GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- Conventional U.S. Army forces tested the use of a Skydio X10D small Unmanned Aerial System combined with U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s "Audible" dropper to launch a live M67 grenade for the first time in Grafenwoehr Training Area on June 25th.

The 7th Army Training Command led the live-drop experimentation combining personnel, expertise and equipment from within its own formation, like the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Tennessee Army National Guard who is deployed in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine; with Grafenwoehr-based units including the 173rd Airborne Brigade and 18th Military Police Brigade; alongside DEVCOM and 1st Army.

This UAS-borne live-fire test is part of the U.S. Army Europe and Africa’s multi-domain modernization and experimentation initiatives, following previous Project Shiv experimentation at 7ATC’s training areas earlier this year.

DEVCOM was actively involved in the planning of this live-fire field test, and feedback from the initial test flight and grenade drop was immediately shared with stateside planners despite the early-morning time difference there.

Following the first successful field test, DEVCOM’s science and technology planners and engineers have already incorporated the tactical results and are working on modifications for future versions of Audible that could be employed for company-level live-fire training within U.S. Army Europe and Africa, as well as across U.S. Forces Command.

Additional iterations of this testing phase are planned to continue at Grafenwoehr through the summer, field testing and refining the development of Audible using other drones as carriers.

Source: U.S. Army
Associated URL: https://www.army.mil/article/286759/soldiers_test_suas_borne_live_fire_grenade_drops

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Navy has expanded its capabilities to counter growing submarine threats by exercising a $61 million contract option for additional High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability (HAAWC) systems for its Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

HAAWC, developed by Boeing, is a wing kit that transforms Raytheon's Mk-54 torpedo into a precision-guided weapon, allowing it to be launched from higher altitudes and longer ranges. This enables the P-8A to strike submarines while staying clear of enemy air defenses, enhancing survivability and response time. The HAAWC reached initial operating capability in 2022. Although the exact quantity purchased was not disclosed, the contract aims to boost inventory in response to increasing undersea threats from China, Russia, and North Korea.

The P-8A, a key platform in the U.S. Navy's anti-submarine warfare operations, can carry up to five Mk-54 torpedoes, making it a central asset in maritime security and long-range submarine detection and engagement.

Source: Flight Global
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/us-navy-adds-more-long-range-sub-killer-kits-for-p-8a/163653.article
Author: Greg Waldron 

KUWAIT - Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah inaugurated new unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for the Coast Guard on Monday, enhancing maritime security with advanced technology. The autonomous vessels can operate independently for several days, performing tasks including surveillance, interception of suspicious targets, search and rescue, environmental monitoring, and protection of maritime resources.

The minister toured a modern maritime monitoring system integrating radars, sensors, high-resolution cameras, and USVs, controlled via artificial intelligence. He also visited the maritime operations and USV control centers, praising the Coast Guard's successful implementation of this advanced capability.

Sheikh Fahad emphasized this initiative reflects Kuwait's commitment to using innovative technologies to secure territorial waters and protect national stability and interests. The deployment marks a significant advancement in Kuwait's maritime defense, supporting comprehensive operational readiness and coastal security.

Source: Kuwait Times
Associated URL: https://kuwaittimes.com/article/30183/kuwait/other-news/interior-minister-inaugurates-unmanned-surface-vessels-to-bolster-maritime-security/