Defense Update

1 week ago | defense-update.com | Tamir Eshel

At this year’s DEFEA defense exhibition in Athens, Rheinmetall showcased the latest evolution of its Squad Support Weapon, the SSW40, a semi-automatic magazine-fed grenade launcher that bridges the gap between traditional 40mm launchers and precision squad-level support weapons. The version on display represents a significant step forward since the system’s previous public appearance at DSEI 2023.

1 week ago | defense-update.com | Tamir Eshel

The U.S. Army has embarked on one of its most consequential restructuring efforts in decades, slashing legacy systems, reorganizing commands, and accelerating the development of technologies aligned with peer-level warfare. Announced as part of the “Army Transformation and Acquisition Reform” initiative, the reorganization reflects a stark pivot toward long-range precision fires, tactical autonomy, and streamlined force structures aimed at future high-end conflict.

1 week ago | defense-update.com | Tamir Eshel

The defense landscape continues evolving rapidly, with emerging technologies reshaping battlefield dynamics across domains. This week’s developments highlight cost-effective drone proliferation, increased artillery autonomy, extended-range strike capabilities, enhanced vehicle protection systems, and significant procurement decisions affecting naval aviation forces. Recent conflicts show a fundamental shift in how air power works.

1 week ago | defense-update.com | Tamir Eshel

Last week, the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) reached a significant milestone in the development of its sea-based hypersonic capability with a successful end-to-end flight test of the ‘Dark Eagle’ conventional hypersonic missile at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. This test demonstrated the Navy’s innovative cold-gas launch approach, crucial for the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) system that will be deployed on Navy platforms.

1 week ago | defense-update.com | Tamir Eshel

The Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) is evaluating initial proposals from some local companies to decide what types of loitering weapon systems will be deployed on Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) Merkava 4 main battle tank. The operational requirements match the experience gathered from the extensive operation of this MBT in the ongoing war.