Land Warfare

Chris Calio takes helm of RTX as new chief executive

Chris Calio takes helm of RTX as new chief executive
Chris Calio takes helm of RTX as new chief executive

Calio has overseen the reorganization of RTX into three business units, and has said the company will further de-emphasize its role as a space prime contractor.

Gaza conflict presents biggest test yet for IDF’s handheld, 3D navigation tech

Gaza conflict presents biggest test yet for IDF’s handheld, 3D navigation tech
Gaza conflict presents biggest test yet for IDF’s handheld, 3D navigation tech

David Harel, CEO of the Israeli firm Asio Technologies, told Breaking Defense his company’s Orion device has deployed by the thousands with Israeli soldiers in Gaza.

Marine scouts check out small boats from Down Under

Marine scouts check out small boats from Down Under
Marine scouts check out small boats from Down Under

The 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, which normally rides 6-wheeled LAVs, will work with the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab to test an Australian boat designed for high-speed, high-tech scouting and special ops.

Following last year’s turmoil, SECNAV says Navy should have been buying amphibs sooner

Following last year’s turmoil, SECNAV says Navy should have been buying amphibs sooner
Following last year’s turmoil, SECNAV says Navy should have been buying amphibs sooner

Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro defended the service’s plans to pause amphib shipbuilding during last year’s budget cycle, despite fierce congressional backlash.

Israel retires Patriot air defenses as native air defense systems step up

Israel retires Patriot air defenses as native air defense systems step up
Israel retires Patriot air defenses as native air defense systems step up

The decision comes amid Ukrainian clamoring for the system, though analysts doubted Israeli batteries would make their way north due to Russian sensitivities.

‘Everything needs to be smaller, lighter’: Marines seek robust, deployable tech for future combat

‘Everything needs to be smaller, lighter’: Marines seek robust, deployable tech for future combat
‘Everything needs to be smaller, lighter’: Marines seek robust, deployable tech for future combat

“No matter what theater we talk about – PACOM, Europe – everything needs to be smaller, lighter [and] very modular, so…we can throw it in the back of a pickup truck,” said Col. Devin Licklider, program manager for MAGTF Command & Control.

Marines new ‘Fusion Center’ aimed transitioning cutting edge tech more smoothly

Marines new ‘Fusion Center’ aimed transitioning cutting edge tech more smoothly
Marines new ‘Fusion Center’ aimed transitioning cutting edge tech more smoothly

Marine Corps officials said the new office will act as a bridge over the Pentagon’s infamous “valley of death” and will first focus on counter-drone systems.

Future European tank to be built by 4-party French and German industry venture

Future European tank to be built by 4-party French and German industry venture
Future European tank to be built by 4-party French and German industry venture

The future company will commit to a 50/50 workshare split between French and German manufacturers, supported by an “innovative ‘level-pillar approach,’” said manufacturer KNDS.

Parsons, Rafael team up on competition to defend Marine bases from small drones

Parsons, Rafael team up on competition to defend Marine bases from small drones
Parsons, Rafael team up on competition to defend Marine bases from small drones

The two companies will likely have stiff competition in a tech space that has proven vital for the wars both in Ukraine and Israel.

Australia tops up Ukraine military aid with $100M

Australia tops up Ukraine military aid with $100M
Australia tops up Ukraine military aid with $100M

Australia has already supplied Ukraine with 120 Bushmaster vehicles, six 155mm howitzers, 56 M113 armored vehicles, 14 special operations vehicles and its signature cardboard drones.

France, Germany ink deal on way ahead for ‘completely new’ future European tank

France, Germany ink deal on way ahead for ‘completely new’ future European tank
France, Germany ink deal on way ahead for ‘completely new’ future European tank

Defense ministers from both countries hailed progress on industrial workshare for a project that they say “will be a real technological breakthrough in ground combat systems.”

US approves $6B weapons package for Ukraine, but Kyiv stalled on Patriot battery breakthrough

US approves $6B weapons package for Ukraine, but Kyiv stalled on Patriot battery breakthrough
US approves $6B weapons package for Ukraine, but Kyiv stalled on Patriot battery breakthrough

All equipment included in the pledge is to be ordered from industry, not drawn from US stocks — meaning it could take years for the weapons to arrive in Ukraine.

Army closing in on selecting new spy-plane integrator, user assessment around late-2026

Army closing in on selecting new spy-plane integrator, user assessment around late-2026
Army closing in on selecting new spy-plane integrator, user assessment around late-2026

HADES is “designed to support active campaigning short of conflict and then potentially support targeting in conflicted areas where you might let high-end stealthy fighters or unmanned systems take first contact,” said Andrew Evans, the ISR Task Force director.

Swedish defense committee calls for near $4.8 billion defense spending jump

Swedish defense committee calls for near $4.8 billion defense spending jump
Swedish defense committee calls for near $4.8 billion defense spending jump

In a clear reference to Russian aggression, the Swedish government committee warned in a statement of the “deteriorating security situation.”