Author: thaobh.leo@gmail.com

A raft of ‘novel effector’ technologies are maturing at pace. Some, such as hypersonic missiles, are already in operational use. Others, such as Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) are on the cusp of more regular deployment. The landscape for these technologies is fast-moving, and accelerating, but the strategic implications of these technologies are poorly understood. This impacts international governance and stability, and the UK’s relative positioning in these technologies. This project, commissioned by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), explores the strategic stability implications of so-called ‘novel effector’ technologies in the defence context. It defines the novel effector technologies of…

The final pair of 66 AIDC T-BE-5 Brave Eagle advanced jet trainers was handed over to the ROCAF on 24 September 2026. (AIDC)Taiwan’s Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) received the final two examples of its 66 T-BE-5 Brave Eagle advanced jet trainers on 24 September 2026, bringing the nine-year development and production programme to a close.In a ceremony marking the milestone, the two aircraft bearing tail numbers ‘1165’ and ‘1166’ departed Ching Chuan Kang Air Base in Taichung, which is where the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation’s (AIDC) Shalu production complex is located.They subsequently flew to the ROCAF Academy at…

If you’ve been keeping up with Tempest Rising, one of the best real-time strategy games of the last year, you know the back-and-forth between the Global Defense Force and the Dynasty needed a shake-up. And there’s nothing like a new, crazy faction to do that. Fortunately, that’s all changing on September 29, 2026, when 3D Realms and Slipgate Ironworks finally drop The Veti’s Wrath, the long-awaited third faction expansion meant to shake up the entire game. The Veti are an ancient, alien force lying in tatters in the wake of the Tempest Wars. Now, after being hunted down by humans,…

American Rheinmetall’s Maine production facility will manufacture and upgrade thousands of MK93 enhanced softmount systems under a new order supporting U.S. Army requirements through defense contractor ADS Inc and the Defense Logistics Agency. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2026 and continue through October 2027. The order includes production of 3,104 new MK93 enhanced softmount systems as well as upgrades to 245 previously delivered mounts, bringing all systems to the current configuration. The total order value is $20.7M (€ 18.05M). The MK93 enhanced softmount provides a stable, durable, and mission-ready mounting solution for crew‑served weapon systems. Its design supports reliability,…

BEAVERTON, Ore. — Leupold & Stevens, Inc., provider of the world’s most rugged, lightweight, and clear sport optics, is pleased to announce the launch of its new MX-6HD family of spotting scopes. The MX-6HD first focal plane (FFP) spotting scope is built for individuals and teams who need more than just a clear image. Whether you’re calling impacts, scanning terrain, or identifying targets at distance, it delivers the clarity, control, and confidence to make the right call the first time. It is available now in one of four reticle options: PR2-MIL, Tremor 4, TMR, and the new FOV reticle, which…

Podcast September 29, 2026 • 4:55 pm ET Print this page By the Atlantic Council Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa joins the Atlantic Council to discuss Syria’s future and his government’s priorities for reconstruction, economic recovery, and institutional reform. This episode also explores the evolving relationship between the United States and Syria, the country’s role in regional conflicts, and Al-Sharaa’s vision for Syria’s path forward. This conversation was recorded during the Atlantic Council’s #ACinNY programming on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Listen to The AC Front Page Podcast wherever you get podcasts About the podcast The AC Front Page Podcast,…

GREENLAWN, N.Y. — September 29, 2026 — BAE Systems’ new Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) AN/APX-127(V)1 Combined Interrogator Transponder (CIT) received AIMS certification from the Department of War for the U.S. Air Force’s F-16 Fighting Falcon. The AIMS certification is a U.S. and NATO interoperable standard that marks the IFF solution ready for use. This next-generation CIT will improve identification and enable enhanced decision making to distinguish between allied forces and potential threats in contested scenarios.  The modernized system consolidates interrogator and transponder functions into one box for highly maneuverable aircraft. The design ensures ongoing versatility to meet current and…

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army named five companies as winners of the xTechHumanoid competition on September 11, 2026, capping an effort to assess how emerging commercial humanoid technologies could contribute to future military operations. As the Army looks to robotics and autonomy to reduce Soldier exposure to dangerous and physically demanding tasks, preserve combat power, and give commanders more options, humanoid systems represent a growing area of exploration. That work extends across the Joint Force through the Humanoid Community of Collaboration (HCoC), established in December 2023, to advance the technical development and operational integration of humanoid capabilities. In partnership with…

Over the last half millennium, societies around the globe competed to divide up the world’s land. Nearly every square inch of soil outside Antarctica is now owned and tucked within national borders. But the oceans have largely been spared that fate. There were times throughout history when countries tried to gate and regulate the seas, but they were too vast to be controlled for long periods. During the Cold War, as technology made it far easier to imagine partitioning the world’s waterways and seabeds, great powers avoided an unrestrained race to grab the oceans. Most governments agreed to deal with…

“We want to stop the North Koreans as far from Pusan as we can. Block the main road as far north as possible. Contact General Church. If you can’t locate him, go to Taejon and beyond if you can. Sorry I can’t give you more information. That’s all I’ve got. Good luck to you, and God bless you and your men.”-Maj. Gen. William F. Dean, orders to Lt. Col. Charles B. Smith, July 1, 1950, four days before Task Force Smith was overrun at Osan.The battery I served in at Camp Casey, South Korea, the 333rd Field Artillery Target Acquisition…