry fighting vehicles, which field Spike LR missiles and a 30 mm cannon for longer range engagements. In practice, the recoilless rifle fills the gap when guided missiles are too scarce or too expensive to use against light vehicles, firing points, or buildings.

Within NATO inventories, the M4 sits between disposable launchers and guided tank killers. Saab’s AT4 family is lighter and simpler but single-use, limiting flexibility during prolonged fighting. NLAW offers a guided anti-tank punch out to several hundred meters and excels against main battle tanks, but it is not designed to serve as an everyday multi-target weapon. Germany’s Panzerfaust 3 remains a capable disposable competitor for short engagements, yet it lacks the Carl-Gustaf ecosystem of specialized ammunition, reusable launchers, and growth potential through programmable effects.

Lithuania’s requirement is also financial and structural, not only tactical. Vilnius has committed to sustaining exceptionally high defence spending through the second half of the decade, reflecting lessons drawn from the war in Ukraine about ammunition consumption and infantry firepower. Against that backdrop, the Carl-Gustaf M4 RD is a pragmatic choice. It modernizes a familiar weapon family, preserves compatibility with existing training and ammunition stocks, strengthens NATO interoperability, and gives Lithuanian infantry a reusable, adaptable launcher capable of engaging armor, structures, and exposed troops while conserving more expensive guided missiles for the targets that truly demand them.
Luxembourg studies SAMP/T NG air defense system acquisition under European SAFE program
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Luxembourg is examining the acquisition of the SAMP/T NG long-range air defense system within the framework of the European Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program.

According to La Lettre on December 15, 2025, Luxembourg is studying the possible acquisition of the SAMP/T NG air defense system as part of its ongoing defense capability review. The assessment is taking place within the framework of the European Security Action for Europe (SAFE) mechanism, which supports joint defense procurement through common financial instruments. However, to date, no acquisition decision has been publicly announced by the country.
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The SAMP/T NG uses vertical launchers providing 360-degree engagement, each carrying eight Aster missiles, with a battery scalable up to six launchers for a total of 48 ready-to-fire interceptors. (Picture source: MBDA)

Luxembourg is examining the acquisition of a long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, with the SAMP/T NG emerging as a serious option in a European context shaped by rising air defense demand and new financing mechanisms. The discussion takes place alongside the rollout of the European SAFE program, which is designed to facilitate large-scale defense investments through common financial instruments while favoring European manufacturers. In this new framework, Luxembourg’s interest is framed as part of a broader reassessment of how small states contribute to NATO and European integrated air and missile defense, not through combat aviation but through deployable and interoperable ground-based systems. The debate also reflects Benelux defense dynamics, since Luxembourg’s choices are closely linked to cooperation with Belgium and the Netherlands, where such acquisitions are also under discussion.

According to this article, Eurosam, the MBDA and Thales joint venture responsible for the SAMP/T and SAMP/T NG, considers Luxembourg a potential customer following Denmark’s formal selection of the system on September 12, 2025. While any Luxembourg order would be limited in size due to the country’s geography and force structure, it would still carry strategic weight by anchoring the SAMP/T NG within the Benelux security environment. The system is competing directly with the Patriot in several European capitals, including Brussels and Amsterdam, making Luxembourg relevant in a regional competitive landscape. Defense Minister Yuriko Backes has publicly shown interest, including at the Paris Air Forum, and her office has indicated that a roadmap will be submitted to the Council of Government, while clearly stating that no final choice has yet been made regarding the system.

The Security Action for Europe mechanism, commonly referred to by its acronym SAFE, plays a central role in shaping how such a purchase could be structured and financed. The SAFE is built around €150 billion in EU-backed loans intended to accelerate defense procurement while strengthening the European defense industrial base. A key condition is that at least two countries must jointly acquire the same equipment to benefit from the scheme, which directly affects high-cost systems such as surface-to-air missile (SAM) air defense systems. This requirement encourages coordinated procurement strategies rather than isolated national buys, and it has pushed manufacturers like Eurosam to actively seek clusters of states willing to align their acquisition timelines. In this context, discussions involving Hungary, Portugal, and other European states such as Estonia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Norway, and Sweden are deemed relevant by Eurosam, particularly with Hungary’s stated objective to field a long-range air defense system before 2035 through participation in a broader European order.

Luxembourg’s own air defense posture explains why a system like SAMP/T NG is being considered despite the country’s small size (about 2,586 km², making it one of the smallest sovereign states in the world). Luxembourg does not operate fighter jets and relies on multinational arrangements for air defense, which places greater emphasis on niche but high-impact contributions. A mobile long-range air defense battery would allow Luxembourg to protect specific high-value assets, reinforce allied airspace defense, or deploy alongside partners within NATO frameworks. This discussion is consistent with Luxembourg’s broader defense planning, including a commitment to reach 2% of gross national income for defense by 2025, corresponding to approximately €1.18 billion. Associated programs include GovSat-2 at €105 million, a €46 million research and development line, continued investment in drone projects such as Skydweller, and support for Ukraine totaling around €120 million when combining existing and additional allocations.

The SAMP/T NG itself represents a substantial evolution of the original SAMP/T air defense system, with a focus on expanded coverage, improved sensor performance, and reduced manpower requirements. The NG is built around a new rotating AESA radar using GaN technology, with options including Thales Ground Fire 300 and Leonardo Kronos GM HP, both designed to provide full 360-degree coverage. The radar is described as capable of tracking more than 1,000 targets and supporting detection ranges beyond 350 km. The engagement module uses an upgraded command-and-control architecture with open software design, enhanced connectivity, and interoperability with NATO systems, and it is operated by a small team of up to four personnel, including a cyber specialist. Emplacement time is described as under 15 minutes, supporting rapid deployment.

The SAMP/T NG uses vertical launchers providing 360-degree engagement, each carrying eight Aster missiles, with a battery scalable up to six launchers for a total of 48 ready-to-fire interceptors. The primary interceptor, the Aster 30 B1NT, has a maximum range of about 150 km and the ability to engage aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, helicopters, and maneuvering tactical ballistic missiles with ranges under 600 km. Reaction time from detection to firing is described by MBDA as a matter of seconds in autonomous mode. The missile uses inertial guidance with data updates before switching to an active seeker, combined with PIF-PAF control for high maneuverability, and performance figures include speeds up to Mach 4.5 and the ability to fire multiple missiles in rapid succession.

The existing and future SAMP/T user base in Europe is a critical factor for Luxembourg’s assessment, as it affects industrial momentum, missile availability, and long-term support. The SAMP/T is currently operated by France, Italy, and Singapore, and has been deployed in support of Ukraine through Franco-Italian cooperation. Denmark recently ordered the SAMP/T NG as its long-range air defense solution, with an order described as eight batteries and a value exceeding €7.7 billion, targeting entry into service around 2028. France possesses seven SAMP/T batteries and ordered eight NG systems, with plans to reach 12 by 2035, while Italy operates three SAMP/T batteries and has ordered 10 NG systems. Furthermore, the Aster missile production is ramping from 32 units in 2025 toward 80 to 100 annually, with an objective of exceeding 300 missiles per year from 2028, a factor that directly influences future customer confidence.

Written by Jérôme Brahy

Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.
FLASH INFO: Japan launches new indigenous missile defense system to counter China threat
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Japan’s Ministry of Defense has formally launched development of a next-generation surface-to-air missile system for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, according to information released December 15, 2025. The program reflects Tokyo’s push to counter advanced Chinese ballistic and hypersonic missile threats with a domestically controlled air defense capability.

Japan has taken a decisive step to strengthen its homeland air defense architecture, formally launching development of a new-generation surface-to-air missile system for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. According to information published by the Global Surveillance X account on December 15, 2025, the Ministry of Defense initiative aims to build a sovereign interception capability to defeat both ballistic and emerging hypersonic missile threats, with a particular focus on China's evolving missile forces.
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A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Type-03 surface-to-air missile system during a live-fire drill. The system is scheduled for major upgrades under a new Ministry of Defense program to counter ballistic and hypersonic missile threats. (Picture source: Minoru Tanaka Flickr account )

The new Japanese air defense system will build upon the existing Type-03 Chu-SAM platform but represents a complete reengineering of its operational role and performance envelope. At the heart of the program is the integration of a newly developed interceptor missile, optimized to defeat not only short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) but also advanced hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs). This interceptor is expected to feature an upgraded propulsion system, enhanced maneuverability, and a high-resolution seeker for discriminating high-speed maneuvering targets during terminal engagement. The platform will be mounted on a mobile Mitsubishi Kato 8x8 wheeled chassis, enabling rapid deployment, shoot-and-scoot operations, and improved survivability under fire.

While Japan currently relies on U.S.-built Patriot PAC-3 MSE air defense systems and Aegis-equipped naval assets armed with SM-3 and SM-6 interceptors, this new ground-based system is intended to operate independently under national command authority and be tailored specifically to Japan’s strategic geography. The move signals a deliberate effort to enhance operational autonomy, reduce dependency on foreign systems during a crisis, and ensure faster engagement timelines under Japanese rules of engagement.

From a tactical standpoint, Japan’s missile defense modernization is driven by growing concerns over China’s expanding inventory of theater-range ballistic and hypersonic missiles, including the DF-15B, DF-16, and the DF-17 HGV. These systems are designed to overwhelm or evade existing missile defense architectures and strike Japanese territory in the early stages of a regional conflict. Japan’s southwestern islands, including Okinawa and the Nansei Shoto chain, lie within close range of China’s missile forces and are now viewed as primary targets in the event of a Taiwan contingency or escalation in the East China Sea.

The revamped Type-03 system addresses these threats by introducing advanced radar and fire-control technologies, including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar with 360-degree coverage, high-speed tracking capability, and enhanced resistance to jamming and electronic warfare. The radar is believed to be capable of detecting and tracking fast-moving low-trajectory targets, such as hypersonic glide vehicles, during the midcourse and terminal phases of flight. This is a critical capability given that HGVs are specifically designed to exploit weaknesses in legacy radar systems by flying at lower altitudes and executing evasive maneuvers in their final approach.

The tactical logic behind Japan’s decision is also rooted in survivability and dispersion. Unlike fixed-site Patriot batteries, the mobile Type-03 can be deployed across remote islands, concealed in mountainous terrain, and quickly repositioned to avoid counterstrikes. In a saturation-missile scenario, the ability to move and re-engage is essential to maintaining a functional air-defense umbrella. This mobility also aligns with Japan’s recent efforts to fortify its southern defensive perimeter, where new ground-based anti-ship and anti-air units are being deployed as part of a broader island defense strategy.

By fielding a domestically developed system, Japan can also tailor its missile defense parameters to its unique homeland defense needs. The country’s dense urban environments and close proximity between civilian and military infrastructure create unique demands for precise intercepts with minimal debris risk. Indigenous control over interceptor behavior, intercept altitudes, and radar coverage allows Japan to optimize performance for these conditions without relying on foreign modifications or delays.

Strategically, this program aligns with Japan’s 2023 National Defense Strategy, which emphasizes layered missile defense, counterstrike capability, and the development of advanced technologies to match peer-level threats. The project reinforces Japan’s broader ambition to assert greater strategic independence while maintaining interoperability with U.S. and allied systems. At the same time, the system may open new possibilities for regional defense cooperation, particularly with Southeast Asian partners facing similar missile threats and seeking to diversify away from U.S.-exclusive solutions.

The defense industrial base will also benefit. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is expected to lead the program, with several Japanese subcontractors supporting development of radar, guidance, and propulsion components. This effort will not only revitalize Japan’s missile technology ecosystem but may also serve as a springboard for future export-oriented defense programs, pending policy reform on arms transfers.

The first experimental prototypes of the upgraded Type-03 system are expected by fiscal year 2027, with operational testing to follow in key island regions. If successful, the system would place Japan among the few nations with a credible domestic capability to intercept maneuvering hypersonic threats, a distinction that would have both deterrent and diplomatic consequences in the Indo-Pacific.

Ultimately, Japan’s decision to pursue an indigenous hypersonic-capable missile defense system is a direct response to the realities of a more contested regional environment. It signals a move away from reliance on American systems in the most critical domain of homeland defense and represents a new phase in Japan’s postwar military trajectory—one focused on readiness, autonomy, and resilience in the face of rapidly evolving threats.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.
Saudi firm Sondos could outline plans to produce ballistic armor domestically at WDS 2026
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Sondos Advanced Industries plans to participate in World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, presenting its Saudi-based protective equipment manufacturing activities within the Saudi Supply Chain Zone, and where it could plan to outline its approach to domestic ballistic armor production.

The Saudi company Sondos Advanced Industries is preparing to take part in World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh with an approach centered on industrial capacity, localized manufacturing, and the expansion of Saudi-produced protective equipment across military and civil sectors. The company, which exhibits within the Saudi Supply Chain Zone, might also speak at the event about its plans for the establishment of a ballistic armor facility intended to localize the production of helmets and body armor plates within Saudi Arabia, as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 defense manufacturing objectives.
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Beyond textile-based protection, Sondos recently outlined plans to expand into ballistic protection through the establishment of a ballistic armor facility intended to localize the production of helmets and body armor plates within Saudi Arabia. (Picture source: Sondos)

Sondos Advanced Industries is preparing to take part in World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh with an approach centered on industrial capacity, localized manufacturing, and the expansion of Saudi-produced protective equipment across military and civil sectors. The company is expected to position itself within the Saudi Supply Chain Zone, an area intended to highlight domestic manufacturers able to integrate into national and international defense supply chains. Rather than focusing on a single product announcement, Sondos is framing its WDS 2026 participation around the idea of an end-to-end Saudi production model, linking facilities, workforce, and partnerships to the broader objective of strengthening local defense manufacturing in line with Vision 2030. The show is used as a platform to explain how its activities fit into national industrial development rather than as a standalone commercial exhibition.

The Saudi company traces its origins to 2013, with formal establishment in 2016, and operates from Riyadh’s Second Industrial City, where it is associated with a production complex covering approximately 9,400 square meters. This site is described as hosting the full cycle of work for protective equipment, including fabric handling, cutting, stitching, assembly, and testing, allowing Sondos to retain control over manufacturing steps rather than relying on distributed subcontracting. Inside the facility, fire-resistant textiles are processed, ballistic components are handled and evaluated, and prototypes are developed under the supervision of Saudi engineers. For WDS 2026, Sondos is expected to emphasize this physical manufacturing footprint as evidence of domestic industrial substance, highlighting that design, production, and quality control activities are all conducted within the Kingdom.

Sondos identifies itself as a licensed Saudi military manufacturer and links this status to a product range that covers several categories of protective equipment. These include military protective gear and armor, CBRN suits intended for environments involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear risks, and firefighter uniforms designed for high-temperature and hazardous-response conditions. In addition to these items, the company also associates its activity with the manufacture of military uniforms, aircraft covers, and other protective covers used by defense and security organizations. At WDS 2026, this breadth is expected to be highlighted to show that the company operates across multiple segments of protective textiles and equipment, rather than being confined to a single niche or contract type.

A central reference point in Sondos’s portfolio is the Remal firefighting suit, described as the first Saudi-made firefighting uniform certified to international NFPA standards and designed and manufactured entirely within Saudi Arabia. The Remal suit is used as a concrete example of how local production can meet externally recognized safety and performance requirements, particularly in a field where material properties, heat resistance, and durability are critical. During WDS 2026, this product is likely to be exhibited alongside other protective garments to underline consistency in production quality and compliance. Its inclusion also supports the company’s broader message that civil protection and defense manufacturing share common industrial foundations in textiles, testing, and controlled assembly processes.

Beyond textile-based protection, Sondos has recently outlined plans to expand into ballistic protection through the establishment of a ballistic armor facility intended to localize the production of helmets and body armor plates within Saudi Arabia. This initiative is linked to the national objective of localizing 50 percent of defense spending by 2030 and is framed as a move toward retaining sensitive manufacturing knowledge and capacity domestically. The ballistic facility is described as an addition to existing capabilities rather than a replacement, allowing the company to cover both soft and hard protection elements. At WDS 2026, this expansion is expected to be discussed as part of a forward-looking industrial roadmap, showing how Sondos intends to broaden its role within the Saudi defense manufacturing ecosystem.

Partnerships with international firms form another element of Sondos’s industrial development narrative. The company is associated with cooperation involving MKU Global, L3Harris Technologies, FECSA, and Survitec, relationships that are described as supporting modernization of production processes and access to specialized expertise. These partnerships are framed in terms of technology transfer and supply-chain integration rather than marketing alliances, with an emphasis on how collaboration contributes to domestic capability building. At the same time, Sondos highlights workforce development as a parallel priority, describing the recruitment and training of young Saudi men and women for industrial roles, including engineers, as part of sustaining local manufacturing capacity over time.

Written by Jérôme Brahy

Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.
Kenya Receives Israeli SPYDER Air Defense to Counter Growing Drone and Air Threats
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Kenya has received an Israeli-made SPYDER surface-to-air missile system financed through a $26 million Israeli government-backed loan, according to Kenyan media and Treasury disclosures. The delivery significantly upgrades Kenya’s ability to defend air bases, ports, and critical infrastructure against aircraft and drones amid rising regional threats.

Kenya has taken delivery of an Israeli-manufactured SPYDER surface-to-air missile system, marking one of the country’s most significant air-defense upgrades in recent years, according to reporting by a Kenyan media dated December 15, 2025. Treasury disclosures show the system was financed through an Israeli government-backed loan valued at roughly KSh3.4 billion, or about $26 million, underscoring a structured state-to-state defense procurement rather than a ceremonial transfer.
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Israeli-made SPYDER air defense system armed with PYTHON-5 infrared and I-DERBY radar-guided missiles, providing Kenya with a highly mobile, all-weather shield capable of intercepting aircraft, helicopters, drones, and precision munitions at short to medium ranges with rapid reaction time and 360-degree coverage (Picture source: Rafael).

Treasury disclosures earlier tied the same Israeli facility to nearly 70% of the Ministry of Defence development budget for FY2025/26, while also noting Kenya’s repayment obligations on the external loan line. Kenyan media have at times framed the system as a political “gift” following high-level engagement, but the public financial trail indicates a structured state-backed financing arrangement rather than a ceremonial transfer.

SPYDER’s lethality rests in its dual-interceptor armament. It fires PYTHON-5, a dual-band imaging infrared and CCD seeker missile optimized for passive, low-signature engagements, and I-DERBY, an active-radar homing missile built for all-weather fire-and-forget shots against maneuvering targets. Rafael describes SPYDER as a mobile air-defense family spanning short to long range, broadly advertised in the 20 to 80 km class depending on configuration, with 360-degree engagement and strong electronic counter-countermeasures. In the SPYDER All-in-One configuration, the manufacturer lists a single 8x8 vehicle carrying up to eight canisterized missiles and delivering maximum ranges of 15 km with PYTHON-5 SR, 20 km with I-DERBY SR, and 40 km with I-DERBY ER, with intercept altitudes up to 12 km, four simultaneous engagements, and a three-minute transition from mobility to combat readiness.

Operationally, that mix matters for Kenya because it creates a practical, mobile shield for air bases, ports, command sites, and deployed ground forces. A standard SPYDER battery is built around a command-and-control unit paired with several missile firing units and support vehicles, enabling dispersal, rapid relocation, and sustained coverage under threat. Kenyan reporting links the acquisition to Israeli ELTA radars associated with SPYDER packages, including the EL/M-2106 ATAR, an L-band 3D tactical radar credited with detecting fighter-sized targets at roughly 70 to 110 km and smaller UAV classes at shorter ranges, a key enabler for counter-drone warning and cueing.

Why Kenya needs this capability is written in the region’s threat curve. Al-Shabaab has demonstrated the ability to strike high-value military infrastructure inside Kenya, and official assessments of the January 2020 attack at Manda Bay underscore how a determined raid can destroy aircraft and impose strategic cost even without sophisticated airpower. Kenya’s long-running operations linked to Somalia since the 2011 intervention expanded the country’s exposure to retaliation and asymmetric tactics, while today’s wider proliferation of cheap drones and precision munitions makes passive defenses and fighter patrols an incomplete answer.

The exact SPYDER variant fielded by Kenya has not been officially detailed in public Kenyan statements, and some local descriptions cite engagement ranges up to 100 km, which may reflect specific battery layouts, missile selections, or rounded shorthand rather than a single published specification line. However, the repeated emphasis on counter-UAV performance, the mention of EL/M-2106 class radars, and the financing scale align most closely with a SPYDER-SR or SPYDER-ER class acquisition intended for high-value point and area defense rather than a full long-range air-defense buildout.

Politically, the deal sits inside a long, security-heavy Israel-Kenya relationship. Reporting on a decade-old cooperation framework points to formalized security ties dating back to 2011, and Nairobi’s leadership has continued to spotlight bilateral cooperation in technology and security during high-level engagements, including President William Ruto’s Jerusalem meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 2023. For Kenya, SPYDER is both a capability jump and a strategic signal: a move to harden airspace and critical nodes quickly, using Israeli financing and a combat-proven missile ecosystem, at a moment when East Africa’s air threat environment is becoming cheaper, faster, and harder to predict.
Belgium approves €140 million acquisition of reconnaissance drones for NATO missions
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Belgium’s federal government has approved the procurement of reconnaissance and surveillance mini-drones for the armed forces deployed in Romania and Lithuania, budgeted at €140.8 million between 2025 and 2028.

As reported by La Libre on December 14, 2025, Belgium has authorized the acquisition of hundreds of mini-drones for reconnaissance and surveillance missions to support troops deployed in Romania and Lithuania. The program, budgeted at €140.8 million between 2025 and 2028, is intended to provide tactical-level situational awareness aligned with NATO eastern flank deployments.
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Theo Francken stated that these drones will enable Belgian soldiers to obtain information in real time, improving protection and allowing quicker reactions during operational deployments. (Picture source: Belgian Army)

The decision is directly linked to the needs of Belgian troops deployed in Romania and Lithuania, where small unmanned aerial systems are increasingly used to improve situational awareness in complex and fluid environments. In Romania, Belgian personnel participate in allied deployments connected to regional security in the Black Sea area, working alongside other NATO forces in a multinational environment. In Lithuania, Belgian troops are part of allied efforts aimed at reinforcing security in the Baltic region, where geographic proximity to Russia and Belarus shapes the operational context. These deployments involve routine activities such as monitoring, coordination with partner units, and readiness tasks under evolving security conditions. The operating environment requires timely situational awareness at local level to support decision-making and force protection. The acquisition of reconnaissance and surveillance mini-drones is directly linked to these operational requirements faced by Belgian units in Romania and Lithuania.

Defence Minister Theo Francken, who also serves as Minister for Foreign Trade, presented the purchase as a response to concrete operational requirements rather than a purely structural modernization effort. The approval places mini-drones among the standard tools expected to be available to deployed units. It also reflects Belgium’s broader effort to align equipment choices with its commitments on NATO’s eastern flank. The acquisition is described as substantial in scale and oriented toward immediate readiness. In this context, the planned introduction of hundreds of systems is intended to provide a persistent and flexible reconnaissance capability at the tactical level. The authorization was formally granted by the Council of Ministers on Friday, December 12, 2025, allowing Defence to proceed with the purchase of drones dedicated to reconnaissance and surveillance missions.

The stated objective of the acquisition is to support Belgian troops deployed in Romania and Lithuania, ensuring that procurement decisions remain closely tied to operational deployments abroad. Theo Francken publicly addressed the decision on Sunday, December 14, 2025, underlining that the systems are meant to assist soldiers directly during missions. He emphasized their role in providing real-time information, improving force protection, and enabling faster reactions in demanding operational contexts. In Dutch-language communication, the acquisition was also described as urgent in light of the geopolitical situation. This emphasis reinforces the perception that the capability is considered necessary in the near term. The timing suggests a focus on closing capability gaps rather than deferring the investment.

The procurement is being carried out through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency, a framework regularly used by Belgium for alliance-related acquisitions. The approved package includes not only the delivery of the drones themselves but also maintenance support and training for operators and technicians. This approach indicates an intention to field the systems with a complete support structure from the outset. The repeated reference to mini-drones points to small, short-range platforms suitable for tactical reconnaissance rather than larger unmanned aircraft designed for strategic missions. The scale of the acquisition, described as involving hundreds of systems, suggests broad distribution across deployed units rather than limited use by specialized elements. By integrating training and maintenance into the package, Defence aims to ensure that the drones can be used effectively and sustained over time. This structure reflects an emphasis on operational continuity.

From a financial standpoint, the total cost of the program is estimated at €140.8 million over the 2025–2028 period, spreading expenditure across several budget years. For 2025, €53.7 million is identified as committed, forming the initial tranche of the overall investment. The needs for subsequent years are to be evaluated, indicating that later allocations may depend on evolving operational requirements and experience gained during early fielding. The overall budget envelope is described as divided between investments in main equipment and smaller investments. This distinction implies that funding covers not only the drones but also associated enabling elements required for their effective use. Such elements can include support equipment, training resources, and sustainment measures. The multi-year structure provides flexibility while maintaining a defined financial framework. It also allows adjustments as the systems are integrated into regular operations.

Looking forward, Belgium’s defence policy indicates an interest in not only addressing immediate needs but also in building longer-term capacity to manage unmanned systems and counter threats in a dynamic security environment. Defence officials have signalled plans to invest significantly beyond an initial €50 million anti-drone package, with proposals to allocate up to €500 million for a comprehensive strategy that could include advanced radar networks, expanded electronic warfare and jamming capabilities, and sustained development of indigenous and collaborative technologies. This longer-term perspective reflects recognition that drones, both in offensive and defensive roles, are becoming a persistent factor, that must be taken into account.

Written by Jérôme Brahy

Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.
Sweden Seeks New Artillery as South Korea’s K9 Leads Tracked Howitzer Options
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Sweden is examining South Korea’s K9 Thunder tracked 155 mm self-propelled howitzer to complement its wheeled Archer artillery fleet, with planning documents indicating a requirement of nearly 40 vehicles. The move reflects lessons from the NATO era in Ukraine and growing concern that wheeled artillery alone cannot survive or maneuver effectively in deep snow, frozen bogs, and drone-contested northern terrain.

Sweden is quietly weighing a major shift in its artillery posture as it evaluates South Korea’s K9 Thunder tracked howitzerto operate alongside the Army’s Archer systems, according to Swedish media. Planning documents point to roughly two battalion sets, or close to 40 vehicles, driven by a blunt operational assessment that wheeled guns struggle to survive once deep snow and frozen wetlands turn mobility into the defining factor for artillery units operating toward northern Finland.
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K9 Thunder is a 155 mm tracked howitzer built for fast shoot-and-scoot fires, with rapid bursts, MRSI salvos, and strong winter mobility (Picture source: Army Recognition Group).

Sweden’s renewed artillery urgency sits inside its post-NATO reality and the hard lessons of Ukraine: counterbattery duels are decided by who can fire first, displace fast, and keep ammunition flowing under drone observation. In reporting cited by Swedish media, Army leadership has warned that the terrain in the north compresses maneuver into predictable corridors, with a sparse road network shaping how and where forces can move. In that context, a wheeled howitzer that must queue on a road is not just delayed; it is targetable. Tracked guns promise dispersion across snow-covered forests, frozen wetlands, and cutlines, enabling batteries to occupy unexpected firing points and complicating enemy sensor-to-shooter chains.

The entire Archer 6x6 inventory of 24 systems has been upgraded to the Version C standard, providing operational capability for at least two artillery battalions, and the Army has also begun firing the new Archer 8x8 configuration at Boden. Archer remains a formidable shooter, offering firing ranges in excess of 50 km with advanced ammunition, a rate of fire up to nine rounds per minute, and multiple rounds simultaneous impact effects that allow several shells to arrive on the target at the same time. However, Sweden has also transferred Archer systems out of storage for allied support, including units authorized for Ukraine and systems sold to the United Kingdom, moves that sharpen the need to broaden and deepen the home force artillery mix. Ammunition supply is being reinforced in parallel through contracts for 155 mm shells, propellant charges, and extended-range high-explosive projectiles.

The K9’s appeal is that it is built around the exact problem Sweden is describing. The system weighs roughly 47 tonnes and is powered by a 1,000-horsepower diesel engine, giving it road speeds of around 67 km per hour and an operating range approaching 480 km. Its 155 mm main armament can reach beyond 40 km depending on ammunition type. The howitzer can fire three rounds in 15 seconds and eight rounds in a minute, with the ability to deliver MRSI salvos, while transitioning from movement to firing in under a minute. In operational terms, this enables classic shoot and scoot tactics with minimal exposure time, as well as rapid suppression missions and counterbattery engagements tightly integrated with drones, sensors, and digital fire control networks. Any Swedish purchase would also include tracked ammunition resupply vehicles, underlining that a tracked howitzer program is a full battery system decision rather than a standalone gun acquisition.

Sweden’s interest becomes clearer when set against Western competitors. Germany’s PzH-2000 remains a performance benchmark with its 155 mm L52 gun, very high burst and sustained rates of fire, and a large onboard ammunition load, but it comes with greater weight and a demanding sustainment footprint. KNDS’s RCH 155 emphasizes automation and modern L52 ballistics, yet Sweden’s near-term focus is proven winter mobility rather than leap-ahead concepts. Wheeled systems such as CAESAR and Archer trade armor and off-road access for road speed and strategic deployability, while the modernized U.S. M109A7 offers improved protection and integration but generally lower rates of fire than the newest L52 class howitzers. The K9, by contrast, is already fielded by Finland and Norway, making it the de facto Nordic tracked artillery standard and offering clear advantages in training, logistics, and regional interoperability. That ecosystem, combined with delivery timelines and cold weather credibility, explains why Swedish Army leadership has publicly indicated that if Sweden buys tracked artillery, the K9 sits at the top of the list.
U.S. Marines Develop Camouflaged Trench Logistics to Sustain Dispersed Operations in Hostile Zones
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U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, were photographed guiding an Oshkosh MTVR into a trench-based logistics position during Exercise Steel Knight 25 at Camp Pendleton. The imagery underscores how the Marine Corps is treating resupply as a “contested logistics” problem, where trucks, fuel, and ammo have to survive detection and attack while supporting dispersed units.

On 12 December 2025, U.S. Marines training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton highlighted a less visible but increasingly central requirement of modern warfare: sustaining dispersed forces under threat, as reported by DVIDS. During Exercise Steel Knight 25, Marines from Headquarters and Service Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, were photographed guiding an Oshkosh Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) into a dug-in logistics position. The imagery shows medium tactical trucks operating from below-grade bays covered by low-profile camouflage netting, a configuration more commonly associated with survivability and signature reduction than with routine resupply. This setup reflects the emergence of “contested logistics” as a planning baseline, with rear areas now assumed to be exposed to surveillance, drones, and long-range fires rather than protected by distance.

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U.S. Marines at Camp Pendleton used camouflaged, below-grade trench logistics bays during Exercise Steel Knight 25 to resupply dispersed units while reducing exposure to surveillance, drones, and long-range fires (Picture Source: DVIDS)

The photographs depict a purpose-built trench-style logistics area composed of multiple separated bays cut into the earth and covered with low-profile camouflage nets. Vehicles appear to be positioned below grade, with earthen walls on both sides and controlled entry ramps that impose slow, deliberate movement in and out of each position. The spacing between covered bays suggests an intent to avoid concentrating trucks and supplies in one location, reducing visual and thermal signatures and limiting cascading damage if one section is detected or hit. The layout echoes practices seen in the war in Ukraine, where both Russian and Ukrainian forces have multiplied small dug-in vehicle and supply points to complicate targeting by drones and artillery.

Steel Knight is described as an annual exercise intended to strengthen the Navy–Marine Corps team’s ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). A dug-in logistics node directly supports that objective by aligning sustainment practices with a dispersed operating model, in which combat elements may operate for extended periods in smaller, separated detachments. In that context, the sustainment system has to move, pause, refuel, rearm, and conduct maintenance without creating a single identifiable “logistics park” that becomes an obvious and lucrative target. This approach mirrors combat experience in Ukraine, where units have learned that any large, static concentration of vehicles or supplies quickly attracts attention from reconnaissance drones feeding artillery and loitering munitions.

The underlying logic reflects how modern battlefields compress the distinction between front and rear. Persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), fast target handoff, and longer-range precision effects can place supply routes, refuel points, and support areas under continuous observation and at real risk. The Russo-Ukrainian war has shown how networks of reconnaissance UAVs, commercial quadcopters, and first-person-view (FPV) strike drones are routinely used to locate and attack logistics columns, ammunition dumps, and repair sites well behind the frontline. Logistics activity also produces recognizable patterns that can be exploited, including vehicle clustering, repeated loading cycles, predictable movement times, and heat or dust signatures. Digging in and using camouflage does not remove those vulnerabilities, but it can reduce exposure, complicate identification from above, and provide basic physical protection from blast, fragmentation, and small FPV warheads.

The use of the MTVR is operationally significant because it is a primary vehicle family for Marine Corps distribution tasks, from moving bulk supplies and equipment to supporting forward sustainment points and combat trains. Concealing a vehicle of this size requires deliberate earthworks, disciplined traffic management, and ground-guided entry to prevent rollovers or collisions in narrow approaches. That inevitably adds friction and slows throughput, but the tradeoff prioritizes continuity of sustainment under threat conditions over pure efficiency. This mirrors Ukrainian and Russian practice, where convoys often disperse, use covered approaches, or park under improvised shelters to limit their exposure to drone detection and rapid fire missions.

For the 1st Marine Logistics Group, the scene provides a concrete example of survivability-focused sustainment training that is not commonly shown so clearly in exercise imagery. It illustrates the integration of basic field engineering principles into everyday logistics operations, combining earthworks, dispersion, camouflage, and controlled movement to keep a node functional while reducing its signature. If adopted more broadly, this approach implies increased emphasis on camouflage discipline, route control, alternate bay usage, deception measures, and rapid relocation procedures, alongside the core tasks of distribution and maintenance. It also shows that lessons drawn from recent conflicts, including the heavy use of FPV and reconnaissance drones in Ukraine against logistics targets, are beginning to shape how U.S. forces rehearse their own sustainment posture.

The trench-style logistics site built during Steel Knight 25 shows Marines rehearsing sustainment in a posture designed to remain operational despite surveillance, targeting, and potential disruption. By operating an MTVR from a camouflaged, below-grade bay, the exercise imagery signals that logistics nodes may need to be treated as exposed assets from the outset, rather than as activities safely conducted in open rear areas. In a world where FPV drones, loitering munitions, and ISR platforms routinely range deep into the battlespace, as demonstrated daily in Ukraine, survivable sustainment becomes a determining factor in whether dispersed units can keep moving, fighting, and maintaining tempo over time.