Greece will buy Israeli drone shield
Greece approved plans to buy Israel’s Achilles Shield integrated air defense and counter-drone system in a $3.1 billion deal in July, the Jerusalem Post reported. The network combines long-range surveillance radars, electronic warfare (EW) systems, command and control software and interceptor capabilities to combat drones and missiles. Designed as a multi-layered air defense architecture, Achilles Shield will improve the protection of critical infrastructure, military installations and strategic assets, while enhancing Greece’s defense against airborne threats.
Ground air defense system
Australia tested a prototype of its upcoming ground-based medium-range air defense system in July, furthering the country’s goal of strengthening integrated ground-based air and missile defense, according to system developer Lockheed Martin.
The system is designed to intercept aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and drones using advanced radar-guided interceptors integrated with advanced command and control systems.
The tests revealed key features of the system, including target tracking, kill control and missile launches. It includes an active phased array radar and the Aegis Expeditionary Virtualized Weapon System architecture.
NATO Defense Acquisition Plan
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) unveiled a $40 billion accelerated defense procurement plan in Ankara in July to speed up the acquisition of counter-drone systems by allies, according to a NATO media statement.
The initiative allows countries to quickly acquire compatible technologies, including drone detection radars, electro-optical sensors, electronic warfare equipment, radio frequency jammers and kinetic interceptors. The framework aims to reduce procurement timelines while improving the protection of military bases and deployed forces from the threat of unmanned aircraft systems.
Billion Dollar Nuclear Submarine Deals
The United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) separately announced major deals in July to bolster their fleets of next-generation nuclear submarines.
The U.S. Navy has awarded a $76.7 billion contract to the nation’s defense firms General Dynamics and HII to build nine Virginia-class Block VI nuclear attack submarines and five Columbia-class Build II ballistic missile submarines, according to a U.S. Navy statement.
The Virginia class is designed for anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, land attack and special operations, while the Columbia class is expected to be the backbone of America’s sea-based nuclear deterrent with enhanced stealth, an advanced nuclear reactor and 16 Trident II D5 ballistic missile tubes.
The UK has announced funding for a third Dreadnought-class nuclear submarine program at a cost of $7.87 billion. The four submarines expected to be deployed by the Royal Navy in the 2030s will be equipped with Trident nuclear missiles and a new nuclear propulsion system. It will be enhanced by a Rolls-Royce PWR3 pressurized water reactor combined with a turbo-electric pump-jet system and is designed to have a service life of 35 to 40 years.
Ukraine launched a high-speed interceptor
The Ukrainian P1-SUN JetKiller is a high-speed interceptor designed to combat Russian jet drones. (Photo: SkyFall)
JetKiller can reach speeds of up to 370 kilometers per hour, operate at a range of up to 30 km and rise to a height of 9,000 meters. It has a range of about 15 minutes, a 500 gram warhead and helps in precision missions. The interceptor is undergoing combat tests.
Next generation military satellite
Spain’s next-generation military communications satellite, SpainSat NG III, will be developed by European aerospace companies Airbus and Thales Alenia Space, according to the company’s August media statement.
The spacecraft will provide secure satellite communications to the Spanish military through jamming-resistant communications links facilitating strategic command, force deployment and joint operations. Equipped with an advanced military payload, it is scheduled to launch in 2030.
Mission against the Chinese “blockade”
Taiwan deployed navy and coast guard escort ships during its annual Han Kuang military exercise in August, which was also a mock Chinese military blockade in waters east of the island. The exercise included combat scenarios for soldiers and reservists to prepare for a potential attack, France24 reported, citing a defense ministry official. The exercises focused on protecting merchant ships and maintaining maritime communications in times of war.
“Hammer of the Gods” will change the understanding of war
The US Army tested its Hammer of the Gods electronic warfare system off the West Coast of the United States, according to a US Army statement in July. The system is designed to destroy enemy positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) signals. Its maritime countermeasures capabilities can help jam global positioning system-enabled weapons, including precision-guided missiles and artillery.
In addition to denying navigation data to enemies, it also supports secure communications for forces involved in a conflict.
Impact missiles
The US Army in July awarded the country’s defense firm Lockheed Martin a $53.9 billion contract to expand production of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) interceptor, Reuters reported. The program aims to increase annual production from approximately 600 to 2,000 missiles by 2033. The PAC-3 MSE is a strike interceptor capable of engaging ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft and some hypersonic threats through direct kinetic impact.
First publication: September 10, 2026 | 7:20 am IST