LOS ANGELES, Ca. -- Manufacturing company Machina Labs shared that it was awarded a contract from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory.

The contract was awarded in partnership with the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute, a U.S. Department of Defense Manufacturing Innovation Institute based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The multiyear award will expand Machina Labs’ RoboCraftsman, platform with AI and machine learning capabilities tailored to DoD sustainment modernization requirements. The program will initially focus on automating tool path generation for airframe skins and panels while laying the foundation to extend these capabilities across additional sustainment applications.

The program will apply AI and machine learning, combined with data generated on the platforms, to automate tool path generation for airframe production.

Source: Machina Labs
Associated URL: https://machinalabs.ai/resources/machina-labs-secures-contract-with-us-air-force-to-advance-ai-driven-manufacturing-for-defense-sustainment

JERUSALEM - Israel’s Defense Ministry and Rafael said Wednesday that the Iron Beam high-energy laser interceptor is operational after final tests and will be delivered to the military by year’s end. The system, in development for more than a decade and first unveiled in 2014, completed weeks of trials that included intercepting rockets, mortars and drones. A lower-powered version was used during the current war to down Hezbollah drones launched from Lebanon.

Officials said Iron Beam will supplement, not replace, Israel’s layered defenses such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow, taking on smaller threats and offering rapid, precise shots at marginal cost as long as power is available. The ministry noted performance can degrade in low visibility, including heavy cloud cover.

The system’s Hebrew name was changed from Magen Or to Or Eitan, honoring Cpt. Eitan Oster, killed in 2024. Rafael also showcased mobile, lightweight and maritime variants, projecting a significant boost to the Air Defense Array’s capabilities.

Source: The Times of Israel
Associated URL: https://www.timesofisrael.com/laser-based-iron-beam-interception-system-declared-operational/

ABU DHABI - EDGE plans to exhibit a range of air, electronic warfare, sensor, and non-lethal systems at Partner 2025 in Belgrade from Sept. 23 to 26, its first appearance at the event. The biennial show, supported by Serbia's Defense Ministry, draws officials and delegations from Europe and NATO bodies.

EDGE says it will display SHADOW 25 and SHADOW 50 loitering UAVs and ANAVIA's HT-100 VTOL UAV for ISR and logistics. The stand will also feature RASH 1M, RASH 2M, and RASH 2H precision-guided munitions, and THUNDER P-31, P-32, and P-34 guidance kits for short-range strikes.

Electro-optics on display include KASHIF 600 and 700 gimballed payloads, MIRSAD-X and MIRSAD NG targeting systems, and TAWAQ-S and TAWAQ-X 3D radars. Electronic warfare offerings include the BORDERSHIELD border-surveillance system, GPS-PROTECT 2 anti-jamming platform, and SKYSHIELD-N counter-UAS system. Non-lethal items include the CONDOR DROP air-drop system and COP-EYE body camera. Edge will be displaying these systems in Hall 2A, Stand 2211.

Source: Zawya
Associated URL: https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/edge-showcases-next-generation-uav-radar-and-electronic-warfare-systems-at-partner-2025-s8rc6t11