Weekly Global Defense News Recap: U.S. AMRAAM Record - Israel Iron Beam - NATO Armor & Missile Tests.

This week’s Defense Web TV recap highlights breakthrough missile tests, advanced armored vehicles, and new air and missile defense systems unveiled across NATO and rival nations. From the U.S. Air Force’s record AMRAAM intercept to Israel’s Iron Beam laser entering service, global militaries are accelerating.

From September 15 to 21, 2025, the latest edition of Defense Web TV delivers a global military roundup spanning NATO, the Middle East, and rival powers. Highlights include General Dynamics unveiling a new Ajax infantry fighting vehicle at DSEI in London, a U.S. Air Force record-setting AIM-120D3 AMRAAM missile test over the Gulf of Mexico, Russia’s Kalibr launch from a Yasen-M submarine, Poland’s first Patriot missile live fire, and Israel declaring its Iron Beam laser ready for deployment. Together, these developments underscore how advanced weapons programs are reshaping deterrence, interoperability, and future battlefields.
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Global defense recap Sept 15–21: U.S. AMRAAM test, Israel Iron Beam, NATO and Russia moves. (Picture source: Editing Army Recognition Group)

In London, General Dynamics Land Systems UK unveiled a new infantry fighting vehicle variant in the Ajax tracked vehicle family during the DSEI 2025 exhibition. Designed to fill the capability gap left by the cancellation of the Warrior CSP, the platform features a stretched chassis, a remote-controlled 40mm turret developed by Lockheed Martin UK, and expanded space for eight dismounts. This new IFV enhances troop protection, lethality, and networked warfare integration, aligning with NATO interoperability requirements and export ambitions.

On the airpower front, the U.S. Air Force achieved a major breakthrough by conducting the longest-range intercept ever recorded with an AIM-120D3 AMRAAM missile, launched from an F-22 Raptor during a test over the Gulf of Mexico. The trial, developed with Raytheon under the F3R modernization program, demonstrated the missile’s improved guidance algorithms and extended propulsion, significantly enhancing the Raptor’s long-range engagement capability in high-threat environments.

Russia showcased its strategic deterrence capabilities during the Zapad 2025 exercises, where the Yasen-M class nuclear-powered submarine Arkhangelsk launched a Kalibr cruise missile from submerged position in the Barents Sea. The strike targeted a simulated enemy ship and underscored Russia’s growing emphasis on undersea precision-strike platforms as a key element in its Arctic and Atlantic military strategy.

Meanwhile, Poland conducted its first-ever live-fire test of the U.S.-made Patriot air defense missile system as part of the Iron Defender exercise. The launch, integrated with the U.S. Army’s IBCS network, demonstrated Poland’s progress toward establishing a layered and interoperable air and missile defense shield. The milestone marks a crucial step in Warsaw’s effort to strengthen its deterrence posture amid heightened regional threats.

In a significant development in laser weapon technology, Israel announced the completion of final testing for its Iron Beam 450 high-energy laser system, declaring it ready for operational deployment. The system, capable of neutralizing drones, rockets, and mortar shells at short ranges with minimal cost per intercept, will join Iron Dome and other systems in Israel’s multi-tiered air defense architecture, offering rapid-response capabilities against saturation attacks.

This week's defense highlights reflect a rapid acceleration in strategic capabilities across NATO, the Middle East, and rival powers. For full video coverage, exclusive footage, and expert breakdowns, watch the latest episode of Defense Web TV, now available on the Army Recognition platform.