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AIM-424 Malice Missile

written by Samuel Drake (TheDefenseWatch) 1 minutes read

AIM-424 Malice Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile

The AIM-424 Malice, formally designated the Long Range Air-to-Air Missile (LRAAM), is a next-generation U.S. air-to-air weapon being developed to extend the engagement reach of naval and Marine aviation. The U.S. Navy says the missile is intended for fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-generation aircraft and is designed to strengthen fleet defense against advanced airborne threats. Its officially stated range is more than 250 nautical miles (463 km).

Manufacturer

The AIM-424 is being developed by Raytheon, a business of RTX, for the Department of the Navy. Publicly released imagery has shown test examples carried by the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and an AIM-424 installed inside the weapons bay of an F-35C. The planned aircraft family also includes the future F/A-XX naval fighter.

Speed and Range

The Navy has confirmed a range exceeding 250 nautical miles, or approximately 463 km. Its maximum speed has not been publicly specified by the Navy, so a Mach rating should not be assigned without an authoritative source. The missile uses a solid-propellant rocket motor and has a reported launch weight of approximately 1,500 lb (680.4 kg). Some reporting has described a two-stage architecture, but the Navy’s public fact sheet does not confirm that detail.

Cost/Price

A public unit price for the AIM-424 has not been disclosed. The weapon remains in development and flight testing, meaning production pricing, procurement quantities, and lifecycle costs are not yet established publicly.

August 24, 2026 0 comments

Dovbush T40 Drone

written by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch) 1 minutes read

Dovbush T40: Ukraine’s Long Range Strategic Drone

The Dovbush T40 is a Ukrainian long range unmanned aircraft designed for missions well beyond the immediate front line. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense formally codified the system in August 2026, clearing it for use by the country’s Defense Forces. The strategic level UAV is intended for deep reconnaissance, artillery fire correction, and precision attacks against enemy facilities, equipment, and personnel.

The T40 was developed by a Ukrainian manufacturer that has previously produced the Dovbush T20 and Kotyhoroshko UAVs. Those systems have reportedly been used in combat since 2022. The manufacturer has not been publicly identified in the available official specifications.

Range, Endurance and Capabilities

The Dovbush T40 has a wingspan of nearly 5 meters and an officially stated flight range of more than 2,000 kilometers. Ukraine’s Defense Ministry also reports an endurance of more than 24 hours, giving the aircraft the ability to conduct long duration missions at considerable distances from its launch area.

The aircraft reportedly features an electronically fuel injected high performance engine, very low radar visibility, and significant resistance to electronic warfare. Its mission configuration can support reconnaissance and artillery adjustment, while strike configurations allow it to either drop munitions or operate as a one way attack drone.

Cost and Availability

A public unit price has not been disclosed by Ukraine’s Defense Ministry. Payload capacity, maximum speed, detailed dimensions, engine model, and production quantities also remain undisclosed in publicly available official specifications. These figures should therefore not be estimated as confirmed specifications.

August 24, 2026 0 comments

MiG-25 Foxbat Fighter Jet

written by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch) 1 minutes read

The MiG-25 Foxbat remains one of the most recognizable high-speed interceptor aircraft of the Cold War. Developed by the Soviet Mikoyan design bureau during the 1960s, it was designed primarily to intercept high-altitude bombers and reconnaissance aircraft while also serving in dedicated reconnaissance and strike roles. The aircraft first flew in 1964 and entered operational service in the early 1970s.

Manufacturer and Purpose

The MiG-25 was manufactured in the Soviet Union by the Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau, with production centered at the Gorky aircraft plant. Its large airframe, powerful engines, and high-temperature-resistant construction allowed it to operate at extreme speeds and altitudes.

The interceptor versions used the RP-25 Smerch-A radar and were normally armed with up to four R-40, NATO AA-6 Acrid, air-to-air missiles. Later MiG-25PD aircraft received improved radar and could also carry R-60 missiles.

Speed and Range

The MiG-25 could reach approximately Mach 2.83, or about 3,000 km/h, at high altitude. Its service ceiling was roughly 20,700 meters, while published range figures vary by configuration and mission profile. Some sources list a ferry range approaching 2,575 km.

The Foxbat was not designed as a modern multirole fighter. Its strengths were speed, altitude, acceleration, and interception. Reconnaissance versions carried cameras, electronic intelligence equipment, or side-looking radar, while the MiG-25BM specialized in suppressing enemy air defenses.

Cost and Price

A reliable official unit price is difficult to establish because the MiG-25 was developed and produced under the Soviet defense economy. Some secondary sources estimate historical unit costs at roughly $3 million to $5 million, but these figures should be treated as estimates rather than verified procurement prices.

August 21, 2026 0 comments

Boeing C-40C Clipper Airlift

written by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch) 2 minutes read

Boeing C-40C Clipper: U.S. Executive Airlift

The Boeing C-40C Clipper is a military executive transport aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force for high-priority personnel movement, including congressional delegations, Cabinet officials, senior military leaders, special envoys, and other government passengers. Based on the Boeing 737-700 business jet, the C-40C combines a commercial airliner-derived airframe with military avionics, auxiliary fuel capacity, and a flexible passenger cabin. The aircraft entered U.S. military service in the early 2000s and was selected to replace older C-22 aircraft in its executive airlift role.

A major feature of the C-40C is its reconfigurable interior. Unlike the C-40B, which is optimized for combatant commanders and advanced airborne communications, the C-40C can be configured to carry approximately 42 to 111 passengers. This flexibility allows the aircraft to support distinguished visitor missions as well as larger personnel movements.

Manufacturer

Boeing is the prime airframe contractor, while the aircraft uses two GE CFM56-7B27 turbofan engines. The C-40C incorporates the Boeing 737-700 fuselage with winglets and military-specific equipment, including integrated GPS, flight management systems, electronic flight instrumentation, a heads-up display, traffic collision avoidance technology, and enhanced weather radar.

Speed and Range

The C-40C has a maximum speed of about 530 mph, or approximately Mach 0.8, and can operate at altitudes up to 41,000 feet. Its published unrefueled range is approximately 4,500 to 5,000 nautical miles, depending on payload. Each CFM56-7B27 engine produces about 27,000 pounds of static thrust.

Cost/Price

The U.S. Air Force lists a historical unit cost of approximately $70 million for the C-40 family. This figure should be treated as a historical reference rather than a current procurement price, because configuration, support, modernization, inflation, and acquisition arrangements can significantly affect actual costs.

August 21, 2026 0 comments

Boeing C-40B Clipper Aircraft

written by Samuel Drake (TheDefenseWatch) 1 minutes read

Boeing C-40B Clipper: Military Executive Transport

The Boeing C-40B Clipper is a U.S. Air Force executive transport aircraft designed to move senior military and government leaders while providing secure communications and command support. Based on the Boeing 737-700, the C-40B combines a commercial-derived airframe with military avionics, auxiliary fuel capacity, specialized cabin equipment, and advanced communications systems. The Air Force selected the C-40B to replace its aging C-137 fleet, and the first aircraft entered service in 2002.

Unlike conventional cargo aircraft, the C-40B is optimized for high-priority personnel transport. Its cabin includes distinguished-visitor accommodations, crew rest facilities, conference space, business-class seating, galleys, and systems that allow senior leaders to continue conducting official business while airborne. The aircraft can carry approximately 26 to 32 passengers, depending on configuration.

Manufacturer

Boeing manufactures the C-40B airframe, while CFM International supplies the CFM56-7B27 turbofan engines. The aircraft uses the Boeing 737-700 fuselage combined with wings and landing gear derived from the larger 737-800. Its avionics include integrated GPS, flight management systems, an electronic flight instrument system, heads-up display, enhanced weather radar, and traffic collision avoidance technology.

Speed and Range

The C-40B has a published cruise speed of approximately 530 mph, or about Mach 0.8, and a service ceiling of 41,000 feet. Depending on payload and configuration, the aircraft has an unrefueled range of approximately 4,500 to 5,000 nautical miles. Two CFM56-7B27 engines each provide about 27,000 pounds of static thrust.

Cost/Price

The U.S. Air Force lists a historical unit cost of approximately $70 million. This figure should not be treated as a current replacement or procurement price because aircraft acquisition costs vary with configuration, upgrades, communications equipment, support, and inflation.

August 21, 2026 0 comments

Boeing C-40A Clipper Aircraft

written by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch) 1 minutes read

Boeing C-40A Clipper Military Transport Aircraft

The Boeing C-40A Clipper is a medium-lift military transport aircraft operated by the U.S. Navy for fleet logistics, personnel movement, and high-priority cargo missions. Based on the Boeing 737-700C commercial platform, the C-40A combines a civilian-derived airframe with military communications, navigation, and mission support equipment. It can be configured for passengers, cargo, or a combination of both. The Navy lists an all-passenger capacity of up to 121 personnel, while cargo configurations can accommodate multiple pallets.

Manufacturer

The C-40A was developed and produced by The Boeing Company in the United States. The aircraft entered operational service in April 2001 with the U.S. Navy Reserve, replacing older C-9B and DC-9-based transport aircraft. Its commercial 737 heritage supports common maintenance and logistics practices while providing a modern flight deck and efficient turbofan propulsion.

Speed and Range

Powered by two CFM56-7 series engines, the C-40A cruises at approximately Mach 0.78 to Mach 0.82 and can operate at altitudes up to 41,000 feet. Official Navy data gives a range of about 3,142 nautical miles with 121 passengers or 40,000 pounds of cargo, while Boeing lists approximately 3,200 nautical miles for its C-40 configuration.

Cost and Price

The C-40A does not have a current publicly listed commercial price because it is a military procurement aircraft. Historical Navy budget documents show flyaway unit costs ranging from about $69.6 million to $94.9 million depending on procurement year and configuration. A 2008 Navy contract for two aircraft was valued at $136.1 million.

August 21, 2026 0 comments

AN/APG-77 AESA Radar

written by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch) 3 minutes read

AN/APG-77 AESA Radar: F-22 Raptor Sensor

The AN/APG-77 is the primary fire control radar of the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, combining active electronically scanned array technology with low probability of intercept features. Designed for air superiority, the radar gives the F-22 long range situational awareness, multi target tracking, precision targeting, and electronic protection capabilities. Northrop Grumman identifies it as an air to air and air to ground radar designed to support the Raptor’s stealth and sensor fusion architecture.

Unlike mechanically scanned radars, the APG-77 uses an AESA antenna containing numerous transmit and receive modules. Electronic beam steering allows the radar to shift beams rapidly without moving the antenna. Its low observable characteristics also help reduce the chance that an opposing radar warning receiver can detect the F-22 through radar emissions. Public sources identify the system as an X band radar, while detailed operational performance figures remain classified.

Manufacturer

The AN/APG-77 was developed through a Northrop Grumman led team with Raytheon, with Northrop Grumman responsible for overall radar design, software, integration, and testing. Earlier development involved Westinghouse and Texas Instruments, whose relevant businesses were later acquired by Northrop Grumman and Raytheon.

Speed and Range

The radar itself has no speed. It is carried by the F-22 Raptor, which is capable of supersonic flight and was designed for long range air combat. The APG-77’s exact detection and tracking ranges are not publicly confirmed. Claims of specific maximum ranges should therefore be treated cautiously. Its publicly documented functions include multi target detection, tracking, air to air combat, and air to ground sensing.

Cost / Price

A historical Forecast International estimate placed the APG-77 at approximately $4.8 million to $5.4 million per aircraft in 2012. This is not a current procurement price, and modern replacement, upgrade, integration, and support costs can differ substantially.

FAQs

What is the AN/APG-77 radar?

The AN/APG-77 is an X band AESA fire control radar developed for the F-22 Raptor.

Who makes the AN/APG-77?

Northrop Grumman is responsible for the overall radar design and system integration, with Raytheon involved in development and production.

How far can the APG-77 detect aircraft?

Its exact detection range is classified or not publicly confirmed. Public sources do not provide a reliable official maximum figure.

Is the APG-77 an AESA radar?

Yes. It uses an active electronically scanned array, allowing rapid electronic beam steering and multiple simultaneous radar functions.

How much does the APG-77 radar cost?

A historical 2012 estimate put the average unit cost at about $4.8 million to $5.4 million. That figure should not be treated as a current replacement or procurement price.

Notes

The AN/APG-77 is a specialized F-22 radar, so many technical specifications, including actual detection performance, tracking limits, processing characteristics, power requirements, and detailed electronic warfare capabilities, are not publicly released. Where official figures are unavailable, this listing uses Not publicly disclosed rather than presenting estimates as confirmed specifications.

August 19, 2026 0 comments

AN/APG-81 AESA Radar

written by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch) 2 minutes read

The AN/APG-81 is the active electronically scanned array (AESA) fire-control radar developed for the F-35 Lightning II family. Designed by Northrop Grumman, it serves as a central sensor within the F-35’s integrated avionics architecture, supporting air-to-air combat, air-to-ground targeting, maritime surveillance, navigation, and electronic warfare missions.

Unlike mechanically scanned radars, the APG-81 uses electronically steered beams with no conventional moving antenna. Its multifunction array can perform radar sensing while also supporting electronic protection, electronic attack, and electronic support functions. The radar includes high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mapping and all-weather ground and maritime modes.

The system is integrated with the F-35’s other sensors and mission systems to support sensor fusion. Northrop Grumman reported that more than 1,000 APG-81 radars had been produced and delivered by December 2022, while production costs had fallen by more than 70 percent from early production levels.

Manufacturer

The AN/APG-81 was developed and is produced by Northrop Grumman in the United States. It was selected for the Joint Strike Fighter program in 2001 and is installed across the F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C variants.

Speed and Range

The APG-81 is a radar rather than an aircraft or missile, so speed and physical weapon range do not apply. Public sources commonly cite a detection range of about 150 km or more, but actual performance varies with target size, altitude, aspect, environmental conditions, radar mode, and electronic warfare conditions. Exact performance figures remain classified.

Cost / Price

A standalone unit price for the AN/APG-81 is not publicly established. F-35 procurement contracts normally combine radar, aircraft, mission systems, support, and other equipment, making a direct radar-only price difficult to determine.

FAQs

What is the AN/APG-81 radar?

The AN/APG-81 is a Northrop Grumman AESA multifunction fire-control radar installed on all three F-35 variants.

What aircraft uses the AN/APG-81?

The radar is used by the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing variant, F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing variant, and F-35C carrier variant.

Is the AN/APG-81 an AESA radar?

Yes. It uses active electronically scanned array technology with solid-state transmit and receive elements.

What can the AN/APG-81 detect?

It supports detection and tracking of airborne, ground, and maritime targets. Its SAR mode provides high-resolution ground mapping, while its broader multifunction architecture supports electronic warfare and other missions.

How much does the AN/APG-81 radar cost?

There is no reliable public standalone price for the complete radar. F-35 procurement costs generally include multiple aircraft systems and support elements, so contract totals should not be treated as the radar’s unit price.

August 19, 2026 0 comments

E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Block II

written by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch) 1 minutes read

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Block II is the planned modernization of the U.S. Navy’s carrier-based airborne early warning and command and control aircraft. Rather than being a new airframe, Block II builds on the operational E-2D with a major cockpit, mission-system, software, cybersecurity, and architecture refresh. The upgrade is intended to reduce pilot workload, improve situational awareness, strengthen reliability, and make future technology integration easier.

The E-2D uses a distinctive rotating radar dome and is designed to provide wide-area surveillance for carrier strike groups. Its AN/APY-9 radar supports air and surface surveillance, while the aircraft connects sensor information with commanders and other platforms. Northrop Grumman says the system can track more than 3,000 targets across its radar modes.

Manufacturer

Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor and manufacturer of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye for the U.S. Navy. The aircraft is a U.S.-developed carrier-capable AEW&C platform and reached initial operational capability in October 2014.

Speed and Range

The E-2D has a maximum speed above 300 knots, or roughly 345 mph, with a published maximum gross takeoff weight of 53,000 pounds. Its range is commonly reported at about 1,400 nautical miles, while aerial refueling can extend endurance beyond eight hours. The aircraft has a service ceiling of approximately 30,000 feet.

Cost/Price

The U.S. Navy has previously listed an E-2D unit cost of about $80 million. That figure should not be treated as the current Block II acquisition price because modernization, support, inflation, and retrofit costs can substantially change program costs. The Navy awarded Northrop Grumman an $845.5 million DSSC 6 contract, which forms a major part of the Block II modernization effort.

August 18, 2026 0 comments

F-18 Hornet Fighter Jet

written by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch) 2 minutes read

Spanish F-18 Hornet: EF-18M Fighter Jet

The Spanish F-18, officially designated EF-18 Hornet and later upgraded to the EF-18M, is a multirole fighter operated by the Spanish Air and Space Force. Based on the American McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A/B Hornet, the aircraft was selected by Spain under the FACA program in 1983 and entered Spanish service in 1986. Spain originally acquired 72 aircraft, including 60 single-seat and 12 two-seat variants.

Manufacturer and Purpose

The original aircraft was manufactured by McDonnell Douglas in the United States, with Spanish aerospace industry participation and later modernization work. The EF-18 was developed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Spain’s aircraft received upgrades that improved avionics, communications, mission computers, electronic warfare capabilities, and weapons integration. The Spanish Air and Space Force identifies the aircraft as the C.15, with modernized aircraft designated C.15M.

Speed, Range and Armament

The Spanish F-18 has a maximum speed of approximately Mach 1.8, a service ceiling of about 50,000 feet, and a published range of roughly 780 km, with ferry range reaching about 3,700 km. It uses two General Electric F404 afterburning turbofan engines.

Its weapons suite includes the M61 20 mm Vulcan cannon, AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, as well as air-to-ground weapons including AGM-65 Maverick, AGM-88 HARM, precision-guided bombs, and Taurus cruise missiles on appropriately configured aircraft.

The aircraft remains relevant to NATO air policing. On August 16, 2026, a Spanish F-18 operating from Romania under NATO’s air-policing mission shot down a drone that had entered Romanian airspace.

Cost and Price

There is no meaningful current production price because the original Hornet is no longer in production. Spain’s 1983 purchase of 72 F/A-18A aircraft was valued at approximately $2.5 billion in contemporary reporting.