DefenseNews

Outpaced by the US, China’s military places selective bets on artificial intelligence

NEW TAIPEI CITY, Taiwan — The Chinese navy is enhancing its guided-missile frigate, the Qinzhou, with an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm designed to illuminate blind spots during air defense engagements, an official military website said. The website cited a state-run media report and experts calling the vessel a “major leap in integrated combat capability” that “positions the…
Read more
DefenseNews

US Army wants new grenade launcher, ammunition to be able to destroy drones

After two decades of searching for a new grenade launcher, the U.S. Army appears to be zeroing in on a choice. The Army is seeking prototypes for the Precision Grenadier System, which will replace the M203 and M320 grenade launchers. In a nod to modern battlefield conditions, the PGS will incorporate drone-killing tech in addition to offering troops the capability to engage targets behind…
Read more
DefenseNews

US F-15E fighter jet shot down over Iran

This is a developing story. A United States F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet has been shot down by enemy fire over Iran, U.S. officials confirmed. One of the aircraft’s two crew members has been rescued, Israeli media first reported. U.S. officials confirmed the reports in…
DefenseNews

France orders its fifth and final FDI frigate from Naval Group, completing fleet plan

PARIS — France placed an order with shipbuilder Naval Group for the country’s fifth Defense and Intervention Frigate, known by its French acronym FDI and recognizable for its inverted bow, the final vessel currently planned in the class for the French Navy. The fifth vessel ordered at the end of March will be delivered in 2032, the French Armed Forces Ministry said in a statement late…
Read more
DefenseNews

US defense stocks see no Iran war lift after early surge

U.S. defense stocks have declined even as the Iran war drags on, indicating that the typical “buy-on-conflict” trade had largely peaked in the weeks before in anticipation of tougher action by President Donald Trump. The NYSE Arca Defense index, which includes 34 small…
DefenseNews

Money starts flowing for new GCAP fighter, as Britain sorts out finances

ROME — Italy, Japan and the U.K. have signed a stopgap contract to keep work going on their joint GCAP fighter program for three months, giving the U.K. time to free up more funding. The joint program office created by the three nations announced the signing of a £686 million ($906 million) development contract on Thursday with Edgewing, the joint venture set up to develop the sixth-generation…
Read more