MISSION SUCCESS: Australian Hypersonic Pioneer Achieves First Flight

03 Maret 2026

Hypersonix's DART AE demonstrator vehicle (photo: HLS)

Wallops Island, Virginia, USA -- Australian hypersonic flight pioneer Hypersonix Launch Systems (HLS) has successfully completed the first flight of its DART AE hypersonic aircraft, marking a major milestone in the development of advanced hypersonic systems.

The mission, titled That’s Not A Knife, lifted off at 7pm Eastern on Friday, February 27th (11am AEDT on Saturday, February 28th) from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 within the Virginia Spaceport Authority’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Wallops Island, Virginia, aboard Rocket Lab’s HASTE launch vehicle. 

The flight was conducted under the US Department of War’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). 

Hypersonic flight refers to speeds above Mach 5, more than five times the speed of sound. Hypersonix is developing a new class of autonomous hypersonic aircraft capable of sustained flight up to Mach 12. Its flagship DART AE is a 3.5-metre autonomous hypersonic aircraft designed to validate propulsion, materials, sensors and guidance systems in real hypersonic flight conditions.

During the mission, HASTE carried DART AE to the planned deployment point in the upper atmosphere. DART AE then executed its hypersonic mission, gathering invaluable technical data for the team to analyse in the coming weeks.

Hypersonix co-founder Dr Michael Smart, a former NASA research scientist and former Chair of Hypersonic Propulsion at the University of Queensland, said the mission confirmed years of technical work.

The Hypersonix DART AE vehicle aboard Rocket Lab’s HASTE launch vehicle at the Virginia Spaceport Authority’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Wallops Island, Virginia (photo: HLS)

“This mission allowed us to test propulsion, materials and control systems in real hypersonic conditions,” Dr Smart said.

“At these speeds and temperatures, there is no substitute for flight data. The results from this mission will directly shape the design of future operational hypersonic aircraft.”

Hypersonix CEO Matt Hill said the successful mission represents a defining moment for the company and for Australia’s advanced aerospace capability.

“This flight reflects years of focused engineering work and the confidence placed in us by our partners,” Mr Hill said.

“Successfully flying DART AE in a true hypersonic environment confirms that an Australian company can design, build and operate technology in one of the most demanding flight regimes on Earth. It is an important step toward delivering hypersonic systems that are operationally relevant for Australia and its allies.”

The successful mission follows Hypersonix’s recent $46 million Series A funding round, backed by Australia’s National Reconstruction Fund Corporation and Queensland Investment Corporation. The round was led by High Tor Capital, a UK investor in national security and frontier technology, with European defence company Saab and Polish family office RKKVC also supporting the raise.

The funding is accelerating Hypersonix’s flight test program, expanding advanced manufacturing capability in Queensland and fast-tracking development of the company’s next hypersonic platform, VISR (Velos Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance). Hypersonix currently employs more than 50 people in Brisbane across aerospace engineering, advanced manufacturing and testing roles.

(HLS)

Counter Landing at Cobra Gold 2026

03 Maret 2026

Royal Thai Navy, US Marine Corps, South Korea, and the Philippines conducts Cobra Gold 2026 at Haad Yao Beach, Sattahip, Chonburi, Thailand (photos: RTN)

Air Defense and Coastal Guard Command Joins Forces with Allied Nations to Enhance Combat Readiness in a Real-World Situation.

On February 28, 2026, Rear Admiral Et Yuvanangkoon, Commander of the Air Defense and Coastal Guard Command, participated in an inspection of the Counter Landing exercise, part of the Cobra Gold 2026 joint/combined exercise, at Royal Thai Navy Training Ground No. 15, Haad Yao Beach, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province.

The inspection was presided over by the Deputy Director-General of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Operations, along with high-ranking commanders from various units, including the Marine Corps, and representatives from allied forces such as the US Marine Corps, South Korea, and the Philippines, who closely monitored the training situation.

The key missions of the inspection were:

• To receive a briefing on the training plan and cross-branch coordination.

• To observe the actual training at Haad Yao Beach and assess the readiness and capabilities of the personnel.

• To meet and encourage the soldiers participating in the training amidst intense simulated scenarios.

This training not only elevates tactics and combat readiness but also reinforces the strong cooperation between the Royal Thai Navy and allied forces. To enhance joint operations and future security.

(RTN-Air and Coastal Defence Command)

TNI AU Bangun Satuan Radar di Bengkulu Selatan Pada April 2026

03 Maret 2026

Kecamatan Kota Manna, Bengkulu (image: GoogleMaps)

Bengkulu (ANTARA) - TNI Angkatan Udara akan memulai pembangunan satuan radar di Bengkulu Selatan pada April 2026 untuk memperkuat sistem pertahanan udara di wilayah selatan Sumatra.

"Atas nama Gubernur Bengkulu kami menyampaikan terima kasih. Dalam waktu dekat akan dilaksanakan peletakan batu pertama atau groundbreaking pembangunan fasilitas radar di Bengkulu Selatan sebagai bagian dari penguatan sistem pertahanan udara," kata Wakil Gubernur Bengkulu Mian di Bengkulu, Jumat.

Menurut dia Pemerintah Provinsi Bengkulu mendukung penuh rencana pembangunan satuan radar tersebut karena dinilai strategis dalam memperkuat sistem pertahanan nasional, khususnya di wilayah udara bagian barat Indonesia.

Sinergi antara pemerintah daerah dan TNI Angkatan Udara diperlukan agar proses pembangunan berjalan lancar sesuai jadwal serta memberi dampak jangka panjang bagi keamanan daerah.

Sementara itu, Komandan Lanud Sri Mulyono Herlambang Kolonel Pnb Zulkifli Arif Purba menjelaskan pembangunan satuan radar atau Satrad tersebut akan berlokasi di Manna, Kabupaten Bengkulu Selatan.

"Kami dari Lanud Sri Mulyono Herlambang yang salah satu wilayah teritorialnya mencakup Provinsi Bengkulu berkunjung untuk menyampaikan rencana pembangunan satuan radar. Pembangunan direncanakan dimulai pada minggu kedua April 2026 dan kami memohon dukungan dari pemerintah daerah," ujar Zulkifli Arif Purba.

Dia menyebutkan keberadaan radar itu nantinya akan meningkatkan kemampuan pemantauan dan pengamanan wilayah udara serta memperkuat sistem deteksi dini terhadap potensi ancaman di ruang udara Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia.

Menurut dia pembangunan Satrad tersebut merupakan langkah strategis TNI Angkatan Udara dalam menjaga kedaulatan udara nasional, terutama di kawasan Sumatera Bagian Selatan yang berbatasan langsung dengan Samudera Hindia.

(Antara)

Chief of Defence Force Visited 150 SQN in France

02 Maret 2026

150 SQN airmen and women, as well as their counterparts from the French Air and Space Force (FASF) in front of RSAF’s M-346 advance jet trainer (photos: RSAF)

Earlier this month, Chief of Defence Force (CDF) VADM Aaron Beng visited 150 SQN at Cazaux Air Base, France.

VADM Beng toured the squadron’s facilities, where he observed various learning tools and tried the flight simulators. He rounded off the visit with an engagement session with detachment personnel, interacting with them and gaining insights into their training experiences.

At the Cazouk Airbase, France stationed 12 Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master as Overseas Detachment (photo: RSAF)

Cazaux Air Base is home to 150 SQN and its personnel, including Pilots, Air Force Engineers, trainees and support staff.

The RSAF has conducted flying training in France since 1998, and the airspace is 32 times Singapore's size! This allows our pilots to hone their flying and combat skills.

(RSAF)

Uji Fungsi ROV dan AUV, Satran Koarmada II Tingkatkan Kesiapan Tindakan Perlawanan Ranjau

02 Maret 2026

KRI Pulau Fani-731 dan KRI Pulau Fanildo-732 (photo: TNI AL)

TNI AL. Koarmada II -- Satuan Kapal Ranjau Koarmada II melaksanakan percobaan dan uji fungsi Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) dan Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) yang melibatkan KRI Pulau Fani-731, KRI Pulau Fanildo-732, KRI Pulau Rupat-712, serta Satkoppeba Koarmada II pada 24–25 Februari 2026. Kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk memastikan kesiapan personel dan material dalam mendukung operasi Tindakan Perlawanan Ranjau.

KRI Pulau Rupat-712 (photo: TNI AL)

Pada hari pertama, seluruh unsur melaksanakan pengoperasian ROV yang diawali dengan pengecekan awal, pemasangan peralatan, hingga uji operasional di Kolam Renang Tirto Segoro dan Kolam Base In. ROV yang digunakan antara lain tipe Teledyne Seabotix vLBV 300 pada KRI Pulau Fani-731 dan KRI Pulau Fanildo-732, Teledyne Seabotix vLBV 950 pada KRI Pulau Rupat-712, serta Exail R7 milik Satkoppeba.

Memasuki hari kedua, KRI Pulau Fani-731 dan KRI Pulau Fanildo-732 melaksanakan percobaan AUV di Dermaga Halong dengan dukungan prajurit Satkoppeba serta pengawasan teknis dari personel Dissenlek Koarmada II. Kegiatan diawali dengan perangkaian sistem, pre-flight check, kalibrasi, hingga tahap peluncuran AUV sebagai bagian dari prosedur standar pengoperasian.

ROV dan AUV merupakan wahana penting dalam operasi pemburuan ranjau laut. AUV berfungsi sebagai sarana deteksi awal saat mine hunting, sedangkan ROV digunakan untuk identifikasi serta netralisasi ranjau apabila dilengkapi bahan peledak (Mine Disposal Vehicle). Melalui uji fungsi ini, diharapkan kesiapan tempur unsur Satran Koarmada II semakin optimal dalam menghadapi potensi ancaman ranjau di wilayah perairan.

Di tempat terpisah, Dansatran Koarmada II Kolonel Laut (P) M. Sati Lubis menyampaikan bahwa kegiatan ini merupakan implementasi penekanan Pangkoarmada II Laksda TNI I G. P. Alit Jaya, S.H., M.Si., agar seluruh unsur jajaran Koarmada II senantiasa menjaga kesiapan operasional baik personel maupun alutsista.

(Koarmada II)

Military Equipment... 'Made in Thailand'

02 Maret 2026

Ada 14 produk peralatan pertahanan yang ingin dikuasai teknologinya dan dibangun di dalam negeri Thailand saat ini (photo: TH MoD)

Kebijakan Menteri Pertahanan: Jenderal Natthaphon Nagpanich adalah Membangun sistem kerja 'National Defense industry' menuju komersialisasi bekerjasama dengan sektor pemerintah terkait dan mendorong partisipasi sektor swasta untuk menjadi bagian dalam mendorong ekonomi negara dan mengurangi ketergantungan pada impor.

(Ministry of Defence Spokesperson's Office)

SYOS Awarded Contract to Boost New Zealand Defence Force Capability

01 Maret 2026

SYOS will deliver SM300 USV to NZDF (photo: SYOS)

We’re proud to share a new agreement with the New Zealand Defence Force NZDF | Defence Science & Technology (DST) to strengthen advanced uncrewed systems capability, and ensure NZDF are fully equipped to integrate, operate and evaluate emerging technologies.

SYOS will deliver SG400 UGV to NZDF (photo: SYOS)

SYOS will deliver a portfolio of air, land and sea uncrewed autonomous vehicles, supported by a programme of structured experimentation, evaluation, and development.

SYOS will deliver SA7 UAV to NZDF (photo: SYOS)

We’ll also provide specialist services to the NZDF Capability Branch, including advanced testing, technical services, training, and operational support. Conducting trials in a range of scenarios, such as transporting supplies, performing maritime patrols, and completing route reconnaissance.

SYOS will deliver SA2 UAV to NZDF (photo: SYOS)

Samuel Vye SYOS: “We’re delighted to contribute to the growth of New Zealand’s defence‑technology ecosystem – with solutions that are mission ready, combat proven and scalable.  The NZDF’s structured experimentation aligns with how we operate – working shoulder to shoulder with customers and end users to tackle complex, real‑world challenges.”

(SYOS)