SpaceLink, not to be confused with Elon Musk’s Starlink, has signed an R&D agreement with the US Army. The Virginia-based startup announced the R&D deal with the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command Technical Center on Monday. The aim is to help facilitate faster data distribution. The company is building an MEO satellite data relay system, using both radio-frequency and optical links. According to SpaceLink, the agreement will include close collaboration with the USASMDC, which will allow SpaceLink to discern the requirements of the US Army, thus speeding up adjustments to the program. As part of the agreement, SpaceLink will…
Author: DefenceHub Staff
The Turkish Ministry of National Defence has revealed that three Akinci UCAVs entered the inventory on August 2-3. This brings the total number in the Turkish Air Force inventory to at least nine. The footage appears to show the Akinci-B, a more powerful model with two 750 hp engines. These are the first Akinci-Bs to enter the inventory. An even more powerful variant, with two 950 hp engines will be introduced further down the track. Unlike the famed TB2, the Akinci has much bigger targets in mind. The Akinci is capable of carrying large bombs such as precision-guided variants of…
According to several reliable sources, Azerbaijan will give QFAB-250 LG bombs to Ukraine. This is a move that is much to the dismay of Russia. The QFAB-250 LG is a guided bomb jointly developed by Azerbaijan and Turkey. A collaboration between the Scientific Research Institute of the Ministry of Defence Industry and Aselsan, the QFAB-250 LG is laser-guided and has a range of 12km. It was designed for use with Azerbaijan’s Su-25s. These bombs will hand heavy precision strike capabilities to Ukraine’s remaining fleet of SU-25s, eight of which have been confirmed to be destroyed. Russia has been supplying Azerbaijan’s…
On Monday, large convoy movements were reported in the Karabakh region, accompanied by rumours of serious clashes. Now, these clashes have been confirmed, with 1 Azerbaijani and 4 Armenian troops losing their lives so far. Leaked footage shows a strike on an Armenian position.
The destruction of hundreds of Russian tanks in Ukraine has been a major highlight of Russia’s abysmal performance. Many have proclaimed that the end of the tank is already here. Syria, Karabakh and now Ukraine. All three theatres showed just how vulnerable tanks are in modern combat. But tanks serve an important role. They provide powerful, fast, cost-efficient direct fire capabilities. Their versatility enables them to eliminate a variety of targets such as other MBTs, fast-moving vehicles, infantry and defensive fighting positions. In conventional warfare, armoured personnel carriers will often require the protection of tanks. What Threats do Tanks Face?…
The war in Ukraine has proven the effectiveness of man-portable ATGMs. Shoulder launched ATGMs in particular. Roketsan, Turkey’s largest missile & rocket company, has added the 4th addition to its ATGM family. The Karaok will be Turkey’s first domestic shoulder-launched ATGM. Like the Javelin, it has a standard range of 2.5km and uses its infrared seeker for fire and forget function. Once the operator fires it, there is no need to guide it manually, the operator can seek cover immediately. This has proven immensely effective in Ukraine, where the Javelin has been used by mobile infantry to ambush tanks and…
DISCLAIMER: This is not financial advice. As the world economy tumbles, many are exiting the stock and cryptocurrency markets. However, rising inflation paints an uncertain future for fiat currencies. As a result, some are looking for alternatives. Gold is often seen as one of the safest investments. It is viewed as the big brother of silver, and the price reflects this. However, gold’s 1:85 price ratio in comparison to silver is questioned by many analysts, some of which pin the blame on manipulation by JP Morgan. The fact that for every ounce of gold mined, only about 9 ounces of…
An image shared by Baykar, the manufacturer of the well-known Bayraktar TB2, shows a half-complete aircraft alongside a full-scale model. A similar panel arrangement was seen in concept photos. Upon close inspection, serrated indentations appear to surround the nose and all panel openings throughout the aircraft. Indicating a strong emphasis on a low RCS. These serrations are featured on all modern stealth aircraft including the F35, B2 and J20. A Zinc-Chromate coating is clearly visible through the frontal panels, suggesting that this will be a working prototype once complete. The Kizilelma, unlike other drones, is optimized for air-to-air combat. Not…
Lithuania launched a fundraising campaign to buy a TB2 drone for Ukraine. In a surprise twist, Baykar has instead decided to transfer it for free. The €6 million raised will be dedicated to general support for Ukraine and ammunition for the TB2. This will most likely consist of MAM-L and MAM-C micro munitions. The MAM-C can target infantry, trucks and vehicles with light armour. Meanwhile, the heavier MAM-L is capable of destroying main battle tanks. About the TB2 The TB2 is undoubtedly the most famous drone in the world. In 2020 it emerged as a game-changer in three conflicts. First,…
Under an agreement with Turkish Aerospace, Kazakhstan has secured local production and technology transfer for the Anka MALE drone. This comes after a visit to Ankara by Kazakh officials. The agreement includes the construction of a new facility. Production, maintenance and repairs will all be conducted locally. This marks the first production base for the Anka outside of Turkey. “Thanks to this agreement, we will contribute to strengthening our commercial and friendship ties with the friendly and brotherly country of Kazakhstan,” said Turkish Aerospace CEO Temel Kotil. About the Anka The Turkish Aerospace Anka is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAV.…