Northrop Grumman and Australian Government Formalize Solid Rocket Motor Engagement

05 Mei 2026

A Northrop Grumman-built solid rocket motor powering a Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missile (photo: NGC)

CANBERRA, Australia  – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been selected by the Commonwealth of Australia to participate in formal engagement as a critical step toward establishing sovereign solid rocket motor (SRM) manufacturing capabilities in Australia.  

Northrop Grumman and the Commonwealth of Australia will commence a structured industry-engagement process to explore, discuss and clarify potential requirements and processes relating to solid rocket motor production in Australia. A core element of the program will be the integration of Australian suppliers into the production line, ensuring Australia benefits from access to Northrop Grumman's world-leading propulsion technology while establishing a sovereign manufacturing base. 

Pat Conroy, Australian Minister for Defence Industry: “The Albanese Government’s investment in rocket motor manufacturing will strengthen Australia’s self-reliance, while supporting our industrial base and creating jobs for locals.” 

The GWEO Research & Development Program has been funded nearly $60m over the next 5 years to develop the next generation of guided weapon technologies (photo: Aus DoD)

Rob Denney, country executive, Northrop Grumman Australia: “Northrop Grumman’s world-leading propulsion technology will be critical to rapidly establishing solid rocket motor production in Australia, and partnering with Australian component suppliers will build a sovereign manufacturing base of a critical defence capability.” 

 As one of the world’s preeminent propulsion providers, Northrop Grumman is bringing more than seven decades of solid rocket motor expertise to Australia to establish the foundations of a sovereign production capability that will be central to Australia's long-range strike capability and provide the sovereign industrial depth Australia needs for long-range strike systems and the resilience to protect itself.  

Northrop Grumman has invested $USD 2 billion over the past several years in munitions-related technology, facilities modernization and capacity expansion to produce advanced weapons and solid rocket motors affordably at scale. With 1.3 million motors delivered, Northrop Grumman is a trusted provider of SRM that power long-range strike systems and key defence platforms around the world and have supported major space missions including the boosters that launched NASA's recent Artemis mission to the moon. 

(NGC)

Philippine Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Hold Combined Live-fire Exercise

05 Mei 2026

JGSDF Type 16 MCV with 105mm gun meet with the Sabrah Light Tank with 105mm (all photos: Philippine Army)

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City — The Philippine Army, through the Armor "Pambato" Division, and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) conducted their first-ever combined live fire exercise as part of Exercise Salaknib at the lahar fields of Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base (CERAB) in Santa Juliana, Capas, Tarlac on May 1 to May 2, 2026.

More than 200 Philippine Army troops from the 1st Tank Battalion took part in the drills, utilizing four Sabrah Light Tanks. Meanwhile, around 40 troops from the JGSDF (Recon Combat Battalion, 12th Brigade) participated in the drills with four Maneuver Combat Vehicles in the Subject Matter Expert Exchange on May 1 and the Live Fire Exercise on May 2.

The live fire exercise followed a tactical scenario that included locating the enemy, fixing their position, and ultimately destroying the target. Troops also rehearsed safety protocols, including troubleshooting procedures in the event of a misfire or weapon malfunction with appropriate corrective actions taken to ensure operational safety and mission continuity.

Philippine Army Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Efren F. Morados together with Armor Division Commander Brig. Gen. Ronel R. Manalo; JGSDF 12th Brigade Deputy Brigade Commander Col. Yoshifumi Ogura; Executive Director of the Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces (PCVF) Undersecretary Antonio Habulan; and US Army Pacific 25ID Commander Major General James Bartholomees witnessed the drills.

Salaknib 2026 directly supports the Army’s active transition to External Security Operations by focusing on combined operations with the US Army Pacific and partner armies. Salaknib Phase is scheduled on May to June 2026 following the conclusion of Exercise Balikatan on May 8.

(Philippine Army)

TUDM Lakukan Air Intake Screen Modification pada Pesawat Su-30MKM

05 Mei 2026

Inovasi Air Intake Screen Modification pada Pesawat Su-30MKM (photos: TUDM)

Inovasi AIS-MOD Tingkatkan Kesiagaan Pesawat Su-30MKM dan Penjimatan Senggaraan

GONG KEDAK – Pangkalan Gong Kedak membuka lembaran tahun 2026 dengan pencapaian membanggakan apabila berjaya melaksanakan pemasangan Projek Inovasi Air Intake Screen Modification (AIS-MOD) ke atas pesawat Su-30MKM. 

Projek ini bertujuan meningkatkan kesiapsiagaan pertahanan negara serta menjimatkan kos penyelenggaraan dengan memperkenalkan sistem yang lebih efisien dalam menangani masalah Foreign Object Damage (FOD) pada pesawat SU-30 MKM.

Pemasangan sistem ini yang dijalankan dari 19 hingga 23 Januari 2026 telah melibatkan kepakaran pegawai dan anggota Cawangan Kejuruteraan TUDM.

Projek AIS-MOD, hasil inovasi Mej Mohd Khairil Ashraff bin Maton TUDM telah berjaya mencapai Fasa 3 HBKIK (Fasa Perkembangan) dan diiktiraf sebagai projek berimpak tinggi oleh Kementerian Pertahanan.

Sistem ini berfungsi mengawal pintu masuk udara sebelum ia memasuki tahap pertama Turbofan injin pesawat, sekaligus mengurangkan kos pembaikan akibat kerosakan yang disebabkan oleh FOD serta menjimatkan jutaan ringgit kewangan negara. 

Penyerahan projek ini disaksikan oleh Pegawai Memerintah No.12 Skuadron, Lt Kol Fairul Bin Mohd Rustham TUDM serta pegawai dari PUSPEKA dan Cawangan Kejuruteraan. Turut hadir adalah Sekretariat Inovasi TUDM selaku Penilai Inovasi Pertahanan Peringkat Kebangsaan dan Moderator Anugerah Inovasi Perdana Sektor Awam (AIPSA) iaitu Lt Kol Hairul Zaimy bin Ibrahim TUDM. 

Beliau juga turut memainkan peranan penting dalam memeriksa dan memastikan projek AIS-MOD mencapai paras Technology Readiness Level (TRL) terbaik dan berimpak tinggi kepada negara.

(TUDM)

PAF Joins Missile Defense Exercise in Balikatan 2026

04 Mei 2026

PAF’s SPYDER Air and Missile Defense System alongside U.S. assets in Exercise Balikatan 2026 (all photos: PAF)

The 960th Air and Missile Defense Wing (AMDW) of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) participated in the Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) exercise conducted as part of Exercise Balikatan 41-2026 from April 26 to 29 in Zambales. The activity highlights the PAF’s role in strengthening air and missile defense capabilities alongside allied forces.

During the exercise, Philippine and United States forces worked together to detect, track, and engage simulated targets through a coordinated sensor-to-shooter process. Radar systems provided early warning data which were analyzed and relayed to tactical units, enabling timely engagement using the PAF’s SPYDER Air and Missile Defense System alongside U.S. assets. As part of its participation, the 960th AMDW also conducted simulation activities to further enhance operational proficiency in air and missile defense operations. The integration of counter-unmanned aerial systems further strengthened the capability to address evolving aerial threats.

The conduct of the IAMD exercise underscores the importance of coordinated ground-to-air defense systems in addressing complex and evolving operational scenarios. Aligned with the objectives of Exercise Balikatan, the activity strengthens combined capabilities, enhances interoperability, and improves the readiness of participating forces to respond to emerging threats. It also reinforces the shared commitment of allied forces to maintaining peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region, while supporting the Philippine Air Force’s thrust of building a mission-ready, capability-driven, and values-based organization. (PAF)

AFP, U.S. Armed Forces Strengthen Aerial Domain Defense in IAMD Drill

In demonstration of strengthened aerial domain defense, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Armed Forces conducted an Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) exercise on April 26-29, at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui (NSLG), San Antonio, Zambales, as part of Exercise Balikatan 41-2026.

During the exercise, Philippine and U.S. forces collaborated to detect, track, and engage simulated targets through a seamless sensor-to-shooter process. Early warning data from radar systems were analyzed and relayed to tactical units, enabling rapid engagement using the Philippine Air Force SPYDER Air Defense System alongside U.S. assets such as the U.S. Army’s Avenger and the U.S. Marine Corps’ Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS). The integration of counter-unmanned aerial systems (c-UAS) technologies further enhanced the capability to counter aerial threats.

The training brought together key air defense units, including the 3rd Light Air Defense Artillery Battalion (LAAB), E/6-52 35th Air Defense Artillery (ADA), and the 960th Air and Missile Defense Wing (AMDW). The exercise was observed by Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), reflecting a shared commitment among like-minded nations to regional stability and collective security.

The IAMD exercise underscored how coordinated, ground-to-air defense systems provide a robust defense against increasingly complex aerial threats. As Exercise Balikatan 41-2026 progresses, training activities like IAMD continue to enhance interoperability and operational readiness among allied forces, ensuring a synchronized, responsive, and mission-ready defense of national airspace. (PAF)

Aussie Submarine Sold to US: C2 Robotics Commissions First US Export LUUV

04 Mei 2026

Spearbooth Large UUV (photo: C2 Robotics)

C2 Robotics on May 1, 2026 has marked a significant milestone with the commissioning and christening of its Speartooth Large Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle (LUUV), the first to be delivered to the United States.

This ceremony represents a defining moment for the company, signalling both the transition of Speartooth from development, into operational service, and C2 Robotics’ expansion into international markets.

While ship christenings are a longstanding naval tradition, this event is a first for C2 Robotics and was conducted with a modern twist – as it was christened by a robotic arm, with a ‘Human-on the-loop’! A philosophy that extends to Speartooth’s operational context.

“This is a proud and important step for our company,” said Troy Duggan, CEO of C2 Robotics. “We don’t typically conduct christening ceremonies for all of our boats, but this moment reflects the maturity of the Speartooth program and the strength of our partnership with the United States.” “The LUUV program is incredibly fast paced with payload options and mission roles continuously expanding”, Duggan said.

The christening ceremony was officiated by Guest of Honour and Sponsor’s representative – Captain Josh Fagan – the US Naval Attache based in Canberra. Representing the Director General of Maritime Integrated Capabilities (who oversees the RAN’s autonomous systems program) was Captain Tony Miskelly RAN. C2 Robotics team members and suppliers were also in attendance. 

The Speartooth LUUV has been designed to deliver scalable, cost-effective undersea capability across intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike missions. Its smaller size and lower unit cost enable it to operate in contested environments and generate force mass in ways that traditional platforms cannot.

“This partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing allied autonomous undersea capability,” Duggan said. “Speartooth is built on the principle of ‘Small, Smart, Many’—and today’s event brings that concept one step closer to operational reality.”

C2 Robotics extends its sincere appreciation to CAPT Josh Fagan for supporting the ceremony and formally marking the entry of Speartooth into service with the United States.

A further announcement on overseas sales with our European partner, Eurobotics GmbH, will be released soon.

(C2 Robotics)

Lawatan Briged Para Bagi Keperluan Perolehan MRSS untuk Mendukong Operasi Amfibi

04 Mei 2026

Peralatan tempur, bantuan tempur dan bantuan khidmat yang akan diangkut MRSS untuk mendukung operasi amfibi (photos: Briged Para)

MELAKA – Lawatan oleh Tim Nukleus MRSS TLDM yang diketuai oleh Kept Mohammad Fairuz bin Hassan TLDM ke formasi 10 Briged (Para) telah diadakan di Batalion Ke-8 Rejimen Renjer DiRaja (Para), Kem Terendak, Melaka. Ia bertujuan untuk mendapatkan pendedahan dan maklumat berkenaan senarai dan spesifikasi aset bagi Leading Parachute Battle Group (LPBG) yang akan diaturgerakkan untuk pelaksanaan Operasi Amfibi PAC (Pasukan Atur Gerak Cepat).

Lawatan ini dimulakan dengan taklimat Konsep Operasi Amfibi PAC, Blueprint Rancangan Pembangunan Keupayaan Amfibi 10 Briged (Para) dan status semasa perolehan aset amfibi yang akan diterima oleh 10 Briged (Para). 

Seterusnya, lawatan diteruskan dengan pemeriksaan sistem pengoperasian aset-aset LPBG yang merangkumi Elemen Tempur, Elemen Bantuan Tempur dan Elemen Bantuan Khidmat untuk disesuaikan dan digunakan secara optimum dengan spesifikasi MRSS yang akan dibuat perolehan kelak.

Lawatan ini secara tidak langsung telah menterjemahkan pelaksanaan integrasi kebersamaan dan kebolehoperasian di antara TD dan TLDM ke arah mencapai Angkatan Masa Hadapan yang mampu untuk memenangi peperangan dan misi yang akan dilaksanakan kelak.

Turut hadir dalam sepanjang lawatan tersebut adalah Kol Syed Suhairi bin Syed Hussin, Ketua Staf OPLAT Markas 10 Briged (Para), Mej Ahmad Azani bin Ab Rani, PS 2 Rancang Markas 10 Briged (Para), Mej Nik Abdul Hadi bin Nik Hassan, Pegawai Gerakan Batalion Ke-8 Rejimen Renjer DiRaja (Para) dan wakil pegawai daripada setiap pasukan afiliasi LPBG.

(Briged Para)

Jepang dan Australia Bekerja Sama Mengembangkan MQ-28A untuk Konsep MUM-T di JASDF

03 Mei 2026

Boeing MQ-28A Ghost Bat dan RAAF F-35A (photo: Aus DoD0

Angkatan Udara Bela Diri Jepang/Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) akan meningkatkan pemahamannya tentang teknologi kerja sama pesawat tempur berawak dan tanpa awak/manned-unmanned-teaming (MUM-T) setelah kesepakatan dengan Australia untuk bersama-sama melakukan aktivitas pesawat tempur kolaboratif/collaborative combat aircraft (CCA), demikian disampaikan Kementerian Pertahanan (MoD) di Tokyo kepada Janes.

Seorang juru bicara MoD mengatakan pada akhir April bahwa kolaborasi ini juga akan memungkinkan JASDF untuk mendapatkan wawasan tentang tantangan yang terkait dengan pengoperasian sistem 'pendamping setia' bersama pesawat berawak.

Proyek bersama ini didukung oleh penandatanganan perjanjian implementasi untuk Boeing MQ-28A Ghost Bat yang ditandatangani pada 18 April oleh Menteri Pertahanan Australia Richard Marles dan mitranya dari Jepang, Koizumi Shinjiro.

Menurut para menteri, kesepakatan tersebut menetapkan kerangka kerja yang memungkinkan Jepang dan Australia untuk melakukan kegiatan terkait CCA (Combined Combat Aircraft) di bawah perjanjian berbagi peralatan dan layanan pertahanan yang ada yang ditandatangani pada Mei 2025.

Kesepakatan implementasi ini mendukung upaya JASDF (Angkatan Pertahanan Bela Diri Jepang) untuk mengevaluasi kelayakan penggunaan pesawat tanpa awak dalam koordinasi dengan pesawat berawak, kata juru bicara Kementerian Pertahanan.

Berdasarkan kesepakatan tersebut, Jepang dan Australia akan melakukan penelitian terkait MQ-28A di Australia pada tahun fiskal Jepang 2026. Kegiatan ini diharapkan mencakup pendidikan dan pelatihan terkait proses uji terbang, tambah juru bicara tersebut.

Kerangka penelitian ini dimaksudkan untuk memungkinkan JASDF memperoleh pengetahuan operasional tentang penggunaan pesawat tanpa awak bersama platform berawak dan mengidentifikasi tantangan teknis dan operasional terkait.

Namun, belum jelas kapan kegiatan tersebut akan dimulai. Juru bicara Kementerian Pertahanan mengatakan diskusi tentang koordinasi saat ini sedang berlangsung. Rincian penjadwalan lebih lanjut tidak tersedia karena sifat sensitif proyek tersebut, tambah juru bicara tersebut.

(Jane's)