Defense

Following successful field exercises simulating defense against drone incursions, the U.S. Army’s Northern Command has formed an operational team to rapidly counter drone threats to military bases within the United States. “The validation and certification of our Counter-small UAS fly-away kit is an important step in being able to support installation commanders within the United States as…

Jan Bender remembers the moment as if it were yesterday. Taking cover from insurgents, his fireteam had just assembled in the dark in front of a house in Fallujah, Iraq, when the Marines were overwhelmed by the percussive blast of an explosion. About 40 yards in front of them was a mass of flames — the fiery remains of an Iraqi vehicle. Just behind them was the smoking barrel of the 120mm…

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday he wants to order 25 Patriot air defense systems from the United States, as Ukraine desperately tries to fend off relentless Russian aerial attacks that have brought rolling blackouts across Ukraine on the brink of winter. Zelenskyy acknowledged that the Patriot systems are expensive and that such a large batch could take years to…

ROME — Reports of infighting between partners on the French-German-Spanish FCAS fighter program have been exaggerated and the platform will see the light of day with all members on board, a leading French air force official has said. “There are differences but don’t believe all you are reading,” said Brig. Gen. Phillipe Suhr, the French Air Force point man for the program. “We are still…