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European shares gain as Trump's Iran comments cheer markets

European shares gain as Trump's Iran comments cheer markets

By Twesha Dikshit May 19 (Reuters) - European shares advanced on Tuesday after investors welcomed news that the U.S. had paused an attack on Iran following Tehran's latest peace proposal, with the chances of a deal seeming close.  U.S.
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UK Ministry of Defence Advances Apache Helicopter Drone Wingmen Project with Four Partners

UK Ministry of Defence Advances Apache Helicopter Drone Wingmen Project with Four Partners

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has selected four companies to advance the development of autonomous drones designed to operate alongside British Army Apache attack helicopters. The companies chosen are BAE Systems, Anduril Industries' UK branch, Tekever of Portugal, and Thales UK. These companies were selected from an initial group of seven suppliers, which included Leonardo and Lockheed Martin UK, following a pre-qualification phase. The selected companies will share a £10 million ($13.3 million) fund to develop uncrewed air systems (UAS) as part of Project NYX. These drones, referred to as 'loyal wingmen,' are intended to perform functions such as reconnaissance, precision strike, target acquisition, and electronic warfare autonomously, while human operators will retain control over weapon use. The MoD plans to work closely with these partners to refine their technologies, with the aim of advancing up to two designs to the prototype stage by autumn 2026.
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Rafael's Spike Missile Successfully Fired from German UGV, Marking Technological Advancement

Rafael's Spike Missile Successfully Fired from German UGV, Marking Technological Advancement

German defense company Diehl Defense, in collaboration with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and EuroSpike GmbH, has successfully conducted firing tests of the Spike LR guided missile from the Ziesel unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). This marks the first instance of the missile being launched from an unmanned platform. Over a five-day period, 17 guided missiles were fired, demonstrating the platform's robust performance. The tests follow the public unveiling of the Ziesel with the Spike launcher at Enforce Tac 2025 in Nürnberg. The Ziesel UGV, a compact tracked platform, is designed for logistics, casualty evacuation, and reconnaissance, and is equipped with an autonomy kit for fully autonomous navigation. The Bundeswehr, Germany's armed forces, is aiming to enhance its military capabilities with a focus on technology and innovation by 2039.
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Kela Wins DIU's Drone Dominance Program Lethality Challenge, Enhancing U.S. Military Capabilities

Kela Wins DIU's Drone Dominance Program Lethality Challenge, Enhancing U.S. Military Capabilities

Kela Wins DIU's Drone Dominance Program Lethality Challenge, Enhancing U.S. Military Capabilities
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U.S. Air Force Launches 'Game of Drones' to Foster Industry Collaboration

U.S. Air Force Launches 'Game of Drones' to Foster Industry Collaboration

The U.S. Air Force has introduced a new initiative called 'Game of Drones,' inviting private companies to participate in drone war game exercises at Edwards Air Force Base in California. This program aims to foster collaboration between industry and military experts in developing and testing drone and counter-drone technologies. Unlike the Drone Dominance program, 'Game of Drones' focuses on creating a persistent experimentation environment where companies can test and refine their technologies without the immediate pressure of contract awards. The initiative is part of the Pentagon's broader efforts to integrate drone technology across military branches, providing a platform for companies to advance their products from concept to practical application.
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Hezbollah's Drone Threat Persists Despite Israeli Military Efforts

Hezbollah's Drone Threat Persists Despite Israeli Military Efforts

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are facing ongoing challenges in countering Hezbollah's use of explosive drones and rockets. Despite military operations, including the recent strikes on nearly 100 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, the threat remains significant. The IDF has implemented various defensive measures, such as deploying anti-explosive drone barbed wire and arming soldiers with shotguns to combat drone attacks. However, Israeli defense officials acknowledge that these are temporary solutions and not a comprehensive answer to the threat posed by Hezbollah's drone capabilities. The situation underscores the complexity of neutralizing Hezbollah's military assets, which continue to pose a risk to Israeli security.
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UK RAF Typhoons Equipped with APKWS for Middle East Drone Defense

UK RAF Typhoons Equipped with APKWS for Middle East Drone Defense

The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) has equipped its Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 combat aircraft with the AGR-20A Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided rockets for counter unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) operations in the Middle East. This development was announced by QinetiQ on May 17, 2026, following successful integration and testing of the system. The APKWS is designed to provide a low-cost, precision-guided solution for engaging small, agile targets such as drones. The RAF Typhoons, operating from bases in Cyprus and Qatar, have been tasked with providing air defense cover for several countries in the region, including Bahrain, Cyprus, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, especially following recent tensions involving the US and Israel against Iran. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that these aircraft have engaged an undisclosed number of UAVs using their standard air defense loadout, which includes advanced air-to-air missiles.
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NATO Plans First Cross-Border Sensor-to-Shooter Test in Eastern Europe

NATO Plans First Cross-Border Sensor-to-Shooter Test in Eastern Europe

NATO is preparing to conduct its first cross-border sensor-to-shooter test involving member states from central and eastern Europe by the end of 2026. This initiative, part of the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative (EFDI), aims to enhance interoperability and response times by integrating sensors and effectors across national boundaries. The test will involve passing targeting data between nations using a digital backbone currently under development. The exercise is designed to improve NATO's ability to respond to threats that do not adhere to national borders, utilizing advanced technologies such as AI and autonomy to streamline information processing and decision-making.
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UK Typhoons Equipped with Counter-Drone Rockets for Middle East Operations

UK Typhoons Equipped with Counter-Drone Rockets for Middle East Operations

The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) has deployed Eurofighter Typhoons equipped with Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided rockets in the Middle East. This new capability allows the Typhoons to engage one-way attack drones effectively. The integration of these rockets was completed rapidly, enabling the RAF to enhance its defensive operations in the region. The APKWS rockets provide a cost-effective solution for countering drone threats, offering precision targeting at a lower cost compared to traditional missiles.
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Hanwha and Milrem Collaborate on Romanian UGV Program to Enhance Military Capabilities

Hanwha and Milrem Collaborate on Romanian UGV Program to Enhance Military Capabilities

Hanwha Aerospace, a leader in aerospace and defense systems, has entered into a teaming agreement with Estonia’s Milrem Robotics to pursue Romania’s unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) program. This collaboration aims to enhance military capabilities in the region and highlights the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare. The joint effort is designed to capitalize on Romania's interest in advancing its military technology through the integration of UGVs. Hanwha Aerospace is known for its innovative solutions in aerospace and defense, while Milrem Robotics specializes in robotic systems for defense applications. This partnership is a direct response to Romania's strategic objectives aimed at modernizing its armed forces and improving operational capabilities on the battlefield.
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Taiwan Increases Drone Production Amid Rising Tensions with China

Taiwan Increases Drone Production Amid Rising Tensions with China

Taiwan is significantly ramping up its drone production in response to the growing threat of a potential invasion by China. This development comes as a $14 billion U.S. weapons deal is pending approval from President Trump. The self-governing island, which China claims as its own, is taking proactive measures to bolster its defense capabilities. NBC News provided an inside look at one of Taiwan's largest drone manufacturers, highlighting the island's strategic focus on enhancing its military technology. The move is part of Taiwan's broader strategy to strengthen its defense posture amid escalating regional tensions.
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US Southern Command to Operate Textron's Tsunami USVs for Autonomy Testing

US Southern Command to Operate Textron's Tsunami USVs for Autonomy Testing

Textron Systems has announced that its Tsunami uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) will be operated by the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and its naval component, the 4th Fleet, for a three-month period. This marks the first deployment of Textron's USVs in SOUTHCOM's area of responsibility. The deployment follows a contract award from the Defense Innovation Unit to produce and deliver these vessels. The specific model, the Tsunami 25 Long Dwell Interceptor, will be evaluated for potential integration into future operations. Prior to this deployment, the Tsunami participated in a US Navy Fleet Experimentation exercise in Key West, Florida.