Executive Summary:
Türkiye is developing GÖKHAN as a national ramjet-powered beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile for long-range air combat. Developed by TÜBİTAK SAGE under a program launched in 2021, GÖKHAN has moved through conceptual and preliminary design, with ground testing underway and additional range and capability development contracts signed in 2025.
The GÖKHAN missile is Türkiye’s indigenous ramjet-powered air-to-air missile program, developed by TÜBİTAK SAGE to provide the Turkish defense industry with a strategic long-range beyond-visual-range air combat weapon. The development contract between Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense and TÜBİTAK SAGE was signed on May 21, 2021.
The program is intended to engage air targets at long distances while supporting air superiority, protecting high-value aircraft and allowing strike aircraft to contribute to their own survivability.
TÜBİTAK SAGE says the conceptual design and preliminary design phases have been completed, while ground trial activities are being conducted. The next stages include subsystem and system verification, followed by flight and firing tests.
GÖKHAN Represents a New Class of Turkish Air-to-Air Weapon
The central technological feature of GÖKHAN is its ramjet propulsion system.
Unlike a conventional rocket motor, a ramjet uses atmospheric oxygen during powered flight. This allows the propulsion system to sustain thrust over a longer portion of the missile’s flight, subject to the missile’s flight regime and propulsion design.
For a long-range air-to-air weapon, maintaining energy during the engagement is particularly important. A missile that retains sufficient speed and maneuverability during the terminal phase can have greater opportunity to respond to a maneuvering target.
However, propulsion alone does not determine an air-to-air missile’s effectiveness. Seeker performance, guidance algorithms, electronic counter-countermeasures, data links, navigation, flight-control systems, warhead and fuze technology all contribute to the overall weapon capability.
GÖKHAN Builds on Türkiye’s GÖKDOĞAN and BOZDOĞAN Programs
GÖKHAN is not being developed independently of Türkiye’s earlier air-to-air missile work.
TÜBİTAK SAGE says the program benefits from knowledge gained through the GÖKDOĞAN and BOZDOĞAN projects. At IDEF 2025, the institute identified GÖKHAN as Türkiye’s first national ramjet-powered air-to-air missile and highlighted its ramjet propulsion, high maneuverability and two-way data-link capability.
GÖKDOĞAN is already established as Türkiye’s beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. TÜBİTAK SAGE lists the missile with an active radar seeker, solid-fuel rocket propulsion, a published range of more than 65 kilometers, target-update capability through a data link and advanced counter-countermeasure features.
GÖKHAN is intended to move the Turkish air-to-air missile family toward a longer-range ramjet-powered capability.
Türkiye Expands the GÖKHAN Program
A significant development came during IDEF 2025 in Istanbul.
TÜBİTAK SAGE announced an amendment to the existing GÖKHAN development contract for increased range and capability. It also signed a separate contract for the development of a long-range GÖKHAN configuration.
The institute said these agreements are intended to increase GÖKHAN’s range performance and maneuverability, with the long-term objective of making it one of the longest-range air-to-air missiles in the NATO inventory.
This is an important distinction from simply describing GÖKHAN as a missile with a fixed publicly confirmed maximum range. TÜBİTAK SAGE has not released a complete official specification table establishing a final maximum range, terminal speed or warhead weight.
Consequently, numerical performance figures circulating in secondary reporting should not be treated as confirmed specifications unless Türkiye’s defense authorities or TÜBİTAK SAGE officially release them.
What Makes the Ramjet Approach Important?
The primary advantage sought through ramjet propulsion is sustained energy.
In a long-range engagement, a missile may travel a substantial distance before reaching the target’s vicinity. During that time, aerodynamic drag reduces speed and maneuvering can consume additional energy.
A ramjet-powered design is intended to continue producing thrust during the appropriate portion of the flight. This can support higher retained energy and potentially improve the missile’s ability to maneuver during the terminal engagement.
The actual operational advantage, however, will only become clear through flight and firing trials.
GÖKHAN must demonstrate reliable propulsion, guidance, seeker performance, control and target engagement under realistic conditions before its full capability can be assessed.
GÖKHAN and Türkiye’s Broader Air Combat Modernization
The missile forms part of a wider Turkish effort to develop an increasingly independent air combat ecosystem.
Türkiye is simultaneously developing advanced aircraft, unmanned combat aircraft, sensors, electronic warfare capabilities and domestic weapons. An indigenous long-range air-to-air missile gives the country greater control over the development and integration of its air combat weapons.
This also has implications for Türkiye’s future fighter fleet.
As Turkish combat aircraft programs mature, an indigenous air-to-air missile can be developed alongside the aircraft rather than being dependent entirely on foreign weapons integration schedules.
The approach also gives Turkish defense companies and research institutions experience in areas such as ramjet propulsion, active guidance, data links, flight control and weapons integration.
GÖKHAN’s Current Development Status
The missile remains a development program rather than an operationally deployed weapon.
Feature Publicly Confirmed Information Missile GÖKHAN Country Türkiye Developer TÜBİTAK SAGE Weapon type Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile Propulsion Ramjet Development contract May 21, 2021 Design status Conceptual and preliminary design completed Current testing Ground trials Future testing Flight and firing tests Data link Two-way data link publicly identified Range Final official figure not publicly disclosed TÜBİTAK SAGE’s official program page confirms that ground trials are underway and that future flight and firing tests will be used for subsystem and system verification.
Why GÖKHAN Matters to Türkiye
The significance of GÖKHAN extends beyond the missile itself.
Türkiye is seeking to build greater domestic control over critical air combat technologies. Developing a ramjet-powered air-to-air missile requires expertise in propulsion, aerodynamics, guidance, seeker technology, flight control and systems integration.
The program therefore represents another step in the development of Türkiye’s indigenous precision-weapons industry.
TÜBİTAK SAGE has also stated that GÖKHAN is intended to place Türkiye among NATO member states capable of producing ramjet-powered air-to-air missiles.
That makes the program relevant not only to Türkiye’s air force modernization but also to the broader evolution of NATO’s domestic missile technology base.
What Comes Next for GÖKHAN
The next major milestone will be testing.
Ground trials must establish the reliability of the missile’s propulsion, guidance, control and other subsystems before the program progresses through flight testing and live firing.
The outcome of those trials will provide the first substantial evidence of GÖKHAN’s real-world performance.
For now, the most defensible assessment is that Türkiye is developing a national ramjet-powered beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile with an expanded range and capability effort underway.
GÖKHAN should therefore be viewed as part of Türkiye’s long-term effort to build an indigenous, networked air combat capability rather than as an already operational missile with publicly established performance figures.
Executive Summary:
European missile manufacturer MBDA has unveiled the Counter Mass Interceptor at the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow, introducing a new air defense weapon designed specifically to defeat large numbers of low cost drones. The program aims to provide European and NATO militaries with a more affordable response to saturation attacks while reducing dependence on non European interceptor systems.
MBDA Unveils Counter Mass Interceptor To Address Drone Swarm Threats
European missile manufacturer MBDA has introduced its new Counter Mass Interceptor, a missile designed to counter large scale drone attacks that have become a defining feature of modern conflicts. The system was unveiled during the Farnborough International Airshow on July 20, reflecting growing demand for affordable air defense solutions after extensive drone warfare in Ukraine and the Middle East.
According to MBDA, the new interceptor is intended to give European armed forces and NATO members a sovereign capability against saturation attacks, reducing reliance on foreign systems for defending critical military and civilian infrastructure.
Designed For The Economics Of Modern Air Defense
One of the principal challenges facing militaries today is the imbalance between the cost of attacking drones and the price of intercepting them.
Relatively inexpensive one way attack drones and loitering munitions can force defenders to expend missiles worth many times more than the incoming threat. This cost imbalance has become increasingly apparent during Russia’s extensive use of Shahed drones against Ukraine and the widespread employment of unmanned systems across the Middle East.
MBDA says the Counter Mass Interceptor is specifically intended to address this problem by providing a lower cost interceptor that can be manufactured at high volume.
Initial Capability Focuses On Small Drones
The first version of the Counter Mass Interceptor will focus primarily on defeating smaller unmanned aerial systems.
MBDA also outlined plans for a second interceptor variant with greater range and broader mission capability. That future version is expected to engage:
- Small and medium drones
- Rockets
- Glide bombs
- Subsonic cruise missiles
The future interceptor is also expected to provide all weather operational capability, expanding its usefulness across multiple operational environments.
Program Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| System | Counter Mass Interceptor |
| Manufacturer | MBDA |
| Primary Mission | Counter mass drone attacks |
| Initial Targets | Small drones |
| Future Targets | Drones, rockets, glide bombs, subsonic missiles |
| Expected Initial Availability | 2028 |
| Production Strategy | Existing factories and adapted industrial production lines |
Production Strategy Prioritizes Scale
Unlike traditional missile production programs that emphasize relatively low production volumes, MBDA says the Counter Mass Interceptor has been designed around scalable manufacturing.
Company officials stated that production could occur either within MBDA facilities or through industrial partners using existing manufacturing infrastructure and repurposed production lines. The company described its objective as moving closer to an automotive style manufacturing model capable of producing interceptors at significantly higher rates than conventional missile programs.
The program is currently led by MBDA’s United Kingdom team, although later development phases are expected to transition to French leadership.
MBDA expects the initial operational version to become available in 2028.
Why The Program Matters
The Counter Mass Interceptor reflects a broader shift in air defense doctrine.
For decades, integrated air defense systems were optimized to defeat high value threats such as combat aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. Recent conflicts have demonstrated that inexpensive drones launched in large numbers can overwhelm sophisticated defenses through sheer volume rather than advanced performance.
This changing threat environment is forcing militaries to rethink procurement priorities. Air defense is no longer judged solely by interception probability. Cost per engagement, ammunition stockpiles, production capacity, and reload rates have become equally important operational considerations.
The United States has addressed similar challenges by expanding the use of systems such as the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) alongside other layered counter UAS capabilities. MBDA’s new interceptor seeks to provide Europe with a comparable sovereign solution tailored for NATO requirements.
Broader European Air Defense Modernization
The Counter Mass Interceptor also fits within a wider European effort to strengthen indigenous missile defense capabilities.
Earlier this month, several major European defense companies announced the Bliksem EXO Consortium to develop a sovereign exo atmospheric interceptor capable of defeating medium and intermediate range ballistic missiles. Together, these initiatives illustrate Europe’s effort to expand both lower layer and upper layer air defense capabilities while reducing dependence on external suppliers.
Rather than replacing existing missile defense systems, the Counter Mass Interceptor is expected to complement them by providing a dedicated solution for defeating inexpensive aerial threats before higher cost interceptors become necessary.
Outlook
As unmanned systems continue to reshape battlefield operations, demand for affordable interceptors is likely to increase across NATO and allied militaries.
If MBDA achieves its production goals and planned 2028 introduction, the Counter Mass Interceptor could become an important component of Europe’s layered air defense architecture. Its emphasis on scalable manufacturing, lower engagement costs, and protection against saturation attacks addresses operational lessons emerging from today’s most active conflict zones while supporting longer term modernization efforts across the alliance.
Executive Summary:
Kongsberg has secured an approximately $100 million contract to deliver additional Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) to the U.S. Air Force. Deliveries will continue through June 2030, expanding the USAF’s inventory of stealth compatible precision strike weapons designed for the F-35A Lightning II.
Kongsberg Wins New U.S. Air Force Joint Strike Missile Contract
Kongsberg has received another Joint Strike Missile (JSM) production contract from the U.S. Air Force, reinforcing the growing role of the Norwegian-developed weapon in America’s fifth generation air combat capability. The company announced the agreement on July 16, stating the contract is valued at approximately $100 million, with deliveries scheduled for completion by the end of June 2030.
The award represents the latest step in the Air Force’s continuing procurement of the JSM as it expands operational strike options for the F-35A Lightning II fleet. The missile is specifically engineered to fit inside the aircraft’s internal weapons bay, allowing the fighter to preserve its low observable characteristics while carrying a long range precision weapon.
A Missile Designed Around The F-35
Unlike many legacy air launched weapons that require external carriage, the Joint Strike Missile was designed from the outset to integrate with the F-35’s internal weapons bays.
This capability enables the aircraft to maintain its stealth profile during missions while retaining the ability to strike heavily defended land and maritime targets at stand off ranges.
According to Kongsberg, the missile incorporates:
Capability Details Platform F-35A Lightning II Mission Land attack and anti-surface warfare Length Approximately 4 meters Weight Approximately 416 kg Range More than 350 km Guidance Passive sensors, GPS/INS, terrain following, autonomous target recognition Flight Profile High subsonic with terminal maneuver capability The JSM is derived from the combat proven Naval Strike Missile (NSM) family but incorporates significant modifications for air launch operations, including redesigned aerodynamics, internal carriage compatibility, and advanced mission planning capabilities.
Contract Continues A Growing U.S. Procurement Program
The latest award follows several previous U.S. Air Force contracts for JSM production.
In 2024, the Air Force signed an initial undefinitized contract action valued at up to $141 million for the first production lot. Subsequent production awards have steadily expanded procurement as the missile progresses toward broader operational fielding across the USAF F-35A fleet.
Although Kongsberg has not disclosed the number of missiles included in the newest order, the contract extends production through mid 2030, providing longer term manufacturing stability while supporting continued fleet integration.
Strategic Importance For U.S. Air Power
The significance of the contract extends well beyond its dollar value.
Modern air operations increasingly depend on weapons that allow aircraft to engage high value targets without entering heavily defended airspace. As integrated air defense systems continue to improve worldwide, stand off precision weapons have become central to U.S. operational planning.
The Joint Strike Missile addresses this requirement by combining several important attributes:
- Internal carriage for stealth aircraft
- Long range precision engagement
- Capability against both maritime and land targets
- Autonomous navigation and target recognition
- Reduced radar signature throughout flight
For the U.S. Air Force, these characteristics provide commanders with greater flexibility during operations in highly contested environments, particularly across the Indo-Pacific and other regions where advanced air defenses present increasing challenges.
Expanding International User Base
The missile’s international adoption also strengthens interoperability among F-35 operators.
According to Kongsberg, the Joint Strike Missile has now been selected by:
- United States
- Australia
- Canada
- Germany
- Japan
- Norway
A growing common inventory allows allied air forces to simplify logistics, training, mission planning, and coalition operations while benefiting from shared sustainment and future upgrades.
Why The New Contract Matters
From a broader modernization perspective, the contract highlights several important defense trends.
First, the United States continues investing in precision stand off munitions capable of operating alongside fifth generation aircraft rather than relying solely on legacy weapons adapted for stealth platforms.
Second, the award reflects the increasingly multinational nature of advanced weapons procurement. The JSM originated in Norway but has become an important capability for multiple allied F-35 operators, demonstrating how collaborative defense development can accelerate capability delivery.
Finally, extending deliveries through 2030 provides industry with greater production predictability at a time when NATO members and Indo-Pacific allies are expanding purchases of precision guided munitions amid rising global demand.
While the contract itself is relatively modest compared with major aircraft procurement programs, it contributes directly to sustaining the long range strike inventory that underpins future F-35 operations for both the United States and allied air forces.
Executive Summary:
The United Kingdom has delivered the first British made artillery barrel forgings to Ukraine under a £61 million Ministry of Defence contract led by BAE Systems. The milestone restores a manufacturing capability absent from Britain for nearly two decades while supporting Ukraine’s long term artillery sustainment and strengthening the UK’s sovereign defense industrial base.
First British Made Artillery Barrels Delivered To Ukraine Mark Revival Of UK Manufacturing
The first British made artillery barrels destined for Ukraine have begun shipping under a £61 million program managed by BAE Systems on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence. Announced on July 15, 2026, the deliveries represent the first production of forged artillery barrels in the United Kingdom in almost twenty years, signaling the return of a strategically important industrial capability.
The initial shipment consists of four development barrel forgings that will enable Ukrainian manufacturers to validate machining, finishing, and integration processes before larger scale production begins. The broader contract calls for the delivery of 150 barrel forgings, including both 105mm and 155mm variants used by NATO-standard artillery systems.
UK Restores A Critical Sovereign Defense Capability
Production is centered at Sheffield Forgemasters, working alongside BAE Systems and more than 60 suppliers across the United Kingdom.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the restart of artillery barrel production restores an industrial capability that had effectively disappeared after previous domestic production lines closed. The government says the initiative strengthens national resilience while supporting Ukraine’s ability to sustain artillery operations over the long term.
The contract follows UK investments in rebuilding heavy manufacturing capacity, including significant modernization at Sheffield Forgemasters and BAE Systems’ new £25 million artillery production facility in Sheffield.
Program Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Contract Value | £61 million |
| Prime Contractor | BAE Systems |
| Manufacturing Partner | Sheffield Forgemasters |
| Barrel Types | 105mm and 155mm |
| Total Planned Deliveries | 150 barrel forgings |
| Initial Shipment | Four development barrels |
| UK Supply Chain | More than 60 companies |
Why Artillery Barrels Matter
Unlike complete howitzers, artillery barrels are consumable components.
Repeated firing subjects barrels to extremely high temperatures and pressures, gradually reducing accuracy and eventually requiring replacement. During high intensity warfare, such as the conflict in Ukraine, barrel wear has become a major logistical challenge as guns fire thousands of rounds over relatively short periods.
Producing replacement barrels domestically allows Ukraine to maintain existing artillery fleets without depending entirely on overseas manufacturing capacity. The first British deliveries are intended to establish a production pipeline that Ukrainian industry can integrate into its own manufacturing process.
Industrial Benefits Extend Beyond Ukraine
The program is also designed to rebuild Britain’s own heavy defense manufacturing sector.
Government officials say the production effort supports hundreds of skilled manufacturing jobs while reinforcing sovereign capabilities that could prove essential during future crises. Sheffield Forgemasters, now owned by the Ministry of Defence, continues expanding its facilities through a broader recapitalization program valued at approximately £1.3 billion.
BAE Systems’ recently opened Sheffield artillery manufacturing facility adds further capacity and is expected to support around 100 highly skilled engineering and manufacturing positions.
Analysis: A Broader Shift In NATO Defense Industrial Strategy
The delivery of these barrel forgings reflects more than military assistance for Ukraine. It illustrates a wider shift across NATO toward rebuilding industrial capabilities that had diminished during decades of lower defense spending.
The war in Ukraine has demonstrated that modern conflicts consume ammunition and artillery components at rates far exceeding many Western planning assumptions. While attention often focuses on ammunition production, replacement barrels represent another critical bottleneck because artillery systems cannot maintain effectiveness indefinitely without them.
For the United Kingdom, restoring domestic barrel production reduces dependence on foreign suppliers while preserving specialist metallurgical expertise that is difficult to regenerate once lost. Heavy forging, precision machining, and advanced heat treatment require skilled workforces and specialized facilities that typically take years to establish.
The project also aligns with broader UK efforts to increase domestic production of artillery systems, including future RCH 155 howitzers and ongoing investments in sovereign defense manufacturing. Together, these initiatives indicate a strategic emphasis on ensuring that industrial capacity can support sustained military operations rather than only peacetime procurement.
From Ukraine’s perspective, integrating British manufactured forgings into its own production process helps develop a more resilient maintenance ecosystem capable of supporting NATO caliber artillery over the long term. Rather than relying solely on complete weapon deliveries, allied support is increasingly focused on enabling local sustainment and repair capabilities.
Outlook
The first four barrel forgings are intended primarily for production validation, with larger scale deliveries expected as Ukrainian manufacturing partners complete integration activities.
If the program proceeds as planned, Britain will have successfully restored a sovereign artillery barrel manufacturing capability while simultaneously strengthening Ukraine’s long term artillery sustainment capacity. The initiative also demonstrates how allied defense cooperation is increasingly focused on rebuilding industrial resilience alongside the delivery of frontline military equipment.
Executive Summary:
German defense manufacturer Diehl Defence says its new IRIS T SLX long range air defense system is being developed to complement existing IRIS T batteries while reducing reliance on scarce Patriot interceptor missiles. The announcement comes as European nations continue expanding integrated air and missile defense capabilities following increased demand driven by the war in Ukraine and broader regional security challenges.
Diehl Defence Advances IRIS T SLX As Demand For Air Defense Grows
German missile manufacturer Diehl Defence has announced that its next generation IRIS T SLX air defense system is being developed to help reduce dependence on the widely used Patriot missile system, whose interceptors remain in high demand worldwide.
Speaking during the company’s 2025 financial results briefing, Chief Executive Officer Helmut Rauch said the IRIS T SLX is intended to complement the existing IRIS T SLM system rather than replace it. The new variant is designed to extend engagement range while expanding Europe’s indigenous missile defense capabilities.
The announcement comes as NATO members and partner nations continue investing heavily in layered air and missile defense following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and increasing missile and drone threats across Europe and the Middle East.
IRIS T Family Continues Expanding Across Europe
According to Diehl Defence, 21 countries have now ordered IRIS T air defense systems, with Switzerland, Sweden, and Denmark among the newest customers. Ukraine has become one of the most visible operators after receiving 20 IRIS T SLM systems to defend critical infrastructure against Russian cruise missiles, drones, and aircraft.
The company also reported that deliveries have increased dramatically since 2022, although it declined to disclose total production figures. Earlier this year, Diehl said it planned to significantly increase annual production capacity for IRIS T launch units to meet rising international demand.
What Is The IRIS T SLX?
The IRIS T SLX represents the long range evolution of the IRIS T surface launched missile family.
While Diehl has not released complete technical specifications, previous company statements indicate the system is being designed to provide substantially greater engagement range than the current IRIS T SLM while remaining compatible with the existing command, radar, and launcher architecture.
Expected Capability Comparison
| Feature | IRIS T SLM | IRIS T SLX (Development) | Patriot PAC Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Medium range air defense | Extended range air defense | Long range air and missile defense |
| Intended Targets | Aircraft, cruise missiles, UAVs | Aircraft, cruise missiles, advanced aerial threats | Aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles |
| Integration | Existing IRIS architecture | Compatible with IRIS ecosystem | Patriot ecosystem |
| Operational Status | In service | Under development | Operational worldwide |
Specifications for IRIS T SLX remain subject to final development and certification.
Why Reducing Dependence On Patriot Matters
Patriot remains one of the world’s most capable air and missile defense systems, particularly against ballistic missile threats. However, growing global demand has created production bottlenecks as multiple allies seek additional interceptors amid conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.
Developing European produced alternatives offers several strategic advantages.
- Expands available interceptor inventories.
- Reduces dependence on a single supply chain.
- Strengthens NATO’s layered air defense architecture.
- Supports faster replenishment during sustained operations.
- Increases European defense industrial capacity.
Importantly, Diehl has emphasized that the IRIS T SLX is intended to complement Patriot rather than replace it. Layered air defense depends on multiple systems optimized for different ranges and threat types, with Patriot continuing to play a critical role in ballistic missile defense.
Growing Interest Beyond Europe
Diehl Defence also reported increasing interest from Gulf countries following heightened regional tensions.
According to Rauch, the company has begun discussions with representatives from several Gulf states, while Saudi Arabia has remained an established customer for more than a decade. The growing demand reflects broader concerns about cruise missile, drone, and ballistic missile threats across the region.
Defense Business Continues Strong Growth
The expanding market has translated into significant business growth for Diehl Defence.
The company reported defense revenue of €2.33 billion during 2025, representing a 28 percent increase over the previous year. The defense division now accounts for approximately 43 percent of the broader Diehl Group’s total sales, underscoring the rapid expansion of Europe’s missile defense industry.
Strategic Analysis: Why The IRIS T SLX Matters
The development of the IRIS T SLX reflects a broader shift in European defense planning.
Rather than relying primarily on imported strategic air defense systems, European governments are increasingly investing in domestic production to improve resilience during prolonged crises. This trend has accelerated since 2022, when large scale missile attacks exposed the importance of maintaining sustainable interceptor inventories.
For the United States, the emergence of systems like IRIS T SLX is unlikely to diminish Patriot’s importance. Instead, it could reduce pressure on U.S. production lines by allowing European allies to assume a greater share of regional air defense requirements using indigenous capabilities.
From NATO’s perspective, a more diversified missile defense inventory improves operational flexibility. Different systems can be assigned to specific threat sets, enabling Patriot batteries to focus on higher end ballistic missile defense missions while systems such as IRIS T protect infrastructure, logistics hubs, and maneuver forces against aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.
The long term success of the IRIS T SLX will ultimately depend on production capacity, interoperability with NATO command networks, operational testing, and sustained procurement commitments from European governments.
Executive Summary:
Australia has designated domestic guided weapons and explosive ordnance production as one of seven Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities in its 2026 Defence Industry Development Strategy. The move accelerates existing efforts under the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise, including local assembly and component manufacturing of GMLRS rockets and Naval Strike Missiles. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on distant supply chains, deepen stockpiles, and enhance interoperability with allies for sustained operations in the Indo-Pacific.
Australia’s Push for Sovereign Missile Capability
Australia is making guided missile and munitions production a central pillar of its 2026 defence industry policy to support long-range strike and maritime denial capabilities essential for Indo-Pacific deterrence. The 2026 Defence Industry Development Strategy explicitly lists guided weapons and explosive ordnance among the nation’s sovereign industrial priorities for the next two to five years.
This policy builds directly on the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise, backed by investments of A$26-36 billion over the decade according to the 2026 Integrated Investment Program. It reflects lessons from ongoing conflicts regarding the critical need for resilient munitions supply in high-intensity scenarios.
Technical and Industrial Developments
Two major programs anchor Australia’s current efforts. Lockheed Martin Australia has established production at Port Wakefield in South Australia, the first facility outside the United States capable of producing Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) munitions. Australian engineers, trained in the U.S., have begun final assembly of GMLRS all-up rounds and launch pod containers, with live-fire demonstrations already conducted.
Key GMLRS/HIMARS Elements in Australian Service:
- GMLRS: Precision-guided rocket with ranges exceeding 70 km standard, extended variants beyond 150 km.
- PrSM (Precision Strike Missile): Longer-range ballistic option up to 500+ km, compatible with HIMARS launchers.
- Production Goal: Scaling toward high-rate capacity of up to 4,000 GMLRS per year by 2029 at dedicated facilities.
Complementing this, Kongsberg Defence Australia is constructing a missile factory near Williamtown, New South Wales. The facility will manufacture and maintain Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Joint Strike Missile (JSM) systems, with production slated to commence in 2027. The NSM offers high-subsonic sea-skimming anti-ship and land-attack capability with a range exceeding 300 km, while the JSM variant integrates with the F-35A internal weapons bay.
Operational and Strategic Context
Australia’s geography demands robust long-range fires to control maritime approaches and support denial operations. HIMARS-equipped units, accelerated under recent investments including A$1.6 billion for additional launchers, provide mobile, precision strike options. Domestic production capacity allows for faster replenishment and potential customization while maintaining allied certification standards.
Analysis: Implications for U.S. and Allied Strategy
From a U.S. perspective, Australia’s GWEO progress strengthens the integrated deterrence network in the Indo-Pacific. By developing local component manufacturing—such as Moog Australia’s work on GMLRS control actuation systems and AW Bell’s production of canards and housings—Australia diversifies supply chains vulnerable to disruption in a Taiwan or South China Sea contingency.
This reduces the burden on U.S. production lines during simultaneous demands. It also enhances interoperability: Australian-produced munitions must integrate seamlessly with U.S. HIMARS, F-35 fleets, and naval systems. Success here could serve as a model for other allies, fostering a more distributed and resilient Western munitions industrial base.
Technical hurdles remain significant. Full sovereign production requires mastering rocket motors, advanced seekers, secure software, and rigorous testing regimes under Australian environmental conditions. Export controls and technology transfer agreements with the U.S. and Norway continue to shape the pace of indigenization. Nevertheless, the 2026 strategy signals sustained political commitment, with workforce development and grants totaling additional hundreds of millions of dollars.
The emphasis on certification ensures that locally produced weapons contribute meaningfully to coalition operations rather than creating parallel, incompatible inventories. In a prolonged conflict, the ability to surge production and perform in-country maintenance could prove decisive for ADF sustainment.
Broader Defence Industry Framework
The 2026 Defence Industry Development Strategy sets targets for primes to expand the defence workforce, prioritizes apprenticeships, and provides A$80 million in new grants through 2030. It promotes stronger international partnerships while building domestic resilience, aligning with the National Defence Strategy’s focus on self-reliance within an alliance framework.
This approach positions Australia not only as a consumer but as a potential contributor to regional security, including through future exports to partners.
Executive Summary:
Rheinmetall has secured a new contract from Ukraine worth the high double digit millions of euros to supply 155 mm artillery shells and propellant charges. The agreement reinforces Ukraine’s long term ammunition supply while highlighting Europe’s accelerating investment in domestic artillery production capacity.
Rheinmetall Wins New Ukraine Ammunition Contract
Rheinmetall Ukraine ammunition production continues to expand after the German defense company announced a new contract to supply Ukraine with 155 mm artillery shells and propellant charges valued in the high double digit millions of euros.
According to Rheinmetall, the contract will be recognized during the second quarter of 2026, with deliveries scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027. Production is already underway at the company’s Rheinmetall Expal Munitions facility in Spain.
The agreement covers a low five figure quantity of 155 mm artillery projectiles together with compatible propellant charges, providing Ukraine with additional ammunition for NATO standard artillery systems currently deployed on the battlefield.
What The Contract Includes
Rheinmetall said the order includes:
- 155 mm ER02A1 B/B artillery projectiles
- M203 propellant charges
- Production at Rheinmetall Expal Munitions in Spain
- Deliveries completed by the first quarter of 2027
The ammunition is compatible with numerous NATO standard 155 mm artillery systems already fielded across Europe and by Ukraine, supporting interoperability with Western supplied howitzers.
Why The Contract Matters
Although the financial value is modest compared with some of Rheinmetall’s larger framework agreements, the contract reflects an increasingly important trend within Europe’s defense industrial base.
Rather than relying on one time emergency transfers from national stockpiles, Ukraine is increasingly placing direct production orders with European manufacturers. This approach provides greater predictability for both suppliers and military planners while allowing manufacturers to maintain continuous production lines.
For Rheinmetall, the order also demonstrates how sustained demand for artillery ammunition remains a central driver of its business strategy. Since 2022, the company has invested heavily in expanding ammunition production across Europe as NATO members rebuild depleted inventories and continue supporting Ukraine.
Rheinmetall Continues Expanding Shell Production
The company has positioned itself as one of the world’s leading producers of large caliber ammunition.
According to Rheinmetall, its long term production expansion aims to increase annual output to approximately 1.5 million 155 mm artillery shells by 2030, supported by investments in existing facilities and new manufacturing sites across Europe.
That expansion reflects a broader shift in European defense planning, where sustained industrial capacity is becoming as strategically important as individual weapons systems.
Artillery ammunition consumption during the war in Ukraine has underscored the importance of maintaining resilient manufacturing capacity capable of supporting prolonged high intensity operations. As a result, governments across NATO have placed greater emphasis on long term procurement contracts that provide manufacturers with stable production demand.
Broader Strategic Context
The latest order comes as European governments continue increasing defense spending and strengthening their defense industrial bases.
Demand for 155 mm ammunition remains particularly high because it serves as the standard caliber for many NATO artillery systems, making interoperability and logistics significantly easier for allied nations supporting Ukraine.
For Ukraine, securing additional production capacity outside its borders reduces dependence on limited existing inventories while ensuring future deliveries remain tied to expanding industrial output rather than shrinking national stockpiles.
Although Rheinmetall recently experienced market pressure following Germany’s cancellation of a major frigate program, its ammunition business continues to benefit from strong demand across Europe and NATO.
Outlook
The new Rheinmetall Ukraine ammunition contract illustrates how European defense support is increasingly shifting from emergency aid toward long term industrial production.
With manufacturing already underway in Spain and deliveries extending into 2027, the agreement contributes to Ukraine’s future ammunition pipeline while reinforcing Rheinmetall’s growing role as one of Europe’s principal suppliers of NATO standard artillery ammunition.
As European governments continue expanding defense budgets and replenishing military stockpiles, sustained ammunition production is expected to remain a key pillar of regional defense modernization.
Executive Summary:
China has publicly revealed an upgraded version of its DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missile alongside a previously unseen configuration of the DF-17 hypersonic missile system. The disclosure, highlighted through official Chinese media coverage in June 2026, underscores Beijing’s continued investment in long-range precision strike capabilities and its efforts to strengthen the operational flexibility of the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF).
China Reveals Upgraded DF-26 Missile And New DF-17 Configuration
China has unveiled an upgraded DF-26 ballistic missile and a new configuration of the DF-17 hypersonic weapon system, marking one of the most significant public disclosures involving the PLA Rocket Force in recent months. The systems were showcased through state media coverage that highlighted improvements in mobility, automation, precision strike capability, and defense penetration.
According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, the newly revealed systems form part of broader efforts to enhance the operational readiness of China’s strategic missile forces. Military commentators featured in official coverage identified the DF-26 variant as an upgraded model while also drawing attention to changes observed on the DF-17 system.
The announcement comes amid sustained modernization efforts across the PLA and increasing emphasis on long-range conventional strike capabilities within the Indo-Pacific region.
What Is The DF-26?
The DF-26 is a road-mobile, solid-fueled intermediate-range ballistic missile developed for both conventional and nuclear missions.
DF-26 Key Characteristics
Specification DF-26 Type Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) Range Approximately 4,000 km Basing Road-mobile TEL Payload Conventional or nuclear Service Entry 2016 Mission Set Land attack, strategic strike, anti-ship variants Source: Center for Strategic and International Studies Missile Threat Project.
The missile is widely known for its ability to hold targets throughout the Western Pacific at risk. Its range places key U.S. military facilities on Guam within reach, contributing to its frequent characterization as a strategic regional deterrent.
Although Chinese authorities have not released detailed technical specifications for the newly revealed variant, state media indicated improvements in automation, mobility, strike accuracy, and survivability.
New DF-17 Configuration Draws Attention
The disclosure also included footage and imagery of a previously unseen DF-17 configuration.
The DF-17 is China’s first operational missile system equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles that follow predictable trajectories, hypersonic glide vehicles maneuver during flight, complicating interception efforts and reducing warning times for defenders.
DF-17 Key Characteristics
Specification DF-17 Type Medium-Range Ballistic Missile with Hypersonic Glide Vehicle Range 1,800 to 2,500 km Speed Above Mach 5 Launch Platform Road-mobile TEL Service Entry 2019 Payload Conventional or nuclear Source: CSIS Missile Threat Project.
Chinese state media recently broadcast footage of a DF-17 launch for the first time, an unusual move that analysts view as a deliberate demonstration of the system’s maturity and operational status.
Why The Reveal Matters
The public disclosure is significant not simply because new missile variants were shown, but because it offers insight into evolving Chinese military priorities.
Over the past decade, the PLA Rocket Force has shifted from a force centered primarily on strategic deterrence toward one increasingly focused on precision conventional strike operations. The DF-26 and DF-17 occupy critical positions within that strategy.
The DF-26 provides the ability to strike targets across the Second Island Chain while maintaining high mobility. The DF-17 adds a hypersonic capability designed to challenge existing missile defense architectures. Together, they form part of a layered strike network intended to complicate adversary planning during a regional conflict.
Operational Implications For The Indo-Pacific
The upgraded systems could have important implications for U.S. and allied military operations.
For regional planners, increased missile mobility and improved penetration capabilities raise challenges for missile defense networks and force protection measures. Enhanced accuracy may also improve China’s ability to target airfields, logistics hubs, command centers, and naval assets across contested areas of the Western Pacific.
The DF-17 remains particularly noteworthy because hypersonic glide vehicles are designed to fly at lower, less predictable trajectories than traditional ballistic warheads. This characteristic can compress decision-making timelines and complicate defensive responses.
Meanwhile, the DF-26’s range continues to make it one of the PLA Rocket Force’s most strategically relevant conventional strike systems. Its ability to threaten fixed military infrastructure across a broad geographic area remains a central element of China’s anti-access and area-denial strategy.
Analysis: A Signal Of Continued Rocket Force Modernization
The most important takeaway from the latest disclosure is not necessarily the appearance of a new missile variant, but the continued refinement of systems already in operational service.
China’s missile modernization effort increasingly emphasizes survivability, mobility, networked targeting, and rapid deployment. The official descriptions accompanying the DF-26 and DF-17 announcements focused heavily on automation, all-weather operations, and independence from fixed infrastructure, suggesting a focus on maintaining combat effectiveness under contested conditions.
For U.S. defense planners, the development reinforces a broader trend identified in recent assessments of Chinese military modernization: Beijing is investing heavily in systems capable of holding forward-deployed forces and critical regional infrastructure at risk while reducing the effectiveness of traditional missile defense approaches.
As China continues to expand and modernize its missile inventory, upgrades to established systems such as the DF-26 and DF-17 may prove as operationally significant as the introduction of entirely new weapons.
Executive Summary:
Boeing JDAM Long Range (JDAM LR) is designed to provide affordable, long-range precision strike capability using existing aircraft and bomb inventories. The system extends the reach of traditional JDAM weapons while offering military planners a lower-cost alternative to expensive stand-off missiles, supporting operations in increasingly contested environments.
Boeing JDAM Long Range Expands Precision Strike Reach
The Boeing JDAM Long Range (JDAM LR) represents the latest evolution of the widely deployed Joint Direct Attack Munition family, combining precision guidance with significantly extended strike range. The system is designed to increase operational reach for both legacy and next-generation combat aircraft while maintaining compatibility with existing JDAM-integrated platforms.
Developed by Boeing, JDAM LR builds on decades of operational experience with standard JDAM kits, which convert unguided bombs into GPS-guided precision weapons. Unlike traditional JDAMs, the new long-range variant incorporates compact air-breathing propulsion technology and deployable wings, enabling substantially greater stand-off distances.
Designed For Modern Contested Battlespaces
Modern military operations increasingly require aircraft to engage targets from beyond the reach of advanced air defense systems. As potential adversaries deploy layered anti-access and area-denial (A2/AD) networks, Western air forces are seeking affordable ways to increase strike range without relying exclusively on costly cruise missiles.
According to Boeing, JDAM LR can achieve ranges exceeding 300 nautical miles when carrying a 500-pound warhead and more than 700 nautical miles when configured with a low-cost decoy fuel tank. The system is intended to provide combat aircraft with the ability to strike targets while remaining farther from hostile air defense zones.
This capability could prove particularly relevant in the Indo-Pacific region, where long distances and sophisticated air defense networks present operational challenges for U.S. and allied forces.
Leveraging Existing Aircraft Fleets
One of the most significant aspects of JDAM LR is its compatibility with aircraft already integrated with JDAM weapons. Boeing states that the system uses existing aircraft interfaces and does not require extensive platform modifications. This approach may reduce integration timelines and costs compared with introducing entirely new missile systems.
The weapon is designed for rapid adoption across both fourth-generation and fifth-generation aircraft fleets, allowing operators to expand strike capacity without major procurement programs.
From a force structure perspective, this compatibility offers a practical modernization pathway. Rather than replacing existing precision-guided munitions inventories, militaries can leverage established logistics chains, training programs, and maintenance infrastructure.
Recent U.S. Navy Demonstrations Validate Concept
Interest in JDAM LR has increased following recent U.S. Navy flight demonstrations. In April 2026, the Navy successfully tested the weapon from an F/A-18 Super Hornet during trials conducted off the California coast. The demonstrations validated safe separation, powered flight, navigation performance, and compatibility with existing aircraft systems.
According to Navy officials, the test weapon traveled approximately 200 nautical miles while maintaining guidance accuracy throughout flight. The program is now progressing toward additional qualification activities, including shipboard integration efforts intended to support carrier air wing operations.
The demonstrations suggest the Navy views affordable long-range strike capabilities as an increasingly important component of future carrier operations.
Filling The Gap Between JDAM And Cruise Missiles
The emergence of JDAM LR reflects a broader trend across the defense sector toward affordable precision mass. Military planners continue to face challenges balancing inventory size against the cost of advanced stand-off weapons.
Traditional cruise missiles such as the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) provide significant range but come at substantially higher unit costs. JDAM LR seeks to occupy a middle ground by offering extended reach while leveraging proven JDAM technology and existing bomb bodies.
This approach aligns with ongoing U.S. military efforts to increase munition stockpiles and improve operational sustainability during prolonged conflicts. Recent defense budget discussions have highlighted growing emphasis on scalable, lower-cost precision weapons capable of being fielded in large quantities.
Strategic Implications
The development of JDAM LR underscores a wider shift in military modernization priorities. Rather than focusing solely on highly sophisticated and expensive weapons, defense planners are increasingly pursuing systems that combine affordability, scalability, and operational effectiveness.
For the United States and allied air forces, the ability to rapidly expand long-range strike inventories could provide additional flexibility during high-intensity operations. By enabling legacy aircraft to contribute to deep-strike missions, JDAM LR may also help maximize the value of existing combat fleets while complementing next-generation platforms.
As global demand for precision-guided munitions continues to rise, systems such as JDAM LR highlight the growing importance of balancing advanced capability with production scale and affordability.
Executive Summary:
Hanwha Aerospace and Thales have announced plans to integrate South Korea’s Chunmoo guided missile family with the Thales X-Fire launcher system, creating a new long-range precision strike capability for European and allied customers. The partnership aims to combine Chunmoo’s growing international user base and missile portfolio with a flexible launcher architecture designed for future deep-strike missions.
Hanwha Aerospace And Thales Partner On Chunmoo Missile Integration
Hanwha Aerospace and Thales have revealed a strategic cooperation effort to integrate the Chunmoo guided missile family with the X-Fire launcher system, marking a significant development in the expanding market for long-range precision fires.
The announcement, made during a period of accelerated European investment in long-range strike capabilities, seeks to combine Hanwha’s proven missile technology with Thales’ launcher architecture to offer a modular solution for future battlefield requirements.
The partnership reflects growing demand among NATO and allied nations for systems capable of delivering precise effects at extended ranges while maintaining interoperability with existing command-and-control networks.
Why The Integration Matters
The integration links two increasingly prominent defense products.
Hanwha’s K239 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system has gained substantial traction in Europe, securing major contracts with Poland, Estonia, and Norway. The system can employ a range of guided rockets and tactical missiles, offering engagement options from approximately 80 kilometers to nearly 300 kilometers depending on the munition selected.
Meanwhile, Thales’ X-Fire launcher concept is designed as a flexible launch platform capable of supporting different missile types and future strike systems. The launcher has emerged as part of broader European efforts to strengthen sovereign long-range fires capabilities.
By combining the two technologies, the companies aim to create a scalable precision-strike solution capable of meeting evolving operational requirements across Europe and other international markets.
Chunmoo’s Growing International Footprint
The agreement comes as Chunmoo continues to establish itself as one of the fastest-growing rocket artillery systems in the global market.
Recent contracts have expanded the system’s presence across NATO member states:
| Country | Program Details |
|---|---|
| Poland | Large-scale Homar-K acquisition program and local industrial cooperation |
| Estonia | Procurement of Chunmoo launchers and CTM-290 tactical missiles |
| Norway | Contract for 16 launchers and precision-guided munitions |
| South Korea | Original operator and developer |
European orders for the system have exceeded 300 launchers, reflecting strong demand for long-range precision fires capabilities amid changing security conditions on NATO’s eastern flank.
Norway’s acquisition program specifically highlighted Chunmoo’s ability to provide long-range precision fires while integrating with existing military command structures and operating in demanding Arctic environments.
Technical Advantages Of The Chunmoo Missile Family
One of Chunmoo’s primary strengths is its modular design.
The launcher can carry different combinations of rockets and missiles depending on mission requirements. Available munitions include:
- CGR-080 guided rockets with ranges around 80 kilometers
- CTM-MR missiles reaching approximately 160 kilometers
- CTM-290 tactical missiles with ranges approaching 290 kilometers
- Future extended-range strike options under development
This flexibility allows operators to conduct missions ranging from counter-battery operations to deep-strike attacks against high-value targets.
For European militaries seeking alternatives to existing U.S. and legacy Soviet-designed rocket systems, the ability to tailor ammunition loadouts provides significant operational value.
Strategic Implications For European Defense
Beyond the technical integration, the partnership highlights a broader trend in defense procurement.
European nations are increasingly prioritizing long-range fires capabilities after observing the operational importance of precision strike systems in recent conflicts. Rocket artillery, tactical missile systems, and deep-strike weapons have become central elements of modernization programs across NATO.
The Hanwha-Thales collaboration offers several strategic advantages:
Expanded Industrial Cooperation
The project brings together South Korean missile expertise and European launcher technology, potentially creating new opportunities for industrial participation across NATO member states.
Reduced Development Timelines
Rather than developing an entirely new missile ecosystem from scratch, customers may gain access to a mature missile family already fielded by multiple operators. This approach could accelerate deployment timelines and reduce technical risk.
Improved Interoperability
A common missile architecture integrated into different launcher platforms may simplify logistics, training, and multinational operations.
Original Analysis: A New Model For Allied Missile Programs
The significance of the Hanwha-Thales agreement extends beyond a single launcher integration effort.
Historically, long-range strike systems were developed through nationally focused programs. Today, rising procurement costs and urgent operational requirements are driving a shift toward multinational industrial partnerships.
The Chunmoo-X-Fire initiative demonstrates how allied defense industries are increasingly combining existing technologies rather than pursuing lengthy standalone development efforts.
For European defense planners, the arrangement could provide access to a combat-proven missile family while preserving opportunities for local industrial participation through launcher production, system integration, and support infrastructure.
For Hanwha Aerospace, the partnership further strengthens its position in the European defense market at a time when demand for long-range precision fires continues to expand. The company’s recent contracts in Norway, Estonia, and Poland have already established a growing European user community for Chunmoo systems.
From an operational perspective, integrating proven missile inventories with adaptable launcher architectures may become an increasingly common model as militaries seek to field new capabilities faster than traditional acquisition cycles allow.
Outlook
The integration of Chunmoo guided missiles with the X-Fire launcher system represents another step in the rapid evolution of long-range precision strike capabilities among NATO and allied nations.
As European governments continue investing in deep-strike and deterrence capabilities, partnerships that combine established missile technologies with flexible launch platforms are likely to attract increasing attention.
While additional details regarding timelines, missile variants, and potential customers remain limited, the Hanwha-Thales cooperation underscores the growing importance of multinational industrial partnerships in shaping the future of precision fires.